Chapter 111: Stirring Up Trouble Again

Song Huan Yan really does understand Nan Gong Lin.

First, Nan Gong Lin dislikes her because she thinks she is unfit for Nan Gong Yu; Nan Gong Lin is a brother‑lover, and her original intention is to protect Nan Gong Yu.

Unlike many Aristocratic Families, where brothers and sisters compete for everything, interests run rampant, and familial affection is pitifully scarce.

So that original intention is fine; she just feels that the affection has been taken away.

In fact, when she was young she also had this possessiveness toward Song Qicheng.

She thought he was her brother, so he could only be kind to her.

But after growing up, she realized she and Song Qicheng were not biologically related.

To avoid suspicion, she and Song Qicheng cannot have that normal sibling possessiveness, lest it cause unnecessary misunderstandings.

So there's a process; let's take it slowly.

Moreover, she and Nan Gong Yu have promised to treat each other with mutual respect, so she must be a good wife.

A good wife must not provoke trouble, must not get into an irreconcilable feud with her husband's siblings, must not be relentless in arguing over right and wrong.

Unless they truly cross the line into unforgivable.

But that hasn't happened; they're just minor issues.

Seeing that she truly isn't angry, is magnanimous, doesn't cause mischief, and doesn't act wildly, Nan Gong Yu feels very gratified.

Having chosen his wife, indeed it's a blessing.

A harmonious family brings prosperity in all things.

Song Huan Yan looked at him and said, "Actually, Nan Gong Lin has objections to me because she idolizes you too much. So the person who should not punish her is you."

Nan Gong Yu was startled for a moment, "Is that so?"

Song Huan Yan nodded, "Hmm. She really loves you."

"I understand," Nan Gong Yu said, "I'll follow your advice."

Of course he knows Nan Gong Lin's admiration for him, and he also dotes on Nan Gong Lin.

He just fears Song Huan Yan won't understand, won't accept, and will feel aggrieved.

But he didn't expect that she would voluntarily understand Nan Gong Lin and even speak kindly of her.

Nan Gong Yu's gaze toward her grew a bit solemn.

Suddenly he reached out, pulled her into his arms, grasped her jaw, looked at her, and said, "Huan Yan."

Then he kissed her.

He only released her when their breathing became slightly shallow.

At that moment, Qiao An was also in Nan Gong Lin's room keeping her company, even voluntarily drying her hair to please Nan Gong Lin.

Nan Gong Lin was very satisfied and happy about this.

Therefore, Nan Gong Lin thought Qiao An was even better.

Nan Gong Lin said, "Second Sister-in-law, do you think I did something wrong?"

Nan Gong Lin actually calling her Second Sister-in-law made Qiao An overjoyed, and she hurriedly replied, "You're certainly not wrong."

Nan Gong Lin, pleased, asked, "What's your opinion?"

"That's your elder brother," Qiao An said. "Your own elder brother. Elder Sister-in-law… she's merely a wife; even after marriage they could divorce, so it's hard to call them family. You and your elder brother, however, are the true family. It's like, I like your second brother, so I'll be kind to you. If she truly treats you well, and then your elder brother takes her away, you won't even get a single word of concern?"

After a pause, Qiao An added, "Isn't she the one who cares most about details? She broke up with Qin Yingdi because he didn't wish her a happy birthday on her birthday."

Nan Gong Lin's eyes darkened, and she said, "Hmm, you're right. She really didn't say a single word of concern for me. Yet when she fell into the water I was so worried about her."

Qiao An quickly replied, "That's just my opinion. Alright, don't be angry; luckily you're both fine. Whatever the case, she's also our Elder Sister-in-law; once it's over, let's just move on."

Nan Gong Lin said displeased, "Don't speak kindly for her. The incident where she gave little brother candy was extremely indiscreet; she flaunted her presence right in front of little brother. Fortunately little brother entered a Marriage Alliance with you; otherwise, if it provoked any other emotion in him, she'd be a sinner!"

Qiao An said, "Stop talking. Your elder brother protects her; if you target her, he'll lose his temper again in a moment, and his temper is terrifying."

