Divorced at fifty, I embarked on my path to success.

Chapter 334 The Discerning Eye of a Mother-in-Law

Yue Jiangting smiled with the loving kindness unique to an elder: "Zizi, did you see your aunt during the New Year?"

“No,” Mei Zi paused for a moment, “My aunt must be very busy.”

Yue Jiangting gritted his teeth inwardly: What's all the fuss about!

"As the younger generation, you should still observe the most basic etiquette of paying New Year's visits."

Yue Jiangting's eyes flashed with an unfathomable light, making Sun Chengzhi's heart skip a beat, and he couldn't figure out what he meant for a moment.

Sun Chengzhi only knew that Yue Jiangting's infidelity led to the divorce, so he must have long since lost feelings for his ex-wife. His matchmaking with Mei Zi was just a way to keep him tied down.

But now it seems that it's not that simple. He narrowed his eyes, secretly guessing the meaning behind Yue Jiangting's words, and replied, "Of course, I still need to go and wish my father-in-law a Happy New Year."

If Yue Jiangting hadn't mentioned it, he would never have wanted to see Mei Zichen again in his life. In fact, just thinking of that name would give him a conditioned reflex headache.

Han Caiyu sat quietly to the side, occasionally refilling their teacups. Out of the corner of her eye, she would sometimes gaze longingly at Sun Chengzhi, and sometimes scrutinize Mei Zi with jealousy.

He couldn't see any good match for Mei Zi in his eyes. He glanced disdainfully at Mei Zi's hairstyle—a bird's nest, utterly unkempt. Her lipstick was too bright, making her look like she'd eaten something gruesome. And those nails—they must have been two centimeters long, so gaudy and effeminate. How could she do housework? He married her to take care of his son, not to treat her like a goddess.

She viewed Meizi through the lens of a critical mother-in-law, finding fault with her in every way.

Mei Zi often felt Han Caiyu's sharp gaze, which made her angry. So what if she was a mistress who had taken over? How dare she give her attitude!

Even though his aunt was divorced, she was still his lawfully wedded wife, and he also had Xiao Zhi, who was his uncle's only heir! No matter how seductive Han Caiyu was, his uncle knew better than to treat her like a plaything.

Mei Zi glared back defiantly.

Han Caiyu felt even more that Meizi was ill-mannered and dared to glare at her mother-in-law.

She never imagined that only she knew about her relationship with Sun Chengzhi; to others, they were two people who were completely unrelated.

Sun Chengzhi noticed the subtle tension between the two and gave Han Caiyu a warning glance. Fearing he would give himself away, he quickly took Mei Zi and left.

Seeing that it was still early, Sun Chengzhi suggested going to Mei Yusheng's house.

Mei Zi readily agreed, but couldn't help but indignantly complain about Han Caiyu: "What a piece of trash! She's just a mistress, and she has the nerve to do that! She's so jealous of my aunt's success that her eyes are practically popping out of her head! Judging from my uncle's attitude, he might still have feelings for my aunt. Otherwise, why would he make me go and wish my aunt a Happy New Year?"

"Alright, that's enough!" Sun Chengzhi was irritated. If it weren't for the awkward relationship that made it difficult to speak out, Han Caiyu was Mei Zi's proper mother-in-law, and Mei Zi should treat her with utmost respect. How could she dare to be so unrestrained?

However, Mei Zi's words reminded Sun Chengzhi: Could it be that Yue Jiangting really still has feelings for Mei Yusheng?

After all, they had been husband and wife for thirty years, and they had gone through thick and thin together, not to mention their son Yue Guangzhi.

He felt sorry for his mother; after scheming for twenty years, it was probably all for naught.

When Mei Yusheng saw Mei Zi and Sun Chengzhi standing at the door, he was surprised.

Sun Chengzhi politely said a string of auspicious words and respectfully handed over the gift.

Mei Zi, on the other hand, was much more relaxed. She took Mei Yusheng's arm and said, "Auntie, are you so happy you've gone crazy? We've come to wish you a Happy New Year, aren't you going to invite us in?"

Mei Yusheng greeted them with a faint smile and led them to bow to He Qingmin.

