Chapter 12

It seemed that something during the day had left a shadow on Nanny Ye. The moment she saw Sheng Xia, her face changed, and she stopped in her tracks, saying, “Sir, Madam.”

“Auntie Ye, are you coming to have dinner with us?”

Compared to Sheng Xia, the twins were closer to Nanny Ye, who had been taking care of them. So, upon seeing Nanny Ye, they immediately ran to her side.

Sheng Xia glanced at her without saying anything. Just before leaving, as if remembering something, she suddenly instructed the butler, “From now on, the two children will eat in the dining room, no need to go to the small dining room deliberately.”

—Having two little squirrels accompanying them for meals would definitely be more enjoyable.

The steward was initially surprised but then showed a relieved expression. Without asking for reasons, he agreed right away, possibly imagining something positive.

On the other hand, Nanny Ye couldn’t help but change her gaze. She held the two children, vividly portraying a look of fearing that Sheng Xia might bully them. She hesitated, wanting to say something but refraining from doing so.

“What’s wrong? Afraid I’ll bully the children?”

Thinking that there was a plot involving Nanny Ye in the original text, Sheng Xia was initially indifferent towards her. However, seeing her current appearance, she couldn’t help raising an eyebrow and asking, “Or is it that, looking at me like this, you’re actually very dissatisfied with me?”

Her lazy and beautiful eyes, coupled with a slight smile that hooked people, were charming. But in Nanny Ye’s eyes, she seemed like a demon. She involuntarily took a step back, tightly hugging the two children, and whispered in fear, “No, really no, Madam, please don’t misunderstand.”

Considering the morning’s intentional words that set her up, Nanny Ye’s face was almost green. Her eyes couldn’t help but be wary.

However, the twins in her arms seemed unaware of what happened, exchanging a worried look before showing concern.

Feng Xuchen made an effort to stretch out his arm, reassuringly patting Nanny Ye. “No need to be afraid, Auntie Ye. The wicked stepmother only likes to bully my sister and me. She won’t bully you. Don’t worry.”

“…” Feng Xuran covered his brother’s mouth, explaining calmly, “Xuchen is talking nonsense. We haven’t been bullied. Auntie Ye, don’t be nervous.”

Nanny Ye: “…”

She couldn’t help but frown, not understanding why these two children, who clearly didn’t like Sheng Xia, insisted on speaking well of her. If they just said a word or cried, the butler would undoubtedly stop Sheng Xia from bullying them again.

Why not just keep their distance, as they used to?

“Xuchen, Xuran, you don’t need to…”

“Shut up! I’ve been watching, and Madam hasn’t bullied the young master and little miss at all. Who are you showing that expression to?!” This time, Sheng Xia didn’t need to say anything more; the butler’s face turned dark.

In his view, leaving aside the past, the relationship between Madam and the children was gradually improving now, which was undoubtedly a good thing. However, Nanny Ye, who had never made a mistake before, repeatedly showed a wary expression in front of Madam. Wasn’t she deliberately trying to sow discord between them?

“Find someone to take the children to have dinner first,” the butler instructed the nearby servants with a stern face. Then, he coldly looked at Nanny Ye and said, “You come with me.”

Nanny Ye’s face turned pale instantly, hesitating whether to follow. She heard the butler’s deliberately subdued warning, “I’m giving you face because you used to take care of the children when the Young master and the Later Madam invited you. This time, I won’t reprimand you in public. But if you take advantage of this relationship again, don’t blame me for being impolite.”

Since coming here, Nanny Ye had a special status. Although not respected, she would at least receive a few compliments upon meeting. This time, being scolded by the usually smiling butler, she couldn’t hold onto her face. Although reluctantly, she released the twins, but not without giving them a fierce glare as they looked at her in confusion and bewilderment.

All their fault! They couldn’t distinguish between good and bad! She was clearly doing it for their own good, yet they always held her back. It was infuriating!

After dinner, Sheng Xia had just returned to her room when she received a video call from Feng Yan.

She raised an eyebrow, curious why someone who had never actively called her in months would seek her out now.

