Lu Shiyan's gaze shifted between clarity and confusion. His mental state hadn't been good lately due to searching for me, so in his eyes right now, I alternated between being Jiang Wanwan and Su Wan.
In his daze, he agreed: "Alright."
I gave him a sweet smile. "Thank you. By the way, Young Lu, why haven't I seen your wife?"
Hearing me mention Su Wan, Lu Shiyan's pupils gradually cleared. He seemed hesitant, probably unsure how to explain.
"Auntie, something happened to my sister recently. It's getting late; let's go have dinner."
Su Ning'an said this very warmly, linking her arm with mine to lead me to the dining room.
I subtly withdrew my hand from hers and returned behind Lu Yanchen. "Brother Yanchen, let's go."
In front of others, I always called him sweetly, showing how close we were.
Lu Yanchen couldn't be bothered to expose me and let me be.
However, his pupils were too cold and sharp. Every time I met his gaze, it made my heart race with fear.
In the dining room, the Old Master saw my attitude towards Lu Yanchen, and his expression brightened.
After all, it was his own son. How could there be a father in the world who didn't love his son?
Even if this son was disabled, he still wished Lu Yanchen well.
Knowing Lu Yanchen's physical limitations, I stood up to serve him soup and pick dishes for him. Since we were on the same boat now, I naturally had to treat him well.
Moreover, he had saved my life several times in the past.
In this life, I repay kindness and seek revenge for wrongs.
"Brother Yanchen, you can tell me whatever you like to eat. I'll serve you from now on."
He looked at me deeply, ultimately remaining silent except for a single "Alright."
Lu Shiyan watched our interaction, perhaps reminded of the past when I used to serve him soup and dishes the same way.
I would clearly remember his tastes and preferences, accurately avoiding his dislikes.
Now, without me by his side, and Su Ning'an not daring to be too presumptuous in front of the Old Master, he had to serve himself soup.
Seeing the string of Buddhist beads on his wrist, I initiative spoke: "Young Lu, the Buddhist beads on your wrist look quite unique."
Lu Shiyan instinctively stroked the beads with his hand; it had become a habit lately.
"Mhm, made by a master."
After my ashes were fired at high temperatures, the DNA inside was destroyed, decomposed into inorganic matter. Extracting DNA from the beads and the bone china bowl wouldn't work.
The only way was through the flesh and blood in that statue and the human skin book in Grandma's possession.
But even if nothing could be found, I wouldn't let my ashes accompany him day and night.
"I also like dzi beads. This strand of yours looks of excellent quality. I wonder if you'd be willing to part with it and sell it to me? Any price is fine."
Lu Shiyan never believed in these things before. I thought he wouldn't refuse such a simple favor for a strand of beads.
Before he could speak, Su Ning'an interjected, "Auntie likes these too? Coincidentally, I have a strand in my room. Consider it a meeting gift from my brother. No need to talk about money among family."
I had to go with the flow. "Alright, thank you then."
After the meal, Su Ning'an offered to go upstairs to get the bracelet, and I insisted on following her. She couldn't dissuade me.
"Ning'an and Young Lu must be very close, right? Nowadays, even without blood relation, few siblings are as intimate as you two. When you stood together earlier, I almost thought..."
I deliberately said such things to unsettle her.
Su Ning'an quickly changed the subject: "Brother and I grew up together; our bond is like real siblings. Auntie, this is my room."
Pushing the door open, the scene was exactly as I had seen it as a soul—everywhere was pink and tender, making it hard to suspect the owner was a ruthless person.
She opened the jewelry section of the walk-in closet. I saw it filled with a dazzling array of jewelry.
Some were gifts from the Su and Lu families, while others were taken from me.
Those necklaces, bracelets—I remembered them all too clearly.
And the dislike in my parents' eyes: "Your sister likes it; can't you just give it to her?"
So, in the end, my man was given to her too.
Seeing me stare at the jewelry, she generous said, "Does Auntie see anything you like? Feel free to pick. We're family now; no need to be polite."
I stared fixedly at her and smiled, "Ning'an is so generous and warm. Whoever marries you in the future will be truly fortunate."
Su Ning'an gave a shallow smile. "Auntie, you're always teasing me."
Little did she know, I abruptly changed the subject. "I think your taste is quite good, Ning'an. I just returned to the country and didn't bring many clothes this time. If you don't mind, could you give me a few outfits?"
"Of course."
Su Ning'an opened the adjacent wardrobe for me to choose from, but I walked over to the wardrobe that hid her secret.
Just pulling open this wardrobe would reveal that door.
As my hand touched the handle, Su Ning'an urgently called out, "Auntie!"
I turned and looked at her calmly. "What's wrong, Ning'an? You look so nervous. Could there be some unspeakable secret inside?"
Of course there was. Inside was where she had affairs with Lu Shiyan, her biggest secret.
If discovered, her ugly mask as the so-called sister would be torn off.
She must be terrified now, yet maintaining a calm expression. "Of course not. Those are just some old items of mine. My clothes are over here, Auntie. Please come choose."
"Alright." I deliberately feinted, not exposing her at this moment.
After all, even with the stage set, you still need an audience. With just the two of us, performing wouldn't be interesting.
I randomly picked a few outfits, then smiled at her. "Ning'an, are you free this afternoon? Could you accompany me to Young Lu's marital home?"
"This afternoon? Auntie, why are you in such a hurry?"
Holding the clothes, I walked out of the room. "Yes, after all, Brother Yanchen and I are starting a family and career. Settling the marital home early is good. I just right want to check out the surrounding environment of the property this afternoon. Is it convenient for you?"
Su Ning'an tentative asked, "It's convenient. I heard Auntie and Uncle had a business alliance marriage. From your tone, Auntie, it seems you and Uncle get along quite well?" I didn't deny it at all. Instead, I raised my lips in a radiant smile. "Yes, I've admired Brother Yanchen for a long time. I've even dreamed of marrying him. Being able to marry him must be the blessing I cultivated in my previous life."
I was just spouting nonsense, never expecting that when I turned around, Lu Yanchen and Lu Shiyan were right behind us, both staring straight at me.