Chapter 23: Uninvited Guest
Chapter 23: Uninvited Guest
Upon hearing that Lu Jiaxin wanted to hire an English tutor, Mrs. Lu was concerned that it might be too strenuous for her stepdaughter's health. As a nurse, she understood that someone in Lu Jiaxin's condition needed proper rest and shouldn't overexert herself.
Lu Jiaxin smiled and explained, "The intensity of senior year in high school is a lot to handle, and my body can't take it. But focusing solely on English won't be too tiring. Besides, staying at home all day doing nothing is boring. Learning English with a tutor will not only improve my language skills but also keep me entertained. It's a win-win situation."
Lu Jiaguang, puzzled, asked, "I recall that you're excellent at English. Didn't you score over 80 on the last mock exam?"
Only those who truly care about you would remember your scores in a mock exam. Lu Jiaxin explained, "I usually score around 70 in English exams, but I did better on the last mock exam and got 81. I lost the most marks in listening and writing. If I improve in these two areas, I should be able to consistently score above 85 in the future."
Lu Jiaguang was delighted. With his sister's positive attitude toward learning, once her health improved and she repeated her final year, there was a good chance she could even get into a top-tier university.
As they were talking, Liao Xiangmei walked in carrying a bag of things.
When Lu Hongjun saw her, he immediately thought of Fan Yinuo and frowned, "Where's Fan Yinuo? It's been almost a week since Jiaxin came back, and he still hasn't come to apologize to her?"
Liao Xiangmei's expression changed, but before she could say anything, Lu Jiaxin spoke up, "Dad, today is my housewarming banquet. I hope everyone will come and leave happily."
Initially, she had intended to cut off all contact with Liao Xiangmei. However, after interacting with her, she realized that Liao Xiangmei truly cared for her original body. After much consideration, she decided to maintain their relationship for the time being, although it would no longer be as intimate as before.
Liao Xiangmei had brought melons, peaches, chocolates, and many other things that the original Lu Jiaxin loved to eat. Additionally, she had also brought a jade phoenix hairpin as a housewarming gift.
The jade hairpin had a vibrant green hue, and the phoenix beak held a string of round and translucent green jade beads.
All women loved jewelry. When Ma Lili saw the hairpin, she exclaimed, "It's so beautiful, Aunt Liao. Where did you buy this from?"
Liao Xiangmei's eyes reflected a hint of nostalgia, "This hairpin was given to me by your third aunt when I got married. I know that Jiaxin, like her mother, loves jade and precious stones. This gift is perfect for her."
Originally, she had planned to give it to Lu Jiaxin after she married her son, but now that those hopes were dashed, seeing the hairpin only caused her pain. Giving it to Lu Jiaxin was a way to alleviate that pain.
Lu Jiaxin instantly fell in love with the hairpin. Although she initially felt that it was too precious, upon hearing that it was from her mother, she didn't hesitate to accept it, "Thank you, Aunt Liao."
Liao Xiangmei looked at Lu Hongjun and said, "Old Lu, Xiaoxia told me that there was also a necklace that went with this hairpin, and it had 108 beads. I wonder where that jade necklace is now?"
Lu Hongjun indicated that he had no idea.
Liao Xiangmei didn't believe him and questioned, "How is it possible that you, as her husband, don't know what happened to Xiaoxia's jewelry? Lu Hongjun, did you give them to Ding Jing? Those were Xiaoxia's belongings, and they should be kept for Jiaxin."
Lu Hongjun's expression turned complex as he said, "She bought this house without my knowledge. If Jiaxin hadn't told me herself, I would still be in the dark about it."
As her husband, he was well aware of Lu Mu's love for jade and precious stones, and he knew that she had secretly collected quite a few jade accessories. However, he didn't understand or care about such things, and since the expenses weren't excessive, he had never interfered. It was normal for people to have their hobbies; he, for instance, collected stamps.
Liao Xiangmei, however, didn't believe him and coldly snorted, "Xiaoxia did that because she was worried that you would remarry and treat Jiaxin unfairly. That's why she prepared this house for Jiaxin."
