Chapter Twenty-Six: Protecting His Wife

Huo Yanxiu’s eyelid twitched. He quickly put an end to his own wild thoughts and said straightforwardly, "That was your sister-in-law."

Ye Yifan’s active train of thought hit a wall, and his face took on a subtle expression. "That was her? Did your family buy a color TV?"

Huo Yanxiu wanted to know the reason as well, but he did not say much in front of Ye Yifan. He only said, "Yes. By the way, there is something I need your help looking into."

Upon hearing this, Ye Yifan immediately thought of Huo Yanxiu’s dismissal and asked curiously, "You want me to investigate why you were fired?"

Ye Yifan and Huo Yanxiu were college classmates. After graduation, they went their separate ways but kept in touch. They had met up a few times over the years and were both aware of each other’s situations.

Huo Yanxiu nodded. "Yes."

Knowing that Huo Yanxiu never wasted time on trivial matters, Ye Yifan nodded. "What do you need me to look into? The big picture or the details?"

Ye Yifan worked at a newspaper office as a journalist on the public payroll. This job provided him with government-subsidized housing and food rations. He was still single and was considered a highly sought-after, face-saving son-in-law by everyone else. However, he himself did not seem to have any plans for marriage.

Huo Yanxiu tapped the table. "The details for now. We’ll see about the big picture later."

Ye Yifan grinned. "Done! Then, can you let me meet my sister-in-law another day?"

He was genuinely curious. Huo Yanxiu, who had always been indifferent to women, had suddenly gotten married—even their close friends were the last to know. It was just too abnormal!

The two parted ways after their meal. After seeing Huo Yanxiu off, Ye Yifan rubbed his chin, chuckled, and turned back toward the newspaper office.

After Huo Yanxiu rode his bike home, he immediately spotted Auntie Wang next door tugging at Ruan Tang.

His brow furrowed. Seeing Ruan Tang’s knitted brows as she tried to break free to no avail, he immediately picked up speed and shouted loudly, "Auntie Wang, what are you doing!"

Ruan Tang’s eyes lit up. She immediately gave a sharp tug and rushed toward Huo Yanxiu. "Yanxiu!"

Huo Yanxiu stopped his bike, dismounted, and pulled Ruan Tang behind him. His handsome, gentle features turned cold, and his gaze was chilling as he looked at Auntie Wang. "Auntie Wang, what is the meaning of this?"

Auntie Wang had felt a pang of nervousness when she saw Huo Yanxiu, but the thought of the money in Ruan Tang’s hands gave her courage. She smiled broadly, reached out to grab Huo Yanxiu’s hand, and said, "I’m just teaching Ruan Tang how to be a good wife and mother! That’s the only way to ensure the family line continues, isn't it?"

She was overjoyed when she heard the rumors outside! If Huo Yanxiu and Ruan Tang’s marriage fell apart and she could get her son, Wang Binghuan, to marry Ruan Tang, wouldn't that be like bringing a god of wealth home? She could wake up laughing in her dreams.

The smile on Auntie Wang’s face grew more amiable, and her eyes wandered unconsciously toward Ruan Tang, her intentions clear as day.

Huo Yanxiu’s expression remained icy. He looked at Auntie Wang, curled his lips into a smile, and lightly brushed her hand away. His smile was pleasant, though even his cold eyes seemed to take on a hint of amusement.

"Having Qingqing is enough for me. There is no need for Tangtang to worry about the family line. Auntie Wang should spend more time worrying about Wang Binghuan’s studies."

Auntie Wang’s son, Wang Binghuan, had taken the college entrance exam twice and failed both times. This was his third attempt, and it was obvious that he had no heart for his studies, even going so far as to incite his mother to come and poach his neighbor’s wife.

Auntie Wang pursed her lips at these words. "What do you know! My son didn't put in the effort the first two times, but he’s working very hard this time. He’s home reading, writing, and reciting every day! He’ll definitely pass this time!"