Next were Xie Mingqi and Chen Juansheng. Mei Zi exclaimed in surprise, "Uncle Chen, it's been a long time! You've gained weight!"

The smile on Chen Juansheng's face seemed glued on, showing no emotion whatsoever.

"Where's my dad?" Mei Zi looked around for Mei Zichen.

“Your dad went out,” Mei Yusheng replied calmly.

Zhou Xia thoughtfully brewed some tea and placed it on the coffee table.

"Huh, who are you?" Mei Zi looked her up and down curiously. "A newly hired nanny? Why aren't you on holiday for the New Year?"

Zhou Xia blushed slightly and turned to leave.

“She’s my best friend’s daughter, and she’s also my daughter. Mei Zi, if you keep talking nonsense, you’d better leave.” Mei Yusheng frowned slightly, clearly disliking Mei Zi’s rudeness.

When He Qingmin first met Sun Chengzhi, she kept looking him over, her expression slightly somber.

"Grandma, I'm sorry to come see you so late. The wedding was just too rushed, and my father-in-law..." Sun Chengzhi wanted to say that Mei Zichen didn't like him and was afraid that he would hit him, so he didn't dare to come over.

"Never mind, it's not important. As long as you treat Zizi well, that's all that matters." He Qingmin waved her hand dismissively.

"Zizi," He Qingmin beckoned to Meizi again, and Meizi hurriedly came over, "Now that you're married, you're an adult. You have to behave well from now on and not be too willful."

Mei Zi pouted her red lips and said coquettishly, "Grandma, with you loving me, no one dares to bully me!"

As he spoke, he looked at Sun Chengzhi provocatively.

Sun Chengzhi sneered.

Qin Chu and Qin Zhan brought Youyou down from the second floor. Zhou Xia glanced at the living room, then hurriedly went up to take Youyou's little hand and led him and Juanjuan to the backyard.

Qin Zhan smiled and followed involuntarily.

Mei Zi keenly caught the tenderness in his eyes, felt a pang in her heart, and stared at Zhou Xia's back with a venomous look in her eyes.

During the time she was in a fake relationship with Qin Zhan, he never looked at her like that. His gaze was always rational and indifferent, as if he was scrutinizing her at all times.

She couldn't help but wonder, if Qin Zhan had looked at her like that back then, would she have fallen for him? Would she have stopped being picky about his family background?

Sun Chengzhi felt a strong sense of oppression coming from the front, and was secretly frightened. He looked up and saw a man with an imperial aura striding towards him.

He stood up instinctively, his calves trembling slightly uncontrollably. He was shocked and didn't understand what was wrong with him.

"Qin Chu, look how scared President Sun is with your appearance! He's truly living up to his name now, hahaha!" Xie Mingqi was venting her anger, and she took the opportunity to do so.

In the past, Sun Chengzhi would have given Xie Mingqi a death stare long ago.

But now, he dared not look away even slightly, feeling as if his stature had automatically shrunk, gazing intently at the man with a hint of reverence. Especially upon hearing the name "Qin Chu," it was as if a thunderbolt had suddenly exploded in his mind.

Was it the "Qin-Chu" he had heard of before?

He quickly understood the key point: no wonder Yue Jiangting had asked him to bring Qin Chu in; it turned out Qin Chu was living with Mei Yusheng. Therefore, Yue Jiangting must be driven by jealousy or some other hidden motive to harbor hatred towards Qin Chu.

He knew he should greet Qin Chu with a polite and humble smile and shake hands naturally. But now, as if he were cold, his teeth chattered, and he couldn't utter a word.

Qin Chu's indifferent gaze swept over Sun Chengzhi, and a barely perceptible smile appeared on his lips.

Qin Zhan exuded a sharp aura, like a sword drawn from its sheath, while Qin Chu's restrained yet imposing presence made Sun Chengzhi even more terrified.

He secretly broke out in a cold sweat. No wonder Brother Wei scolded him so badly. If he had known earlier, he would never have dared to agree to Yue Jiangting's request.

As soon as Qin Chu and Qin Zhan appeared, Mei Zi immediately fell silent, her breath frozen between her teeth.

All she wanted to do at that moment was escape; she didn't want to see such a stark contrast between them.

The sound of the door opening was followed by bursts of laughter.