When Lin Chen and the others entered, Lan Yi was crying profusely. They saw several tiny beads of blood on the child's forehead, his hair shaved clean, and one small, jade-like foot already fitted with an IV line and carefully re-wrapped in a small quilt. Seeing the Lin family members arrive, Ning Yunhuan’s expression turned icy: "I wonder how Madam Lin feels seeing all of this?"

Ye Ci, the mother of Lin Qian, was stunned for a moment when Ning Yunhuan questioned her, then let out a cold laugh: "You failed to properly care for your own son, and now you come asking me? I didn't give birth to him; what does it have to do with me?"

Even if Lin Qian were set aside, Lan Yi was still related to the Lin family in some way. Ye Ci's response seemed excessively callous. Lin Chen frowned, about to scold her, when Ning Yunhuan soothed her son, patting him gently. She had intended to hand him over to the nanny, but as soon as she moved, Lan Yi's small hand clutched her clothes and he began to cry harder. She had no choice but to sit back down, taking off her coat and handing it to the waiting nanny before settling comfortably onto the sofa with her son. She looked at Ye Ci and sneered:

"Lin Qian took my son outside without my permission. He is not even one year old, and she left him sobbing until his nose was swollen shut." It would have been better if the Lin family hadn't come looking for trouble, but the moment they showed up, the fury Ning Yunhuan had been suppressing surged uncontrollably: "If I hadn't rushed back in time, would she have played with my son until she was satisfied? Does she think my son is her toy?"

Ning Yunhuan’s voice grew louder. The Lin family members froze. Ye Ci instinctively looked back at her daughter, a flicker of guilt crossing her mind, but then the thought of Lin Qian’s nose brought her own displeasure back to the surface: "Even if my daughter was immature, did you have to strike her so hard? Not only did you dare hit her, but you shoved her nose crooked! She is my daughter; what right did you have to strike her?"

"The force I used was less than half of hers. A simple push like that makes her cry out in pain—is my son not human?" Ning Yunhuan grew angrier the more she spoke. She forcefully suppressed the urge to shout curses, but her expression was deeply unpleasant: "And given the weather right now—I don't believe a grown woman like Lin Qian doesn't know this—even an adult can't stand being outside for too long. My son was taken out by her, and that very night he developed a high fever. Can you see this? This tiny child has needles marks all over his forehead from the IV! You parents come here aggressively because I stood up for my son, yet my son is now suffering like this. Madam Lin, how much retribution do you think I deserve to feel even a fraction of relief?"

Seeing Ning Yunhuan's cold demeanor and the pathetic sight of Lan Yi clinging to her, Ye Ci’s eyes widened in disbelief. She had only known her daughter was hit and had her nose pushed crooked, so she had rushed over immediately to confront Ning Yunhuan and seek justice for Lin Qian.

But Lin Qian had been vague about the actual sequence of events. Now, faced with Ning Yunhuan's direct interrogation, the Lin family looked awkward. Lin Chen shot a severe glare at a slightly guilty-looking Lin Qian, who was wearing a mask, before speaking slowly and deliberately: "You are saying that Lin Qian led someone to the Lan residence, took Lan Yi out, made the child cry, and exposed him to the wind, causing him to catch a cold?"

Ning Yunhuan thought he didn't believe her. She lifted her son and walked a few steps toward the Lin family, turning slightly so they could see: "Lan Yi's nose is still somewhat bruised. Look closely."

Fortunately, not too much time had passed, and because a child's skin is naturally delicate, the redness and swelling from that day had faded, leaving a distinct bluish-purple mark. The Lin family members saw it clearly now, and when they noticed the cluster of small, red pinpricks on Lan Yi's forehead, Lin Chen didn't hesitate; he slapped Lin Qian across the face.

His strength was nowhere near what Ning Yunhuan could muster, but Lin Qian was spun around twice before she fell thud against the coffee table in front of her, and then crashed onto the floor.

The coffee table luckily had a marble top, so it didn't budge from the impact. Nothing on it was knocked over, but Lin Qian herself must have taken the brunt of the collision. As her mask was knocked askew by the blow, her face instantly turned ashen.

