Chapter 657 - 659: Searching for the Lady with a Cute Baby
Xie Dun looked out of the window, his eyebrows inadvertently furrowing at the sight of his second aunt acting like a madwoman.
He couldn’t help but recall past disputes between his second aunt and uncle. There were times when she, in her hysteria, would tear at her own hair and bang her head against the wall. After the wall, it would be the main gate she’d run outside and weep, accusing her husband of abuse in front of the neighbors. Didn’t she even consider that with her martial arts skills, who could possibly overpower her?
He sighed softly and whispered, "I will arrange a separate residence for them."
Upon hearing his words, joy flashed in Yu Hongxiu’s eyes, but was quickly concealed.
"By the way, an old friend of mine has just arrived at Beiyu City. I will introduce you both later. He and I were childhood friends. When we got married, he couldn’t attend the ceremony as he was in his hometown mourning his wife’s passing. His three-year mourning period is now over, so he will settle down permanently in Beiyu City. He will begin teaching at a private school soon and might join me in the exams this year," Xie Dun informed.
"I’ll go and meet him then," replied Yu Hongxiu, shaking her head helplessly at the day’s havoc.
However, Xie Dun stopped her and said, "No rush, it’s quite chaotic outside. Better to be careful."
Bai Ruozhu glanced out the window, and saw Ji Ziyan standing under a tree. He was studying the tree with an air of calm, seemingly oblivious to the Deng Shi’s noisy confrontation.
When she heard that Xie Dun’s friend had mourned his wife for three years, she felt a deep admiration for him. In Danliang Country, filial piety was highly valued. Direct elders’ death required mourning, and three years signified great piety. However, it was very rare for a man to mourn his wife, let alone for three long years. This showed what a loyal and principled man he was.
Just then, Yu Hongxiu quietly asked Xie Dun about the circumstances of the friend’s wife’s death. Xie Dun sighed and said, "She died in childbirth. Neither the mother nor the child survived."
Xie Dun, clearly had a close bond with Ji Ziyan, reddened eyes revealing his emotion when he spoke of the incident.
"Ah..." Yu Hongxiu let out a low gasp, "If only they had met Ruozhu sooner. Maybe his family wouldn’t have to go through this."
Bai Ruozhu thought to herself that she hadn’t transmigrated three years ago, and moreover, her former self did not possess medical skills.
The three of them were all feeling a bit somber due to Ji Ziyan’s tragedy. Against this backdrop, the screaming of Deng Shi outside seemed all the more neurotic.
Finally, Deng Jiayin, with a timid look, approached and gently said, "Auntie, don’t be angry. Perhaps it’s just a misunderstanding. My sister-in-law is not a petty person."
Deng Shi had sworn her version of the events repeatedly, her fury escalating with each retelling, to the point where she was losing rationality. She had tried to barge in but was blocked by two bodyguards which only infuriated her more. She lacked the clarity to realize that Deng Jiayin was giving her a chance for a more graceful recovery and out of nowhere, she slapped Deng Jiayin hard across the face.
"Whose side are you on? Are you taking the stranger’s side instead of your own family?" Deng Shi shrieked. In her anger, she hit Deng Jiayin so hard that the side of Deng Jiayin’s face almost instantly swelled considerably.
She covered her face and began to cry, "Auntie, I didn’t mean it like that. A happy home brings prosperity to everything. If we always quarrel like this, please let me go back."
From inside the house, Bai Ruozhu couldn’t help but want to applaud. Of course, she knew that Deng Shi wasn’t using a decoy strategy. However, Deng Jiayin had used this opportunity to rapidly react, enhancing her image of a pitiful victim and implying she was being held against her will by Deng Shi. Whether this was true or false was yet to be determined.
With such a loud slap, it was impossible for Ji Ziyan to continue pretending nothing was happening. He thus turned around and greeted Deng Shi, "Second Aunt, we meet again."
Looking surprised, Deng Shi stared at Ji Ziyan and asked, "Why is it you?"