Mentioning this made Nan Gong Lin even more displeased, "She just placated my elder brother to give her a backer!"

But she said nothing more, instead saying, "Second Sister-in-law, let's get along well from now on."

Nan Gong Lin began to form an alliance, "As long as we stand on the same line, we won't fear her future harassment."

Qiao An nodded, very obedient and friendly, "Of course I'm on good terms with you. It's just that she's still my boss...."

Nan Gong Lin cut her off, "You're already my Second Sister-in-law; you don't have to worry about work at all."

Qiao An pursed her lips and feigned sincerity, "This series still has to be finished; it's professional ethics."

Nan Gong Lin said, "If she bullies you, you must tell me."

Although she calls Qiao An Second Sister-in-law, Qiao An is actually younger, so Nan Gong Lin feels like the elder, shielding Qiao An.

Qiao An said, "Hmm. This series will be finished soon."

Nan Gong Lin nodded and said no more.

Qiao An thought for a moment, then said, "But President Song, I mean Elder Sister-in-law, her relationship with Qin Zi Mo… anyway, Lin Lin…"

"I know," Nan Gong Lin replied immediately. "Even after breaking up, she's still being employed, and it's because that man is targeting you. Hmph, I'll keep an eye on her; if she dares to betray my elder brother, not even Aunt Ning's or Mom's good relationship can protect her!"

In Nan Gong Yu's master bedroom, a servant reported that dinner was ready and everyone was in the dining hall.

Nan Gong Yu got up, took Song Huan Yan's hand, and the two went to the dining hall together.

Although some unpleasant things happened, they are still family.

Blood is thicker than water; once the temper flared, it passed.

Seeing the two arrive, Nan Gong Lin and Nan Gong Jue still greeted them warmly, "Elder brother, Elder Sister-in-law."

After the greeting, Nan Gong Lin looked at the Star River Dream hanging on Song Huan Yan's neck, and an uncontrollable dazzling light shone in her eyes.

The Star River Dream truly lives up to being a treasure; it's stunning, and it pairs with everyday clothing without any sense of discord.

It makes Song Huan Yan look exquisitely beautiful.

Nan Gong Lin thought that the only thing that could match her elder brother for Song Huan Yan was this beautiful exterior.

But she hadn't worn it before; now… is it that elder brother deliberately had someone bring it for her to wear?

Nan Gong Lin pursed her lips and remained silent.

Besides, after she drank the ginger soup that Nan Gong Yu specially had the Kitchen deliver, she felt comfortable and happy.

Although she still thought that Song Huan Yan had deliberately fallen into the pool.

But Song Huan Yan didn't make a huge fuss, so she didn't hold a grudge against Song Huan Yan.

She even felt she was being quite generous.

Moreover, Star River Dream indicated elder brother's attitude.

Although Nan Gong Lin was still jealous, she didn't dare act rashly.

Qiao An also noticed, and her eyes instantly lit up: "These jewels are so beautiful!"

When will Nan Gong Jue also buy her a piece of jewelry like this?

Nan Gong Yu led Song Huan Yan to sit down.

The main seat was occupied by Nangong Ren and Gu Qinghe.

Nan Gong Yu sat with Song Huan Yan at the secondary seat.

Although he is the Head of the Family, this is just a family meal, and the parents are still the elders.

No one brought up any unpleasant matters.

Nangong Ren said with a smile, "Welcome Yan Yan back home for the first time. Yi Han is the Head of the Family, Yan Yan is the Matriarch; from now on, the Nan Gong family will be decided by Yi Han and Yan Yan."

Song Huan Yan was surprised, slightly raised an eyebrow, thinking that her father‑in‑law gave her such a generous face.

Gu Qinghe pursed her lips and agreed, "Right."

Nan Gong Yu gave Song Huan Yan a look, moved his lips, and said, "Thank you for your effort."

Song Huan Yan lightly bit her lip and hurriedly said, "Thank you, dad and mom, I will… do my best."

Gu Qinghe said, "You don't need to feel pressure; the household should be relaxed and comfortable."

Song Huan Yan felt her heart warm to the point of dizziness, and nodded heavily, "Mm!"

The rest need not be mentioned.

