Lin Wanrong was dripping with cold sweat. Oh, Miss, why did you barge in at this moment? It's just too coincidental.
He was contemplating how to handle the situation when a call from outside interrupted his thoughts, "Yuruo, Yusuang, are you both inside the room?"
The voice was from Madam Xiao, and in a hurry, Xiao Yuruo put on her robe and called out, "Mother, we're here." She didn't bother changing clothes and hastily opened the door.
Lin Wanrong wiped the beads of sweat from his forehead, expressing relief. Unexpectedly, Madam Xiao came to the rescue.
Madam Xiao, having just finished bathing with her hair still damp and a rosy flush on her face, entered the room. Seeing her two daughters inside, she approached and grabbed them, saying, "You two girls, both here?"
The elder daughter nodded, "Mother, I will be leaving for Hangzhou tomorrow. I need to talk to Yusuang."
The younger daughter, however, rushed into her mother's arms, saying, "Mother, I want to go to Hangzhou too."
Madam Xiao lovingly tapped her daughter's nose, "Nonsense! Your sister is going there for important matters. What are you going to do? Yusuang, lightly humphed, said, "I also want to study, Mother. I want to learn to do business, to share the worries for my sister and mother."
Madam and her daughters smiled with satisfaction. Xiao Yuruo said, "You're still young. Wait for a year or two, and your sister will teach you, alright? Besides, you need to fulfill the vow you made in front of the Buddha a few days ago. It's only been a few days; how can you be so insincere?"
The younger daughter thought about it; indeed, the promise made in front of the Buddha must be fulfilled. She agreed, "Then I will stay in this house and wait for my sister to return. However, sister, about what I mentioned last time, you must remember, okay?"
Madam Xiao asked curiously, "Yusuang, what did you discuss with Yuruo?"
The elder daughter said, "Mother, Yusuang mentioned that she wants to pursue education."
The younger daughter added hastily, "Yes, Mother. I'm alone at home and can't learn anything. I want to go out and learn more things to help my sister and mother share their burdens."
Madam Xiao worriedly said, "As a young girl, going out alone to study is something I cannot easily agree to. Xiao Yuruo, however, suggested, "Mother, don't worry. After the New Year, I will go north to the capital to take care of the business there. When that happens, Yusuang will go with me, and I'll look after her. We can learn things in the capital. How does that sound?"
Madam Xiao saw her two daughters getting along so well and couldn't help but feel relieved. She whispered, "With Yuruo taking care of Yusuang, I can rest assured. But with both of you in the capital, and me staying in Jinling alone, what if I miss you? What should I do?"
With this sentence, the two young ladies' eyes turned red. The younger daughter choked up and said, "Mother, why don't you come with us to the capital?"
Madam, looking lovingly at the younger daughter, said, "Silly girl, if we all go to the capital, what will happen to this house in Jinling? You both can go, and Mother will visit you whenever I have time."
Lin Wanrong, hiding behind the screen, felt uncomfortable listening to the trio's family conversation. How does this girl, Yusuang, chat so easily as if she's forgotten I'm here? Damn, since flirting, I've never been in such an embarrassing situation. Being blocked by these three women in the room, I can't get out. It's really tragic.
Madam Xiao sighed and said, "Yuruo, after the New Year, you will be in your twenties. It's time to consider matters of a lifetime."
The younger daughter clapped her hands, "Great! We'll help you choose the best husband in the world, sister."
Xiao Yuruo blushed, "Mother, it's not urgent. Your daughter is not worried about it."
Madam Xiao sighed again, "Yuruo, you've been following me and learning the business since you were fourteen. These years have been tough on you. This matter of a lifetime cannot be delayed any longer."
The elder daughter, with a bitter smile, said, "Mother, for the development of the Xiao family, even if it takes a few more years, I have no regrets. Xiao wife, glancing at her daughter, said, "Daughter is busy with business; these matters have not been considered yet."
Madam Xiao said, "You're not young anymore. This matter must be taken seriously. I initially thought that young Master Tao seemed suitable for you and planned to speak for you. Now, it seems you don't have any affection for him. I know most of the young gentlemen in Jinling city, but I can't find a suitable match. After entering the capital, you must pay attention and not miss any good opportunities. A woman's life is not easy; finding a suitable man is truly not easy."
The elder daughter blushed, "Mother, don't worry. Look at your daughter. Do I seem like someone who can't find a husband?"
Madam sighed, "I'm not worried that you won't find a husband, but I'm worried that you won't find a good one. Yuruo, listen to your mother; don't let the affairs of the Xiao family sacrifice your lifelong happiness. If that happens, I'll never be at peace."
Madam Xiao knew her daughter's thoughts well. Despite the elder daughter being excellent in every way, her career-focused mindset could jeopardize her lifelong happiness for the sake of the Xiao family. This determination to prioritize family affairs fueled her to become a powerful woman in the Xiao family, but Madam Xiao worried it might harm her daughter's happiness.
The elder daughter lightly responded, "Mother, for the development of the Xiao family, even if it takes a few more years, your daughter has no complaints."
Madam Xiao glanced at her and sighed, "It's also my misfortune that the Xiao family has no male heir. If there were a son, there would be no need for us women to take the lead. Yuruo, you can marry and have your own family. How nice it would be to avoid these troublesome matters."
Madam Xiao, widowed for many years, raised her two daughters independently, enduring numerous hardships. At this moment, she truly felt the weight of her responsibilities, and tears began to fall.
The elder daughter, seeing her mother crying, remembered the bitterness of these years. She also hugged her mother and cried softly. The younger daughter, though younger, felt pity for her mother and sister. The mother and daughters embraced each other, shedding tears of sorrow.
Lin Wanrong, hearing the three women crying outside, couldn't help shaking his head. Women are really troublesome. A moment of reminiscence, and nine out of ten will end in tears. Life is tough for people; isn't this how
the human world works?
He was about to slip away when he saw the three women wiping their tears, as if nothing had happened. They started chatting again, and Xiao Yusuang, who had forgotten about Lin Wanrong's existence, said, "Mother, sister, and I will leave the day after tomorrow. Since you're here, Mother, we'll go together."
Madam Xiao said, "Alright, I'll stay with you for a few days. This is the first time you'll be in Hangzhou; I'll accompany you to familiarize yourselves with the surroundings. Wanrong, bring out the best food and wine. We'll have a good time tonight to celebrate."
The younger daughter clapped her hands and exclaimed, "Great! I haven't drunk wine with my mother and sister in a long time. Today, I'll drink until I'm drunk!"
The three women laughed, and Lin Wanrong, watching from the side, sighed in relief. It seemed that the awkward situation had finally passed. He quietly withdrew from behind the screen and prepared to leave the room.