The smile froze on Chen Muyao's face.
Her gaze darted away.
She lowered her head, her voice barely audible.
"It's... it's all right..."
Chen Lin sighed inwardly.
That insincere answer had told him everything.
Life had worn his aunt down until she no longer even dared to complain. Her vulnerability broke his heart.
She had once been such an outgoing girl, always chatting and laughing.
Chen Lin knew that exposing Li Hongjun's disgraceful behavior outright would only make her feel more humiliated.
He changed the subject, pointing at the viewing platform beneath their feet.
"Auntie, what do you think of this viewing platform?"
Chen Muyao raised her head, looking a little bewildered.
She did not understand why her nephew had suddenly asked her that.
Instinctively looking around, she offered her sincere praise.
"It's wonderful. The scenery all around is so beautiful when you're standing here. It really lifts your spirits."
"Then do you feel like something's missing up here, Auntie?" Chen Lin continued to guide her.
Chen Muyao looked around again.
Visitors streamed across the platform, all standing to admire the view. After a while, they were bound to get tired.
She thought for a moment, then spoke softly.
"It's a lovely spot, just a little plain. If there were a café here where visitors could sit down and enjoy a drink while taking in the night view, it would be even better."
At her words, a faint smile finally appeared on Chen Lin's lips.
He nodded, his eyes intent on Chen Muyao as he spoke with deliberate emphasis.
"Auntie, you should run that café!"
Chen Muyao froze.
She stared blankly at her nephew, wondering if she had misheard him.
"That... how could I..."
She waved her hands repeatedly, as though the sudden suggestion had frightened her.
She shrank back