Wu Tao Wen Guan

Chapter 548 Returning Home Officially

Night fell.

Afraid the food would get cold if they delayed, Xia Xue covered everything with large bowls and iron basins.

Once everyone was present, she uncovered them one by one, releasing rich aromas that made their taste buds tingle.

"Dinner!"

Xia Xue, holding a wooden spatula, served two bowls of rice and handed them to Lin Fan and Song Yue.

"Thank you, sister-in-law."

"Sister Xue'er, thank you."

Song Yue sat opposite Lin Fan, her expression troubled.

Her gaze kept drifting to Lin Fan, yet she constantly told herself not to linger.

Xia Xue pretended not to notice their awkwardness, maintaining a cheerful smile as she served them food.

Lin Fan found the meal tasteless, lacking any appetite.

Song Yue was even worse; she held her chopsticks for a long time, her bowl still full.

"Xiao Yue, we've been staying at your place for so long because we were building our new house. We've really imposed on you."

Xia Xue ignored whether they were eating, feeling it was time to address the situation directly.

"Sister Xue'er, what are you saying?"

Song Yue forced a smile. "I'm all alone at home, I was actually hoping you'd stay longer. It's more lively with more people, and we can look out for each other."

"I wanted to stay too," Xia Xue sighed.

Song Yue's eyes lit up with anticipation.

"But no place is as good as one's own home. Little Fan and I are from Luofeng Village after all, and it's not appropriate to live at your place indefinitely."

"Besides, building a new house was a plan from Little Fan's grandfather's generation. It's just that our family was poor, and it took decades to achieve."

"Now it's great. Little Fan is successful and can earn money, building a two-story Western-style house."

Xia Xue smiled contentedly. "It's time for us to go back."

"Yes, yes."

Song Yue's face darkened, her spirits visibly wilting.

"Xiao Fan, eat quickly. We'll head back after dinner," Xia Xue urged.

"Okay, I got it." Lin Fan responded and lowered his head to eat.

Song Yue had many things she wanted to say, fearing she might never see them again once they left.

"Sister Xue'er, there's no need to rush."

She quickly added, "Stay one more night. We can move tomorrow."

"No need to trouble yourself. It's just a short walk, not far."

Xia Xue's attitude was firm. "I've packed most of our things. Little Fan can help me carry the bedding later, and we'll be all set."

Song Yue pouted aggrievedly, speechless.

Although Lin Fan took his time, all good things must come to an end.

After dinner, Xia Xue and Song Yue cleared the dishes together.

They spoke in low voices, presumably Xia Xue comforting Song Yue.

Lin Fan stayed in the bedroom, his mind in turmoil, standing dazedly by the bed.

"Xiao Yue, we've lived at your place for so long. Please accept this small token of my appreciation; don't think it's too little."

Xia Xue produced an exquisite gift box.

The contents were something Lin Fan had taken from Zhou Yi's place – a Cartier ladies' watch.

Perhaps Zhou Yi had forgotten it in her bag, and Xia Xue had found it while packing.

"Sister Xue'er, what are you doing? Do you see me as an outsider?"

Song Yue was already feeling down, and seeing Xia Xue's actions made her feel even more wronged. Her eyes turned red, on the verge of tears.

Xia Xue held Song Yue's hand and placed the gift box in hers. "We've lived under the same roof for a year. How could I possibly see you as an outsider?"

"But some things are separate. Even close brothers settle accounts clearly; we must be clear about things."

One was determined to give, the other refused to accept.

They stood in a stalemate for a moment, their gazes locking.

Song Yue looked pleadingly at Xia Xue, hoping she would change her mind.

However, Xia Xue, usually gentle, now had a resolute look in her eyes, unwilling to back down.

She wouldn't change her mind...

Song Yue subconsciously realized this.

"Xiao Fan, have you finished packing?" Xia Xue called into the bedroom.

"Finished." Lin Fan walked over, carrying a large pile of things, his face hidden behind them.

"Xiao Yue, it's getting late. We're leaving."

"Keep in touch often. Don't let us become strangers."

"Oh, right. From now on, I'll be helping at Little Fan's clinic. If you need anything, just go to the clinic."

Xia Xue's words today were sharp, each one piercing Song Yue's heart, sending it plummeting into an abyss.

She pushed Lin Fan out, waving goodbye to Song Yue.

The night was cool like water.

Xia Xue walked briskly, watching Lin Fan's slow pace. "Let me help you with some things. You can't even see where you're going, be careful not to fall."

"No need, I can manage myself." Lin Fan refused.

He hesitated for a moment, then mustered the courage to say, "Sister-in-law, what you said today was a bit hurtful."

Xia Xue's gaze turned cold. "How was it hurtful?"

"It's just..." Lin Fan sensed a change in his sister-in-law's tone and swallowed the words that had reached his lips.

"You're still thinking about her, aren't you?" Xia Xue asked displeasedly.

Lin Fan remained silent.

"Xiao Fan, I can overlook you secretly hooking up with Song Yue, but!"

Xia Xue emphasized the word "but," indicating her serious stance.

"Xiao Fan, have you ever thought about this?"

Xia Xue tilted her head back, gazing at the stars in the night sky. "Our being together already attracts gossip. A few days ago, someone wanted to dump feces on the new house, right?"

"You've saved many people, but you've also offended quite a few. To put it bluntly, many people probably wish you ill."

"If you get entangled with Song Yue again, and people find out, your reputation will be ruined."

"I don't care about reputation."

Lin Fan said, his neck stiff, "We'll live our own lives behind closed doors. Let others say what they want. If it really comes to it, we'll move to Luofeng Mountain and stay away from everyone."

"You don't care about reputation, but I do?" Xia Xue looked at Lin Fan with extreme seriousness.

Lin Fan was instantly silenced.

He didn't care if he was scorned by millions, but his sister-in-law was different.

Seeing his childish demeanor, Xia Xue couldn't help but smile.

She quickened her steps and stood in front of Lin Fan.

"Xiao Fan, is she better or am I?"

Xia Xue's sparkling eyes were more beautiful than the stars in the sky.

A smile played on her lips, her every gesture exuding charm.

"You are," Lin Fan answered without hesitation.

In his heart, his sister-in-law was always the best.

"Then that settles it!"

Xia Xue smiled joyfully and linked her arm through his. "Let's go home."

...

Upon arriving home, after a brief tidy-up, Lin Fan and Xia Xue retired to their respective rooms.

Late into the night.

Lin Fan lay on the soft bedding, his eyes wide open, staring motionlessly at the ceiling.

The mattress was new, with a thick latex layer underneath, costing over three thousand yuan, making it incredibly comfortable.

The bedding had all been changed and aired out all day, emitting a pleasant sunshine scent.

"Breathing more evenly, sister-in-law must be asleep."

Lin Fan was awake so late because he had been monitoring the sounds upstairs.

He was certain Song Yue was also awake.

He couldn't rest without seeing for himself.