Night slowly descended, and Li Xiulan looked at the empty villa with a trace of loneliness in her eyes. She didn't know what had happened during this time. How did a good home suddenly become this way?
The family, who she once believed loved each other, had quarreled for some unknown reason. As she was truly about to leave this place, she felt a pang of reluctance, especially for those adorable grandchildren.
She wondered if the family could still be managed after her departure, and if she and her husband would be schemed against again, leading to more arguments and the family drifting further apart?
Just as Li Xiulan was feeling troubled by these matters, a person suddenly emerged from the darkness, covered her mouth, and without regard for her struggles, forcibly took her to an unfamiliar place.
When Li Xiulan's vision returned, she found herself in a strange location. Having lived in the courtyard for so long, she had never discovered such a place.
She silently surveyed her surroundings, finding everyone else already there. Her expression instantly turned confused: "You all... where is this?"
Chen Lishu walked to Li Xiulan's side, took her arm, and said with a hint of helplessness, "Mom, there were many things I couldn't explain clearly to you during the day. Tonight, our family can finally sit down and talk quietly."
Madam He sighed helplessly and asked He Zinian to get a chair for Li Xiulan. Once everyone was seated, she spoke with a worried expression:
"Yes, sister, I'm truly sorry that you've suffered so much injustice. We didn't want to tell you about this matter, as knowing it would only add another person to worry about!
Our original intention was for you to stay home and take care of the children. If you knew the truth, you would surely feel constrained in your actions. But we never expected those people to target you. It seems we can't keep it from you any longer."
Listening to them speak, Li Xiulan was somewhat bewildered. She nervously fiddled with the corner of her clothes and asked, "Wait, I don't understand what you're all talking about. Weren't you arguing during this time? And this..."
He Zinian shrugged, his expression casual and unbothered, saying, "That's right, we were indeed 'arguing' during this time. If we didn't do that, how could the people who framed my mother stop? Auntie, let's put aside what happened before and focus on today's events."
"Yes, Mom, actually, I didn't fail to rescue Li Xiuli today. It's just that by the time we arrived, Li Xiuli had already been rescued by someone else! This is the bag we brought back from outside today, containing some cash and a check!" Fearing Li Xiulan wouldn't believe her, Chen Lishu opened the bag, and indeed, it was as she had said.
Li Xiulan's eyes welled up with tears. She tightly grasped Chen Lishu's hand and choked out, "I don't disbelieve you. Perhaps it's because I've been sick these past few days that I've become overly emotional. I'm truly sorry for causing trouble to your plan. I must have seemed unreasonable lately!"
"Auntie, have you been feeling unwell recently? Symptoms like coughing and a fever, lying in bed – didn't you notice these symptoms were very similar to my mother's?
We've already investigated Zhang Wan'er's character. Would she really be so kind as to take care of you? It was purely because you are Gu Xingdong's mother!"
After He Zinian finished speaking, everyone's expressions suddenly changed. Gu Xingdong asked coldly, "What do you mean? So, Zhang Wan'er drugged my mother?"
He Zinian nodded and slowly said, "Yes, Auntie, you probably thought we've been busy and neglected matters at home? On the contrary, I specifically assigned people to keep an eye on your situation. It's precisely because Zhang Wan'er and Qin Yue have been visiting you quite frequently recently that we were worried something might happen.
I specifically took some of the health supplements she gave you for testing. Perhaps fearing her plan would be exposed, she didn't put much neurotoxin in your medicine, just enough to give you a mild cold, a degree that wouldn't arouse suspicion!
Oh, and here are the test reports. I have no intention of causing trouble. Previously, we thought Zhang Wan'er orchestrated this to drive a wedge between Gu Xingdong and Chen Lishu, creating a rift between them. We never expected her ultimate target to be you! If she could make you dislike Chen Lishu, then she would have achieved complete victory!"
"Why would she want to drive a wedge between us?" Li Xiulan was still somewhat confused by Zhang Wan'er's actions, her expression full of bewilderment.
Chen Lishu slowly explained, "Because of parental approval and arranged marriages. If you disliked my presence, you would surely speak ill of me to Xingdong, and then the relationship between us as a couple would naturally deteriorate. I don't know how capable she is, or if she has a hundred percent certainty of marrying into the Gu family.
However, what is certain now is that Zhang Wan'er's intentions are impure. Mom has already fallen for her trick. We need to clarify all the grievances from these past few days. We absolutely cannot let a good family fall apart. Furthermore, Zhang Wan'er still holds an ace up her sleeve. Otherwise, after all this effort, if Gu Xingdong doesn't agree to marry her, wouldn't it just be paving the way for someone else?"
"Then should I still leave tomorrow? The words have already been spoken. If I don't leave, will Zhang Wan'er become suspicious?" At this point, Li Xiulan felt a sense of regret. She wished she hadn't been so firm in her earlier statements. Now that she knew the truth, it was difficult to proceed!
Every time she hoped for family harmony and deep affection, she found herself going against that initial intention. Instead of helping, she had inadvertently made things worse.
He Zinian waved his hand fearlessly and said, "Auntie, you don't need to worry about this. Since Zhang Wan'er's target is you, she won't let you leave easily!"
Chen Lishu’s expression turned serious as she rested her chin on her hand, her lips parting slightly: "Zhang Wan'er will indeed keep my mother here. However, the method she uses and whether it will affect my mother is uncertain. Instead of letting the other party make a move, why don't we proactively step into their trap?"
He Zinian crossed his legs casually and asked leisurely, "Oh? So, do you have a better idea regarding this matter?"