...Xu Jilan smiled calmly. "Not at all, Aunt. You're just early." She glanced at her grandmother, who sat serenely on a intricately carved chair, a warm smile on her face.
Madame Xu, Xu Jilan's grandmother, beckoned her over. "Come, Jilan, sit with me. You're just in time for the family gathering.
Pei Lifei's expression turned sour, but she said nothing. She didn't approve of Xu Jilan staying in her maternal home, feeling it was unconventional.
In her view, Xu Jilan should be with her paternal family, not taking refuge in her maternal grandparents' home. This perception fueled her discomfort and disapproval.
In her eyes, Xu Jilan didn't truly belong in the Xu family.
Xu Jilan took her seat beside her grandmother, feeling a sense of comfort and security in her presence. She knew her grandmother loved her unconditionally, and that gave her the strength to face her aunt's disapproval.
As the family gathering continued, several of Xu Jilan's relatives, including her female cousins, arrived after her. It was clear that her aunt's earlier comment about being late was nothing more than a sarcastic remark.
After the meeting, Xu Jilan retired to her chambers. As she rummaged through her belongings, her eyes landed on a peculiar necklace. It looked out of place among her traditional attire, its design seeming more Western than anything she'd seen before. Curiosity getting the better of her, she carefully opened it.
In it was a picture, a vivid painting of someone who felt familiar to her. Scrutinizing the oval shaped picture which was still in the locket she gasped in realization. It was Xu Ningxi, her mother and the woman in her dreams!!!