The abrupt noise startled not only the crowd, but also Bai Ruolan in the adjacent room. She now suffered from brain damage, behaving like a child, barely managing her daily life, while being easily frightened.
She even hid in her room every day, too scared to come out. At this time, she was covering her ears, constantly screaming in a piercingly shrill way that terrified everyone.
"Here we go again. We can’t even make the slightest noise. I dare not even walk heavily now. It’s so annoying." The old lady complained, covering her ears and pretending to have a headache. But she sat down heavily, obviously not wanting to get involved.
Lin Ping’er frowned and looked at the old lady, asking, "Didn’t her mother take her away?"
"Humph, she’s visited twice but hasn’t mentioned taking Ruolan away. I even suggested that if she cares about her daughter, she should take her away. But she claimed that Ruolan is a Bai family member and that her father’s health cannot be disturbed by her recovery." The old lady dismissed with disdain.
Bai Ruozhu squinted. Was the Wang Family not wanting to take care of their daughter, or were they afraid of getting poisoned again? It seemed she should pay a visit to the Wang family.
Lin Ping’er couldn’t bear it and briskly walked toward Bai Ruolan’s room, which Bai Ruozhu and the others followed.
"Ruolan, don’t be afraid, it’s your second aunt. Everything is fine," Lin Ping’er gently assured as she approached her.
The screaming from Bai Ruolan had subsided, but she was cowering at the edge of the fireplace, covering her ears tightly. Her eyes were filled with terror and helplessness. It was heart-wrenching.
Just as Bai Ruozhu entered the room, Bai Ruolan suddenly jumped down and rushed toward Bai Ruozhu. Bai Ruozhu was holding Dengdeng in her arms and was startled, fearing Bai Ruolan might harm the child in a fit of madness. She hurriedly backed away.
However, her father was right behind her, and before she knew it, she backed into him, stopping her movement.
By then, Bai Ruolan had already pounced on her. However, instead of reaching for Dengdeng in Bai Ruozhu’s arms, she grabbed onto Bai Ruozhu’s leg, crouched down like a small kitten, and shivered on the ground.
Everyone was stunned. What was going on? Bai Ruolan had never gotten along with Bai Ruozhu and seemed to heavily dislike her. Why would she act this way now?
Bai Ruozhu regained her composure and let out a sigh. She quietly said, "Perhaps it’s because I was the first person she saw when she woke up that day and comforting her, she has subconsciously seen me as her mother."
Everyone agreed. Bai Ruolan’s posture and expression truly resembled a small animal clinging to her mother for protection, which made everyone’s hearts ache.
Bai Ruozhu handed the sleeping Dengdeng to her mother and crouched down to aid Bai Ruolan to her feet. She gently said, "Don’t be afraid. Can you lie down on the bed and rest?"
Bai Ruolan refused and desperately shook her head, clinging tightly to her legs as if she was afraid she would disappear once she fell asleep.
Bai Ruozhu was reminded of her previous life. Her father would always sneak out of the house for work while she was asleep before he got addicted to drugs. Later, she learned to stay awake, gripping onto her father, almost exactly like Bai Ruolan’s current state.
"What... what shall we do?" Lin Ping’er wiped her reddening eyes and asked with a heartache.
Bai Ruozhu sighed and said, "Let’s take her away with us later. I’ll try to send her to the Wang family. She’ll be better off there than here. I’m sure my grandmother would agree."
Everyone nodded in agreement. Bai Zepei then turned to pay the old lady with silver coins. Once she had her money, the old lady didn’t keep them any longer and urged, "You go on with your business. Don’t interfere with my hosting of guests later."
"Grandma, we’re taking Ruolan with us. It’s better if she stays with her mother under her current condition. This way you won’t have to worry about her," said Bai Ruozhu as she took Bai Ruolan’s hand and walked out of the room.
The old lady suddenly looked favorably upon Bai Ruozhu, smiling widely she said, "You’re right. Her biological mother will definitely take better care of her. You can go ahead and handle it."
Everyone snickered to themselves, bid their goodbyes to the old lady, and left the old mansion. After leaving, they saw Zhou carrying a tray of broken plates and bowls from Sanlang’s room.
The old lady asked with some concern, "Did Sanlang lose his temper at you?"
"No, I accidentally knocked them over. I’ll buy some new ones for mother," Zhou replied.
"You truly have a good heart, even covering for him. With a stepmother like you, he should improve his behavior," the old lady said cheerfully.
Bai Ruozhu walked slowly away with her family, but she overheard the conversation between the old lady and Zhou without missing a word. She was utterly disgusted and almost threw up. How naïve must the old lady be? The pair were messing around right under her nose and she noticed nothing. And she even thought Zhou was a good stepmother. This was unbelievable!
As the family was heading to the Wan Family residence, Lin Ping’er quietly moved to Bai Ruozhu’s side and asked in a low voice, "Ruozhu, something seems off. Why did Mrs. Zhou stay in Sanlang’s room for so long?"
Bai Ruozhu gave her mother a nod of approval. Her mother was indeed more perceptive than the old lady.
"What do you think they were doing? My ears aren’t deceiving me. I heard them," Bai Ruozhu said in a lowered voice.
Lin Ping’er’s eyes widened, "That’s... shocking..."
Bai Ruozhu gestured for her mother to keep quiet, "Don’t let father know. He would definitely confront the old lady. But the old lady only believes in Zhou now. If a dispute occurs, we won’t end up in a good situation. Without concrete proof, we might even be accused of slander. Moreover, even if the truth comes out, it would be an embarrassing matter. Since we can’t do anything about it, let them do as they please. Sooner or later, karma will find them."
Lin Ping’er showed an expression of contempt and said, "You’re right. Let’s ignore them as if we’ve just seen dogs mating."
Bai Ruozhu had to suppress her laughter, she understood what her mother meant by dogs mating. Seeing dogs mating is a common sight in rural areas, so the villagers had grown accustomed to it.
The family soon arrived at the doorstep of the Wan Family. Bai Ruolan was gripping Bai Ruozhu’s hand tightly, looking very nervous. Bai Ruozhu was concerned that taking her to the Wan Family might scare them if she suddenly had an episode. But as Bai Ruolan was clinging to her, she couldn’t send her away in advance. Instead, she gently stroked her hair and comfortingly said, "Don’t be scared, I’m here. Promise not to shout, okay?"
Bai Ruolan, who could still understand other people’s words, obediently nodded at Bai Ruozhu.
At the Wan house, it was Wan Caiyue’s elder brother, Wan Mingfu who greeted them. His face lit up with joy as he said, "It’s Uncle Bai’s family! Come in and let’s talk."
Upon hearing the commotion, the rest of the Wan Family came out warmly to greet the entry, even Wan Qilao made an appearance.
Bai Yihong quickly presented the dim sum, saying, "These are gifts from Zepei and Ruozhu after their trip to Beiyu City, a small token of our respect. We will be moving to Beiyu City the day after tomorrow. I apologize for this meaning you will not be able to see Caiyue as often."