Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s Chapter 2486 - 2422: Truly Pathetic

Previously on Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s...
Old Master Jiang becomes increasingly suspicious of Lu Shuangshuang due to circulating rumors and decides she must return to the Lu Family to avoid harm. He instructs Jiang Qiuyan to inform her directly, even as Old Master Lu's arrival approaches, evoking mixed feelings of gratitude and doubt in him. Reflecting on Jiang Liu's past revelations, Old Master Jiang chooses to act now to gauge her reactions. As Jiang Qiuyan departs to deliver the message, she encounters Fourth and Fifth Master Jiang.

However, Fifth Master leads a hermit-like existence from dawn till dusk, seemingly devoid of any ambitions or cravings, his daily fare nothing but modest and unembellished. As a result, the Jiang Family frequently remarks that if Second Master had embraced a lifestyle akin to Fifth Master's, he might very well still be thriving today.

"Fourth Uncle, Fifth Uncle, I’ll take my leave now."

"Go on, go on." Fourth Master Jiang waved his hand.

Once Jiang Qiuyan had departed, Fourth Master Jiang turned to Fifth Master and remarked, "Old Five, you mentioned needing Doctor Chen, and you pulled me into this too. Boss isn’t some ferocious beast; if you require a physician, why on earth would he refuse?"

"It’s not like that, Fourth Brother. It’s been ages since we last shared a relaxed chat over tea with Boss. With this opportunity, gathering to discuss family affairs isn’t a bad idea at all."

"Never mind. What’s the appeal of tea anyway? You’ve stuck to plain tea and water all your life—haven’t you grown weary of it?"

Fifth Master Jiang gave a bitter smile, "What choice do I have? This body of mine just can’t handle more."

They headed indoors in search of Old Master Jiang, only to encounter him as he was about to leave for Jiang Shiheng’s residence.

Upon spotting them, Old Master Jiang stopped in his tracks.

"Laosi, Laowu, is there something you need?"

"Boss, Laowu wants to borrow Doctor Chen from you." Fourth Master Jiang quickly inquired, "Where are you off to?"

"Off to Xiao Sixth’s place. Is something the matter with Laowu? Not well?"

Fifth Master Jiang had long maintained a personal physician attending to him, though that doctor served at the D State hospital and wasn’t exclusively the Jiang Family’s own.

Naturally, in cases of urgent developments, Chen Yiping would make the trip to examine him as well.

Yet, Fifth Master Jiang’s condition showed no signs of improvement; the physicians noted that his strict self-control at least kept it from deteriorating further.

Still, it loomed like a blade suspended above, a constant fight against sickness while adhering to rigid habits—true joy remained elusive.

Thus, Fifth Master Jiang typically withdrew into seclusion, and rumors often circulated that he was recuperating from poor health. With him now seeking Chen Baoshen, Old Master Jiang couldn’t help but suspect another bout of discomfort.

Fifth Master Jiang explained, "Over the last few days, I’ve experienced some chest discomfort and headaches; nothing severe, but with Doctor Chen present, I thought he could check me out and maybe suggest a remedy to ease things a little."

Old Master Jiang regarded him worriedly, then shook his head, saying, "Laowu, your health is truly... I’m on my way to Xiao Sixth’s; shall we head there together?"

"To Xiao Sixth’s? Absolutely, let’s accompany you." Fifth Master Jiang chuckled, adding, "You remember, when Xiao Sixth was young, I hoisted him on my shoulders often and even let him ride me like a pony. We shared a real bond then, but since his return, he comes across as rather distant."

He spoke with a touch of nostalgia.

Ever since Jiang Liu came back, his demeanor toward everyone appeared even-handed, politely acknowledging those he knew and waiting for cues from those around him to greet unfamiliar ones.

It gave the impression that he regarded all equally.

Old Master Jiang let out a sigh, "Don’t hold it against Xiao Sixth. He’s forgotten so much, and after twenty years away from home, feeling like a stranger is understandable. Just see Laoliu and Laoba—once they wed and came back, things shifted from how they were pre-marriage. They’ve grown far more polite with us now."

Fifth Master Jiang chuckled once more, "You’re right."

Fourth Master Jiang huffed and declared, "Boss, I’m telling you, we ought to dig up that incident with Xiao Sixth from the past and probe it deeply! It’s utterly disgraceful! Xiao Sixth is one of ours, and it unfolded right in our D State—how did we allow such a travesty? Shouldn’t we all hang our heads in shame?"