Luo Hongjuan was quiet all the way, not saying a word. Wang Qiqi was also very subdued, wondering if Ding Meina’s parents would throw a tantrum after she left. Wang Qiqi noticed their expressions were quite grim. Of course, the reason they had held back their anger and were willing to cover the medical expenses before was likely connected to Granny Han’s sudden illness and Ding Meina’s backtalk. Furthermore, they were aware they hadn't been entirely upfront about the marriage arrangements previously. However, with Granny Han causing a scene in front of so many people, coupled with Han Ximing’s threatening remarks, Wang Qiqi guessed that even if Father Ding didn’t lose his temper, Mother Ding certainly would.

After Luo Hongjuan opened her own door, she said, "Don't overthink it; just sleep well. What's happening over there doesn't concern us much." Luo Hongjuan felt a headache coming on just thinking about it. They could have sat down and discussed matters calmly, taking advantage of the fact that the Ding family felt somewhat indebted to the Han family to secure favorable terms. But they chose not to, apparently over a point of pride. Sigh. Since they were so thoughtless, Luo Hongjuan felt she had no need to get involved, especially since the key figure in the middle, Han Jun, was clearly siding with the Ding family.

Wang Qiqi yawned and nodded, preparing to head back to rest. Ah, on a cold winter night, the best place was definitely under the covers. But getting home this late made Wang Qiqi feel utterly exhausted. "Mom, you should sleep early; I still have to go to work tomorrow." What a bother. "I’ll go to the hospital tomorrow at noon to check on her." Although she wasn't particularly fond of Granny Han, Wang Qiqi felt a public showing was necessary. Especially after Ding Meina’s outburst just now, if she visited the old lady, any relatives who saw it would wonder about their thoughts. Moreover, Wang Qiqi figured it would only be a few days of effort; once she moved to the capital, these local affairs would no longer concern her.

Luo Hongjuan stared at Wang Qiqi for a moment before slowly nodding. "Go ahead. No matter how angry she gets, just endure it. If you can't stand hearing it, come home early." Although this situation didn't involve Wang Qiqi directly, Luo Hongjuan thought, given the old woman's temperament, she might take out her anger on her regardless. In any case, Qiqi would just have to bear it.

Wang Qiqi nodded. Since she had already decided to go to the hospital, she was mentally prepared for it. "Don't worry, I absolutely promise to neither strike back when hit nor retort when verbally abused." Besides, Wang Qiqi had no intention of going alone. She mused that even though she had no parents of her own, it didn't mean her family had no relatives at all. She planned to rope in Song Yao; she knew that if there was a good show to watch, a certain someone would definitely sprint faster than anyone else.

When Song Yao received Wang Qiqi's call asking if she would accompany her to the hospital to see Granny Han Tao, her immediate reaction was to decline. But as soon as Wang Qiqi mentioned there would be excitement to witness, Song Yao instantly agreed, even setting a time for lunch together. Song Yao was genuinely eager to hear the big news Wang Qiqi alluded to.

As soon as Wang Qiqi got into the car, Song Yao impatiently asked, "What major event happened yesterday? Who else has been hospitalized?" Could it be Granny Han? But wasn't that old lady supposedly full of vigor? And she was still savoring the joy of expecting a great-grandchild; it seemed impossible for her to fall ill and be hospitalized. Unless...

Wang Qiqi looked at the surprised Song Yao and shook a finger at her. "When we go to the hospital later, you need to be mindful, or they’ll genuinely think we came to mock them. Even though, honestly, I am here to watch the spectacle." Although Wang Qiqi repeatedly cautioned Song Yao about maintaining appearances, her own mouth stretched into a wide grin as she said it.

After hearing this, Song Yao had only one thought: "No wonder Qiqi often says that if you have a feud with a certain family, send their spoiled daughter over. Just look at this daughter of the Ding family, tsk tsk..." Song Yao shook her head repeatedly. "But comparison is the thief of joy, and it only makes your daughter-in-law look better. I bet your mother-in-law is comparing right now, realizing how much better you are as a daughter-in-law." People truly thrive on comparison.

Wang Qiqi covered her mouth and nodded vigorously. When she got out of bed this morning, she found there was still warm congee in the kitchen—clearly, Luo Hongjuan had gotten up early to cook it for her. Although Luo Hongjuan treated Wang Qiqi well, she had never woken up that early to cook congee for her; generally, breakfast was sorted out individually. "But she's been decent to me. I don't demand much; just normal treatment will suffice. But perhaps she worries that I, her high-status daughter-in-law with deep pockets, might treat her the same way Ding Meina treated her. Actually, even if I wanted to treat her exactly like Ding Meina, I’d first have to see if Han Tao would agree."

