Volume 1, Chapter 53: Making Her the One at Fault

In recent days, Chen Nianke had been visiting frequently. She brought food and gifts for Zhou Manhua, constantly finding new ways to cheer her up, often making Zhou Manhua beam with delight.

Without contrast, there is no sense of difference.

Chen Nianke’s attentiveness only made Jiang Yunmiao appear all the more inadequate.

Jiang Yunmiao welcomed this outcome. She was eager for Chen Nianke to try even harder, to captivate Duan Yixiao completely, so that he would readily sign the divorce agreement.

At this critical moment, Chen Nianke herself was anxious.

She racked her brain to devise plans for Zhou Manhua. After all, her goal was to secure a formal position by helping Zhou Manhua establish a firm foothold in the Duan family, which would benefit her own future within the family.

“Auntie, I think you should return to the Duan family now. The New Year is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect opportunity. You know, during festivals and holidays, relatives and friends pay visits to exchange New Year greetings. This is your best chance to make your presence felt. If you don’t show up...”

Chen Nianke’s words struck a chord with Zhou Manhua.

“You’re right!” Zhou Manhua looked at her dependently. “But my leg hasn’t fully healed yet.”

“Exactly because it’s not fully healed, it will leave a deep impression that you’re diligently managing things. People will think you’re devoted to the Duan family.”

Zhou Manhua nodded in agreement. “Nianke, you really think everything through. I’ll start preparing to go back right away.”

Chen Nianke patted her arm and leaned close, whispering a secretive suggestion, “There’s no need to rush too much; that might seem too deliberate. You might wait until the New Year’s Eve family reunion, and then, with a little wine in your system, naturally stay at the Duan house.”

Zhou Manhua’s eyes lit up with understanding. She grabbed Chen Nianke’s hand enthusiastically, praising her, “Nianke, you truly have a clever and perceptive heart. Ah, if only our Yixiao were so lucky.”

She inspected Chen Nianke carefully, feeling a slight stir of hesitation. Although Chen Nianke’s background was somewhat lacking, she was indeed someone who could cheer people up. If she ended up with Yixiao, helping to appease the matriarch and Duan Zhenhong, Zhou Manhua might consider her after all.

After all, she was far better than Jiang Yunmiao, the daughter of the housekeeper!

“No way! With an auntie like you planning for him, Yixiao’s luck is still ahead!” Chen Nianke cheerfully showered her with compliments.

Zhou Manhua grew more and more pleased as she looked at her.

“A few days ago, I noticed Yixiao was burdened with worries every day. Do you know what’s going on?”

Chen Nianke handed her some tea just in time. “Nothing much, maybe some recent misfortune. I even went to the temple to get him a blessed bracelet. The problem’s already been resolved.”

The smile lines on Zhou Manhua’s face deepened, and her once sharp gaze now carried a hint of benevolence. “Good, good, you’re thoughtful. I’ll thank you on Yixiao’s behalf.”

As they chatted happily, Jiang Yunmiao happened to be preparing to go downstairs.

No wonder she noticed the new bracelet on Duan Yixiao’s wrist that he treasured every day!

It turned out Chen Nianke had gone to great lengths to obtain it.

She narrowed her eyes; Chen Nianke’s ambition to rise was now glaringly obvious—she had done everything she was supposed to.

If she didn’t promptly step aside, it would be hard to justify holding her ground.

She did some calculations. Now that her confinement period was over, she could personally take charge of many matters decisively.

“Xu Jie, come out with me,” Jiang Yunmiao said, preparing to return to the postpartum care center for another health assessment.

“Where are you going?” Zhou Manhua glanced at the wall clock. It was already half past ten. Just a moment ago, she was still sweet and amiable with Chen Nianke, but now she instantly transformed into the landlord’s sour expression.

“I’m going for… a medical check-up,” Jiang Yunmiao replied evasively.

“Who goes to the hospital at this hour? The doctors must be resting,” Zhou Manhua frowned, scrutinizing her from head to toe, suspicious of Jiang Yunmiao’s true motives.

“I made an appointment with the doctor at this time. It’s less crowded,” Jiang Yunmiao explained politely.

Zhou Manhua’s eyes immediately sharpened. “It’s almost mealtime. If you take Xiao Xu away, who’s going to cook? Don’t you see there are guests here?”

Jiang Yunmiao met her gaze fearlessly, clearly stating, “Xu Jie was hired to take care of me and the baby. If Mom needs to entertain guests, Huan Jie can cook.”

“You...” Zhou Manhua had tasted Huan Jie’s cooking but found it incomparable to Xu Jie’s.

Jiang Yunmiao clearly saw through her thoughts. “Otherwise, you can order takeout.”

Zhou Manhua angrily pointed at her, “How outrageous! Who serves takeout to guests?”

Jiang Yunmiao was too tired to argue further. “I’m running late. I’m not going to explain. I’m leaving now.” Saying that, she took Xu Jie and left.

Zhou Manhua ground her teeth in anger. “Look at you! How do you have the slightest bit of a daughter-in-law’s demeanor? Having a daughter-in-law like you, I’m afraid I’ll lose several years off my life!”

“Auntie, don’t be angry. It’s not worth damaging your health over,” Chen Nianke gently patted her back, soothing her. Her pupils contracted as her mind sharpened. “I heard Jiang Yunmiao is planning to divorce Yixiao?” she cautiously probed.

“Isn’t that obvious!” Zhou Manhua slapped her thigh in frustration.

Suddenly recalling something, she looked at Chen Nianke in surprise. “How did you find out? Did Yixiao tell you?”

Chen Nianke pursed her lips and nodded.

“Yixiao told you? What do you think about it? She’s so greedy, wanting to claim half the property. On what grounds? That’s all hard-earned by Yixiao. Is there any way to make her leave empty-handed?” Zhou Manhua leaned in, whispering conspiratorially.

Chen Nianke had actually consulted a lawyer about this matter.

She pressed her lips together, frowning slightly. “It’s difficult legally to force a spouse to leave empty-handed, but reducing her share is possible.”

Zhou Manhua looked at her with eager eyes, excitedly grabbing her arm. “How can we reduce her share? Do you have any good ideas?”

Chen Nianke glanced around cautiously, then whispered in her ear, “Make Jiang Yunmiao the guilty party.”

Zhou Manhua’s eyes brightened as if enlightened. Her cloudy gaze suddenly gleamed with sharp calculation. She smiled triumphantly, “Why didn’t I think of that? You young people really are clever. Do you have a plan?”

“Auntie, why don’t we go to your room to talk?” With Huan Jie around as a stranger, it was safer to be discreet.

“All right, let’s go!” Zhou Manhua eagerly propped herself up on her crutch. If she could make Jiang Yunmiao leave with minimal cost, she could wake from her dreams smiling.