Her hopes were dashed, her only wish gone.
But she was unwilling, truly unwilling.
Clearly, Mrs. Ling had liked her very much before, often saying how wonderful it would be if Yu Chen could marry her.
And Old Mrs. Ling, she had liked her very much when they met, treating her almost as a granddaughter-in-law.
But why were their attitudes like this now, why?
"Eat now, stay and finish before you leave." It was mealtime, so Zhu Yunfei naturally invited her to stay.
Situ Jing had intended to leave, but then she saw Ling Yu Chen sitting next to Xia Wan Tang, not even glancing at her, and her heart ached again.
After a moment's hesitation, Aunt Ou came to call, "The food is ready, we can begin."
Situ Jing was now in a dilemma, unable to decide whether to go or stay.
As she was struggling, Zhu Yunfei had already taken her hand and led her towards the dining table.
Zhu Yunfei felt a sense of regret. She had quite liked Situ Jing before.
After all, she had watched this child grow up, and she knew her character and upbringing well.
It was a pity that matters of the heart couldn't be forced. Yu Chen didn't like her, and there was nothing she could do.
Because they had grown up together and had an unusual relationship,
And Yu Chen had almost only had her as a woman around him, she had thought they would end up together.
Who knew that Yu Chen had no romantic feelings for her at all? Years had passed, and she had stopped talking about wanting her as a daughter-in-law.
But who would have known that this girl was so deeply in love with Yu Chen? As time went on, they were both no longer young.
"Good girl, time to eat," Old Mrs. Ling said, fearing Xia Wan Tang might overthink things.
She personally took Xia Wan Tang's hand to the meal and whispered in her ear, "Don't worry, our Yu Chen only loves you."
Xia Wan Tang was surprised that her grandmother would say such a thing to her and didn't know how to react.
In her daze, she was already being led to sit at the dining table.
Old Master Ling and Old Mrs. Ling sat at the head of the table. Xia Wan Tang sat directly to the right of Old Mrs. Ling, and Ling Yu Chen naturally sat beside Xia Wan Tang.
Opposite her was Ling Jun Ye, and Zhu Yunfei sat opposite Ling Yu Chen.
With this arrangement, Situ Jing felt even more like an outsider.
Her heart became even more unsettled.
When she used to eat at the Ling's, she always sat opposite or next to Ling Yu Chen.
But since Xia Wan Tang appeared, everything had changed.
She had only been abroad traveling for a month.
The two families were close, and before, almost everyone thought that Ling Yu Chen would eventually marry Situ Jing.
Because she was almost the only female friend Ling Yu Chen had.
Who knew it would turn out like this in the end?
However, after all these years, almost everyone understood.
Ling Yu Chen would not like Situ Jing, and only Situ Jing remained infatuated, unable to extricate herself.
This meal was eaten by Situ Jing without any enjoyment.
Everyone else was harmonious and cheerful.
Zhu Yunfei initially considered her feelings, but slowly began to overlook them.
Ling Yu Chen's eyes were filled only with Xia Wan Tang. He served her her favorite dishes, wiped her mouth, and his eyes were filled with gentle smiles, attentive and considerate.
The men of the Ling family were all devoted and steadfast.
Ling Jun Ye's eyes were only for Zhu Yunfei, and Old Master Ling's eyes were only for Old Mrs. Ling.
Situ Jing felt lonely, regretting even more that she had come to humiliate herself.
The meal, which felt like an ordeal, finally ended.
Situ Jing didn't want to stay a moment longer. She put down her chopsticks and said, "I'm full, thank you for your hospitality, Aunt Ling. It's getting late, and my parents will be worried, so I'll be going now."
"Okay, then I'll see you out."
Zhu Yunfei said and stood up.
Situ Jing quickly refused, but ultimately couldn't dissuade her.
Her expression was dazed as she stumbled out of the main hall.
She couldn't help but think back to the past, when Aunt Ling would always have Yu Chen brother drive her home.
A gentle and amorous breeze blew outside.
She looked up, but there was no full moon, only faint starlight, so faint it seemed it could disappear at any moment.
Situ Jing couldn't help but think of the wedding ring on Xia Wan Tang's finger.
The round diamond on it was as brilliant as the full moon.
And Ling Yu Chen's hand...
She seemed to understand something, her steps faltered as she looked at the sky, her vision blurring.
His ring was encircled by small diamonds, with a golden diamond in the center that was particularly striking.
He had once said that Venus guarded the moon.
Zhu Yunfei heard the footsteps behind her stop and turned to look.
She saw Situ Jing standing there, gazing at the sky in a daze.
Her expression was neither a smile nor a cry, listless as if she had lost her soul. Finally, Zhu Yunfei sighed with compassion.
"Jing Jing, Auntie knows you're upset, but matters of the heart..."
"I understand, Aunt Ling," Situ Jing turned to look at her, her eyes reddening. "I won't like Yu Chen anymore."
Zhu Yunfei was silent, saying nothing, just standing there accompanying her.
This girl was smart and always understood things quickly.
She figured she didn't need to say much.
But she was also stubborn, and she could only hope she wouldn't do anything foolish.
After seeing Situ Jing to the entrance of the Situ residence, Zhu Yunfei returned to the Ling family.
Standing at the main gate, Situ Jing watched her walk away, watching her figure gradually disappear into the darkness.
Her face gradually darkened, becoming somber and a little frightening in the night.
...
After Situ Jing left, Old Mrs. Ling said to Xia Wan Tang.
"Because they are neighbors, she and Yu Chen grew up together. Before, Mother and I did have the intention of arranging a marriage between them.
But this was just the elders' wishful thinking. Wan Tang, please don't mind. Actually, Yu Chen only treats her as a sister."
"Why are you saying this in front of the child?" Old Master Ling was afraid Xia Wan Tang would be unhappy.
Old Mrs. Ling ignored him. As a woman, she understood women's subtle thoughts better. But as long as it was explained, there was no harm. She believed Yu Chen's judgment was good.
The daughter-in-law he married would not be someone confused.
Xia Wan Tang's expression was natural. Of course, she wouldn't be so petty as to dwell on such trivial matters.
Before was before, and now is now.
What happened in the past shouldn't be taken seriously.
Didn't Xia Lin Feng and Han Wen Juan want her to sleep with an old man before?
She smiled faintly and said indifferently, "It's okay, Grandma, I don't mind."
Seeing Xia Wan Tang's clear eyes, looking at her frankly, and her pure smile.
Old Mrs. Ling couldn't help but feel pleased and said kindly, "My dear, you're so precious. If Yu Chen bullies you, tell Grandma, and Grandma will scold him."
"Yu Chen is very good."
Xia Wan Tang blushed slightly, her smile shy.