"Da... Dad..." Lin Qian was nearly terrified senseless, clutching her face and crying out instinctively.

Her face was a disastrous sight now. Besides her nose being visibly crooked, the bright red handprint from the slap was starkly visible. Her lip was split, and a thin line of blood seemed to seep out.

"Apologize to your cousin-in-law!" Lin Chen took a deep breath, clenched his fist, and said coldly to his daughter: "Now."

"I won't!" Struck in front of Ning Yunhuan, Lin Qian now hated her with every fiber of her being, wishing she could consume her flesh and blood. Hearing her father demand she apologize to Ning Yunhuan, she vehemently refused, shaking her head stubbornly: "Why should I apologize? Who knows how her son’s nose ended up like that? I only pushed him a few times; how could it look like this? As for the cold, why should I believe what you say, Dad?"

Ye Ci remained silent by the side. When Lin Chen heard Lin Qian’s words, he erupted in anger and raised his fist again. Lin Qian shrieked in fear, covering her face and shrinking back. Just as she was about to speak, the cold-faced young woman beside her quickly stepped forward:

"Father, you've already struck Qianqian. She certainly knows she was wrong, but she’s too proud to admit it right now." The young woman spoke up for Lin Qian, then knelt down to stroke Lin Qian’s head, smiling sweetly: "Qianqian, isn't that right?"

"Who asked for your fake kindness! Lin Dan, go away!" As soon as Lin Qian spoke, not only Lin Chen but even Ye Ci showed displeasure: "Qianqian, how can you speak to your sister like that? She is trying to help you."

"Who knows what she’s really thinking! She just wants Dad to beat me to death!" Lin Qian’s outburst made Lin Chen completely lose control. He kicked out at his daughter. Lin Qian, unable to endure it further, scrambled up and ran. Ye Ci worried and tried to follow, but Lin Chen's anger intensified at her fleeing, so he chased after her too. Lin Dan called out from behind: "Father, don't hit her, she's just a child who doesn't know any better."

Upon hearing this, Lin Qian couldn't help but retort: "A crocodile shedding crocodile tears!" The instant she finished speaking, Lin Chen's temper flared even hotter, his expression turning even uglier.

After Lin Dan finished speaking, she turned around, and a smile appeared on her face, entirely replacing her previous worried look. She walked toward Ning Yunhuan: "Well, are you satisfied now?"

Ning Yunhuan’s expression momentarily fractured. The girl who had been icy cold moments ago now displayed a cunning look. Ning Yunhuan couldn't help but ask in confusion: "Is she really your full sister?"

"Everyone asks that!" Lin Dan reverted to her previous detached manner. After hearing the implication in her words, Ning Yunhuan laughed: "No wonder she doesn't like you."

"If she liked me, I would be very troubled," Lin Dan replied coolly. Her eyes lit up when she spotted Lan Yi. "Can I hold him?"

Ning Yunhuan was hesitant, but before she could refuse, Lin Dan extended her hand. Ning Yunhuan hesitated. The bodyguards were standing nearby; she didn't believe that if Lin Dan intended to retaliate for Lin Qian and harm her son, she and the others wouldn't react in time. So, she prepared to hand the child over. However, just as the transfer was about to happen, Lan Yi, who had been sleeping with his eyes closed, suddenly opened them, letting out an anxious noise, on the verge of crying. Lin Dan reached out, her expression unwavering:

"Come here, your Auntie has milk too."

At these words, not only Ning Yunhuan but even the wet nurse and the bodyguards stiffened. Lin Dan, unconcerned, reached out and simply gathered both Ning Yunhuan and Lan Yi into an embrace.

Thoroughly unnerved by this action, Ning Yunhuan’s hair stood on end. She could see in Lin Dan’s eyes that she held no ill will toward her son. The feeling of being held by a woman was something she never wanted to experience again. She had no choice but to sacrifice her son to Lin Dan, quickly rubbing the goosebumps off her own arms while she retreated to a seat on the side.

Poor Lan Yi, carried off by the strange aunt, began to whimper as soon as he realized his mother wasn't holding him. But Lin Dan’s eyes shone brightly, and she started gently exploring his small body. A small child’s body is naturally soft, and Lin Dan’s touching seemed to startle the tears back into his eyes. He waved his hands in resistance, letting out small noises of protest.

