Zhuang Yuebin and his sister exchanged pleasantries.
"It’s been a long time since we’ve seen each other. What have you been up to lately? I’m planning to visit grandma tomorrow. Shall we go together?"
Zhuang Rouhui felt a wave of chaos in her heart, and upon seeing Li Xiaoqin and Zhuang Lan, she couldn’t help but take a couple of steps forward.
Li Xiaoqin noticed that Zhuang Rouhui said she came to pay a New Year’s visit, yet she didn’t bring anything in her hands, which made her increasingly suspect the visit was impromptu, without knowing the reason behind it.
She was not someone who fussed over gifts. Moreover, she really didn’t have much expectation of Zhuang Rouhui over these years, so she still greeted her with a smiling face.
"Rouhui, take a seat. Would you like something to eat? I’ll go make it for you."
"There’s no need to bother."
As Zhuang Rouhui spoke, her gaze fell straight on Zhuang Lan.
"How have your grades been recently? I heard you’re now at Lingguang No.1 Middle School? That’s really commendable; you’re bringing honor to the Zhuang family."
Hearing Zhuang Rouhui uncharacteristically praising her son, Zhuang Yuebin and Li Xiaoqin exchanged glances, both reading the other’s thoughts.
These words didn’t sound like something his sister would say. They had some doubts about her intentions for coming today, and now it seemed she definitely had a motive for this unexpected visit.
In contrast, Zhuang Lan remained calm, showing little expression on his face, and his response was brief and to the point.
Zhuang Rouhui had intended to start with some small talk before getting to the main topic.
But facing Zhuang Lan, she found it difficult to continue the conversation, so she cut to the chase.
"I remember there’s a girl named Yue Qingqing in your class? I saw her at your birthday party."
Zhuang Yuebin and Li Xiaoqin were both utterly confused, and Zhuang Lan frowned slightly as well.
"Auntie, what is it you want to ask?"
Zhuang Rouhui weighed her words, "Have you heard her talk about her family? Is she adopted?"
Everyone was taken aback by Zhuang Rouhui’s question.
In the midst of the New Year’s celebration, Zhuang Rouhui came home to have this conversation—what was the reason for it?
Suddenly, Li Xiaoqin’s expression changed. She remembered the girl her brother-in-law’s sister had abandoned years ago.
Li Xiaoqin immediately looked at Zhuang Yuebin, but he hadn’t yet caught on and his face was filled with confusion.
Zhuang Lan was also puzzled.
Zhuang Rouhui, keeping her patience, repeated, "I heard that Yue Qingqing scored the top rank in the city’s middle school entrance exam and should be at Lingguang No.1 Middle School too. Since you’re both at the same school, you must have a good relationship. Have you heard her talk about her family?"
The news of Yue Qingqing scoring the top rank years ago was repeatedly covered by the local newspaper, and Zhuang Rouhui was well aware of it.
Back then, she was annoyed even by the mention of this name, but now the thought brought a hint of pride.
This was her daughter.
Zhuang Lan was pondering the purpose behind his aunt’s questioning when he suddenly caught his mother’s gaze, causing his heart to jolt.
He thought about that incident as well.
But he truly hadn’t heard Yue Qingqing speak of these matters. After thinking it over, Zhuang Lan decided to tell the truth.
"I’ve heard a bit, but she’s probably not adopted. She also has an older sister and a younger brother who are part of her second uncle’s family, and they all have a great relationship."
Zhuang Rouhui grew anxious, as if her hopes had been shattered.
"How is that possible? Think about it again."
Zhuang Lan stayed quiet, and Li Xiaoqin tried to smooth things over, "Even though they’re classmates, Zhuang Lan isn’t one for chatting much. He probably doesn’t know too much."
Zhuang Yuebin finally caught up a beat too late.
"Sister, you don’t suspect Yue Qingqing is the daughter you lost, do you?"
"Yes!" Zhuang Rouhui immediately responded, "I have a DNA test report here. Ruyun and Yue Qingqing are related by blood. She must be my daughter!"
Zhuang Lan drew a sharp breath. So, what Zhuang Rouhui was saying was true—was Yue Qingqing really his cousin?