Transmigrating into the Genius Cannon Fodder’s Aunt

Chapter 29.3 – Their Sadness Is Real, but It Doesn’t Stop Them From Seeking Benefits (III)

Extra chapter (1/1) from me, Koffeam! Buy me a koffee on ko-fi for more chapters. Thank you for your support!

Three days later, Xia Chun’s remains were brought back to Mingxi County. Her reburial ceremony was held simply by the Xia family, only notifying close relatives. Those who could come did—Xia Chun and Xia Mian’s parents were well-liked, and Xia Chun herself was the most outstanding child of their generation, making everyone feel a deep sense of loss.

However, the eldest aunt of the Xia family didn’t attend and only made a phone call, saying she was too busy to leave her work and wouldn’t be able to return.

Xia Chuan cursed under his breath, and Second Uncle Xia also grumbled, “Wenxing really thinks of himself as a city person now. She looks down on us and does not want to go back even for such an important thing.”

Xia Wenyue showed no expression. Grandma Xia symbolically dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief, but she didn’t appear particularly sad.

On the day of Xia Chun’s burial, only Xiao Feng was in mourning attire, holding Xia Mian’s hand tightly. He followed Eldest Uncle Xia’s instructions to bow and burn paper money, his innocence making everyone present shed tears.

As the coffin was lowered into the ground, Xiao Feng suddenly leaned on Xia Mian’s shoulder and finally began to cry, “Auntie…Mom…Mom…”

It was the first time he had called for his mother.

Xia Mian’s heart felt like it was being squeezed painfully. She held the child tightly, tears streaming down her face, “Baby, you still have your auntie, and you’ll be with me from now on.”

Standing next to Xia Mian, Xia Li suddenly burst into loud sobs, “Sister Chun! Sis…how could you leave us…” She hadn’t worn makeup today, and her eyes were swollen like peaches. She had also cried hard when Xia Chun’s remains were brought back.

Second Uncle Xia and his wife also wiped their tears. Xia Mian believed they were genuinely sad at the moment, but their sadness did not stop them from seeking benefits at the expense of herself and Xiao Feng.

After Xia Chun’s reburial, the relatives gradually left, and Xia Mian started packing for their move to Yan City.

Xiao Feng clung weakly to Xia Mian’s leg. He had been in low spirits and only perked up when he saw her packing, “Are we going to Yan City?”

“Yes!”

The little guy had exhausted himself emotionally yesterday, his eyes still swollen. Xia Mian, feeling heartbroken, picked him up and kissed his forehead, “This time, we’re really going to Yan City. What kind of house would Auntie’s baby like to live in?”

Xiao Feng didn’t speak, just wrapped his small arms around Xia Mian’s neck and rested his head on her shoulder. Rather than the pure dependence he usually showed, his action today had a hint of affection, asking to be spoiled. It was quite rare.

Xia Mian stopped packing and wandered around the yard with Xiao Feng in her arms. The boy nuzzled her cheek and remained still on her shoulder, melting Xia Mian’s heart.

As they strolled, Qiangqiang ran in, urgently warning, “Aunt Mian, Second Great Uncle is coming with some strangers!”

Xia Mian chuckled. Qiangqiang must have come to play with Xiao Feng and run into Second Uncle Xia at the door. It wasn’t the kid’s fault that he made such a big reaction—most children in the neighborhood reacted the same way whenever they encountered Second Uncle Xia or his wife. That family was simply too annoying.

Right after Qiangqiang finished speaking, Second Uncle Xia and Xia Li walked in.

“Mianmian,” Second Uncle Xia greeted. His eyes were still red. Following the reburial ceremony yesterday, the elders who had helped were exhausted, and even the usually energetic Eldest Uncle Xia and his wife were still resting.

Xia Mian had hoped Second Uncle Xia would stay quiet for a couple of days, but here he was, causing another trouble so soon. “What’s the matter?” She rolled her eyes.

“Nothing much,” Second Uncle Xia said with a cheerful smile. “I just wanted to ask what your plans are. The school year has started for a few days now. Are you not planning to go back to school?” As he spoke, he craned his neck to peep inside the house, spotting a tall stack of high school textbooks Xia Mian was packing. A gleam of joy flashed across his face, “You’re not going back to school?”

“You must have spent quite a lot when arranging your sister’s matter. Are you out of money?”

