The autumn wind swept the fallen leaves, pattering against the heavy vermilion lacquered gates of the old mansion, making a rustling sound.
Ruan Sisi was sitting on the expensive velvet sofa in the living room. The baby in her arms was sound asleep. There was still a hint of deliberately crafted fragility between her eyebrows.
Opposite her, Feng Lan was holding a teacup. The curling steam blurred the expression on her face, making it hard to guess what she was thinking at the moment.
"Auntie, I'm truly in love with Feng Lin. This child..." Ruan Sisi's voice had just the right amount of a sob. "He is also of the Feng family bloodline."
Feng Lan put down the teacup. There was a soft clink as the bottom of the cup hit the table.
She looked up at Ruan Sisi with a sharp gaze. "Truly in love? Ruan Sisi, do you think I'm senile? What about those photos on the internet? Don't you have a clue?"
A few days ago, those so - called "bed photos" of her and Feng Lin had triggered a huge public outcry across City A.
Feng Lin's flat denial had further shaken the stock price of the group, and the Feng family had become the talk of the town.
Feng Lan had been extremely busy. On one hand, she had to deal with the media's inquiries, and on the other hand, she had to appease the senior members of the group. She had hardly had any sleep.
Ruan Sisi's heart skipped a beat. Seeing that she couldn't hide it any longer, she maintained an aggrieved look and half - truthfully explained the reason.
"Auntie, we were both a bit out of it that night... I know I shouldn't have let these things be exposed, but I had no choice."
"Su Xianyu is pregnant with Feng Lin's child. If I didn't step forward, the baby's identity..."
At the mention of Su Xianyu, Feng Lan's face darkened even more.
The hospital had informed her that due to the conflict in the coffee shop that day, Su Xianyu had lost her baby.
Although Feng Lan had been quite satisfied with Su Xianyu as her niece - in - law before, in her heart, "continuing the family line" had always been the top priority.
Ruan Sisi was, after all, the biological mother of the Feng family's bloodline. Hadn't it been enough that she had confined her to the old mansion for so many days?
Recently, they in the Feng residence hadn't even answered her calls!
She had already lost one grandson. She couldn't let another grandson suffer.
Now that Su Xianyu had lost her child, but Ruan Sisi's child had been born.
The recent paternity test report had also confirmed the child's identity, which made her start to have other thoughts.
"I've read the test report." Feng Lan spoke slowly. Her tone was unreadable. "But this matter still needs Feng Lin's approval."
Before she finished speaking, Mama Zhang rushed in. "Madam, the young master has said that he will definitely investigate the matter of the young mistress's injury to the end. He also said... you'd better not interfere."
Feng Lan's face turned ashen. "Nonsense!"
Since Su Xianyu's miscarriage, Feng Lin had changed. He was constantly around her.
He not only turned a blind eye to the difficulties of the Feng Group, but now it seemed that he was even threatening her, his aunt. He had really gone too far!
Ruan Sisi sneered inwardly. Feng Lin was now completely focused on that woman. How could he possibly approve and recognize their child?
But she was well - prepared. "Auntie, Feng Lin only has Su Xianyu in his heart now. How could he recognize us?"
"But the child is innocent. He can't be born without a father." As she spoke, her tears fell like broken beads.
"I know you love Feng Lin the most and have always hoped for a grandson. Please have mercy on this child and give him a proper status."
Feng Lan fell silent.
She had indeed been longing for a grandson for a long time. Especially after Su Xianyu's miscarriage, this longing had become even stronger.
Moreover, the outside world was laughing at the Feng family. If they could use this child to turn the public opinion around, it might be a good idea.
"Stay here in the mansion obediently." Feng Lan finally relented. "As for the child, I'll find a suitable opportunity to introduce him to everyone."
Ruan Sisi's eyes lit up. She quickly nodded. "Thank you, auntie! I'll definitely be obedient and won't cause you any trouble!"
As long as the child's identity could be confirmed, as the biological mother, wouldn't she be able to reap the benefits?
Considering that Su Xianyu had just lost her child, Feng Lan thought for a while and decided to go to the Feng residence in person the next day.
Unexpectedly, as soon as she entered, she saw Feng Lin wearing an apron and holding a bowl of tonic soup.
She frowned immediately. "Put the stuff there and come out with me."
Feng Lin hesitated for a moment but still decided to give his aunt some face and followed her to the living room.
"Ruan Sisi has given birth to the eldest grandson of our Feng family. The paternity test report is fine."
Feng Lan got straight to the point. "There are so many rumors outside. It's better to recognize this child and shut those people up."
Feng Lin frowned tightly. His face instantly turned cold. "Auntie, how can you believe her? There's nothing between me and her. The child can't be mine!"
"Does it matter whether it's fake or not now?" Feng Lan raised her voice, thinking he was just being stubborn.
"Su Xianyu has already lost her child. The Feng family can't be without an heir! Ruan Sisi's child is also your flesh and blood. Recognizing him is good for everyone!"
"That's not my flesh and blood!" Feng Lin said firmly. "I'll find out the truth. Don't be deceived by her!"
"The soup will get cold soon. It won't taste good for Xianyu."
After saying that, he turned around and left, leaving Feng Lan standing there with an extremely ugly face.
It seemed that Feng Lin was determined not to recognize this child.
Feng Lan thought for a while and didn't mention the plan to hold a banquet. She angrily turned around and left.
—
Ruan Sisi had been living more and more comfortably in the old mansion recently.
She made different kinds of snacks for Feng Lan every day and told some "stories about her and Feng Lin", which made Feng Lan very happy.
She also deliberately showed great care for the child in front of Feng Lan. She breastfed and changed the baby's diapers herself, looking like a virtuous wife and good mother.
"Look at this child. His eyes are so much like Feng Lin's." Feng Lan was holding the baby. A long - lost smile appeared on her face.
Ruan Sisi leaned over and softly agreed. "Yes, I think so too. Sometimes when I look at him, it's like seeing Feng Lin when he was a child."
The baby was really on her side. He had inherited all her eye and hair colors. It was as if God was helping her!
She knew clearly that Feng Lan was believing her more and more.
As long as she added a bit more effort, she could firmly establish herself in the Feng family.
A week later, Feng Lan finally made a decision - to hold a banquet and officially announce the birth of the eldest grandson of the Feng family to the outside world.
Even if Feng Lin, that stubborn guy, didn't recognize the child, the Feng family wouldn't let the child be left out.
As soon as the news came out, the entire upper - class society in City A was in an uproar.
No one had expected that the Feng family would really recognize Ruan Sisi and her child.
On the night of the banquet, the old mansion was decorated with lanterns and streamers, and guests were flocking in.
Ruan Sisi was wearing a champagne - colored evening dress with a delicate makeup. Holding the baby in the swaddle, she stood beside Feng Lan, receiving the blessings from everyone.
There was a proper smile on her face, but her eyes couldn't hide her pride.
"Auntie, why didn't you inform the child's 'father' about the banquet..."