Han Ji-eun’s gentleness made all the words that Taeyeon wanted to say, cling to the back of his throat.

“I just said it casually. If you don’t like it, I won’t say it again,” Han Ji-eun retreated. This move made Tiffany realize how smart her mother-in-law was.

“After all, at this age, I can’t and shouldn’t try to control a young person’s life. It’s my fault, I overstepped my boundaries.”

Tiffany did not say a word, she merely gave a slight smile, even though she hated the feeling of having to be careful, even at home.

Taeyeon glanced briefly at Han Ji-eun without another word. He simply kept his arm around Tiffany.

After quite some time, he finally said, “Mom, I bought another building inside Hyatt Regency that is facing the water. I know that you and father have always liked it there, so I’ve already instructed people to prepare it for you. You will be able to move over in three days. That way, you won’t have to put up with staying in a small guest room.”

The meaning behind Taeyeon’s words were clear…

He wanted Han Ji-eun to stop interfering with his and Tiffany’s life.

“Fine, I understand that young people live life at their own pace. Since your father will be back soon, I’ll move in first and won’t return overseas for now.”

Han Ji-eun did not display any signs of anger. It was almost like she was talking about something that was completely normal.

Tiffany was quite impressed by this. Perhaps, when it came to hiding one’s true feelings, Tiffany felt that she should hand the position of first place to Han Ji-eun.

Tiffany did not like nor dislike Han Ji-eun. As long as Han Ji-eun did not go overboard, she was going to maintain her respect for her. However, up until this point, she had yet to see Han Ji-eun attempt to talk to her heart-to-heart. But of course, she didn’t have high hopes that a mother-in-law would be able to bare her soul to a daughter-in-law that she had only just met.

“Mom is all alone and has nothing prepared. It will definitely be hard for her to settle in. Why don’t we wait until father arrives before she moves over?” Tiffany suggested softly.

Above all, she had yet to see Han Ji-eun display any signs of viciousness. All she saw, was her concern for them; even though, her concern had overstepped her boundaries. Plus, every relationship required time to develop. The only person that had ever clicked with her immediately…was Taeyeon!

“Fany, focus on taking care of yourself. I will take things as they come,” Han Ji-eun maintained the manners and warmth that an elder should have.

So, Tiffany could only nod her head in agreement.

…

Late into the night, as the couple lay in bed, Tiffany leaned on top of Taeyeon’s chest, “Hubby…”

“Still awake?” Taeyeon slightly turned his body and wrapped Tiffany tightly in his embrace, “Do you want to ask about mom?”

“I can’t quite feel that she has opened her heart to me yet.”

Everyone knew that Tiffany was very observant. As soon as someone came into her sight or experienced something little, she would be able to see through them immediately, even though she never exposed them.

But, when it came to Han Ji-eun…

…she couldn’t figure out what she was thinking at all.

“It’s my fault…I previously notified her of our marriage, but I never told her any other details.”

“It’s not like you to keep secrets.”

“At that time, she didn’t ask any questions, so I didn’t expect her attitude towards you to be so uncertain,” Taeyeon explained gently. “I know you don’t like it when things are uncertain, so I’ve decided to simplify it for you. After mom moves out, I will remove all the guest rooms and leave only our bedroom and our child’s bedroom.”

“You can’t blame her for how she’s been acting. After all, as soon as she returned to Seoul, she was met with Hwang Na-ri’s suicide attempt. It’s no suprise that she has misunderstood me. So, give me some time to grow closer to her,” Tiffany said as she leaned into Taeyeon’s chest. “How long has it been since you last saw your mother?”

“The last time we met was roughly 4 years ago.”

“In that case, she may not only be unfamiliar with me, but she may also be unfamiliar with you. She must not know that my Taeyeon has become so powerful. So, I think it’s more important than anything to make her understand us.”

“As long as she accepts someone, she will treat them wholeheartedly,” Taeyeon was certain about this.

After all, she was his mother. She couldn’t possibly be a cruel and evil person.

She couldn’t be!

“Uh huh,” Tiffany mumbled before she nodded off to sleep.

As a result, 10am the next morning, as Han Ji-eun prepared to leave the house with her handbag in hand, she noticed Tiffany sitting on the sofa dressed formally. As she was to meet an elder, Tiffany was dressed in good taste.

