Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s Chapter 10 - 10 10 Possessing an Exotic Treasure

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Previously on Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s...
The arrival of Ho Laidi, the domineering eldest sister-in-law of the Old Chiang Family, strikes fear into Ge Liutao due to years of past mistreatment and a bitter family split. Ho Laidi’s presence follows rumors of Chiang Xiao being possessed, a situation sparked by the girl's own disoriented behavior upon her rebirth. While Chiang Songhai steps out to confront the intruder, a weakened Chiang Xiao realizes she must regain her strength to protect her family. Amidst the tension, she suddenly remembers a vital object from her past life and frantically searches to see if her mysterious pen returned with her.
That particular pen had been a gift from her grandfather. She was very small at the time—perhaps four, five, or maybe six or seven years old; the exact age escaped her. What remained vivid in her mind was a somber evening just before a heavy storm broke, when her grandfather arrived home caked in mud. Though he frequently trekked into the mountains to harvest herbs, he had never appeared quite so ragged. That same day, Deng Qingjiang had also come back to Siyang Village, apparently to discuss a marriage proposal. He and her grandfather had engaged in a fierce argument, which was why Chiang Xiao remembered the date so distinctly. Once he was back inside, her grandfather reached into his herb sack, pulled out a pen, and quietly handed it to her. "Our Little Little is destined for a life of education and status in the city, so this pen is the most suitable gift for you," her grandfather remarked, gently patting her head. She spent that entire evening playing with the pen until she drifted off into a daze. When she woke the following morning, the pen had vanished. Because she was so young and the object wasn't a toy or something to eat, she didn't dwell on it. When her grandfather eventually inquired about it, she simply told him it was lost. It wasn't until she took up painting years later that the pen suddenly manifested in her hand again. She discovered that any artwork created with it held a magical quality. Only then did she realize the gift her grandfather had bestowed upon her was actually an Exotic Treasure. Initially, she was extremely cautious. When Deng Qingjiang pressured her to paint, she used the pen sparingly and guarded her secret with care. However, Deng Qingjiang proved cunning; he feigned deep concern for her aunt's failing health to manipulate her. He coaxed her into lowering her guard bit by bit until he finally uncovered the truth of the Exotic Treasure she held. After exploiting her until she was completely drained, he heartlessly sold her to a clandestine civilian research facility to be used as a test subject. When the people from the facility came to seize her, she fled to the rooftop. They cornered her there, and during the ensuing struggle, she was shoved off the edge. Now that she had undergone rebirth, had the pen returned to her side as well? If she truly still held that pen, could she summon it now? Or would she be forced to wait until she reached seventeen and resumed her painting for it to reappear? But she already possessed the skills of a master painter now. In her previous life, her works had achieved international fame—even if every ounce of that glory had been stolen by that woman, Ye Wanqing. With that pen in her hand, her power would be unmatched! If she had possessed it then, perhaps her grandmother wouldn't have met such a tragic end! The surge of emotion made it impossible to stay still. Chiang Xiao struggled to sit upright and lifted her right hand. Spreading her palm wide, she visualized the shape of the pen in her mind. Over the many years of her past life, she had practiced summoning the pen until the action was as natural as breathing. In reality, it required nothing more than a single thought. Suddenly, a black pen materialized within her delicate palm. It was roughly the size of a standard pencil but was finished in a deep, profound black. Within its surface, faint traces of starlight seemed to flow and flicker. The tip was slightly curved, capable of shifting between firm and flexible according to her will. Clutching the pen, Chiang Xiao let out a long breath of relief. Fortunately, it was still with her! In her past life, she had been manipulated by Deng Qingjiang, who forced her to produce specific works with the pen just to sell them for exorbitant sums. She had never truly explored the full potential of the pen's power. This time, having been given a second chance, she would never allow those villains to profit from this pen again! She would utilize its power properly and would never reveal its existence so carelessly. "Move out of my way! I'm going to see Little Little. If she really did touch something cursed, I'm bringing the Fairy here tomorrow! We can't have her bringing ruin to the Chiang Family!" The voice of Ho Laidi was getting closer. It appeared her grandparents were unable to hold her back. Chiang Xiao was struck by a sudden inspiration. She moved to quickly draw something with the pen, but her hand began to shake. With a soft whoosh, the pen vanished back into her palm.