Hurt Only Comes With Comparison
Dr. Rowan Lin's answer left Quentin Lin completely baffled. What did he mean by 'unhappy, yet happy' at the same time?
When they returned to the Yu Residence, Dr. Rowan Lin told Quentin Lin to go rest on his own.
Margaret Evans was waiting inside the room. When she saw Dr. Rowan Lin come in, she asked worriedly, "What happened to our son-in-law today? Why did he drink so much? I've never seen him drunk before!"
Dr. Rowan Lin sat down, took Margaret Evans' hand, and sighed, "He brought pastries to visit you today, so I knew something was bothering him."
"Huh?" Margaret Evans was confused. "He brought pastries to see me—what does that have to do with him feeling upset?"
Dr. Rowan Lin said, "I heard from the servants that Marchioness Valor came to the Prince of Qin's manor today, bringing plenty of pastries."
Margaret Evans pursed her lips. She really had no good impression of Marquis Weiyuan and Madam Lou, and wished she could stay far away from them.
Dr. Rowan Lin continued, "With the year-end approaching, it's the busiest time for officials to visit one another. The favored families are lively, while those who fall from grace are deserted. In previous years, the Marquis Weiyuan Estate was bustling with visitors, the threshold nearly worn down by officials seeking favor. But this year, our son-in-law lives separately, and rumors of discord between father and son have spread through the capital. So now, not a single visitor comes to the Marquis Weiyuan Estate. No gifts, and all the good things in the estate were sent to Alexander Hayes as betrothal gifts. Now, with only the marquis's meager salary left, I bet they're struggling to cover expenses."
"From being the center of attention, surrounded by flattery, to being ignored like a stray dog—this contrast is even more glaring around the New Year. The Marquis and Madam Lou must be finding it especially hard to bear, so they've remembered their son living apart. Madam Lou's visit to the Prince of Qin's manor was probably an attempt to play the emotional card. If they can mend their relationship with Alexander, they could use his reputation to attract visitors and gifts again, and live comfortably. In the past, our son-in-law would have been fooled by their fake affection—he'd never known real family love, so he had nothing to compare it to. But now, with you, a mother-in-law who's closer than his own mother, it's easy to see through Madam Lou's pretense. Whether she's truly caring or just using him, it's obvious." Dr. Rowan Lin's eyes flashed with disdain.
Margaret Evans finally understood and sighed, "Honestly, I've never understood it either. The Marquis and Madam Lou have only one son, and our son-in-law is so capable and filial—he's brought so much honor to their family. So why have they always treated him so poorly? As a mother myself, I just can't figure it out. If I had such a wonderful son, I'd be so happy I'd go to bed smiling every night. How can anyone be so cold to their own child?"
Dr. Rowan Lin smiled, "That's exactly why our son-in-law cherishes you so much. To him, you're the mother he always wished he had."
Margaret Evans was both moved and amused, "I just want to treat him well, that's all. As long as he's happy, I'm happy."
Dr. Rowan Lin nodded, "That's what family is for."
Margaret Evans smiled, her eyes full of warmth.
Outside, the winter wind howled, but inside, the warmth of family made everything feel just right.