Upon hearing the words "move out," everyone present was stunned, as if they hadn't anticipated the situation escalating so severely.
Elder Madam He, in particular, thought, "Aren't they just putting on an act? Did they really not tell He Zinian about this? If they're this fierce, what if it scares Li Shu?"
Just as Elder Madam He was about to intercede for Chen Li Shu, Elder Master He interrupted her, saying, "Moving out is indeed for the best. Given our past relationship, we don't wish to dwell on past matters or make things overly unpleasant!"
Seeing the awkward atmosphere at the table, Li Xiu Lan quickly rose to ladle soup for everyone. She then said, "You all know what kind of person Li Shu is, don't you? If you ask me, this was just an unintentional mistake. Please don't take it to heart. After this incident, I believe she will surely understand.
Please don't move out. Elder Madam He is ill, and you two men certainly won't be able to take good care of her. Hiring an outsider might not be entirely reassuring, so why not stay in the courtyard? I can also keep a closer eye on things!"
As her words fell, Li Xiu Lan glanced at the people at the table, only to find them unmoved. She returned to her seat somewhat dejectedly.
Qin Yue, on the other hand, saw this as a good thing and was about to say something to hasten Elder Master He's departure from the courtyard when Meng Lei beside her kicked her heavily under the table. Her entire face contorted, leaving her unable to utter a word.
Meng Lei seized this opportunity to speak, "Uncle and Aunt, please stay. I believe Miss Chen's actions were unintentional, and she has already recognized her mistake. The children also cannot accept your departure. For the sake of the children, why don't you try to understand each other!
Furthermore, if you leave the courtyard now, how will Miss Chen focus on participating in the competition? We are all family. If there are any misunderstandings, let's clear them up today."
After saying this, Meng Lei winked at the children beside him. Soon, these children gathered around He Zinian.
Rui Rui, like a little adult, stood with his hands behind his back, frowning and feigning a mature demeanor. He said, "I don't think this is Mom's fault at all. It's very likely that old woman deliberately lured Mom into making a mistake! Uncle, can you please not blame Mom?"
"Yes, everyone makes mistakes. If you know your mistakes and correct them, it is the greatest virtue! Mom, Grandma's injury this time was because you were caught off guard. Can you apologize to Grandma?" Xiao Bai, with her soft hands, tugged at Chen Li Shu's clothes. Tears welled up in her eyes. To prevent Elder Madam He from leaving, she was truly trying her best to persuade them!
Chen Li Shu's heart instantly softened. She lowered her head, a flicker of guilt in her eyes, and said, "Godmother, I'm sorry. It was my ignorance that put you in danger. I didn't say this to you after you woke up because I was too cowardly and avoiding the issue!"
Seeing Chen Li Shu being pressured to apologize by everyone, Elder Madam He angrily slammed the table. Just as she was about to question He Zinian's intentions, Xiao Bai suddenly looked at her with hopeful eyes and asked, "Grandma, since Mom has apologized to you, can you forgive Mom?"
"Good child, I naturally won't blame your mother. I..." Elder Madam He's words were cut off again.
He Zinian said coldly, "Since the children have pleaded on your behalf, we will stay. However, from now on, we will interact as landlord and tenant. Your jealousy is too intense; we in the He family dare not provoke someone as dangerous as you!"
As he finished speaking, he took a card from his bag and tossed it onto the table in front of Chen Li Shu. His demeanor truly seemed as if he were severing ties.
Upon learning that the He family would indeed stay, Meng Lei let out a silent sigh of relief. The dinner that followed was exceptionally quiet. After everyone finished eating, they returned to their respective rooms.
Elder Madam He had wanted to stay and comfort Chen Li Shu, but she was mercilessly pulled away by He Zinian. Watching their retreating figures, Chen Li Shu, with a headache, held her forehead with her hand.
Seeing this, Gu Xing Dong reached out and placed his hand on Chen Li Shu's head, gently rubbing it. He then spoke in comfort, "What's wrong? Are you feeling a bit unwell? You don't need to take this to heart. This is all a scheme between Zhang Wan Er and He Gu.
When I'm done visiting the prison, I'll investigate this matter thoroughly and reveal the truth to everyone. We are all family, and once they see the truth, I believe they won't hold it against you so much!"
"Actually, it's not that. It's because I know Zhang Wan Er never had good intentions, and Su Nian and I had already guessed her purpose, but we didn't act immediately, disregarding Godmother's safety!" Chen Li Shu's face showed a trace of annoyance as she said this.
Gu Xing Dong opened his mouth, about to comfort Chen Li Shu, but Chen Li Shu got up and dodged his touch. "I know you mean well in advising me, but this was indeed my mistake, and I must reflect on it. I will absolutely not allow such a mistake to happen again in the future! You eat slowly, I'm going back to my room to rest."
After speaking, Chen Li Shu glanced at Li Xiu Lan, a slight smile curving her lips, nodded to her, and then turned away from the dining table.
Watching Li Xiu Lan look utterly bewildered, Qin Yue maliciously approached her again and asked, "Brother Gu, what did Chen Li Shu say to you just now? Why did she suddenly leave in a huff? You finally came home, and she didn't even try to connect with you. Could it be that you two are fighting?
You're already an old married couple, and you're still throwing tantrums every day. Can you even go on living like this? The children will see this and think their parents have a bad relationship, which could affect their psychological health. I think you need to manage this situation; you can't let it continue. Women should act like women and support their husbands and raise their children!"
Qin Yue still felt that women should be more virtuous. Throwing tantrums all the time, where does that leave the man's dignity? Perhaps Gu Xing Dong and Li Xiu Lan had already had enough of such a Chen Li Shu, and they hadn't made a scene because Chen Li Shu made money. Now that she had exposed this matter, wouldn't Gu Xing Dong feel embarrassed and develop an aversion to Chen Li Shu?