514

. He silently told himself to just let go of this girl. The hospital gown was white and blue, and on her it was incredibly alluring, making her frame appear even more delicate. With the collar open, t...She didn't know when he had carried her back to bed, but the moment he gently woke her up, a delicious smell filled her nose. She was so hungry that she woke up quickly.

He said, “Eat first, then sleep.”

But after dinner, she didn't want to sleep anymore. She didn't want to be a pig.

She had put on some clean clothes, she didn't know when they had been sent over. She nestled in his arms, let out a little yawn, and leaned against him, quietly watching the hot spring pool outside.

This place is well-designed, with some bamboo transplanted here. Just looking at it, it's a sight of verdant green, very pleasing to the eye. As she slowly savored the view, taking advantage of this rare quiet time, she also took the opportunity to have a light meal.

Then, he brought up the matter of returning to Rong's home to be the head of the household.

It's best to deal with things promptly. He wanted to resolve the matters at hand quickly; dragging them out was not his style. Besides, he had to go back, and he couldn't hide it from her anyway. It was better to tell her sooner rather than later so she would have an idea of what was going on.

She heard that this matter was related to Li Lanqiu again. Although she felt uncomfortable, because of the change in her mood, she didn't feel too upset, nor did she argue with him. She just muttered a few words to herself and didn't expect a reply.

“Before, wasn’t it said that there were some foreigners who wanted to hunt her down, asking her to hand over drugs If she could help Third Uncle, it seems like this path might still be possible. But I think people involved with drugs are all very vicious. When you deal with her, you must be extra careful.”

He hadn't expected that she had already thought this far ahead. He hadn't hidden anything about Li Lanqiu's affairs, even the events leading up to her suicide. He hadn't imagined she would think in that direction. In a way, it was better this way, so she wouldn't be insecure and prone to overthinking. Besides——

His eyes suddenly lit up, and he felt that she had given him a clue. If they could pin it on drugs, that wouldn't be a bad ending.

"Rong Qikeng went to Africa because of you. If you go back to the Rong family, you have to be careful about Du Caixin and her family. And all those people in the family who have clashed with you before, you have to be careful too. The Rong family is too big, with too many people, so it's easy for things to happen. Especially now that so many powerful people are besieging the Rong family, if you go back like this, you will be attacked from both inside and outside, it will be very hard!"

His eyes gradually softened, eventually becoming like two cups of warm wine, gently swirling with a faint aroma.

"Hmm." He replied softly, feeling a warmth spread through him at her concern. It was as if his entire body had been energized, a strange and indescribable sense of comfort washing over him, as if every pore on his skin had opened up.

He just likes the way she cares about him.

Turning his head, he kissed her temple lovingly.

She said again, "I think you'd be better off going back and using some younger people. Nurture those you trust and put them in important positions. That way, you won't be stabbed in the back. You can also deal with outsiders with peace of mind. You see, if you don't do anything, that's fine. But if you really go back to be the head of the family, you'll definitely do a good job and won't be looked down upon. To fight off external threats, you must first stabilize your internal affairs. If you don't settle things internally first, then you'll be busy on both ends, and you'll be the one who gets tired!"

He smiled softly, holding her close, his eyes full of admiration.

"Little one, you and I are on the same page. Tell me, what else have you thought of I'm all ears."

She paused for a moment, but didn't feel any embarrassment about saying all this in front of him, and continued.

"I see, your Uncle Seven is quite capable and has a high standing. You should consider using him more. If you could get his full support, things in Anning would be much easier. I also sense he seems to have some good feelings towards you. And your father... uh—"

She quickly changed her tune, saying lightly, “There’s also Rong Wu. He has great abilities and after all, he sat in that position before. For matters outside the family, you can ask him for help. I think that although he can be a bit senile, when it comes to major family and company affairs, he shouldn't follow his senility. As for internal matters, don't involve him. Try your best to keep him out of it. With his family, their relationships are complex and entangled. If he gets involved, there will definitely be trouble. As for Rong Liu, I was thinking that after you return, just don’t give him a good face. Isn't there a saying, “kill the chicken to scare the monkey” You and Rong Liu already have such a big conflict, both of you dislike each other, so it’s not something that can be resolved by simply making peace. So, it might as well just remain like this, in conflict. If you directly kick him out and let him stay at home, firstly, it prevents him from causing trouble for you with his discordant heart and face, and secondly, it serves as a deterrent, showing the Rong family what will happen if they offend you, Rong Ling. It also prevents them from acting recklessly. As for Rong Si……”

