Chapter 70: The Meeting

Xiao Yao had a notable feature: her eyes were exceptionally beautiful. However, this also proved to be her greatest flaw, as her thoughts were easily revealed through them, making it effortless for others to read her mind.

Madam Wen was unsure how to respond, so she turned to Tong Mingyu for help, signaling her to speak as Xiao Yao’s mother.

Tong Mingyu slightly bowed and said respectfully, “The truth is, this child genuinely doesn’t know the real reason. I thought it would be better to let her show her true self to Madam Nuan rather than have her try to please others. Her words and behavior today are no different from how she acts at home. Madam Nuan, what do you think of her?”

While Tong Mingyu spoke, Madam Nuan never took her eyes off Xiao Yao. Observing the child’s innocent and clueless expression, she couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly. This child’s thoughts are easy to discern—just look at her eyes, and you’ll know everything.

Instead of responding to Tong Mingyu, Madam Nuan continued her conversation with Xiao Yao.

“Little girl, what’s your name?”

“Replying to Madam Nuan, my name is Xiao Yao, but my nickname is Ping’an.”

“Do you know why your family gave you that name?”

“My grandfather once said it was because he hoped I could live a carefree, happy, and peaceful life.”

“It seems your grandfather cares deeply for you.”

“Grandfather is the one who loves me the most.” After saying this, Xiao Yao glanced at her mother nervously, silently hoping she wouldn’t be upset by her honest answer.

“So, does this mean your parents don’t love you the most?” Madam Nuan teased.

“My father loves me the most too. As for my mother… if she didn’t keep punishing me by making me copy The Admonitions for Women, she would also be the one who loves me the most.”

Tong Mingyu was momentarily speechless, feeling a pang of frustration. How could her daughter casually bring up being punished by copying The Admonitions for Women in front of others?

Madam Nuan’s smile deepened as she asked, “Why does your mother punish you by making you copy The Admonitions for Women?”

“Whenever I say or do something wrong, I get punished. I’m used to it.”

“Do you resent your mother for doing this?”

“Not at all. Every time I’m punished, my grandfather and father give me gifts to comfort me.” Xiao Yao’s logic was simple: a few copies of The Admonitions for Women could earn her numerous rewards. Sometimes, she even wondered if she should make mistakes on purpose to keep the gifts coming.

Tong Mingyu felt utterly embarrassed. She had instructed her daughter to be natural and genuine, but she hadn’t expected her to reveal all her little secrets.

Madam Nuan, however, found herself smiling for the first time that day. From her years of experience, she could tell that this little girl was intelligent and adorable. A sense of anticipation arose in her heart.

Madam Wen burst into laughter as well. This child was simply delightful! If only she had a grandchild of the same age, she would have tried her best to bring Xiao Yao into the family.

“You may go and play,” Madam Nuan said with a slight nod.

The adults didn’t pursue the topic further. Whether the matter would succeed or not, Madam Nuan had likely already made her decision. Pressing her further would only create an awkward atmosphere.

Instead of returning to her mother’s side, Xiao Yao approached Run Ge’er, Zhou’s youngest son, who was two years younger than her. She took a small wooden carving of a calf from her pouch and waved it temptingly before him.

“Call me Auntie, and this will be yours,” she coaxed.

Unable to resist the temptation, the little boy quickly abandoned his mother and stood in front of Xiao Yao. In his childish voice, he called, “Auntie.”

“Good boy.” Xiao Yao beamed with pride. She felt an inexplicable sense of elevation at her newfound status as an aunt.

“Ping’an, does being called Auntie make you happy?” Zhou teased, noticing how pleased her younger sister-in-law seemed.

“This is my first time being an elder. Please forgive me if I make any mistakes,” Xiao Yao replied modestly.

“You’re doing great. Just keep it up,” Tong Minglan said warmly. Simply being around her niece brought her joy.

While Xiao Yao and Run Ge’er played joyfully, the adults sat together discussing mundane matters. Madam Nuan occasionally glanced at Xiao Yao, observing how the little girl was fully engrossed in playing with her nephew, seemingly unconcerned with the conversations around her.

At around five or six years old, Xiao Yao resembled a budding flower. Madam Nuan believed that under her careful guidance, this flower would bloom magnificently.

Tong Mingyu, on the other hand, maintained her composure, treating the visit as an ordinary one. Madam Nuan’s satisfaction with both mother and daughter grew.

After an hour or so, Tong Mingyu prepared to take her leave. From her perspective, today’s attempt had likely failed.

“Don’t go, Auntie!” Run Ge’er clung to Xiao Yao’s sleeve, unwilling to let her leave.

“I’ll visit you another day, alright?” Tong Mingyu comforted him gently.

Before leaving, Xiao Yao smoothed her wrinkled clothes, patted her nephew’s head, and said, “You must listen to your mother. Otherwise, Auntie won’t come to play with you anymore, okay?”

Immediately, the boy, who was about to cry, obediently nodded with tears still in his eyes.

Had she been home, Xiao Yao would have bragged, “See? I can charm everyone, from eighty to three years old. Truly, a testament to my irresistible charm!”

Just as Tong Mingyu held Xiao Yao’s hand and turned to leave, Madam Nuan stood and said, “Miss Xiao, would you welcome me as a guest in your home?”

Everyone was momentarily stunned before realizing what this meant: Madam Nuan had chosen Xiao Yao.

“Of course! You’re very welcome,” Xiao Yao replied politely, unaware of the significance.

“Let’s set it for two days from now. I’ll visit the Xiao household then,” Madam Nuan said warmly, her demeanor much softer than before.

“I’ll join you,” Madam Wen added cheerfully.

“We’ll be eagerly awaiting your visit,” Tong Mingyu replied, finally snapping out of her disbelief. This unexpected turn of events was a delightful surprise!