He quickly said, "I understand now, Lixue. I shouldn't have kept quiet. I am sorry."

"Hmph!" She harrumphed and looked away.

Wei held her hand and kissed it. "Please? I am really sorry. I understand my mistake. Please don't be mad at me."

His pitiful expression made her heart melt like butter. He looked at her so innocently and guiltily that she couldn't stay mad at him. His Godly handsome face was too lethal for her especially when he looked apologetic.

"Alright…" she mumbled. "I cannot believe the Old Madam would go this far. What reputation? Is it more important than your daughter's dignity and respect?"

Wei turned somber and shook his head. "I don't care about reputation."

"Correct!"

She touched her chin. "What does Jiang Fai think about it?"

Wei looked at her guiltily. "...I don't know."

"..."

"The Old Madam always taught me not to waste my time on familial matters. I am only supposed to handle the Underworld and business."

Hearing this, Lihua couldn't get angry at him. If he was raised that way, then it wasn't really his fault that he was so alienated from his family.

"But not from now on. You are the son of this family. If anybody is going through any trouble, it should affect you as their family member too."

He sincerely nodded. "Wifey is right."

She widened her eyes and coughed hearing that endearing term. He said it so smoothly that she couldn't help but blush.

Lihua said, "Okay. More or less, I know what to do now."

Wei asked, "Really?"

"En. Hehe. For now, I will keep my challenge aside. I am worried about Aunt Xiurang. I am sure that even though she might not say it, she would definitely be feeling wronged for forcing her to remain as that cheater's wife. It must be so insulting! And my mission will start tomorrow!"

---

The next morning at the breakfast table, Ruomei was already seated next to the Old Madam and gracefully talking to her. She saw Lihua coming down and smiled. "Good morning."

Lihua grinned. "Good morning! How was your first night here? I have heard that some people might feel uncomfortable when they sleep at a different house."

She stiffened. It felt as if she was mocking her that this house was nothing more than a strange place that she had no connection to.

But Ruomei didn't let her smile falter. "Why would I feel that way, Lixue? I have come here numerous times and as the future daughter-in-law, I have stayed here more than you. This house is as much as mine as the Shi residence."

The Old Madam smiled at her in praise for her calm answer. She sneered at Lihua in disdain.

"Oh I had to ask," Lihua said, "Otherwise, you might blame me for your discomfort too as you are blaming me for so many other things even though I am not at fault. But I am glad to know that your night was good. I am safe from your accusation," she grinned.

Ruomei looked at her stunned. Now she made her look like a woman who only knew how to cry and blame others unfairly.

"Lixue, are you doing this to make me look bad?" Her brows furrowed and she looked as if she was wronged.

"Why would you look bad if you genuinely won't DO anything bad?" She smiled.

"Enough! Stay in your limits, Lixue," The Old Madam narrowed her eyes.

Just then, Jiang Fan hurriedly came down, carrying his bag.

"Wait!" The Old Madam stopped him. "Today is your exam, right?"

Jiang Fai was annoyed by her, but he was too afraid to talk back to her. "Yes, Old Madam."

"Don't forget that you have to stand first in school. I am sick of your low grades. If you don't top this time, then I will have to send you abroad. I cannot let such an embarrassment like you ruin my family's name."

He froze and cursed.

Ruomei sweetly smiled. "I have full faith in him. Fai will definitely top the exam. After all, he is Wei's brother. Intelligence is in the genes."

He rolled his eyes.

Lihua frowned. "So what if he is Wei's brother? That doesn't mean anything. Also, not topping the exam doesn't prove that he is incapable. It just means that there is something else in which he shines. Academic marks aren't everything to judge a person."

Jiang Fai stiffened.

Ruomei's smile froze on her lips.

The Old Madam coldly looked at her. "Stop with your nonsense. Don't try to challenge what has continued in this family for generations."

Lihua raised her brow.

Jiang Xiurang came after him and asked, "Fai, have you taken everything? You haven't forgotten anything right?" She asked, feeling concerned.

Jiang Fai clicked his tongue. "Please, Mom. Don't irritate me. I am not a kid. Leave me alone!"

She pursed her lips.

Even at his rude behavior, the Old Madam or Ruomei didn't admonish him.

Lihua stepped in front of him. She suddenly pulled his ear hard to which he yelped in pain. "Ahh!!!"

Everybody was horrified. "Lixue!"

Jiang Xiurang came to the rescue first. "Stop it! You are doing it again!"

"I will do it every time until this brat learns to respect his mother. Now say sorry."

"Leave my ear, you bitch!" He cursed.

She nodded. "You also need to learn to call me sister-in-law. So two things. First, say sorry to your mother. Right now."

"Leave me!"

Lihua unreservedly twisted his ear hard that showed him stars in front of him even if it was the day. "Ahh!!"

Jiang Xiurang cried. "Fai!" She glared at her with tears in her eyes. "Stop it already! You are hurting my son!"

"His words are hurting you more, aren't they?"

She couldn't retort for a moment.

Her shouting had no effect on Lihua. She yawned as she lazily looked at him. "You are only wasting time."

Jiang Fai gritted his teeth and as the pain grew unbearable, he said, "Alright! I am sorry! Mom, I am really sorry!"