Transmigrating into the Genius Cannon Fodder’s Aunt

Chapter 34.1 – Let Me Give Them a Nice Bullying! (I)

Huo Xuewen didn’t leave with Zhou Qianqian, and it seemed like he wasn’t planning to leave today. Clearly, the so-called urgent and important work was just an excuse to prioritize them over his wife and child.

Xia Mian scoffed internally but kept her mouth shut—this was Ning Shaoyun’s personal matter, and it was up to her to make the decisions. The others, sensing the tension, quietly got up to leave. As they were walking out, Aunt Wei sighed to Xia Mian, “Xia Mian, you really handled that beautifully. Zhou Qianqian has been teaming up with the old lady of the Huo family to bully our Xiao Yun, both openly and secretly, for who knows how long. Today was very satisfying.”

Xia Mian asked, “Is the old lady of the Huo family really that fond of Zhou Qianqian?” Is she blind?

“There’s no way that Zhou Qianqian compares to our Xiao Yun!” Aunt Wei clearly couldn’t understand it either. “But the old lady seems to have nothing better to do. Instead of enjoying a peaceful life, she’s bent on stirring up trouble and driving a wedge between her son and daughter-in-law.”

Xia Mian confirmed, “Mr. Huo truly doesn’t know anything about this?”

Aunt Wei sighed exasperatedly, but her tone was certain, “He doesn’t know. Xiao Yun’s husband was raised by his father to be very straightforward, with no tricks up his sleeve, and completely oblivious. His mind is always on the company and its endless projects.”

“Yet that old lady puts on the act of a wronged mother-in-law in front of her son and husband, all while secretly bullying Xiao Yun behind their backs. We have no idea how much Xiao Yun has suffered.”

The issue between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law was one thing, but for the husband to be this clueless? “In the end, it’s because he doesn’t care enough, doesn’t value Sister Ning, and doesn’t know how to cherish her,” Xia Mian curled her lips disdainfully.

Ning Shaobai gave her a glance, a bit speechless. What a sixteen-year-old pretended to be an expert in marriage matters?

Seeing her eyes darting around, Ning Shaobai flicked the brim of her cap, “What scheme are you cooking up now?”

Xia Mian held the cap tightly and accused back, “How come you don’t stand up for your sister when she’s being bullied? You’re not doing your job as her brother.”

Ning Shaobai replied, “Who says I haven’t stood up for her?”

“When? I haven’t seen it,” Xia Mian said, dissatisfied. “I prefer immediate results.”

“What’s your idea?” Ning Shaobai was intrigued.

“Give them a taste of their own medicine,” Xia Mian replied, “If Mr. Huo can’t see the problem, then Sister Ning doesn’t have to either. If he’s busy with work, then Sister Ning should be just as busy. Let’s see who can’t do without the other.”

“I think Sister Ning needs a career,” there was a mischievous gleam in her eyes, “Sister Ning is an artist, so why not open a gallery? She could hire a few handsome male models and paint live figure drawings every day…”

“My sister paints in traditional Chinese style; no figure drawing involved,” Ning Shaobai chuckled. “But still, how do you even know about figure drawing?”

“I know a lot, of course.” Xia Mian said proudly. “If she opens a gallery, Sister Ning will meet like-minded friends, maybe some rich and handsome ones too.”

Ning Shaobai tapped her cap brim again. Had to say, this approach was very typical of Xia Mian!

“Why are you laughing? I’m not wrong.” Xia Mian added, “If you allow yourself to bloom, the butterflies will come. Sister Ning is so beautiful; she should be showing off her charm. Then, whoever deserves her can fight for her, and those who don’t get it should be left behind.”

Aunt Wei chuckled. It was indeed the idea of a youth: brash but amusing. “It’s not so easy for them to split up,” she explained.

Xia Mian, knowing she had no authority on the matter, didn’t push it further. “But surely she can have a career, right?”

Aunt Wei shook her head. “Xiao Yun’s mother-in-law definitely wouldn’t agree. She only wants Xiao Yun to stay home and be a good wife and mother.”

