After transmigrating, I became a stepmother.

When Fu Cui mentioned managing the household affairs, Gu Liunian paused slightly in his teacup. He glanced at Lin Hao, saw that she showed no sign of anything amiss, then lowered his head again and continued drinking his tea. The rising steam concealed the thoughts in his eyes.

Lin Hao had no idea what Gu Liunian's words had to do with her. If she knew what Gu Liunian was thinking, she would definitely say: "Dude, you're overthinking it. She'd rather avoid the household management than go out of her way to do it. Managing the household might seem like having a lot of power, but if you do it well, you'll only get some verbal praise; if you don't, you'll only get complaints and it'll be a hassle! There's absolutely no need for that. Anyway, given her status, no one dares to skimp on her. She can enjoy the fruits of others' labor without having to lift a finger. Isn't this the kind of carefree life that so many modern people envy? Is there anything better in the world?"

After Lin Hao finished speaking with Fu Cui, she turned around and was slightly surprised to find that Gu Liunian was still there. Usually, Gu Liunian would have already gone out to work by this time. Why was he so free today?

Seeing the doubt in her eyes, Gu Liunian said calmly, "We are dividing the family today."

Lin Hao was taken aback. So fast? She thought it would take longer. Gu Liunian's efficiency was impressive!

Perhaps because the smile on her face was too obvious, Gu Liunian said with a hint of mischief, "Today is just for dividing the property. It will take a few more days for them to move out. After all, the new house needs to be furnished, and this place also needs to be tidied up."

Lin Hao's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly cheered up again. Progress was a good thing! It was better than nothing.

Seeing her like this, Gu Liunian shook his head and chuckled. When did he become so childish?

"Do you want to go later?"

Hearing this, Lin Hao was taken aback at first, then realized that he was asking whether she should go when the inheritance was divided. She shook her head, "You can go by yourself, I don't know anything about it anyway. I'll just stay here and play with Yu-ge'er!"

After listening for a while, the little boy finally understood this sentence and immediately echoed loudly, "Yes, accompany Brother Yu."

Lin Hao immediately abandoned Gu Liunian and ran off to play with the little bun. The two chased each other, and their cheerful and crisp laughter gradually filled the entire room.

Seeing her like this, Gu Liunian didn't force her. He was there to make sure she didn't suffer any losses. But Lin Hao was becoming increasingly unpredictable. If she was greedy, why did she never concern herself with the Gu family's vast business empire, even on such a crucial matter as dividing the inheritance? Yet, if she was aloof, why did she always act like a money-grubber when discussing business with him, like a cat that had just stolen cream? To see him like this, he agreed to profits he would never normally agree to in business, and in the end, he even had to make up the difference from his own savings.

Gu Liunian sat quietly to the side, watching the mother and son play. He felt an unprecedented sense of peace and contentment. There was nothing more joy in life than this!

When Fu Cui entered, this was the harmonious scene she encountered. The male host sat upright at the table, stroking a teacup in his hand, smiling as he watched the female host and children playing. She paused slightly, momentarily unable to bear to disturb them. In that instant, Gu Liunian looked at the newcomer, and upon seeing her, asked in a deep voice, "What is it?"

Fu Cui quickly bowed and replied, "It's Mo Ran who's here."

Gu Liunian understood; the account books he was asked to organize must have been prepared. He stood up, straightened his clothes, and instructed Fu Cui, "If Madam asks, say I went to Rongshou Hall." Without waiting for Fu Cui's reply, he turned and left.

Outside, Mo Ran was waiting at the door. When he saw him come out, he hurriedly went up to him and said, "Master, the account books have been sorted out and Tu Bai has already sent them to Rongshou Hall."

"Hmm." Gu Liunian continued walking without stopping, and the two arrived at Rongshou Hall in silence. Inside, the second wife and her husband were already waiting, with the old lady sitting at the head of the table, drinking tea.

After exchanging greetings, no further pleasantries were exchanged. Gu Liunian spoke first: "The account books from before Father's passing are all here. You are free to look at them. If there are no objections, then the distribution will proceed accordingly. The farmland, shops, and estates have all been estimated based on their location and price, and they will be divided roughly equally."

“I naturally trust my elder brother to handle things, but just in case people gossip later, I’ll take a look.” The second master stood up and said to Gu Liunian.

Gu Liunian glanced at him indifferently, picked up the teacup beside her, brought it to her lips, smelled it lightly, took a sip, and showed no intention of responding.

The second master didn't seem embarrassed at all. He stepped forward and picked up the account book, and Wang Shi also joined in. The two of them examined it carefully. After a quarter of an hour, they put down the account book, looked at each other, and the second master, Gu Jingnian, smiled at Gu Liunian. "Eldest brother has worked hard all these years. I think this is the right way to divide it. Everything will be done according to eldest brother's wishes."

Gu Liunian glanced at him and said meaningfully, "Since you have no objections, let's do it this way! Tu Bai, send all the contracts to the Second Master."

Tu Bai agreed and placed the contracts in her hand on the small table next to the Second Master. "Second Master, please take a good look. Is anything missing?"

Gu Liunian said in a deep voice, "Tu Bai, do not be rude!"

"Yes, this servant has overstepped his bounds." Tu Bai reluctantly withdrew, secretly thinking to himself: The Second Master is just being hypocritical after getting the benefits. He has seen the account books, and it is not an equal division at all. It is obvious that the Second Branch has taken advantage. In many fields and shops, the Second Branch is in a better location than the First Branch.

When Mo Ran saw him come out at the door, she glared at him, pulled him aside, and scolded him, "What business is it of yours, a servant, to interfere in the master's affairs?"

Tu Bai was still unconvinced. "I just can't stand the second branch's attitude. They clearly got the better deal, but they have to pretend to be pitiful because our master arranged things for them. Who are they trying to fool?"

Mo Ran reached out and flicked him on the forehead. "You're so good at talking. Someone as shrewd as me is not as good as you?"

Tu Bai was confused. "What do you mean?"

Mo Ran looked around. They were standing in a corner, and no one was around. He pulled Tu Bai closer and whispered, "You only looked at the location, but you didn't notice where those things were distributed!"

Tu Bai was taken aback when he heard this. He had never paid attention to this before. Could there be some hidden meaning?

Seeing his expression, Mo Ran knew he hadn't paid attention and cursed inwardly: You idiot! But she still patiently explained to him: "Although the locations left by the master aren't particularly valuable, they are all relatively concentrated and easy to manage. Besides, these places are all close to the county town, so if anything happens in the future, it will be easier to take care of them."

Upon hearing this, Tu Bai's face lit up with joy. "You're so clever! Mo Ran. No, I'm the smartest!"

Mo Ran got angry at him for his behavior; whether he was crying or laughing, it was always him. He was just getting old but never wise! She couldn't help but roll her eyes at him. Tu Bai saw this and couldn't help but retort, "I'm in a good mood today, I won't argue with you! Humph!" With that, she walked towards the door to wait for her master.

Mo Ran looked at his light steps, a stark contrast to his previous dejected appearance, shook his head and smiled bitterly, thinking, "Fools are always lucky!"