Chapter 37 Grandpa’s Favor, New Backer
After returning from the Huo family mansion, Su Wanqing's mood subtly shifted. That witty family dinner, Huo Tingxiao's unexpectedly forceful defense, and their slightly awkward yet surprisingly tacit "co-acting" were like a heavy stone dropped into a frozen lake, stirring ripples deep in her heart that wouldn't subside for a long time.
She no longer attributed Huo Tingxiao's coldness and distance entirely to his dislike and contempt for her, as she had before. She began to try to see him from a more complex perspective—a man who carried heavy pain, armored himself with ice, but who at times would reveal an extremely clumsy, almost instinctive sense of "responsibility."
This realization didn't bring relief, but instead made her feel even more complicated. She understood his pain, but couldn't truly approach him, couldn't offer comfort. This feeling of powerlessness remained, but it was also mixed with an inexplicable, subtle throbbing and... curiosity.
She still took care of the housework and studied every day, but she no longer did it just to "cope" or "prove herself" as before. She began to observe the house more carefully, observing the subtle traces left by Huo Tingxiao, trying to piece together more information about him.
That afternoon, she was sorting the books she had brought with her into the study when the landline phone in the living room rang. She walked over and answered it.
"Hello."
A slightly old but full-bodied voice came from the other end of the phone. It was Mr. Huo: "Wanqing, it's me."
Su Wanqing's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly said respectfully, "Hello, Grandpa."
"Well," Old Master Huo's voice sounded much gentler than at the family dinner. "Nothing, just asking how Tingxiao has been these past couple of days. Is his arm still hurting? Has he had his checkup on time?"
Su Wanqing was stunned for a moment. She hadn't expected the old man to call personally to express his concern. She answered cautiously, "The commander is recovering well. The military doctor just checked him the day before yesterday and said his bones are healing well. He just needs to rest and shouldn't lift anything heavy. He...seems to be very busy with work lately." She chose her words carefully, not complaining, simply stating the facts.
There was silence on the other end of the line for a few seconds, and then Old Master Huo snorted, "He's just trying to show off! Keep an eye on him and don't let him do anything wrong. He's got a temper like a donkey, and you're the only one who can say a few words to him."
Su Wanqing's cheeks heated up slightly when she heard this. She thought she could say a few words to him? Grandpa really overestimated her. She replied, "Yes, Grandpa, I will remind the chief."
"Well," Mr. Huo seemed satisfied, and his tone became more relaxed. "How are you feeling? Have you recovered from your last illness? Are you used to life in the compound?"
Su Wanqing was somewhat flattered by this sudden concern. She quickly said, "Thank you for your concern, Grandpa. I've recovered a long time ago. I'm used to life...all right."
"You'll get used to it." Old Master Huo paused, lowering his voice with a subtle hint of meaning. "There are many people at home, and they all talk a lot. Some of the things they say, just listen and don't take them to heart. If you have any difficulties or have suffered any grievances, you can tell grandpa directly."
Su Wanqing's heart skipped a beat, and her fingers tightened around the receiver. Was Grandpa's words... a clear endorsement of her? Was it Huo Tingxiao's attitude at the family dinner that made him truly accept her as his grandson's wife?
A warm feeling quietly surged into her heart, dispelling the gloom that had been building over the past few days. She took a deep breath and said with gratitude, "Thank you, Grandpa. I understand."
"Okay, I'm glad I understand." Old Master Huo seemed to smile. "In a couple of days, I'll have Lao Zhang send some fresh winter bamboo shoots and game over. Tingxiao loves those, so you can make some soup for him to nourish him."
"Okay, Grandpa, I will do it well."
After a brief chat, Mr. Huo hung up the phone.
Su Wanqing put down the receiver and stood there, her heart aching for a long time. Mr. Huo's call, seemingly just an ordinary expression of concern, actually sent a crucial signal—he recognized her and clearly expressed his support. This meant that in this complex Huo family, she finally had a true and influential "backer."
This is like a timely help for her who has always been walking on thin ice and isolated and helpless.
