Chapter 23 Watching the performance of the people in the old house

Regarding the silent battle of glances between the grandfather and grandson, Ming Leyao paid no attention and calmly sat aside, watching their performance. Today’s visitors were all relatives of the Ming family and some from the production team. For a stingy old lady to put on such a grand birthday celebration for the old master, Ming Leyao really couldn’t think of any reason other than to pin her on the pillar of shame. After all, the old couple had been married for forty years. The old lady was domineering even when they were young and never treated the old master well. She probably wouldn’t suddenly realize things and change just because she’s old — and only this once at that.

While she was thinking this, Ming Yuehe came in with Ming Hu. The relatives inside frowned when they saw the people following behind Ming Hu and whispered among themselves, “Why is Ming Hu’s younger uncle’s family here for this Ming family affair?”

“Yeah…” Everyone’s eyes looked at Ming Qing with a different expression. It was the birthday of Ming Hu’s father, yet the man himself wasn’t here, but his younger uncle came to offer birthday wishes? Who would believe there wasn’t something going on between these two?

Ming Hu didn’t notice the relatives’ looks at all. When she entered the room, her first glance was fixed on Ming Leyao, then she gave a signal to her younger uncle Jia Wei. Jia Wei understood and discreetly sized up Ming Leyao, then nodded with satisfaction. But Jia Wei was much more perceptive than Ming Hu; he quickly felt the strange glances the Ming relatives were giving him. Because of his son’s situation, Jia Wei was used to the different looks from the villagers and didn’t think much of it.

“Oh, Leyao, educated people really are different. Don’t know if all that book-learning went into your head. You don’t even greet the elders when you see them,” someone sneered. Ming Leyao “…” didn’t want to retort but couldn’t stand the sharp, bitter expression on Ming Hu’s face.

“You’re no better than Second Aunt in education. After all, you didn’t say a word to Grandpa and Grandma when you came in. Today is Grandpa’s birthday after all,” Ming Hu said with heavy sarcasm. It was well known Ming Hu hadn’t had any schooling, so hearing this from Ming Leyao was especially cutting. Ming Hu had no way to reply.

“Dad, Mom…”

“Ming Hu is here, sit down,” the old lady’s face was not very pleasant. Even though Ming Hu was her most beloved daughter, she showed her no warmth.

Before it was time to eat, everyone sat in the main room chatting. Ming Leyao, seeing nothing happening on Ming Hu’s side, bored, went to the room of her own Fourth Uncle and Aunt. She already knew Aunt’s health had always been poor, and Fourth Uncle was a doting husband. To keep his wife from working, he had clashed with the old lady many times. Eventually, the old lady relented, saying, “If you want to split the family, wait until I’m dead.” Since then, she never troubled Aunt anymore. A small achievement in itself.

“Fourth Aunt? Are you home?”

“Leyao, come in and sit.”

As soon as Ming Leyao entered, a strong medicinal smell hit her nose. She sniffed lightly, recognizing familiar herbs and gaining some understanding of Aunt’s illness.

“Fourth Aunt, where’s Xiaojiang?”

“Ah… that child had a quarrel with your Fourth Uncle this morning and ran off to her maternal grandmother’s house,” Yang Meiyun’s face looked unwell and her voice weak. But when talking about her daughter, her expression unconsciously softened with kindness. That gentle look reminded Ming Leyao of her own parents who died early. She had few memories of them, only vague ones from childhood. If they were still alive, would her mother look at her like that too…

“Fourth Aunt, don’t worry too much. Xiaojiang is a filial child; she just wants to leave this home.”

“I know, it’s our fault as parents. We’re powerless, unable to give her a stable life, so she turned out like this… it’s all my fault. If only my health were better… maybe things would be different now?” Yang Meiyun’s voice choked with emotion. Ming Leyao didn’t know what to say — there’s no such thing as “what if” in this world; those are unknowns.

“Fourth Aunt, Xiaojiang is only fifteen but very mature. Maybe she’s well-fed and clothed at her other home. Here… being fed and clothed is a luxury.”

“Yeah… life is hard for everyone in the production team now. Your Fourth Uncle works alone and supports our mother and three kids. If he left the Ming family… I’m afraid there’d be no shelter left for them.”

Yang Meiyun was right. In this era of scarce resources, wanting to be independent without solid backing was reckless.

“Ming Leyao? Ming Leyao?” Outside came Ming Hongdou’s sharp call. Ming Leyao raised an eyebrow — ready to act?

“Fourth Aunt, Hongdou is calling me. I’ll go see.”

“Leyao… you… be careful of Ming Hongdou and Ming Yuehe. I feel they’re up to something bad. The main wife never calls your Fourth Uncle when there’s a problem. Your Fourth Uncle tried to find out but got nothing.”

“Fourth Aunt, I understand. You rest well. I’ll come see you again in a few days.”

“Ah, good child, go.”

Ming Leyao left Fourth Uncle’s room and was met by Ming Hongdou.

“What do you want?”

“My eldest sister has something to say to you.”

“Oh, let’s go then.”

Ming Hongdou rolled her eyes and led Ming Leyao to one of the small rooms next to the main house. Ming Yuehe and Ming Hongdou lived there. The low room was a bit dark; the only window was covered with newspaper. Inside was just a washbasin stand, a bed, and a large wardrobe—the only real piece of furniture.

“Hongdou, go help out. I have something to say to your second sister.”

“Oh, okay then.” Ming Hongdou left briskly, closing the door behind her.

“Ming Yuehe, I don’t think we have anything to say to each other.”

“Leyao, I know you hate me. You also know in this family, if you want to live well, you have to use some means. I’m forced to do this.”

“Ming Yuehe, whether you’re forced or just naturally like this, I don’t want to dig into it. Just tell me what your purpose is.” At that moment, the wardrobe gave a creak. Ming Leyao glanced at it, half-smiling, “Is there someone hiding in Sister Yuehe’s room?”

“Le… Leyao… how can you say that… there’s no one in my room,” Ming Yuehe’s expression showed some nervousness and guilt, which was understandable for an eighteen-year-old girl trying something like this for the first time.

“Oh? Is that so? But I think there’s someone in that wardrobe.” Saying this, she slowly walked to the wardrobe and flicked some white powder through the gap.

“Sister, sister, there’s really no one here.” Ming Yuehe hurried over to pull Ming Leyao away, and in her nervousness, pushed her a few steps back with more force than intended.