"So cute. Give him to me, cousin-in-law."

Lin Dan’s eyes sparkled. Ning Yunhuan's forehead twitched, but she still refused: "No."

"Alas," Lin Dan sighed with mild regret, continuing to stroke Lan Yi more diligently. Seeing that the child was on the verge of tears, Ning Yunhuan quickly signaled the people who had been holding him. They swiftly took the child, coaxing him until Lan Yi pouted but stopped crying.

Although he wasn't being held by Ning Yunhuan now, compared to the frightening interaction with the strange woman, being held by the wet nurse was certainly more comfortable.

Just as Lin Dan was feeling regretful, Lan Chen returned, dragging his daughter in.

It was clear that Lin Qian now hated Ning Yunhuan to the core; the look she gave her was tinged with crimson. Ning Yunhuan, however, showed no fear, meeting Lin Qian's gaze with a cold sneer. Ye Ci’s expression was sour, but she remained silent. Lin Chen spoke in a low voice:

"She committed a transgression, and naturally, she must be punished. If Miss Ning is still unsatisfied, feel free to vent your anger; I absolutely will not flinch."

After all, Lin Qian was Lin Chen’s daughter. Even though he knew his daughter had caused such a massive embarrassment, and he had personally punished her, much of his anger had likely dissipated afterward. He felt a bit regretful for hitting his daughter, but his pride wouldn't let him admit it. Internally, he was certainly displeased with Ning Yunhuan; after all, one was an outsider, and the other was his own flesh and blood—people’s hearts naturally favor their own kind. Hence, he addressed her with extreme formality: "Miss Ning."

Ning Yunhuan paused briefly at Lin Chen's distant tone before smiling, unconcerned:

"It's nothing. Since Mr. Lin has already disciplined her, I have nothing more to say. I just hope Madam Lin won't let her displeasure surface again and come looking for trouble with me."

This remark made Ye Ci’s face turn ugly, showing clear annoyance in her eyes.

Lin Qian remained silent. Lin Chen simply took a deep breath, called out to his elder daughter sitting on the sofa, and then said faintly to Ning Yunhuan: "Since Miss Ning has had her moment of satisfaction, and out of respect for the ties between the Lan and Lin families, I request that Miss Ning never bring this matter up again."

Ning Yunhuan had initially held a favorable impression of Lin Chen as an elder, but hearing the implication in his words now made her uncomfortable: "This matter was never brought up by me. Mr. Lin should direct that request to someone else."

She hadn't even gone to the Lin family to settle scores over Lan Yi's cold, yet the Lin family had rushed to her doorstep showing excessive protectiveness. Now, Lin Chen implied she was being relentless over the issue. Ning Yunhuan's expression turned cold. Just as she was about to politely ask the family to leave, Lin Chen coldly stated: "If that is the case, we shall take our leave." With that, Lin Chen led his wife and daughter out. Soon, the sound of a car starting could be heard from outside; the Lin family had departed.

What started as an ordinary day was ruined by the Lin family’s disturbance, leaving Ning Yunhuan agitated. She soothed her son, who had just finished his IV drip, until he fell asleep. While Lan Yi was resting, Ning Yunhuan remembered she hadn't visited Father Ning for several days and planned to go that afternoon. However, Lan Lingyan returned then, and upon learning she intended to visit Father Ning, he insisted on accompanying her.

Although they had already admitted to Father Ning that they were officially registered, this was Lan Lingyan’s first visit to his in-laws’ home. Previously, meetings at the hospital didn't involve such formalities; he was powerless against Ning Yunhuan there. When getting into the car, Lan Lingyan had arranged for tonic herbs like Cordyceps to be prepared. After collecting the items from the mountain, the car headed toward the Ning residence.

Lately, every time she returned to the Ning house, some trouble seemed destined to occur, giving Ning Yunhuan a shadow of anxiety about coming home, terrified she might run into someone with the surname Gu on the road.

Fortunately, the entrance to the community was quiet. Upon seeing their approaching car, the security guard came out, recognized Ning Yunhuan, and raised the barrier. The car proceeded smoothly toward the Ning villa.

