The Tycoon's Mysterious Darling Wife
Chapter 100. Is this Shen Xitong?

Chapter 100: 100. Is this Shen Xitong?

Old Sir Shen’s face softened, "Let’s start eating, without waiting for her." Looking at Fang Tong and Yu Xiaoxuan, he smiled warmly. "Lanlan didn’t mention what you like to eat, so we just made some dishes. If there is anything that doesn’t suit your taste, you must tell Grandpa."

Fang Tong and Yu Xiaoxuan promptly nodded, "Grandpa, you don’t have to be polite. Our tastes are similar to Qinglan’s; we aren’t picky eaters."

Old Sir Shen’s smile grew even more benevolent. "You must drink more of the soup tonight. Sister-in-law Song specially stewed it for its reputed beauty and health benefits, which are especially good for you girls."

"Thank you, Grandpa Shen," the two of them said, smiling their thanks.

At that moment, footsteps sounded from outside, and soon a graceful figure appeared at the dining room doorway, wearing a chiffon long dress, her long hair slightly curled, her face adorned with delicate makeup, exuding the air of a refined lady.

Her face bore an apologetic look, "Grandpa, Mom, I’m sorry. There was a traffic jam, and I got back late."

Old Sir Shen glanced at her and said indifferently, "Now that you’re back, let’s eat."

Shen Xitong took a seat next to Chu Yunrong and gave Shen Qinglan an apologetic smile. "These must be my sister’s friends. I’m really sorry. I wanted to come back earlier, but who knew the traffic would be so bad. Thank you for waiting."

Her smile was sincere and her words were warm, making a good impression.

Fang Tong and Yu Xiaoxuan smiled, "Sister Shen... sister." Uncertain of how to address her at first, both ended up adding ’sister’ since she was indeed older.

Shen Xitong’s smile grew even more genuine, "Our Qinglan is introverted, doesn’t have many friends, and it’s rare for her to bring friends home. We are very glad to have you visit."

At the table, Shen Xitong was the only one speaking freely, not feeling awkward at all, hosting Fang Tong and Yu Xiaoxuan with the demeanor of a hostess, making others think she was the friend.

"Weren’t you busy outside all day? Aren’t you hungry?" Shen Junyu spoke softly.

Shen Xitong’s smile stiffened momentarily before returning to normal, "Indeed, I’m quite hungry. Don’t be polite, make yourselves at home."

Fang Tong and Yu Xiaoxuan couldn’t help but roll their eyes internally. They finally understood why Shen Qinglan was always so cold when mentioning this adoptive sister; indeed, she was not likable.

Just then, a bowl appeared in front of Fang Tong, a well-defined hand drawing away from it, Shen Junyu’s seductive voice coming from above, "Grandpa said this soup is good for girls. Drink more."

Then he picked up another bowl, served Yu Xiaoxuan as well, then to Shen Qinglan, completely ignoring Shen Xitong.

Fang Tong merely thanked him calmly. However, Yu Xiaoxuan’s ears turned red at his words, causing Fang Tong to sigh deeply, failing to understand where Yu Xiaoxuan’s obsession with Shen Junyu originated.

Shen Xitong’s expression turned sour as she was ignored, serving the three girls but excluding her. Claiming Shen Junyu hadn’t done it on purpose was something even Shen Xitong herself didn’t believe. She lowered her gaze, taking a deep breath, reminding herself not to mind.

"Lanlan, after dinner, take your friends around the courtyard, and have them stay for dinner tonight," Old Sir Shen said.

Fang Tong and Yu Xiaoxuan hadn’t yet declined when Shen Qinglan softly agreed.

Shen Xitong was taken aback, hearing from this single sentence Old Sir Shen’s fondness for the two friends of Shen Qinglan.

Thinking back to high school, Shen Xitong had also brought classmates home as guests once. That time, Old Sir Shen not only avoided dining at the same table but afterwards explicitly told her not to casually bring outsiders home again. From then on, she never invited friends to her home again.

As for Shen Qinglan, it was the same scenario of bringing friends home, but Old Sir Shen’s attitude was the polar opposite. Even though Shen Xitong had long known of Old Sir Shen’s bias towards Shen Qinglan, she couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable.

"Your Grandpa is right, Qinglan. Later, you and your friends should take a walk in the courtyard; the scenery is quite nice. I’ll ask Sister-in-law Song to prepare some desserts for you in the afternoon. I see that Xiao Xuan really enjoys Sister-in-law Song’s cooking," Chu Yunrong said with a smile.

Yu Xiaoxuan smiled awkwardly, "I’m sorry for the trouble, Auntie."

"There’s no trouble at all. Qinglan doesn’t enjoy sweets, and Tongtong is always worrying about her figure, hardly ever indulging. Sister-in-law Song knows you two love them, and she couldn’t be happier to make them for you."

Whether Sister-in-law Song was happy or not, Shen Qinglan didn’t know, but she could see that Shen Xitong was not pleased. Although she kept her head slightly lowered, her lip-biting didn’t escape Shen Qinglan’s observant eyes.

Shen Xitong thought she was concealing it well, yet she did not realize that she subconsciously exhibited this behavior whenever she felt unhappy.

Shen Xitong, your mind is still so narrow, getting jealous over such trivial matters.

Shen Qinglan smiled faintly, quietly sipping the soup in her bowl.

After eating, Shen Qinglan, along with Fang Tong and Yu Xiaoxuan, took a stroll around the courtyard.

As soon as they left the Shen Family’s home, Fang Tong seemed preoccupied. "Qinglan, is your relationship with your foster sister really that bad?"

Shen Qinglan paused slightly. "Was it that obvious?"

Fang Tong shook her head, "Not you, but her. She seems quite discontent with your family favoring you." She spoke with a bit of uncertainty, as it was only intuition.

"Ah, Fang Tong, did you feel it too? I thought it was my misperception," Yu Xiaoxuan spoke up, somewhat puzzled. "But why should she be dissatisfied? You are your mom’s biological child and Grandpa Shen’s biological granddaughter. Isn’t it natural for them to treat you well?"

"Some people’s ways of thinking can’t be understood with normal reasoning," Shen Qinglan said mildly, confirming their suspicions. Both of them looked a bit shocked.

"Sisters, here you are, I’ve been looking for you for so long," came Shen Xitong’s voice from behind.

The three turned around and saw Shen Xitong standing there, her face beaming with a smile.

"Grandpa and mom are taking a nap, and my brother is busy with something. I couldn’t sleep, so I thought of joining you. You don’t mind, do you?" Shen Xitong explained, looking at Fang Tong and Yu Xiaoxuan with a friendly smile.

Fang Tong and Yu Xiaoxuan exchanged glances, unsure of when she had appeared behind them or how much of their conversation she had overheard. If she had heard everything and could still speak so cordially, they had to admit her endurance was first-rate.

Shen Qinglan thought they were overthinking it; Shen Xitong had just arrived and hadn’t heard their conversation.

"I think I do mind," Shen Qinglan spoke flatly.