Chapter 9: No Need to Search Hard, It Comes without Effort

It didn't seem quite right.

Song Sinian tapped his fingertips gently on the document, "Please arrange a meeting with Doctor Tian for me today."

"???"

Zhao Xi was shocked. Had their master actually taken the initiative to see a doctor?

Usually, they would drag their feet until it was absolutely necessary before seeing a doctor.

Perhaps... Lu Zhaozhao really could help their master!

For several days, Lu Zhaozhao hadn't seen Song Sinian again.

She had wanted to improve their relationship before school started, but now she couldn't even see him. How could she increase her favorability?

Lu Zhaozhao sighed and leaned against the arm of the single sofa in the living room with a pillow in her arms.

"Madam, this is a new dessert developed by the head chef, perfect for afternoon tea," Qian Hong said, placing the dessert brought by the servant on the table and pouring a cup of black tea for Lu Zhaozhao.

Since Xiao Jinglan came to the Song Family, Lu Zhaozhao had noticed Qian Hong being much kinder to her.

To be precise, the look in her eyes often carried a motherly affection.

Was it because of what she had said to Xiao Jinglan?

Lu Zhaozhao picked up a spoon and poked at the cake, feeling somewhat guilty.

Although what she had said was true, none of it could hurt her anymore since she had learned the truth.

She was not the biological daughter of the Lu Family; it was understandable they didn't love her, and she could let it go.

But, them scheming against her, that was a debt she definitely had to settle!

Lu Zhaozhao took another bite of the dessert before looking up at Qian Hong and said, "Aunt Qian, this dessert is really delicious—thank the head chef for me."

"Good, the head chef will be very happy to hear that. It's rare for the master of the house to praise his cooking skills." Qian Hong smiled with satisfaction.

The previous heads of the Song Family weren't particular about food; it was rare to have a madam who liked sweets and had a pleasant temperament, so the chefs were all very motivated.

"Aunt Qian, did Mr. Song say when he will be back?" Lu Zhaozhao put down her fork, picked up the teacup on the table, and casually asked.

Qian Hong thought for a moment, then carefully replied, "The master had to go on a sudden business trip, and the exact date of his return is not yet decided."

With them being newly married and Song Sinian having to travel for work, it was indeed a significant blow for Lu Zhaozhao, who had grown up in an unloving family.

Seeing the clearly disappointed Lu Zhaozhao, Qian Hong suddenly seemed to remember something and hurriedly brought over a stack of invitations.

"Madam, these invitations are for both the master and madam. Since the master is away on business and does not have time, madam can choose the events she wishes to attend."

Lu Zhaozhao blankly accepted the dozen or so invitations.

This was something she had never encountered in her past life.

In her previous life at the Song Mansion, Xiao Jinglan monopolized everything, and even though she lived with Song Sinian, she was also tormented by Liao Yan.

Reflecting on it, although she was Mrs. Song in her previous life, she had never truly possessed the rights of Mrs. Song.

Lu Zhaozhao briefly flipped through the invitations, then her gaze suddenly paused.

This was an invitation to a nationally sensational auction!

The difficult search was over without any effort.

Naturally, Qian Hong noticed Lu Zhaozhao's gaze and asked softly, "Madam, would you like to attend this art auction?"

Lu Zhaozhao snapped out of it and nodded. She handed the invitation in her hand to Qian Hong, "Aunt Qian, could you help me arrange this?"

Qian Hong smiled broadly, "Of course, madam. If there are any items you like, you can bid in the name of the Song Family, and someone will settle the payment afterwards."

Lu Zhaozhao waved her hands repeatedly, "No need, no need, I actually just want to go and take a look..."

Qian Hong immediately understood that Lu Zhaozhao probably did not want to attract too much attention.

After all, she had not previously attended many social gatherings in the Beijing Circle.

Qian Hong nodded, "Then everything will be according to madam's wish."

"Um, thank you, Aunt Qian."

...

As evening fell and the lights began to glow.

Song Mansion.

Old Master Song was sitting on the living room sofa, his white-flecked eyebrows tightly knitted as he stared at Xiao Jinglan, "Last time I asked you to go check on Sinian, why did he go on a business trip right after your visit? And stayed away for so long?"

...

Xiao Jinglan was at a loss for words.

Her last visit to Sinian's house had been a complete disaster.

This old coot never bothered to visit himself and, after sending her, he still wanted her to take the blame.

Was he not clear about what kind of person Sinian was?

Xiao Jinglan wanted to curse Old Master Song hundreds of times in her heart, but she maintained a warm and gentle smile on her face.

"Father, Sinian might just have been busy..."

"Busy with what? Don't I know the situation at the company?" Old Master Song's cane thudded heavily on the ground as he spoke.

"A mere butler previously dared to complain to the master at the Song Mansion, how are you running this household? Can't you even manage a few servants?"

Xiao Jinglan's delicate nails clenched tightly in her palm as she lowered her head and said, "Sorry, father, I didn't know the butler was so audacious. She hid her intentions too well…"

Old Master Song clearly was not buying that excuse, he snorted, "Humph! Hid it well? Do you realize my daughter-in-law almost slipped through our fingers?!"

If it wasn't for Qian Hong reporting Lu Zhaozhao's situation, he would have never known that a mere butler dared to have the owner sleep in the guest bedroom!

Given Sinian's condition, he definitely would not inquire; rounded up, he's almost missed the chance to hold a great-grandchild!

...

Xiao Jinglan's mouth twitched, her head bowed even lower.

Who was it that immediately wanted to get rid of Lu Zhaozhao upon hearing she had ill intentions?

Now that he knew the butler was meddling, he suddenly referred to her as "daughter-in-law."

Xiao Jinglan felt her anger rising the more she thought about it.

She knew Old Master Song cared most about Sinian; even though she had served him faithfully for so many years, his favor had never shifted from Sinian to her.

Xiao Jinglan took a deep breath, "Father, don't be mad. Sinian's wife is so clever, maybe in a few days he will bring her back to the old mansion."

Although she said this, she knew the likelihood was almost zero.

Sinian never visited the mansion on his own initiative. Even when he did, it was just awkward, and Old Master Song had no idea how to communicate with him.

On this thought, if it weren't for Sinian's illness, she, the second wife, would have been driven out soon after her son's death.

Xiao Jinglan's eyes narrowed, remembering the completely different attitudes Old Master Song had towards her and Lu Zhaozhao, a fierce gleam flashed in her eyes.

"Father, I heard Sinian will attend a banquet in Nanjing tomorrow. How about I arrange for Zhaozhao to go there, so the young couple can meet? It would also be a good opportunity for her to establish her presence in the circle as Mrs. Song, what do you think?"