"Did the Lin family give you trouble?" As they got out of the car, Lan Lingyan suddenly swept Ning Yunhuan into his arms, not setting her down, but carrying her straight toward the Ning family villa. It was only a short distance of two or three steps. As Ning Yunhuan struggled to get down, he reached out and playfully patted her backside: "Behave! I’ve already called Elder Tang; he will make a trip up the mountain tonight."

Ning Yunhuan had sprained her ankle, and it was already swelling and turning red. Since they were essentially at her doorstep, just a few steps away, she stopped resisting Lan Lingyan’s hold, though her own face was flushing slightly.

The housekeeper inside saw the scene outside the gate and hurried over with a smile to open the door, quietly reminding Ning Yunhuan: "Miss, the Eldest Young Master is back."

The moment she heard Ning Yuncheng's name, Ning Yunhuan’s previously good mood instantly soured. She nodded without speaking. Inside, Madam Ning came out and looked surprised to see Lan Lingyan carrying her daughter: "What happened?"

"Sprained ankle, nothing serious, Mom." A fine drizzle was falling outside. Lan Lingyan carried Ning Yunhuan the few steps to the front door, and Madam Ning was already signaling the housekeeper to prepare hot towels and other things.

Inside, Father Ning nodded with satisfaction when he saw the couple arrive. Gu Yingxi and Ning Yuncheng were both kneeling before him. The atmosphere in the room was intensely stiff. Ning Yunhuan had no idea what Ning Yuncheng had been saying before she arrived, and Father Ning leaned heavily on his cane, his face also looking grim.

Gu Yingxi’s gaze had been glued to Lan Lingyan the moment he entered. When she clearly saw him carrying Ning Yunhuan, her face suddenly turned alarmingly pale. Her body trembled slightly. Ning Yuncheng, standing next to her, protectively drew her into his arms, looking at Ning Yunhuan with a hostile tone: "What are you doing here?"

Ning Yunhuan almost laughed at his words. She patted Lan Lingyan, signaling him to set her down on the sofa, before accepting a cup of water from Madam Ning and taking a sip: "Thank you, Mom." After thanking Madam Ning, Ning Yunhuan calmly smiled at Ning Yuncheng, who was staring at her with animosity: "The Ning family isn't run by you yet, is it? If you can return, can’t I?"

Hearing this, a surge of anger rushed through Ning Yuncheng. He sneered: "What trick are you trying to pull now?"

Seeing his hostile demeanor, Ning Yunhuan didn't want to engage, but Ning Yuncheng pressed on hatefully: "Are you here to gloat over my misfortune?"

It was rare for Ning Yuncheng to lose his temper so severely, which actually piqued Ning Yunhuan's curiosity about why these two were there. She turned to glance at Madam Ning. Madam Ning understood her daughter's curiosity perfectly. She looked at the kneeling Gu Yingxi and sneered. Seeing Gu Yingxi’s eyes lingering on her son-in-law, a powerful wave of anger immediately rose in Madam Ning’s chest: "What are you looking at?" Madam Ning felt deeply irritated by Gu Yingxi’s behavior and wanted to speak even more sharply, but restraining herself so her son-in-law wouldn't witness a scene, she forced down her distaste and spoke coldly: "Yuncheng, if you have something to discuss with your father, why bring her home?"

"Mom!" Ning Yuncheng raised his voice in dissatisfaction, looking agitated: "Xi'er is really pregnant with my child. Shouldn't we get married? Haven't you always wanted me to have children so you and Father can have grandchildren?"

Madam Ning did indeed want grandchildren and wanted her son to marry soon, but the crucial point was that out of all the women available, he had to choose Gu Yingxi to provoke them!

"If you had chosen any other woman, your father and I wouldn't have said a word, even if her family background was poorer—as long as she had good character and was reasonably self-respecting, I would agree. But Miss Gu? Don't even dream about it!" Hearing this, Father Ning could no longer hold back and sharply struck the ground with his cane: "If you truly like her, be capable enough to marry her yourself, and I won't say another word. But if you expect me to use my money to force a marriage with her, you can forget it! You can afford to lose face, but I certainly cannot!"