Upon reaching the main hall, Meng Zhilu bowed respectfully to Elder Huyin and Elder Tai Tai, seated in the chairs of honor. A thin smile played on her lips as she addressed the two elderly women, her voice soft yet tinged with disdain. "Zhilu greets Mother-in-law and Grandmother. Please forgive my tardiness; I hope I haven't kept you waiting too long."

Elder Huyin raised her eyebrows. The sharp eyes that used to stare at Meng Zhilu were filled with hatred, and she said sarcastically in a mocking tone. "Hmm, Do you think what time is it? Did you still see old people like me in your mind?" Her tone was cold, indicating her great displeasure with this daughter-in-law.

When reprimanded, Meng Zhilu pursed her lips together. In fact, she had always been mindful of her mother-in-law's tendency to find fault. But to maintain peace, she had to feign a smile.

Elder Tai Tai sitting next to her sighed lightly in exhaustion, glancing at her daughter-in-law with a hint of astonishment at her nitpicking. In truth, although she felt sympathy for her granddaughter-in-law, there was little she could do. So she offered Meng Zhilu an escape by waving her hand to dismiss her.

When she saw the old woman offering her an out, Why Meng Zhilu wouldn't take it? She lowered her head to conceal her cold eyes and stepped back to stand beside her mother-in-law.

Elder Huyin's expression made the atmosphere in the room change to uncomfortable. Silence pervaded the hall. The old Huyin looked at his daughter-in-law. The face of a woman in her 40s who was painted with white cosmetics and red lips was full of arrogance. She stretched her lips slightly, showing that she was not very pleased. However, no matter how much she hated Meng Zhilu, she couldn't do more when she had to be in front of her mother-in-law.

All the eyes of the female relatives sitting in the room looked at Meng Zhilu sympathetically.

The silence continued for a long time, until after almost two-quarters of an hour, the sound of several pairs of footsteps sounded along the corridor leading to the hall. When the large door opened, a man and a woman entered. All the eyes of the people in the room instinctively focused on the two young people. Especially the woman in a red robe who walks behind a young family leader named Sen Zhongting.

Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

More than ten female relatives sitting in the room turned to each other, talking loudly in surprise. Because Shen Zhongting hadn't come alone; he had brought a woman with him. That woman had a beautiful oval face, and her eyes are big were as round as apricot seed, dazzling like starlight. She was dressed in an eye-catching bright red silk dress and wore her hair in the style of a married woman, adorned with just the right amount of jewelry.

Meng Zhiru looked up at the woman in red with incomprehensible eyes. Before turning to look at Shen Zhongting, who was kneeling in front of the two elders. His proportionate body trembled; his voice mixed with a variety of emotions. "Grandma, Mother I am back now" Tears welled up in the corners of his eyes, lending a touch of vulnerability to his handsome face. It helps to drive a clean white face to look gentler.

Elder Huyin stood up and reached out to support Shen Zhongting. "Shouyi, my dear son, you're back" Her voice trembled with love and longing, echoing her son's own. Shouyi is a nickname she uses for her only son.

Shen Zhongting replied, sounding remorseful. "Mother, I'm back. I'm so sorry that for two years I haven't been able to care for you. Please forgive me"

Elder Huyin fought back sobs, tears welling up in her eyes. She reached down to help her son to his feet. "Who told you to take a job so far away like that" she said with a sigh of relief. "How could I be angry with you? Let's sit and talk" She gestured towards the first chair on the right-hand side of the Elder Tai Tai.

After helping her son to the chair, she sat down gracefully. She turned to look at the woman in red who seemed to be waiting. "And who is this you've brought with you?" she asked her son curiously, her eyes sweeping over the woman from head to toe.

Shen Zhongting said to his mother with a smile, pride shining in his eyes. "Mother, this is Li Lianshuang. She is the daughter of the former sheriff, and she helped me greatly when I first arrived in Fuling City" He turned and beckoned to the woman. "Shuang Er Come..."

Hearing this, Li Lianshuang smiled even more radiantly, then gracefully knelt before the two older women and spoke softly. "Your daughter-in-law greets Grandmother and Mother"

Her self-proclaimed title of 'daughter-in-law' caused the people in the hall to exchange astonished glances. Some even looked at her with disapproval.

Meng Zhilu sneered inwardly. 'Huh. She truly lives up to her reputation. Calling herself a daughter-in-law before even being married. How shameless. She is worthy of being a prostitute'