Becoming the Villain's Discarded Wife
Chapter 429 Gathering_1

Chapter 429: Chapter 429 Gathering_1

Nanzhi’s mood improved a bit, her gloomy spirits lifting significantly.

When she was waiting for Shen Zhiyu and Xiaomi’s return, she was seen setting up a barbeque in the courtyard.

Busily helping her were Liao Da, An Wazi, and several others.

Ever since Nanzhi stopped visiting the restaurant, Uncle Ping and Liao Da stopped by the Residence every three days to update her on the restaurant’s operations.

Even though the Sanwei Residence doesn’t do business like old times, it’s still performing relatively well, raking in around fifty taels per day.

"Boss, do you want some of this?" An Wazi asked, holding a roasted chicken leg in one hand and a few skewers of potato slices in the other.

The boy grew significantly taller in earlier half a year, and his voice also deepened. Despite these changes, his face still bore his simple and honest smile.

"I’m not eating." Nanzhi kindly refused, While gazing at An Wazi with affection.

She wondered, Would her own son have the same innocence when he grows up?

Thinking of her little boy’s increasingly cheerful disposition warmed Nanzhi’s heart even more.

"Mother!"

Zhiyu had been gone for four days. He initially thought that if he didn’t go, he could stay home and accompany his mother.

But as soon as his mother learnt that the master had arranged for them to visit a renowned scholar, she promptly sent him and Brother Xiaomi off.

Today, he got up earliest just so he could be the first to return to the city.

"Are Zhiyu and Xiaomi back?"

The weather was great, the warmth of the sun felt exceptionally soothing against her skin, allowing Nanzhi to forego her hand-warmer.

"Mother, have you missed me these few days?" The little boy wanted to give his mother a hug, but feared that the chill from his body would pass onto her, so he gently tugged at her sleeve instead.

"Yes, I missed you." Nanzhi smiled warmly, ruffling his hair. Noticing the somewhat lonely Xiaomi standing aside, Nanzhi beckoned him over.

The boy blushed, looking rather embarrassed and showed shyness with the hint of a smile.

"Xiaomi, come over here, let me have a look at you."

"Okay, okay." The young boy seemed hesitant, but after a while, he finally walked over, his heart filled with joy.

"Did you have fun these past few days?"

Nanzhi watched the two boys with a gentle smile. With the sun casting upon her, she seemed especially warm and tender.

"It was, very good."

Xiaomi’s days at the Lin’s household were joyful. His once yellowish complexion was now fair and healthy. Now dressed in a blue robe, he no longer looked as miserable as he once was.

Xiaomi’s face turned even redder with shyness, his eyes filled with anticipation.

"Have you been bullied?"

"No, not at all."

Xiaomi shook his head, answering Nanzhi’s question earnestly.

An Wazi watched from the sidelines while munching on his meat, feeling a twinge of envy.

"What’s the matter with you?" Lin Xiaoquan, noticing him gazing at Nanzhi and the others in a daze, curiously drew closer.

"Nothing, I just miss my mother."

An Wazi shrugged, suddenly finding the meat in his hand tasteless.

"Ah, there’s no need for that. From now on, consider me your big brother, and my mother your own too." Lin Xiaoquan patting his chest in reassurance, his heart filled with sympathy and determination, knowing that his buddy had a tough upbringing.

"Alright."

An Wazi’s eyes welled up, he nodded in agreement.

These two adolescent youths became brothers in a rather casual way. Meanwhile, Ms. Lin, who was at home mending clothes, suddenly sneezed as if her nose tickled.

"Ms. Lin, did you catch a cold?"

The neighbor’s wife looked surprised and concerned.

"No, no. My son must be thinking about me."

Nanzhi chatted for a bit more before sending the two boys to change their clothes.

Shen Wenchen should be back today.

Ever since she discovered that she was pregnant, her mood fluctuated, and it even affected her everyday thoughts.

With Wenchen’s anticipated return, it would be perfect to have everyone gather for a meal.

"Boss, the fire is ready!" Liao Da wiped his face, only to smear some of the ash from his hands onto his face.

"You worked hard, everyone, take a break."

Nanzhi finally spoke, and they all put down their work and took a seat.

Today was the day Nanzhi had announced that they’d close the restaurant and the smaller quarters for a day to have everyone gather at the Residence.

They had never been inside the Residence before.

For many people, they had never once set foot in a wealthy household, let alone the Residence.

Upon hearing that they could come today, even Wang Sheng was filled with anticipation.

In the past, rumours abound about the residence lord’s ostentatious and debauched lifestyle, spending lavishly like the nobility.

The Residence itself was built after demolishing the old county government building.

Who wouldn’t want a sneak peek?

In the kitchen, Ms. Zhao looked at the food ingredients that spread over two-meters long and felt a cold sweat bead on her palms.

She would have to bring out her best cooking skills today.

"Brother Xu, how did your trip go?"

Uncle Ping sipped on his warm tea, nudging Xu Chou beside him with his elbow.

About two months ago, Nanzhi had shared with Xu Chou about his father’s situation.

But Xu Chou and his mother had struggled together for so many years; he was still unwilling to meet his father.

It wasn’t until half a month ago that Xu Chou had a sudden dream about his mother.

In the dream, his mother’s hair was still in long black braids she always wore. At night, she would hold him closely and whisper quietly to him.

Everything the mother uttered concerned stories about his father.

The morning after, Xu Chou became even more silent.

He was already in his forties.

His mother had waited for that man for over forty years. Even if that man had his difficulties, why didn’t he even bother to send a single letter?

After pondering over this for two days, Uncle Ping finally went to have a talk with him, which helped Xu Chou understand his struggles.

The two middle-aged men talked all night. Early the next morning, Xu Chou came to the Residence.

After explaining his plans, Nanzhi didn’t say much. She simply told him where Qing Fenghan village was and granted him half a month’s leave.

It wasn’t until three days ago that Xu Chou came back.

"I met him. He’s different from what mother described."

Xu Chou stared at the sparrows fluttering about on the roof, feeling somewhat lost.

The man was now nearly blind and had trouble walking.

Despite his decrepit appearance, he perked up upon hearing Xu Chou’s arrival.

He couldn’t really describe how he felt.

It felt like a sudden sense of relief.

At least, the man wasn’t doing well either.

His mother had suffered all her life, so why should he have a good life?

Xu Chou didn’t stay long in the village, he left after just a night.

Before departing, Aze asked him to thank Nanzhi for him. So Xu Chou drifted on the river for a few days and only disembarked three days ago.

Xu was not magnanimous.

And he was not willing to accept that man as his father.

The sun began to cast orangish light when the Lins started to arrive gradually.

The elderly couple of the Lin family had moved to the courtyard behind the food shop. The Lin brothers were also used to living in the new house.

Seeing Nanzhi, their eyes were filled with tenderness.