Yu Erlili shivered at this shout.
Yuâs 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, donât be an eyesore here."
Yu Erlili was baffled by her parentsâ words. What did she say to make them treat her like thisâone telling her to get lost, and the other saying sheâs an eyesore? Her eyes turned red with anger: "Youâre being too much!"
After saying that, she stood up crying and ran back to her room.
After a long while, Yuâs 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 didnât dare to embellish anything, recounting the events honestly.
After hearing everything, Yuâs father murmured: "Xinyan probably truly hates us now. From here on, letâs act as if sheâs not part of the family."
Yuâs 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?"
Yuâs father glared at his wife: "Iâve made my decision, and you all should listen. Donât cause her trouble anymore. It was us who wronged her. If her family comes looking one day, we wonât be able to explain."
Yuâs mother wanted to say more, but seeing her second son signaling her, she swallowed her words, fearing sheâd 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 theyâre shameless, thatâs their issue. If we get upset and harm ourselves, then weâre at a loss. So, about what I mentioned before, if you agree, weâll keep our distance from them and such things wonât happen again, right?"
Afraid the old lady might refuse, she added: "He Jinxuan knows about it too. He wonât object now, or in the future. If you donât 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, itâs hard to leave my native soil."
She only expressed half of her thoughtsâeven more, she didnât want to burden Xinyan and become her drag.
Yu Xinyan probably understood Granny Zhangâs feelings, and said: "How about thisâwhen Iâm settled, Iâll come back to bring you over to stay for a while. When you want to return, Iâll bring you back. How does that sound?"
Granny Zhang was a smart person. She was well aware of Xinyanâs intentions, and didnât want to trouble the young lady any further, nodding: "Alright, then Iâll 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 goodâGranny Zhang wouldnât be her burden, and even if she was, sheâd be willing to bear it.
Knowing Yu Xinyan and the others wouldnât 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, Iâll help you make the filling."
Granny Zhang waved her hand: "No need, no need. You take Jinxuan out for a walk. Iâve already talked with Grandma Su next doorâsheâs a master at making fried cakes."
Yu Xinyan realized there was no need for her help, and knew Grandma Suâs fried cakes were truly delicious, so she said to He Jinxuan: "Letâs go, Iâll 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 wonât let anyone hurt you again. Trust me."
Perhaps because He Jinxuan had gained Granny Zhangâs approval, Yu Xinyan looked at his sincere expression and reached out to hold his hand: "Alright, I trust you."