Chapter 133: A Lot Has Changed in the Xie Household
After tossing Xie Anyi over to Wen Daotou and Jin Xiuyi, Wen Yao led Qiu Rongrong inside.
The moment Qiu Rongrong, elegant and regal with her entire aura practically shouting “I’m expensive,” stepped through the gate, she instantly drew everyone’s attention. As she and Wen Yao walked past, people quietly parted to make way.
“Your house is built really nicely.” Qiu Rongrong glanced around once she entered. Though there weren’t any flowers or landscaped rock features like those found in grand estates, the courtyard was clean and spacious.
As she walked, she commented, “Later I’ll have someone bring you some potted plants and decorative stones from my manor to spruce up the place.”
Wen Yao linked arms with her and smiled. “I can’t afford that.”
Qiu Rongrong nearly burst out laughing. She reached out and tapped Wen Yao’s cheek playfully. “You little miser. What money? I’ll just have them brought over from the estate. I noticed you’ve even left some space here—planning to plant trees? I have plenty on my estate, I’ll have someone dig a few up for you.”
Wen Yao pointed to the large circular flowerbed in the center of the courtyard and said, “There. I plan to plant a ginkgo tree there. When the leaves turn yellow and fall, it’ll be beautiful—and the nuts are edible too. My grandfather also planted persimmon trees in the back yard. When they ripen this year, I’ll invite you over for some.”
“Then I’ll hold you to that. I’m looking forward to those persimmons.”
The two chatted and laughed as they strolled. Soon enough, Old Madam Luo received word and came out to greet them.
“Lady Xie.” Old Madam Luo led her two daughters-in-law to pay their respects.
Qiu Rongrong quickly stepped forward and warmly took Old Madam Luo’s hands. “Granny Wen, you’re Wen Yao’s grandmother, and she and I are sworn sisters—you mustn’t be so formal with me.”
Old Madam Luo accepted her help up and didn’t fuss over the formalities. Smiling, she said, “We didn’t know you’d be coming today. The house is still in a mess. Let Wen Yao take you to the back courtyard. Doctor Jin and Manager Qiu are there already.”
She paused, then added, “No worries, I’ll have my two daughters-in-law accompany you.”
Qiu Rongrong understood this was Old Madam Luo helping her avoid suspicion.
“Granny Wen, no need for all that trouble. I’ll just stroll around with Wen Yao. You go about your business. Oh right, Qiao Yan,” she called out.
Qiao Yan immediately stepped forward.
“The gifts?” Qiu Rongrong asked.
“They’re here, Madam.” Qiao Yan pointed behind them at the coachman and a young attendant following close behind, both carrying armfuls of things.
Qiu Rongrong waved them over. “Look at me, getting caught up admiring the new house and forgetting the gifts. Granny Wen, just a few humble presents.”
Old Madam Luo’s mouth twitched slightly at the sight of all the big packages and fine fabrics. This was her eldest son’s household that had moved, not hers. But with so many people watching, if she were to protest now, it’d only give those watching a show. Old Madam Luo wasn’t one to make trouble for herself, so she simply smiled and said, “Oh, you! Coming was already enough—no need for gifts. Wen Yao, take good care of Lady Xie. You two,” she turned to the second and third daughters-in-law, “help those two young men carry the things into Wen Yao’s room.”
Lady Li and Lady Cai promptly stepped forward to help, leading the servants away.
When no one was paying attention, Old Madam Luo pulled Wen Yao to her side. Her face still wore a smile, but she barely moved her lips as she whispered, “What’s going on? With so many people here, I couldn’t refuse. You’re not upset, right?”
Wen Yao smiled back. “It’s fine. I’ll sort it out privately with Sister Qiu.”
Old Madam Luo breathed a sigh of relief, her smile widening even more. She heartily encouraged Qiu Rongrong to look around and showered Wen Yao with praise for the house’s design and construction, prompting her to give Qiu Rongrong a proper tour.
Once the two had left, Old Madam Luo finally relaxed.
At that moment, Little Old Madam Luo dared to inch over and whisper, “Sis… just now, that was…?”
“The madam of the Xie household. Now go greet the guests properly. Keep an eye out—don’t let anyone wander into the back courtyard without permission,” Old Madam Luo instructed softly.
Little Old Madam Luo looked stunned. Goodness. That little grandniece of hers was walking arm in arm with the lady of the Xie family. Anyone who didn’t know better would think they were real sisters.
“How did Wen Yao get so close with Lady Xie?” she muttered, unable to make sense of it.
“I’ll tell you later,” Old Madam Luo replied. And just like that, someone else came over, asking questions about Qiu Rongrong.
Old Madam Luo had to reveal Qiu Rongrong’s identity as Lady Xie, using the opportunity to issue a subtle warning to everyone present—not to get any funny ideas just because they saw a wealthy lady.
Back in the rear courtyard, Qiu Rongrong noticed the narrow strips of soil left beneath the courtyard walls and curiously asked, “Are you planning to plant flowers there? Want me to help you find seeds?”
Wen Yao invited her to sit. “I do plan to plant flowers, but I’ve already got the seeds. They’ll be beautiful—and delicious too.”
Lately, the success of Zui Xian Tower had been largely driven by Wen Yao’s new dishes. So the moment Qiu Rongrong heard the word “delicious,” her eyes practically lit up.
“What is it this time? What’ve you been secretly cooking up behind my back? I’m warning you now—whatever it is, you have to supply it to Zuixian first. Don’t you dare forget about me!” Qiu Rongrong said urgently.
Wen Yao burst into laughter. Leaning her cheek into her hand, she gazed at Qiu Rongrong and said, “Sister, do you know what you’re like right now?”
Qiu Rongrong blinked. “What?”
She reached up and touched her face. “Did I mess up my makeup? This is the trendiest look right now, you know.”
Wen Yao shook her head. “No, it’s not that. It’s just—you and the you I first met feel like two completely different people.”
She continued, “The first time I met you, you were a mother I deeply respected. Someone who dared defy convention for her child. The second time, you were a noble lady from a wealthy household, lofty and untouchable, though carrying a trace of helplessness. Now, you’re like a strong, elite woman, a business-savvy powerhouse with nothing but business on the brain.”
Qiu Rongrong was stunned for a moment, then let out a knowing laugh.
“It’s true. I used to think my life would always be confined to that little piece of sky. But then I met you. You were right—from the food they eat to the clothes they wear, even the money they use to support their relatives, it all came from me. So if they’re going to live off me, they’d better do it with the proper attitude.”
Wen Yao raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Sounds like a lot’s changed in the Xie household lately.”
Qiu Rongrong chuckled, and even Qiao Yan couldn’t help but laugh. “Miss Wen Yao, you don’t know—these past few days, Master Xie and the old madam have been absolutely fuming, but they can’t do a thing about Madam. The moment they make things difficult for her, she just claims she’s sick and stops managing anything. No one pays the household expenses, and everyone starts panicking. In the end, they still have to come groveling back.”
