Zhan Mohan hit the nail on the head; everyone had seen Wen Yulan's attitude. Forcing her to accept Mu Linjing would be as difficult as accepting Wei Yumeng.
Zhan Yichen understood this, but his stance was firm. "Tell her tomorrow. She'll know eventually. I don't want Linjing and me to be together in secret. I love her, and I love her openly. My mother's disapproval is certain, and I won't accept her disapproval either."
His words sounded responsible, but in reality, he underestimated the resistance they would face.
However, Zhan Mohan didn't want to dampen his spirits right then. He just squeezed his shoulder. "Since you've decided, don't let her suffer. If you two can be together happily, Yu Meng and I will be delighted for you. Go get some rest."
Afterward, he prepared to return to "sleep alone." Zhan Yichen stopped him. "Brother, thank you for personally saving me today."
This was a genuine life-saving grace, and he was deeply grateful. He glanced at the book recommendations.
Zhan Mohan curved his lips slightly. "We're brothers, no need for thanks."
This was one of the rare moments Zhan Yichen felt close to his elder brother. Before, he had always admired Zhan Mohan, even feeling he was somewhat out of reach. It was only recently that Zhan Mohan's image had become more human in his heart.
Perhaps it was because they hadn't had the opportunity to get close before. The major events that had happened recently had also unconsciously brought them closer.
Although their mother was always wary of this elder brother, he still deeply respected Zhan Mohan.
He would also do his best to assist him in the company in the future. As for changing Wen Yulan's perception of Zhan Mohan, that was beyond his capabilities, and Zhan Mohan likely didn't care about that. He only hoped that Wen Yulan wouldn't cause trouble in the future, lest it create discord between the brothers.
After a night of rest, both of them felt much better.
They weren't injured, and Mu Linjing had Wei Yumeng's company for the night. Love heals wounds, and by the next morning, she was once again a radiant girl.
Wei Yumeng was prone to sleepiness during her pregnancy, so she got up carefully, not disturbing her. It was still early, and she couldn't sleep, so she wanted to go for a walk and stretch her legs.
Unexpectedly, she saw Grandpa Zhan exercising in the garden. As a guest, she naturally couldn't fail to greet the host. So, she approached him and chatted.
Seeing that she was in good spirits, Grandpa Zhan was also in a good mood. "Are you getting used to staying here?"
She immediately nodded. "It's very good. Grandpa Zhan, you get up so early to exercise. No wonder you're so healthy."
Older people liked to hear compliments, and Grandpa Zhan was no exception. Besides, there were few people in the household who knew how to flatter him, so his attitude towards Mu Linjing was unusually gentle.
Mu Linjing also had her own thoughts at this moment. Grandpa Zhan was, after all, the most authoritative person in the Zhan family. If she could win his favor, she wouldn't be at a disadvantage in the Zhan family.
No matter how strong Wen Yulan was or how much she disliked her, wouldn't she ultimately have to obey Grandpa Zhan?
Therefore, interacting more with Grandpa Zhan now could only benefit her. She accompanied Grandpa Zhan during his morning exercises, chatting with him. This move indeed earned her a lot of goodwill. Even powerful people eventually face loneliness and disconnect from the times in their old age. Spending time with the elderly is always beneficial. They had a very pleasant conversation.
So, when it was time for breakfast, Wei Yumeng was somewhat surprised to see Mu Linjing escorting Grandpa Zhan into the dining room.
Recalling Grandpa Zhan's evaluation of Mu Linjing yesterday, she slowly relaxed. It seemed that Linjing's long battle would be easier than her own.
At the dining table, Zhan Yichen sat with Wen Yulan on his left and Mu Linjing on his right. After yesterday's accident, Wen Yulan kept serving Zhan Yichen food. "Yichen, eat more. You suffered yesterday."
This displeased Grandpa Zhan. He put down his chopsticks and reprimanded, "Yichen is not a child. What kind of behavior is this? Besides, what kind of man doesn't go through some trials? He's back now, so let's not dwell on this matter."
Wen Yulan was concerned about her son and dared not speak back when reprimanded by Grandpa Zhan.
Seeing that most of the food she had served Zhan Yichen was being put into Mu Linjing's plate, she couldn't help but feel uneasy. She silently observed their interactions.
The daughter-in-law she had in mind was the only daughter of the Qiao family. She couldn't let this woman who had appeared out of nowhere snatch her son away.
Zhan Yichen had no intention of hiding anything. His attentiveness towards Mu Linjing was naturally displayed openly. Besides taking care of his mother, he served Mu Linjing food. "This is good. Try it and see if you like it."
After several such instances, Wen Yulan had to intervene. She spoke sarcastically, addressing Mu Linjing through Zhan Yichen. "Young lady, are you Yichen's subordinate?"
Mu Linjing thought for a moment. Wen Yulan wouldn't understand the company's position assignments, so there was no need for a detailed explanation. She simply nodded. "Yes, I accompanied him on this business trip."
Upon hearing this, Wen Yulan seemed to understand something. She said with a sideways glance, "So you're a little assistant? Young people these days. Just do your job well. Don't have too many frivolous thoughts, or you might become a mistress without even realizing it. What goes around comes around; wishful thinking leads to humiliation."
Her words were as clear as they could be. She was only short of pointing at Mu Linjing's nose and telling her to stay away from Zhan Yichen. Everyone at the table was intelligent and understood the hidden meaning behind her words.
Fortunately, Mu Linjing had been mentally prepared. Otherwise, if she had choked on those words, she would have definitely needed an ambulance.
She slowly put down her chopsticks, about to speak, when Zhan Yichen quickly grabbed her hand. "Mom, since you've said it, I might as well tell you that I like Linjing. She's my girlfriend now. Even if you don't accept it, I will only like her."
The words caused a few seconds of silence, as if everyone was secretly observing each other's expressions. After a few seconds, Wen Yulan reacted, slamming her chopsticks on the table. "What did you say? Yichen, how can you like this woman?"
"This woman" was an extremely unpleasant term. Zhan Yichen couldn't tolerate the person he liked being described that way. However, since it was his mother, he could only suppress his anger.
"What's wrong with Linjing? She's kind and upright, not vulgar, and not worldly. How could I not like her?"