CHAPTER 102: CHAPTER 102: AUNT AND NIECE

"Then you definitely can’t leave! I’m counting on you to take care of your aunt. Why are you leaving now?" Zhao Yingjun raised his voice towards the door of his wife’s bedroom, "You, a young girl, came to seek refuge with us, and now you’re leaving after staying a few days. If people find out, won’t they criticize us? Did your aunt say something? Jinxiu, come out! Did you say something to her?"

Su Miao hurriedly said, "No, Aunt has been very nice to me..."

"Don’t worry about it. I’ll talk to her myself." Zhao Yingjun grabbed her arm and pressed her down on the sofa, then walked toward his wife’s room.

Su Jinxiu, holding her waist, came out. She had actually heard the noises outside for a while. Hearing that Su Miao was leaving made her initially quite happy, but upon realizing Zhao Yingjun was concerned, it affected her profoundly, and she walked out with a stern expression.

"I didn’t dare let her leave; I didn’t even know what was going on here. Su Miao, tell me, how did I offend you to make you say such things in front of your uncle?"

Su Miao stood up and said, "Aunt, it’s not like that. I’m about to start work, and I can’t stay at your place forever. I really didn’t mean it; I just didn’t want to trouble you..."

"Don’t say that. I’ve never disliked you. I have a big belly and can’t go out; I’m counting on you to keep me company." Su Jinxiu held Su Miao’s hand gently and said warmly. In her heart, she cursed, "Wretch, you’re nothing but a fox spirit. If you don’t want trouble, then leave quickly. Now that my husband is back, you’re starting to act? Just a cheap woman who knows how to seduce her own man!"

Su Miao wasn’t naive; she could see her aunt’s hidden animosity. Tears almost came down, from both grievance and anger. How did I offend you? Is it just because Uncle likes me? Everyone in the village says this aunt is lucky, but it doesn’t seem that way.

"Alright, I say you can stay if you stay! Why all the fuss?" Zhao Yingjun frowned, "This is my home. Is having a relative stay here causing you trouble? Jinxiu, you’ll annoy everyone like this, is that what you want? You’re pregnant, so I won’t argue with you. The niece will stay here; don’t say more."

Su Jinxiu’s chest heaved in anger, "When did I say she wasn’t welcome? Su Miao, you just stay here. If you don’t, your uncle might even divorce me!" After speaking, she slammed the door and went back to her room.

Su Miao nervously glanced at Zhao Yingjun.

Zhao Yingjun patted her shoulder and said in a low voice, "When I held your hand earlier, it wasn’t intentional—I was just concerned for you, definitely didn’t mean anything. Feel free to stay here; your aunt is pregnant, so understand she’s not in a good mood."

Su Miao nodded, looked down without saying a word, unsure whether to trust him.

"Go change your clothes, and I’ll make chicken for you all." Zhao Yingjun said and then headed to the kitchen with the ingredients. He was a veteran at this, never attacking aggressively at first—he preferred being indirect and wanted Su Miao to gradually accept him. So he didn’t rush to get closer to her.

The kitchen soon emitted waves of meat aroma.

In the village, how could Su Miao eat meat every few days? Her resolve wavered a bit.

She glanced at her aunt’s room, then looked at the clothes in her hand, deciding not to leave. If she did, where could she get to eat meat, poultry, and fish every day? Who would buy her clothes?

Anyway, it’s just a few days until I settle at the factory, and then I’ll leave.

Su Miao made up her mind, feeling too lazy to please her aunt, and went back to her small room with her bag.

Since it seems there’s no good will towards me, why say anything to Su Jinxiu? It’s all in vain, just a waste of effort.

Unable to meet Gu Junming, Su Miao decided to write him a letter, telling him about being edged out by her aunt. Surely, it would arouse his sympathy and help create a good impression first.

While Su Miao schemed about Gu Junming, another woman was thinking about Gu Junming in the same way.

Bai Fanglan was sitting on the sofa reading a newspaper, but she couldn’t focus on a single word. Her mind was filled with what Grandpa had told her last night.

Bai Chuan said, "I heard Gu Junming plans to bring his girlfriend home this weekend. He’s at an age where this time, it’s likely leading to marriage."

Bai Fanglan was stunned at that moment, and then a storm of excruciating pain swept through her heart, driving her insane as if countless needles were piercing her mind. She clenched her fists so tightly that her nails dug into her flesh.

Why? Why doesn’t he accept me? How could he have a new girlfriend so quickly! Could it be Sun Chan? No way! Their family wouldn’t accept a woman like her.

Bai Chuan added, "You’re now engaged to Wang Hu, and the wedding is imminent. Don’t involve yourself with unnecessary distractions and don’t meddle in his affairs, or it might cause conflict if Wang Hu finds out."

"No!" Bai Fanglan instinctively refuted, "When have I ever cared about his affairs? I’ve long cut off contact."

"Do you really think I don’t know?" Bai Chuan said sternly, "You’ve been inquiring about his matters in the military; this is something I’m completely aware of. If I know, Wang Hu certainly will too. Stop meddling! Or you’ll lose the marriage with Wang Hu, and what future will you have?" Bai Fanglan, albeit resentful, couldn’t refuse.

Just the thought of Wang Hu made Bai Fanglan’s heart burn.

Given his high status, it wasn’t hard for him to find out anything, but sadly, he had never shown any interest in Bai Fanglan’s affairs. His mind was consumed by work, treating dates with Bai Fanglan like duties. He would meet up only to leave soon after; even calls were scarce during the week. Bai Fanglan’s inherent romantic nature and longing for love were gradually crushed to nothing.

She gingerly asked her grandfather, "What if I break up with Wang Hu?"

"What are you saying?" Bai Chuan’s eyes widened, "Don’t joke around. What’s going on now, you’re about to get married in less than two months, and you’re thinking of canceling? Do you want the Bai Family to lose face?"

Bai Fanglan quickly laughed, "I’m joking, Grandpa. Look how worked up you’ve gotten."

"Whether it’s a joke or not, put those thoughts away quickly!" Bai Chuan did not soften his tone, "Everyone knows about the two of you now. If you really separate, he can just find another girl, but where does that leave you? Do you think you can marry into such a distinguished family again?"

Of course, Bai Fanglan understood she wouldn’t be able to. This marriage to Wang Hu was already reaching above her station. But she truly wasn’t reconciled to it; who wants to spend a lifetime with someone who’s oblivious to romance?