Qingmu just smiled at Liu Yunlan, his expression seeming to say, 'See? I was right, wasn't I? You don't need to worry at all. This is just how our family is.'
Liu Yunlan did indeed feel a warmth in her heart. Thanks to the kind nature of her parents-in-law and sister-in-law, she felt none of the apprehension and caution expected of a new bride. That, combined with Qingmu's attentiveness, made her feel as if she were already a true member of the family—very close to Juhua and her in-laws.
She smiled at Juhua. "Your brother said so, too."
With that, she and Juhua led Laishou into the house. Mrs. Wang was in the middle of setting out the bowls and chopsticks; the two elderly great-aunts had already returned home.
After a cheerful dinner, Qingmu and Liu Yunlan lingered at his parents' home for a while longer. They did some needlework and chatted idly until Mrs. Yang urged them to leave, at which point the couple returned to the west wing to rest.
