Madame Fang mused to herself that it was unexpected how happily the two were chatting; they seemed to be in high spirits. She had been keeping an eye on the group in the living room, and she had not seen Fang Guangmei say anything of note. Yet, moments later, Fang Guangmei entered the room.
When she took the initiative to strike up a conversation, Madame Fang responded with a few perfunctory words, lacking any real warmth. To her, this niece was now just a matter of keeping up appearances. After all, she wasn’t a blood relative, so there were many things she couldn't say—one couldn't be too harsh, nor too lenient. It was better to keep her at arm's length.
Sure enough, not long after Fang Guangmei entered, she brought up Feng Qingqing. Madame Fang saw right through her; she knew the woman was anxious. She replied to her overtures with lukewarm indifference, pushing the matter aside by saying that everything depended on how her uncle, Elder Fang, chose to handle it. She also told Fang Guangmei that Feng Qingqing visited their home frequently and that there was no need for such urgency—she could afford to wait.
Chapter 456