Before I could stop her, a clear male voice came from behind the curtain. “Please follow the rules here and don’t embarrass Thirteen.”
I was stunned. This voice was unfamiliar.
Su Hui awkwardly withdrew her hand. “Pardon me.”
In comparison, I felt ashamed. In the An household, everyone was capable, while I seemed to know nothing, like a freeloader.
Sparrow comforted me, saying, “Madam can paint and earn money.”
I suddenly understood and, reinvigorated, began to count the day’s earnings.
The day’s income equated to a month’s usual earnings. At this rate, getting rich through the bookstore was no longer just a dream.
After returning home, I shared the good news with my father-in-law, who was recovering in bed. When he heard about my day of counting money until my hand cramped, he laughed and praised, “Ah Yao is so clever, coming up with such an idea.” He patted my shoulder.
My father-in-law’s leg injury had improved, but his eye condition remained unchanged. Despite trying many remedies and consulting Doctor Liu, there was no notably effective treatment. Nonetheless, he stayed optimistic and comforted me, urging me not to be anxious.
I humbly said, “This is thanks to my husband’s reminder.”
Just as I was about to elaborate, my mother-in-law gave me a meaningful look and stepped out of the room.
I understood and was about to leave when my father-in-law softly said, “Your mother-in-law’s heart is not bad; she just doesn’t know how to express herself. Ah Yao, don’t resent her.”
My mother-in-law stood in the courtyard, facing away from me. This was the first time she had spoken to me since the self-poison soup incident.
“Ah Yao, do you know your mistake?”
I was stunned and didn’t respond immediately. She sighed.
“Since Jin’er has told you everything, you are now part of the secret department. You must be careful with your words and actions, avoiding anything that might draw attention to the An family,” she spoke solemnly. “What you did at the bookstore, even attracting the Su family’s notice, was too reckless.”
My mother-in-law’s tone was stern. I clutched my clothes, my voice soft. “Ah Yao knows her mistake. But—”
“Hmm?” She turned, her expression cold.