Xia Mian was shocked, “What era is this? Haven’t women been told they can hold up half the sky for years now? How is this still not allowed? She just wants to keep Sister Ning at home so she can bully her!”

Aunt Wei’s expression turned complicated, “The old lady of the Huo family is very strict about tradition,” she sighed, “And with Old Master Huo spending the past year away for health reasons, the rules in the Huo household have become even stricter…”

Xia Mian couldn’t wrap her head around it, “Does tradition mean women can’t work? In the final analysis, it’s because Sister Ning doesn’t have her own career. Economic independence is the foundation of autonomy, and the old lady feels justified in making demands for Sister Ning because she thinks the money all comes from her son. She thinks Sister Ning doesn’t have the right to speak up because she’s not earning the money!”

“If Sister Ning could sell one of her paintings for a million or two, do you think she’d still have anything to say? Let’s see if she regrets giving that painting to some random official then!”

Aunt Wei was left speechless while Ning Shaobai smiled in amusement. While this girl was often quite reckless, she had a surprisingly clear understanding of things.

“But…” Xia Mian frowned, “Is it really that hard for Sister Ning to get a divorce?”

Aunt Wei replied, “Their marriage was arranged by the two families. Old Master Huo is one thing, but even Xiao Yun’s own grandfather probably wouldn’t agree.”

Xia Mian looked at Ning Shaobai—What’s the situation with your grandpa?

Ning Shaobai, however, casually said, “It’s not difficult. As long as my sister wants to, she can do it anytime.”

Oh, look the big boss speaking!

It seemed Ning Shaobai was just waiting for his sister to make up her mind.

Knowing that Ning Shaoyun had an option, Xia Mian felt reassured. “By the way,” she said again, noticing that Ning Shaobai was about to leave, “Are you heading back next door?”

Ning Shaobai looked wary, “Why do you ask?”

Seeing his reaction, Xia Mian couldn’t resist the chance to tease him. “Isn’t it lively over there? Of course, I’m going to find someone to play with.”

Ning Shaobai rolled his eyes and turned to leave.

“Wait, wait, wait! I really need to talk to you,” Xia Mian hurriedly said. “Hold on a second.” She dashed back into the house, calling out as she ran, “Don’t leave, I really have something to discuss!”

She ran so fast that she left Xiao Feng standing there.

One big guy and one little guy exchanged looks, and then Xiao Feng slowly reached out and took hold of Ning Shaobai’s big hand.

Ning Shaobai paused, squeezed the little hand gently, and asked, “Are you worried I’ll run off?”

Xiao Feng’s grape-like eyes darted around, and he softly shook his head, whispering, “Xiao Feng’s afraid to get lost.”

Ning Shaobai patted his head, which was showing a hint of guilt, and said, “You’re going to pick up some bad habits from your aunt.”

Xiao Feng frowned and declared firmly, “Auntie isn’t bad!”

Ning Shaobai affectionately ruffled his hair. “Okay, okay, your aunt is the best.”

Xiao Feng nodded seriously, prompting a chuckle from Ning Shaobai.

Not long after, Xia Mian came out holding a black leather folder, looking all mysterious. “Come on, I’ve got something good to show you!”

With that, she led the way. Xiao Feng instinctively held onto Ning Shaobai’s hand and followed. Before long, the three of them were standing at the entrance of the courtyard next door. Xia Mian looked at the magnificent gate and remarked, “This is nicely done; the inside must be even more beautiful.”

Ning Shaobai crossed his arms and looked at her. “What’s so important that you couldn’t say it over there and had to come all the way here?”

Xia Mian grinned, “Well, since we’re already here, it wouldn’t make sense to just stand at the gate, right?”

Ning Shaobai gave her a knowing nod and opened the gate, warning, “You’d better not be up to any tricks.”

“I’m not up to anything,” Xia Mian said, holding Xiao Feng’s hand as she excitedly walked through the wooden gate. “Wow~ it’s so big!” Her eyes lit up as she looked around the courtyard. “So this is what a three-entry courtyard is like.”

Xiao Feng didn’t quite understand, but seeing his aunt’s amazement, he also opened his eyes wide and looked around in wonder.