She found it strange herself. Just yesterday, she had felt so awkward speaking with her in-laws and grandfather. Yet now, gathered together in one room, she felt only warmth and affection. It was a world away from the rigid rules of her family home, and her mood was incredibly relaxed.
The lively conversation continued until it was time to light the lamps. Li Mingrui was still in the middle of his old tales, but Mrs. Gao's eyelids were growing heavy. Unable to stay awake any longer, she leaned against Li Changyu's shoulder, her head bobbing.
Li Changyu shot his grandfather an apologetic smile, then rose and helped her back to their room, calling for a maid to come and wait on her.
The maids and matrons were baffled by Mrs. Gao's behavior. 'Her personal servants were just dismissed by the Young Master,' they thought. 'Shouldn't she be begging him to reconsider, or trying to find a way to bring Nanny Wang and the other three back? How can she act like nothing even happened?'
