Transmigrating into the Genius Cannon Fodder’s Aunt

Chapter 34.3 – Let Me Give Them a Nice Bullying! (III)

Right after Xia Mian made such a declaration to Ning Shaobai, the person in question really sent herself to receive ‘bullying’—but of course, this was not her fault.

Looking at the middle-aged man standing at the gate of Ning Shaoyun’s courtyard, Xia Mian had to admit that while Dr. Ning’s tongue had too many barbs, he certainly had a knack for predicting things.

She had just returned from messing around with Ning Shaobai again, having toured the three-entry courtyard of her dream. Xia Mian was thoroughly impressed by the place—Ning Shaobai had excellent taste, balancing modern convenience with traditional charm, creating a very atmospheric setting. Xia Mian decided that if she bought a courtyard house, she would renovate it the same way.

“If you could just get rid of that sharp tongue of yours, you’d be my perfect sister,” Xia Mian advised sincerely, “Really.”

Then she quickly made her escape.

Ning Shaobai could only grit his teeth as he watched her sly retreating figure. “Well, excuse me, then! Aren’t you supposed to buy water guns for the kids? Turn left at the alley corner, and you’ll find a shop—better get going.”

“Getting rid of me now, eh?” Xia Mian was plainly dissatisfied with his attitude. Her eyes flickered mischievously as she recalled the popular general explanations for paranormal events in the Forbidden City in her past life. “Do you know why old houses tend to feel crowded?”

Ning Shaobai’s expression shifted instantly, and he hurriedly pushed her shoulders toward the gate. “I don’t know and don’t want to know. Have a nice day and goodbye.”

Xia Mian didn’t care and started babbling, “But you’ll regret not knowing! Actually, ghosts can be explained scientifically. Once you understand the science behind it, you won’t be scared anymore.”

Ning Shaobai didn’t believe a word this damn girl said. Unfortunately for him, the yard of his house was too large for him to quickly push her out. Meanwhile, she kept talking non-stop, “Really! The paint on old houses contains minerals, and minerals have magnetic fields. These magnetic fields can act like a video recorder, capturing images over long periods of time.”

Suddenly lowering her voice ominously, Xia Mian added, “At certain times, like on a full moon night or during a windy evening, the ‘playback mode’ activates. If you come out at that time, you’ll see the courtyard filled with people…”

“Of course, that’s the scientific explanation. The non-scientific one…”

Ning Shaobai, face darkening, gritted his teeth and interrupted her, “Don’t make me take off your cap!”

Xia Mian quickly pressed her cap down, picked up Xiao Feng, and rushed ahead, yelling all the way. “If you see anything tonight, make sure to check it for me! I’m curious too!”

Ning Shaobai slammed the gate shut with a loud bang.

Xia Mian, still holding Xiao Feng, laughed smugly, “Actually, the playback happens during the day, too. It’s just that the sunlight is too bright for you to see clearly.”

The vermillion wooden gate swung open again, and the stern-faced Ning Shaobai appeared, chasing after her. Xia Mian clutched Xiao Feng and scampered back. As she reached Ning Shaoyun’s gate, they encountered a very posh-looking middle-aged man at the entrance.

Even though it was the tail end of summer and the heat in Yan City hadn’t yet dissipated, the man was dressed in a tailcoat with a bow tie, clearly styled after the stewards of wealthy Western families. However, his protruding belly, haughtily raised chin, and condescending gaze reminded Xia Mian of certain arrogant eunuchs from period dramas who fawned over the powerful.

This ‘eunuch’ stood at the threshold, and with a tilt of his chin, the driver behind him quickly stepped forward to knock on the gate.

When Aunt Wei opened the gate and saw the person, she paused for a moment before putting on a smile and greeting him, “Isn’t this Steward Fu? What brings you here?”

Steward Fu, with his hands behind his back, replied, “I heard that the young madam and young master have returned from Ming City? Our old madam has been missing her grandson, so she sent me to bring them back.”

Xia Mian slowly looked around. The utility poles and corner store were still there, and she could see the occasional bicycle passing by. Yep, she hadn’t traveled back in time—still in the modern era.

Ning Shaobai, with an expression that said, “See what I mean?” whispered, “That’s a relative of the Huo family’s old lady. Apparently, they grew up in the same town.”

“You mean, the Empress Dowager has graced us with the presence of her most trusted subordinate?” Xia Mian shivered at the thought. When it came to social standing, the Huo family wasn’t even as prestigious as the Ning family, yet the Ning family siblings never put on airs like this. Had the old lady learned all her behavior from TV dramas?

By the time Xia Mian and Ning Shaobai entered, Huo Xuewen had already heard the commotion and came out of the main building. “Uncle Fu, what brings you here?”

