Qiao An was a little surprised. After all, she had left the Li family for many years, but her influence had always enveloped the Li family. She only felt that it was especially ridiculous.

However, she quickly realized the reason. It was mainly because as a daughter-in-law, she had once been weak and incompetent. She had always been obedient to Li Zecheng and his mother. She had given them due respect. However, the current Wei Xin did not treat them as gods. She dared to resist and often embarrassed them, so they were not used to it.

Qiao An smiled faintly. “As a person,” she said wistfully, “as long as you don’t raise yourself too high, it won’t hurt much when you fall.” She turned and walked away.

Her words made everyone in the room reveal mocking smiles.

Third Madam felt her face burn. Qiao An’s words were clearly mocking her for thinking too highly of herself. She did indeed think too highly of herself. That was why she was so harsh and picky with her daughter-in-law. That was why her daughter-in-law resisted.

Madam nodded and felt that Qiao An’s words made sense. She comforted Third Madam and Wei Xin earnestly. “You heard Qiao An’s words, right? In the future, ask more of yourself and less of others. In this way, the third branch will only become peaceful.”

Third Madam was very depressed. “Yes.”

Wei Xin looked at Qiao An’s departing figure in shock. With a few words, Qiao An had put herself on higher ground.

Third Madam’s expression was uglier than ever today. Wei Xin suddenly admired Qiao An. As expected of a top student, the level of her admonition was different.

Inside the ward, Old Master Li was alarmed at the commotion outside. He asked the butler in disbelief, “Is the third branch done?”

The butler laughed. “Miss Qiao An ended the farce with one phrase.”

Old Master Li was stunned.

Huo Xiaoran sat on the chair by the bed and smiled when he heard that Qiao An had stopped the farce.

He looked proud.

Old Master Li glanced at Huo Xiaoran and said, “Xiaoran, when are you and Qiao An getting married? You have to hurry up. You can’t lose such a good wife.”

Huo Xiaoran said, “Do you think I’m not anxious? But there haven’t been any auspicious dates recently.” He was very disappointed.

Old Master Li looked at Huo Xiaoran and said in relief, “You look good today. Looks like you and Qiao An are living well.”

Half concerned, half curious, he asked, “Will you quarrel with Qiao An like your brothers and sisters-in-law?”

Huo Xiaoran said, “I can’t wait to dote on her. Why would I quarrel with her?”

Old Master Li was very gratified. “Qiao An is a good girl. You have to cherish her.”

Huo Xiaoran said, “I know.”

There was a sudden silence as they spoke.

After a long while, Old Master Li sighed. “Xiaoran, I might really not be able to hold on this time. How long are you going to be angry with me?”

Huo Xiaoran said, “I want the truth.”

Old Master Li knew what he was talking about and sighed helplessly. “Why do you keep harping on your mother’s death? Xiaoran, the past can’t be forgotten. Now that you have a beautiful family by your side, can’t you live a good life with Qiao An? Don’t pursue those unbearable pasts?”

Huo Xiaoran said, “You know how much my mother loved me. I don’t believe that she would be willing to abandon me. If she died unwillingly, how can I, her son, let her die in vain?”

Old Master Li sighed. “Alright, since you’re so stubborn, I won’t persuade you. However, if you want to know the truth, move back to the Li family. You can slowly investigate.”

Huo Xiaoran looked at Old Master Li. “Why do you want me to come back?”

Old Master Li said sadly, “After you fell out with the Li family, your brothers lived in dire straits. This family has long ceased to be a home. So I hope you can come back and live here and rebuild this broken home.”

Huo Xiaoran sneered. “You know that I hate this family. How can I help this family get better? Old Master, you’re making things difficult for me.”

Old Master Li said, “Please.”

Huo Xiaoran was speechless

Old Master Li was old, with white hair and dense wrinkles. Compared to the old man who had lived well a few years ago, he was really in his twilight years. He was in danger.

For some reason, when Huo Xiaoran saw how old his father was, his heart could not remain calm.

“Xiaoran, I don’t know when I’ll close my eyes. I always hope that we can bury the hatchet. I also hope that when I die, you’ll be by my bed.”

Huo Xiaoran glanced at him meaningfully and did not say anything. He stood up silently and walked out with a dark expression.

The butler was stunned. “Fourth Young Master?”

Old Master Li reached out to stop the butler. “Let him be.”

The butler said, “Master, how can Fourth Young Master reject you?”

Old Master Li said, “He didn’t agree, but he didn’t refuse either.”

The butler was stunned.

Then he was relieved.

Huo Xiaoran walked out of the ward and arrived at the courtyard downstairs.

Qiao An saw him and walked over excitedly.

“Brother Xiaoran.”

Seeing that he did not look well, she pinched his face playfully and asked gently, “Did the old man give you a hard time?”

When Huo Xiaoran saw Qiao An’s concerned expression, his worries instantly dissipated. He smiled and said, “I heard that you stopped the farce with just a few words today?”

Jo Ann laughed out loud. “I’m not that great. They’re just tired of arguing.”

Huo Xiaoran suddenly asked without rhyme or reason, “Are you tired?”

Qiao An was stunned.

Huo Xiaoran said, “Would you be tired if you return to the Li family?”

Qiao An understood. Huo Xiaoran was suddenly concerned about her feelings when she returned to the Li family. It seemed that Master Li was pressuring him to go home.

Qiao An said understandingly, “Brother Xiaoran, as long as I’m with you, I can be anywhere.”

Huo Xiaoran pulled Qiao An into his arms. “An’an, remember, no one can wrong you, and neither can I. If you don’t like this place, we can never step foot in this place for the rest of our lives.”

Qiao An said, “Brother Xiaoran, I have you backing me up. No one can bully me now. It can only be the other way.”

Huo Xiaoran smiled brightly. “That’s good.”

At this moment, the butler walked out and invited them politely. “Miss Qiao An, Master Li invites you to stay for dinner.”

Huo Xiaoran’s handsome face darkened. The old man knew that he was not easy to deal with and knew that he was obedient to Qiao An, so he targeted Qiao An.

Huo Xiaoran said angrily, “Go back and tell the old man that An’an isn’t used to the Li family’s food. There’s no need.”

But the butler was looking at Qiao An. Waiting for her answer.

Qiao An glanced at Huo Xiaoran. He had frowned deeply just now and clearly wanted to stay. The reason for his hesitation was probably because he was worried about her feelings. She made the decision for Huo Xiaoran and said, “Okay.”