She opened her mailbox and quickly found the email Luo Zhu had sent.
There were three villas to choose from, each looking incredibly luxurious and grand. While not comparable to the Jin family's old manor, they were the kind of residences only the nobility could afford.
Even the Shao family’s houses were clearly inferior to these three.
Furthermore, the information for the three villas did not list prices, but Su Ding knew they would be exorbitant.
Su Ding directly focused on the villa closest to the Jin family's old manor.
It was a standalone, three-story villa with a small garden and a pond. The first floor housed the reception hall, kitchen, bathroom, and maid's room. Further inside was a recreation area, equipped with a billiards table and indoor fitness equipment.
The second floor featured a lounge, with a master bedroom accompanied by four secondary bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom. The third floor had a controllable open-air swimming pool and a bar.
Su Ding naturally loved it; she couldn't find any fault with it.
Jin Ye noticed her visibly pleased expression and asked, "Have you found one you like?"
Su Ding smiled and raised her eyebrows, "Mhm!"
"Good," Jin Ye smiled slightly. "We'll go after we've eaten."
After they finished their meal, they went to see the villa near the Jin family's old manor. The owner had already moved out, making the viewing quite convenient.
"Let's take this one," Su Ding suggested.
"Aren't you going to look at the other two?" Jin Ye asked, remembering that his initial reason might have been to see Xiao Xi easily. He added, "The other two are not too far from here either."
He himself knew his mother's attitude towards Su Ding.
Su Ding smiled, "No need, I really like it here."
The places Jin Ye's secretary could find were basically foolproof; this was the confidence of the wealthy.
"Alright, I'll have Luo Zhu send you the renovation plans," Jin Ye said without further ado once it was decided. "Let's go back."
Su Ding checked the time. "It's still early, let's go see how Xiao Xi is doing."
Jin Ye didn't move, his expression shifting for a moment.
"I asked at home this afternoon; Xiao Xi has recovered quite well. Let's go back another time," he said somewhat awkwardly.
Su Ding immediately sensed something was amiss. She thought for a moment, "Has Shao Lin not left yet?"
Jin Ye's face darkened. "...Yes."
He hadn't expected Xiao Xi to allow Shao Lin to stay at the Jin family's residence. In the past five years, Shao Lin had tried every means to stay overnight at the Jin family's, only to be turned away.
Last night was a special circumstance, but what about today?
He truly couldn't understand it.
Su Ding's heart ached. Even breathing felt stifling, but the scene she had witnessed that morning was deeply etched in her mind.
She didn't want to be the outsider.
To be the detested stepmother.
Su Ding pretended not to care, striving for calmness, her voice trembling slightly as she restrained herself, "Then let's go back."
Jin Ye gently embraced her. "Okay."
Regarding Xiao Xi's origins, he truly had no right to say anything; five years ago was an accident.
When they returned home, the aunt told them that Xiao Rui was in her room.
Su Ding walked to the door, put on a smile, and knocked.
"Xiao Rui, Mommy is back."
Hearing her mother's voice, Su Xiao Rui rushed out and hugged Su Ding.
She affectionately wrapped her arms around Su Ding's waist, "Mommy!"
Su Ding picked up her daughter and sat on the sofa. Her daughter's soft body snuggled into her arms, seeking comfort for the emptiness and disappointment in her heart.
"Daddy, hug me!"
Su Xiao Rui then threw herself into Jin Ye's arms, wrapping her arms around his neck.
Jin Ye gently stroked her hair.
"I just spoke to Brother Xiao Xi on the phone. He said he was sick, why didn't you tell me, Mommy?" Xiao Rui asked, her voice full of grievance.
"Mommy was afraid you would worry. We'll take you to see him in a couple of days."
Su Ding said gently, her heart heavy.
How could Madam Jin, who had tried every way to drive Xiao Rui away, allow Xiao Rui to visit?