Counting on her fingers, she went through each member of the Rong family she had ever come into contact with. Her way of counting on her fingers was undeniably childish, like that of a young child. Her tone of voice was soft and sweet, with the petulance of a little girl, yet every word that came out of her mouth was laced with shrewdness. Nearly every sentence hit the nail on the head!

Her intelligence and farsightedness impressed him once again.

And he was thankful that he had brought her over so early, and thankful that she didn't have grand ambitions, nor a complicated social circle. Otherwise, if her intelligence were to be used in the business world, he wouldn't know how many powerful opponents he would face! Smart men are discerning, a woman who is both intelligent and beautiful, and can bring them great wealth and fortune, is someone no man would easily let go of.

But she, is already his!

He chuckled, and for a moment, his joy seemed that of a young man who couldn't contain his excitement.

She pouted, her face slightly flushed. "Did I say it wrong!"

Then he glared at him defiantly. "I said it poorly, and you're not allowed to smile at me."

He immediately hugged her.

"What a wonderful thing, you said it so well. My little sweetheart, how amazing are you!"

"Hee hee..."

She burst into laughter, her eyes sparkling with delight. Though slightly embarrassed by the praise, she accepted it graciously.

The two chatted and joked, unknowingly letting time slip away. He asked her where she wanted to go, and he took her there.

"I want to buy a present for Mom. What do you think I should get her"

"How did you suddenly think of buying a gift for Mom"

"When I went out today, it was Mom who looked after Youyou and Haohuo, wasn't it And usually, Mom takes care of everything at home, she works very hard!"

But he was secretly delighted. Hearing her speak so calmly, it seemed her departure was different from what he had imagined. He replied in a seemingly nonchalant tone.

"That's the grandson, Mom is happy to take care of him. As for Youyou and Haohuo, you just came out like that without even saying hello. Be careful those two little ones think you don't want them."

"How is that possible!" she retorted casually. "I'm just out for a bit, I'll still be back at night, they wouldn't just make things up, would they!"

ok, the correct answer is in hand!

It seems like Mom tricked him. He said, this woman can't just walk away from him.

Whatever!

He's not really paying attention. He was just scammed, so he doesn't have the mood to help Mom buy a gift!

She listened to his tone and realized something was wrong. After a moment's thought, she sat up in his arms and turned around, kneeling before him.

"Rong Ling, you wouldn't be angry with Mom, would you! Mom slapped you that time, even though she was angry, the most important thing was to stand up for me. Let me tell you, don't hold a grudge against Mom!"

This kind of anger is pointless. He's angry because his mom used him to scare someone!

But since she's already said so, let's just do it that way.

"It's okay, I'm not angry!" That's that.

"Are you really not angry" she held his face, looking at him carefully, and then spoke softly about the sadness he felt after being hit by Rong Mama, as well as his anxiety.

He didn't look angry at all, so she laughed.

"Since you yourself said you're not angry anymore, then after you go back, don't ignore Mom. You must smile when you should, and you mustn't frown or be perfunctory!"

He chuckled.

I've never seen such a well-supporting mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.

"Alright, alright, I'll do whatever you say."

She was delighted, thought for a moment, and then suggested.

"Otherwise, let's go buy some jade. Older people look dignified and wealthy when they wear jade, and it's said that jade can be beneficial to health. Hee hee, let's go together and pick out a piece. Then we can say that we bought it together as a gift. When Mom sees this present, she'll definitely understand that you're not really angry with her, and she'll be very happy."

This is much better than just saying you're not angry.

Rong Ling went with the flow, doing whatever she said. He just wanted her to smile more and have more fun, so he made a suggestion about their next destination.

"I think we should go take a look around the antique city, you can find some great treasures there!"

"Wow You can tell antiques apart!" She was immediately surprised, her beautiful eyes twinkling like stars as she looked at him with admiration.

