Chapter Eighteen: Mother, You Cooperated Far Too Well

Chu Ying stuffed her mouth with meat, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

She was determined to help her sister-in-law create as many opportunities as possible to be with her older brother! Once she took her sister-in-law to her brother's study in a little while, she would leave immediately. She certainly wouldn't hinder her sister-in-law from reeling him in!

In high spirits, Chu Ying shoveled a few more bites of meat into her mouth. Who would have thought that playing matchmaker between her brother and the beautiful sister-in-law would have such delicious perks? Tee-hee!

Liu Shuang’er dined slowly, thoroughly enjoying the show and the romantic tension.

*It seems my daughter’s matchmaking efforts are not only successful, but she is also fully committed to helping Hengyang and the Princess realize their feelings,* Liu Shuang’er thought, smiling. *I never expected that Hengyang’s daily refusal to let me prepare extra meat for our daughter—repeatedly having A-Yu return the meat boxes to the kitchen—would actually be so effective. She has indeed become much sharper. I shall stop having the kitchen prepare those extra, secret portions for her from now on.*

Chu Ying: ?

What?! Her brother had been secretly stopping her from eating meat all this time? Waaah! Brother! Chu Ying’s heart shattered.

Thinking of what Liu Shuang’er had just said about no longer preparing extra meat for her, she felt even more heartbroken. How could she possibly make her mother understand that she was as clever as she was now not because she ate less meat, but because she was naturally intelligent to begin with?

"Your Highness, I have finished my meal. I shall take my leave now," Liu Shuang’er said, rising and bowing.

*Since my daughter wishes to help Hengyang and the Princess exchange their feelings, I certainly cannot overstay my welcome.*

"Very well," Xiao Yixi nodded, appearing very polite.

Chu Ying watched Liu Shuang’er’s retreating figure, wishing she could cry. Mother, your cooperation is truly too effective! But... how on earth can I let you know that your daughter didn’t become smart because of a lack of meat!

...

Liu Shuang’er’s thoughts lingered as she walked. She didn’t stop until she reached a secluded pavilion.

"Nanny Xiu, with the Princess now in the residence, we must be extra vigilant. Lin Xiaoyue’s origins are unknown and her motives are unfathomable. Have your daughter keep a close eye on her," Liu Shuang’er said, her eyes sharp. "Do not let her do anything that might tarnish the reputation of the Chu family."

"Understood." Li Xiu, sensing the gravity of the situation, hurried off to instruct Li Qiao.

Liu Shuang’er sat in the pavilion, waiting quietly. Her gaze swept over the flowers, trees, and the scenery of the Chu estate. Though she did not know if Lin Xiaoyue was inherently malicious or sent by someone with ulterior motives, one thing was certain: no one would be allowed to harm her children in the slightest, nor would anyone be allowed to encroach upon even an inch of her home.

Liu Shuang’er’s eyes turned icy.

...

In the remote guest quarters, Lin Xiaoyue feigned obedience as she ate under Li Qiao’s service, though in reality, she was fuming. She lashed out at G97 in her mind: "G97, why didn't you tell me sooner that this ancient man already had a woman he liked?"

G97 replied coldly: "Host, the system can only analyze and infer based on the target’s actions and developments. It cannot predict or judge from the very beginning."

Lin Xiaoyue gritted her teeth. Beneath her innocent, pitiable appearance, a fire of rage burned that no one could see. G97 was a useless system! It had waited until the man returned home to the woman he loved and their relationship had progressed before informing her of her rival! Now, not only was his affection not directed at her, but it was focused entirely on another woman, which significantly increased the difficulty of her mission!

However—

Lin Xiaoyue took a few steadying breaths and calmed down. Hmph. She sneered. Even if his affection was currently fixed on another woman, so what?