Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s Chapter 2287 - 2223: A Bit of Grudge

Chiang Xiao arched her brows in realization. "So this was actually a 'grudge' stemming from the previous generation."

"Old Yang was fuming back then, yet his hands were tied," someone remarked.

At those words, Old Yang declared with a sense of pride, "What do you mean, nothing could be done? You all clearly don't understand that for a gentleman, revenge is a dish best served cold, even if it takes a decade. Didn't I eventually lure that brat Meng Xinian into the Alliance as well? I caught him red-handed trying to steal my vegetables once. I told him straight to his face that he would never amount to anything in his life; at best, he’d spend his days stealing produce, loitering, and getting into brawls until he ended up rotting in jail or beaten to a pulp."

Chiang Xiao found herself unable to suppress a chuckle.

In those days, Meng Xinian must have behaved like a true little devil incarnate; there was no way he would have accepted such insults quietly.

"He was adamant that his future success would outshine everyone else's, so I seized the chance to goad him. I told him it was impossible unless he pursued the path of a Supervisor Guard, otherwise, he didn't stand a chance. I mocked him, saying that with his hooligan attitude, no one would ever recruit him. Driven by that provocation, he actually went and became a Supervisor Guard."

Old Yang gave a proud wink as he continued, "Back when he went to file his application, he was still far too young. I had to secretly figure out a way to sneak him in just so he could experience what being a Supervisor Guard was like. As it turned out, he actually managed to pass the recruitment."

Mother Yang could only shake her head with a sigh. "Tsk, look at you. You’re already at this age, yet you’re still keeping score. Meng Donghai convinced your son to become a Supervisor Guard, so you retaliated by tricking his grandson into doing the same."

Old Yang let out a heavy sigh. "What else was I supposed to do? That boy was out fighting every single day back then. His father refused to discipline him properly; whenever people came to complain, the man would just grab a broom and beat him. I could see he was suffering in that household. Staying there any longer would have ruined his entire life. Becoming a Supervisor Guard offered him a future; that little rascal just needed the strict discipline of the Alliance to set him straight. And as it turns out, reality has proven he was a perfect fit for the Alliance."

That explained the circumstances behind Meng Xinian joining the Alliance at such a tender age.

Chiang Xiao felt that her visit had been well worth it, if only to hear such a fascinating backstory.

"In my opinion, Little Meng's greatest stroke of luck was meeting Little Chiang," Mother Yang said, smiling warmly as she looked at Chiang Xiao. "I find this girl so charming, and she is truly beautiful. I'll go wash some small apples for you to snack on."

"Thank you, Auntie," Chiang Xiao replied quickly, expressing her gratitude before presenting the box of mung bean-flavored pastries she had brought.

"I baked these myself, please have a taste."

Old Yang shook his head in refusal. "I only mentioned that stuff in passing. My health isn't what it used to be, and my body is being quite uncooperative. I can hardly eat anything these days; I survive on rice soup and a bit of fruit every day. Your Auntie can't handle sweets either because of her teeth. Giving these to us would be a waste of good food. You should take them back and enjoy them yourself. There's no need for such formalities when you're here with Big Master."

Chiang Xiao had been calling him "Uncle" previously, but since he had referred to himself as "Big Master," she naturally shifted her form of address to match.

"Big Master, why is it that you can't eat?"

"I'm not entirely sure of the reason myself. Perhaps it's just old age and my body finally breaking down. I simply have no appetite. All those vegetables and fruits I tend to every day are really just grown for Zhiqi and Little Meng to eat."

It seemed that when Meng Xinian had mentioned stealing that tomato, he had done so intentionally, knowing full well the harvest was meant for him and Yang Zhiqi anyway.

"Then why didn't Tyrant Meng mention any of this to me?"

Chiang Xiao found the situation quite peculiar.

Old Yang seemed even more confused by her line of questioning.

He couldn't understand why such a trivial matter would need to be brought up to her.

Would telling her about his poor appetite change the situation at all?

"Big Master, isn't surviving on just rice soup and a little fruit every day far from enough? You must be feeling incredibly hungry, aren't you?"