Although Xia Yingyu didn’t talk back to her mother-in-law, she rolled her eyes where Wang Lianhua couldn’t see.

Zhao Nuanyue was inwardly shocked. In her past life, even after having children, her mother, Xia Yingyu, had been a timid presence in this family, completely voiceless. But since her return this time, Zhao Nuanyue could clearly feel her mother’s new assertiveness. She was no longer that weak, submissive woman.

"Nuanyue, Nuanyang, now that you two are back, get some good rest. I’ll take you out tomorrow," Xia Yingyu said with a smile. "Tell Mom what you want to eat, and I’ll buy it for you!" 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

In truth, Zhao Nuanyue didn’t want to eat anything. All she wanted was to escape as soon as possible, but now that her mother had taken time off work to be with them, she couldn’t find a chance to run.

"Mom, you really don’t have to go to all this trouble," Zhao Nuanyue said with a light laugh. "We’re grown up now. As long as we have food to eat, we’re fine. You, on the other hand, are pregnant. You need your nutrition. You should buy some supplements to keep your strength up."

Hearing her daughter’s heartwarming words and contrasting them with Zhao Huilan’s sullen attitude, Xia Yingyu was reminded once again that her own children were the best. With other people’s children, you could tear your heart out for them, and they wouldn’t just be ungrateful—they’d find it disgusting.

Seeing the deep affection between Xia Yingyu and Zhao Nuanyue, Wang Lianhua grew displeased. Since she couldn’t lash out, she simply grabbed her basket and went out to queue up for groceries. Out of sight, out of mind; at least she’d feel a little better.

With Wang Lianhua gone, Zhao Nuanyue also felt a bit more relaxed. Otherwise, being stared at by those old, dim eyes glinting with calculation made her skin crawl.

"I’m doing fine. Although I still have to work, it’s in an office, so I don’t have to go down to the workshop floor. The factory provides benefits for pregnant women, and I’ve been taking them," Xia Yingyu said with a light laugh. "You don’t need to worry about me. It’s you two I’m worried about. It was too late yesterday, and I didn’t have the energy to ask how you’re doing in the countryside."

"It’s a bit tiring, but overall, it’s not bad. Nuanyang and I have learned how to fish," Zhao Nuanyue replied. She was happy about her mother’s transformation. ’I don’t expect her to be good to me, but I hope she stays like this. That way, my brother’s devotion to her won’t be in vain.’

Hearing this, Xia Yingyu’s heart ached. She pulled her daughter’s hand into a tight grip and said, "Nuanyue, you and Nuanyang are so sensible. After you left last time, I did a lot of thinking and figured things out. I was always so worried about this person and that person, and in the end, it was you two who suffered. You were sent to the countryside when you were so young... it’s because I was useless, unable to keep you here. But don’t worry, I’ve been keeping an eye out. As soon as there are openings at the factory, I will do my best to fight for them and bring you back."

"Mom, I actually think Nuanyang and I are still young. I’d rather spend a few more years out there and come back when we’re older and there’s a good opportunity," Zhao Nuanyue said. "After all, I can’t protect myself right now, and Nuanyang’s condition has only improved, he hasn’t fully recovered. It’s better for him over there. In this house, even though you’re good to us, you know better than anyone what Zhao Jinghai, Wang Lianhua, and Zhao Huilan are like. This kind of environment isn’t good for Nuanyang’s recovery."

Her daughter’s words made Xia Yingyu’s nose tingle. Her eyes reddened, and she was unable to speak.

"Sigh..." In the end, all of Xia Yingyu’s emotions coalesced into a single sigh. "Nuanyue, I know you’ve grown up. You have your own mind now, and you can protect yourself and your brother. I’m truly so happy and relieved about that, because you’ve managed to do what I couldn’t. I just want to tell you, no matter what happens, you have to tell me. I will do everything I can to help you. For no other reason than the fact that I’m your mother."

Hearing this, Zhao Nuanyue felt a little moved. ’At least for now, Mom’s feelings for us are genuine. As for betraying me like in my past life—ignoring my plight and even tacitly approving of it—there must have been other reasons for that. At least, it’s not happening now.’

"Mom, Nuanyang and I are really doing well in the countryside. You don’t have to worry about us," Zhao Nuanyue replied. "I also promise you, if we run into any trouble, I’ll tell you. Thank you for sending those grain and industrial coupons. They were really important to me and helped us solve a lot of problems. It’s not a problem to get enough to eat in the countryside, but we have no money and are short on all kinds of coupons, like the industrial ones."

"Okay, good. I’ll remember that. From now on, I’ll save up your father’s pension and some of my own coupons to send to you," Xia Yingyu nodded. "As long as you two are all right, I’ll do anything."

’When in my past life did this kind, caring mother change?’

After thinking it over carefully, Zhao Nuanyue had a sudden realization. After her mother gave birth to Zhao Jinhai, her attention toward her and her brother had dwindled significantly. On top of that, they hadn’t returned from the countryside for a long time. Later, likely under Zhao Jinghai’s subtle influence, she gradually grew distant from them.

Her brother died, and she ended up in such a wretched state. Meanwhile, her son with Zhao Jinghai was clever and lively from a young age, grew up to be a talented young man, and was her pride and joy. Faced with that contrast, her mother made a choice: she sacrificed Nuanyue for the sake of her stepfather and her younger son.

After figuring all this out, the warmth that had touched Zhao Nuanyue’s heart turned to ice once more.

A moment of care and concern wasn’t enough to make her completely let her guard down around her mother.

’Thankfully, in this life, I have the Little Red Carp’s help and my Dragon Scale Superpower, which will allow me to handle many unexpected situations.’

"Thank you, Mom. You need to take care of yourself too. Your health is your own, and it’s what allows you to do what you want and protect the people you want to protect," Zhao Nuanyue said solemnly. "I know it might make you uncomfortable for me to talk about Zhao Jinghai like this, but I feel I have to say something. Ever since I came back this time, I feel like he’s been overly friendly toward me. It gives me the creeps, and I can’t shake the feeling that they’re up to no good."

Hearing her daughter’s words, Xia Yingyu’s expression stiffened. She then recalled how, during dinner, Wang Lianhua and Zhao Jinghai had been very warm toward Zhao Nuanyue. More importantly, last night, after everyone had gone to bed, Zhao Jinghai had been lingering outside her daughter’s door.

She had thought it was strange at the time and had given him a harsh scolding, telling him to be more mindful of appearances. After all, her daughter was a grown girl now; he couldn’t act that way.

Now, not only had she noticed something was off, but her daughter had also sensed something was wrong. This was turning into a real problem.

"Nuanyue, I’m relieved that you’re so vigilant," Xia Yingyu said softly. "I’ll talk to your stepfather and tell him to be more mindful. Now that you’re grown up, you two need to keep a proper distance."

"Okay, thank you, Mom," Zhao Nuanyue said gratefully. At the same time, she was frantic. ’How am I going to get out of here?’