The old woman looked at the pair of "lovers" before her, whose acting was painfully poor, then lowered her gaze to the heavy, gleaming "filial devotion" in her arms. For a long while, she said nothing.
At last, she let out a deep sigh, and even the wrinkles on her face seemed to relax a little.
She did not press them about where the things had come from, nor did she continue exposing their act. Instead, she gently pushed the pile of valuables in her arms back toward Cipher and Yan Huan.
"Ah." She clasped her hands behind her back, straightened her waist, and wore a knowing yet kindly smile.
"Sephalia, you little rascal."
She looked at Cipher, her gaze complicated—full of affection, heartache, and the clarity of someone who had seen through everything.
"You must have suffered quite a bit, scrambling around out there, to have developed such a sharp tongue, right?"
She coughed twice, her voice somewhat hoarse.
Cipher immediately wanted to step forward to support her, but she waved her hand to indicate that there was no need.
She slowly spoke again. Her voice was not loud, but it carried an unquestionable warmth.
"Whether it is a lie or the truth, as long as Sephalia says it, Grandma will believe her."
Seeing Cipher freeze in an instant, her eyes faintly reddening, the old woman's smile deepened.
"Because I know that my little Sephalia has a good heart. That is enough."
"Uh, hehe..." Cipher scratched her head awkwardly. This time, she truly was a little embarrassed.
"Grandma, I am not that good..." she muttered softly.
"I cannot help telling a few little lies sometimes, so do not believe everything I say."
Then she raised her head again, her face brightening once more with a touch of pride.
"But