Wei Yumeng felt there was a hidden meaning in his words, as she still had some recollection of yesterday's events.
Her heart pounded unusually fast, and a blush crept onto her cheeks.
As Wen Yulan entered from the backyard, she saw this highly displeasing scene, which instantly soured her mood.
Sister Li exchanged a glance with her, both of them somewhat confused about the situation between the two.
Wen Yulan coughed lightly, interrupting their lingering gazes.
Wei Yumeng glanced sideways and, upon seeing Wen Yulan and Sister Li not far away, hastily pulled away from Zhan Mohan's embrace.
She stood up straight and respectfully greeted Wen Yulan.
"Auntie."
Although Wen Yulan had found this address acceptable before, Wei Yumeng had been married into the Zhan family for some time now and had yet to change her address.
She sternly stated, "Wei Yumeng, if you still call me Auntie now, and it gets out, people will think our Zhan family has mistreated you."
Wei Yumeng could only comply with Wen Yulan's wishes.
"Mom."
"Since you call me Mom, I must act like an elder. Our Zhan family has a certain reputation, and even though you and A'han are married, with so many people in the household, you still need to pay attention to appearances. Don't let outsiders think that a Zhan family daughter-in-law does nothing but seek her husband's attention."
Wen Yulan's stern face and harsh words caused Wei Yumeng's calm expression to falter for a moment.
Even though Wen Yulan was deliberately finding fault, she had no recourse. She couldn't possibly retort to Wen Yulan in front of Zhan Mohan.
She still wanted to take advantage of Zhan Mohan's good mood today and make a request later.
Never mind, marrying into the Zhan family in this capacity, enduring some indignity was inevitable. Once she was free from Gu Shuyi, she wouldn't have to endure anyone's anger.
Just as Wei Yumeng was preparing to swallow her pride, Zhan Mohan suddenly spoke up.
"Mom, hasn't Grandpa always wanted a great-grandchild? If we don't cultivate our relationship properly, won't his hopes be dashed?"
"Even so, you still need to be mindful at home. What was that hugging and holding just now? What kind of behavior is that?"
Wen Yulan's tone was accusatory, and her gaze remained fixed on Wei Yumeng, making it clear who she was criticizing.
Hearing Wen Yulan's aggressive tone, Wei Yumeng wanted to defend herself.
"Mom, I just stumbled just now, and Mr. Zhan... he was just helping me up."
Wen Yulan's eyes suddenly sharpened, and she reprimanded. "When elders are speaking, what right do you have to interrupt?"
"Mom, this is our home, not public. And what she said is indeed true. If we are affectionate, shouldn't Mom be happy instead of angry? Or does Mom not want me to be happy?"
Zhan Mohan's words, a mix of gentleness and firmness, left Wen Yulan speechless.
If she were to retort to Zhan Mohan now, it would imply she didn't want her son to be happy, which would shatter the image of a good mother she had maintained for years.
As long as Zhan Mohan protected this Wei Yumeng, she wouldn't suffer any disadvantage.
In this grand household, she had long understood the importance of advancing and retreating appropriately and keeping a low profile. It wasn't time to confront Zhan Mohan head-on.
She suppressed her anger, a smile reappearing on her face as if she had merely been joking moments ago.
"Alright, Mom was just checking if you two have really developed feelings for each other. In this world, what mother doesn't want her child to be happy?"
Zhan Mohan's expression remained impassive. "If that's the case, Mom, we'll be leaving now."
"Have you eaten? Why not have breakfast before you go?"
Wen Yulan quickly signaled Sister Li to serve breakfast.
While she was busy, Zhan Mohan refused Wen Yulan's offer.
"No need, we'll grab something at the company. We have an early meeting later. Mom, please enjoy your meal."
With that, Zhan Mohan took Wei Yumeng's hand and left the Zhan residence without looking back.
Wen Yulan stood frozen, her smile stiffening as their figures disappeared, gradually turning into fury.
Sister Li hastily brought out the breakfast, but the couple was long gone, and the atmosphere plummeted.
"Madam, this breakfast..."
Wen Yulan suddenly flung the cup and plate to the ground in a fit of rage.
"What's there to eat!"
Didn't she see that they completely disregarded her hospitality?
Zhan Mohan dared to embarrass her in front of that girl, so she wouldn't hold back.
Wei Yumeng got into the car with Zhan Mohan, still feeling a bit dazed.
"Your mother was clearly angry just now. If we leave, won't that just provoke her more?"
"Do you think staying would have made her happy?" Zhan Mohan retorted.
"Probably not. She might have gotten even angrier." After all, Wen Yulan already disliked her and would find various excuses to cause trouble. If she couldn't help but retort, the outcome might not be any better than it was now.
Zhan Mohan let out a soft scoff. "You understand."
Wei Yumeng's mind was preoccupied with that matter. Seeing that Zhan Mohan was in a good mood, she felt it was a good time to try and bring it up.
"I don't need to go to the company today. Can I go see my mother? I don't know how she's been lately."
Her tone was soft, and she was truly consulting him cautiously.
She had endured for so long without mentioning it precisely to pick a time when his mood was better.
Zhan Mohan gently stroked her soft, long hair with his warm hand. His gaze was not as cold as usual, showing a hint of warmth, which made Wei Yumeng a little unaccustomed, and she stiffened slightly.
She felt a bit uneasy, unsure of Zhan Mohan's intentions with this gesture. Could he be plotting something again?
"Yes, you can. Come and have lunch with me, and in the afternoon, we'll go see Zhan Lin."
Wei Yumeng's heart skipped a beat. She felt both joy and apprehension. Joy that Zhan Mohan had finally agreed to let her see Gu Shuyi, and apprehension about meeting Zhan Lin.
She clearly remembered the conversation between Feng Shiming and Zhan Mohan outside the office. Zhan Lin, looking at her photo, had insisted she was the culprit, the one who harmed him.
But the one who had actually driven the car to hit them was Wei Jin.
It seemed she would have to find an opportunity to have Wei Jin explain everything himself, or she would truly be blamed for a lifetime.
"Okay," she agreed calmly, knowing that only by agreeing to see Zhan Lin with Zhan Mohan would he allow her to see Gu Shuyi.
Zhan Mohan withdrew his gaze and told Fang Xun, who was driving.
"Take me to the company first, then send Madam to the hospital."
"Yes."
Wei Yumeng felt a sense of relief, happy at the prospect of seeing Gu Shuyi again.
However, this reunion turned out to be worse than not meeting at all.