A week later, An Yin was discharged from the hospital…
But as soon as she returned home, Mother An’s call came through.
An Yin sat on the sofa, “Mom, are you missing me? What made you remember to call your daughter?”
“Yinyin, are you free to come home for dinner this weekend? Bring Muqian along, I’ll cook something delicious for you both.”
“Mom, I’m quite busy this week and probably can’t make it. We’ll come visit you and Dad another time.”
An Yin genuinely couldn’t return to the An family during this period. Having just left the hospital, the doctor had emphasized the need for a light diet. If she went back, she wouldn’t be able to touch the rich, flavorful dishes Mother An would prepare, and the truth would inevitably come out.
After Mother An said something on the other end, An Yin brought up Lu Muqian, “Mom, Lu Muqian and I are doing great. Honestly, I think you just want to see him, not me at all.”
Lu Muqian was sitting right beside An Yin. Hearing his name mentioned, his expression softened noticeably.
An Yin continued, “Alright, I’ll definitely bring him back when we have time.”
“Don’t worry, our relationship is really good.”
After hanging up, An Yin looked at Lu Muqian with a smile, “Honestly, when did you become so well-regarded in my parents’ eyes? It feels like you’re about to surpass their own daughter.”
“I’m not sure either. Maybe when you take me back next time, I’ll ask my parents-in-law.”
“You really should ask.”
An Yin truly couldn’t understand—Lu Muqian hadn’t appeared that often in front of her parents, so why were they so fond of him?
During her recovery period, Lu Muqian kept a close watch on An Yin’s condition, arranging for a nutritionist to create a specialized diet plan that was light yet nutritious.
Aunt Lan, being one of the few in the know, also took great care of An Yin. From the moment An Yin arrived at Cloudcrest Villa, Aunt Lan had genuinely regarded her as the lady of the Lu household, treating her like a daughter.
An Yin had successfully altered her fate from her previous life, where she had died from illness. Now, it was time to pick up her small career again.
She had studied art design in university and, after graduating, co-founded a clothing store with her like-minded best friend, Jiang Mengyue.
Both shared a passion for drawing and design—all the clothes in their store were their own creations. In her past life, they had even participated in many renowned fashion competitions.
Although the An family had provided her with excellent conditions, allowing her to learn company management from her eldest brother right after graduation, she had no interest in it. She only wanted the freedom to explore her chosen field.
Finding her best friend’s number in her contacts, she pressed the green call button. After a few rings, just as An Yin thought it might take a while to connect, the call was quickly answered…
A teasing voice came through immediately, “My dear Miss An Yin, you’ve finally remembered your seemingly dispensable friend.”
“A Yue, I’m sorry, I’ve been busy with some things lately.”
At this, Jiang Mengyue launched into a tirade, “Let me ask you—busy with what? Huh? What exactly have you been busy with? You get a marriage certificate, tie the knot, and then vanish? Three months without showing up at work!”
“Even honeymoons don’t last this long. Besides, would you even go on a honeymoon with Lu Muqian?”
“Let me ask you—is this store mine alone? Hmm? You disappear without a word for so long—didn’t you think I’d worry? Should I just manage this shop by myself then?”
An Yin had forgotten—Jiang Mengyue knew exactly who she had married.
If she were standing in front of Jiang Mengyue right now, being scolded head to toe wouldn’t be an exaggeration.
“My dear A Yue, I’m starting work tomorrow. How about I explain everything in detail when I get back? I’ll even treat you to your favorite little cake. Please don’t be mad, okay?”
In her past life, aside from Lu Muqian, Jiang Mengyue was the one who cared for her the most—a family without blood ties.
At the mention of Jiang Mengyue’s favorite little cake, she licked her dry lips and said into the phone, “We’ll see how you perform!”
“Alright, watch my performance. I promise to satisfy you.”
Jiang Mengyue retorted, “You and your smooth talk.”
…………
That evening, An Yin was in high spirits. As she went downstairs, she happened to see Aunt Lan in the kitchen, busy preparing dinner by picking vegetables.
She walked over and leaned against the kitchen doorway, asking, “Aunt Lan, what’s for dinner tonight?”
“Madam? Why are you down here? The kitchen is no place for you. Please go out.”
Aunt Lan was startled to see An Yin suddenly appear at the kitchen doorframe.
“I’ve made bone broth to nourish you tonight, along with some dishes you and the master enjoy.”
Since being discharged from the hospital, An Yin had been having nourishing soup almost every day. “I’ve been drinking soup for so long. How about something different tonight?”
“No, the master has instructed that you’re not to eat anything too heavy yet. Just a few more days of recovery, and then I’ll make it for you.”
Since it was Lu Muqian’s order, she decided to endure a few more days. “Then let me help with the vegetable prep.”
“No need, no need. Please go sit on the sofa and watch TV. The master will be home soon.”
“It’s fine. Back when I was with the An family, I often helped my mother with these tasks. I’m not some pampered young lady.”
“Alright then, Madam can help me pick vegetables.”
As she worked, An Yin suddenly asked, “Hey, Aunt Lan, what did Lu Muqian usually do before I married him?”
She suddenly wanted to understand what Lu Muqian’s life was like before he married her. Even though he and her brother An Chen were close friends, in An Yin’s memory, they hardly had any interaction.
“Well, that’s quite different from how things are now.”
“Before you came, the master rarely returned home. We hardly ever saw him. But after you arrived, he started leaving work on time every day, practically glued to the house.”
“If I may speak out of turn, we can all see that the master is very fond of you, Madam. You could try to discover his good qualities and gradually accept him.”
In her past life, An Yin had been truly blind. Everyone in the villa could see it, yet she stubbornly disliked Lu Muqian. “I know. I’ll be good to him from now on.”
…………
Soon, Lu Muqian returned from work. Hearing laughter from the kitchen, he took off his suit jacket and headed toward the sound.
As soon as he appeared at the doorway, An Yin noticed him. “You’re back.”
“Sir.”
He replied calmly, “Hmm!”
Lu Muqian noticed the vegetables in An Yin’s hands and wanted to ask her about it, but then he thought… An Yin probably wouldn’t appreciate him prying. So he said nothing and turned to sit on the sofa.
Aunt Lan gave An Yin a meaningful look. “The master is back, Madam. Why don’t you go keep him company?”
“Okay.”
As it happened, An Yin had something she needed to discuss with Lu Muqian.