“You…”

“I’ve been waiting for mom,” Tiffany explained gently.

“Let’s go then,” seeing Tiffany in a peaceful state, she walked over and helped her up. The two women left together and quickly arrived at the hospital entrance. The hospital was none other than the hospital that Hwang Na-ri was staying at.

Just looking at the entrance to the hospital made Han Ji-eun remember the scene of Hwang Na-ri being hit by a car. So a cold chill swept through her body.

This…was the simplest and most direct reason for why she refused to accept Tiffany. Of course, she didn’t directly make things difficult for Tiffany like outsiders would. But, she wouldn’t feel right to immediately accept her.

“Mom, I know you came across news about the Hwang Family as soon as you returned to Seoul and watched Hwang Na-ri get into an accident with your own eyes.”

Because of their identity, the two women did not directly walk into the hospital. They instead waited inside the car. While they sat in the car, Han Ji-eun did not expect Tiffany to be so direct.

“I also admit that I spared no effort in dealing with Hwang Na-ri, because I honestly hate her. I tolerated her for over 20 years, but all I received was pain and suffering. Most importantly, she tried to hurt mine and Taeyeon’s child. I can never forgive her.”

“I don’t expect you to understand me, but I at least hope for fairness. A person that is standing and smiling, may not be free from pain.”

“Yang Xi was the actual person that almost hurt my child and I, but I let her go. However, when it comes​ to Hwang Na-ri, I can’t do it…”

Han Ji-eun did not expect these words from Tiffany. After a long moment of silence, so long that Tiffany thought Han Ji-eun wasn’t going to respond, she suddenly said, “I’m afraid, if you could treat your own sister so ruthlessly, how would you treat everyone else? And how would you treat Taeyeon’s family members?”

“Mom, with time, you will be able to truly see a person’s heart.”

“Actually, I knew that you were a model, but I didn’t know when you had changed to become an actress,” Han Ji-eun explained.

“What’s wrong with being an actress?” Tiffany immediately latched onto the keyword: actress!

Taeyeon was the King of Entertainment and Elder Kim was a famous actor, yet, she never saw her have much of a reaction towards them.

“Originally…being an actress isn’t a problem,” Han Ji-eun said in an experienced tone, “But, I don’t like actors/actresses.”

Han Ji-eun’s words were much too straightforward and firm. It was almost like she was telling Tiffany that she would never accept her.

If she had spoken to a different woman, they may have either tried to charm her with their words, or directly thrown open the doors and left, expressing their displeasure. But, when applied on Tiffany, these words did not trigger much of a response.

After quite some time, Tiffany finally said, “To be honest, I don’t really like doctors and people involved in biotechnology.”

Han Ji-eun never expected that Tiffany would directly throw her words back at her. In fact, her words were even stronger and more powerful.

It was almost like Tiffany was saying, “If you don’t like me, that’s fine, I don’t have to like you either!”

“After all, a simple surgical knife is enough to make someone incapable of giving birth,” Tiffany referred to the scheming that Hwang Na-ri once did to her.

“Not all doctors are like that.”

“The same logic applies to actors,” Tiffany laughed.

Han Ji-eun realized that talking to Tiffany wasn’t very beneficial for her, but she was not angered. Although she felt a little uncomfortable, it wasn’t unbearable.

“Have you always been this sharp-tongued around Taeyeon?” Han Ji-eun asked as she turned to look at Tiffany.

“He doesn’t like it when I get bullied. Sometimes, he would even act like a teacher and tell me that no matter who I’m faced with, as long as they initiate an attack, I should strike back with hundreds and thousands of times the force,” Tiffany’s eyes darkened as her voice strengthened.

Tiffany had approached Han Ji-eun with the intention to try and undo any misunderstandings.

But, Han Ji-eun did not appear to have any intention of accepting her.

It wasn’t actually something worth feeling upset over. After all, everyone had their own choices. Plus, if she was in Han Ji-eun’s position and her daughter-in-law did something that she disliked, even if she wasn’t to interfere, she would also find it hard to accept.

So, she completely understood how Han Ji-eun felt.

