"Yanran, are you okay? I was deep in thought and didn't realize you were following behind me."
Lan Anran looked at her brother guilty. If she had paid more attention or if she had slowed down, Yanran wouldn't have fallen down the stairs.
"It's okay Sis, it's just a sprain. Look, it's alright… Ah…"
Lan Yanran wanted to jump a few times to show that he was alright, but he wasn't stable and the injured ankle started to hurt again.
Just as Lan Anran was about to say something, someone interrupted again, "The two of you have such a good relationship. Although Anran caused Yanran to sprain his ankle, he still likes to stick to his sister. Big Brother, you are so blessed."
The person who spoke was Xu Yanshan, Lan Anran's second aunt.
In her past life, Anran regarded Xu Yanshan as a close family member, thinking that she cared and loved her. Who knew…
Lan Anran lowered her head, not wanting others to see the hatred in her eyes, but Xu Yanshan mistakenly thought that she was a timid person that could be controlled easily.
Xu Yanshan rolled her eyes, walked two steps forward, and took Lan Anran's hand.
"Anran definitely didn't do it on purpose, right? The both of you are siblings and anything that Yanran has, you do as well. You don't have to fight with your younger brother. Oh right, Anran, since you've just come back, do you need anything? Second Aunt will buy it for you."
In her past life, Lan Anran thought that Xu Yanshan was treating her sincerely because of these little favours, so she was extremely obedient with her.
But now…
Lan Anran took a step back in disgust and brushed Xu Yanshan's hand away. She turned around to help Yanran sit on a stool and said to Lan Tingyun, "Dad, who is she? Why is she claiming to be my relative when I don't know her?"
"…" Xu Yanshan waved her hand in embarrassment. "Brother, Anran…"
Lan Tingyun looked at Lan Anran's defensive expression and the hands that tightly guarded her younger brother. He laughed and cleared the air.
"It's okay, Yanshan, Anran just came back and isn't familiar with you yet. She'll get used to you after more time."
With that said, he pretended to be angry and said to Lan Anran, "She is your second aunt. Aren't you going to come over and apologize?"
Lan Anran greeted Xu Yanshan reluctantly. "Second Aunt."
Although Xu Yanshan had scolded Lan Anran thousands of times in her heart, there wasn't a trace of it on her face. She just smiled and said, "Okay, okay, Anran is a good girl."
As expected of a child raised in the countryside, she doesn't have any manners and can't even speak properly…
Seeing Lan Anran ignore her after the greeting, Xu Yanshan grinded her teeth secretly.
She just realised how pretty Anran was, even better looking than her own daughter.
This was unacceptable to her. Her daughter was the cherished young lady of the Lan Family. How could she be overshadowed by a village girl?
Xu Yanshan had another idea. "Anran, your clothes look old. How about this, since you just came back and no one prepared any clothes for you, why don't I bring some of your sister's clothes over for you to wear first? I'll take you shopping after you have settled down."
Lan Anran shook her head seriously. "It's alright, Second Aunt. I have enough clothes and they are in pretty good condition. In our village, other people can't even afford to wear such good clothes. Thank you for the thought."
Lan Tingyun looked at the clothes she was wearing. The seams were worn with burrs and they were deformed and discoloured from too many washes. His eyes started to sting.
This was his daughter, a little girl that should have been loved and pampered, but now, she said that this worn dress was in good condition?
Lan Tingyun could feel his heart ache, but before he could move, the little boy sitting next to Lan Anran suddenly threw himself into her arms, crying.
"No, Sis, you are so pitiful. I… I… I'll give you all my toy figures and my New Year's money. I'll buy you clothes. I must dress you up beautifully."
Lan Tingyun nodded in agreement. "Yes, Anran, let your brother take you shopping. If you run out of money, come find me and I'll buy it for you."
Xu Yanshan looked at the scene in front of her with an ugly expression. She had always been eloquent, but now she was at a loss for words.
She originally planned to bring old-fashioned and out-of-season clothes for Lan Anran, so that even if she was pretty, as long as her clothes were ugly, she would be a laughingstock and her daughter would still be the number one beauty in Rong City.
But now that Lan Tingyun had spoken, she wouldn't be able to do anything in this aspect.
"Okay, don't cry, Yanran. I'll be upset if you cry." Lan Anran comforted Lan Yanran softly and patted his shoulders. "Does your leg still hurt? Why don't you let me have a look?"
"Brother, look, they have such a good relationship even though they've just met. You don't have to worry about it anymore." Xu Yanshan didn't give up, and spoke ruefully, "Your goal of bringing Anran back will definitely be fulfilled."
Lan Anran's eyes flickered, but she did not take the bait. She knew that Xu Yanshan was definitely waiting to ambush her, but now that she was reborn, how could she let her succeed so easily?
Lan Yanran listened, and asked without much thought, "What is Dad's goal for bringing my sister back? Of course, it is to let her lead a comfortable life with us."
"Yanran, you must not be aware…" When Xu Yanshan saw that both siblings were looking at her, she was satisfied but still had a sorrowful expression.
"I'm sure you have heard that recently, the Lan Group is facing some problems. The Mo Family is powerful and extremely wealthy, and we, the Lan Family, happen to be family friends. Our two old masters once made a marriage arrangement."
Xu Yanshan's eyes flickered and she looked at Lan Anran with a gentle gaze. "You were brought back to be engaged to the young master of the Mo Family. Your father is doing this for your benefit. Since the Mo Family is so rich, you will definitely lead a blessed life after marrying into their family. Our family will also benefit from the marriage."
"Yanshan, what nonsense are you saying in front of the children?" Lan Tingyun's face was nervous and a trace of panic flashed in his eyes.
In her past life, Lan Anran was in a mess when she first heard the news from Xu Yanshan.
She thought that her father didn't love her and just wanted to force her to marry the young master of the Mo Family for a good price. She was furious and had wreaked havoc in the house.
But in reality, her father's panicked expression was because he was afraid she was angry he didn't tell her about it beforehand.
Lan Anran lowered her head in silence.
"Anran…"
Lan Tingyun was very nervous.
Unexpectedly, Lan Anran suddenly raised her head and smiled.
"It's alright, I'll marry if you want me to."