Ruan Tang, hiding behind Huo Yanxiu, was amused. He didn't put in the effort the first two times? Why bother? Why take the college entrance exam if you weren't going to try? Was it just for fun? The cost of schooling was so high it had nearly emptied their home; to do all that just so her son could play, it really was quite absurd!

Huo Yanxiu let out a hollow laugh. It was impossible to tell if he was genuinely amused or not, but it sent a chill down Ruan Tang’s spine.

"Since you say so, I wish Comrade Wang Binghuan success in getting into a good university this year. It’s getting late, so I won't keep you for dinner. Ruan Tang and I have things to discuss. Shall I see you out?"

Huo Yanxiu let go of Ruan Tang, signaling her to go inside. He stepped forward and gripped Auntie Wang’s arm with a firm, unyielding strength.

Auntie Wang still wanted to talk to Ruan Tang and cozy up to her, but with Huo Yanxiu’s interference, she had no choice but to swallow her anger as he half-dragged her back next door.

Not wanting to give up, Auntie Wang turned her head and shouted to Ruan Tang, "Ruan Tang! You must treat your man well! Don't let anyone else slight him! Do you hear me?"

Her words were clearly ambiguous; one might think she was talking about her own son, Wang Binghuan.

Ruan Tang was so incensed by the baseless remark that she laughed out loud. She crossed her arms, her face cold, and retorted, "I heard you! I will certainly treat my husband, Huo Yanxiu, well! I will never let anyone irrelevant—like your son, Wang Binghuan—take advantage of me!"

Auntie Wang was so furious she nearly choked. She struggled, her face flushed with rage, and tried to argue back, but Huo Yanxiu shoved her through her own front door.

Auntie Wang stumbled. She turned back to look at Huo Yanxiu, only to see him nimbly lock her door and walk away without looking back. She was so infuriated that she pointed at his retreating back, unable to speak for a long moment, before finally shaking her hand in frustration.

Huo Yanxiu had naturally heard what Ruan Tang said. The smile on his face became a little more genuine. As he met her, he chuckled softly, "You’re so blunt; aren't you afraid of offending people?"

Ruan Tang rolled her eyes and pouted, "They were clearly lying. Am I supposed to just sit back and take it?"

Huo Yanxiu’s smile deepened. He patted her head. "I didn't say you were wrong to fight back, but one should always leave a little room for maneuver in words and actions, otherwise there will be endless trouble in the future."

Ruan Tang understood the logic, but she couldn't swallow her anger. This grievance had come out of nowhere, and she wasn't willing to just close her eyes and accept it. She had to clear her name!

Huo Yanxiu didn't bring it up again. After a moment, he lowered his voice and asked Ruan Tang, his tone slightly husky, "You went out at noon?"

Ruan Tang realized immediately that Huo Yanxiu must have seen them. A look of guilt flickered across her face.

She rubbed her nose. "Yes, I went out to buy a color TV. Qingqing is inside watching it right now."

Huo Yanxiu glanced toward the room. Indeed, a sound was coming from inside—very faint, as if they were afraid of being heard.

Huo Yanxiu immediately understood why Ruan Tang had been arguing with Auntie Wang at the gate. Anyone who owned a color TV would surely be met with jealousy or even sabotage; she had done that to keep the matter hidden.

A surge of emotion welled up in his heart. His expression softened, and the tear-shaped mole at the corner of his eye shimmered. He took Ruan Tang’s hand and walked into the house. Seeing Qingqing, he smiled and said, "You’ve worked hard."

Ruan Tang’s heart warmed at his words. She looked up and smiled lightly. "It’s all for Qingqing."

In just two or three days, she had already poured her whole heart into Qingqing. These were just things she felt she ought to do.

Hearing this, ripples appeared in Huo Yanxiu’s eyes, and a strange, subtle thrill began to spread through his heart.