Hi! I’m so sorry for not updating—I was incredibly busy last week and couldn’t find the time. To make it up to my readers, I’ve unlocked 10 chapters! Enjoy~

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Chapter 11: Resolution

Zhang Xue grabbed Shi Hongtu, who was crying and trying to collapse to the ground.

Zhang Xue held his one hand while his feet kicked wildly on the floor.

The noise echoed through the entire corridor.

Su Nianmei seized Shi Hongtu by the collar. “Hit you? I would love to.” she said, squatting down and leaning close to Shi Hongtu’s ear, whispering, “I’ll make sure to take you down.”

At once, Shi Hongtu’s flailing legs came to a halt.

Su Nianmei released Shi Hongtu’s collar and stood aside.

The crowd surged forward, murmurs filling the air. Some sharp-eyed individuals recognized Su Nianmei and looked at her with ill intent.

The previously silent corridor now boiled over like a pot of hot water, bubbling with activity.

“Isn’t this the wife of Captain Gu?”

“I heard she just got out of the hospital after a head injury a couple of days ago. What’s she doing here bullying a child?”

Shi Hua came in front of Shi Hongtu, squatted down, and glanced at Su Nianmei. Seizing the opportunity, he continued to stir the pot, “You’re an adult, yet you’re still squabbling with a child.”

She pulled out a handkerchief to wipe Shi Hongtu’s tears as she spoke. “Hongtu, be good, let’s not cry. It’s just kids fighting. We can apologize to you, can’t we? You don’t want to hold a grudge, do you?”

Zhang Xue’s expression changed slightly as she listened, her gaze deepening as she looked at her sister-in-law, who was pulling Shi Hongtu’s hand tightly.

Her sister-in-law had been adopted by her in-laws when she was three years old, and now, looking at her, one could easily mistake her for Hongtu’s biological mother.

Was this even something a human would say?

Su Nianmei didn’t want to waste her breath on Shi Hua. Looking at Shi Hongtu’s tantrum, she said, “This isn’t just a matter of kids fighting. Hitting you would be too lenient; Xiaobao’s injuries are much worse than yours. Remember, Xiaobao is just like you—he has a mom too!”

Su Nianmei knew she should control her temper, but she couldn’t suppress her frustration at the sight of the child’s antics.

Zhang Xue, feeling agitated, scolded Shi Hongtu, “Stop crying!”

It had been a long time since Shi Hongtu had been scolded. Suddenly yelled at, his cries abruptly ceased, and as he trembled, he let go of Zhang Xue’s hand, collapsing to the ground. His chest heaved up and down, making him appear as if he was gasping for breath.

Shi Hua raised his head, seemingly seizing the opportunity. “Sister-in-law, our Hongtu has been bullied! Why are you scolding the child?”

Zhang Xue shot Shi Hua an annoyed glance, inhaled deeply, and replied, “I’m not done with you yet! Shut your mouth!”

Shi Hongtu released Zhang Xue’s hand, his chubby fingers grabbing onto Shi Hua’s shoulder, and he clung to Shi Hua like an octopus, collapsing into her embrace.

Shi Hua felt a surge of resentment but held Shi Hongtu tightly—and continued comforting him.

Deep inside, she fumed. ‘This woman was nothing more than his nominal sister-in-law; she couldn’t wait to see how his mother would deal with her when they returned home.’

The two, Shi Hua and Shi Hongtu, hugged tightly together, looking utterly pitiful.

The onlookers surrounded them, whispering and pointing.

Zhang Xue’s face turned a bit awkward. Raising her voice as if deliberately trying to let the crowd hear, she said, “Little sister, this matter is our fault. My sister-in-law is still young; don’t hold it against her.”

Su Nianmei smirked inwardly. Calling her “young”? The original owner was only eighteen, while Shi Hua was already in his twenties. She bit her tongue and refrained from saying anything, wearing a faint smile. “I won’t hold it against just anyone.”

Ji Yuan stood at the back of the crowd, using his height to clearly see the situation inside.

Although he had just arrived, he had caught the gist of what was happening.

He held a wooden lunchbox in one hand and nimbly squeezed through the crowd while whistling nonchalantly. With a playful demeanor and sparkling peach blossom eyes, he addressed Shi Hua, “Miss, do you have a boyfriend?”

Shi Hua turned towards the voice, her face slightly flushed, and shook her head. She tried to speak but found her voice caught in her throat.

Seeing Shi Hua’s reaction, Zhang Xue internally cursed her for being so useless.

The crowd burst into laughter, and Zhang Xue called out, “There’s nothing to see here; disperse!”

However, the onlookers, eager for the excitement, were reluctant to leave, standing there waiting for the next development.

Ji Yuan shook his head as he assessed Shi Hua, letting out a sigh and clicking his tongue in disappointment. “What a shame! This girl looks like she’s not so young anymore; she should hurry up.”