In this regard, Nan Gong Jue and Nan Gong Lin said little.

Elder brother, as the Head of the Family, was designated from birth; there's nothing much to say about that.

At this moment Nangong Ren said, "Also welcome… Miss Qiao to the house as a guest. Let's eat."

As for Qiao An, Nangong Ren said little, only made a formal remark and then urged everyone to eat.

The larger the Great Family, the more dignified it must be; they won't cling to trivial matters to argue right or wrong, nor expose all emotions outwardly.

However, because Song Huan Yan accidentally fell into the water, dinner was indeed delayed considerably.

It's almost eight o'clock, and they're already hungry.

So no one said anything else, and they began to eat.

Nangong Ren had the servant pour wine for the two brothers; Grandfather San should drink well.

After a few cups went down, Nan Gong Yu and Nan Gong Jue were fine.

Between men, nothing can't be solved by a drink, especially when they're brothers.

Gu Qinghe and the others ate while chatting, their voices low, quite warm.

Gu Qinghe talked with Song Huan Yan, while Nan Gong Lin talked with Qiao An.

Qiao An stuck out her tongue one moment, then made a ghost face the next.

It was evident that the two seemed to have a pretty good relationship.

Of course, Song Huan Yan didn't intend to join in; she ate gracefully, speaking softly with Gu Qinghe.

Nan Gong Jue was indeed very kind to Qiao An, taking good care of her, considerate and gentle.

So Qiao An's condition was also great; she seemed bathed in happiness.

A slight smile rose at Song Huan Yan's mouth corner.

Mm, this is also quite good.

The happier, the better.

I thought we would finish the meal quietly and warmly like this.

But Song Huan Yan didn't expect that Qiao An truly belongs to the type that feels uneasy unless she stirs up trouble.

Halfway through the meal, she suddenly looked at Song Huan Yan and said, "Elder Sister-in-law, I want to apologize to you."

Song Huan Yan: "…"

Song Huan Yan didn't look at her, just lifted a bite of rice to her mouth, and in a cool, indifferent voice said, "No need."

Could you stop mentioning her name for no reason?

Isn't it fine to just eat properly?

Qiao An said, "So Elder Sister-in-law just doesn't want to forgive me."

Song Huan Yan was truly speechless.

Indeed, she didn't want to accept Qiao An's apology.

It was, indeed, very averse.

And hadn't she already apologized before? Now everyone is here, and she's bringing up the old issue again?

She said nothing, quietly watching Qiao An.

Nan Gong Yu, having drunk a lot, looked over and said directly, "Isn't it fine to just eat properly?"

Nan Gong Jue also said, "An An, eat first; we can talk after the meal."

Unfortunately, Qiao An is someone who doesn't understand what they're saying.

It seems she doesn't realize this is meant to shut her up, or she just insists on making a scene.

Qiao An lifted the juice before her and said, "Elder Sister-in-law, whether you forgive me or not, I toast you. This is not wine; it's juice."

Song Huan Yan frowned; she isn't blind, of course she knows it's juice.

She'd been drinking it all along—how could she not know it's juice?

Qiao An looked at her, cautious and seemingly afraid, and said, "So, Elder Sister-in-law, may I drink with you?"

After speaking, she stood, lifted her cup and handed it over, intending to clink glasses with Song Huan Yan.

Song Huan Yan felt a headache coming on, and her complexion grew cold.

She can overlook Nan Gong Lin's unfriendly attitude toward her.

But the one thing she absolutely insists on is not accepting Qiao An's toast.

Whether it's wine or not.

Song Huan Yan looked at her, and the thought of what was still inside her stomach made her feel waves of nausea.

Yet, to onlookers, Qiao An's actions seemed fine.

Besides, it's juice, not wine.

If Song Huan Yan still refuses, there's truly no way to argue.

Song Huan Yan averted her gaze, yet she didn't comply merely to keep appearances.

That's her pet peeve: she'll never accept Qiao An's "toast"—not even in death!

Song Huan Yan lowered her eyelids, her voice cold, bluntly saying without courtesy, "No need. Between us, let's not create this disgusting scene; it's inappropriate."