Chapter 97: Ding Zixin's Battle Against Lu Nian Nian
Everyone fell silent for a moment after hearing that.
Xu Qiaofeng stepped forward, wanting to block Ning Tang, but was firmly held back by Xu Qiaolan and Xu Qiaoyan beside him. The two shook their heads, signaling him not to act impulsively.
This was also the first time they had met this aunt.
No one knows whether the visitor is well-intentioned or not, and besides, she is ill; it would be bad if something happened to her.
Xu Qiaofeng suppressed his anger and gave Ning Tang a reassuring look.
Ning Tang placed her hand on her already rounded and protruding belly, her pretty face maintaining a polite smile:
"Thank you so much, Auntie. It wasn't too much of a hassle to come all this way. Grandpa and Grandma are looking forward to your visit, and I'm eager to see you too."
Her tone was very gentle, and even though Ding Zixin was two years younger than her, she still showed the courtesy due to a junior.
Ding Zixin seemed oblivious to the politeness in Ning Tang's words. Instead, she stepped forward, her gaze lingering on Ning Tang's stomach, and pouted, saying:
"Pregnant women should stay home and rest, why are they out here joining in the fun?"
"If something goes wrong, I can't take the responsibility."
Hearing this, Su Ying, who was usually calm, frowned. Just as she was about to speak up to smooth things over, she saw Ning Tang smile slightly, as if she wasn't angry at all.
"Don't worry, Auntie. I'm in good health. The doctor also said that moderate exercise is good for the baby. Besides, with Qiaofeng, the baby's father, by my side, nothing will go wrong."
After saying that, Ning Tang also tugged at Xu Qiaofeng and Su Ying's hands.
Xu Qiaofeng immediately understood, and took her hand, saying to Ding Zixin in a deep voice, "Auntie has just arrived and must be tired from the journey. Please get in the car first."
"Yes, yes, Auntie, you get in the car first."
Xu Qiaolan seized the opportunity and, with a mix of pushing and shoving, shoved Ding Zixin into the car.
Even after sitting in the car, Ding Zixin was still staring at Ning Tang's belly outside the window, clicking her tongue in amazement.
"It's only because you guys are so carefree. If it were me, I would definitely be lying in bed every day if I were pregnant. I wouldn't dare to let someone come all this way to pick me up."
Afraid of starting another argument, Xu Qiaolan quickly rolled up the car window.
The car wasn't big; it could only fit three people.
Xu Qiaofeng was the only one who could drive, and he was worried about Ning Tang. Since Xu Qiaoyan didn't want to stay with Ding Zixin, he simply stayed to accompany his sister-in-law and sister-in-law on their slow walk back.
The car drove away shortly after.
Su Ying quickly moved closer to Ning Tang and whispered, "Don't get angry with her. If you quarrel as soon as you meet, it will be difficult for Grandpa and Grandma."
“Let’s all be patient. I heard from Grandma last night that Auntie passed away in just a few days, and so do you, Qiaoyan. If we take a step back, everything will be fine.”
Ning Tang nodded, gently touching her round belly: "I know, but I won't hold a grudge or get angry for the sake of the baby in my belly."
She had previously read books on this topic online.
It is said that if a pregnant woman gets angry frequently during pregnancy, it may cause hormonal imbalances, which not only affect the mother but also make the baby emotionally sensitive after birth. In more serious cases, it may even have a negative impact on the child's development.
Whether for the sake of her child or herself, Ning Tang would not allow herself to be in a state of rage.
Xu Qiaoyan nodded in agreement upon hearing his sister-in-law's earnest words.
He was just feeling irritated from being exposed to the sun, but now that he's been distracted like this, it's all gone.
The way back isn't far.
The three of them strolled along, stopping frequently. Along the way, each of them bought a bottle of orange soda and drank it as they walked, thoroughly enjoying themselves.
Meanwhile, Xu Qiaofeng and the others had already arrived home.
Grandpa and Grandma Xu rarely stood at the door waiting in advance, and they greeted Ding Zixin with a smile as soon as they saw her.
Ding Zixin looked them up and down again, frowned and said, "What are you doing out here at your age? Go back quickly, or you'll blame me if you get sick."
The smiles on Grandpa and Grandma Xu's faces froze instantly, and the air fell silent once again.
Xu Qiaolan almost couldn't keep up her fake smile, her tone somewhat restrained: "Auntie, Grandpa and Grandma came especially to pick you up. It's not windy outside, it's fine. Thank you for your concern, Auntie."
"Qiaolan is right, we're in good health. Come inside, we've already prepared some iced soda for you to cool off."
As Grandma Xu spoke, she forced a smile and tried to lead Ding Zixin into the house.
Ding Zixin didn't move an inch.
He kept staring at his little lambskin shoes.
When Ning Tang and the others returned, Ding Zixin finally moved, rubbing the soles of her shoes on the steps beside her.
Ding Zixin thought, "The doorway isn't clean. What if I bring dust into the house? It'll be so dirty and troublesome."
