The more deeply Ni Sitian realized the gap between herself and Xu Tingchuan, the sadder she became.

Her hands, resting on her knees, clasped together nervously. She began to have anxious and uneasy thoughts: what if his parents didn't like her and wanted them to get a divorce?

“Dad and Uncle Zhong went fishing, they should be back soon.” Xu Jiayue said to Xu Tingchuan, then looked at Ni Sitian and smiled, “Dad said that since it’s your first time here, he’ll catch a big fish to treat you.”

Ni Sitian was slightly taken aback; he didn't seem to be the kind of strict person she had imagined.

Xu Tingchuan noticed Ni Sitian's nervousness, reached out and took her hand, cupping it in his palm and gently squeezing it, trying to dispel her insecurity.

Ni Sitian turned her head and glanced at Xu Tingchuan. She saw Xu Tingchuan give her a smile, and the corners of her mouth involuntarily curved up slightly as well.

Xu Jiayue glanced at Xu Tingchuan, then at Ni Sitian, and secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

For so many years, she had been worried that her brother would never get over the trauma of what happened to Sister Su. Now, she was relieved to see that he was living a happy life.

It's been almost ten years since that incident; time really is the best medicine to heal wounds.

But how many years will it take her to forget that person?

Xu Jiayue stood up, not wanting them to notice her low spirits, and went to the kitchen to check on the food preparation.

At this moment, Jin Rulan returned from outside, and the maid went up to take her bag and coat and hung them up.

Ni Sitian stood up automatically and called out nervously, "Mom."

Jin Rulan's gaze swept over her, then stopped on Xu Tingchuan, and she said calmly, "You're back."

"Hmm," Xu Tingchuan responded, his tone somewhat indifferent.

Ni Sitian really couldn't figure out their mother-son relationship. When Xu Tingchuan was hospitalized, Jin Rulan seemed to care about her son, but her attitude wasn't as affectionate and warm as that of a typical mother. There seemed to be something between them.

The atmosphere suddenly fell silent. Ni Sitian felt a little awkward and looked to Xu Tingchuan for help.

Xu Tingchuan squeezed her hand and pulled her to sit down.

Jin Rulan was used to Xu Tingchuan's attitude, but she couldn't help feeling a little sad. She looked at Ni Sitian and asked, "How's your internship going?"

"I can adapt." Ni Sitian was a little flattered by Jin Rulan's sudden concern and immediately replied obediently.

Jin Rulan nodded, asked no further questions, and went upstairs.

Ni Sitian breathed a sigh of relief, only then realizing that the hand Xu Tingchuan was holding was slightly sweaty.

Her mother-in-law exuded such a queenly aura that she suddenly became curious about what kind of person her father-in-law was, to be able to keep such a woman in check.

Just as he was lost in thought, a man wearing a fisherman's hat, with his trousers rolled up and carrying a bucket of water came in.

The servant immediately stepped forward, took the bucket of water from his hands, and carried it to the kitchen.

"Have the chef braise that fish," the man said to the servant, taking off his fisherman's hat.

"Dad." Xu Tingchuan led Ni Sitian over and introduced her, "This is my wife, Ni Sitian."

“Dad.” Ni Sitian looked at the middle-aged man in front of her and felt that he was not as aloof as she had imagined. Instead, he had a kind of warmth to him, and a smile appeared on her lips. She obediently called out to him.

Xu Haicheng looked at Ni Sitian and, seeing that she was a well-behaved girl, smiled and nodded: "Good girl."