Walking into Lih Xiao’s home, Li Hongjuan found herself even more satisfied with this “daughter-in-law”–the house was spotless, and the furniture and everyday items were neatly arranged.

Of course, there was always the possibility that Lih Xiao had done some last-minute cleaning. However, Li Hongjuan had a pair of sharp eyes, and the kitchen was a place where messes couldn’t hide. The stove, sink, dish cabinet, refrigerator, and floor–it all spoke volumes.

Li Hongjuan entered the kitchen and casually asked, “Xiaoxiao, do you usually cook for yourself?”

“Yes.”

Lih Xiao followed behind her, accompanying her as she inspected. She answered cautiously, a little nervous herself, worried that something she’d done might not measure up and that her future mother-in-law might be displeased.

“Now that you’re pregnant, you should take it easy with the housework. Has Shen Yuan not helped you hire a nanny? I’m definitely going to reprimand him for it when I get home.”

“He has, but I told him it’s still early in the pregnancy, so there’s no need for a nanny just yet. Besides, I’m not very comfortable having a nanny at home, so I suggested we wait until the second trimester before hiring one.”

“That’s more like it.”

Li Hongjuan nodded approvingly in her heart. This showed that her new daughter-in-law wasn’t the type to rely on others for everything, nor was she accustomed to being waited on. Clearly, she was a girl raised in an ordinary family.

She first looked at the kitchen floor, which had been mopped until it was spotless, then turned to the stove and sink, both immaculately clean. She moved on to open the refrigerator.

The double-door refrigerator was stocked with neatly arranged food supplies, placed in a way that had a pleasing visual aesthetic.

“Xiaoxiao, you’ve organized the kitchen exceptionally well.”

Li Hongjuan nodded in praise. As someone who regularly did housework herself, she had a fondness for a home that was tidy and orderly.

Younger Sister Xuan had contacted Lih Xiao only an hour ago, which meant there was no way she could have cleaned the kitchen this thoroughly in such a short time.

It was clear that the house was always kept this way.

“It’s alright, I guess.”

Lih Xiao responded humbly and somewhat bashfully, then washed some fruit to place on the coffee table, cutting up some watermelon and dragon fruit as well.

“Judging by how you’re cutting the fruit, you must do a lot of cooking.”

Watching Lih Xiao busily moving about, Li Hongjuan felt increasingly impressed with her. This girl seemed like a virtuous and thoughtful person.

My lucky son doesn’t deserve this, does he?

“Alright, Xiaoxiao, don’t treat us like outsiders. We can handle things ourselves. You don’t need to cook tonight; I’ll make a meal for you instead.”

“Oh, but I wouldn’t feel right, Mom. I’ll handle it–it’s only four weeks into the pregnancy, so cooking isn’t a big deal.”

“You’ve already called me ‘Mom,’ so how can I let you do the cooking? Besides, the kitchen smoke isn’t good for you. Leave it to me.”

Insistent on cooking for her new daughter-in-law, Li Hongjuan wouldn’t take no for an answer. Lih Xiao had no choice but to stay in the kitchen and help out.

Meanwhile, in the living room, Shen Xuan munched on longan as she said, “Dad, judging by Mom’s attitude, she’s quite satisfied with Sister-in-law Lih Xiao.”

“Hmm.”

Shen Heping nodded slightly. “Your brother really lucked out.”

“Is my brother really that bad? You both seem so dismissive of him.”

Shen Xuan first spoke up to defend Shen Yuan but then chuckled, “Actually, I think he doesn’t deserve her, either. But hey, he’s got money.”

Details reveal character. Shen Heping’s perspective on people was different; he thought Lih Xiao carried herself with grace and refinement. Her bookshelf contained not only professional texts but also many literary classics.

These weren’t for show, as the book spines showed visible wear and folding pages with curled edges, signs of frequent use over time.

She was clearly someone with a rich intellectual life and deep personal cultivation.

As for my eldest son… well, whatever. Wealth seems to suffice.

The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law clicked instantly, chatting and laughing in the kitchen as they prepared the meal together.

When dinner was ready, four dishes and one soup were placed on the table. Not long after, the sound of a door opening came from the entryway, catching Li Hongjuan off guard. “Are there more guests?”

Running her fingers through her bangs, Lih Xiao said apologetically, “I forgot to mention, my younger sister lives with me. She should be home from work now.”

“Oh, oh, that’s fine.”

“I know–it’s Sister Lih Meng.”

Shen Xuan seemed fond of Lih Meng. Back when her brother and Sister-in-law Lih Xiao had their arguments, Shen Xuan had been sent as a mediator, and it was Lih Meng who had acted as an insider helping to smooth things out.

Lih Meng had just opened the door and took a step inside when she suddenly froze.

Had she entered the wrong apartment?

Frowning slightly, Liu Mei furrowed her brows. But in the next moment, she spotted her older sister and Shen Xuan.

“Mengmeng,” Lih Xiao walked over and said, “this is Shen Yuan’s mom and dad. They came to visit me.”

“Oh, I see.”

Lih Meng glanced at the middle-aged couple, and the moment their gazes met, she suddenly felt a bit constrained and unexpectedly nervous.

How strange–they came to see my sister, so why am I so nervous?

Removing her handbag and swapping her shoes for slippers, Lih Meng walked courteously up to the table and greeted them, “Uncle, Auntie, hello. I’m Lih Meng, Lih Xiao’s younger sister.”

“Hello, hello! You haven’t eaten yet, have you? Perfect timing–join us for dinner.”

Taking on the role of a gracious hostess, Li Hongjuan extended a warm invitation.

“Okay, okay. I’ll go wash my hands first.”

Lih Meng smiled with embarrassment.

What in the world… Even Lih Xiao felt puzzled. Her usually aloof younger sister, who treated relatives with indifference, was acting uncharacteristically reserved in front of Shen Yuan’s parents.

After washing her hands and returning, Shen Xuan waved enthusiastically to her. “Hello there, Sister Lih Meng!”

“Hello, Younger Sister Xuan.”

Lih Meng offered a somewhat bashful smile.

Even Shen Xuan thought there was something off about Lih Meng today. Normally a bit aloof, she now seemed unexpectedly restrained.

“Lih Meng, you’re a flight attendant?” Li Hongjuan asked.

“Yes, I just got back from a flight to Shanghai. Honestly, this profession isn’t as chaotic as people imagine–it really depends on the person… Uh, no, no, what I mean is, I actually quite enjoy my job.”