Rebirth: General, Don't Mess Around!

Madam Xiao’s acquaintances were not ordinary housewives; each one of them was cunningly observant, knowing exactly what to say and when to say it, never confused at crucial moments.

Seeing Madam Xiao anxious, and knowing some things about her and her son, the women exchanged meaningful glances secretly. They quickly made excuses to leave early. Those without an excuse were taken away by others, clearing space for Madam Xiao to speak.

Madam Xiao did not attempt to retain them. She didn’t even see them off. Standing still, she repeatedly apologized, ”I’m truly sorry about this time. Let’s meet again next time, and I’ll really treat you all well.”

”Sure, sure, sure, we all know you have urgent matters. Who would blame you? You should have a good talk with Ah Yuan. It’s not easy to meet; don’t waste your time on us. We are free to meet anytime!”

”Exactly, exactly, don’t be polite among friends. If we were polite, you have got to teach me flower arranging and painting later!”

”You’re quite clever. She’s so busy, and yet she still needs to come to your house to teach you flower arranging and painting; you really have some ideas. Shulan, ignore her nonsense, it’s good enough for us to gather, drink tea, have meals, and enjoy massages.”

The understanding from her friends significantly lightened Madam Xiao’s mood; the smiles in her eyes deepened, ”Alright, alright, I will follow what you say. I won’t see you off then, we’ll meet again next time.”

Meanwhile, in the guest area, Ye Jian secretly pulled Xia Jinyuan aside twice, whispering, ”Don’t rush off now. If we’re leaving, let’s wait for them to leave first.”

Ye Jian was concerned that if they left like this, those seemingly reputable ladies would spread gossip, potentially damaging the reputation of Captain Xia and the Xia family.

In this respect, the delicately minded Ye Jian was more thorough than Xia Jinyuan.

Xia Jinyuan’s expression grew dark, as he really had no interest in connecting with Madam Xiao.

”Ah Yuan, how about we go inside, sit down, and have a chat? It’s been so many years since we had a good meal together as mother and son.” After her friends had left and with no one else to consider, Madam Xiao pleaded, ”I have no other desires, just to sit with you and have a meal together. It’s been way too long since we shared a table.”

”Sorry, we have already eaten dinner,” Xia Jinyuan said coldly, unmoved by Madam Xiao’s entreaties. After a pause, he added with a slight smirk, ”It has been way too long since we shared a meal, but wasn’t that your choice?”

”Ah Yuan, can’t you join me for a meal?” Madam Xiao grasped Xia Jinyuan’s sleeve. Although nearly sixty and well-maintained, there was a pitiful charm about her that belied her age, ”Just accompany Mom, okay?”

The restaurant was bustling with activity, with customers coming and going. As the previous onlookers dispersed, new diners began to pause nearby. Ye Jian pressed her lips together; her expression darkening.

This could lead to a poor reflection.

”Captain Xia, we can’t keep lingering here. There are too many people coming and going,” Ye Jian said, tugging at Xia Jinyuan’s clothes, ”Just go in with her, sit down, and have a talk. A few words won’t hurt, and it won’t affect you, right?”

With Ye Jian’s urging, Xia Jinyuan was naturally inclined to listen, especially as he was tired of Madam Xiao’s pitiful act after the fact.