It turned out that her worries were justified."
Lu Hongjun looked down on Fan Yinuo and had even considered breaking off the engagement after his daughter entered university. However, things took an unexpected turn. As it turned out, Fan Yinuo was beyond saving. "Xiaoxia truly trusted you, but what did you do? Fan Yinuo was secretly seeing Zhao Si Yi, and Jiaxin had to go back to her hometown because of this. We were all driven crazy looking for her, yet you hid the truth from us."
"Also, you were Xiaoxia's most trusted person. Now I have reason to suspect that Xiaoxia entrusted her belongings to you, and you, consumed by greed, deliberately slandered me to seize those jewels for yourself."
He wasn't trying to smear Liao Xiangmei's name; he genuinely believed that the jade jewelry was with her. After all, his daughter was betrothed to Fan Yinuo, and once they were married, Liao Xiangmei would give the jade to his daughter, to be passed down to their children.
"Lu Hongjun, don't you dare spew such nonsense," Liao Xiangmei retorted. "These items are beautiful but not particularly valuable. If I wanted to, I could easily buy similar pieces at the Friendship Store or an antique market."
Listening to the exchange between the two, Lu Jiaxin hung her head. She felt that her stepmother didn't fully trust Liao Xiangmei, which was why she had additionally entrusted Lu Jiaguang and his brothers, as well as Mrs. Xie, to look after the original body. Knowing that one shouldn't put all their eggs in one basket, the jewelry probably wasn't given to Liao Xiangmei.
Lu Jiaguang, seeing the argument unfold, interjected, "Did Third Aunt entrust the house to Mrs. Xie to look after? Perhaps she also gave the jewelry to Mrs. Xie for safekeeping?"
Everyone thought this made sense.
However, Lu Jiaxin felt that her mother wouldn't have done that. In her mother's heart, the most important thing was for her daughter to grow up safely. She wouldn't have bothered the Xie family over such a minor matter. But where were those jewels then?
Just then, Lu Jiajie's voice called out from the kitchen, "Come help me in the kitchen; I can't manage it all alone!"
Lu Da Sao and Ma Lili quickly went to assist, while Lu Jiaguang stayed with Lu Hongjun, signaling Lu Jiaxin to go soothe Liao Xiangmei.
Understanding the cue, Lu Jiaxin immediately took Liao Xiangmei aside to eat watermelon, determined to keep the peace on her housewarming banquet, no matter how upset she was.
Liao Xiangmei, having been unfairly accused by Lu Hongjun, was in a foul mood. She forced a smile and exchanged a few words with Lu Jiaxin before leaving.
Not long after she left, someone pushed open the door and entered.
Upon seeing the visitor, Lu Jiaxin's face darkened as she turned to Lu Hongjun and asked, "Did you invite her?"
Lu Hongjun hadn't called for Ding Jing, but Lu Jiaxin's public accusation left him feeling embarrassed.
Ding Jing surveyed the house, a flash of jealousy and hatred passing through her eyes, though it was quickly replaced with a smile. She walked up to Lu Hongjun and said, "Jiaxin, I came to congratulate you. It's impressive that you're so young and already living independently in such a large house. You're probably the only one in all of Si Jiucheng."
The last time Lu Jiaxin returned to Si Jiucheng, Ding Jing had been unsure of Lu Hongjun's attitude, so she had held back. Now, she had no such reservations.
Lu Jiaxin picked up a basin of bloody water from the ground and splashed it at Ding Jing. If she hadn't known that others would stop her, she would have grabbed a stick and beaten her instead.
The water ran down Ding Jing's hair and face, soaking her small floral dress and dripping onto the floor.
"Ah..."
The fishy smell assaulted Ding Jing's senses, and she let out a shriek.
Seeing Ding Jing's wet figure, Lu Hongjun quickly took off his shirt and draped it around her. But as the shirt was too short, he called out to Ma Lili, who was standing at the kitchen door, and asked her to take off her apron so that Ding Jing could wear it.
(End of Chapter)
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