After exchanging glances with Mr. Shen, Mrs. Shen spoke:
“Let’s talk about the future later. Xiao Ran is still young.”
Just as she finished speaking, the villa butler appeared.
“Mr. Shen, Miss Lin Youqiao is outside.”
Mrs. Shen quickly added:
“Young Miss Lin already knows we’re back. She must be here to greet us. Let her in.”
The butler said nothing, only looked toward Shen Xingyi. After he nodded, the butler went to invite her in.
“Mrs. Shen, Mr. Shen, I didn’t come too early, did I? Did I disturb you?”
As soon as Lin Youqiao appeared, she greeted them warmly and familiarly.
“Of course not. We’re happy you came to see us.”
Mrs. Shen looked at her with satisfaction.
Lin Youqiao was wearing a light pink long dress today, the layered hem swaying elegantly. Her hair was carefully styled with soft curls, giving her a refined, delicate look.
Mrs. Shen nodded repeatedly at this standard “young lady from a wealthy family” appearance.
In her memory, the Lin family daughter had always seemed weak and fragile, often chasing after Shen Xingyi. Although she had been persistent, Mrs. Shen was never fully satisfied with her as a potential daughter-in-law.
But now, she seemed much more spirited.
Especially compared to Xu Xiu, the Lin family daughter suited her far better.
Mrs. Shen had already made up her mind—this time back in the country, she would properly try to bring those two together.
After greeting the elders, Lin Youqiao knelt down in front of Shen Zhirang:
“Xiao Ran, there were some misunderstandings between us during our previous two meetings. This is a small apology from me.”
She handed him a LEGO set.
Then she continued:
“Let’s get along well in the future and be friends forever, okay? I heard you’re very smart—if I ever don’t understand something, I can come ask you, and you can teach me, alright?”
Lin Youqiao smiled gently, but in her heart she was thinking about what she had heard from a friend.
Yesterday, Shen Xingyi had booked an entire amusement park just to take the child out to play.
Since she already knew how important this child was to Shen Xingyi, she understood she couldn’t afford to be on bad terms with him.
So she lowered her stance, trying to gain Shen Zhirang’s favor.
From her nanny, she had learned that children this age dislike being treated like babies—they prefer equal communication, even being asked for help by adults.
That was why she acted this way.
But she didn’t expect that the child in front of her was not an ordinary three-year-old.
Shen Zhirang looked at her warily and didn’t take the gift.
“Auntie, you’re an adult and I’m a child. I’m only three—how can I teach you? Also, Auntie, don’t you have friends?”
Although the “big brothers” he met abroad, like Nora, were also a bit childish, he still preferred being friends with them.
And his mother had told him that if an adult suddenly asks a child for help, it must be suspicious—you need to be careful.
Xu Xiu had not expected that her “anti-kidnapping education” would be used in this way.
Lin Youqiao’s expression changed instantly, almost unable to keep her composure.
This kid really didn’t get along with her.
She had lowered herself so much, yet he was so ungrateful.
Once she became Mrs. Shen and had her own child with Shen Xingyi, he would eventually suffer for this.
She hid the flash of malice in her eyes and forced a smile.
“Xiao Ran is so cute.”
Then she quickly changed the subject.
Seeing that the Shen elders clearly disliked Xu Xiu, Lin Youqiao finally felt a bit more at ease.
It seemed her phone call last night had the desired effect.
After hearing that Shen Xingyi had taken the mother and child to an entire amusement park, Lin Youqiao couldn’t hold back and called the Shen elders, greeting them while subtly exaggerating and complaining.
As expected, they rushed back overnight.
She continued to show closeness with the Shen family elders while occasionally glancing at Xu Xiu.
Unfortunately, Xu Xiu didn’t even spare her a glance.
Seeing that Xiao Ran could handle the situation well, Xu Xiu relaxed and checked the time, preparing to leave.
“Xiao Ran, Mommy has to go to work. I’ll see you in two days.”
She ruffled his soft hair and stood up.
Shen Xingyi followed her and stood as well, gesturing to Shen Zhirang:
“We’re going to work too.”
He was already later than usual today and needed to go to the company.
Mrs. Shen was reluctant to let go of her grandson’s hand:
“Now that we’re back, the child should stay at home. You can go to work without worry.”
Shen Xingyi put on the coat handed to him:
“We need to build our father-son relationship. Daily time together is the most effective way.”
Mrs. Shen couldn’t refute that.
She knew very well that even if she objected, it would be useless—and would only make her lose face in front of that woman.
So she could only agree.
“Xiao Ran, Grandma will wait for you to come back. We’ll play together then.”
Just as they were about to go upstairs to rest, they heard Shen Xingyi’s cold voice:
“The old residence is still empty. You two should go back there and rest early.”
“Shen Xingyi, you—”
Mr. Shen stood up angrily, about to scold him, but Mrs. Shen quickly stopped him, reminding him there were outsiders present.
Seeing Lin Youqiao and Xu Xiu, he forced himself to calm down.
Xu Xiu quietly watched the drama unfold.
Looks like this family really doesn’t get along that well.
Seeing this, Lin Youqiao also had no choice but to say goodbye and leave first.
“Xingyi-ge, Xiao Ran, I’ll be leaving now.”
She waved reluctantly and left the Shen residence.
After forcibly sending off the Shen elders, Xu Xiu picked up her bag and headed out as well.
“Get in the car. I said I’d send you yesterday.”
After getting into the car, Shen Xingyi spoke to her.
Xu Xiu didn’t refuse and got in.
On the way, she brought up the kindergarten matter.
Xiao Ran had no friends in the country, and kindergarten might be the best way for him to make some.
Shen Xingyi agreed.
Building father-son bonding was important, but other aspects couldn’t be neglected either.
“I’ll have someone look into it and give you an answer tomorrow.”
Such an official response actually reassured Xu Xiu.
At least he wouldn’t mistreat his own son.
Before reaching the set, Xu Xiu got out early.
Filming with the crew soon ended. Jiang Yumeng was very satisfied with Xu Xiu and invited her:
“Are you interested in joining my studio directly as my exclusive makeup artist? The salary will definitely satisfy you.”
Jiang Yumeng liked not only her skills but also her personality.
Calm, steady, never rushed—but occasionally sharp-tongued in a way that suited her taste.
However, Xu Xiu declined.
“It’s okay. If you change your mind later, you can contact me anytime. My door is always open for you.”
Jiang Yumeng could tell she had higher ambitions, so she didn’t insist.
“By the way, there’s an important gala next week. If you’re not busy, can you help me again?”
At such events, celebrities are always captured by paparazzi and compared online.
Last time, her contouring was exposed in unflattering photos—this time, she wanted redemption.
Since Xu Xiu was free, she agreed.
In the following days, she prepared makeup designs based on outfits.
Soon, the day of the gala arrived.