Although the new "brother" could not compare to a legitimate direct heir, being registered under the name of the first wife, he was considered her son. Since he was older than Wang Youbao, his status was much higher than Wang Youbao, the son of a concubine.
However, this Madam was truly astute, not only adopting a son older than Wang Youbao but also ensuring that the son was from the same clan as Youbao. If he were not from the same clan, even if Landlord Wang agreed, those uncles in the Wang Family would definitely not have consented.
After all, compared to someone from another clan, Youbao’s blood was of the Wang Family lineage.
But now, not only was the boy from the same clan, but he was also the legitimate second son of Landlord Wang’s brother—a direct heir, no less. Compared with Youbao, the Commons Son, the hearts of the uncles in the Wang Family were undoubtedly inclined towards this direct heir. Therefore, as long as the parents on both sides consented, those uncles would not oppose the adoption at all.
Both a direct heir and the eldest, and even those troublesome uncles didn’t oppose—the Madam was indeed clever!
And the fact that Landlord Wang’s brother was willing to adopt out his grown son to another family, he must have had his own ulterior motives, just like the Madam.
Upon reflecting on this, An Jing stopped herself from thinking further and instead hoped that Wang Youbao would stop crying. Crying wouldn’t solve any problems, especially since he was a man. But considering that Youbao needed to vent, having probably been repressed at home for a long time, she said nothing and let him cry softly.
But under the table, she clasped her husband’s hand tightly. Fortunately, it was just her and her husband in their family—no such dramas.
Xiao Changyi’s face remained expressionless, but he clasped An Jing’s hand in return, tightly.
After Wang Youbao had vented enough and stopped crying, he wiped his tears, looked up, and said awkwardly to An Jing and Xiao Changyi with a smile, "I’ve made you witness an embarrassing scene."
He really felt too distressed inside. His mother had died giving birth to him, and at home, it was only his father who was kind to him. He did not have anyone close to confide in. As for the friends he made over the years, aside from the two before him, the others were fair-weather friends who sought his company only for his wealth.
He had been holding back and repressing his feelings at home these past few days. He couldn’t bear it any longer and had run to his two real friends, intending not to cry—but in the end, he couldn’t help it and wept.
An Jing certainly wouldn’t laugh at him but simply asked, "Do you feel any better now?"
"Yes," Wang Youbao nodded, though he felt his nose turning sour again. This person cared about him too.
Glancing at the expressionless Xiao Changyi and then at the radish he had placed on the table, Wang Youbao added in his mind: This friend probably cared about him too.
After a moment’s hesitation, An Jing still said, "Youbao, I know you’re hurting inside, but you also said your father is not going to make it. No matter what, you should be by his side right now. Even if you can’t get close to your father’s bed, you should at least stay at the doorway of his room—not just to fulfill your filial duty but also to avoid regrets for the rest of your life. Maybe your father will call for you in his last moments. It’s inappropriate for you to be here with us."
She had been absent when her grandparents died, and she still blamed herself every time she thought about it.
She didn’t want Youbao to have the same regrets as she did.
Having vented his feelings, Wang Youbao’s mood had already improved a lot; he was not as depressed, and his mind was clearer than when he was repressed. Upon hearing An Jing’s words, he cursed himself a few times, then said to An Jing and Xiao Changyi, "I’ll go back right now!"