【It must be because of what happened today. The butler reported it to him, so he’s looking for you, right?】

The system speculated, expressing concern: 【I told the host to keep a low profile. If Feng Yan discovers it early, the plot will definitely collapse, and we’ll all be in trouble.】

Sheng Xia felt innocent. “So many things happened today; who knows why he’s looking for me?”

Without waiting for the system to respond, she quickly answered the call, looking at the handsome face on the screen and cheerfully greeting, “Good evening, husband~”

【…】The system, still wanting to say something, was suddenly silenced by this unexpectedly sweet voice.

Feng Yan seemed startled by her improper greeting. He remained silent for a moment, then composed his expression and nodded gently, “Xia Xia, good evening.”

“Husband, is there something you need so late?”

Feng Yan made a soft apology, “Sorry, I knew you were discharged today, but I only found time to call you now. I hope you’re not upset.”

“I’ve pre-ordered the new limited edition bag from D brand. It should be delivered tomorrow. I don’t know if you’ll like it.”

Sheng Xia’s mood instantly improved. She grinned and rested her chin on her hand, “No, I’ll love it. Husband, don’t worry.”

“I know you’re busy with work, so even when my stepsister deliberately mocked me for being alone, I didn’t disturb you.”

She wasn’t someone who would silently endure grievances without telling others, but because she was in a good mood today, Sheng Xia just casually mentioned it.

Without waiting for Feng Yan’s response, she lifted her hand with a smile to show him her nails, saying, “How about it, do you like them?”

Seeing that Sheng Xia’s eyes were clear and she genuinely didn’t mind, Feng Yan’s deep eyes showed a hint of contemplation, responding cooperatively, “Very nice.”

“Shaoyun did them. She did such a great job on my nails for the first time. Isn’t she amazing?”

“Shaoyun?”

Feng Yan was somewhat surprised, but thinking about his usually silent and reserved sister doing someone’s nails, his slightly stern face softened, “Seems like Shaoyun really likes you.”

Sheng Xia justified herself confidently, “Of course, who wouldn’t like me when I look so good?”

Feng Yan paused, having gradually gotten used to her current way of speaking. He couldn’t help but smile and agree, “You’re right.”

“Oh, by the way, little Xu might be mad at me today.” Sheng Xia casually recounted the incident of making Feng Jingxu call her mom today, then blinked innocently at the man with a strange expression, “So, hubby, you shouldn’t be mad, right?”

Feng Yan: “…”

As Sheng Xia vividly described the situation, the man’s expression gradually became at ease. He wasn’t that petty, so naturally, he wouldn’t be angry about such matters. However, he was a bit curious about their eldest son’s expression at that time.

Thinking about the possible emotions on Feng Jingxu’s irritable face and recalling the photo that Feng Shaoyu had shared with him, Feng Yan couldn’t help but laugh.

However, he couldn’t reveal this mischievous thought to Sheng Xia, so he remained silent for a moment and then solemnly shook his head, “How could I be mad? You are Xiaoxu’s mother, after all. Thank you for your hard work, Xia Xia.”

After ending the call, he remembered something and suddenly scrolled through his chat with Feng Jingxu. Finally, he understood why his son had refused his call tonight.

【Feng Jingxu: Can you please control that crazy woman? She’s absolutely insane!!】

A playful glint shone in Feng Yan’s dark eyes as he lightly tapped the screen, thinking about his recent conversation with Sheng Xia. He couldn’t help but ponder.

Sheng Xia had indeed changed, no longer exerting the same heavy pressure on others as before. Even the pace of their conversation was now in her control, making it much more relaxed and comfortable for him.

He pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed softly.

He just hoped that this change in her was for the better. At least, she was much more pleasant to be around now, not causing him to worry about her sudden emotional outbursts that could harm the family.

Meanwhile, a slightly concerned Sheng Xia, after yawning and feeling like she forgot something, couldn’t recall what it was. Eventually, she blissfully sank into the realm of dreams.

In a room on the first floor:

The twins, already lying in bed, opened their eyes upon hearing Nanny Ye telling them the story of Cinderella.

The wicked stepmother hadn’t informed them of the story’s ending again. How annoying! Ugh, so frustrating!!