The so-called ‘Uncle Fu’ responded, “The old madam noticed that you hadn’t brought the young madam and young master back yet, so she sent me over.”

Huo Xuewen frowned. “I already called home and told them we’d be back first thing tomorrow morning.”

Uncle Fu replied, “I wasn’t informed of that. Before I left, the old madam only instructed me to bring the young madam and young master back.”

“And by the way,” Uncle Fu continued, “why haven’t you left for the company, sir? Miss Zhou mentioned you had an urgent meeting this morning.” He glanced at Ning Shaoyun, as if seeing an evil concubine who had seduced the king and led him astray from his responsibilities.

Seeing the bizarre traditions that seemed to run in the Huo family, Xia Mian now believed that Huo Xuewen might genuinely be oblivious to Zhou Qianqian’s overstepping.

Fortunately, Huo Xuewen was still somewhat normal. Although no one had pointed it out before, Xia Mian’s scolding this morning had made him more aware of the situation. “There’s nothing important today, so I’m not going to work. That’s not something you need to be concerned about, Uncle Fu,” he responded.

“Xiao Yun and Chenchen just got back yesterday. They need to rest today. Tomorrow, I’ll take them to see my mother.”

Uncle Fu frowned and directly addressed Ning Shaoyun. “Is this what the young madam wants? If you don’t mind me saying, the young madam and young master just returned from Ming City. How could they not come home? If word gets out, people will say our family doesn’t know proper etiquette.”

Xia Mian was stunned. A mere steward was actually reprimanding the lady of the house?

Ning Shaoyun calmly responded, “Uncle Fu, since we’re talking about etiquette, please remember your place. You’re just a steward.”

“Reprimanding your young master in front of outsiders and then scolding me as well—people who don’t know better might think you’re the head of the Huo family. You’ve already brought enough embarrassment to the family.”

Uncle Fu was taken aback. He had not expected Ning Shaoyun, who usually didn’t speak much at home, to directly refute him. He hesitated for a moment, then noticed the eyes on him from around the courtyard, especially the girl in the cap, whose expression seemed to mock his ignorance.

Ning Shaobai even let out a derisive snort, showing clear contempt. “We’ve indeed been enlightened by the Huo family’s etiquette.”

Uncle Fu, who had managed to transform himself from a simple farmer into this pretentious figure, was naturally just as obsessed with etiquette as the old lady. Being called out by Ning Shaobai, whose family was of slightly higher status than the Huo family, made him flush with anger. He finally snapped, “Young Master Ning, I’m just relaying a message from the old lady.”

His gaze swept over Xia Wenyue and her three children, and he finally found a bit of superiority in their modest look. “I also heard that the girl who saved our young master is here. The old lady said she’d like to meet her. After all, saving the Huo family’s eldest grandson is no small matter.”

Xia Mian rolled her eyes. What a condescending tone! Was she supposed to be grateful for this ‘favor’?

Huo Xuewen also seemed to find this inappropriate. Although he initially shared his mother’s mindset—thinking that a simple meal and some money would be the most practical way to repay a poor orphan from a small town—meeting Xia Mian changed his perception. She was nothing like the orphan he had imagined, and even the usually aloof Ning Shaobai was extremely close to her. Clearly, she wasn’t someone to be treated lightly. Continuing with this plan would be an insult.

Huo Xuewen looked at Xia Mian apologetically. “I’m sorry, Xia Mian. My mother might not fully understand your situation. I’ll go back and explain everything to her myself.”

When Uncle Fu saw how polite Huo Xuewen was to Xia Mian, he frowned disapprovingly. “Young Master, the old lady has already made arrangements.” He then signaled to the driver, who stepped forward with two bags and handed them to Xia Mian.

“This is a small token of appreciation. The old lady has arranged a banquet in two days to honor Miss Xia. Please make sure to attend.”

Both Huo Xuewen and Ning Shaoyun’s expressions changed immediately.

“You—”

“Uncle Fu!”

But before they could react, Xia Mian quickly took the bags and cheerfully said, “Sure! How could I refuse such a kind invitation from Old Madam Huo?”

Ning Shaobai, who had been about to make a phone call, paused as he noticed the look on Xia Mian’s face. It seemed the plan would have to be postponed for two days—might as well let her vent her anger first!

Huo Xuewen couldn’t shake the feeling that Xia Mian’s smile was a bit off, but given that his family had already been rude, he couldn’t say anything and just frowned deeply.

Uncle Fu nodded in satisfaction, a flash of contempt in his eyes. As expected, this country girl is indeed ignorant. Dare to dream of clinging to the Huo family? Haha, how laughable!