Chapter 13: Severing Ties

“Uncle He, is there something on my face?” Ye Siran asked shyly when she noticed He Yongchang staring at her.

“Hahaha… Uncle He was just thinking about how that stingy Ye Jianping actually gave you so much?”

“My stepfather is eager to be Brother Hongwen’s father-in-law. If his own daughter had the chance to marry, he would gladly give everything.”

“Siran has been wronged over the years. Fortunately, Ye Jianping, being too concerned about face, didn’t dare go too far.”

“I can’t say I was wronged. All of this was my choice. Besides, the person in the family who disliked me most was my biological mother!”

“Ah! Precisely because she’s your real mother, Uncle He and your aunt couldn’t intervene.”

He Yongchang didn’t voice the part about secretly scolding Ye Jianping. He felt guilty that the woman he cared for had suffered, so he wanted to bring her into the family as soon as possible.

Looking at the man in front of her who truly cared for her, Ye Siran couldn’t help but test him. “Uncle He, are you really willing for Brother Hongwen to marry my sister?”

“Siran, don’t worry. Uncle He will be honest with you—if Hongwen doesn’t marry you, he won’t be happy marrying anyone else.”

“Uncle He still believes in superstition?” Ye Siran lowered her voice, remembering how miserable her last life had been. Yet He Hongwen had lived very well.

With her helping him care for his parents, manage the household, and stay healthy, he had no worries and devoted himself entirely to work.

He excelled beyond ordinary people. Young and talented, he became a department head early and, before thirty, was promoted to vice president of Beijing First People’s Hospital.

He developed many treatments for severe illnesses, won numerous awards, and earned endless acclaim—a life full of glory.

“Siran, Uncle He will tell you quietly: although superstition is forbidden now, some things are so mysterious that even science cannot explain them.”

He Yongchang leaned closer as he helped her with her food, lowering his voice.

“Then why, if Uncle He believes in such mysteries, does he still want him to marry my sister?” Ye Siran asked incredulously.

“Siran, if you don’t want to marry, Uncle He will absolutely respect your wishes. It’s just that he doesn’t have the luck—don’t blame anyone else.”

“….”

Seeing the young girl’s mouth drop in surprise without a word, He Yongchang carefully put down his chopsticks, looked into her eyes, and continued gently:

“Siran, don’t carry any burden. All of this is that boy’s own doing. Uncle He never expected you could so decisively let go of years of admiration. Uncle He only wants you to live well.”

His kind and resolute voice felt like a warm spring breeze, softly brushing over Ye Siran’s heart, giving her a glimmer of warmth.

Especially the last sentence—“I only wish you to live well”—felt like a stream of warmth, melting the chill in her heart.

But matters of the heart aren’t so easily cut off. If not for experiencing the heart-wrenching pain of her past life, she wouldn’t have come to this realization.

In this life, she didn’t want to marry—not because she feared the future, but because she had already lived through a lifetime she refused to repeat.

All her youthful fantasies had been shattered repeatedly by the one she loved.

Ye Ruyue was a thoroughly bad woman, and He Hongwen was no good man. She hoped in this life they would be locked away, unable to harm others.

Yet the man in front of her, who had been good to her for two lifetimes, looked at her with earnest eyes full of concern, leaving her conflicted.

Finally, she tested him: “Uncle He, do you think my sister could be a suitable match for Brother Hongwen?”

“Hongwen is indeed talented, but he is too self-assured. Without someone like you, willing to give your heart freely, no one else could be his true partner!”

“Uncle He doesn’t think my sister truly likes Brother Hongwen?” Ye Siran realized He Yongchang’s keen perception.

“Siran, are you worried Hongwen won’t be happy after marriage? Only someone as pure and devoted as you would love another so wholeheartedly. Ye Ruyue may like Hongwen now, but she values the He family’s status more. Once married, if it isn’t as perfect as she imagined, she will make trouble.”

“I’m not worried about He Hongwen’s happiness, but I am worried that Uncle He will be upset by Ye Ruyue,” Ye Siran said seriously.

“Hahaha… Siran, don’t worry. I didn’t suffer for nothing. I won’t let someone insignificant upset me!”

Seeing He Yongchang laugh heartily, Ye Siran realized that in her previous life, her father-in-law had been more angry at himself for his failures than at her.

She had endured humiliation for not bearing a son and for loving He Hongwen, swallowing her pride silently.

In her past life, her father-in-law had repeatedly told her that cooking occasionally as a daughter-in-law was to cultivate marriage affection.

Cooking daily wasn’t nurturing—it was just being a maid.

Yet she hadn’t changed and even felt looked down upon. Looking back, she wanted to slap her past self.

“Siran hopes Uncle He will take care of himself. These three bottles of stomach medicine are homemade; if you trust me, take one daily.”

“I trust you, Siran. I’ve had stomach aches from skipping meals or overeating, but it’s thoughtful of you.”

He Yongchang unhesitatingly opened the bottle and swallowed a black pill.

Ye Siran was deeply moved but said nothing sentimental. “Uncle He, will someone come for me tomorrow morning?”

“Siran, Uncle He will send you back to pack tonight and have you stay at my house. I’m afraid Song Chunhua will steal your money.”

“Uncle He, don’t worry. If she tries, I’ll just say I’m marrying He Hongwen. Haha…” Ye Siran said proudly.

“Hahaha… then go home. I’ll personally pick you up tomorrow,” He Yongchang said, smiling at the sight of her bright expression.

The moment Ye Siran entered her home, her mother slapped her so hard her head spun.

“Ye Siran, did you stop your sister from getting the certificate?”

“Has my sister not gotten it yet?” Ye Siran asked, holding her face in surprise. She could have avoided the slap but deliberately took it.

“She hasn’t, and you hit me? You’re my biological daughter, I don’t want you!”

Song Chunhua could no longer control herself. “How dare you talk to me like that! Kneel down!”

“Kneel? Are you the empress or the queen dowager? That dynasty ended long ago. Wanting to kneel now?”

“Heavens! What sin did I commit to give birth to such a disgrace? I’ll beat you to death!”

“Beat me to death? Then He Hongwen will never marry my sister, and you’ll go to jail. Better beg me than offend me.”

“Your daughter scolds Siran without reason. That’s outrageous! Siran, will you help your sister?” Ye Siran’s father asked cautiously.

“I can make He Hongwen marry Ye Ruyue, but I’m severing ties with you,” Ye Siran declared firmly.

“Sever ties? In your dreams!” Her mother lunged at her like a madwoman but Ye Siran dodged lightly, sending her mother sprawling to the ground.