Lu Jingyan clutched the envelope, her fingers trembling slightly not from fear, but from something deeper. Gratitude she didn't know how to express. For months, she had braced herself for cold shoulders and clipped words from people like Madam Leng. Yet, here she stood, not with empty platitudes, but with quiet protection.
Lu Xinyan lowered his gaze, embarrassed. He had misjudged her just like the whispers in the city always did. Madam Leng wasn't heartless. She was just... heavy with the weight of legacy, with the burden of strength. And even in silence, she carried them all.
Just then, a voice echoed through the hallway.
"Sooo, what's this gloomy reunion all about? You all look like you're attending a funeral." Leng Yumo said mouth full of lollipop
Madam Leng didn't flinch. "Mouth."
Yumo dramatically took the lollipop out and bowed. "Yes, ma'am. But seriously, are you finally accepting them? Because this house needs more fun."
Lu Xinyan snorted unexpectedly, quickly hiding it. Jingyan gave a small smile, the tension in her chest loosening just a bit.
Yumo dropped her backpack, walked up to Jingyan, and threw an arm around her shoulder. "Don't worry sister in law. My grandma looks like a frozen statue, but she's softer than a steamed bun inside." she said as she smiled at Lu Jingyan who only looked at Madam Leng
"Leng Yumo," Madam Leng warned.
Yumo grinned. "She knows I love her. And she loves me too. She just doesn't say it, because she thinks affection is a weakness. Isn't that right, Granny Cold?" Leng Yumo called the nickname she gave her grandmother
Madam Leng sighed. "One day, you'll learn respect."
"One day," Yumo echoed with a wink, then turned to Xinyan. "You too, short stuff. Welcome to the madhouse. I call dibs on annoying you every morning."
Lu Xinyan looked stunned. It was the first time someone his age treated him like an equal, not someone to pity or mock.
As the housekeeper returned with tea and pastries, the family unconventional as it may be gathered in the sunlit lounge. Madam Leng sat regally, silent as ever, yet her eyes softened just enough.
Jingyan looked around. For the first time in years, surrounded by this odd mix of icy elegance and chaotic warmth… she felt like she belonged.
"I heard you saved A-mo" madam Leng said catching Lu Jingyan who's looking around attention
"I was just passing by when I heard a groan nothing else" she said showing courtesy
"I have always tell that boy to always be careful. But now look" she said. Lu Jingyan could sell hint of worry on her voice and she smiled
"And he's not healed yet and he's gone again. On a business trip" she completed as she sipped her tea
"He is Leng Xuanmo the regal heir to the Leng properties he needs to secure deals to keep the legacy of the company" Lu Jingyan said not knowing what to say and not wanting to anger the old woman
"I understand but still he needs to take things easy" she said sounding worried. Lu Jingyan didn't know how to comfort the older lady so she casually kept quiet
"You must be tired. Go get some rest" she said leaving her alone in the lounge all by herself after Leng Yumo and Lu Xinyan ran off.
"Is this a dream or real? All of this is just because I said I wanted a romance like the k dramas? Is this really real or it's all a dream. If it really is a dream then I nev r wanna wake up from this dream ever again" she said as she looked around the lounge