Chapter 117: Zhi Li

Chapter 117: Zhi Li

Lin Yulan watched Aunt He’s plump figure disappear into the distance, letting out a deep sigh.

There was no need to guess; once Aunt He got back, the whole village would quickly learn about their family matters.

Her son was one thing, but she was more concerned about how Ningning would handle it.

Lin Yulan closed the gate carefully and turned to walk inside.

Yu Qinghong was doing the dishes in the kitchen. Lin Yulan shared her worries with the two of them, "Ningning, Zhi Li, listen to Mom..."

"Ningning, what do you think?"

Yu Zhi Li lowered his head and looked at the person next to him.

Fu Yining thought for a moment and replied, "Mom, it’s okay. Don’t worry about me."

Given Yu Zhi Li’s fame, plenty of people would be eager to meet his enigmatic wife.

Now that she was here, she was ready to face the attention.

"Ningning, are you really sure it’s okay? If you don’t want to, you can just stay in the room. I won’t let them disturb you."

"Mom, it’s really okay. I actually enjoy being around lots of people." Fu Yining smiled.

She could dodge it this time, but not forever. She couldn’t stay hidden in her room forever, could she?

Lin Yulan was convinced.

"Okay, if there’s anything you’re uncomfortable with, just let me know!"

"Mm!"

Fu Yining successfully reassured Lin Yulan and then looked up at Yu Zhi Li.

See? She was right, wasn’t she?

Yu Zhi Li’s lips curved up, and he nodded.

"Ningning?"

"Mm?"

"We’ve still got some time—how about taking a walk?"

Hearing Yu Zhi Li’s invitation, Fu Yining forced down the "get lost" that was about to come out of her mouth.

She said she could handle being on display, but that didn’t mean she wanted to actively go out and be on display!

If they stepped outside, they’d barely make it a few steps before being swarmed by curious villagers who’d heard the news.

But it had to be said, Mr. Yu’s way of dealing with curiosity was... straightforward and rather blunt!

"Going?"

"Going!"

The word ‘afraid’ wasn’t in Fu Yining’s vocabulary.

Alright, let's go out!

Just as Yu Qinghong finished cleaning up the kitchen and walked over, he knew that his son and daughter-in-law were heading out. He approved, "It's great that you're going for a walk. The weather today is really nice."

The villagers were very friendly, though they didn't mean any harm. Otherwise, the couple wouldn't have given up living in the city with their son and chosen to return to the village.

Seeing this, Lin Yulan warned them, "Watch out for the village dogs when you go out. They don't know you... Son, take care of Ningning!"

"Mom, I know."

Yu Zhili seized the opportunity and reached out to her.

In front of both parents, Fu Yining didn't refuse.

She gently placed her hand in his, smiling perfectly, "Lili, ready to go?"

Yu Zhili's eyes trembled imperceptibly.

Did he just hear what she called him?

Lin Yulan laughed so much that her eyes crinkled, "Go on, take a nice stroll and enjoy the view outside. No need to rush back!"

"Okay!"

In the yard, the well-fed Big Yellow was lounging lazily on the ground. As the two came out, it barked and wagged its tail.

Yu Zhili, in a good mood, instructed it, "Big Yellow, keep an eye on the house. We'll be back soon!"

"Woof!"

Big Yellow wagged its tail again.

Fu Yining's nose twitched as she caught a whiff of a strong fragrance.

"It's osmanthus. It smells so good!"

Yu Zhili, hearing this, immediately went over and plucked a branch for her.

He even anticipated her reaction and explained, "It's from our own garden. Feel free to pick it."

"Alright."

Fu Yining accepted it with peace of mind.

Inside, Lin Yulan watched their intimate interaction through the window and wiped away joyful tears.

Yu Qinghong shook his head helplessly, "Yulan, Ningning coming back is a good thing. Why are you crying?"

"These are tears of joy! Old Yu, our son has finally gone from hardship to happiness!"

"Yes, from hardship to happiness. There are many good days ahead!"

The couple exchanged a glance, their hearts filled with endless emotions, all turning into beautiful expectations for their children.

-

"Aunt He, where are you going?"

At the village entrance, the local gossip circle had gathered. Seeing Aunt He coming from the opposite direction of her house, they all showed curious expressions.

Aunt He asked with a smile, "You can guess where I've been by seeing which direction I'm coming from, right?"

"Aunt He, did you really go to the Yu household?"

"Yes."

"Was the car that just came into the village theirs?"

"That’s Yu Zhi Li’s car! He’s back!"

Old Mr. Zhou, sitting in a chair, clapped his hands and looked smugly at Old Mr. Liu beside him. "See, I said it must be Yu Zhi Li who came back. That car looks expensive!"

Old Mr. Liu rolled his eyes and said exasperatedly, "Oh, come on, you just said it could be some distant Yu family relative."

"Either way, they're here to see the Yu family, so am I right or not?"

"That's true."

In the crowd, a short woman glanced around and asked, "Hey, Aunt He, I heard from Nan'nan that Zhi Li brought his wife back. Is she really here?"

Aunt He nodded. "She’s back. I just saw her."

"Really? What does she look like?"

"Oh, Zhi Li’s wife is stunning—she looks like a TV star! I was wondering why Zhi Li liked her, but now I understand. If I were him, I'd like her too!"

"Aunt He, you’ve got to be kidding me!"

The woman clearly didn’t believe her.

In her mind, someone who’d been sick for so long couldn’t possibly look good. They’d either be as thin as a skeleton or fat from hormones.

"Aunt He, are you getting paid to say nice things about them?"

Aunt He’s smile disappeared instantly. "Mrs. Zhang, that’s a harsh thing to say! If you don’t believe me, go see for yourself!"

"I’ll definitely check it out myself," the woman muttered under her breath.

She was the wife of old Mr. Zhang, and her daughter was named Zhang Ruonan.

Zhang Ruonan was divorced with a child, but at twenty-eight, her parents were anxious about her future.

Since learning their daughter liked the Yu family’s son, the couple had been thrilled, hoping she’d marry into the Yu family and live a life of luxury. They could also benefit from her good fortune.

Although their daughter was divorced, if the Yu family son also divorced, he’d be in the same situation. Plus, their daughter was young and had a childhood friendship with the Yu family’s son.

Zhang Ruonan often brought gifts for the Yu family, trying to build a good relationship with Yu’s parents, hoping their approval would make the marriage a natural progression.

It was no wonder the Zhang couple had high hopes. Who wouldn’t, when the Yu family’s son had never brought his wife back, and everyone knew she had been sick for twenty years, with a chance of not making it?

Besides, how could a sickly woman compare to their young and beautiful Nan'nan?

"Ningning: Someone’s always after my husband! So annoying!"