Yu Erlili shivered at this shout.
Yu’s mother knew why the old man was so angry, and pushed her stunned second daughter: "You always bring up the wrong topic. Go back inside first, don’t be an eyesore here."
Yu Erlili was baffled by her parents’ words. What did she say to make them treat her like this—one telling her to get lost, and the other saying she’s an eyesore? Her eyes turned red with anger: "You’re being too much!"
After saying that, she stood up crying and ran back to her room.
After a long while, Yu’s father managed to calm down, gritting his teeth: "Help me inside."
Once they were in the main room, he looked at his second son, Yu Shuosheng, and said: "Tell me everything exactly as it happened."
Yu Shuosheng didn’t dare to embellish anything, recounting the events honestly.
After hearing everything, Yu’s father murmured: "Xinyan probably truly hates us now. From here on, let’s act as if she’s not part of the family."
Yu’s mother disagreed: "Old man, what are you talking about? We raised her, after all. That breakup letter is just a temporary measure; are you taking it seriously?"
Yu’s father glared at his wife: "I’ve made my decision, and you all should listen. Don’t cause her trouble anymore. It was us who wronged her. If her family comes looking one day, we won’t be able to explain."
Yu’s mother wanted to say more, but seeing her second son signaling her, she swallowed her words, fearing she’d further anger the old man.
*
After the Yu family left, Granny Zhang was also quite upset: "What kind of people are they, to be so shameless?"
Yu Xinyan poured a glass of water: "Have some water and calm down. If they’re shameless, that’s their issue. If we get upset and harm ourselves, then we’re at a loss. So, about what I mentioned before, if you agree, we’ll keep our distance from them and such things won’t happen again, right?"
Afraid the old lady might refuse, she added: "He Jinxuan knows about it too. He won’t object now, or in the future. If you don’t believe me, ask him."
He Jinxuan took the hint and quickly chimed in: "Yes, Xinyan has already discussed it with me. I have no objections and will join her in taking care of you in the future."
Granny Zhang sighed: "At my age, it’s hard to leave my native soil."
She only expressed half of her thoughts—even more, she didn’t want to burden Xinyan and become her drag.
Yu Xinyan probably understood Granny Zhang’s feelings, and said: "How about this—when I’m settled, I’ll come back to bring you over to stay for a while. When you want to return, I’ll bring you back. How does that sound?"
Granny Zhang was a smart person. She was well aware of Xinyan’s intentions, and didn’t want to trouble the young lady any further, nodding: "Alright, then I’ll go and enjoy some days with Xinyan, and then return to guard this little yard."
It was finally a step forward in the long journey, and Xinyan felt relieved. Anyway, taking it one step at a time was good—Granny Zhang wouldn’t be her burden, and even if she was, she’d be willing to bear it.
Knowing Yu Xinyan and the others wouldn’t stay here long, Granny Zhang cheerfully said: "I prepared some millet flour earlier. Today at noon, Grandma will make fried cakes for you all."
Yu Xinyan, seeing Granny Zhang was better, replied happily: "Sure, I’ll help you make the filling."
Granny Zhang waved her hand: "No need, no need. You take Jinxuan out for a walk. I’ve already talked with Grandma Su next door—she’s a master at making fried cakes."
Yu Xinyan realized there was no need for her help, and knew Grandma Su’s fried cakes were truly delicious, so she said to He Jinxuan: "Let’s go, I’ll take you around and show you the school where I used to study."
Granny Zhang waved with a smile: "Go ahead, go ahead, enjoy yourselves."
The two left the Zhang family home, and Yu Xinyan told He Jinxuan about her life from childhood until now. He Jinxuan felt a surge of compassion and wanted to hold her, but they were on the street: "Yanyan, with me here now, I won’t let anyone hurt you again. Trust me."
Perhaps because He Jinxuan had gained Granny Zhang’s approval, Yu Xinyan looked at his sincere expression and reached out to hold his hand: "Alright, I trust you."