"Oh, please. If Han Tao were anything like Han Jun, I think you’d break up with him immediately," Song Yao thought, believing Han Jun was utterly ruined, incapable of making a rational argument, completely lacking basic human decency. "Doesn’t he realize that acting purely on monetary gain will look a certain way in the eyes of the Ding family? They might think he wouldn't even spare a dog’s life. His parents and grandmother treated Han Jun so well, yet for a little money, he abandoned them. The Ding family must be thinking that if a woman wealthier than they are ever appeared, he would just as coldly cast aside Ding Meina and their child and immediately cling to the richer party’s leg."

"He’s worse than a dog; you didn't hear what Ding Meina said to him yesterday. If it were me, I would have thrown a punch long ago; that’s too insulting to one's pride. But with just a slight hook of Meina's finger, he caved immediately. Thank heavens he’s not my son," Wang Qiqi sighed profoundly. Han Jun served as the perfect negative example for when she eventually had children; she absolutely couldn't raise such a spoiled brat.

Song Yao echoed the sentiment. "Thank heavens he’s not my son. Wait, I need to educate Taotao properly so he doesn't turn out like that, or I’ll truly die of anger." Song Yao imagined if her son married a daughter-in-law like that in the future, and she pointed at her, Song Yao felt she might as well jump off a building. But then she reconsidered, "Why should I make myself sick? I have money. I should be more open-minded. If they treat me badly, I’ll just sell the house and travel the world. Why bother looking at their sour faces?"

The two sisters found a nice spot and ate a satisfying meal. "Eat more, Qiqi; you have a battle ahead of you later. Oh, I’m going to buy a basket of fruit." While supplements weren't exactly cost-effective, Song Yao didn't want to buy them either. Although there were some supplements in the trunk of the car, Song Yao felt that even donating them to some lonely elderly people would be better than giving them to Granny Han.

After swallowing the food in her mouth, Wang Qiqi wanted to say they didn't even need to buy fruit, but then she remembered they were visiting a patient. "Mm-hmm, I'll buy a fruit basket too; I can't go empty-handed to see the old lady." The bigger the fruit basket, the better, with a few expensive fruits placed on top, and the cheapest apples filling the bottom—that was how to have both appearances and substance.

"Aren't two fruit baskets too much?" Song Yao swallowed what was in her mouth and thought for a moment, then relented. "Fruit is expensive this time of year anyway. I still have some supplements in my car that Song Ziwen brought from his father-in-law. They’re free, and they serve the purpose of maintaining appearances."

Since the items were free gifts from Song Ziwen, Wang Qiqi didn't refuse. "It's great having a father-in-law who is a teacher, especially one with students filling the world." During the New Year, the gifts poured in, a large portion sent by graduates long after they had left school, which showed Song Ziwen's father-in-law managed relationships quite well. "Sis, have you ever thought about asking Yang Jing’s father to help tutor Taotao a bit?"

Song Yao had certainly considered that question, but, "Plans never keep up with change. We’re moving to the capital soon. I'll see if there are any good tutors there when we arrive. No matter what, this son cannot be raised spoiled."

Wang Qiqi and Song Yao, laden with bags, stepped into the hospital room only to find several people gathered by the bedside. Although it was the Spring Festival, some people still didn't hesitate to visit the old lady. Wang Qiqi felt she should maintain good conduct. "Hello, Grandma," Wang Qiqi greeted politely as soon as she entered.

The people around brightened when they saw Wang Qiqi enter. Honestly, during the New Year, none of them wanted to be there. But upon hearing that the old lady fainted yesterday, and the reason was actually the mistake made by that foolish boy Han Jun, they were all stunned. Although they always remarked on the old lady’s lifetime of stubbornness, they never expected such an outcome in the end. The grandson who was paid the least attention had openly declared he was marrying into the family. They had expected Han Jun to show up, but this boy's actions were even more outrageous. He had benefited so much from the Han family, yet he committed such an act, and on top of that... "Qiqi is here."

"Qiqi, you came..." She was also a daughter-in-law who married in, and Han Tao's wife also came from a decent background, but she was far more sensible and courteous. In fact, she didn't have to be here since she hadn't married Han Tao. They heard she accompanied Luo Hongjuan yesterday. As everyone looked at Wang Qiqi, their eyes shone. They were likely thinking how Wang Qiqi, such a good daughter-in-law, was snagged by Han Tao. But then they considered Han Tao’s current capabilities and could only sigh—there was simply no comparison to be made.

Granny Han herself was currently feeling very distressed. Although many people had come to comfort her, she knew that the more she said, the more the visitors might judge her inwardly. Just as she was thinking about sending them away, she noticed Wang Qiqi had arrived.

Regarding Wang Qiqi, Granny Han didn't know what to think. Perhaps initially, she felt this granddaughter-in-law was inferior to Ding Meina, though she had some family assets. But looking now, compared to Ding Meina, her conduct was slightly better. Of course, the old lady knew that her future granddaughter-in-law was visiting partly to see a spectacle. "Did you come to see if I was scared to death? Don't worry, I won't collapse that easily." Granny Han had always been strong-willed, especially regarding her eldest son's line, where she absolutely could not show weakness. Thus, her first words were sharp and hurtful.

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