Han Ruochen raised her eyes slightly upon hearing the remark of Madam Yun. However, she refrained from saying anything at the moment. She knew that Madam Yun was only saying it because she felt guilty for feeling happy. After all, Han Ruochen’s misfortune turned out to be quite fortunate for her daughter. Naturally, she was feeling a bit conflicted and saying words that would ease her guilt a little. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

It was better for her to not say anything; at least Madam Yun would feel even sorrier for her if she stayed silent.

Sure enough.

Yun Xiaoxiao shot a look at her mother, angry with what she had said to Han Ruochen. Was this something that her mother should be talking about at the moment? Bringing up the matter of being betrayed by her betrothed was nothing less than scratching Han Ruochen’s fresh wound.

"MOM!"

"I apologise," said Madam Yun hurriedly as she patted Han Ruochen on the back of her hands. "I misspoke and I am really sorry for it."

"It’s okay, Madam Yun." Han Ruochen shook her head and sighed heavily. "You don’t have to worry about it. You didn’t mean any harm. It’s my own bad luck that I was—" she trailed off before shaking her head again. "One can guard against outsiders but how are we supposed to guard against thieves hiding in our home?"

Madam Yun also knew that Han Ruochen’s sister was the one who stole her fiancé. At first, she thought that Yun Xiaoxiao might not be clear on the matter. After all, how could an adopted daughter be so daring that she would dare to seduce her brother-in-law? But after hearing Han Ruochen’s confirmation, her face grew sombre and she said to Han Ruochen, "Ruochen, it seems like your family is way too kind. Don’t say that I am being rude or interfering too much but your family needs to start drawing some lines. After all, those who don’t share blood relations with you can never be kind to you unless they have some hidden intentions."

Madam Yun’s father also adopted a young man, as he didn’t have any sons. Her father’s intention was to raise the boy into a helper who would help the Yun sisters in managing the business. Ultimately, that man started to have some ill intent and wanted to take the business away from the Yun family. Fortunately, Madam Yun and her sisters never trusted this adoptive son of their father. That was how they were able to stop him from succeeding in his evil intentions.

If not, Madam Yun was worried that they would have lost their business.

Listening to Han Ruochen’s experience, Madam Yun felt even closer to her.

It’s done.

Han Ruochen head was lowered but a glint flashed through her eyes. In her past life, Han Ziyan used a completely different story and made herself the victim of the torment of the Han family. That was how she was able to win Madam Yun’s heart and even made her start believing that not all the adopted children were bad. Back then, Han Ziyan used her glib tongue to ruin the Han family’s reputation and climb up the social ladder. Now, she couldn’t blame Han Ruochen for doing the same thing. After all, they were only trying their best to survive, were they not? Who could blame whom?

Ruining Han Ziyan’s reputation in front of Madam Yun was not something that Han Ruochen would have done but after suffering at the hands of that woman, she was determined to block every path that might help her in the future. So what if she could survive through the chaos once? She was not going to let Han Ziyan make it to the top again.

Madam Yun was not aware of the thoughts that were going on in Han Ruochen’s head; she thought that the little girl was still scared after what happened to her and felt even more ashamed.

I should have watched my mouth a little...look at this... I scared this little girl.

"Come, come, come sit down." realising that she had made a mistake, she pulled Han Ruochen towards the couch. Madam Yun’s attitude became even more enthusiastic as she pulled Han Ruochen to the couch and even called the servants to bring some refreshments for Han Ruochen. "Go and bring some rice crackers as well as some jasmine tea. And didn’t you bring a melon? Cut a few pieces for our guest."

"There is no need–"

"Oh hush." Madam Yun waved her hand and said to Han Ruochen with a smile on her lips. "How can there be no need? You are our guest and came from quite a distance. How can we not entertain you?" She then turned to look at Yun Xiaoxiao and said to her, "Go and get the money. It is kept in the bedside cabinet."

Yun Xiaoxiao nodded and walked up the stairs.

Han Ruochen watched her leave and then turned her head away a few seconds later—however, just as she turned her gaze away, her eyes caught Zhai Muchen’s. Han Ruochen paused but turned her head resolutely.

Zhai Muchen’s eyes glinted but he didn’t say anything. He walked over to the armchair and sat down, surprising both Han Ruochen and Madam Yun, who were expecting him to leave.

"Muchen... don’t you want to go back to the military?" Why was this brat still lingering here? Madam Yun couldn’t help but wonder. She knew her nephew well enough to know that this brat was not the sit-and-gossip kind. Every time he came to their mansion, he would simply finish his task and then pat his butt and leave.

"Aunt, I have no tasks at hand at the moment," Zhai Muchen said to Madam Yun.

Madam Yun looked confused upon hearing his response. The surprise that flickered on her face couldn’t be hidden and she blinked her eyes twice. "You...have no task at hand?" Was she really hearing those words from her nephew’s mouth? Since when did this brat start acting normal instead of like a working machine?