She glanced back at Ning Tang, then raised her chin: "And you, with that big belly, hurry up and go inside."
After saying that, he reluctantly stepped inside, but stopped again in the living room.
Ding Zixin stared at the large, clean red apples on the living room table, then waved her hand, signaling Xu Qiaolan to bring over her cloth bag.
Several large peaches were pulled out of it, and they looked sweet.
"This apple doesn't look sweet. Don't give it to me, or I'll get an upset stomach."
After saying that, Ding Zixin acted as if she hadn't seen the ugly expressions on everyone's faces, pointed at Zhang Sao, and asked her to take her to her room to rest.
Ning Tang and Su Ying looked at each other in bewilderment.
You should know that those apples were freshly harvested from Wafangdian. Grandpa Xu was given five of them when he went to a meeting at the military region.
The others didn't even get one...
Ning Tang quickly smoothed things over, "The peaches look fresh, I'll go wash a couple for everyone to try."
Su Ying immediately chimed in, "Perfect timing! I love apples the most, and this time no one's going to take them from me, that's great."
As soon as they finished speaking, the two walked towards the kitchen.
The Xu brothers immediately joined in to change the subject, and when Ning Tang came out, the atmosphere seemed to have improved a lot, which put her at ease.
As they passed Xu Qiaofeng, Ning Tang gently nudged him with her elbow, gesturing for him to give an apple to his grandfather.
"Grandpa, the apples smell sweet. You should try some later."
"Tangtang, didn't you tell me before that people with high blood sugar shouldn't eat fruit casually?" The moment Grandpa Xu saw Ning Tang, his previously gloomy expression softened considerably, and he waited expectantly for Ning Tang's answer like a child.
Ning Tang smiled upon hearing this.
Her voice was gentle: "Grandpa, this apple is crisp and sweet, and it raises blood sugar slowly. You can try a small piece to satisfy your craving. I'm watching you. It'll be fine if you don't eat too much."
As she spoke, she took out a few thin slices of apple that she had cut in the kitchen earlier, picked out the smallest one, and handed it over.
Grandpa Xu took it, took a small bite, and his eyes immediately lit up, like a child who had just eaten candy.
"Yes, it's sweet."
"It doesn't hurt your throat, and it makes you feel better after eating it. No wonder you young girls like sweets. Tangtang, you should have some too."
"I'll eat it later, and I'll get a few pieces for Grandma too." Ning Tang picked up another piece of apple and handed it to Grandma Xu.
Grandma Xu smiled and waved her hand: "I don't want to eat it. You can share it with Qiaofeng and the others. Young people like to eat this."
Although that's what they said, everyone knew that the old man was reluctant to eat it and had deliberately saved it for them.
Ning Tang knew these tricks, and despite Grandma Xu's insistence, she forced the apple into Grandma Xu's hand.
"Grandma, you said yesterday that the weather has been too dry lately and your nose and mouth feel uncomfortable. This apple is very juicy, so you can soothe your throat."
Grandma Xu couldn't refuse, so she had no choice but to take it and eat it in small bites.
Xu Qiaofeng, who was standing to the side, watched this scene. His anger from Ding Zixin had dissipated considerably, and he reached out to rub Ning Tang's head.
"Don't just share with others, have a piece yourself too."
Ning Tang nodded, picked up a piece of apple, took a bite, and the sweet juice burst in her mouth.
Just then, footsteps came from upstairs, and Ding Zixin came down again. She glanced at the apple on the table and frowned.
She complained, "Why are you still eating this apple? I told you it's not sweet. Aren't you afraid of getting a stomachache?"
Su Ying immediately chimed in, "Auntie, this apple is sweet, would you like to try some?"
Ding Zixin turned her head to the side and snorted coldly: "I won't eat it. I have a lot of delicious food in my bag, much sweeter than this apple."
He spoke bluntly, but his eyes were fixed on the apple.
This apple... it really does taste different from the one from her hometown.
Even from this distance, she could smell the aroma of apples.
Even though she really wanted to eat it, Ding Zixin swallowed her saliva, turned around and sat on the other side of the sofa, raising her chin and waiting for someone to give it to her.
A long time passed.
The atmosphere gradually warmed up again.
Grandma Xu and Grandpa Xu suddenly started chatting about everyday things, and the eldest brother and sister-in-law also whispered among themselves. Xu Qiaofeng asked Ning Tang if she was tired.
For a moment, Ding Zixin was ignored by everyone.
She was so angry that her already pale face became much rosier, and she looked much more energetic.
Ding Zixin snorted but didn't say anything more. She turned around, took out her peach, and started eating it.
Ning Tang glanced in Ding Zixin's direction and secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
As long as she doesn't cause trouble, dinner should be more peaceful later.
Everyone is a bit tired after getting up early this morning.
While Aunt Zhang was preparing dinner, everyone went back to their rooms to catch up on sleep.
