C28 Childhood Sweetheart

"Yuyi and Jun Hao grew up together as childhood sweethearts. Yuyi later went abroad and has only recently returned."

Ye Lan emphasized the phrase "childhood sweethearts" with a particular inflection.

Mu Chuchen remained silent, thoughtfully pouring two glasses of water for them. She gestured for Shen Yuyi to sit down once more, fulfilling her role as the hostess.

"Why haven't you left yet?"

After sitting down, Ye Lan asked Mu Chuchen with an icy tone.

"Mom, as I've said, I'm waiting for Mu to wake up. I won't leave. If you have other matters, please feel free to go ahead."

Mu Chuchen responded amiably and turned to Shen Yuyi, "Miss Shen, please have some water."

In her past life, Mu Chuchen couldn't recall whether a person like Shen Yuyi existed.

She harbored no romantic feelings for Ye Junhao and was indifferent to the number of women who longed for him.

What she cherished was the affection Ye Junhao had shown her.

Regardless of her mother-in-law's comments, she was determined to cling to Ye Junhao's 'golden leg.'

"Thank you."

Shen Yuyi expressed her gratitude politely.

She discreetly observed Mu Chuchen. Despite rumors painting her as a troublemaker, Shen Yuyi now doubted their accuracy.

Ye Lan was about to continue her remarks about Mu Chuchen when the sound of Mu's crying echoed from the lounge, causing her to hold back her words.

Mu Chuchen hurried to the source of the crying.

"Mu."

She entered the room, pushing the door open.

Ye Mu was on the bed, sobbing and calling out, "Daddy, daddy."

"Mu."

Mu Chuchen moved quickly to pick up her son, but the little one resisted her embrace, batting her hands away and crying even louder.

Ye Lan arrived shortly after and, seeing the situation, swiftly stepped in to replace Mu Chuchen. She bent down to lift Ye Mu, soothing him, "Mu, no more tears, Grandma's got you."

"Daddy, I want Daddy."

Ye Mu's lips quivered, his face streaked with tears.

"Alright, alright. You want Daddy. Daddy's at a meeting, but he'll be back soon. Let Grandma hold you for now."

While comforting her grandson and leaving the lounge, Ye Lan shot Mu Chuchen a stern look and coldly remarked, "I've never seen a mother fail quite like you."

The sting of her mother-in-law's sarcasm and her son's rejection nearly brought Mu Chuchen to tears.

It took quite some time before she emerged from the lounge. Mu had been soothed and was now nestled in Ye Lan's embrace.

Shen Yuyi tried to engage him in play, but perhaps because he had just woken up, he appeared lethargic and uninterested, leaving Shen Yuyi feeling rather embarrassed.

"Mu Chuchen, could you prepare some milk powder for Mu? He needs his milk after his nap every afternoon." The two-year-old hadn't weaned off formula yet, though he drank it less frequently.

"I'll take care of it. Ms. Ye, where is the milk powder kept?"

"Miss Shen, please, have a seat. I'll handle it."

Mu Chuchen, who had previously made coffee for Ye Junhao, remembered where her son's milk powder was stored.

Once she was out of sight, Ye Lan pursed her lips and muttered, "The sun must have risen in the west today for that woman to willingly prepare the milk powder."

In a low voice, Shen Yuyi asked, "Ms. Ye, is their relationship truly as you've described?"

"Yes, Yuyi. Just focus on bonding with Mu. If he grows fond of you, the plan I discussed with your mother will be halfway to success."

Shen Yuyi blushed at the thought.

"I can't stand Mu Chuchen; she's digging her own grave. Jun Hao's once favorable impression of her is nearly exhausted by her antics. You needn't worry about her."

"Understood."

Shen Yuyi responded with a hint of shyness.

Meanwhile, Mu Chuchen, busy preparing her son's milk powder in the pantry, listened intently to the noise outside. Her keen hearing allowed her to catch every word of the conversation between her mother-in-law and Shen Yuyi.

She realized that Shen Yuyi was being groomed by her mother-in-law to take her place as the future daughter-in-law.

When she was indifferent to Ye Junhao, the number of women vying for his attention didn't matter to her. But now that she wanted to build a life with him, she saw that rivals for his affection were all around.