Ch 13: That’s The Grandson-in-law, Right?

“Xiao Yao, although you have a physical disability, you’re still kind at heart. I’ve enjoyed our time together, but that’s separate from the fact that you did wrong and must face the consequences.”

Xiao Yao took a few deep breaths, shifted her posture, and asked with a faint smile, “Aunt Qiao, where did you find that lawyer?”

“That’s none of your concern. It’s definitely a legitimate, qualified lawyer.”

“Fine, since you’ve hired a lawyer, you must be prepared to go through legal proceedings. I can fight this case with you, can’t I? I’ve already done the calculations; Shen Mingzhe owes me five hundred thousand, and you say I owe you two hundred and fifty thousand. Let’s see how the judge rules.”

“Five hundred thousand? What?” Aunt Qiao was startled. “You’re robbing people! Where did you get five hundred thousand?!”

“Do you think his hospital and medicine bills this past year came from nowhere? Your son sold his house, he’s broke. Without our family’s help, could he have continued receiving treatment in the hospital? His medical expenses, the living expenses I transferred to him, and the car he’s currently driving—they’re all from me. Rest assured, I have a good habit of keeping records. Every expense, every day, is clearly recorded in my electronic account book; there won’t be any discrepancies.”

“I don’t believe you! You heartless girl!” Aunt Qiao abruptly stood up, then gasped, clutching her stomach and collapsing back down.

Xiao Yao, initially tense and wanting to help her up, then remembered something, glanced at the recording video, and sat back down, calmly watching Aunt Qiao act.

Seeing Xiao Yao unmoved, Aunt Qiao glanced at the phone recording the video, her expression contorted. Still resentful, she said, “Xiao Yao, if you do this, we’ll have to see each other in court. Then, for intentional injury, you might be sentenced to several years—who knows how many?”

“No problem. I’m ready whenever.”

Xiao Yao accompanied Aunt Qiao to a taxi, ending the video recording under Aunt Qiao’s resentful gaze. Only after the car had driven away did she breathe a sigh of relief.

It was quite late. Xiao Yao pulled up her father’s number, about to call him to report the situation, when she suddenly felt someone behind her. Slowly, a face extended from her shoulder, warm breath on her neck, causing her hair to stand on end.

Xiao Yao was terrified and screamed, spinning around and jumping back.

Her feet slipped on the accumulated snow, and she was about to fall backward when a large hand suddenly wrapped around her waist, pulling her firmly back against a solid chest.

Seeing his face so close, Xiao Yao was furious and punched his chest. “You’re trying to scare me to death!”

Zhuang Lingyun looked innocent yet smug. In the night, he grinned, revealing a set of bright white teeth. “You’re not afraid of a shrew, why are you afraid of me?”

“You snuck up on me! You could scare the soul out of a timid person!”

“My mother-in-law called, saying it was urgent. I ran three red lights to come to the rescue. Are you still going to hit me?”

Zhuang Lingyun glanced at the small fist on his chest, smiling as he held it in his palm. “Be careful not to hurt your hand.”

The gloomy mood brought on by Aunt Qiao miraculously dissipated upon seeing Zhuang Lingyun; her lips unconsciously curled upward.

Xiao Yao herself didn’t notice these subtle changes, but Zhuang Lingyun did, so he was happy, and his words and actions became even more unrestrained.

“Who’s your mother-in-law? Don’t call me that,” Xiao Yao withdrew her hand, putting it in her coat pocket. “Still, thank you for coming, though I could have handled it myself.”

“Of course I believe you’re capable, but I came to pick you up. Let’s go.” Zhuang Lingyun pulled Xiao Yao’s hand from her pocket, smoothly and naturally taking it in his and putting it in his own pocket.

Xiao Yao instinctively struggled. “Wait, where are you taking me? I still need to…”

“My father-in-law said we don’t need to go to the train station. Going back and forth wastes time. He said we should just wait at the hotel.”

“We?”

“Yes.”

“You’re going too? My father asked you to go?” Xiao Yao was shocked, already thinking of a possibility.

“They didn’t tell you?” Zhuang Lingyun gave her a ‘you guessed it’ expression. “I’m honored to have your parents’ approval.”

Xiao Yao nervously pulled her hand away. “This isn’t child’s play; this is marriage, a lifetime commitment. You agreed too rashly! Does your family know you’re doing this?”

“I can make my own decisions.”

“Zhuang Lingyun, you’ve already helped me a lot. You really don’t need to do this.” Xiao Yao shook her head. “Thank you, but I’ll tell Grandma the truth. I believe if Grandma knows I encountered a scumbag like Shen Mingzhe, she’ll understand, and my Third Uncle’s family won’t say anything.”

Zhuang Lingyun looked at Xiao Yao and smiled. “Actually, I’m quite willing, but I respect your choice.”

This time, he didn’t pester her, which surprised Xiao Yao. She looked at him. “Thank you.”

“I’ll take you to the hotel. My uncle and aunt are also on their way.”

“No need to bother; I can go myself.”

“I booked the hotel; showing up gets you a good discount. It’s on the way; it’s no trouble.”

Xiao Yao had no choice but to follow his arrangements and got in the car.

The atmosphere in the car was awkwardly heavy. Several times, Xiao Yao turned to look at Zhuang Lingyun, who remained calm, his eyes fixed on the road, expressionless and silent.

Xiao Yao was sensitive and perceptive of others’ emotions. Although Zhuang Lingyun showed no expression, Xiao Yao still sensed his unhappiness.

Was it because of her refusal? But she didn’t think what she did was wrong.

Sleeping with someone you just met is already outrageous. Getting engaged less than a week later, not knowing each other, not even having each other’s phone numbers, and then living together—Xiao Yao couldn’t accept such a huge leap.

At the hotel’s parking lot, coincidentally, Xiao Yao’s parents, supporting eighty-year-old Grandma Xiao with silver hair, and her Third Uncle’s family arrived in a luxury business car and just got out.

Xiao Yao looked at Zhuang Lingyun beside her. “Thank you for arranging a car to pick them up.”

Zhuang Lingyun smiled faintly. “It’s nothing. You guys reunite; I’ll go.”

Xiao Yao nodded.

The group walked towards her, laughing and talking. Suddenly, Third Uncle Xiao Jianbo saw Xiao Yao. “Hey? Isn’t that Yao Yao?”

Grandma Xiao, hearing this, looked up, beaming. She waved at Xiao Yao. “Come here, Xiao Yao. It’s been three years! You’ve grown taller, and you’re much thinner than the last time I saw you.”

“Grandma.” Xiao Yao hurried forward.

Grandma Xiao looked past Xiao Yao to the person behind her. “Is that my grandson-in-law? What are you doing here? Come over here and let Grandma see you.”

Zhuang Lingyun, who was about to leave, was addressed, stopping his steps and turning around.

Xiao Yao was about to explain that Grandma had mistaken him, but her mother beat her to it. “Yes, yes, Xiao Zhuang, what are you doing? Come here; Grandma wants to see you.”

Zhuang Lingyun looked at Xiao Yao.

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