As soon as she said that, Liu Lin picked up a slice of pork and placed it on Yao Ron and Jiang Wan’s bowls. A satisfied smile spread across her features as she leaned back against her seat.

“Sister Tangtang, I’m not sure what you like to eat, so I’ll let you pick as you please, okay?” She shot Yao Tang a smug look before pulling her attention back to the bowl in front of her.

Her words were like a double-edged sword. While others may think nothing of it, it could carry a different kind of a pain to those receiving it.

Not only did it mean that Liu Lin hadn’t seen her before, but it also meant that her supposed parents also didn’t know what she liked to eat. Didn’t that make their relationship far more distant?

However, Yao Rong was quick to read between the lines and immediately cut her off, “The reason I’ve made all these dishes was because Tangtangliked them. I’ve made sure to ask her first.” He pursed her lips.

Why would she need to put food on Yao Tang’s plate?

Yao Tang was the host of this house, as much as they were. She didn’t need to be treated so politely by Liu Lin.

Liu Lin clenched her fists. There was something about the way Yao Ronghad said it that only fueled the jealousy in her heart. However, she didn’t say a word and instead focused on her food.

Jiang Wan, who had been sitting across them, couldn’t help but notice the sudden tension in the atmosphere. Shooting her husband a pointed look, she lightly kicked him in the ankles.

Only then did he stop talking.

The dishes had been made especially for Yao Tang. Naturally, he had to get her to eat more so that she’d understand his outstanding cooking skills.

As soon as Yao Tang had heard “Sister Tangtang”, she could feel all the hairs on the back of her neck standing at attention. Suppressing the urge to wince, she glanced up at Liu Lin.

She had been used to a quiet dinner, so she didn’t answer immediately. Instead, she swallowed the food in her mouth and stared at her.

“I like to eat all the dishes here,” she said honestly. “You’re a guest. Please, help yourself.”

Liu Lin tightened her hold on the chopsticks. If she were any stronger, she would’ve probably broken them into two by now. She clenched her jaw and took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down.

“The dishes are very delicious. Thank you…dad.” She glanced up at Yao Rong.

In front of outsiders, she naturally had to call him her “Dad”.

Yao Rong beamed in joy as he waved his chopsticks around. “It’s good that you’re eating,” he said, before shaking her head. “We’re a family. You don’t have to thank me.” All of his worries practically melted away.

Liu Lin gritted her teeth.

What was this?

When she had thanked Yao Rong earlier, he simply smiled and accepted her thanks.

When Yao Tang had thanked him, he immediately insisted that there was no need for her to thank him—that they were family. Then didn’t that mean that she was nothing but a guest here?

After more than ten years of living together, she still couldn’t compare to that daughter of theirs who had appeared out of nowhere? She ground her teeth together.

She wanted nothing more than to chase her out of the house!

“I sh—should go now,” Liu Lin choked out as soon as she finished her meal.

Without another word, she raced out of the house with her bag in tow. Her eyes were bloodshot, and her voice was a little hoarse.

Yao Rong and Jiang Wan’s attitudes toward her didn’t change. This was how they had always acted whenever she was around. However, now that Yao Tangwas around…

It was obvious she couldn’t compare herself with her.

Staring at her retreating figure, Jiang Wan shook her head. “It seems we’ve made a mistake,” she murmured, sighing.

Ever since Liu Lin’s father had passed away, the couple would come to console her from time to time. After all, her father was a good friend of theirs.

Given that they lived in the same neighborhood, Liu Lin would often come over to stay. As they felt sympathy for the young woman’s situation, they allowed her to do so.

But it seemed that Liu Lin must’ve misunderstood her position in the family along the way.

However, Yao Rong didn’t seem to get the insinuation behind her wife’s words. “The room we’ve prepared for Tangtanghasn’t been properly renovated yet,” he mused. “We should let her stay in a good hotel for a few more nights. That way, we have time to prepare.”

Jiang Wan furrowed her eyebrows in annoyance. However, instead of arguing with her husband, she slowly nodded. “Yeah, I think you’re right.”

..

When Qin Man and Yao Yuanreturned home, the atmosphere was tense all around them.

Qin Man gazed at her husband, gritting her teeth.