After transmigrating, I became a stepmother.

"Greetings, Madam He!" Looking at this fellow villager who was clearly older than herself, even though she didn't know the connection between the other party and her grandfather, Yin Xue still bowed first.

"I dare not accept your courtesy! It would be too much of an honor for me." Before Yinxue could react, Madam He used their tightly clasped hands to help her up.

Meeting Shang Yinxue's questioning gaze, Madam He explained, "Back then, my family was framed by a villain and was on the verge of bankruptcy. Relatives and friends avoided us like the plague, and creditors kept pressing us. It was Mr. Fan Huaiqian who extended a helping hand and saved my whole family from ruin!"

At this point, Mrs. He's eyes welled up with tears. Those dark days had made her fully experience the coldness and warmth of human relationships, and how close or distant relatives could be separated by just a thought!

"Although the money has been repaid, the debt of gratitude cannot be repaid at the same time. It's a pity that the Fan family is in trouble, and we are just a small group of people who can't do anything to help!" Madam He said in a low voice, frustrated by her powerlessness.

"Madam, there's no need to worry. The affairs of the Fan family are not something ordinary people can interfere with. I accept this outcome, and the entire Fan family accepts it as well. The person is gone, and those who remain must live well so as not to fail Heaven's benevolence in giving life." Yin Xue comforted her softly, speaking both to Madam He and to herself.

"Yes, yes, that's exactly how we should think! We didn't know before, but now that we do, we should definitely keep in touch more often." Madam He was afraid that she had said too much and upset Yinxue, so she quickly forced a smile and greeted her.

"Yes, thank you for your kindness, Madam. I will definitely come to visit you!" Yin Xue replied with a smile. Meeting a fellow countryman so far away was a comfort, she told herself inwardly.

“Alright, from now on, we’ll visit each other as relatives.” After saying this with a smile, Madam He seemed to remember something, turned around, and waved to her daughter who had been curiously observing the two of them, saying, “Lan’er, come here quickly and greet your sister Xue.”

Before the young girl could agree, he smiled and said to Yin Xue, "Lan'er is my daughter whom I finally had, so I've spoiled her a bit. I'll have to ask you to take good care of her from now on."

Yinxue revealed a look of surprise at the right moment and said softly, "Don't worry, Madam. As long as Lan'er is willing, I will do my best."

Her hesitation to agree immediately eased He Xinlan's initial dissatisfaction, which stemmed from feeling that her mother had made arrangements without consulting her. "This person seems alright, doesn't she?"

"Hello, Sister Xue!" The little girl, about seven or eight years old, spoke in a voice as clear and melodious as a nightingale singing in a valley, with a touch of girlish charm. Coupled with her still unrestrained expression, she immediately reminded Yin Xue of her past self.

Feeling an immediate sense of goodwill, she smiled and returned the greeting, "Hello, Sister Lan'er!"

Although He Xinlan wasn't particularly clever or quick-witted, she possessed an innate, almost animalistic, intuition that allowed her to keenly sense how others treated her. Now, she was experiencing a great deal of kindness from this new acquaintance!

Although she didn't know why the other person liked her so much after only meeting her once, the young girl thought, "If you give me a peach, I will repay you with a jade pendant," and she couldn't be too stingy, so she gave Yin Xue a genuine and bright smile.

Seeing Yin Xue's radiant smile, the little girl was stunned and murmured, "Sister Xue is so beautiful, just like someone from a painting!"