Mrs. Shi watched, and then, incensed, she laughed out loud. The current state of Ling Chuxia really did remind her of her own mischievous antics as a child. From the past to the present, of the three children that had caused her much worry, it was not her own son, but Ling Chuxia.
It was unclear what Mrs. Shi thought of, but her expression softened slightly. She stared intently at Ling Chuxia for a long while, her gaze sharp and scrutinizing. In all fairness, she was quite satisfied with Ling Chuxia; her behavior over the past three years had exceeded her expectations. The child she thought least likely to be tamed had managed to be so well-behaved and obedient. It was just unfortunate that Shi Che didn’t like her.
Mrs. Shi’s eyes narrowed, and a flicker of light in their depths suggested she was pondering and weighing something.
Despite appearing composed while sitting there, Ling Chuxia’s palms were beginning to sweat slightly. Her scalp tingled and her heart wavered under Mrs. Shi’s piercing gaze—she truly feared that Mrs. Shi would abruptly drop the sentence, "Let’s get a divorce."
When Ling Chuxia’s spine had stiffened under Mrs. Shi’s gaze, the gentle voice of Mrs. Shi finally spoke, each word clearly reaching her ears.
"I will give you three more months. If you still cannot conceive a child in three months, you and Che’er will have to divorce."
Ling Chuxia came out of the old house in a daze, raised her hand to touch her forehead, and felt the cold dampness on her skin. She stood still for a good while before taking a deep breath and then slowly exhaling.
She hadn’t expected to secure a final deadline for herself. Even though this last deadline offered little hope, it was still better than being replaced immediately.
Ling Chuxia unconsciously glanced back, looking at the solemn and majestic old house. She clenched her hands hanging by her sides, then withdrew her gaze and walked towards her car.
However, before she had taken two steps, she heard the rustling of footsteps behind her, accompanied by a voice calling, "Young Madam, wait."
Ling Chuxia recognized the voice as that of the butler, Sister Hua. She paused mid-step, turned slightly, and looked back with puzzlement. Sister Hua hurried over in a few quick steps, stood in front of her panting slightly, and then said, "Young Madam, Madam asked me to go back with you."
Ling Chuxia was startled, and then a hint of surprise crept into her eyes. After she and Shi Che got married, Shi Che insisted on moving out and also demanded that no servants from the old house follow them, claiming he didn’t want their privacy invaded. Although Mrs. Shi was reluctant, she couldn’t argue with Shi Che, so she never sent anyone over. Why would she now...
Sister Hua seemed to notice Ling Chuxia’s confusion, smiled slightly, her voice gentle and respectful, yet quite straightforward, "Madam hopes I can go over and give you a hand."