How could he possibly have that much ability!

He smiled and tousled her hair. "Just a bit of skin deep knowledge, but there's someone who knows it inside out. If we ask him for help, we're sure to find some good stuff!"

She was instantly excited. In fact, she was interested in anything mysterious or intriguing. The thrill of treasure hunting itself appealed to her, and the stories hidden within those ancient objects fascinated her.

"Great, great! Let's go play there!"

She perked up, scrambling to her feet and pulling at him again, like a child eager to play. She started asking curious questions, wanting to know who the person he had mentioned was. But he kept a mysterious air about him, refusing to divulge anything. He only said that it was someone she knew, and she would find out when she went there.

Just like that, she kept guessing all the way and arrived at a well-known antique city in the city. Then, at the entrance of the antique city, she saw someone she absolutely didn't expect.

"Ah Xu, how is it you!"

He was always bouncing around, like a restless monkey. How could he possibly be the master that Rong Ling described She suspected Shi Yu, she suspected Xiao Kuang, she suspected Chen Zhi, and even Elder Yan. In fact, she had guessed everyone she knew who seemed relatively calm. Because in her opinion, someone who truly understood this art must be able to keep a cool head. But how could it be Yu Xu!

Yu Xu still didn't have a proper demeanor. Compared to those masters in the antique world who had accepted interviews, he looked nothing alike. Hearing Lin Meng say this, he dramatically covered his chest with one hand and protested.

"Mengmeng, you're not happy to see me Or have I become repulsive to you Ah—" he howled. "No, no!"

In fact, if his voice were just a little softer, he would sound exactly like a delicate young woman being teased by a bully.

Lin laughed out loud at the sight of him acting so strangely.

Yu Xu became even more eccentric and let out a shout.

"No, Mengmeng—"

Just spread his arms wide and rushed towards her, about to give her a hug, but was kicked away unceremoniously by Rong Ling with one foot.

"Go away and leave her alone!"

Yu Xu dodged like a monkey, quickly evading the attack. He then gave Lin Meng a series of sly glances, muttering some boastful words.

"Big Brother, are you jealous of me Jealous that I can make Mengmeng laugh. Humph, even if you don't speak, I know you are jealous. You're red with envy, red with envy, red with envy! Big Brother, actually you don't have to be so jealous. This way, if you give me a little favor, I'm willing to share my true skills and teach you how to do it. What do you say"

As she spoke, Chao Rong's expression turned disdainful and she raised an eyebrow at him.

Rong Ling raised a foot, ready to kick again.

Yu Xu immediately jumped back, quickly assuming a defensive stance. He clasped his hands together in front of his chest, slightly lowered his knees, and spread his legs slightly, striking a pose reminiscent of an ancient warrior. Against the backdrop of the antique building behind him, it did have a certain flair. But if only his clothing wasn't so modern and trendy.

His short-sleeved shirt had a huge ghost face on the front. He was wearing ripped jeans underneath, going for a Korean trendy style. They were really baggy, like a sack. He had a belt around his waist that jangled with a bunch of antique pendants hanging from it.

This is not an antique appraiser at all, this looks like a modern young man who spends his days eating, drinking, and having fun!

Looking at him like this, who would think he has anything in his belly!

He was still grinning!

"Ah Xu, what's with your outfit Hmm..."

She deliberately stopped talking.

Yu Xu winked at her, grinning. "What Bewitched by the little master's handsomeness and charm!"

"Who are you calling 'young master'!"

Rong Ling glared at him with a cold stare, his face stern.

Yu Xu realized he had gone too far. He immediately stopped and stood straight, forcing a smile at Rong Ling, trying to cover up his mistake.

But Rong Ling was kicking with his foot again.

"Stop laughing, it's useless. I'm giving you a chance to redeem yourself, go, lead the way ahead!"

Yu Xu immediately smiled.

"Okay!"

He dodged another kick, darting away like a monkey. He led the way ahead.

"Mengmeng, are you alright Master——er—" he quickly changed his words, then gave Rong Ling a sheepish smile and winked at Lin Meng, "I'll get something fun for you in a bit!"

"Great!" Lin Meng replied excitedly, allowing Rong Ling to take her hand and follow him.

