Chapter 27: He Knew Instantly It Was Her Doing

An hour later, Mu Yinyin arrived at the old Fu family residence.

Liang Min had been waiting in the living room for some time. The moment the butler opened the door and Mu Yinyin appeared on the threshold, Liang Min’s face lit up with delight. She rose quickly from the sofa and hurried to Mu Yinyin’s side. “Yinyin, you’re finally here!”

Liang Min stood at about one meter sixty. Age had softened her figure, and she wore a deep red loungewear set that made her look especially prosperous. Most of her hair had turned white, and she kept it trimmed short for ease. Yet despite her sixty-nine years, nothing had diminished her robust health. She needed no cane, walked with ease, and even stairs posed no problem.

Mu Yinyin stepped inside with a gentle smile. The butler took the gifts she’d brought, and she let Liang Min draw her over to the sofa.

“The traffic was a bit heavy,” Mu Yinyin said, her voice warm.

Liang Min adjusted her reading glasses, holding Mu Yinyin’s hand and refusing to let go. A soft smile played at her lips. “That’s all right, as long as you’re here. Yinyin, do you have time tonight? Why not stay? Grandma hasn’t seen you in so long.”

Mu Yinyin hesitated, her gaze faltering in embarrassment. “I’m sorry, Grandma. I have some things to take care of later. I can’t stay tonight.”

“Something to handle? Is it urgent?” Liang Min asked, her eyes full of boundless affection.

A warmth spread through Mu Yinyin’s heart. Every time she saw her grandmother like this, she was overcome with emotion. In today’s world, many people disliked daughters-in-law, especially when, like her, their father was gone and they were of little use. Such women were rarely welcome.

But Grandma had never been influenced by such things. She treated Mu Yinyin as her own granddaughter, and for that, Mu Yinyin was deeply grateful.

Aside from Grandma, though, Fu Siyao’s mother and grandfather never warmed to her. As for Fu Siyao’s father, he was always occupied with his own affairs and cared little for family matters. Feelings had never mattered much to him; his marriage had always been one of convenience.

Both of Fu Siyao’s parents were out of town and had not returned in some time.

Mu Yinyin nodded. “Yes, there’s something important I must take care of. I promised someone, and if I don’t follow through, I’d be letting them down.”

Liang Min’s eyes filled with regret. “I see. Well, how about tomorrow? Can you come again then?”

Mu Yinyin couldn’t help but smile wryly. Grandma’s enthusiasm was always so overwhelming, she could hardly refuse. The thought of having to say something so cruel in a while made her hesitate.

She glanced around and asked instinctively, “Grandfather isn’t coming home tonight?”

Liang Min’s expression darkened. “Why bother with that old man? He hasn’t been home for days!”

Mu Yinyin was surprised. “Days? Is he on a business trip?”

“Hmph! Business trip? I think not! He’s clearly found himself another woman!” Liang Min huffed.

Mu Yinyin had to stifle a laugh. Her grandparents had always been close, though both were stubborn and quarreled often. She knew better than to take Grandma’s words seriously.

“That can’t be. Grandfather only has eyes for you.”

“Only me? I don’t believe it for a second!” Liang Min snorted.

Mu Yinyin smiled softly. “He’s probably just busy. He’ll be back in a couple of days.”

If the old man wasn’t here tonight, Mu Yinyin felt she could relax a little.

She remembered how, when summoned by Grandma in the past, Grandfather’s attitude had always been poor. But with Grandma there, he never dared do anything to her. Even so, it was obvious he didn’t want her around, considered her an outsider, useless, and quite disliked her.

If he were here tonight, she would have felt constrained.

But things were not as simple as she’d hoped.

Suddenly, the main door swung open. Mu Yinyin looked up to see Old Master Fu enter in a black suit.

Her eyes froze.

She had been overthinking—he was here after all.

Old Master Fu immediately spotted the two women on the sofa. His stern gaze landed on Mu Yinyin. Even without a word, Mu Yinyin could sense his silent reproach: Why are you here?

She pressed her lips together and, out of courtesy, stood to greet him. “Grandfather.”

Liang Min, now more pleased at his return, failed to notice his gaze and said, with a slightly tart tone, “You old fool! Back from your honeymoon with another woman, are you?”

Old Master Fu’s stern expression faltered, giving way to exasperation. He glanced at Liang Min, who was brimming with jealousy, and frowned. “I told you, I was on a business trip! There’s no other woman!”

Though over seventy, Old Master Fu had kept in excellent shape through regular exercise and looked more like someone in his early fifties.

“Hmph! As if I’d believe you! You heartless man! Off chasing women behind my back again! One day I’ll divorce you!” Liang Min’s voice quivered with grievance.

They bickered like this often, and Mu Yinyin had long grown used to it.

Old Master Fu’s face grew darker. “There are others present—could you have some decorum?”

Liang Min looked around and, seeing only Mu Yinyin, frowned. “Yinyin is my granddaughter-in-law! There’s no one else here! Don’t try to change the subject. You’d better give me an honest account of what you’ve been up to these days!”

Old Master Fu was at a loss for words, clearly annoyed, and turned as if to leave.

But before he could climb the stairs, the front door opened again.

Everyone looked up to see a tall, handsome figure enter.

Mu Yinyin’s lashes trembled.

He had come after all.

She knew this was her grandmother’s doing. Grandma always tried to bring them together, looking for chances to have them in the same place.

Liang Min’s eyes sparkled with joy. “My good grandson is home! Quickly, serve the food! Everyone’s here now!”

The maid responded at once and began bringing in the dishes.

Liang Min took Mu Yinyin’s hand. “Yinyin, let’s go wash up.”

Fu Siyao immediately noticed Mu Yinyin being led away by Grandma. His gaze darkened, a cold smirk in his eyes.

He’d known Mu Yinyin wouldn’t stay quietly away—now she’d set her sights on Grandma.

He said nothing and went to the washroom.

As he entered, Mu Yinyin was just emerging. She glanced at him indifferently, said nothing, and walked out.

Fu Siyao’s expression turned even colder.