Seeing this situation, Ni Sitian was filled with questions. She had previously noticed that there might be some problems between her in-laws.

But what exactly is the problem that makes Jin Rulan treat her husband so coldly?

In her opinion, Xu Haicheng was a very charming person, calm and experienced, with a wide range of interests, witty and humorous. At over fifty years old, he looked like he was forty, and there was almost nothing to criticize about him.

Moreover, it's clear that Xu Haicheng has deep feelings for Jin Rulan; his gaze is always exceptionally gentle when he looks at her.

However, Jin Rulan seemed unappreciative, remaining cold and distant.

Ni Sitian initially thought this might just be Jin Rulan's personality, but after seeing how she interacted with Xu Jiayue, she realized that wasn't the case; Jin Rulan could be quite affectionate.

"Jiayue, don't speak recklessly." Xu Haicheng withdrew his eyes slightly disappointed, turned to look at Xu Jiayue, and gently scolded her with a smile.

Xu Jiayue stuck out her tongue, not intimidated by Xu Haicheng, and then teased Xu Tingchuan: "Brother, Sitian, you two need to work hard so that I can become an aunt as soon as possible."

“I also want to become an aunt soon,” Ni Sitian replied with unusual quick wit.

The atmosphere warmed up again as they chatted.

The New Year's Eve dinner lasted two hours. Ni Sitian's stomach was round and full, but she still had a smile on her face. She hadn't felt such a happy New Year's atmosphere in a long time.

After dinner, she helped Aunt Wu clear the dishes.

When they finished tidying up and came out, they found only Xu Jiayue watching the Spring Festival Gala in the living room.

"Where are they?" Ni Sitian asked.

"They've all gone upstairs," Xu Jiayue said casually while eating strawberries.

Upon hearing this, Ni Sitian went upstairs and returned to her bedroom, but did not see Xu Tingchuan.

She took a paper bag from the closet and touched the soft cashmere scarf. She planned to give the gift to Xu Tingchuan tonight.

Xu Tingchuan didn't return even after waiting in the bedroom for a while.

She thought that Xu Haicheng might be playing chess with Xu Tingchuan, so she went downstairs to make some flower tea and went up to the third floor.

As she approached the door of Xu Haicheng's study, she heard a strange noise coming from the bedroom next door, and she stopped in her tracks.

"Aru, it's been over twenty years, and you still can't forgive me?" Xu Haicheng's voice was hoarse and low, tinged with sadness and regret.

"Don't touch me." Jin Rulan was a little weak from being drunk, and her cold voice was also tinged with intoxication.

Ni Sitian was stunned for a moment. After she came to her senses, she realized that it was not good to eavesdrop on her in-laws' conversation, so she immediately turned around with the tray.

Just as she was about to leave, she heard another thud, as if something had fallen onto the thick carpet.

"Aru," Xu Haicheng called softly, "can you really not forgive me? Can't everything I've done over the years make up for that mistake?"

Ni Sitian froze. Could it be that Xu Haicheng had made the same mistake her father had made? Was that why Jin Rulan had always been so cold towards him?

"Xu Haicheng, I told you a long time ago that this is how our lives should be. Let's not think about those things anymore. We're already halfway to the grave, what's the point of talking about those things?" Jin Rulan pushed Xu Haicheng's hand away.

Xu Haicheng pulled her close, wanting to embrace her.

Jin Rulan impatiently brushed him aside and said, "If you won't go back to your room, then you can have this one."

Upon hearing this, Ni Sitian was startled and tried to hide, but it was too late.

Her flustered state was caught by Jin Rulan, who came out of the bedroom.