Chapter 357: Chapter 357 Together
Yang Peimin faintly knew what Shen Yiguang truly intended, after all, Lu Haijun from the military was still waiting there.
Maybe this ten-day holiday wouldn’t cut off those budding feelings. If she still felt the same after a couple of months, they would let her come over.
She even suspected that even if Chen Guizhi didn’t have a cold, he would find a way to make Shen Yixiang stay.
It’s just that Chen Guizhi disagreed, arguing that her slight cold wasn’t a big deal, and it couldn’t compare to her own grandson.
Shen Yixiang argued vehemently, though it was unclear how she had persuaded Shen Yixia, who intervened and suggested to Shen Yiguang that her eldest daughter, Xiang Yan, could stay instead to take over Shen Yixiang’s duties. Among the Shen daughters, Shen Yixia lived the closest, only about five or six kilometers away, so someone could easily call her over if needed.
“This way, mother’s needs are important, but her grandson’s needs are also significant. Even if Yixiang stays to care for her, she wouldn’t be at peace.”
Shen Yixia’s suggestion won over the majority.
Shen Yiguang glanced at Shen Yixiang, who guiltily turned her head away. But after half a second, she bravely faced him again.
She stood firm against the pressure and did what she wanted to do.
Then, for the first time, Shen Yixiang saw her brother backing down, feeling happy but also a bit guilty. She quickly moved to Yang Peimin’s side, showing her eagerness to help. Yang Peimin and Shen Yiguang exchanged glances, and he shook his head somewhat helplessly.
Eventually, under Shen Erniu’s decision, Shen Yixiang packed up her luggage.
That evening, Yang Peimin spoke to Shen Yiguang about Yang Peiying’s situation, “Yingzi is indecisive. She always worries about the family. I mentioned talking to mother about it before, but I forgot as the conversation turned. Should I still ask her now?”
Shen Yiguang raised an eyebrow, “You considered having her stay with us mainly because you are afraid she would be influenced by outside rumors, right? Now that there’s nothing going on, let’s drop it. When our son is born, we can ask her to come over and help, how about that?”
With only a few months left until her childbirth, Yang Peimin nodded her head, realizing it was not just about being worried about Yingzi being affected by rumors, but because she felt sorry for her sister who had always worked hard since childhood yet received the least attention.
Unexpectedly, just after their discussion, early the next morning, Yang Peiguo arrived with Shen Yixiang.
Yang Peiguo wore an embarrassed look, glancing uneasily at Yang Peimin.
Yang Peimin’s heart leapt, “What happened?”
Yang Peiguo looked at her, but his gaze drifted towards the Shen family elders, “Minmin, mom wants Yingzi to go with you to take care of you.”
Yang Peimin and the Shen family all looked surprised.
Chen Guizhi’s first reaction was the same as Yang Peimin’s, “Is there something wrong at home?” She couldn’t help thinking this way, as the matter was so sudden. If that were the case, it wouldn’t have been brought up now but rather a couple of days ago when the daughter-in-law went back to her family home, and now, they were leaving today.
Yang Peiguo had an ashamed expression on his face as he looked at the Shen family elders and explained, “My younger sister had a matchmaking session a couple of days ago, which eventually did not work out. I thought it was nothing serious, as matchmaking at this age is pretty common, but unexpectedly, my uncle’s family got involved too, and it didn’t work out for them either—it’s not something to be proud of. Their family probably wouldn’t talk about it, but somehow, idle gossip started spreading…I think my mom is always worried since Peimin is over there without an elder to watch over her. Knowing that the sister-in-law is also there made her feel a bit more secured. It just so happened that my little sister also wanted to avoid the gossip, which is really embarrassing for our family…When my wife and sister-in-law were pregnant, Yingzi was around to help, so she has some experience…”
Everyone then seemed to understand and nodded knowingly.
Yang Peimin finally felt relieved, as the situation wasn’t as bad as it could have been. After all, no real harm was done, and with a broader perspective, there was no issue at all.
Chen Guizhi pulled Yang Peiying aside and sat her down on the kang bed, saying sympathetically, “It must be tough for you, child. Just go with your sister, I’ve heard it’s quite nice over there. Don’t be constrained. Also, whatever Peimin’s brother said, our two families shouldn’t be so formal. Peimin is still your sister, isn’t she? What we’re doing is only right.”
Yang Peiguo’s face finally showed a bright smile. He was quite worried before coming here, having to rush over at the last minute. Not to mention finding train tickets was a hassle, and just yesterday, the village was filled with idle talks about Yingzi, mocking her for being rejected for her looks. Of course, these comments were not made openly due to his father’s presence, but that only seemed to spur them on even more. He didn’t know where it all started.
Bai Hehua, with her exceptionally keen ears, heard about it from outside. Zhang Minghua was furious when she heard the gossip—it would affect Yingzi’s marriage prospects. The family was also considerate of Yang Peiying’s feelings and did not discuss it in front of her.
Ultimately, secrecy is hard to maintain, and they didn’t expect it to unravel so quickly. Yang Peiyan blocking the hospital door started talking about it to Yang Peiying with a tone full of mockery and schadenfreude.
When Yang Peiying heard this, she lifted her face in surprise, then lowered her head again and returned to the room, appearing indifferent. When Zhang Minghua learned about it, she started fussing in the courtyard and scolded Yang Dajiang. Later, when Zhang Minghua asked Yang Peiying, she shook her head, “I’ve known this since I was little—it’s nothing. If they enjoy talking, let them talk, mom, don’t be upset.”
These words gave Zhang Minghua a bittersweet feeling, as if she suddenly realized that her child had grown up without her noticing, and her heart ached even more for her.
Immediately, the family discussed the issue, and despite the rumors being quelled, they lingered in their minds. As soon as there was the slightest disturbance regarding Yang Peiying, those idle rumors might resurface, potentially burdening their diligent child.
Yang Dahai made a decision right then, suggesting that since his eldest daughter needed someone to look after her, they should let Yang Peiying go and learn about the world outside while caring for others, so she wouldn’t get trapped in these idle talks. Even if she didn’t care now, it might become a burden over time.
Zhang Minghua readily agreed.
Yang Peiying couldn’t help but show a faint smile, still somewhat in disbelief, but soon she hesitated, thinking about the family situation.
Zhang Minghua then reassured her for the first time, “Just go and enjoy yourself, with so many people at home, we are not short of hands.”