Shen Manman stared at her in disbelief, speechless for a moment.

Finally, she nodded and smiled, "You're right. You are my biological mother. I should be happy for you that you were able to escape. There's no right or wrong between us."

Lin Yaxian wiped away her tears: "Manman... I know I haven't done enough... but we are mother and daughter..."

Shen Manman said calmly, "I stopped hating you a long time ago. But you also abandoned our mother-daughter bond a long time ago. We owe each other nothing."

Lin Yaxian stared at her blankly: "Manman...no, you should understand me..."

“I understand. But what has happened cannot be changed. You gave me life and raised me, but you also abandoned me. Now we are even! I came with you today just to tell you this.”

As she spoke, Shen Manman looked at her intently and said, "I thank my maternal grandfather and the Lin family. I don't hate you, but we should never have anything to do with each other again."

"Everything that happened between us makes it impossible for me to look you in the eye anymore. Separation and keeping my distance are the only ways I can find peace and happiness."

"You are my birth mother, and always will be. That's something that can never be changed, and I will never disown you. But if you truly love me, then never disturb my life again."

"When we meet in the future, a polite nod to each other will suffice to fulfill our friendship."

"And Father, he's getting married soon. Please stop bothering us and let's save face for each other."

After saying that, she curtsied to her and said, "Madam Lin, farewell."

After saying that, Shen Manman turned and walked out.

“Manman…” Lin Yaxian’s heart was breaking.

Shen Manman's words shattered all her illusions.

There's no going back...

Everything is irreversible...

"Ah, Father, what brings you here?" Shen Manman's voice suddenly came from afar.

Lin Yaxian was startled and looked up. Through the shadows of several plum trees, she could indeed see a tall figure.

Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly ran over: "Zhiyan—"

Amidst the heavy shadows of plum blossoms, Shen Zhiyan turned his head.

He remained as aloof and handsome as ever, just like the young man who had captivated her back then. A refined gentleman, radiant with youthful beauty, overflowing with talent, his charm fleeting and ephemeral.

Time has left almost no trace on him.

Shen Zhiyan's gaze fell on her, distant and unfamiliar: "Madam Lin, please have some self-respect. You are not entitled to call me by my name."

He looked down at Chen Manman and said, "Let's go."

Shen Manman looked up and smiled, "Mhm."

The father and daughter went together and soon disappeared into the thick shadows of plum blossoms, seemingly so close yet so far away.

He doesn't even see her!

There's none left!

There wasn't even hatred...

Lin Yaxian's body went limp, and she collapsed to the ground, crying her heart out.

......

The banquet over there is almost over.

Ye Jin'er couldn't concentrate and tugged at Ye Caiping, "I wonder what's wrong with Sister Man?"

Ye Caiping smiled and said, "Don't worry, Changxi and Chunliu are with us."

Chunliu was a maidservant to Madam Shen.

At this moment, Madam Shen stood up with a smile: "Quickly, let's go, it's finally over."

Unbeknownst to them, the Grand Princess had already dismissed the group.

As soon as Ye Caiping stood up, the Grand Princess walked over and tightly grasped Ye Caiping's hand: "Ye Yiren, I really like you so much! You are so good at talking, please say more in the future."

Madam Shen chuckled.

The Grand Princess said, "You're getting married after the New Year, so shouldn't you move into your new house before the New Year? Don't forget me then."

Ye Caiping smiled and said, "We've already decided to move on the 20th, and we were planning to shamelessly invite Your Highness to come. Now that Your Highness is willing to come, I couldn't be happier. I'll let Your Highness see something new and interesting then."

"Oh? Then I'll have to look forward to it."

The surrounding ladies also crowded around, saying, "Don't forget me, Ye Yiren."

"And me too."

Ye Caiping smiled and answered each question.

She'll show them her hand pump well then.

At this moment, the maid Changxi came over.

Chang Xi said, "Madam, Madam Ye, Sister Chunliu has escorted Miss home."

Madam Shen nodded: "Okay."

After talking for a while, Ye Caiping and the others bid farewell to the Princess.

When Ye Caiping and the others went out of the second gate, they were surprised to see Shen Zhiyan standing under a tree in the outer courtyard.

Upon seeing him, Ye Caiping smiled, her eyes crinkling. Madam Shen asked, "Brother Yan, what brings you here?"

Shen Zhiyan said, "I was just passing by and thought I'd stop by. I just saw Manman; I already had Duanwu take them home. Come on, I'll take you."

Madam Shen chuckled, "No need, you take Caiping. Jin'er and Huan'er, come, come, let's go home with your aunt first."

With that, he put his arm around one of the maids and turned to leave.

A smile appeared in Shen Zhiyan's eyes.

Ye Caiping asked, "Are you really just passing by?"

"No. I was a little worried when I learned that you would be meeting with Lin Yaxian today, so I came here specifically to check on you."

Ye Caiping snorted lightly: "What, are you afraid we'll be bullied by her?"

“My wife is eloquent; even ten of her couldn’t bully her. But I’m always worried and have to come and check on her.”

As he spoke, he tucked her stray hairs behind her ear.

Ye Caiping noticed that he called her "wife"...

Her face flushed slightly.

Moreover, she appreciated his concern.

Even though she's incredibly capable, and he knows she can handle things, he still worries about her.

Shen Zhiyan said, "Shall we go for a stroll in the streets?"

"Um."

"I watched from a distance for a while just now. You guys were playing a game called idiom chain? It was quite interesting, and you even won first place."

"Yes, I'm pretty good!" he said with a smug look on his face.

"Shall we play a round?"

"Ugh...no." Does she think she's stupid?

Shen Zhiyan smiled, took her hand, and the two left together.

Lin Yaxian walked out from behind the second gate, watching the two figures disappear into the distance, and felt a pang of heartache once again.

He actually has this side to him?

Even during the first month or two of their marriage, when their relationship was at its best, he was only gentle and accommodating towards her.

But he actually kissed that woman so proactively! This was something he had never done to her before!

Even though he didn't want to admit it, he had to admit that Shen Zhiyan really did have feelings for that woman...

How could you do that!

Lin Yaxian's heart shattered once again; the sky had collapsed, and she felt dizzy and disoriented.

If her maid hadn't been supporting her, she would have fallen to the ground.