Chapter 54: Chapter 54: Watching a Grand Play
Mrs. He furrowed her brows and opened her mouth as if to speak but ultimately remained silent.
“Aunt He, what brings you here? We were just about to send the younger ones to invite you over!” Aunt Xia strode out of the house with booming steps that shook so much dust from the eaves it formed a layer.
Aunt Xia advanced a few steps, using her size advantage to squeeze past Xia Lan and took Mrs. He by the arm.
“Come on, come on, it’s so cold outside, what are you doing standing here? Come inside, come inside!” After speaking, she turned her head back to Xia Lan and said, “Er Lan, not to criticize you, but our honored guest, Aunt He, is here and you let her stand out in the wind? That’s really thoughtless.”
Her face was all smiles as she chastised her like a dear younger relative.
“Aunt Xia, Aunt He’s visit is about me and…” The opportunity slipped away in an instant, as Xia Lan hurriedly tried to interject.
“Enough, enough, Er Lan, a young one like you shouldn’t meddle in the elders’ conversation!” Suddenly, Grandpa Xia appeared, scolding her with a shout that silenced Xia Lan’s words on her tongue tip.
In the Xia Family, Grandpa Xia was a figure whose word was law, and Xia Lan, out of habit, was afraid of him and dared not speak up.
Biting her lip tightly, fury was hidden in Xia Lan’s eyes.
Aunt Xia immediately took the chance to pull Mrs. He away, “Come on, come on, inside!”
Mrs. He pretended not to notice the way the eldest branch of the family targeted Xia Lan and compliantly entered the house.
Xia Chuyi was somewhat surprised—was Mrs. He dissatisfied with Xia Lan? In her past life, didn’t Mrs. He adore Xia Lan?
After thinking it over, she understood the crux of the matter.
Indeed, in her previous life, as someone considered “unfaithful” and aggressive, she made a stark contrast against Xia Lan, and with He Qing speaking well of her on the side, it was no wonder Mrs. He liked Xia Lan.
But in this life, the situation had significantly changed; as Xia Lan, due to the marriage arrangement, and He Qing came to a head, bringing He Qing’s letter back, which essentially forced the He Family to agree to the marriage.
No wonder Mrs. He couldn’t take a liking to Xia Lan now.
Throwing her braid over her shoulder, Xia Chuyi’s eyes flashed.
How could she miss out on this drama?
Clapping her hands, she turned around and descended the stairs.
Time to watch the show!
When Xia Chuyi entered the main hall, she saw Grandma Xia, Aunt Xia, Xia Mei, and Xia Lan—all four were present.
As the matter being discussed couldn’t be brought to light, Grandpa Xia, who cared for his reputation, had already stepped aside.
Aunt Xia was eagerly seating Mrs. He next to Grandma Xia, “Aunt He, please sit here!”
Rarely treated with such warm hospitality, Mrs. He’s facial expression gradually softened, no longer as displeased as when she had first entered the yard.
When she noticed Xia Chuyi coming in, she merely glanced and her expression became momentarily unnatural.
Neither of them took the initiative to greet the other.
The others didn’t pay her attention either. It was just Xia Lan, biting her lip, looking at Xia Chuyi with a desperate plea in her eyes.
She wanted her to speak on her behalf.
Xia Chuyi simply ignored her and stood obediently to the side, a silent observer against the wall.
“Aunt He, it’s rare for you to come and visit; my eldest grandson Chengzu has a job in the county and he brought us two jars of canned goods a few days ago. I’ll have Da Mei fetch them for you to try!” Grandma Xia sat in the place of honor, smiling warmly.
“No need, no need, it’s too much, Aunt Xia!” Mrs. He hurriedly waved her hands upon hearing this, her eyes revealing a hint of surprise.