Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s Chapter 2408 - 2344: Does He Like Me?

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

Chiang Xiao checked on Liu Guoying the next morning, relieved to learn he felt refreshed after the previous night's incident, confirming Hu Xiangyong had only drawn a small amount of his blood. Puzzled by Hu's swift method and motives—especially his attempt to draw her blood and his apparent lack of fear over exposing his role in shooting Tyrant Meng—she pondered the dangers he posed, unable to reach Tyrant Meng in the Enclosed Camp or join her father in D State. As she headed to visit Chen Kaijin at District Three Hospital, Ji Yuzhi approached her on the playground, leading them to sit by the uneven bars where Ji asked Chiang Xiao's opinion of Hu Xiangyong before confessing her desire to find a marriage partner.

So?

What if she just seeks out a dependable guy to wed? Why tangle herself up with a fellow like Hu Xiangyong?

Ji Yuzhi herself is quite attractive, and she holds a solid position too. Given her background, landing a suitable match ought to be straightforward.

Perhaps her expectations are simply set too lofty.

Chiang Xiao mulled over this idea, yet realized it wouldn't be wise to voice it directly to Ji Yuzhi.

After all, they barely knew one another, far from being actual acquaintances.

Ji Yuzhi served only as an office worker at the academy, so no real mentor-student bond existed between them.

Moreover, Chiang Xiao lacked deep insight into Ji Yuzhi's life; a subtle hint might help, but what if it got back to Hu Xiangyong through her?

Thus, she simply sealed her lips.

"I figure Mr. Hu's background is impressive indeed. I even inquired, and he mentioned a brief union in his past—merely six months—before his spouse succumbed to sickness, leaving him solitary ever since."

Succumbed to sickness?

Strangely enough, this detail sparked an immediate wave of doubt within Chiang Xiao's mind.

Hu Xiangyong had reached thirty-two years old—assuming that figure rang true, which aligned with his looks. By that stage in life, marriage was a given.

Yet, peculiarities surrounding Hu Xiangyong didn't seem out of place.

As a result, Chiang Xiao even pondered if he'd truly tied the knot at all.

Should a marriage have occurred, questions lingered about his wife's fate—whether she'd survived, or if illness truly claimed her—each possibility stirring more suspicion.

"Oh."

"Oh?" Ji Yuzhi shot her a look and remarked, "How peculiar this is—why am I spilling these details to you, a mere youngster? Perhaps it's because we crossed paths with him on the identical day, making it feel effortless to confide in you. Chiang Xiao, you've dodged my query still: what's your take on Mr. Hu?"

Chiang Xiao paused briefly before replying, "Bearded heavily, and affluent."

"Pff."

Ji Yuzhi couldn't suppress a sudden chuckle.

Her amusement lingered for some time, after which she lightly tapped Chiang Xiao's forehead with a finger, declaring, "You're quite the character, Chiang Xiao."

Heavily bearded?

Affluent?

Was that truly the essence of her inquiry?

"Beyond those traits, haven't you formed any further views?"

"Nope, since I scarcely know the man, what else could I possibly add?"

"Fair enough, yet don't you find him open-handed and direct? Consider how he proposed such a generous sum for your artwork."

Chiang Xiao resisted the urge to roll her eyes.

"On that note, I was hoping you'd pass along a message: I'm unable to fulfill his request for that portrait commission. Should he desire solely the scenery from the snapshot, I could handle it—for fifty thousand."

Ji Yuzhi's eyes expanded in surprise. "Why ever not? You'd accept fifty thousand but reject ten thousand?"

She truly failed to grasp it.

Chiang Xiao shook her head. "I refuse because I don't offer my self-portraits for sale."

"But why?"

"No particular cause; I simply dislike the notion of my likeness displayed on some wall for countless unfamiliar eyes."

Chiang Xiao saw no folly in her stance.

"Still, fifty thousand..."

"My worth exceeds fifty thousand." Chiang Xiao offered a faint smile as she rose. "Teacher Ji, I've got matters to attend to, so I'll head out now."

"Hold on, Chiang Xiao, just a second."

Ji Yuzhi hesitated, gazing at her, then yielded to the impulse and inquired, "In your view, does Mr. Hu harbor feelings for me?"

This time around, Chiang Xiao actually rolled her eyes.