Rebirth: The Courtyard Bride Is Cool and Radiant

Chapter 214: Chapter 214 I’m Not as Despicable as You Think

Jiang Jingya didn’t take the photo, but Huo Xiaodong beside her did. ”She is indeed very beautiful,” he commented.

After speaking, he passed the photo to Huo Weidong, who was standing behind the sofa. ”Dad, take a look.”

After Huo Weidong had looked at the photo, he said, ”Auntie Jiang, could there be some misunderstanding? This girl is indeed attractive. Hongmei is Jingrui’s elder sister-in-law, after all; she certainly wouldn’t harm him.”

He was somewhat confused. Auntie Jiang had always been worried about Old Four’s marriage arrangements. Now that his wife had kindly introduced someone, why wasn’t she pleased?

Jiang Jingya, with everyone looking at her, turned and stared at her eldest daughter-in-law. ”Do you know that Gu Yulian never socializes with anyone?”

Gui Hongmei said nonchalantly, ”Children from big families are naturally under strict supervision; that girl is very well-behaved.”

Jiang Jingya huffed coldly, ”Well-behaved to the point where she had no friends growing up, never participated in any group activities, and always lowered her head at the sight of people, as if she wished to hide herself away?”

These revelations stunned Gui Hongmei. ”What?” she asked.

She hadn’t known about these details. All she saw was a photo of an attractive girl who also had a good education, background, and job prospects. She thought it would be more reassuring for her brother-in-law, a soldier often away from home, to have a well-behaved wife.

Jiang Jingya stood up. ”In the future, just take care of your own family’s affairs, and steer clear of the matters concerning Jingrui and his siblings.”

Being lectured in public was not something Gui Hongmei could be happy about. ”All I did was introduce a potential match to Jingrui. Is it necessary to make such a fuss?” she retorted.

Jiang Jingya was also very angry. ”You didn’t even bother to find out the real situation of the other party before suggesting her to Jingrui. What are your true intentions?”

Gui Hongmei’s eyes reddened with anger. She had always tried to be one up on Jiang Jingya, but she never intended to harm her brother-in-law. If this got out, how could she face people?

Her upset made her speech falter. ”I... I’m not as bad as you think,” she said.

Jiang Jingya, used to being the tough one and considering that Gui Hongmei had started this, was unyielding. ”Whether you’re despicable or not, I don’t know, but in the future, keep out of their marital matters. They have parents. As the eldest sister-in-law, just fulfill your duties well,” she said.

Gui Hongmei truly felt wronged. She had meant to curry favor with her superior; after all, a good marriage for her brother-in-law would also be beneficial for the Huo Family.

Yet, she could never have anticipated Jiang Jingya lashing out at her. ”Fine, fine. Good intentions taken for ill will. Think whatever you want,” she said in resignation.

With that, she turned and headed straight for the kitchen.

The moment she turned, she wondered if she had been duped by her superior. What if the girl from the Gu Family’s branch was indeed troubled, as Jiang Jingya claimed? No, she wouldn’t take the blame for this. It seemed she had to investigate the matter personally, lest she be misled by Jiang Jingya without even realizing it.

Although Huo Weidong also felt awkward about the situation, his stepmother and his wife always had this kind of interaction. Neither had any ill intentions; it was just constant bickering.

But nothing further came of it. After all, women were such strange creatures; it was best he didn’t get involved.

Huo Xiaodong followed into the kitchen, speaking softly to Gui Hongmei. ”Mom, I overheard a classmate mention in passing that there’s a Gu Family girl afraid of crowds. Perhaps Grandmother is telling the truth.”

He had wanted to tell his mother to investigate thoroughly before acting. But he was afraid of upsetting her, especially with his own wedding approaching; he didn’t want any trouble over his fourth uncle’s affairs to cause her displeasure. So, he could only hint subtly, hoping to prevent his grandfather from having to settle a family dispute upon his return.

After Jiang Jingya left, Huo Jingrui and his brother exited the courtyard one after the other. ”Big Brother, I have my own judgments about my affairs,” said Jingrui, implying they should butt out.

What could Huo Weidong say? He truly cared for his youngest brother as if he were his son. ”All right, you know what your sister-in-law is like. If she truly knew there was something wrong with that girl, she definitely wouldn’t have suggested her to you. Besides, you’re not getting any younger, and your personal matters should indeed be addressed. You don’t want Auntie Jiang to keep worrying and fretting over this every day, do you?”

Thinking about his spoiled little sister, he sighed. ”Then there’s Yuanyuan, who never gives peace of mind.”

Speak of the devil— ”Big Brother, Fourth Brother, why are you standing at the door?” Yuanyuan asked as she arrived.