Chapter 22: Meng Ning Asks About the Past

Madam Fu Tingxiu is indeed Fu Tingxiu's mother, Fang Qiong. She has been worried sick about Fu Tingxiu's marriage and has almost resorted to matchmaking. Fu Tingxiu didn't even inform his family when he got married; if it weren't for Fu Boxuan accidentally letting it slip, Fang Qiong would still be in the dark.

Fang Qiong peeked inside, anxious to see what her daughter-in-law looked like. Fu Tingxiu quickly grabbed her arm to stop her from going in, lowering his voice, "Mom, why didn't you give us a heads-up before coming?"

Now regretting letting Fu Boxuan find a house, Fu Tingxiu knew his younger brother's mouth was like a leaky sieve.

Fang Qiong gave Fu Tingxiu a withering look and scolded, "You didn't even tell us about getting married. I came to see my daughter-in-law, not you."

Fu Tingxiu was at a loss for words.

"Don't scare her..."

"I know, I'm not a monster. Look at how nervous you are." Fang Qiong couldn't stop smiling, eager to see just what her daughter-in-law was capable of to make her usually clueless son so nervous.

Mengning, having breakfast inside, could hear Fu Tingxiu talking outside with someone, but she couldn't quite make out who or what they were talking about. Curious, she walked over and called out, "Fu Tingxiu."

When Mengning saw Fu Tingxiu arguing with a stylishly dressed lady, she became even more puzzled.

Fang Qiong's eyes lit up when she saw Mengning, and she exclaimed, "So beautiful, as fresh as a flower."

Fang Qiong had taken an immediate liking to Mengning upon first sight; she was thoroughly satisfied and found her to be very pleasing.

Confused, Mengning looked at Fu Tingxiu.

"This is..." Fu Tingxiu began.

"A distant relative. According to the seniority, you can call me Auntie." Fang Qiong chuckled, saving her son from further embarrassment. She had learned from her younger son, Fu Boxuan, that her elder son had deceived his wife by claiming both parents were deceased.

If the truth were to come out, it would be disastrous for her son's reputation. She couldn't afford to lose her daughter-in-law, so she decided to pay a visit herself.

Fu Tingxiu glanced at his mother and smirked. "Mengning, call her Auntie. Auntie, this is my wife, Mengning."

Another distant relative popping up?

Upon hearing that it was a distant relative, Mengning warmly said, "Auntie, please come inside and have a seat."

Mengning really had no idea about Fu Tingxiu's extended family. Last time it was a distant younger brother, now it was an aunt.

Fang Qiong automatically ignored the "aunt" part and just took it as Mengning calling her "mom."

Fang Qiong was overjoyed. She had been worried that her two sons had conspired to deceive her. Therefore, she came to see for herself. Now that she had met her daughter-in-law, she felt reassured.

Mengning poured water for Fang Qiong, saying, "Auntie, have some water." Later, she washed fruits for Fang Qiong and said, "Auntie, have some fruits." Fang Qiong smiled broadly and said, "Ning'er, don't tire yourself out. Sit down and rest for a while. If there's anything to do, let Xiaoxiu do it. Men need to be trained; don't spoil him too much. I heard you two got married, and I'm very happy for you."

With that, Fang Qiong took off a jade bracelet from her wrist. "I was in a hurry when I left home and didn't bring much. Take this jade bracelet as a wedding gift from me. You must accept it."

Mengning was a jewelry designer, familiar with jade despite not being able to afford expensive materials. She immediately recognized the bracelet's value. "Auntie, this is too precious. I can't accept it," Mengning said, pleasantly surprised.

"What's so precious about it? I have plenty at home," Fang Qiong insisted, placing the bracelet on Mengning's wrist. "See, it suits you perfectly, complements your complexion."

Mengning felt uneasy. Fu Tingxiu intervened, "Please accept it. Auntie's heartfelt gesture."

Despite feeling burdened, Mengning insisted, "Auntie, I really can't accept it. I appreciate your blessings. Please keep the bracelet."

Seeing Mengning's firm refusal, Fang Qiong was even more pleased. "Okay, I'll keep it for now. I'll pass it on to you two later."

Mengning didn't understand why a distant relative like Fu Tingxiu should inherit such a valuable jade bracelet instead of someone closer. She didn't press the matter further.

Concerned about Fang Qiong's excessive warmth, Fu Tingxiu found an excuse to see her off shortly afterward. Fang Qiong left reluctantly, advising Fu Tingxiu not to mistreat his wife and urging him to bring her back to the Fu family soon.

Fu Tingxiu replied calmly, "There's no rush."

Fang Qiong persisted, "Son, you can't let past deceits..."

Fu Tingxiu's expression turned cold, cutting her off, "Mom, you should go back."

Realizing she touched on a sensitive topic, Fang Qiong stopped talking and left in her car.

While Fu Tingxiu escorted Fang Qiong out, Mengning stayed home to clean up. When Fu Tingxiu returned, she had just finished.

"I'll be setting up the stall at five this afternoon. I'm going to see my mom now and will be back this afternoon."

Mengning hadn't visited her mother in a few days and had something to discuss with her. Fu Tingxiu had his own matters to attend to, so Mengning drove back alone.

Meng's mother was off today and was delighted to see Mengning return home.

"Xiaoning, why are you back alone? Where's your husband?" Meng's mother asked as Mengning entered the house, changing into slippers.

"He has something to attend to," Mengning replied. "Yesterday, I remembered something vague again. I'm not sure, but during my depression, did I forget something really important? Mom, did I forget something?"

Upon hearing this, Meng's mother's face turned pale. She stammered, "You're overthinking again. Didn't I tell you before? You were falsely accused of plagiarism, and with that person named Gu Changming going abroad, it shocked you and made you sick. You haven't mentioned this in a long time. Why are you bringing it up again?"