Once those words left his mouth, the crowd could hardly contain their laughter, forgetting they were in a hospital.

After hearing his remark, Shi Hua’s face shifted between shades of green and purple. He had been subtly calling her old, yet her heart raced uncontrollably at his attention.

Su Nianmei looked at Ji Yuan and felt a surge of appreciation.

He was standing up against Zhang Xue’s earlier comments.

She smiled at him.

Noticing Su Nianmei’s smile, Ji Yuan discreetly winked at her. Though they had only met twice, he felt a connection with her.

Ji Yuan turned back to the onlookers and waved his hand, clearing his throat. “Everyone, please disperse. My little sister is dealing with some personal matters. Don’t worry!”

Standing tall in his military uniform, Ji Yuan exuded a mix of swagger and authority, commanding respect simply by being present.

Gradually, the crowd began to disperse in small groups.

Ji Yuan strode over to Su Nianmei, his long legs carrying him with ease. His peach blossom eyes narrowed as he observed Zhang Xue, looking almost fox-like, a cheerful smile playing on his lips.

He spoke, “Do you want to settle this privately or publicly?”

Zhang Xue was taken aback by his question. “Privately.”

Su Nianmei turned to Zhang Xue. “If it’s private, then it’s simple. Your child must apologize to my Xiaobao.”

Zhang Xue looked at Su Nianmei. “Of course, that’s only right. We will cover all of Xiaobao’s medical expenses while he’s in the hospital.”

Although Su Nianmei was angry, she had her own way of handling matters. Since Xiaobao had already been injured, after addressing the blame, it was essential to find an appropriate resolution.

In dealings with others, one should not press too hard; sometimes, leaving a way out is wise.

Moreover, Zhang Xue’s attitude and behavior were quite satisfactory overall.

Su Nianmei continued, “Our Xiaobao, just like your Hongtu, is cherished by his family. I hope you will take good care of your child and educate him properly. He is still young and can be guided back on the right path, but it will be difficult to change him if he grows up without proper guidance.”

Upon hearing Su Nianmei’s words, Shi Hongtu, who had initially calmed down, felt emotions rising again.

Clinging to Shi Hua, he struggled against her hold, teeth clenched and making muffled sounds of “mm-mm.”

Veins bulged on his forehead, and fine sweat beads began forming.

Seeing Shi Hongtu’s condition, Zhang Xue scolded him. Feeling embarrassed, she said, “Little sister, don’t worry. I will definitely teach this little rascal a lesson when I get home.”

She shot a glance at Shi Hua, her eyes revealing her dissatisfaction.

Shi Hongtu cried even harder, wailing loudly with his mouth wide open. Shi Hua picked him up and began walking outside.

Zhang Xue watched helplessly. “Little sister, I’m sorry. These two children have been spoiled at home and have no sense of propriety. Once Xiaobao recovers a bit, I’ll definitely bring Shi Hongtu to apologize in person.”

As she spoke, she handed a small handkerchief to Su Nianmei. “This is a small token of our apology; you must accept it.”

This time, Su Nianmei did not refuse and took the handkerchief from Zhang Xue.

Outside, Shi Hongtu’s cries grew louder. After apologizing to Su Nianmei repeatedly, Zhang Xue hurried out to check on him.

Ji Yuan watched as Zhang Xue and her family left, narrowing his eyes.

He turned to Su Nianmei, jokingly saying, “Well, we meet again, and I’ve done you a favor this time. How are you going to thank me?”

Su Nianmei looked at Ji Yuan with a hint of confusion. Counting today, they had only met twice, yet he had helped her several times. She smiled at him. “Thank you! But I still don’t know how to address you.”

Ji Yuan, adopting a serious demeanor, extended his hand. “My surname is Ji, Ji Yuan. Just call me Brother Ji.”

Su Nianmei was momentarily taken aback but shook his hand in return. “I’m Su, Su Nianmei. If you ever need my help in the future, I’ll do my best.”

Ji Yuan felt the softness of Su Nianmei’s hand as they shook hands. She had small, delicate fingers. Glancing at the wooden lunchbox in his left hand, he suddenly remembered something, retracted his hand, and muttered, “I’ll see you another day,” before quickly walking away.

Su Nianmei thought he might be in a hurry and turned to head back into the hospital room.

The effects of the anesthetic hadn’t worn off yet, and Xiaobao lay quietly on the bed.

Su Nianmei entrusted a nurse to look after Xiaobao while she went home to gather his things.

Meanwhile, Ji Yuan left Gu Xiaobao’s room, walking briskly upstairs with the lunchbox in hand. He entered a single patient room.

Inside, a person lay in a hospital gown, their head wrapped in layers of gauze, leaving only two eyes and a mouth visible.

Upon seeing Ji Yuan enter, the two bright eyes sparkled, and the person mumbled, “Has Xiao Yun found any leads yet?”

—o—o—o—

T/N: I think you know what I’m thinking *winks*