Although the original host's mother-in-law wasn't your typical evil wealthy mother-in-law, she was incredibly fastidious.
For instance, whenever the original host went to see her, she had to dress like a proper lady, wear light makeup, and put on high heels—but the heels couldn't be higher than five centimeters.
Because the original host loved Lu Bochuan, she loved everything associated with him and catered to her mother-in-law's every whim.
But now, she was here.
On Sunday morning, Shu Qingqing got out of bed, put on some simple makeup, and dressed in a tracksuit.
Although Old Madam Lu was highly critical of her, she absolutely doted on her two grandsons. Knowing they were returning to the old family estate today, Lu Xun was thrilled, grabbing onto Lu Yu and chattering non-stop.
Beside him, Lu Yu didn't say much but listened attentively.
Ever since Lu Xun took the initiative to apologize, the relationship between the two brothers had indeed improved significantly.
This display of brotherly affection was all thanks to her.
Shu Qingqing couldn't help but feel a surge of pride.
Lu Bochuan watched her expression shift from gratification to satisfaction. Though he had no idea what she was thinking, the corners of his lips unconsciously curled up into a smile.
The weekend streets were as bustling as ever. The black Bentley glided through the prosperous downtown area before finally pulling up in front of a villa.
To own such a luxurious and tranquil villa in the Second Ring Road, where land was worth its weight in gold, proved that the Lu family's wealth was truly not to be underestimated.
The family of four stepped out of the car. The nanny waiting outside hurried over to greet them. "Sir, Madam, Young Masters, please come inside quickly. The old madam has been eagerly awaiting your arrival."
Shu Qingqing followed the nanny inside. The moment she walked through the door, she was stunned by the American old money aesthetic of the interior.
The living room's primary color palette was a rich mahogany. The fireplace, candelabras, oil paintings, and dark green sofas complemented each other perfectly, while the crystal chandelier added a touch of dignified opulence to the space.
Old Madam Lu sat poised on the sofa, a teacup in her hand.
"Grandma, I missed you so much!" Pumping his little legs, Lu Xun sprinted ahead and threw himself right into the old lady's arms.
"Oh, my precious grandson." Old Madam Lu hugged Lu Xun and showered him with kisses before pulling Lu Yu over to sit beside her. "My eldest grandson, give Grandma a kiss too."
Lu Yu took a slight step back. "Grandma, I'm already grown up."
"No matter how big you get, aren't you still my grandson?" Old Madam Lu feigned a heartbroken expression. "You were much cuter when you were little. Grandma could kiss you whenever she wanted."
Lu Xun was now on good terms with Lu Yu. Afraid that his grandmother would be angry with his older brother, he quickly chimed in, "Grandma, I'll kiss you on my brother's behalf!" As he spoke, he raised his arms to wrap around Old Madam Lu's neck to plant a kiss on her.
However, he forgot that his left arm was still injured and accidentally tugged at his wound.
"Ouch!" Lu Xun cried out in pain, clutching his arm. Tears immediately welled up and spilled over.
Old Madam Lu hastily rolled up Lu Xun's sleeve, only to discover a layer of gauze wrapped around his arm. "Oh my goodness, what happened here? Why are you wrapped in gauze?"
Lu Bochuan and Shu Qingqing leaned in at the same time.
No blood had seeped through the gauze, but just to be safe, Shu Qingqing said, "Let's go to the hospital to get it checked out."
At the mention of the hospital, Lu Xun instantly recalled his terrifying experience from last time and refused to go, no matter what anyone said.
Because of Old Madam Lu's advanced age, the family had long since hired a private physician for emergencies. Seeing that Lu Xun was dead set against going, Lu Bochuan had the family doctor come over to take a look.
Fortunately, the wound had only been slightly tugged and hadn't torn open. The doctor applied some fresh medicine and carefully re-bandaged Lu Xun's arm.
Old Madam Lu cradled her grandson, her heart aching for him. "I don't mean to criticize you, but what kind of mother are you, letting the child suffer such a severe injury?"
Shu Qingqing raised an eyebrow and replied, "I can't exactly tie him to my waistband."
