Grandmother Ning responded, “How can you be nostalgic? Didn’t you just go to Changqing Lou and eat a big bowl of golden thread stomach soup? Have you forgotten?” She then ladled another half bowl for Ning Wanwan.
Ning Wanwan’s expression dimmed, a pain flashing in her eyes, and she smiled bitterly, “Yes, I’ve forgotten.”
The past was like smoke, hard to remember.
At this moment, Mama Chang walked in and reported, “Old Madam, the Old Master has arrived and is waiting with Madam He outside the second gate.”
Grandmother Ning smiled, watching Ning Wanwan eat the golden thread stomach soup, and replied, “Let him wait first.” Mama Chang then retreated.
Ning Wanwan finished her soup, rubbing her satisfied belly. Grandmother Ning asked, “Are you full?”
Ning Wanwan nodded, “Full.”
“That’s good. Let’s go and hear what your father wants.”
Ning Wanwan lowered her eyelashes, a dark light passing through her eyes. She stood up to support Grandmother Ning as they walked outside.
Lin Zhengyang turned to Old Lady Ning, smiling apologetically, “Mother, since Tong’er already knows her mistake…”
Old Lady Ning interrupted, anger evident in her eyes, and sternly questioned, “Lin Laoyeh, who is your legitimate daughter in your heart?”
“…Of course it’s Wan’er,” Lin Zhengyang responded awkwardly.
Old Lady Ning sneered, “Is that so? In my view, you’ve never truly cared for Wan’er, nor have you regarded me with any respect.”
Lin Zhengyang’s expression changed, and he quickly cupped his hands, speaking submissively, “Mother, how can you say such things? Your son-in-law would never dare.”
“Then I ask you, since Wan’wan fell into the water, have you personally come to inquire about her?”
Lin Zhengyang explained, “Today was Wan’er’s coming-of-age ceremony, and many guests had been invited. Due to her accident, the ceremony was canceled, but since the guests had already arrived, I felt it necessary to entertain them, which delayed me.”
“I’ll temporarily accept your explanation. But since you entered this Suyu Hall, have you shown even half a bit of concern for Wan’wan?”
Old Lady Ning pointed at Lin Yuetong, who was kneeling, and coldly snorted, “Instead, your heart is full of this precious illegitimate daughter. Can you really expect an illegitimate daughter to uphold the Lin family’s reputation?”
