Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s Chapter 2317 - 2253: Three Rumors

Previously on Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s...

Chiang Xiao identifies the immense value of a bracelet offered by Yang Zhiqi, leading her to express concern over the potential legal or social repercussions of accepting such an expensive gift. Yang Zhiqi clarifies the item's history as a form of interest from a past loan and, moved by Chiang Xiao’s sincerity and protective nature, insists she keep it. Despite her hesitation and lack of experience with such generosity, Meng Xinian eventually encourages her to accept the gift after Yang Zhiqi refuses to take it back.

While it currently might be worth twenty to thirty thousand, the true value of this bracelet far exceeds that. Is it appropriate to accept such an extravagant gift as a mere meeting present?

Raising an eyebrow, Meng Xinian gestured for her to approach him.

Chiang Xiao walked toward him, feeling a bit confused as to what he intended.

As she reached him, Meng Xinian cupped her face and asked with a serious expression, "Chiang Xiaoxiao, tell me something. Why are you treating a gift worth twenty to thirty thousand like it’s worth hundreds of thousands? Why can't you just accept it?"

His logic was sound; since she could sell a single painting for thousands, twenty or thirty thousand shouldn't seem like such a staggering amount to her.

Uh...

Her heart skipped a beat before she quickly replied, "I've heard that jade, much like gold, preserves its value—actually, jade is even more precious. Don't people say that gold has a price, but jade is priceless? I believe that if we hold onto this, its worth will only continue to skyrocket in the future."

Meng Xinian nodded in agreement.

"Just take it. At most... you can help him by preparing some ointment. Old Yang suffered a back injury in the past, and it flares up whenever the weather turns windy or rainy."

"Well... Grandpa Chen actually taught me a specific recipe for that, and I happen to have all the necessary ingredients."

"In that case, prepare a few batches for him and bring them along the next time you visit."

Chiang Xiao shot a sidelong glance at Meng Xinian, instantly seeing through his scheme. "You just want an excuse for me to come back again, don't you?"

Meng Xinian pulled her into a hug, settling her onto his lap. Resting his chin against her shoulder, he let out a soft laugh. "You put so much effort into creating that green rooftop garden; you can't just leave it behind. You should come stay for a few days whenever you can, perhaps on the weekends."

"I've already fertilized the garden. Even if I'm not here, everything will grow perfectly fine," Chiang Xiao remarked. "Don't be lazy; make sure to harvest the vegetables occasionally and cook for yourself."

When she mentioned fertilizing, she was actually referring to the layer of Spatial Black Soil she had spread.

Furthermore, those homegrown vegetables were far more nourishing than the bland food served in the cafeteria.

"I'm not going to cook. I'll just pick them and ask Aunt Yang to prepare them. I'll eat over there and wait for you to come back and cook for me."

Chiang Xiao couldn't help but burst into laughter.

"You might not realize this, but if it's just for Uncle Yang's ointment, I could actually finish making it tonight."

"I won't allow you to stay up late tonight. You need to stay with me and sleep."

"Tyrant Meng, that's quite enough!"

Chiang Xiao gave him a sharp pinch. When he talked about sleeping, it was never just rest—it was exhausting. They had already spent two consecutive nights like that; what more could he possibly want?

"I heard that over the last couple of days, a rumor has been circulating around your camp that I'm some kind of tiger-woman, right?" Chiang Xiao suddenly recalled the matter.

Since her arrival, she hadn't visited the cafeteria and rarely ventured outside. Her only outings were long walks with Meng Xinian after dinner.

Because of the evening chill, they rarely encountered others, though they did run into a few people occasionally.

Everyone had been polite, but Chiang Xiao had noticed their expressions were somewhat strange, though not unkind.

It wasn't until Dai Gang had pulled her aside this afternoon to whisper the news that she realized three different rumors about her had spread in just a few days.

The first version claimed that on the day she arrived, Meng Xinian had locked the door and scolded her until she cried.

The second rumor alleged that she had caught Meng Xinian on a blind date and caused such a massive scene that Old Yang had to intervene as a mediator.

The third version suggested she was a fierce tiger-woman, and that even the formidable Tyrant Meng didn't dare raise his voice to her.