Chapter 19 - 10: Cooking
In her past life, Sang Wan had never known much about this little nun, and seeing her quiet nature, she didn't know what to say to her. Shi Lian was sent on a mission by her biological mother to have a small chat with her, but since she was always about self-preservation, she didn't have much to say to her unfamiliar sister-in-law. Fortunately, Shi Rui, a chirping little girl, was present, preventing Sang Wan and Shi Lian from sitting in silence and awkwardness and managing to strike up a conversation.
Aside from Shi Rui, such a mutual encounter was a kind of torment for Sang Wan and Shi Lian, and it was a necessary performance they had to put on.
Not long after, Gu Fangzi also came in with a smile. Upon entering, she clapped her hands and laughed, "Cousin-in-law's place is so lively! Cousin-in-law really has a good reputation. I didn't expect her to become so close to these two cousins as soon as she stepped in, even my peony garden never had a full house like this!"
Gu Fangzi's voice was soft and clear, as if it was the song of an oriole. It gave a burst of energy, and a smile appeared on the faces of the three people, and their hearts lightened.
Sang Wan called out "cousin" modestly and hurriedly invited Gu Fangzi to sit down, Shi Lian and Shi Rui quickly called "cousin", and the house suddenly became much livelier and more relaxed.
"Not at all! I would love to go play at your place, cousin, but cousin is always busy outside with older brother-in-law and main hall in dealing with the business and with Aunt Wang. By the time you come home, it's already dark, and I can't go to play. I've heard that you have beautiful peonies in your courtyard, and I want to see them!" Shi Rui blinked her round, grape-like eyes and laughed innocently, completely unaware of the embarrassment her words brought.
Gu Fangzi's expression suddenly became stagnant, and a faint blush appeared on her face. Although everyone knew about her relationship with Shi Fengju, including Mrs. Wang's approval, it was still embarrassing for her to have a little girl talk about it in front of Sang Wan.
When Shi Rui started to speak, Shi Lian began carefully admiring the blue-and-white interlocking branch pattern on the tea cup she was holding, focusing her gaze and appearing enraptured, as if she was deaf to the outside world.
Shi Lian might have been able to play dumb, but Sang Wan wasn't so lucky. She had to feign deafness and act interested, smiling at Shi Rui, "It seems that our little sister loves flowers! I wonder what kind of flowers there are in the garden at this time! When the weather is nice, let us go and take a look!"