Transmigrating into the Genius Cannon Fodder’s Aunt

Chapter 32.3 – Every Family Has Its Share of Problems (III)

Xia Mian could plainly see that Huo Xuewen was in serious trouble, but the person himself seemed oblivious to the gravity of his situation. When Ning Shaoyun fell silent, he didn’t speak up either, just silently watching her.

The silence was too awkward for Xia Mian. Just as she was about to slip away, Huo Xuewen glanced at her and found a topic. “Are you Xia Mian and Xiao Feng? Thank you very much for what you did for Chenchen.” Huo Xuewen said sincerely, “I was in Ming City when you had gone back to the countryside; I regret not meeting you. I’ll book a table at Weilan Pavilion some day soon to show my gratitude.”

“Mr. Huo, you’re too kind,” Xia Mian smiled, “In that situation, anyone would have done the same.”

Ning Shaoyun also spoke up, “You don’t need to trouble yourself,” her voice gentle, “You’re so busy, I can handle it.”

A flicker of helplessness crossed Huo Xuewen’s eyes, “Shaoyun, Chenchen is my son too…”

Xia Mian quickly took Xiao Feng back to their room, leaving the couple to resolve their issues.

Traveling in this era was not as comfortable as in the future. Exhausted by the long car ride, Xia Mian fell asleep almost instantly after lying down with Xiao Feng in her arms.

She slept deeply, waking up only when the room was already bright with morning light. Xiao Feng was curled up sweetly beside her, unusually sleeping in.

Outside, the courtyard was already bustling with activity.

“You’re a guest, how can we let you do these things?” Aunt Wei’s voice rang out.

“Oh, it’s nothing,” Xia Wenyue’s clear and decisive voice replied. “We’ve already troubled you enough, sweeping the yard is hardly a bother.”

“Sister Wei, aren’t you supposed to be cooking? Go ahead with that, and leave this to me,” she continued, then called out to her daughter, “Huimei, go help Aunt Wei cut vegetables! Anyway, my girl can’t sit still, you might as well give her some tasks.”

Xia Mian had experienced Xia Wenyue’s powerful push firsthand. Sure enough, it wasn’t long before Aunt Wei relented, “Ah, you are so stubborn.” Yet her tone was amused; people who are perceptive and hardworking are always welcome anywhere.

As Xia Mian was getting dressed, Xiao Feng stirred and slowly opened his eyes. Seeing him still sleepy, Xia Mian patted his back, hoping he’d go back to sleep. But the child seemed to see something that suddenly made him sit up with a big smile, “Auntie, Yan City!”

Xia Mian chuckled and went over to dress him, “Yes, we’re in Yan City now.”

Xiao Feng tugged at his little yellow duck t-shirt, reminding Xia Mian, “Buy a house.”

“Yes, Auntie remembers,” Xia Mian smiled. “How about we live across from your Aunt Ning?”

She still had confidence in Ning Shaobai. After all, in the original plot, this man was the big boss behind the scenes who was especially vindictive and always kept his word.

In the novel, the Huo family began declining rapidly after abandoning Chenchen. By the time Chenchen grew up, the Huo family was already struggling for survival and could barely maintain appearances.

In fact, Xia Mian had strong suspicions that the Huo family managed to last for such a long time only because Ning Shaobai was biding his time, waiting for Chenchen to grow up and handle them personally.

As for Huo Xuewen, Xia Mian couldn’t recall the details, only that he seemed to break away from the Huo family for some reason and start a new business on his own. His company did fairly well in his later years, and yet he remained alone, dying lonely after leaving everything to the male lead Huo Yuchen.

Xia Mian had once felt sorry for the relationship of Huo Yuchen’s parents, but seeing things with her own eyes now, she thought perhaps Huo Xuewen truly deserved it. Now, with Chenchen safe and Ning Shaoyun undoubtedly having been mistreated at the Huo house, Ning Shaobai might not wreck the Huo family as he did in the original story, but a few pitfalls were waiting for them for certain.

“Auntie, old house.” Xiao Feng was very pleased with the courtyard across the street.

Xia Mian laughed, “It is an old house, but this one won’t be demolished. But don’t worry, it will increase in value over time.”

As soon as Xiao Feng heard about potential money, he didn’t fuss anymore. Xia Mian lifted him off the bed and said, “We need to check out the house properly, but first of all, you need to start kindergarten!”

“Go to kindergarten with Brother Chenchen,” Xiao Feng muttered. It seemed like the two boys had made plans during the car ride the day before.

“Alright,” Xia Mian agreed, patting his head. “Once your Aunt Ning settles down, we’ll get you both enrolled in kindergarten.”

As the aunt and nephew left their room, Chenchen also woke up, and Huo Xuewen took him to wash up.

The two little guys stood at the basin, and suddenly Chenchen splashed some water on Xiao Feng.

Xiao Feng jerked in surprise. Returning to his senses, he quickly splashed back at Chenchen.

They had learned this method of playing from Qiangqiang, and it had to be said, his influence was strong. The previously prim and proper little gentleman Chenchen was also showing signs of letting loose.

Still, the two weren’t half as wild as Qiangqiang, just playfully splashing water on each other.

But Huo Xuewen was a bit surprised seeing his son’s sudden ‘naughtiness’ and cleared his throat softly, “Chenchen.”

Chenchen’s movements stiffened, and he immediately resumed washing up properly. Xiao Feng glanced at Huo Xuewen and then quietly leaned against Xia Mian.

Xia Mian patted his head and helped him wash his face, “Later, Auntie will buy you two water guns so you can have a water fight and play to your heart’s content.”

Chenchen’s eyes lit up, “Water guns?!”

“Yes,” Xia Mian said. “Didn’t you see them at the roadside stall yesterday? I’ll buy those for you.”

Chenchen immediately brightened up. He quickly finished washing up and then stood neatly in front of Huo Xuewen.

Huo Xuewen seemed like he wanted to say something, but after hesitating for a moment, he wiped Chenchen’s face and led the child away afterward.

Xia Mian made a face at his retreating back.

In the main room, Huimei and Huilan had set up a large round table, big enough to seat over a dozen people. Breakfast was soon served, featuring fried dough, steamed buns, millet porridge, tofu pudding, and so on, all very appetizing.

Ning Shaobai entered casually, dressed in a T-shirt and jeans. He had returned to the neighboring courtyard house after dinner the previous day. Just like Ning Shaobai, he also had someone taking care of the place, so it was always ready.

Seeing him, Xia Mian couldn’t help but ask curiously, “Aren’t you scared living alone in such a big house?”

Ning Shaobai chuckled, “As long as you’re not around, there’s nothing to be afraid of.”

Xia Mian rolled her eyes and then mischievously smirked, “Wait, I misspoke. There must be quite a few people over there; I hear old houses are usually full of people, under the beds, on the roofs, everywhere.”

Ning Shaobai’s face stiffened momentarily. Ning Shaoyun entered the room, saying, “Xia Mian, don’t scare him…”

“Wait, sister,” Ning Shaobai quickly interjected, but Ning Shaoyun had already blurted out, “…Xiao Bai’s really scared of ghosts.”

Sure enough, Xia Mian’s eyes instantly sparkled, her face clearly expressing: Oh, what a splendid thing to know!

Ning Shaobai felt that he might need to elevate his defenses against Xia Mian to the highest level as soon as possible.