Jin Rulan opened a Western restaurant, a quiet environment conducive to conversation.

Ni Sitian waited anxiously for Jin Rulan's questioning. She knew this matter wouldn't be so easily resolved, and she was already overjoyed that Jin Rulan was protecting her in front of Ni Ziqi.

"The filet mignon here is pretty good," Jin Rulan said casually, then lowered her head to cut the steak.

Ni Sitian responded and also lowered her head to cut the steak, but she had too many random thoughts and couldn't focus on cutting the steak, so she didn't cut it into any shape.

Jin Rulan looked up and silently watched as her plate was switched with Ni Sitian's.

Ni Sitian was surprised once again. Although she had long known that Jin Rulan was a person with a tough exterior but a soft heart, she did not expect her to be so kind to her.

Moreover, this act of exchanging reminded her of Xu Tingchuan. Every time they ate steak, Xu Tingchuan would cut his own portion and exchange it with her.

“Mom…” Ni Sitian’s nose stung with tears. Looking at Jin Rulan, her eyes were filled with deep affection for her. Since her mother’s arson and disappearance when she was young, this was the first time a female elder had been so kind to her.

Jin Rulan saw what was in Ni Sitian's eyes and was somewhat moved. This was something she had never received from Xu Tingchuan. She lowered her eyes and said softly, "Let's eat first."

Ni Sitian nodded and forked her steak to eat.

Halfway through her meal, her phone screen lit up. She picked it up and saw it was a message from Xu Tingchuan, asking when she was coming home.

She glanced at Jin Rulan across from her and replied: I'm having dinner out. You'll have to take care of yourself today.

"Did Tingchuan urge you to go back?" Jin Rulan asked without even raising her eyes.

"I was just asking." Ni Sitian was a little embarrassed and quickly put her phone away.

Jin Rulan put down her knife and fork, picked up her drink, took a sip, and said calmly, "This is already quite remarkable."

Ni Sitian didn't quite understand what Jin Rulan meant and looked at her with a puzzled expression.

“When he was little, he always called to ask if his father and I would come home. At that time, we were both focused on our careers and rarely went back to see him. Over time, he stopped asking. Later, he went abroad to study and never called us again, only occasionally talking to his grandfather.” Jin Rulan lowered her eyes and sighed softly, “After his grandfather passed away, he had even less contact with his family.”

Ni Sitian had heard Xu Tingchuan mention that his parents were almost never around during his childhood; they were always busy with various things and were never home.

“Tingchuan likes you very much, and you’ve made him happier than before.” Jin Rulan looked into Ni Sitian’s eyes and said, “Unless Tingchuan doesn’t want you, I won’t get involved in those wicked mother-in-law dramas, so you can rest assured.”

Ni Sitian was surprised that Jin Rulan suddenly got to the point and directly stated her attitude, which was a pleasant surprise.

“However, Tingchuan cannot be without a child,” Jin Rulan said, then continued succinctly, “So whether you use surrogacy or artificial insemination, it would be best if he had a child before he turns thirty-five.”

“Yes, I understand.” Ni Sitian nodded in response. Such leniency was truly gratifying, and Jin Rulan’s image shone brightly in her eyes once again.

She may seem strict and difficult to get along with, but she actually cares a lot about her juniors. She's just not good at expressing herself. She thinks it's unlikely that she would cause the death of Xu Jiayue's parents.