"Axu, I haven't finished what I was saying. Don't you want to hear it"

Yu Xu touched his nose and looked pitiful.

"Go ahead and say it!"

Then, she added softly, “I know, it's probably not something nice to hear.”

"You're wrong!" Lin Meng reached out and gave him a hearty clap on the shoulder, exuding an air of boldness.

"I said, you are—"

She glanced around, then leaned close to his ear and whispered.

"Such a hidden gem!"

She also knew some taboos about collecting antiques, that is, you couldn't let others know that you were too skilled. Otherwise, there would be no way to find good and cheap deals. So, when it came to these four words, she purposely lowered her voice.

Yu Xu was so excited that his eyes lit up and he smiled broadly. He impulsively flung his arms open to hug Lin Meng, but Rong Ling glared at him with a cold stare, stopping him.

He changed to haha laugh.

"Mengmeng, you've always had a sharp eye for talent. Wait and see, I'm going to show you something amazing today!"

Lin Meng immediately rushed to him and gave him a thumbs up.

Yu Xu is so beautiful, if he had wings, just looking at him like this, he could fly to the heavens!

However, Lin Meng soon understood why Yu Xu was dressed like that. He acted like a rich second-generation who had just entered the antique street with money in his hand. He knew something, but it was superficial and he talked more than he asked. When the antique sellers saw this, they thought, "Here comes another one to be taken advantage of." With an attitude of looking down on him and wanting to fool him, the sellers naturally became enthusiastic, and the prices were easy to negotiate.

Nowadays, this antique street is flooded with fakes, and some are so good that they can fool even experts. So, even self-proclaimed experts can make mistakes in their appraisals. Many of the vendors selling here don't even trust their own wares, hoping to deceive at least someone who comes by. If they encounter a discerning buyer, they might offer to hold the item for them, hoping it's genuine and then they can find a way to sell it at a higher price. In essence, everything sold on the first floor of this antique market is mixed and varied. For those unfamiliar with antiques, entering this place often means being taken advantage of.

Yu Xu was definitely not a fool. He acted like one, but inside he was cunning and shrewd. His eyesight was sharp; among a pile of counterfeits, he saw the genuine article that the seller had overlooked. He remained silent, still pretending to be naive and foolish, acting like an utter outsider. In the end, it seemed as if he had been tricked by the seller, buying several fake items, but in reality, he also managed to snag the genuine one. Sometimes, he would chat with the seller, using his "outsider" boldness to single-handedly acquire the real goods.

These were all some insider information that Rong Ling and Yu Xu had told her later. She could be considered to have broadened her horizons.

Yu Xu knew some people here and, after getting acquainted with them, took one of them to a shop that was significantly larger than the stalls. As soon as they stepped inside, the shopkeeper stealthily pulled him aside.

I saw you from afar, are you pretending to be a pig eating a tiger again Tell me, what good things have you found again Show it to me!

"No, the stuff I got today isn't for you. It's already been allocated!"

That man who looked to be in his forties immediately rubbed his hands together, looking quite disappointed. However, he turned around and continued to pester Yu Xu for him to take out the treasure so he could have a look. He wanted to broaden his horizons.

Yu Xu looked at Lin Meng with a questioning expression. Lin Meng naturally wanted to broaden his horizons, so he nodded. Immediately, several people went into the inner room. Yu Xu took out the treasure and put the fake aside. He explained the real one.

Lin Meng was half-understanding, after all, not many people in this line of work knew much about it. However, looking at the shopkeeper's envious face, he gave Yu Xu a thumbs up, praising him again and again, swallowing his saliva fiercely, and pestering Yu Xu to help him. He offered Yu Xu a monthly salary of six digits, excluding commissions, which made Lin Meng deeply feel that Yu Xu was really capable.

Yu Xu naturally refused, and the shopkeeper didn't seem very disappointed. It seemed that he had been rejected many times before.

Yu Xu led Lin Meng through the shop, introducing her to some knowledge about appreciating antiques and giving her a general overview of antiques from different eras. The shop owner had a rich collection, basically covering all dynasties.

