Just as Zhulan was about to speak, Liu Ya called from outside the door, “Mistress, Miss Wu has arrived.”

Zhulan released Zhou Shuren’s face and quickly pulled him to sit down. “Please come in quickly.”

Wu Ning had come with Xue Han. Zhulan saw her daughter blink; Xue Han was there to embolden Wu Ning. Back in Pingzhou City, Wu Ning had been somewhat afraid of Zhou Shuren.

Wu Ning did not dare raise her head and hurriedly bowed in greeting. “Shushu, Shenshen.”

Zhulan tugged at Zhou Shuren, who coughed. “Get up.”

Wu Ning breathed a barely perceptible sigh of relief and slowly straightened up; her palms were sweaty.

Zhulan said, “Sit down.”

Wu Ning replied, “Yes.”

Zhulan was helpless. Wu Ning was more relaxed in front of her; in front of Zhou Shuren, Wu Ning didn’t dare to even breathe loudly.

Zhou Shuren rarely spoke even to his own adopted daughter, let alone his godson’s sister. He remembered all the favors Wu Ming had asked of him, and Wu Ming would have to repay them someday.

Zhou Shuren thought about Wu Ming’s situation; Wu Ming’s situation was truly dire. If it weren’t for his godfather, Wu Ming’s life would be even harder. The boy could only rely on him now, and handing over the Zhou family business to him in the future would be perfectly fine.

Zhou Shuren looked at Zhulan, his eyes implying that she should speak first.

Zhulan thought, “Alright, alright.” She had hoped that if Zhou Shuren said more, Wu Ning would feel more comfortable living in the Zhou family, but seeing Wu Ning’s tense expression, it was best for Zhou Shuren to remain silent.

Zhulan asked, “Did you sleep well this afternoon?”

Wu Ning felt embarrassed; she hadn’t expected to sleep all afternoon. She hadn’t slept so well in a long time, and her face flushed slightly. “Thank you for your concern, Shenzi. I’m fine.”

Zhulan wanted to chat more, but the Zhou family’s status had changed, the familiarity of the past was gone, and Wu Ning had become timid again. Seeing Wu Ning’s tense expression was exhausting. Seeing that it was getting late, Zhulan stood up and said, “Dinner should be ready soon. Let’s go.”

With that, Zhou Shuren and Zhulan went out first.

Xue Han pulled Wu Ning to her feet and whispered, “This will be your home from now on. Don’t be nervous. My mother is the best.”

Wu Ning thought to herself, “I’m afraid of Zhou Daren. Every time my Gege mentions Zhou Daren, he hesitates, and I become more and more afraid of him.”

At dinner that evening, Li Shi kept putting food on Wu Ning’s plate, saying, “Eat more, look how thin you are.”

Looking at the bowl full of food, Wu Ning knew she wasn’t at home and could only force herself to eat. After she finished her bowl, Li Shi tactfully didn’t add any more food.

Wu Ning breathed a sigh of relief. She had been worried that the Zhou family would treat her coldly. She knew her own situation—she was considered unlucky for her parents and elders. Now, their excessive enthusiasm was overwhelming.

Although her older brother protected the family, she knew quite a bit herself. Afraid of being criticized, she became increasingly reluctant to speak and interact with others. She hid it well; her brother hadn’t noticed, only assuming she had become more composed due to her changed status.

Then, her brother’s mourning period was over, and someone came to propose marriage. The matchmaker introduced a 27-year-old widower—she was only twelve! The matchmaker’s words were harsh, saying she was lucky to have someone willing to marry her.

Her brother chased the matchmaker away and then smashed up the study. It was the first time she had ever seen her brother so angry.

At that time, her brother had already written a letter to send her away, saying he regretted not letting her go with the letter.

Wu Ning could not help glancing at Zhou Daren. She had once asked her Gege about it — Zhou Daren was Gege’s godfather now, and throughout the various prefectures, everyone knew of Zhou Daren. With her Gege struggling every step of the way, had Zhou Daren ever protected him?

Her Gege had said that Zhou Daren had protected him. The very fact that he could continue sitting securely in the position of Xiàn Tàiyé, while those people only dared to mock him with words, was already the greatest form of protection.

Wu Ning thought that leaving was probably for the best. That way, no one would be able to use her to attack her Gege anymore, and her Gege would also have an easier time. As for marriage… she had more or less given up hope.

After dinner, Zhulan and Zhou Shuren returned to the courtyard. Zhulan washed up and got onto the kang, saying, “Wu Ming’s letter didn’t say much. I asked the eldest son, but he didn’t notice anything either. But Wu Ning has changed so much; it doesn’t seem like it was caused by Wu Li Shi’s death. I should have sent Chang Lian with the eldest son.”

Zhou Shuren replied, “I don’t know much either. Wu Ming only contacts me about governance; he never asks me about interpersonal relationships. However, even if Wu Ming is very capable, there are things he can’t take care of. Plus, most of his attention is on the people, so he inevitably neglects his sister. The Wu family doesn’t have a mistress like you. Wu Ning feels neglected and…”

Zhulan sighed. “Such a good child. She used to be so open and cheerful, but now she’s timid and withdrawn. I don’t think it’s just because she suffered a few sarcastic remarks.”

Zhou Shuren said quietly, “Then it’s about reputation. Don’t even mention how hard it is to find a husband for this girl, even Wu Ming’s marriage will be difficult.”

Zhu Lan leaned against Zhou Shuren and sighed inwardly. What Zhou Shuren said was true. “Now that Wu Ming has severed ties with his Da Bo, there’s no elder left in the family to help manage things. It seems we’ll have to worry about him more in the future.”

Zhou Shuren thought, “If it weren’t for Wu Ming’s future prospects, I’d feel like I’m losing money.”

He still had Chang Zhi unmarried, and he had to worry about the Wu family’s children!

However, Wu Ming was going through a tough time right now. The more he was tormented, the more stable he would be later. He thought that with his and Zhulan’s involvement, Wu Ming would lose some of his ruthlessness, but now that ruthlessness had returned!

(End of Chapter)

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