Chapter 173: Anyway, I'm going to settle the score

The mother and daughter turned around, and it was Wen Ling.

Ruan MiaoMiao said coldly, "What are you doing?"

Wen Ling walked over to them and asked Ruan MiaoMiao, "Have you seen Zhao Xingtang lately?"

"Is it related to you?" Ruan MiaoMiao narrowed her eyes and glared fiercely at Wen Ling.

Wen Ling rolled her eyes and asked again, "If you've seen him, just tell me; it's not bad for you, and besides, you're not worth my scheming right now."

Ruan MiaoMiao pressed her lips and said coldly, "I have."

"Was it her who told you to look for Young Master Yang?" Wen Ling tilted her head, thinking about how Zhao Xingtang might have provoked Ruan MiaoMiao, but she felt Ruan MiaoMiao shouldn't be that foolish, nor should she get involved over a few words.

But seeing Ruan MiaoMiao's increasingly ugly expression, Wen Ling felt she had overestimated her, giving rise to a feeling of frustration at her inability to improve.

Zhou Yinhe came out and called to her; Wen Ling looked at Ruan MiaoMiao for a long time, then withdrew her gaze and followed Zhou Yinhe back.

Qin Lao and Wen Lao sat facing each other; Wen Lao glanced at the displeased Qin Lao a few times but ultimately ignored him. Wen Ling entered, saw the scene, smiled, and stepped forward: "What's up? It looks like you two are having a disagreement."

Wen Lao snorted coldly, "Who's arguing with him? Do I look that idle?"

Wen Ling walked over to Qin Lao's side, gesturing for Zhou Yinhe, who was behind her, to go sit beside Wen Lao.

"Grandpa, don't be angry." She coaxed, "Don't make things difficult for yourself over this; if it really can't be helped, let's secretly lend a hand to Aunt and cousin."

Qin Lao turned his face to her and sighed, "They're slandering you like this, yet you still want to help them."

Wen Ling blinked and said, "Just think of me as kind."

It's not that; she doesn't have a saintly complex, she just thinks Ruan MiaoMiao's fate likely ties to Zhao Xingtang, and Zhao Xingtang probably acted for her sake.

Although Wen Ling despised Ruan MiaoMiao's stupidity, whatever Ruan MiaoMiao did was none of her business; if provoked, she wouldn't let Ruan MiaoMiao off either, but she didn't want Ruan MiaoMiao to suffer because of her.

Qin Lao knew that if his granddaughter minded, she wouldn't come to give him insincere advice, so he relaxed.

No matter how harsh the words, they were still his daughter and granddaughter; truly hardening his heart to ignore everything was impossible.

Seeing Qin Lao pleased, Wen Ling curved her lips and asked, "What about Shutong and Qin Yuyang?"

"Your older brother took them away."

Wen Ling gave an "oh" and immediately began discussing with Qin Lao and Wen Lao.

"Would you like to stay with us at Chen Yue Fu? Zhou Yinhe has prepared a villa next door for you, everything arranged."

Qin Lao shook his head and smiled, "We're in the same city; we can meet anytime. I won't go—you take your grandfather."

"Isn't this because you're afraid I'll favor you and feel jealous?" Wen Ling pouted.

Wen Lao rolled his eyes and questioned, "How? Does living with me wrong you? Your granddaughter's filial devotion, yet you insist on putting on airs."

"I just don't want to see your old face. What's wrong with that?" Qin Lao retorted angrily.

Seeing they were about to argue again, Wen Ling hurriedly interrupted: "Stop, stop, let's not argue."

At last, Zhou Yinhe, who had been unable to interject, spoke up, first to Qin Lao: "Grandpa Qin, come stay with us; we'll take you and Grandpa Wen on a self-drive tour—the weather's just right now."

Qin Lao still hesitated; Wen Ling hugged his arm and shook it, her big eyes shining like stars, and he softened.

Zhou Yinhe also couldn't play favorites; he hurriedly coaxed Wen Lao: "Grandpa Wen, you've been to Sijiucheng before, though it may have been years ago and many places have changed; I'll take you around Sijiucheng, then Hucheng and Jiangcheng—on this trip we should have as much fun as possible."

He isn't childish when alone with Wen Ling, nor overbearing with his childhood friends; when treating Wen Ling's cherished relatives, he is always humble.

Wen Lao and Qin Lao agreed, but seeing it was late, they decided to go tomorrow.

After dinner, Wen Ling pulled Zhou Yinhe into the room; she and Qin Lao, who had originally planned to invite them for a walk, hadn't even spoken before the two disappeared.

As soon as they entered the room, Wen Ling kissed Zhou Yinhe's corner of the mouth, lips parting and closing, and whispered, "You actually have moments of being so humble and sensible."

Zhou Yinhe raised a hand to press the back of her head, "When have I ever not been humble and sensible in front of your grandfather and great-grandfather?" After saying that, he pressed a little deeper, intensifying the kiss.

Qin Lao and Wen Lao weren't there; Zhou Yinhe really wanted to do what he had in mind, but there was nothing of the sort in Wen Ling's room at the Qin family home; he didn't want her to take medicine, so he only eased things once before letting go of her.

"Tomorrow we return to Chen Yue Fu; wait for me."

Wen Ling, panting, laughed at his words.

The next day, the two first sent Hehe and the Heng Heng from Feng Qi Yuan back to Chen Yue Fu, leaving the rest at Feng Qi Yuan in case they stayed there again.

After sending off Hehe and Heng Heng, they then went together to the Qin family to pick up the two elders.

On the way, Zhou Yinhe said, "When we arrive, let's rest first, then discuss where we want to go."

Wen Lao now looked at Zhou Yinhe with kind eyes; hearing this, he nodded and said affectionately, "All right, Xiao Wu will handle it."

Zhou Yinhe curved his lips, secretly squeezing Wen Ling's palm; she glanced at him, asking with her eyes, "You've settled my grandfather—are you pleased?"

Zhou Yinhe returned her glance, "Yes."

Wen Ling smiled at him, then gave him a big white eye; Zhou Yinhe was amused by her little expression, pressed his lips to hold back laughter, not wanting the two elders to notice their little interaction.

Arriving at Chen Yue Fu, Zhou Yinhe had his steward and the stewards accompanying Qin Lao and Wen Lao go next door to tidy rooms for the two elders, while he took the elders around the two villas, also pointing out nearby spots suitable for nighttime strolls.

These days, Wen Lao has been walking with Qin Lao after meals; in just a few days it became a habit, and skipping the walk leaves him uncomfortable. Seeing how thoughtful Zhou Yinhe is, his heart warms; the earlier dissatisfaction stemming from Zhou Yinhe blocking a bullet for Wen Ling has largely faded, now completely gone—he finds Zhou Yinhe even more affable than his own son.

After seeing the two off to rest next door, Zhou Yinhe grabbed Wen Ling's hand and hurried toward their villa.

With no one around, Zhou Yinhe spoke without restraint.

"You've bullied me for days; I need to settle the score."

"……" Wen Ling asked, "When have I bullied you?"

"Don't worry about it." Zhou Yinhe laughed, "Anyway, I'm going to settle the score."