Transmigrating into the Genius Cannon Fodder’s Aunt

Chapter 36.2 – This Is Just the Beginning (II)

The Huo family lived in the upscale neighborhood on the outskirts of the Fourth Ring Road, one of the first batches of villas built in Yan City after the economic reform. The people who lived here were undoubtedly either wealthy or influential.

At this time, western-style villas were designed with practicality in mind—no frills, just simple three-story red-brick houses with about a 60-square-meter courtyard. The homes weren’t far apart from each other, and the car soon stopped in front of a large gate deeper inside the community. As Xia Mian got out with Xiao Feng, she noticed the people in the courtyard immediately sprang into action.

Two young men opened the gate, and the steward Uncle Fu was, as always, impeccably dressed in his tailcoat despite the sweltering heat. If Xia Mian had to comment, his outfit made people sweat just by looking at him! He seemed concerned about his slip-up the day before and thus was trying even harder to look prim and proper. His eyes were locked on Xia Mian, as if searching for faults. However, upon seeing her appearance, the steward almost lost his composure, his expression twitching as he struggled to maintain it. Clearly, her mismatched outfit had thrown him off.

But Xia Mian walked forward with her head held high, chest out, one hand holding Xiao Feng’s and the other resting at her side, stepping with elegance and grace, exuding an overwhelming presence.

In her previous life, Xia Mian had taken etiquette classes specifically to cultivate her ‘little angel’ aura. And not to brag, but she turned out quite talented in this kind of stuff, and her posture alone could easily outshine everyone in the Huo household. So when she stood in front of Uncle Fu and gave a polite nod and smile, he instinctively straightened up and opened the door, saying, “Madam, Young Master, Miss Xia, please come in.”

The villa’s decor was rather elegant, a testament that the old lady’s decades-long learning did not go in vain. However, the atmosphere was cold and lifeless, lacking the warmth of a true home. Despite the people bustling about, the place felt like a movie set, giving the impression that everyone there was just a temporary visitor.

As expected, Zhou Qianqian was also present. She was dressed simply in a casual home dress, and when she saw Xia Mian and Ning Shaoyun dressed more formally, she gave them a contemptuous smile, then instructed a nearby maid, “Go inform the old madam that the young master and madam have returned.”

Looking at her behavior, one might have assumed she was the actual lady of the house.

However, Ning Shaoyun didn’t even spare her a glance, leading Xia Mian to the sofa to sit down and then ordering, “Bring us some tea.”

The maid looked at Zhou Qianqian for guidance and remained still.

Xia Mian couldn’t hold back her laughter, “Oh my, is this what they call the etiquette of a prestigious family? At first, I was impressed by how everyone seemed so busy and professional, but it turns out it’s all just for show.”

“And to think I heard from Sister Ning that the Old Madam Huo runs a tight ship with impeccable manners and rules! Yet here we are, guests in your home, and not even a cup of tea is offered. In the countryside where I’m from, we at least offer a bowl of sugar water to guests.”

Each of her comments hit a nerve with the household. Uncle Fu glanced up at the second floor and then shot a cold glare at the maid, who no longer dared to hesitate and quickly ran off to the kitchen to fetch the tea.

Xia Mian winked at Zhou Qianqian and flashed a provocative smile. What was she so smug about? She’d put herself in an awkward position and was still proud of it.

Today, Xia Mian was determined to teach this green tea b*tch a lesson.

After Xia Mian and Ning Shaoyun had sipped a few cups of tea, the old lady finally appeared, supported by another maid as she descended the stairs. She was dressed casually in a simple Tang-style suit, but her face was in full make-up. At a glance, she had the air of a dignified matriarch, though her past actions were anything but.

Zhou Qianqian eagerly stepped forward to assist her, while Ning Shaoyun and Chenchen stood up.

Ning Shaoyun greeted her, “Mother.”

Chenchen also respectfully addressed his grandmother, “Grandma.”

The old lady sneered, “So you still remember to come back? You’ve certainly got some nerve, running off with our Huo family’s eldest grandson just because of a painting.” Her face contorted with anger. “It’s a good thing nothing happened to him, or how would you face our Huo family?”

Xia Mian hadn’t expected the old lady to be so rude right from the start, and it was clear she was using Chenchen as leverage without any real concern for him. She gave the boy only a cursory glance and asked perfunctorily, “Chenchen, did you encounter any bad people while you were out with your mother? Were you scared? Don’t run off like that again.”

“How was it at your great-grandmother’s place? I heard from your Grandpa Fu that you got a bit wild there and forgot all your manners, didn’t you?”

Chenchen, seemingly used to this treatment, listened quietly without reacting, letting the words enter one ear and leave the other, only glancing up at Ning Shaoyun with his big round eyes.

Ning Shaoyun gently patted her son’s head to reassure him and then said, “My grandmother’s place is in the countryside. It’s not as strict as our home, and there aren’t as many servants. Chenchen learned to do things for himself and has actually become more mature.”

The old lady hadn’t expected Ning Shaoyun to talk back, and she seemed to be stunned for a while before responding coldly, “Have you also forgotten your manners after staying in such an uncivilized place? Where have you left our Huo family’s etiquette?”

“Wow!” Xia Mian exclaimed in mock amazement. “So this is what etiquette in a grand family looks like, scolding your daughter-in-law in front of guests? I’ve read that in noble families, children are reprimanded openly, but daughters-in-law’s behavior is corrected behind closed doors. Is that not true?”

“Old lady, where did you learn this version of etiquette? Let me know so I can study it too—I wouldn’t want to embarrass myself in the future.”

The old lady, who was particularly sensitive about being perceived as uneducated, frowned deeply, clearly displeased at being called out by what she saw as a country girl.

“Miss Xia… is it?” The old lady’s expression faltered when she saw Xia Mian, and her voice softened.

Xia Mian, still smiling brightly, responded, “Yes, I’m Xia Mian, the one who saved your baby grandson’s life. You even sent your steward to personally invite me, and I’m truly grateful.” She twirled a bit, showing off her dress, and added with admiration, “Old Madam, you were so thoughtful to invite me and even send me this beautiful dress. I just had to wear it today to show you how lovely it is.”

Ning Shaoyun calmly chimed in, “The Old Madam has always had an excellent eye for things.”

Old Madam Huo had a feeling that this was a veiled insult, but since she had indeed given the dress, she had no choice but to stay silent.

Zhou Qianqian interjected, “I heard that after Miss Xia saved the young master, she sold her house back home and followed the Madam here to Yan City, is that correct? Oh, and not just herself—she brought her second aunt’s entire family along too? Are you planning to settle in Yan City?”

The old lady’s expression immediately darkened, as if she had already concluded that Xia Mian was planning to cling to the Huo family and use the ‘life-saving grace’ to leech off them.

“I hadn’t planned on it at first,” Xia Mian replied with a cheerful smile, “but who could resist when the Huo family is so generous? I heard that even Miss Zhou, whose father merely helped Old Master Huo once, has received the Huo family’s support all the way through studying abroad, and now you’re practically part of the family. Given that I saved the Huo family’s eldest grandson, I surely can’t be treated any worse, right?”

The old lady and Zhou Qianqian’s faces both darkened again, and Zhou Qianqian seemed ready to retort.