Old Madam Lu scolded, "What kind of nonsense is that? If you had just paid a little more attention and kept a closer eye on the child, things wouldn't have ended up like this."
Shu Qingqing nodded. "Oh, then I'll make sure to tie him to my waistband from now on."
Old Madam Lu was rendered utterly speechless by her flippant attitude. Then, she took notice of her outfit, and her frown deepened. "Look at what you're wearing! The dignified Young Madam of the Lu family, dressed like a child! Won't you make a laughingstock of us if you go out looking like that?"
Shu Qingqing couldn't hold back and burst out laughing. The term "Young Madam" was just too cringeworthy; it inexplicably reminded her of the female leads in those cheesy short soap operas.
Seeing this, Old Madam Lu grew even more furious. "What are you laughing at?"
Shu Qingqing ignored her, simply turning her head to Lu Bochuan. "Honey, doesn't this outfit look good on me? Does it embarrass you?"
Lu Bochuan was taken aback by the term of endearment. He raised an eyebrow before replying, "It looks great." The gray tracksuit, paired with a ponytail, gave her a vibrant, youthful energy. She truly did look beautiful.
Shu Qingqing turned back to Old Madam Lu and blinked playfully. "Dearest mother-in-law, look, even your son says it looks great."
Old Madam Lu shot Lu Bochuan a look of deep disappointment before she went back to nagging about Lu Xun's injured arm.
Lu Yu spoke up, "Grandma, this has nothing to do with her. Lu Xun got hurt because he was being mischievous."
Lu Bochuan chimed in as well, "It's inevitable for kids to get a few scrapes and bruises. You really don't need to worry so much."
Old Madam Lu raised her eyes to glance at Shu Qingqing. Her daughter-in-law seemed very different today. But what surprised her even more was that her eldest grandson had actually taken the initiative to speak up on her behalf.
With that, she decided not to say anything more.
Soon, it was time for lunch.
Doting on her grandsons, Old Madam Lu had prepared a table full of their favorite dishes.
Lu Xun happily munched on a chicken leg and then a prawn, but flat-out refused to eat the greens Shu Qingqing had placed in his bowl.
Shu Qingqing reminded him, "Lu Xun, remember to finish your greens."
Lu Xun didn't budge.
Old Madam Lu wasn't overly indulgent when it came to a balanced diet, so she joined in, coaxing Lu Xun to eat some of his vegetables.
But today, Lu Xun simply ignored everyone.
Shu Qingqing set her chopsticks down with a sharp clack.
Lu Xun instantly stopped chewing his meat. Over the recent period, he had been quite successfully tamed by Shu Qingqing. Seeing the look on her face, he hesitated, wanting to obediently listen. However, remembering that he was at his grandmother's house today, he suddenly felt emboldened, thinking he had backup.
Who knew that Shu Qingqing would simply pick up the serving chopsticks and place several stalks of greens into Lu Yu's bowl. "Lu Yu, I heard your teacher say that the reason you've grown so tall is because you love eating your greens, right?"
Lu Yu froze. He hadn't expected Shu Qingqing to suddenly drag him into this. After a few seconds of hesitation, he gave a slight nod.
Shu Qingqing promptly placed the entire plate of greens in front of him. "Then you can have all these greens. It seems Lu Xun is destined to be a little shorty when he grows up."
Seeing that Lu Yu wasn't making a move, Shu Qingqing softly urged, "Hurry up and eat."
Lu Yu stared at the plate of bright green stuff in front of him. In reality, his height had absolutely nothing to do with eating greens, and truth be told, he didn't like eating them either.
However, Shu Qingqing's expectant gaze was simply too intense to ignore. In the end, he silently picked up a piece of the greens and put it in his mouth.
"What a good boy," Shu Qingqing praised.
Old Madam Lu curled her lip. It wasn't as if she hadn't tried this kind of reverse psychology before, it never worked at all!
Lu Xun watched in silence, not saying a word. After a few seconds, he suddenly picked up the greens in his bowl and stuffed them into his mouth.
Old Madam Lu was utterly astonished. That actually worked?!