Ji Ziyan just smiled, not saying anything. It was clear that he didn’t particularly care for Deng Shi, and the sentiment seemed mutual, with the added fact that Deng Shi had no idea how to deal with him.
Xie Dun quickly walked out and said to Deng Shi, "Second Aunt, why don’t you and your cousin go back to your room to rest. I will come and see you later."
Deng Shi started causing a commotion again, shouting loudly and giving everyone a headache. Xie Dun furrowed his brows and said to the two guards, "Madame Deng is emotionally overwhelmed. Take her back to her room. The doctor will be here shortly to check on her."
Upon receiving the orders, the guards escorted Deng Shi away. Deng Jiayin bit her lip and shamefully said, "Cousin, I apologize on behalf of my aunt to you and your wife for causing trouble."
Her face was swollen high, yet she was out here apologizing. Looking pitiable, she seemed to understand the severity of the situation.
At this moment, the sound of a child’s babbling came from the courtyard entrance. Bai Ruozhu looked over and saw Jiang Yichun striding in, carrying Little Dengdeng.
This time, he was wearing a mask.
"Ah, sir, what brings you here?" Mr. Xie quickly went up to him and paid his respects.
Jiang Yichun was carrying the child. Although he emanated a cool energy, the presence of the adorable little Dengdeng disrupted the aura, making him seem less standoffish.
"Nothing much, the child wanted his mother, so I came over to check." Jiang Yichun replied indifferently.
Bai Ruozhu hadn’t yet discussed her situation with Jiang Yichun to Sister Hongxiu. Upon looking out the window, Sister Hongxiu chuckled, "Go ahead quickly. It seems that both the big and small are looking for you."
Bai Ruozhu blushed and quickly left the room. She noted that Jiang Yichun had been unusually clingy these past few days, often coming to find her with their child.
As she left, she noticed Deng Jiayin secretly sizing up Jiang Yichun. Upon meeting him, she sneakily glanced at Ji Ziyan, then Xie Dun, her gaze somewhat cryptic and inscrutable.
But since Bai Ruozhu was also a woman, how could she not understand? Miss Deng Jiayin was probably desperate to be married. Any encounter with a man would lead her to analyze him, most likely comparing who was more suited to be her husband.
When Bai Ruozhu went to take Dengdeng, Jiang Yichun avoided her and said, "Let me hold him, he’s rather heavy. Do you have other things to do?"
"Sister Hongxiu is not feeling well. I planned to have lunch with her before leaving." Bai Ruozhu whispered, sensing that everyone in the courtyard was watching them and feeling somewhat embarrassed.
Being a wise man, Xie Dun immediately said, "Since you’re already here, why not join us for lunch?"
"Alright, then we’ll impose on you." After saying this, Jiang Yichun took a look at the direction Deng Shi had left, asking, "There won’t be any loud and dramatic people coming, right? I don’t want the child to get scared."
"No, no there won’t." Xie Dun replied awkwardly.
At this point, no one in the courtyard was paying attention to Deng Jiayin anymore. With much reluctance, she could only bow to Xie Dun and say, "Cousin, I will take my leave first."
Afterwards, she performed a ceremony towards Ji Ziyan and Jiang Yichun. Her manners were impeccable, and her movements delicate and pitiable. Combined with her swollen cheek and red eyes, any man would likely feel pity and inquire about her wellbeing.
Unfortunately for her, Jiang Yichun didn’t even look at her properly, and Ji Ziyan seemed oblivious, engrossed in the study of a nearby tree.
In the end, Deng Jiayin had no choice but to leave gracefully. Yet, she was so frail that it seemed a gust of wind could blow her away.
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Thanks to Book Friends Nico^ω^, Osoalc, Joy in My Heart, Dream, ’if...’, ’Watch and Laugh’, Simple Face, Poisonous Heart, Shout-Shout, Flowers and Laughter, Life is a Dream, ’Turnaround Brink’ for the rewards. Thank you for your support, xoxo~