This trip, Lin Meng gained knowledge, received gifts, and glimpsed a small corner of the antique world. It was a very rewarding experience. Among the antiques she found, there was a Ming Dynasty ladies' hand warmer, beautifully crafted, which she loved deeply. There was also a pair of porcelain dolls from the Qing Qianlong period, a boy and a girl, plump and round, with postures that were cute and endearing. Looking at them made her heart melt. When she went back, she could give them to her two little ones.

As for the jade bracelets, they were bought on the second floor where there was a dedicated jade section. As always, it was Yu Xu who chose the goods, and after he recommended a few, Lin Meng picked one to buy. Since everyone had already come here, it was naturally impossible to only buy for Rong Mama. Rong Ling insisted that Lin Meng pick out a pair as well. Lin Meng said she wasn't used to wearing them and didn't want them, but Rong Ling argued that even if she wasn't used to wearing them, they could be bought to collect.

He loved to constantly add more and more to her jewelry collection!

He took a look around, made his own decision, and picked out a pair for her. Lin Mengqiang couldn't argue with him, and she knew he wasn't short on money. Seeing how insistent he was, she smiled sweetly and accepted them.

And finally, of course, we must thank Yu Xu, our hard-working young master, who has been working the hardest this afternoon.

"Come on, Ah Xu, what did you have your eye on I'll buy it for you!"

Yu Xu smiled cheekily. "If you really want to thank me, then come out for dinner with us tonight. We haven't gotten together in a while."

"That's no problem at all!" she replied cheerfully. "A meal is a meal, and showing gratitude is showing gratitude, they are two different things. Come on, what did you have your eye on"

"Heh heh, I've got my eye on tonight's dinner gathering, nothing else compares! Loyalty is priceless, that's what I value. I dragged you along today, dreaming of it, you were eating off of my face, heh heh. At the time, in front of my buddies, I'll be looking really good!"

What kind of twisted logic is this!

Lin Meng laughed.

Since he said so, she didn't insist any further. After all, they were family, no need to be so polite.

After that, they parted ways with Yu Xu temporarily. Lin Meng first went home with Rong Ling to return things to Rong's mother and also to personally go back and comfort her. Then she brought Rong's mother and the two children out to meet up at the agreed place.

When Mom got home, she saw that her son and daughter-in-law had returned together. The daughter-in-law was beaming, and her son also seemed to be in a good mood. Her heart filled with joy. It seemed like her son had won over his wife.

"Mengmeng, you're back!"

Mom smiled and greeted him, raising her voice at the same time.

"Yoyo, Haohuo, your mommy is back!"

Soon, two little kids dashed out of the kitchen and ran towards Lin Meng happily. These two were probably eating cake, with cream still smeared on their mouths, neither of them bothered to wipe it clean.

"Mom explained, 'I don't know when you guys are coming back yet. I was worried the two of them might be hungry, so I gave them some cake first.'"

She unintentionally revealed her deep knowledge that Lin Meng would return. However, she was usually quite careless and didn't think there was anything wrong with her words. She happily pulled Lin Meng along. Seeing that she was holding a small box in her hand, while Rong Ling had several bags in his, she smiled and asked Lin Meng what she bought, engaging in some mother-in-law and daughter-in-law heart-to-heart talk.

The two little ones obediently took an item from Rong Ling's hands each, helping to share the burden of their father. Because their mommy had said that no matter what happens, they as a family should share the responsibilities together. But their daddy also said that men are supposed to protect women, and mothers need to be cherished, so they should shoulder more for their mommy.

"Daddy, this is so heavy! What's inside" Little YouYou felt the weight in her hand, but since she couldn't tell what it was from the packaging, she tilted her head and asked.

"Your mom bought you presents!"

Oh, really!

Two little ones chirped with delight, carefully holding their presents, they followed their mommy's footsteps with happy giggles.

First, it was a gift for Mom Rong. It was a pale green bracelet with some ink-green clouds floating inside, which looked very elegant. When put on Mom Rong's hand, it also looked particularly good. Mom Rong herself liked it very much and kept praising Mengmeng's good eye. Mengmeng didn't dare to take credit alone, she explained that she had Yu Xu's help and also pointed out that it was chosen together with Rong Ling, so this bracelet also contained her son's heart.