Xia Mian put Xiao Feng down, telling him to go play with Qiangqiang, but Qiangqiang had already turned and run off quickly.

Xia Mian was speechless. Xiao Feng, of course, wouldn’t follow. Ever since she had returned from Daliang Mountain, the little guy had stuck to her side without moving an inch.

Despite being ignored by Xia Mian, Second Uncle Xia remained undeterred. His gaze fell on Xiao Feng as he continued, “What about Xiao Feng? Are you going to ask the Zhang family for money?”

“And the house in Ming City…”

Xia Mian replied coldly, “None of your business. If you’re not tired, we are. Hurry up and leave. We need to pack up and get some rest.”

Second Uncle Xia protested, “It’s still morning. Why sleep now…”

“Dad!” Xia Li tugged on her father and gave him a look, finally making him shut up.

Xia Mian thought Xia Li had finally shown some sense and felt a bit satisfied. That is, until she heard Xia Li say: “Xia Mian, I think working is actually a good idea.” Xia Li had reverted to her ‘gorgeous’ makeup look today, with thick, clumpy eyelashes that caused Xia Mian’s eyes to ache, tempting her to pull them off in irritation. Xia Li, however, didn’t read the room and continued proudly, “Have you seen my Wang Tao? He’s very capable, you know, having dozens of workers under him. He can earn tens of thousands from a single project.”

Then, she stretched her neck to show Xia Mian her thin gold necklace, “See this? He bought it for me.”

“He recently got another big project in Yan City. If it goes through, he could earn several million! We’re planning to buy a house in Yan City!”

Xia Mian felt a headache coming on. But considering how Xia Li had genuinely mourned for Xia Chun yesterday, she decided to tolerate her show-off act for a bit longer, knowing they probably wouldn’t have to see this family again.

Because they were leaving, Xia Mian decided to be a bit more tolerant. However, this rare decision ultimately proved unnecessary—the second branch of the Xia family just didn’t deserve any kindness.

Xia Li wasn’t just showing off; she wanted to drag Xia Mian along, “Why not come with me? I can ask Wang Tao to arrange a better-paying job for you. Washing clothes and cooking on the construction site can earn you quite a bit each month.”

“What’s more, you’ll get to meet a lot of bosses. Those bosses live and eat on the site while working on projects. They may look dirty, but they have money.” She smiled suggestively.

Knowing too well, Xia Mian rolled her eyes, not bothering to respond. Unexpectedly, Xia Li was pushing her luck even further. She suddenly lowered her voice and said in a mysterious tone, “Wang Tao has a friend from the same village. Though he’s not as good as my man, he earns quite a lot, too.”

As soon as she finished speaking, the plump Wang Tao entered through the door, accompanied by a tall, dark-skinned man.

“Brother Tao!” Xia Li called out happily. She winked at Xia Mian, “It just happens Brother Zhigang is here too. What a coincidence!”

The dark-skinned man immediately fixed his gaze on Xia Mian, sizing her up and down.

Proudly, Xia Li introduced, “Brother Zhigang, this is my cousin Xia Mian. Isn’t she pretty? She’s a high school student!” She gave Xia Mian a suggestive smile, “Xia Mian, this is Brother Zhigang. He’s very capable.”

She had a look of “See how much I care about you.”

Xia Mian chuckled angrily. So this was their plan. Second Uncle Xia was really bold, setting her up for a matchmaking!

Xia Mian pressed her thumb against the base of each finger in turn, her knuckles cracking.

The man called Zhigang, oblivious to the imminent danger, scrutinized Xia Mian with a hint of criticism, “Why is she wearing a hat in the middle of summer? What’s wrong with her hair? Is she sick or something?”

Xia Li hurried to explain, “Oh, it’s because recently…”

“Shut up!” Xia Mian snapped at Xia Li. Then she turned to the dark-skinned man, “Who the hell are you? I don’t even know you, so what’s your problem if I’m wearing a hat? You busybody, do you taste the sewage when you’re shoveling it to check the saltiness?”

Wang Zhigang’s face darkened, and he was about to snap out when Xia Mian cut him off, turning to Xia Li in anger, “Do you think I’m like you? Willing to be garbage, letting these scum pick and choose? Debase yourself however you like, but don’t drag me into your mess. Get out of here, now!”