A child of twelve years old is still just a child. Yu Yao merely comforted her, saying Song Yansheng would return soon and that she should wait patiently. And she waited with her.

But she hadn’t expected that this comfort would actually lead Song Qingyang to wait for her son to return alongside her for seven whole years.

Song Qingyang and Yu Yao became quite close, but true intimacy only developed over these seven years.

Later, her son returned, but he didn’t live in the old Song Family Mansion; first, he stayed at Nuan Residence and then the Song Mansion.

Song Qingyang initially often went to see Song Yansheng, but he was busy with work at the time and had no time for her.

Many times, her visit was in vain, and she would come to the Song Mansion to ask Yu Yao when Song Yansheng would return.

Yu Yao, helpless, would call Song Yansheng, telling him to visit once a week, and almost every time, Song Qingyang was there.

Time passed by like this; in the blink of an eye, eight years had gone by.

In total, fifteen years have passed, and Song Qingyang is now twenty-seven.

For a woman, that’s no small age, and throughout these years, Song Qingyang hasn’t had any romantic relationships, not even a crush on a man.

Yu Yao simply assumed Song Qingyang had high standards and didn’t think much more of it.

Over a year ago, Song Qingyang suddenly got engaged to Yu Dou, and although Yu Yao seldom left the house and didn’t concern herself with worldly matters, she could see that this engagement was a bargaining chip for Song Zhongming to foster relations with Yu Dou.

The reason he didn’t stop it was that he felt Yu Dou was a good kid and a suitable match for Song Qingyang.

Now, Song Qingyang is about to marry Yu Dou, and logically, such time spent together should have deepened their relationship.

But from Song Qingyang’s attitude, Yu Yao only saw two words: resignation.

Even with someone as excellent as Yu Dou, Song Qingyang doesn’t fancy him. What kind of man could she possibly fancy, then?

Previously, Yu Yao was curious but didn’t think too much of it, because her attention was more on her own son.

But Uncle Wu’s words involuntarily caused her to connect Song Qingyang with her son.

Song Qingyang liked to cling to Song Yansheng since she was young; this Yu Yao knew. But with age, since genders are ultimately different, things should naturally change.

Song Qingyang modeling the design of the Song Mansion for her new home isn’t a big deal; at most, it’s her liking the design and borrowing it.

But considering her recent words to Yu Yao, especially her attitude towards the marriage of Shi Nuan and Song Yansheng, Yu Yao found it rather odd.

Indeed, the union of Song Yansheng and Shi Nuan, whether for Xiao Chuan or the Song Family’s reputation, brings implications. As Xiao Chuan’s elder sister, it’s normal for Song Qingyang to care.

But she kept feeling that Song Qingyang’s concern was somewhat excessive.

This excessiveness worried her, driving her to seek out her son early in the morning; she mainly wanted to know if Song Yansheng knew about Song Qingyang emulating the Song Mansion in her renovations.

If he did, she could still consider herself as overthinking and misunderstanding something. But if he didn’t...

Yu Yao dared not even imagine.

Aunt Hui asked about what, but Yu Yao couldn’t say.

Her son had already married her nephew’s fiancée; if there were further rumors about the niece and the Second Uncle...

The Song Family’s reputation would indeed be utterly destroyed.

Yu Yao didn’t say anything but asked Aunt Hui, "Has Qingyang been coming to the Song Mansion frequently lately?"

Aunt Hui said, "Not much; Mr. Song doesn’t like others coming to the Song Mansion, and Miss Qingyang knows it well!"

Yu Yao nodded.

Aunt Hui pursed her lips and continued, "Actually, some things, I’m unsure whether to say or not..."

Yu Yao, surprised, asked, "What things?"

"It’s just that sometimes Mr. Song seems a bit too harsh on Miss Qingyang."

Aunt Hui said, "Last time, Miss Qingyang transplanted some roses into the Song Mansion. The roses were beautiful and also a gesture of goodwill from Miss Qingyang. I took the liberty to leave them there, but later Lady saw the flowers and casually asked who planted them. After Mr. Song found out, he had them removed... Which turned out to be the roses sent to the Song Family Mansion last time..."

Yu Yao was shocked, "Are you saying the roses sent to the Song Family Mansion last time were actually transplanted from the Song Mansion?"

Aunt Hui nodded, "Yes, Lady!"

Yu Yao pursed her lips, silent, deeply furrowing her brows.

This matter, she truly didn’t know.

Aunt Hui’s eyes flashed, and she happened to catch sight of a figure not far away. She hurriedly curtsied and said, "Lady, Mr. Song is coming!"

— This Chapter contains 4030 words —