Chapter 361: Want Some Renal Paring?
The next evening, Xia Hong clocked out of work over an hour earlier than usual, just to prepare for a good drink with his buddies later.
Not only that, but he also specifically found Xia Yu and warned her, “Xia Yu, some guests will be coming over later. Normally you can wear whatever you want, but now, go change back into proper clothes.”
Clearly, this meant he wanted Xia Yu to dress in male attire.
Considering it was his dad, Xia Yu had no good reason to refuse, plus it wasn’t exactly hard to comply.
Besides, the uncles were all acquaintances from the village. Wearing female clothes in front of them made her feel uncomfortable as well. So even if her dad didn’t ask, she would have changed back into male clothing anyway.
In deference to her future father-in-law’s feelings, Jiang Kekai made no issue of Xia Yu’s wardrobe choices, not forcing her to wear pretty and comfy clothes every day.
At five o’clock, Master Chen arrived on time with his two assistants to bring over the materials and then leave, while he stayed behind to cook.
Routinely, Xia Yu followed him into the kitchen, fearing if she was a moment too slow, he might scold her for not being proactive enough. But this time, Master Chen surprised everyone by acting unusual: “Xia Yu, you can take the night off tonight; just wait and eat.”
When asked why Xia Yu suddenly sported male clothing, Master Chen didn’t pry further as he figured it wasn’t the time or place for such curiosity.
Alright, she got the night off from learning, so Xia Yu trudged back to her room, too afraid to venture into the living room where guests could appear any minute.
Jiang Kekai was still at work, unsurprised by Xia Yu’s return. Jiang Kekai had told Master Chen earlier not to teach Xia Yu how to prepare something, since Xia Yu’s interest should determine when and if she wanted to learn.
“What’s going on?”
A cheeky question from Jiang Kekai.
“Master Chen said I don’t have to learn tonight. It’s weird—he even gave me the night off?”
“You should be glad he did. Follow what your master says and do whatever you like—just stay quiet, I need to work.” Sister Little Ning sure was busy.
It embarrassed Xia Yu to think she couldn’t even play games without feeling guilty because of how diligently Sister Little Ning worked.
So, she plopped herself beside Jiang Kekai’s desk, watching her work and hoping to absorb what she could.
Sure enough, the noises outside grew louder as her uncles arrived, loudly reminiscing about old times.
Xia Yu actually preferred not to eat with them, but to not do so would be odd. However, they always asked her tricky questions she’d rather not answer.
Though frustrating, reality was such.
Mom soon called them for dinner, saying, “Little Yu, Little Ling, dinner’s ready!”
“I know.”
Jiang Kekai closed her laptop, grabbed Xia Yu’s hand, and said, “Stop daydreaming and let’s go.”
How enthusiastic Sister Little Ning was! Xia Yu reluctantly stood up and joined her.
Opening the door, the noise and cigarette smoke overwhelmed her, and she disliked both.
“Oh, Xia Yu, come here. Still the same after a year? Not grown since last time? You need to eat more.”
“Eh, huh, right.”
Awkwardly laughing at the uncle’s joke, Xia Yu instinctively hid behind Jiang Kekai, only to think twice before stepping out again. Meanwhile, Jiang Hanhang and Xia Ling came out as well, bolder than Xia Yu, seeking a place to sit as the couch was occupied.
“Standing there for what? Let’s eat already, get the utensils ready.”
This invitation to leave the awkwardness was appreciated. Jiang Hanhang, Xia Ling, and Xia Yu set off for the kitchen. Jiang Kekai, meanwhile, smiled and found a chair to sit down, welcoming the men.
Serving the last dish, Jiang Kekai wondered how Xia Hong and Master Chen chatted. Master Chen, instead of leaving, sat down too, planning to join in.
Dinner began, but Xia Hong addressed the little ones: “Little Le, Xia Yu, Little Ling, see these dishes? You can eat them, but only two each.”
Xia Yu had researched online and seen pictures of these dishes, finding them less alarming. However, knowing what they were and that this was kidney food, she didn’t want any: “No thanks, Dad, you guys eat it. I don’t like it.”
“You don’t like it? Have you tried it?”
All eyes fell on Xia Yu. So embarrassing. What could she say? “Okay, Xia Yu hasn’t tried it. I stopped her.”
Even more awkward. Jiang Kekai stepped in, knowing the value of these expensive ingredients.
Seeing Jiang Kekai stop Xia Yu, Xia Hong and Master Chen understood. Jiang Kekai was the one refusing.
The holidays flew by, and before she knew it, Xia Yu’s third session of dialysis was scheduled for tomorrow, marking the start of school again.
The third dialysis session…due to full detoxification, Li Yang laid there for nearly five hours, losing twelve pounds of fluid, looking drained.
“Can you walk?”
Jiang Kekai, concerned, touched Xia Yu’s head, regretting bringing her to the Jiang family and subjecting her to such risks. “Of course I can.”
Xia Yu tried to prove herself by getting up, but a dizzy spell hit. Her legs wobbled.
Thankfully, Jiang Kekai caught her before she fell, cradling her gently.
“Aren’t you afraid of embarrassment in front of me?”
Jiang Kekai carried Xia Yu back to the bed, pinched Xia Yu’s cheek lovingly, then squatted: “Come on, get up.”
To carry her personally? Xia Yu felt undeserving, “Sister Kekai, that’s not okay. There’s a guard—you could use him.”
“No nonsense. Get on.”
Not wanting to repeat herself, Jiang Kekai gestured Xia Yu to climb on. Holding tightly, Xia Yu leaned her head on Jiang Kekai and felt secure. Even though she was dizzy, having Jiang Kekai carry her made her relax.
Outside, the crowd was growing, making her feel self-conscious.
With guards seeing their boss’s daughter favor Xia Yu, they stayed away from the commotion.
Safe at home, they reached the parking lot, and Xia Yu, exhausted, fell asleep in Jiang Kekai’s arms.
She originally planned to pick out school supplies with Jiang Hanhang and Xia Ling after the dialysis, but Xia Yu was too weak and tired.
Arriving home, Jiang Kekai continued with Xia Yu in her arms, taking the elevator up.
In the living room, waiting anxiously were Jiang Hanhang and Xia Ling, wondering why their trip took so long.
Surprised to see Xia Yu carried in by Jiang Kekai, they asked, “What happened to Xia Yu?”
“She lost too much fluid. She just needs rest. But her toxins are gone, no worries.” “Good.”
Xia Ling sighed and checked the time, “Shouldn’t we go for those school supplies?”
“No rush. Stay safe. Be home for dinner tonight.”
Seeing the girls pent up, Jiang Kekai agreed.
Freshly put to bed, Xia Yu stirred, “Are we home, Sister Kekai?” “Yes, go to sleep if you must. We’ll see if you’re up for dinner.”
Being taken care of felt great. Xia Yu settled into her role comfortably.
Covering her with a blanket, Jiang Kekai returned to her work, quietly typing away.
Suddenly, the door knocked. Bump bump bump.