Xu Qiaofeng didn't go to rest. He first gave Ning Tang a foot bath and massage, and after she fell asleep, he went to the study to call Dean Gou.
After explaining Zhou Hairong's situation, Dean Gou repeatedly expressed his understanding.
After everything was taken care of, Xu Qiaofeng was still worried about the team, so he drove out again.
——
7 PM.
Less than an hour later, Aunt Zhang placed the last dish on the table.
This time was unusual; Ding Zixin didn't say a word and sat quietly in her seat eating.
Grandpa Xu put a lot of meat on her plate, but she didn't eat it. Instead, she put it in Ning Tang's bowl.
Ding Zixin said nonchalantly, "I'm not pregnant, so let her, who's heavily pregnant, have this little bit of meat."
Ning Tang was quite flattered.
Not only her, but everyone at the table looked like they'd seen a ghost.
After a long and difficult meal, Su Ying suggested taking Ning Tang for a walk around the compound. She was almost in her second trimester, and getting more exercise would be good for both her and the baby.
Just as they were about to leave, for some reason, Ding Zixin decided to go too.
There was no other way but to bring her along.
Surprisingly, the atmosphere wasn't awkward. Perhaps Ning Tang and Su Ying had gotten used to Ding Zixin's tone of voice. Whenever she spoke, they would just let it go in one ear and out the other, occasionally nodding in response.
Anyone can see that this is just a perfunctory response.
Ding Zixin was so angry that her heart ached, but then she thought that her two nieces-in-law were still young, and she, as an elder, shouldn't be angry.
I coaxed myself until I recovered.
The three of them strolled around for a while, and when they reached the main gate, they unexpectedly bumped into Zhou Hairong bringing Lu Niannian, who had just been discharged from the hospital, back home.
Xu Qiaofeng told everyone about Lu Niannian's relapse last night.
Su Ying instinctively shielded Ning Tang behind her, looking as if she were facing a formidable enemy.
Ding Zixin frowned: "Eldest nephew's wife, what are you doing? Why are you making such a fuss? What if you scare the third nephew's wife?"
"Auntie, let's go back quickly."
"What's wrong? Did you run into a dog?"
"What are you afraid of? I'm not afraid of dogs. I'll chase them away for you."
As they were talking, Lu Niannian, her face pale and weak, walked up to Ning Tang and smiled gently, "Tangtang, I know you didn't mean it that day. I've already forgiven you. Please don't feel guilty anymore, okay?"
Ning Tang looked coldly at Lu Niannian, inwardly sneering.
That's really sophistry; they're just throwing a tantrum at her right off the bat.
If there were outsiders present, they might misunderstand something after being guided by Lu Niannian's few words.
Ning Tang said coldly, "Why should I feel guilty? That day you suddenly had a heart attack, and it was Xu Qiaofeng and I who saved you. Shouldn't you be thanking me?"
Lu Niannian's face turned pale, and her eyes instantly reddened.
Tears streamed down her face like they were free, and her voice trembled with sobs: "Tangtang... I just wanted to talk to you properly, how could you say that to me?"
“I know I suddenly had a seizure that day and caused you trouble, but I really didn’t blame you. How could you turn around and yell at me…”
As she spoke, her body went limp, and she almost collapsed to the ground.
Fortunately, Zhou Hairong, who was standing nearby, caught her in time and looked at Ning Tang with a hint of dissatisfaction.
Zhou Hairong said, "Ning Tang, Niannian has just been discharged from the hospital and is still weak. Can't you be a little more considerate of her?"
This scene immediately displeased Ding Zixin.
With the demeanor of an elder, he stepped forward and shielded Ning Tang behind his small frame, raising an eyebrow at Lu Niannian with a tone full of impoliteness.
"What's wrong with you, young lady? My nephew's wife is pregnant, who are you crying and wailing for?"
"You still say she was mean to you? I heard it clearly just now, you were the one who started by throwing mud at her!"
Lu Niannian's face darkened when she was confronted by the blunt words of the young girl who suddenly appeared in front of her.
Upon hearing the words "nephew's wife," she instantly realized that this was Xu's aunt, and her tears fell even more fiercely.
"Auntie, I didn't... I'm just upset."
"Auntie?" Ding Zixin interrupted her. "Who do you think you are? How dare you call me auntie? Do you think I know you, you green tea b*tch?"
The moment he finished speaking, he glared at Zhou Hairong aggressively, his tone becoming even more forceful.
"And you, old lady, if your eyesight isn't good, go get some glasses. My nephew's wife said she's the one who saved the person. Instead of thanking her, you dare to slander her?"
"So, we, the Xu family, are just going to be bullied like this by you two shameless people?"
Seeing this, Su Ying chimed in, "Auntie is right. Our Tangtang is our savior. How come she's a bad person in your eyes?"
Seeing that Ding Zixin and Su Ying were protecting Ning Tang, Lu Niannian found herself at a disadvantage and cried even louder!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com