Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s Chapter 2439 - 2375: Cannot Be Controlled by Others

Chiang Xiao grabbed her hand and urged her to spin around before dashing back the way they came.

On the way, she glanced over her shoulder once more at the fellow.

From the water, the man stretched out an arm, gave a wave, and showed a wide smile.

"Take your time, I'll wait right here," he shouted after them.

Meng Xinian caught the sound of hurried steps nearby, whipped his head around to check, and hurried toward them while dropping what was in his grip.

"Is everything okay?"

Chiang Xiao eased her speed, noticing she'd alarmed him.

"Nothing's wrong, really."

At that, Meng Xinian's knotted nerves finally loosened.

He understood he'd probably been genuinely spooked by Hu Xiangyong. Recognizing this, Meng Xinian creased his forehead.

Such a sensation felt utterly awful.

How had he grown so controlled by someone else?

Thus, finding a way out remained essential.

Yet this wasn't the moment to ponder it further.

"What's going on? Why the frantic sprint?"

"Over there's a lake where a guy in the water mentioned hooking a huge fish he can't pull up by himself. He wondered if we'd lend a hand, promising half the catch if we did," Chiang Xiao explained.

"There's somebody there?" Chen Yin sounded surprised.

Wang Yi chimed in right away, "Yeah, he's even got a wooden boat. Plus, that lake's view is stunningly gorgeous."

Meng Xinian eyed Chiang Xiao and questioned, "Fancy some fish?"

Truth be told, they hadn't packed any fish with them.

Chiang Xiao batted her eyes, "The water in that lake looks so pure, so the fish has to taste amazing."

"Alright, let's lend a hand then."

If she craved it, that sufficed for him.

Chen Yin observed Meng Xinian acting every bit the devoted spouse, deep in thought.

Normally sharp as ever, Meng Xinian would've probed first about the stranger's identity or any red flags, yet the instant Chiang Xiao brought up claiming half the fish, his mind jumped straight to securing it for her.

He truly prioritized Chiang Xiao above all.

Does that mean he's falling short for Wang Yi?

"Come on, let's check it out."

Meng Xinian pivoted and instructed, "No, you keep watch here."

All their upcoming meal items sat there, and should a shady figure draw them off to tamper with the supplies, the whole group would succumb.

Even if Chiang Xiao and he might detect any tampering at once, did they truly need to sample every bit beforehand?

"How about shifting all this to the lake's edge for grilling? The view there is absolutely breathtaking," Chiang Xiao proposed.

"Whatever you say," Meng Xinian agreed without hesitation, "Chen Yin figured hauling stuff over would be a hassle before."

Chen Yin: "..."

Sorry, Officer Meng, come again?

Didn't you voice that first?

Still, he shot a look at Meng Xinian and let it slide.

Never mind, no point arguing with a lifelong rogue.

Back in those days, who hadn't suffered under his brazen antics?

Even now, he puzzled over how a compound tough like Meng Xinian ended up enlisting.

Everyone hefted a few items and headed toward the lake.

The fellow had gotten clothed by then, perched on the boat with his bare toes still trailing in the water, whistling a crude melody while chewing on a little bloom.

As they approached laden with gear, his gaze sparkled, and the tiny flower slipped from his lips into the lake when he opened his mouth.

"Planning a barbecue? Wonderful! I'd been mulling over whittling a few branches, stacking rocks for a basic setup, and simply roasting the fish plain. With all you've hauled along, it'll make things so much better."