Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

  No wonder her grandma always said that Qiao Nan was a lucky woman. Even time was particularly forgiving to Qiao Nan.

  She thought about her mother who had been dead for ten years. She could not even remember how her mother looked like anymore. Looking again at Qiao Nan’s face that looked not much older than her own, Zhou Xing’s gloom and hatred only deepened.

  “My mom.” Zhai Xin did not try to hide the matter. “Initially, I felt that it was too early to let my mom know about our relationship.” It was mainly because Zhou Xing was too young, and he was afraid that his mom would get angry after learning about it. “But my mom saw you earlier and she said that she wanted to have a chat with you. Don’t leave. Come along with me.” Alright, his mom was being a lot more receptive than he had imagined.

  The moment she saw Zhou Xing, his mom had guessed that this young lady could be his girlfriend. His mom was just as sharp as she had been in her youth. She had not gotten dumb just because of a pregnancy.

  “Oh, so it’s auntie.” Zhou Xing forced a smile out.

  Zhai Yi glanced at Zhou Xing. “You don’t have to be nervous. Mom found out about your relationship a long time ago.” If she had wanted to deal with them, she would have come long ago. So what could his mom have come to the PLA National Defence University for today?

  “She found out a long ago? When did Mom find out? Why didn’t I know about it?” Zhai Xin jumped up. He was the party concerned, but why did he know nothing about this matter?

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  “The moment I knew, Mom knew too. Why? Are you scared?” Was it not just a relationship? But Zhai Xin had been so frightened that his face was entirely drained. “Don’t worry. Mom shouldn’t be here to deal with you today. Mom is here!”

  Zhou Xing, who had wanted to speak up, could not find a good time to interrupt Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin. Then, she heard Zhai Yi say that Qiao Nan had already known about her existence. She did not know how to feel about that. What she knew was that she had not expected to face Qiao Nan so early.

  In her plan, she would only face Qiao Nan proudly once her relationship with Zhai Xin had stabilized and once Zhai Xin confirmed that he would definitely marry her. Then, she would not have to worry about Qiao Nan objecting to their relationship.

  It was way too early at this point in time.

  But she had not been able to escape in time. Seeing Qiao Nan who had returned from parking her car earlier than expected, Zhou Xing’s eyes widened. This was no good. If she still wanted to leave, she would have to get Qiao Nan’s permission. It would be too rude of her to leave now on her own volition without Qiao Nan asking her to do so.

  Her relationship with Zhai Xin had not yet stabilized. If she were to embarrass Qiao Nan in this way now, Zhai Xin would surely get upset with her. Zhou Xing’s face was almost completely distorted. She could not understand how this matter could have landed up in this state.

  “Mom.”

  “Mom.”

  In front of Qiao Nan, Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin were still children and did not behave any differently from when they were at home.

  On the contrary, the one who behaved differently was Qiao Nan. She was naturally overjoyed about seeing her two sons, but at this moment, she paid more attention to that young girl who was standing by Zhai Xin’s side. Even though it was her first time meeting that girl, Qiao Nan was sure that the girl was Qiao Zijin’s daughter.

  Appearances could not lie, especially those gentle but scheming eyes of hers that looked like two peas in a pod with Qiao Zijin’s. Even though Qiao Zijin was no longer around, Zhou Xing was the spitting image of her mother!

  “It won’t be convenient to speak here. Can we find somewhere else?”

  “Of course.” Zhai Xin nodded. “Mom, why don’t we head to our room?”

  “That won’t be necessary. Although the PLA National Defense University is much stricter than other schools, I remember that there’s a street around here that’s pretty crowded. Anyway, it’s far away. Let’s just walk over and pick a nice and quiet cafe.” It was just as well. Along the way, Qiao Nan could take her time to consider how to broach the topic and persuade Zhou Xing to back off.

  Actually, as long as she told Er Bao about Zhou Xing’s identity, she knew that she would not have to elaborate any further. Er Bao himself would end the relationship. Even though Qiao Zijin had died years ago, the three children still had a deep impression of Qiao Zijin and had never forgotten about her.

  After all, it was the first time that the three children had witnessed such a bloody scene. It was also the first time they had experienced first-hand just how malicious their biological elder aunt was toward their mother. Not to mention that Zhou Xing and Er Bao were such close relatives. They were practically brother and sister. Even if Zhou Xing did not care about brother and sister dating, it was impossible for Er Bao to ignore it.

  “Mom, how about this shop?” Zhai Xin could feel that Qiao Nan was not in a good mood, and her face was a little gloomy. Zhai Xin looked at Zhai Yi. Had he not said that his mom had found out about his relationship with Zhou Xing long ago? Since his mom knew about it and had not come to deal with him earlier, why was her expression like this now?

  Zhai Yi frowned too, expressing his confusion. The only thing he could feel was that his mother’s mood was very somber and she looked particularly troubled today.

  “Take a seat. Just order what you want.” After Qiao Nan took a seat, Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin’s first reaction was naturally to sit around Qiao Nan to protect her like her bodyguards.

  Seeing Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin treating this old woman who was Qiao Nan like a princess, protecting her like her knights, Zhou Xing was especially sour. She had never experienced such care and love in her entire life.

  “Mom, try drinking this. Is it nice? If it’s not, I’ll swap with you.” Zhai Xin handed Qiao Nan her drink and considerately squeezed the slice of lemon into Qiao Nan’s drink.

  “There’s no need for that. The taste is just fine.” Qiao Nan was already used to her sons taking care of her now that they had grown up. What she did not know was just how bitter Zhou Xing, who was sitting opposite her, was feeling upon seeing just how caring he was toward his mom but completely forgetting about his girlfriend’s existence.

  Thankfully, Zhou Xing suddenly remembered that she had not even been his girlfriend for two months. If she were to fight over Zhai Xin’s affection with Qiao Nan at this time, there would be no chance for her to go ahead with her plan. Her entire plan would be ruined immediately.

  And so, she had no other choice. This was no time for her to be willful. She could only take her own drink meekly. At the very most, she would look at Zhai Xin with an aggrieved gaze to remind Zhai Xin of her presence and that she was his girlfriend who needed his care and love too.