"I am well aware," Yueyao’s expression was very calm, betraying no sign of nervousness.
Nanny Wang looked at Yueyao with surprise. Even now, she hadn’t seen through the Third Young Lady’s true nature. Nanny Wang wondered if there was something they didn’t know.
Shen Pinlan was simple-minded, that was true, but she could still feel Yueyao’s cold demeanor. Pinlan asked with perplexity, "Mother, does Yueyao not like me? Is there something I’ve done wrong?" Shen Pinlan was the Shen family’s only daughter, a precious jewel in the household, loved by her parents and adored by her two brothers as well. Her naivety had fostered her charming nature. Such a girl would usually be beloved by all, but unfortunately, she had met the indifferent Yueyao.
Lady Mu, despite her dissatisfaction with Yueyao, would not speak ill of her in front of her daughter, "She probably is just like that by nature, Lan’er, you needn’t take it to heart."
Once back at the mansion, Lady Mu spoke to Shen Qian about this matter, "This child’s social skills leave much to be desired, and not just slightly. Not only is she bitter, but her nature is so cold and aloof, what will become of her in the future?" She wasn’t even talking about whether her son could tolerate it at the moment; she simply looked down upon Yueyao completely.
Lady Mu was extremely dissatisfied with Shen Qian for deciding on this marriage without her consent. She had met Yueyao twice, and the more she saw, the less she liked. The girl brought misfortune, having caused the death of her own parents, and who knew if she would bring misfortune to them in the future. Her demeanor was also cold and detached as if everyone owed her money. She was marrying a daughter-in-law, not welcoming a statue of Buddha into their home.
Shen Qian found Lady Mu’s concerns excessive, "The child has lost her parents, and last year, her grandmother passed away as well. Perhaps she hasn’t gotten over it yet. Give her a couple more years, she’ll come around. And if not, once she’s married into our family, you can teach her properly. She’s a bright child, who learns quickly."
Shen Qian had met Yueyao in Jiangnan when she was still very young. At that time, under the care of Lian Dongbo and Madam Ma, she was also bright and cheerful. Shen Qian liked her very much at that time, which was why he turned what was said in jest into reality.
Lady Mu, although resentful, knew that this marriage could not be called off. It was precisely because it could not be called off that she felt even more infuriated.
However, Pinlan told Shen Conghao about encountering Yueyao today, "Second brother, you don’t know how beautiful Yueyao is. And she’s so knowledgeable. She explained everything I didn’t understand." Pinlan, with her innocent nature, did not harbor any resentment towards Yueyao for her cold attitude.
Shen Conghao, although only twelve years old, had known since he was sensible that he had a fiancée, a talented lady. Now, hearing from his sister that his fiancée was very beautiful made him very happy. A fiancee with both talent and beauty would surely make him satisfied.
After talking for a while, Pinlan pouted and said, "Second brother, actually, I quite like Yueyao, but she doesn’t seem to like me very much."
Shen Conghao was taken aback for a moment, then chuckled and tweaked Pinlan’s nose, saying, "How could she not like our adorable Lan’er? It’s probably because you’re not very familiar with each other yet. Once you get to know each other better, things will improve."
Upon hearing this, Pinlan smiled and said, "You and Yueyao really do think alike, Second Brother. Yueyao also said we’re not very familiar. Well, it will be better once we get to know each other more."
Shen Conghao smiled wryly, but he felt somewhat regretful. He had seen Yueyao once at the restaurant, but unfortunately, she wore a veil, so he didn’t see her face. He wondered when he would see her in person.
Nanny Hao thought Yueyao’s behavior today was a bit much, "Miss, Lady Shen will be your mother-in-law in the future, and Miss Shen will be your sister-in-law. Treating them like you did today, when they return the favor tenfold in the future, you’ll be at a major disadvantage!"
Yueyao’s face showed a hint of mockery, "A major disadvantage?" Seeing Nanny Hao’s expression, she didn’t want to argue too much, "Nanny, I know what I’m doing." When the time came, even if the Shen family, for the sake of appearances, didn’t suggest breaking off the engagement, she would take the initiative to call off the marriage. With a mother-in-law like Lady Mu, unless she had a strong enough backing, becoming her daughter-in-law would definitely mean being oppressed to the point of no return.