Given Jing Yan had been present the whole time, Wei Yumeng couldn't afford to look too displeased and ruin the company's face. She had to suppress her unhappiness and fulfill her duties as the host.
Zhan Mohan clearly noticed Wei Yumeng's displeasure. After a while, he found an excuse and called Jing Yan aside.
"Do you know about Miss Bai's application to Zhan's?"
Jing Yan nodded, indicating he was aware. "She said she wanted to find a job in the country using her own abilities, so I didn't force her to follow me."
Such a reason was indeed hard to refuse. But if Bai Qingruo genuinely felt that way, then so be it. If she was using such a noble excuse to placate Jing Yan, then it was truly unacceptable.
Zhan Mohan's intention was to remind Jing Yan that he didn't want to damage their brotherhood over a woman.
"She'll be starting at Zhan's on Monday. I hope that no matter what happens in the future, our relationship won't be affected by a woman."
Upon hearing this, Jing Yan's expression changed slightly, but he didn't say anything, only nodding. "That goes without saying."
Previously, their relationship hadn't been affected by Jiang Siyu either. After all, both of them were reasonable people and trusted each other.
Zhan Mohan's words weren't meant to preemptively declare his innocence but to subtly hint that such a situation was possible, and the problem lay with Bai Qingruo. To state it directly would be too disrespectful to Jing Yan.
They were friends of many years, and Jing Yan naturally understood what Zhan Mohan was trying to convey. He pursed his lips, patted his shoulder, and said no more.
Returning to the living room, Jing Yan's gaze towards Bai Qingruo became somewhat unnatural. Fortunately, Bai Qingruo hadn't made any substantial moves yet, so even if he suspected something, he couldn't question her directly.
Furthermore, the theme of the day was to visit the elders. They were at the Zhan family's residence; their personal matters could be resolved behind closed doors. Why bring them before Old Master Zhan?
As they were all chatting, Zhan Yichen and Mu Linjing returned with their two children. This was Jing Yan's first time seeing the twins, and he was utterly delighted.
Shi Shi, being a child who wasn't shy, heard that he was Daddy's good friend and comfortably sat on Jing Yan's lap.
"Uncle Jing, why haven't I met you before?"
Seeing Shi Shi's adorable little face, Jing Yan's heart melted, and his voice softened considerably. "Because Uncle had some other matters and went abroad for a few years. But Uncle came to see Shi Shi as soon as he returned, and I brought Shi Shi a gift."
Upon hearing about a gift, Shi Shi grinned from ear to ear. "Thank you, Uncle Jing! You're so kind."
Her sweet words made Jing Yan almost suspect she wasn't Zhan Mohan's biological daughter. They had known each other for so many years, yet he had never heard Zhan Mohan say anything pleasant.
He guessed the child took after Wei Yumeng. How wonderful; she was so likable.
However, he soon noticed the quiet Jin Zhi. Taking a closer look, he saw that the child looked exactly like Zhan Mohan and beckoned him over.
"Uncle Jing."
Seeing how composed Jin Zhi was at such a young age, Jing Yan couldn't help but give Zhan Mohan a thumbs-up. "How did you raise this child? He's exactly like you. No other child his age is as composed as Jin Zhi."
Zhan Mohan immediately puffed up with pride, putting an arm around Wei Yumeng's waist and boasting, "Of course, my wife raised him well. Jin Zhi is naturally a steady child. He's definitely surpassed his predecessors."
Although it felt a bit like bragging, it was the truth. Jin Zhi's composure was evident to everyone.
Jing Yan took out the gift he had prepared for Jin Zhi. He only knew Jin Zhi was four years old but was unaware of the child's mature disposition, so the gift was a bit childish.
Jin Zhi glanced at it. Although he didn't like it, he politely thanked Jing Yan.
But Jing Yan was a perfectionist. He had chosen a gift for the child but hadn't hit the mark. Seeing that there were still two hours until lunch, he was determined to take Jin Zhi out to buy another gift.
Despite Jin Zhi's repeated refusals, he couldn't decline such earnest persuasion and resigned himself to going along.
"Uncle Jing, you don't need to be so childish. Gifts aren't that important to me."
The Zhan family lacked nothing. All sorts of good things were commonplace to the siblings.
Being called childish by a child only made Jing Yan more determined. He put Jin Zhi in the car and drove off. "Uncle will take you to pick out a non-childish gift today."
Actually, he had another reason for insisting on taking Jin Zhi out. He understood what Zhan Mohan had been hinting at earlier and wanted to see if Bai Qingruo would still harbor any undesirable thoughts in his absence today, under these circumstances.
After he took Jin Zhi out, Bai Qingruo remained at the Zhan residence but appeared very diligent.
"Grandpa Zhan, where is the kitchen? I'll help with the cooking."
Mu Linjing had been married into the family for some time but had rarely entered the kitchen. The Zhan family had chefs and maids for cooking and household chores. Moreover, Old Master Zhan liked both his granddaughters-in-law and wouldn't deliberately make things difficult for them, often dissuading them from cooking so they could rest more.
Before speaking, Bai Qingruo deliberately glanced at Mu Linjing and Wei Yumeng, as if to say she was more diligent and sensible than these two women.
Mu Linjing already had reservations about her, finding her untrustworthy. Now, with this performance, regardless of whether it was a misunderstanding, Mu Linjing deliberately said, "Miss Bai may not be aware, but we have dedicated maids and chefs for cooking. We just wait to be served. Besides, this is your first visit, and you don't know my grandfather's preferences. Perhaps it's best not to."
Her words made Wei Yumeng's eyes widen. She thought Mu Linjing would say Bai Qingruo was a guest and shouldn't be cooking, but instead, she had spoken in a way that was clearly trying to provoke her.
It was understandable, given how enthusiastically Bai Qingruo had shown interest in Zhan Mohan from their first meeting. That's why Mu Linjing disliked her so much.
Fearing Old Master Zhan might get angry, she subtly tugged at Mu Linjing's sleeve, signaling her to stop.
Bai Qingruo's expression turned a little unpleasant, clearly appearing as if she had been wronged. Old Master Zhan naturally saw through the situation but didn't reprimand Mu Linjing.
"Yes, Linjing is right. I'm quite particular about my tastes, and outsiders really can't quite grasp them," he said, glancing at Bai Qingruo. "I've never allowed these two granddaughters-in-law of mine to enter the kitchen. While it's a shame for their excellent culinary skills, those who marry into my Zhan family are here to enjoy blessings, not to be maids. What do you think?"