Having walked all the way from the Zhang family's gate, Shu Yi was already stunned into silence.

You can't say she's a worldly person who hasn't seen much of the world; after all, she's now the second young lady of the Shu family.

It can only be put in another way.

If the Zhang family gardens were open to the public with tickets, then the gardens of a certain state would have no place in the competition.

Just one look at this place and you'll truly understand what it means to be a nobody compared to a great master.

For example, right now.

Having just recovered from the reverie in the pavilions and towers, she passed through the flower-arched bridge and long corridor, where she was welcomed into the courtyard by several maids.

Standing on the cobblestone path in the vast courtyard, Shu Yi looked around and couldn't help but gasp for breath.

If the antique garden-style architecture and royal scenery represent the Zhang family.

The modern garden in front of us, resembling Alice in Wonderland, represents my aunt's absolute aesthetic sense.

The villa has three floors and its exterior is not much different from the other buildings in the garden. The only difference is that the villa is surrounded by green vegetation, even the balconies exposed on the upper floors.

The landscape is filled with lush green vegetation, layer upon layer, without any human intervention.

A small fountain, an artificial waterfall, a deliberately added retro red wall, and on the lawn at your feet, stunning bouquets of flowers whose names you'll never know.

If the poet Li Bai could see this scene, he would definitely write for three days and three nights straight.

“Zhang Youye.” Shu Yi suddenly opened her mouth.

Before Zhang Youye could respond, she added, "Did I really time travel? My aunt is so good at managing things; this place is like something out of a movie."

Anyway, there will be plenty of opportunities in the future; now is not the time for her to enjoy the scenery here.

He gestured to the girls beside him who were secretly laughing to greet his aunt, then took Shuyi's hand and led her straight to the restaurant on one side, pressing her shoulder to sit down.

Seeing that she wanted to get up, Zhang Youye continued to hold her down: "No need to get up, we can just wait here."

“It’s my first time here, and I’m sitting here waiting without even bringing a gift. My aunt will think I’m being rude.”

After he finished speaking, Shu Yi's eager body was firmly held down by Zhang Youye.

Glancing at the clock on the wall out of the corner of his eye, Zhang Youye opened his mouth and called out in a nonchalant tone, "Auntie! I'm hungry! And Yiyi, she's hungry too!"

Speechless at Zhang Youye's arrogant and unruly attitude, Shu Yi rolled her eyes at him, but then heard a reply from beside her ear.

"You're going to starve to death, aren't you? Just you wait!"

Perhaps feeling that her attitude might frighten her future niece-in-law, Zhang Ningying added another sentence in the kitchen.

"Let Yiyi wait a little while, it'll be ready soon, there's only one soup left!"

After listening, Zhang Youye sat down next to Shu Yi and slightly tugged at the corner of his mouth: "Did you hear that? This kind of differential treatment will only get more outrageous in the future. Wife, you're the most sought-after girl in their eyes now."

"A hot commodity?" Shu Yi was completely confused.

“It’s the one my aunt likes.” As soon as she finished speaking, Zhang Ningying finally appeared.

Upon seeing Shu Yi's true face outside the door, Zhang Ningying paused on her toes as she stepped across the threshold.

Seemingly recalling a long-lost friend, she paused slightly before giving Shuyi a gentle smile.

In Shuyi's eyes, that smile contained too much unspeakable bitterness and helplessness.

While the maids were serving the food, Zhang Ningying took the seat of honor, held Shu Yi's hand in one hand, and tidied her stray hairs with the other.

"Those eyes really look like your dad's."

"Back then, I thought your father and I would be united by marriage because of family ties. So I waited and waited, and finally the time came."

Her voice, almost choked with emotion, paused for a few seconds before she let out a long sigh and spoke.

"Who knows? Your dad doesn't like your aunt."

“Aunt, let’s not talk about the past.” Zhang Youye reminded her from the side, “These old stories are remnants of feudalism, and feelings can’t be forced.”

Everyone understands the logic, but sometimes, when emotions are on the verge of collapse, all that's needed is an outlet.

Shu Yi grasped Zhang Ningying's palm in return and said softly, "Aunt, I understand what you mean."

No wonder both my eldest and second eldest brothers like this girl.

She is sensible, steady, and thoughtful.

Her throat felt constricted, and her voice, almost choked with sobs, seemed unable to utter a complete sentence. Zhang Ningying gently patted Shu Yi's hand, gesturing for the two to eat first.

To calm her down, she ladled a bowl of soup for Shuyi.

"Yiyi, try your aunt's cooking first."

“Your father has been gone for so many years, and you have been living alone ever since. Your mother also passed away early.”

“Youye once told me that he felt you had never had a proper chance to drink soup in your life. Your aunt remembered that. Look at this soup, I specially made it for you today, and it’s cooked to perfection.”

Handing the soup bowl to Shu Yi, Zhang Ningying said with a smile, "I just don't know if you'll like it. If you do, you can come here often. How about your aunt makes you some soup? Here, have a bowl and try it."

Shu Yi turned her head to meet Zhang Youye's gaze, catching the exact same expectation in his eyes as her aunt's, and smiled gently.

Then, she solemnly accepted the soup bowl, and with great enthusiasm, tilted her head back and gulped down the soup in one go.

This girl is really supportive, Zhang Ningying thought to herself. Only Zhang Youye could pull off such a feat as downing a bowl of soup in one gulp.

When their eyes met, Zhang Ningying conveyed to him with her gaze: This girl is a good match for you.

Nodding, Zhang Youye raised an eyebrow in response: Of course, after all, she's the woman I've set my sights on.

Unable to notice the exchange of glances between the two, Shu Yi put down her soup bowl and nodded in approval.

"My aunt's cooking skills are even better than the chef at my grandfather's house. I'm really lucky to have such a delicious meal today."

Being pleased by Shu Yi's comments, Zhang Ningying smiled from ear to ear and ladled out another bowl for her.

"Yiyi, how about we not go back today?"

"Anyway, this place is close to both the hospital and the company. If there's any new situation with Grandpa, it'll be convenient for Youye to take you there, right?"

"I heard that Chuanran is already an acting director. We're also helping to investigate your uncle's matter. We have everything we need. You can live here from now on, okay?"