“Over the years, Taeyeon has continued to expand the business that I detest,” Han Ji-eun subconsciously sighed.

After so many years, she had already gotten used to the existence of Crown Empire.

But…her only son ended up marrying an actress…

“To be fair, Fany, I’m not targeting you specifically. I’m sure you are very capable, otherwise you would not even exist in Taeyeon’s eyes. But, I personally witnessed Hwang Na-ri being hit by a car. Her blood almost splattered on my body. So, I can’t help wondering, if a person can already put their life on the line, why can’t they be forgiven?”

“Everyone knows that you are a ruthless person; those that have offended you, did not have a good ending. So, it’s clear to see that you aren’t very forgiving.”

“Last night, I spent the entire night looking at news about you. You’ve taken a lot of attention away from Taeyeon, haven’t you?”

“At the beginning, I did have a little hope in you, but…you do not have any of the qualities that I want from a daughter-in-law. So, it’s best if we stop making things difficult for each other. Although you are married to Taeyeon and are about to have a child, I am still entitled to my own opinion, even if I can’t reject you.”

“So, the way we are now, will remain the same in the future. If we can simply put up with each other on the surface, then that is enough…”

“As for the baby. After you give birth, I’m sure you will return to filming. In that case, I can take care of it for you, so you can focus on your career.”

Was that the conclusion of their conversation?

Tiffany looked at Han Ji-eun from behind. The difference between liking and disliking a person was simple. If a person was on a different wavelength, then there was no point forcing oneself to get along with them.

“Taeyeon and I have no intention of handing our child to someone else!”

In other words, she was telling Han Ji-eun, when others weren’t around, there was no point pretending to be polite.

Han Ji-eun’s lips curved up slightly with a sense of ridicule. This was perhaps the only time that she had seen Tiffany show any emotions.

“In a moment, when we see the professor, watch what you say.”

“As you wish.”

Tiffany looked outside the window. If the two of them could remain polite to each other, that would be the best. As long as no one got hurt, it didn’t have much of an impact on her. But, if Han Ji-eun got any ideas…

A moment later, a short, skinny, white-robed doctor approached their car. He knocked on the window and after it wound down, he said to Han Ji-eun, “Madam Kim, the professor would like to invite you inside.”

“Let’s go,” Han Ji-eun said in a demanding tone as she looked at Tiffany.

Tiffany remained calm the entire time. She did not feel panicked by the bad relationship that she had with her mother-in-law.

This was because, her principles would never change.

She always treated people the way that they treated her…

…

Regarding the invite by Han Ji-eun to see the professor, Tiffany had a feeling that her mother-in-law had ulterior motives.

After entering the hospital via the staff entrance, Tiffany and Han Ji-eun stepped into a fairly old office. Sitting inside was a white-haired old man.

From the looks of it, he was in his 70’s. And he reacted to Han Ji-eun in a very loving manner.

“Ji-eun…”

“Professor,” Han Ji-eun immediately approached the old man and shook his hand, “I just returned from overseas and decided to bring my daughter-in-law to see you. Taeyeon received quite a lot of care from you in the past, yet, after he got married, he hasn’t visited you once. I’ve specifically come to provide my apology.”

The old man looked at Tiffany and nodded his head, “Only you would be so thoughtful. Thank you.”

The office was covered in the strong stench of medicine, which made Tiffany slightly nauseous. Han Ji-eun and the professor noticed this, so Han Ji-eun immediately suggested, “Step outside to get some fresh air.”

Tiffany nodded her head. After excusing herself, she turned around and exited the office. She then headed to the bathroom. However, while she was still in the cubicle, she heard some chatter just outside.

“Hey, let me tell you, just a moment ago I overheard the professor talking to a woman. It seems, she wants to ask him about the gender of an unborn baby. But, I couldn’t see who the pregnant woman was.”

“The professor is indeed highly skilled in this aspect. If he says someone is having a boy, then they couldn’t possibly have a girl.”

“However, the situation doesn’t seem quite right. From my experience, it is normal for a mother to accompany their pregnant daughter. And, if a husband chooses to come along, it is also normal. But, for a mother-in-law to be present without the pregnant woman, something is definitely suspicious…”

“Shhh…I wonder who the unfortunate woman would be.”

