Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s Chapter 2379 - 2315: Still Won’t Let Her Go

"Grandpa, his name is Ding Haijing, and I brought him on board."

Old Meng let out a long breath of relief at last, though surprise lingered in his eyes, "Why on earth did you bring someone like that?"

"I’m her bodyguard."

Chiang Xiao hadn’t planned to spill it outright, worried it might alarm Old Meng, yet Ding Haijing beat her to the punch and blurted it out.

"What? A bodyguard?" Old Meng jumped in shock: "Little one, have you run into some shady characters? Why hire a bodyguard out of the blue?"

In these times, who even thinks about hiring bodyguards?

What kind of threats demand such protection?

His concern was real and deep.

Chiang Xiao shot Ding Haijing a sharp look, and he caught on quick that he’d slipped up. Scratching his nose awkwardly, he flashed her a sorry glance and muttered, "I’ll go fetch the others to step in."

"There are others too?" Old Meng’s eyes widened in astonishment.

Chiang Xiao explained, "It’s really not a big deal. But with my dad heading back home, my real identity won’t stay secret for long, so I rounded up a couple of folks to help ease everyone’s minds a little."

Old Meng knew “everyone” included Meng Xinian for sure.

He gave a nod, signaling he got the picture.

Still, worry creased his brow as he added, "True enough, no one saw it coming that you’re actually from the prestigious Jiang Family of D State."

They’d learned the truth afterward and kept it hushed, only whispering about it in casual talks with Meng Chaojun, marveling at the twist.

Meng Chaojun, for his part, now saw how foolish he’d been back then.

He’d figured Chiang Xiao was punching way above her weight by joining the Meng Family, like a plain bird flying into a nest of royals, but her roots turned out to be far grander.

Should Jiang Shiheng seize control of the Jiang Family, Chiang Xiao—as the daughter of such a powerhouse—could snag a Junior General without breaking a sweat, never mind Commander Meng.

These days, he felt grateful she wasn’t the type he’d imagined.

Her true heritage hadn’t shifted her much from before he knew.

Actually, she seemed gentler now.

That fiery stubbornness had softened up.

Chiang Xiao’s words eased Old Meng’s doubts too.

She guided him to a seat, passed over some tea leaves for him to steep on his own, "Grandpa, I’ll head off to mix up the potion."

"Go ahead, no rush."

Old Meng, settled in this spot and brewing the fine tea straight from Chiang Xiao’s stash, felt a wave of satisfaction and calm wash over him.

Over on the other side, Ye Wanqing lay sobbing on her bed, tears streaming endlessly.

She’d been kicked out of the art academy!

Ye Wanqing could hardly believe she’d face expulsion from the art academy!

Yet the reality hit hard.

No more classes for her—what was left to do?

She’d fired off a message to Deng Qingjiang, begging him to rush over, but days had dragged by since then—three full ones—and still no sign of him.

Ye Wanqing sensed her entire life crumbling around her.

Right in the midst of her wretched cries, heavy knocks pounded at the door.

Chen Kaijin’s voice boomed from beyond, "You little fox, get the door! Show yourself! I know you’re hiding inside. Open up right this second!"

Ye Wanqing bolted upright, eyes blazing at the door.

She knew that voice all too well—Chen Kaijin, whom she loathed with every fiber.

Without Chen Kaijin stirring up chaos at the art academy, expulsion would never have touched her!

She’d make her pay dearly!

"Keep ignoring me, and I’ll get someone with an axe to smash it down! Don’t think I won’t!"

Terrified she might actually follow through, and burning with rage, Ye Wanqing dashed to the kitchen, scooped up a basin of icy water, flung the door wide, and hurled the whole thing straight at Chen Kaijin’s face.