Dahu was about to speak but suddenly hesitated, instinctively looking at Jing’er, only to see her bashfully standing there, her pretty face blushing with no sign of opposition.
"Lin Sanshui, don’t even think about it! As long as I’m alive, don’t dream of my son marrying the daughter of that woman!" Mrs. Jiang couldn’t hold it in anymore and started crying, her sobs mournful and uncontrolled.
The crying in the main room grew louder and louder; Gu Nian couldn’t pretend not to hear.
Even Sanhu and Little Hu, who knew little about the matter, got out of bed and ran towards the main room.
Little Hu was a true 6-year-old child; Gu Nian was a step behind as he had already clung to Mrs. Jiang, crying as well, his voice almost as loud as hers.
Sanhu was always clever, but he was only eight or nine years old; his eyes fiercely glared at Jing’er and her brother. He only understood that it was their arrival that made his parents argue and his mother cry.
At this moment, Dahu sneered and expressed, "Marriage is an important matter, it’s up to matchmaking and parental orders. If Father really wants me to marry, I cannot disobey..."
Mrs. Jiang’s cries abruptly halted; she hadn’t expected her son, whom she believed was close to her, to say such words.
Yet the next instant, she was moved to tears again.
Dahu continued, "But a forced melon is not sweet; I have to remind Father that I can’t guarantee the future life."
Not to mention that the marriage was just brought up; even if it was settled, he could not disregard his birth mother for a stranger.
Mrs. Jiang sobbed uncontrollably. Jing’er, however, watched Dahu in disbelief, her gentle eyes shedding silent tears. Under Lin Sanshui’s worried gaze, she covered her mouth and ran out.
"Jing’er..." Lin Sanshui stared at the scene in shock and called, "Cheng, quickly go after your sister!"
He followed, chasing after her.
In the house, only Mrs. Jiang’s sobs were left.
As the crying grew softer, it fell silent completely.
That night, Lin Sanshui didn’t return.
The next morning, Mrs. Jiang got up to start a fire and cook, except for her slightly red eyes, there was nothing unusual about her.
Dahu and Erhu were reluctant to leave, Mrs. Jiang didn’t urge them but she did prompt Sanhu and Little Hu to get up for their studies.
The home remained as it was; at least, it seemed harmonious.
After breakfast, Gu Nian took a small cup of water and pulled Mrs. Jiang to sit down, Mrs. Jiang complained that she was delaying her work.
Gu Nian insisted on helping Mrs. Jiang apply it to her eyes, using spiritual spring water, which had a remarkable effect.
Cousin Lin Jing’er called Gu Nian from the door to go out, asking what happened with Mrs. Jiang’s cries last night.
It turned out the neighbor heard the cries and mentioned it to the elder aunt when they met at night, which led the elder aunt to send Lin Jing’er to inquire.
Gu Nian thought perhaps if the elder uncle and second uncle found out, they could advise Lin, so she didn’t hide anything.
Lin Jing’er was surprised to find out that the other Jing’er had the same name as her, and she rarely showed a puzzled expression.
Lin Jing’er’s marriage was also set, in March, so she’s been very busy lately, seldom coming out.
When leaving, Gu Nian heard Mrs. Jiang talking to Dahu, "You can never really rely on your father, Mother’s whole life depends only on you brothers..."
Gu Nian hid away and didn’t come out.
She thought Mrs. Jiang didn’t want too many people to see her vulnerability either.
Gu Nian had her own worries too; last night Gu Bei had made it clear that he didn’t agree with her staying here. Until yesterday, Gu Nian didn’t want to leave, but Lin Sanshui’s affair forced her to reconsider her decision to stay or leave.