In the evening, Huo Tingxiao came home a little earlier than usual. Su Wanqing was preparing dinner in the kitchen. When she heard the door open, she hesitated for a moment, but still walked out.
"Commander, you're back." She greeted as usual.
"Yeah." Huo Tingxiao responded while changing his shoes. His eyes swept over her wearing an apron, and he paused almost imperceptibly.
"In the afternoon...Grandpa called." Su Wanqing said softly, observing his reaction.
Huo Tingxiao paused and looked up at her with a questioning look in his eyes.
"Grandpa was concerned about your injury and told you to get more rest. He also asked about my condition," Su Wanqing relayed as calmly as possible. "He also said... to have Uncle Zhang send some winter bamboo shoots and game over in a couple of days to help you recover."
Huo Tingxiao's face remained expressionless after hearing this. He simply said "hmm" to indicate he understood. However, the cold, hard aura around him seemed to soften slightly. He didn't ask any more questions and turned to walk towards the stairs, ready to change.
After taking two steps, he suddenly stopped, without looking back, and said in a low voice: "Grandpa's words, just listen to it."
Su Wanqing was stunned for a moment, watching his back as he went upstairs, pondering the meaning of this sentence. Was he asking her to just listen and not act? Or... to accept this "favor"?
She suddenly felt that he might not object to her grandfather's recognition and concern for her.
A few days later, Uncle Zhang really delivered two large boxes of fresh ingredients. In addition to winter bamboo shoots and game, there were also some rare mountain delicacies and specialties, and the portions were quite large.
Su Wanqing carefully gathered the ingredients and, following Mr. Huo's instructions, cooked a pot of fragrant wild mushroom and winter bamboo shoot soup. At dinner that evening, she placed a bowl in front of Huo Tingxiao.
Huo Tingxiao looked at the bowl of soup, remained silent for a few seconds, then picked up the spoon and drank quietly. He drank slowly, and although he didn't say anything, the tense lines on his face seemed to soften a little.
In the days that followed, Mr. Huo would call from time to time, sometimes to inquire about Huo Tingxiao's injury, sometimes to ask about Su Wanqing's life, and once even to ask if she was interested in playing chess with him at the old house. This constant and clear attention from the family's most powerful leader, like an invisible amulet, quietly changed Su Wanqing's situation in the compound.
The previous overt and covert scrutiny and gossip gradually diminished, replaced by some of the ladies' proactive, tentative, and well-intentioned contact. Even Assistant Chen's attitude seemed to have become more respectful.
Su Wanqing knew that all these changes stemmed from Old Master Huo's change in attitude. And her grandfather's change in attitude, in turn, stemmed largely from Huo Tingxiao's unexpected "defense" and "co-operation" at the family dinner.
He may not have realized that his action, which seemed to be just to cope with the situation and even a bit of impatience, had accidentally won her the most solid support.
That day, Su Wanqing went to the service center to buy something and happened to meet Huo Meilin and Zhou Ting.
When Huo Meilin saw her, her expression looked a little unnatural, but she still forced a smile: "Wanqing, are you here to buy something?" Her tone was much more polite than before.
Zhou Ting curled her lips and said nothing, but there was less contempt in her eyes.
"Third aunt, Miss Zhou." Su Wanqing nodded slightly, with an attitude neither humble nor arrogant.
After a few simple pleasantries, they parted ways. Looking at the backs of Huo Meilin and her daughter, who looked a little frustrated but had to restrain themselves, Su Wanqing let out a sigh of relief.
She knew Huo Meilin and the others would never give up, and there would be no shortage of attacks in the future. But at least now, she was no longer the helpless and helpless "substitute bride" who could be manipulated by others.
Grandpa's favor was like an invisible umbrella of protection, allowing her to finally straighten her back a little and take a breath in this complicated environment.
The starting point of all this was an unexpected and perhaps unintentional "collaboration" with that cold man.
She raised her head and looked at the blue sky outside the window. The complex emotions in her heart seemed to quietly gain an indescribable sense of warmth and confidence.
A new backer, a new beginning.
The road ahead may still be difficult, but she is no longer alone.
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