Chapter 209 Song Ni in Yancheng

Song Ni wore a simple white cropped down jacket and jeans. She wanted to move freely and also to get closer to the elderly couple. She had mixed feelings about them, but when she saw them hobbling out, holding onto each other, a bitter feeling welled up in her heart. The light in their aged, cloudy eyes was full of anticipation. The moment Song Ni met their gaze, she understood. They had heard the car and thought Xi Jinjiang had returned. Then, she witnessed their hope turn to disappointment, a familiar sense of loss. It was as if they suddenly remembered that their son had lost his legs five years ago and couldn't possibly drive back. Or perhaps... were they also hoping Tan Zheng would bring Xi Jinjiang back? Song Ni didn't have time to dwell on it. She called out to the two elders who were about to turn back inside, "Uncle, Auntie." Song Ni closed the car door and quickly followed. The two elders stopped again and looked her up and down, their eyes fixed on her face for several moments. After confirming they didn't recognize her, they asked, "Young lady, who are you?" "Uncle, Auntie, I am Tan Zheng's wife, I..." Hearing Tan Zheng's name, the elders' expressions changed instantly. They didn't even want to look at Song Ni anymore and turned to go inside, even trying to close the gate. Song Ni, quick to react, reached out to stop them. She hadn't expected the seemingly frail elders to be so strong and fast. She was caught by the gate, her hand pinched. Song Ni cried out in pain. Seeing the elders hesitate for a moment as they looked at her hand, she quickly said, "Tan Zheng is in America right now!" The words "America" made the elders pause again. Song Ni knew their son was their primary concern, so she didn't rush. She held her hand still. Then, as she had predicted, after a minute, the gate slowly opened. "What did you just say?" asked Xi Jinjiang's father. Song Ni offered a very demure smile. "Uncle, Tan Zheng is in America, so I've come to visit you this year." The elder's face was grim, and he asked again, "What is he doing in America?" Song Ni blinked. "He's taking care of your son in America." Recalling the call she made to Cheng Ling before coming, Song Ni's lips curved again. "Uncle, don't you want to know about your son?" How could they not? Xi Jinjiang's mother nudged her husband and opened the gate wider, inviting Song Ni in. "Girl, it's cold out here. Come inside and sit." Song Ni immediately replied sweetly, "Thank you, Auntie. Please wait a moment, Auntie. I brought some things for you, they're in the trunk. I'll go get them now." As Song Ni turned to go, she stopped and looked back at the hand of Elder Xi on the gate. "Auntie, please keep an eye on Uncle for me. Don't let him close the gate again." As soon as she finished speaking, Elder Xi snorted heavily. Song Ni flinched as if startled. Auntie immediately pinched him and whispered, "Why are you being so stern with a young girl?" "What young girl? She's Tan Zheng's wife." "So what if she's Tan Zheng's wife? When that child used to come, you also had a stern face and wouldn't let him in. What happened back then... it wasn't entirely that child's fault. This young girl is kindly visiting us, and you still pinched her hand." "Hmph, as if I care if she visits me?" Unable to win the argument, Auntie pinched him again. Hearing their exchange, Song Ni had a clearer understanding. The elders weren't entirely stubborn. She was good at pleasing elders, and as long as she found the right approach, getting inside wouldn't be difficult. Song Ni had bought quite a few things and had to make six trips to carry them to the front door. Seeing Auntie's pained expression, Song Ni immediately began to act spoiled. "Auntie, my hand hurts so much." She extended the hand that had been pinched to the elder. Her skin was naturally tender, and after being pinched, it quickly turned bruised and purple. The weather was cold, and Song Ni hadn't done anything to protect it. The three fingers that were pinched swelled up, looking quite alarming at first glance. Auntie looked at Song Ni's watery eyes, on the verge of tears. She patted Elder Xi's shoulder heavily. "Carry all these things inside." Then, with concern, she pulled Song Ni into the house, saying as they walked, "It's so cold, why didn't you wear gloves? Did it hurt when you got it caught just now?" Song Ni blinked and shook her head. "Auntie, it's actually okay, it doesn't hurt much." Auntie didn't immediately register Song Ni's change in demeanor and carefully examined her hand. "Your hand is so swollen, how can it not hurt? Sit here for a moment, I'll go get some medicine for you." With that, Auntie went into the inner room. Song Ni didn't just sit there. She returned to the courtyard to help Elder Xi move things. "Uncle, let me help you." Elder Xi glared at her and didn't respond. As Song Ni tried to help him, he pushed her away. Coincidentally, Auntie, who had just gotten the medicine, saw this. "You old fool, why are you hitting her? Who spoiled your temper like this?" Elder Xi: ... Song Ni knew how to manage elders' feelings. Although Auntie seemed to be on her side now, she couldn't compare to her husband of several decades. Auntie's current attitude was only because Song Ni had come specifically to visit them and had news about Xi Jinjiang. "Auntie, it was my fault for not standing properly." Hearing this, Elder Xi snorted. "I may be old, but I dare to take responsibility. So what if I pushed her?" Song Ni: ... Hearing this, Auntie grabbed a broom from inside the house and ran over, hitting Elder Xi with it. "You're an old man, what nonsense are you spouting!" Song Ni: ... When she came, she had expected to be unwelcome and even to be mistreated, but she hadn't expected this. This was... somewhat funny and endearing. In the end, Song Ni not only had to endure the pain in her hand to stop Auntie from attacking Uncle but also had to play the role of mediator. Most importantly! She was the one who moved all the things from the courtyard inside. By the time Song Ni washed her hands and prepared to apply medicine, the pain had made her numb. However, after a series of twists and turns, she finally managed to sit down in the Xi family's home and take a sip of hot tea. Elder Xi lowered his head, took out his tobacco, rolled it in paper, lit it, and took a puff. The old man smoked a strong, harsh cigarette. The windows in the room were closed, and Song Ni wasn't prepared. She inhaled the smoke and coughed uncontrollably.