"Mom, did you call for me?"
Hearing the voice, I turned around and looked at Jiangcheng who walked into the study, a loving smile on my face. "A-Cheng, you're here. Please sit down."
Jiangcheng sat down across from me and asked with concern, "Mom, did you want to talk to me about something today?"
"Nothing major, just wanted to chat with you," I said as I picked up the teapot and poured a cup of tea for Jiangcheng. "How have things been at the company lately? Still going smoothly?"
"Everything's good, you don't need to worry," Jiangcheng replied with a smile as she took the teacup.
I nodded and casually asked, "By the way, how has Jiaojiao been lately? It's been a while since she came over."
"She's been busy learning tea art and flower arrangement. She said she wants to improve herself," Jiangcheng explained, her tone carrying a hint of affection.
I lifted my teacup and took a gentle sip, masking the coldness in my eyes.
Learning tea art and flower arrangement?
How thoughtful of her!
"A-Cheng, marrying someone like Jiaojiao is truly a blessing for you," I set down my teacup and looked at Jiangcheng, speaking meaningfully.
Jiangcheng was slightly taken aback, seemingly not expecting me to say that suddenly, but she quickly nodded with a smile. "Yes, Jiaojiao is gentle and considerate. I'm very fortunate to have married her."
Looking at the happy smile on Jiangcheng's face, I felt a mix of emotions.
The original owner’s love for Jiangcheng was control and possession, ultimately pushing her further away.
What I needed to do was to let go, to fulfill her wishes, and to allow her to be truly happy.
"A-Cheng, both you and Jiaojiao are good kids. Mom hopes you can always be happy together," I held Jiangcheng's hand and spoke sincerely.
Jiangcheng grasped my hand in return, her eyes filled with emotion. "Thank you, Mom. We will be happy."
Looking at the dutiful son before me, I silently vowed that in this lifetime, I would protect him well and ensure he would no longer suffer any harm.
I patted Jiangcheng's hand gently, speaking with affection, "A-Cheng, you and Jiaojiao are both good children. Mom hopes you can always be happy together."
"Thank you, Mom." Jiangcheng replied, his eyes filled with emotion as he grasped my hand in return.
Seeing the sincere smile on Jiangcheng's face stirred mixed feelings within me. The original owner’s love for Jiangcheng was too twisted, ultimately pushing him further away. What I needed to do was to let go, to fulfill him, and to allow him to truly find happiness.
"By the way, A-Cheng," I set down my teacup and casually asked, "I heard Jiaojiao say she is learning tea art and flower arrangement. Why hasn't she come over to show us?"
"Jiaojiao has been busy preparing for her exams. She said she would come over to make tea for you once the exams are over," Jiangcheng explained.
I nodded, a glimmer of insight flashing in my eyes. Exams? How thoughtful!
A few days later, one afternoon, I was sitting by the floor-to-ceiling window in the living room, flipping through an ancient book.
Sunlight streamed through the glass, warming me slightly.
"Madam, what do you think of this calligraphy?" Aunt Wang walked in from outside, holding a scroll.
I put down my book and took the scroll from her, slowly unrolling it.
It was a landscape painting depicting towering mountains shrouded in mist, conveying a profound artistic conception.
"Who sent this painting?" I asked, scanning the signature on the artwork.
"It was sent by Young Lady as a gift for you, thanking you for the Blue-and-White Porcelain Vase you gave her last time," Aunt Wang replied.
I smiled lightly and handed the scroll back to Aunt Wang, saying, "Please thank her for me and tell her I really like it."
I knew that Lin Jiaojiao did not send this painting out of genuine goodwill but rather to test me. After all, while the painting was exquisite, it wasn't a masterpiece; given Lin Jiaojiao's taste, she wouldn't have sent me such a gift.
It seems that my good daughter-in-law wants to play the game of "The Intent of the Drunken Man Is Not in the Wine" with me.
"Madam, the Young Lady has arrived," Aunt Wang's voice came from outside the door.
I put down my teacup and smiled, saying, "Please invite her in."
Before long, Lin Jiaojiao walked gracefully into the living room under Aunt Wang's guidance.
Today, she wore a simple yet elegant qipao, her hair styled in a simple bun, making her appear gentle and charming.
"Aunt, I've come to see you," Lin Jiaojiao said as she approached me, slightly bowing in greeting, her voice sweet and melodious.
"Jiaojiao is here; please have a seat," I gestured to the sofa beside me with a smile.
Lin Jiaojiao sat down as instructed, her gaze sweeping over the tea set on the coffee table. She smiled and said, "Aunt, I brought some new tea skills I've learned today and would like you to taste them."
"Oh? That sounds wonderful; it's been a long time since I've had tea brewed by you," I replied with a smile, though a hint of coldness flashed in my eyes.
Lin Jiaojiao picked up the teapot and began to skillfully brew the tea.
Her movements were graceful and practiced, clearly the result of careful training.
I quietly watched her performance, a playful smile curling at the corners of my mouth.
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