Teacher Yang said bluntly, "Mrs. Huang is nothing more than a petty commoner. She and her sister have never done anything good. If it weren’t for their instigation and indulgence, Yang Wei wouldn’t have ended up where he is today. Now Shanni is burdened with raising a child alone. Who knows how hard it is? Do you see any sign of remorse from them? They’re still out gallivanting and gossiping every day. If Shanni hadn’t divorced Yang Wei, her life would have eventually been ruined by him."

Li Zhen was very grateful. "Mom, thank you. Xixi... she’s actually not at all like they say."

Teacher Yang was dismissive. "Mrs. Huang is just a social climber. Other than Zhou Ting, who else could possibly meet her standards? You shouldn’t get your hopes too high in life. The higher you climb, the harder you fall. I just hope that cousin from the Huang Family doesn’t end up like Yang Wei. That would be for the best."

Time seemed to pass so slowly. Yet, in the blink of an eye, it rushed by incredibly fast.

Wan Donglin had completely vanished.

No phone calls, no messages... Several times, Yan Xixi couldn’t bear it and wanted to find him, but every time she picked up her phone, she put it back down.

They had only been apart for two days, and she was already panicking.

Restless, she pretended to be casual and sent him a message, "Hillbilly... please take care..."

After sending that one line, she didn’t know what else to say, so she simply left it at that.

Several times, she desperately wanted to tell him the truth. But how could she phrase it?

Hillbilly, I can’t get pregnant right now. I’m afraid you’ll leave me—so then what?

Hillbilly, should I wait until my body is healthy and I can get pregnant before I look for you?

What could she possibly say?

She felt as anxious as an ant on a hot pan, thumping her head in frustration, feeling utterly useless.

Just then, her phone rang.

She glanced at the caller ID: Liu Daqing.

She shot up from her seat.

What on earth is going on these days? Why have all the parents suddenly sprung into action?

Summoned by the Empress Dowager, she dared not refuse.

To her surprise, Empress Dowager Liu was still at the old family courtyard. Wasn’t she supposed to have returned to Switzerland by now? Why hasn’t she left?! she wondered.

The gatekeeper led her in.

It was evening, and the weather was relatively cool. A few lounge chairs were set up under the wisteria trellis, with a pot of clear tea on the table. Liu Daqing stood by the small fish pond, watching the little red fish swim about. In the center of the pond, a water lily was just beginning to bloom, its faint fragrance perfuming the air.

Yan Xixi dared not disturb her and simply stood quietly to one side.

Only when Liu Daqing turned around did Yan Xixi gather her courage and say, "Empress Dowager..."

Liu Daqing, whose gaze was usually sharp, seemed to soften slightly at the title. Still, her tone was cool as she said, "Sit."

Yan Xixi sat down formally beside her.

Liu Daqing observed that the girl sat with notable elegance, though her expression was extremely tense.

She got straight to the point, "Why are you going to the United States alone?"

Yan Xixi was taken aback.

She suddenly realized Wan Donglin hadn’t told the Empress Dowager about their breakup; he’d only said she was going to the United States alone. But Liu Daqing was perceptive—she would understand the implications immediately.

"The last time you came to our house, I understood that you might break up with Donglin. But I didn’t expect it to happen so soon."

...

"Yan Xixi, tell me, why did you insist on breaking up??"

"Is it because you’re not satisfied with me?"

Yan Xixi had braced herself for this, but it was still difficult.

She replied slowly, "I just realized... I have too many flaws..."

"You feel you’re not good enough for Donglin?"

...