Chapter 276: 274: A Hall of Laughter

In these barren lands, common people naturally cared more about the County Magistrate than the heir when the two were put together.

Because the County Magistrate affected their vital interests.

On the other hand, the heirs and princesses were too far away from them, and they felt unreal.

Thus, everyone was careful to watch County Magistrate Su, while County Magistrate Su sat carefully at the lower end of the table, smiling without closing his mouth.

People were constantly trying to get close to County Magistrate Su and others, and since County Magistrate Su is a smooth talker, naturally, they all had great conversations.

Gan Miaoruo sat next to Nan Tianzong, constantly trying to talk to him. Nan Tianzong, however, was having a good time chatting with Heir Luo beside him, only sparing her a moment’s attention when he was really annoyed.

Gan Miaoruo became angrier and angrier with her mouth pouted, but couldn’t make any open moves because Madam Gan Senior was watching her. She could only glare at Nan Tianzong for a while before she couldn’t sit still any longer. She slipped out and went straight to play with YingEr.

YingEr was annoyed by all the people in the room, and as soon as she saw Gan Miaoruo coming, the two immediately hit it off.

After a while, laughter came from the small room.

Everyone continued to enjoy their gathering, with laughter and lively conversation. Various pastries and candies were offered, and it wasn’t until night fell that everyone had their fill, and they dispersed to their homes.

Seeing that it was getting late, Liu Sisi intended to let Heir Luo and his sister, Madam Gan Senior, Granny Xu, and the others stay the night, but they politely declined.

As soon as everyone left, they were all so tired that they were nearly paralyzed.

“Third Sister-in-law, the bowls and chopsticks and the stove have been cleaned up. It’s getting late, so I’ll head back first. I don’t know if Ah-Bao is back yet.”

Cui’er took off her apron and spoke.

“Wait! I’ll get some food for your little brother and mom. You just take it back!”

Liu Sisi hurried into the kitchen.

“Third Sister-in-law, it’s not necessary. We have food at home too. You don’t have to bother, Third Sister-in-law…” Cui’er hastily followed.

Liu Sisi continued her injured movements, “We’re all sister-in-laws, why talk to me in such a roundabout way? Am I not clear about the situation in the old house?”

These words made the smile on Ms. Xin’s face disappear.

“Actually, it’s not bad like this. For us women, all we want is a man who knows our needs. Although Di Ah-Bao is a bit wild, everyone can see that he genuinely likes you. You are now a decent daughter-in-law. It’s time to let go of some of your old thoughts!”

Liu Sisi swiftly packed a basket of cooked dishes, thought for a moment, and took out twenty red-shell eggs from the bowl cabinet. She covered them with a piece of cloth and handed the bamboo basket to Cui’er.

Cui’er looked up at Liu Sisi and took the basket, suddenly smiling.

“Third Sister-in-law, you can call me Ms. Xin in the future! Cui’er is dead. I’ll go back first.”

Ms. Xin finished speaking and left Di family with the bamboo basket in hand.

A fresh start! That’s really nice!

She raised her head, and a fine rain began to fall in the sky again. It seems tonight, it’s going to change again.

She walked quickly in the direction of her home. The ground was slippery and her thoughts had wandered far away. As she finally arrived home and before she could pass through the main entrance, she could already hear Ms. Zhao’s loud scolding from a distance. She softly chuckled and walked up to Ms. Zhao’s side: “Mom, why are you sitting here? It’s cold outside. Go inside and rest. I brought back some cooked dishes. I’ll heat them up for you in a while.”

Ms. Zhao’s eyes brightened and she stared at the basket in her hand like a wolf. She took two big steps forward: “Are you trying to starve me to death? You took so long to come back only when it’s dark. Go and call Ah-Bao for dinner quickly, always minding your own mouth. You don’t care about the life or death of us, mother and son. It really proves what people say that ‘actors are heartless women; they are unrighteous children’…”

Xin Shi smiled faintly, not refuting her. It wasn’t until Ms. Zhao had entered the kitchen while cursing that Xin Shi headed towards the left wing room, where she found Di Ah-bao had indeed come back. He was lying down listlessly on the bed, leisurely swinging his legs crossed, humming some unknown tune, and even tapping his fingers to the beat. He didn’t have the slightest sense of responsibility as a husband should.

Was this the man she could rely on for a lifetime?

Her heart inexplicably panicked, but she only blinked and her smile returned.

“Ah-Bao, have you eaten? Third Sister-in-law gave me plenty of food to bring back for you and mom to eat…”

Di Ah-bao lifted his head from the bed, and as soon as he saw Xin Shi, he hugged her tightly with a frivolous smile on his face. He then kissed her lips without warning, saying as he did so.

“You’re finally back, my little sweetheart. I’ve missed you terribly. Let me kiss you, mmm…”

The action instantly reminded Xin Shi of her past experiences at Yihong Courtyard, and waves of disgust churned through her mind.

Instinctively, Xin Shi struggled, pushing him away forcefully and scolding him with a stern face: “What are you doing? Get lost!”

Di Ah-bao was abruptly flung away, his eyes widening as he quickly figured out what had happened.

“What’s wrong with you? Did something happen at the Di family’s place, huh? I told you there isn’t a single good person over there, but you wouldn’t listen. Have you suffered enough now?”

“It’s nothing like that. Don’t make random guesses. By the way, your Third Sister-in-law sent some more food. Mom took it to the kitchen. Hurry up and go eat.”

Heaving a joyous sign, Ah-Bao dashed out of the room: “Why didn’t you tell me earlier that there was food? I’ll go take a look now.”

Xin Shi’s eyes darkened. She really doubted whether she could rely on such a man and live with him for a lifetime.

She felt lost!

At the Di family’s side.

Di Cheng was helping to clean the room. After the hustle and bustle, a mess was often left behind, so he swept the floor and rearranged the chaotic tables and chairs. Only then did he ask Di Yelei for permission to leave.

Di Yelei didn’t hold him back, but instead handed him the prepared food and pastries.

“Take it. Today, don’t go back to the shop. Just rest at home. You can go early tomorrow.”

“Alright, Third Uncle, Third Auntie, I’ll be going then.” Di Cheng finally left.

Now that it was just their family, Liu Sisi brought the brazier under the table. The family gathered around it, took out candies, and celebrated their private moment together.

“With YinEr’s matter finally settled, I can also put my heart at ease. The only thing that I have regretted since Qiao Shi passed away so suddenly was the two children… I’m glad that now YingEr’s life is like this, and I have fulfilled the promise I made to her.”

As the talk turned to the late Ms. Qiao, the family’s faces became heavy, and they fell silent.

—

Tonight was a good night. Craft Paper’s sister was in the delivery room, and Craft Paper was guarding outside. Back in this era, even giving birth was crowded. Relatives who were waiting outside sat in a long row, while I stood in a corner of the corridor, using my phone to type the current text…