Chapter 237: Jiang Bin Is on His Way
“Grandpa, you know how Xiao Ning feels about Xia Yu, so why make things worse? Besides, Xia Yu didn’t choose to become this way, did she? If Uncle Xiao hadn’t caught her for his experiments, she’d still be a normal boy.”
“You know that was in the past. Anyway, putting Xiao Ning together with her is a mistake, and you’re not only not fixing it, but encouraging it. What kind of father are you?”
At this critical moment, Jiang Tao stood up and took Jiang Heng’s side, “Big brother, stop arguing. You know Dad isn’t feeling well. What if he gets even more upset?”
Jiang Bin shot a fierce glare at Jiang Tao, understanding exactly what he was up to by pleasing Jiang Heng. He endured it though, “Hmph, go ahead and eat your meal. I’m going to retrieve my daughter.”
With that said, Jiang Heng slammed his chopsticks down and left without a second thought.
Seeing her husband leaving like this, Zhang Yunzhi, being a dutiful wife, decided to follow him, saying to herself, “She might also miss our daughters. It’s true we’ve been busy, but now even the New Year won’t work out for us.”
Watching Jiang Bin depart, this time Jiang Heng didn’t say anything, just poured himself a small cup of white wine and gulped it down. “Dad, the doctor said you can’t drink anymore; it’s bad for your health.”
Jiang Heng roughly pulled Jiang Tao back to his seat, displeasure clear in his voice. “Eat your meal. Leave such matters to me.”
“Y-yes, sir.”
Despite trying so hard to please, Jiang Heng’s treatment was frustrating. Jiang Tao eventually remained silent, eating alone with a dark cloud over his head.
The children, Jiang Dong and Jiang Lei, didn’t dare interfere with the adults’ affairs, quietly observing. Once the tension eased a bit, they made their getaway…
Back at the villa, seeing her husband actually start packing, Zhang Yunzhi wasn’t sure. “Are we really going to look for Xiao Ning and Hanhang today? Won’t dad be upset?”
“Why not? Dad’s situation’s been explained. Without any big triggers, he should be fine. We even have experts around, right?”
“It’s just, our new year has turned upside down…”
Jiang Bin cut her off before finish. “No more talking. I’m fetching Xiao Ning and Hanhang back.”
“What about Dad then?”
“We’ll deal with one thing at a time. If Xiao Ning insists on staying with Xia Yu, some things can’t be avoided.”
Meanwhile, Jiang Kekai and Jiang Hanhang were entirely unaware of their parents coming to find them. They were plotting how they’d spend the New Year here.
After dinner, Tang Mengying carried the baby and led the girls back to their rooms, regardless of the aunts’ pleadings.
In their room, Xia Yu, Xia Ling, and Jiang Hanhang let out a sigh of relief; dining with a crowd was no fun at all.
True, they had eaten a bit, but they hadn’t fully satisfied their hunger due to being among so many people.
Tang Mengying noticed they weren’t entirely comfortable either and opened a cabinet full of snacks, some identical to what was given to Xia Yu by Jiang Kekai.
“Since you’re here, don’t worry about snacks now. Grab whatever you want.” She tried to look bold, while Wei Yin responded, “I have no idea about that. But no sweets for you, don’t forget your mouth ulcers are still healing.”
“Got it.”
Tang Mengying felt a little hurt; there were so many snacks to share and yet forbidden. Xia Ling and Jiang Hanhang, however, paid no mind, grabbing armfuls of snacks and munching away.
Seeing this, Tang Mengying looked imploringly to Wei Yin, “Just one bag, please?”
Wei Yin sighed and replied, “Alright, just don’t complain later that your mouth hurts.”
Tang Mengying grabbed a bag of big crispy chips and munched happily.
Xia Yu, holding the baby who smiled at her, found it hard to let go. “Xiao Yu, let me hold Betty. Join the others in snacking. It’s fine.”
Wei Yin took Betty, who had become attached to her too. “Okay, still watching?”
Xia Ling knocked Xia Yu with a chip, slightly jealous, “Seriously, Xia Yu.”
Opening the bag, Xia Yu ate happily too. They tasted great!
Jiang Kekai wouldn’t have known about her sister’s fondness for Xia Yu if Xia Yu and the baby weren’t acting so affectionate. Time passed quickly while the girls chatted, and Wang Wenjuan knocked, looking for Xia Yu and Xia Ling. “Xiao Yu, Xiao Ling, are you here?”
“What’s up?”
Xia Ling headed to the door. “We’re going home now, come down soon.”
Without Wang Wenjuan’s reminder, the girls wouldn’t notice they had spent the whole afternoon. Farewell arrived sooner than expected.
Xia Yu hesitantly looked at Betty and Tang Mengying, then Wei Yin. “See ya soon.”
“Stay safe. Remember we planned to visit the capital this summer? Come over then!”
Betty seemed aware Xia Yu was leaving, reaching toward her. Wei Yin understood and handed Xia Yu the baby again, teasing, “See how attached she is… Maybe stay here for the night?”