The voices of the two women weren’t extremely loud. In fact, they were slightly drowned out by the noise of gushing water coming from the taps. But, their every word clearly made it into Tiffany’s ears…

Which other pregnant woman could they be taking about?

Apart from her, who else could it be?q

Of course, she was yet to find out if knowing the gender of her child was a good thing or a bad thing…

But, this kind of behavior, seemed to have touched her bottom line.

If someone made a move right in front of her eyes, she would deal with them directly. But, if someone attacked her in secret…

…she would naturally respond just as quietly.

On the surface, Han Ji-eun invited her here to see the professor. But, in reality, she actually wanted to know the gender of her baby. What exactly did Han Ji-eun have planned?

After a few moments of careful thought, Tiffany still had no idea. All she could do was tolerate it for now as she returned to the professor’s office.

Seeing her return, Han Ji-eun and the professor acted like normal as they continued to chat about their families; ready to make Tiffany endure a long wait on the sofa.

Seeing that the two had no intention to stop talking, Tiffany sent Taeyeon a message, “Hubby…come pick me up. Give me an excuse to leave this place.”

“I’ll be there soon,” Taeyeon quickly responded.

Tiffany smiled in secret as she sat to one side, flipping through some medical books like nothing had happened. After approximately 10 minutes, the two finally finished chatting and looked towards Tiffany, “Fany is actually quite a good child.”

“When I first heard that Taeyeon had randomly picked someone to marry, I was worried that he had found someone who simply wanted benefits. I was especially worried that he had picked Miss Jung…” the professor adjusted the glasses on his nose as he spoke with a slow, aged voice. “Luckily in the end…”

“I hadn’t heard from the rascal for a while. I almost thought that he had reconsidered his decision. But, who would have thought that he had actually married you in secret for so long.”

“Seeing that your relationship is going so well, I feel quite relieved.”

“Thank you professor for your concern,” Tiffany smiled sincerely.

“However…”

“I never expected that you would become an actress. During this time, I had been worried that Ji-eun would be affected by this. From what I see today, my worries were correct,” the old professor began to sound slightly disappointed. “So…Fany, can Grandfather Li make a request?”

He was completely unrelated to her…

What kind of request could this professor want from her?

“Filial piety is a virtue to be held above all else. I believe that you are a kind-hearted child, so, could you promise me that you will never act again?” the old professor asked in seriousness.

That’s right…

He was serious!

Han Ji-eun couldn’t say it herself, so she got someone else to make things difficult for Tiffany. If Tiffany refused, she would appear disloyal and unfilial.

“Could the professor please provide me with a reason? Is this related to a painful past that mom might have? I hope the professor can enlighten me. After all, this is my career. I can’t just give it up for no reason. Otherwise, it would be quite difficult for me to accept,” Tiffany directly pointed out the problem.

She needed to know the reason. She needed to know what Han Ji-eun’s issue was.

Otherwise, how could they expect her to give up just like that?

Did they think of her as a puppet that could be easily controlled?

“Can’t you just agree?” the professor asked helplessly.

Tiffany smiled slightly and replied, “Even if the professor won’t reveal anything, I can roughly guess what is happening. But you need to know, Taeyeon and I have our own lives and we deserve to be respected.”

In other words, she was rejecting him.

“Haiz…I’m simply trying to draw you both closer together.”

“I’m sorry, it’s my fault for not knowing what’s good for me,” Tiffany​ apologized.

The professor never expected that Tiffany would directly reject him, so his attitude towards her worsened.

“You should think it over…”

“I find it quite ridiculous. I have been working legitimately, so why should I take your suggestion and give up on my career? If mom decides to say that she is feeling unwell tomorrow and that it’s because my child is giving off an opposing energy to hers, does that mean I should get an abortion?”

“Plus, mom, even though our opinions differ, I’ve always felt that your manners still exist. I never thought that you’d make things difficult for someone younger than you.”

“It’s true that I’m an actress, but that’s my own business. Just because I married Taeyeon, it doesn’t mean that I’m obligated to listen to you. Do you listen to everything that grandfather says?”

“Plus, if your suggestion was decent, we may have been able to consider it, but…I’m afraid I can’t comply with such a ridiculous