Seeing this, the mother laughed even more delightedly. As Lin Meng finished explaining, she looked at Rong Ling, and to her surprise, the son who was usually reluctant to give praise gave a compliment.

"Mom, this suits you so well, it looks good!"

This really makes her beautiful, she's so stunning you can't tell which way is north, south, east or west.

The two little ones were also sweet-mouthed, with Qiqi saying it looked good and that it suited grandma. Children's innocent words are the most endearing to the elderly, making mom laugh so hard her mouth couldn't close later.

When it was time for the two little ones to see each other's gifts, the two white porcelain chubby dolls instantly captured their hearts. Eagerly wanting them both, the two little ones simultaneously extended their delicate white hands and touched the female doll wearing a bib.

This scene, Lin Meng had anticipated it, so she watched calmly, wanting to see how the two little guys would handle it.

Xiao Hao saw that Xiao Youyou was also holding the same thing and immediately withdrew his hand and grabbed a male doll. Unexpectedly, Xiao Youyou's hand also grabbed the male doll.

Little Hao hurriedly said, "I like male dolls, I want this one!"

"This one I like, the girl doll is yours!"

"Brother, I like this, give it to me!" Little Haohao stared with puppy-dog eyes and acted cute towards Little Youyou.

Little Youyou pursed his lips and tucked the little girl into his arms.

"I still don't know you, take this! You'll like this more!"

Little Hao twisted his body and hid, shouting in a childish voice. "No, no, this one is for my older brother, for my older brother!"

Xiaoyouyou offered it for a while, but Xiaohuaohua kept refusing to take it. So Xiaoyouyou took her hand back and put the doll back beside the boy doll.

"Okay, then, let's all just give up!"

He said with a cold face, as if angry.

Little Hao panicked, puckered his lips and softly called out, "Brother." Seeing that Little Youyou was still frowning, he came over and hugged one of Little Youyou's arms, keeping his lips pressed together without speaking. He just stared at him intently, his eyes showing a stubbornness. It seemed like if Little Youyou didn't let go, he wouldn't either.

Just then, Little Youyou suddenly burst into giggles.

Got you!

He shouted loudly, and banged his head hard against Xiao Haohuo's forehead. "Bang!" After that, Xiao Haohuo's eyes immediately lit up, he let go of his hand, and started to laugh.

"We're giving this girl doll to Mommy. You want a sister, and I want a sister too, so let's give the doll to Mommy so she can have a baby sister sooner!" Xiaoyou had already made up her mind deep down, and then added: "As for this boy doll, we'll keep it together."

Xiao Hao immediately responded with a "Mhm" and nodded vigorously. Seeing Xiao Youyou offer the girl doll to Lin Meng, Xiao Hao's heart skipped a beat. He picked up the boy doll and followed suit.

"Mommy, here you go, so you can have a little sister!"

The little boy approached with great care, as if he were handing over a precious child, and presented the doll to Lin Meng.

Mom laughed and nodded over there, praising YuYu and HaoHao repeatedly for being good kids.

As an elderly person, naturally one hopes for many grandchildren. And speaking of having both sons and daughters, the family is just missing a daughter. Madam Rong genuinely hopes for the birth of her granddaughter.

Rong Ling, seeing this, smiled. It was clear that he was also very pleased with the outcome.

Lin Meng was teased by this family, young and old. Two faint red clouds flew onto her face. Unable to resist the eager eyes of the little ones, she stretched out her hand, cupped her palm, and took the plump baby girl over. Just then, Xiao Haohao also suddenly held the baby boy up and placed it in Lin Meng's hands, saying happily to himself at the top of his lungs.

"Let's have another baby boy, and a pair of beautiful twins!"

This boy's voice suddenly became incredibly loud, almost unlike himself. However, he seemed strangely excited about his own idea, grinning widely, revealing a set of white teeth and eyes that were nearly obscured by his smile.

Mother was taken aback, she suddenly slapped her own leg and burst into laughter.

"Good, good! Twins are twins. Just right, it's a blessing of the dragon and phoenix, double happiness!"ed daydream. From the moment she was conscious, until now, no one has ever treated her as well as he did, so she got close to him so easily and foolishly wanted to rely on him. But he's a heaven-sent...