Chapter 71: Chapter 71 Reflection Period_1
Chapter 71: Chapter 71 Reflection Period_1
It seemed that the situation had blown up bigger than she had anticipated. Lin Yue had been wondering why there had been no movement at Zhao Family’s old house and from Zhao Lan these past few days. Apparently, there was silence before a storm, and they were just waiting for an explosion! A rural struggle for power was about to unfold. Upon hearing Dalang say this, Lin Yue felt her heart stir, really wanting to witness the intense scene of two top-grade families colliding. However, remembering that she was still in a period of self-reflection, Lin Yue’s enthusiasm withered away on the spot as she looked at Zhao Erhu’s unyielding expression.
Considering her current situation, Zhao Erhu would definitely not agree to let her go, no matter which aspect he took into account. Moreover, given the relationship between their household, Zhao Family’s old house, and Zhao Lan, it wouldn’t be right for her to attend. Otherwise, if a fight broke out, Zhao Erhu’s old, confused father might just drag them into it, and being collateral damage was the least cost-effective outcome. Better not to go, she thought. But it wouldn’t matter if the children went to have a look; they could come back and describe the scene to her, which was bound to be extraordinarily exciting.
“Dalang, Mum won’t be going over. It’s okay for you guys to go and watch, but make sure to stay far enough away to avoid getting hurt. You’re the eldest brother, so keep an eye on your younger brothers. Come back early for dinner after you’ve watched,” Lin Yue advised Dalang with concern before he left. Dalang solemnly agreed, and Zhao Erhu noticed that Lin Yue finally seemed to be acting like a mother at that moment.
The children went to watch the excitement, but Lin Yue insisted on waiting for them to return before having dinner. Zhao Erhu himself didn’t really care, but fearing that Lin Yue would go hungry, he specially served her a bowl of chicken soup to drink first. Because she was preoccupied with Zhao Lan’s situation, Lin Yue was somewhat absent-minded. She reached for the chicken soup and almost spilled it on the table without paying attention.
Zhao Erhu, aware of what his young wife was worried about, chided her after seeing her in such a state, “Settle down, you’re an adult now but still fidget like a child. Drink your soup properly.”
“Oh, got it,” Lin Yue replied absentmindedly, sipping her soup in small mouthfuls. Looking up at Zhao Erhu’s face, which had softened a bit from the previous two days, she wondered if Zhao Erhu had calmed down and forgiven her.
However, after observing for a long time, Zhao Erhu had only spoken those two sentences and then carried on without paying her any further attention, which discouraged her. She mumbled to herself about the pettiness of the man, wondering how long he would stay mad over such a small matter and whether they would still have a peaceful life.
Dalang had been out for half an hour, and Lin Yue had to reheat the food that had cooled down. Growing anxious from the wait, the children finally returned, faces alight with excitement. The brothers burst through the door, chattering non-stop, seemingly still discussing the events they had witnessed.
“What took you so long to come back? It’s high noon already; you all must be hungry. Go wash your hands and eat first, we can talk after,” Lin Yue said. While very curious about what happened at her sister-in-law’s house, she couldn’t bear the thought of the children being hungry, especially Zhao Erhu, who had been working hard all morning. Though he stayed silent, Lin Yue felt he must have been hungry for a while but stubbornly waited with her for the children to return and refused to eat first.
The children wanted to tell Lin Yue right away about what had happened at their aunt’s place, to express their excitement and agitation. They ate hurriedly, shovelling food into their mouths, hastily filling their stomachs before putting down their utensils and bursting forth with the tale of the events at their aunt’s house.