CHAPTER 49: CHAPTER 49: FLIRTING AND BICKERING

"That’s not what I meant, you know your sister has a quick temper. She didn’t mean it that way, don’t misunderstand. We were just conveniently passing by, and thought since we were giving a ride to everyone, why not give you two a ride as well."

"After all, we’re family. Seeing how hard my brother-in-law works and how things haven’t been going well for you, we, as your elder brother and sister, naturally help when we can. Plus, there are no familiar faces in this village, and we thought we’d come to your home to get a drink of water."

Xie Fengmian’s mind suddenly became much clearer, and he directly pulled Ye Xiaotong behind him, looking eagerly at Ye Manman.

Ye Manman saw his sleazy expression and worried he might touch her, so she quickly stepped back half a step, her fair little hand clutching He Chen’s forearm.

"Which eye of yours sees we’re not doing well? Is your condition of overthinking still not cured?"

"And why would there be no familiar faces in the village? The Ye Family is still my sister’s family home. Why not visit your in-laws first before coming to our house?"

He Chen was very pleased with Ye Manman’s reaction, especially when Xie Fengmian looked at the hand on his arm with jealousy, which made him involuntarily smile.

"And we don’t need you to bring us any warmth. I’m already tired of duck meat. If there’s nothing else, please leave. I still have to eat lunch."

With that, her pretty nose twitched as she playfully shook He Chen’s arm.

"He Chen, is the meal ready? I’m so hungry."

"Almost ready, we’ll be eating soon."

He Chen gazed at her tenderly, his eyes full of affection.

Ye Xiaotong watched, gritting her teeth in jealousy, especially since Xie Fengmian beside her was not only filled with envy but also couldn’t help watching Ye Manman, completely forgetting his actual wife was by his side.

She stepped forward and blocked He Chen as he was about to close the door, wedging herself in the doorway.

"Wait, don’t close the door, I still have something to say. Why are you in such a hurry to kick us out, unless you have a guilty conscience?"

He Chen ignored her and still wanted to close the door. Ye Xiaotong directly pushed her belly forward.

"I’m pregnant, you better not move recklessly!"

Her threat worked; He Chen indeed let go and did not hold the door anymore.

However, both He Chen and Ye Manman were looking at her with expressions akin to seeing a lunatic.

"What madness are you on about now?"

Ye Manman felt every encounter with either of them was a nuisance, let alone both coming to her doorstep this time.

She was utterly fed up.

Leaning against the door, Ye Xiaotong wore a hateful expression.

"You know very well whether it’s madness or not. Flirting with my husband in front of yours, Ye Manman, I’ve underestimated your shameless and degraded ways!"

"And you said you didn’t flirt with Fengmian last time. Look at the eager way he acts around you. Someone who doesn’t know might think there’s something between you two. Now we’re all here, so clear things up."

Her words were extremely harsh this time, and not only did He Chen and Ye Manman change their expressions, but Xie Fengmian also frowned.

He couldn’t help but recall the image of a rural shrew, just like Ye Xiaotong’s current behavior. Initially, he had hoped she was just somewhat vain, but never expected her true nature to be that of a shrew.

"Ye Xiaotong, there’s really nothing between us. I’ve told you multiple times, why don’t you believe me?"

Xie Fengmian was very annoyed too; he wanted to pull Ye Xiaotong away, but she always used her pregnancy as a shield, and he didn’t want to really harm the child inside.

Besides, he hadn’t planned on divorcing her yet and had agreed to let her have the baby. He was merely trying to increase Ye Manman’s favorability, yet she was so sensitive and suspicious.

Ye Xiaotong truly didn’t believe it and instead became more convinced of her assumptions because of Xie Fengmian’s explanation.

"Brother-in-law, you probably aren’t clear-headed either, right? Before marrying you, my sister was head over heels for my husband. Otherwise, with her usually cowardly nature, she wouldn’t have changed like this after Fengmian married me."

"This story is quite long. Back when Fengmian was in our village’s mountains looking for wild chickens and ducks to bring back for breeding, he got lost. It was my good sister who led him down the mountain."

She spoke while also looking mockingly at He Chen, as if he was foolish for treating Ye Manman like a treasure.

"Imagine, a single man and woman hiding from the rain on a mountain. Think about what might happen between them? After returning home, Fengmian was eager to come to our house to thank her."

She narrated convincingly, specifically emphasizing their time alone together.

As expected, He Chen’s expression changed slightly. However, he recalled the scene from a few days ago of them huddled in a tent on the mountain for warmth, causing his face to flush a bit.

Of course, he trusted Ye Manman. If she really fancied Xie Fengmian, she wouldn’t have married him. Since she did, he believed her.

Ye Xiaotong seemed confident, and Xie Fengmian was also drawn into the memories by her words.

Unexpectedly, Ye Manman, as if she wasn’t the subject of the story, sneered and asked.

"Yeah, you say our brother-in-law specially came to our house to thank me, clearly he had taken a liking to me. How did he end up with you then, sister?"

Showing no concern for the bizarre atmosphere among the other three, she continued to retort.

"Why stop talking, sister? The next part of the story is even more exciting, isn’t it? Why not share how you got together with our brother-in-law?"

Ye Xiaotong was momentarily stunned, her face turning ugly, though she managed to feign composure.

"How we got together is none of your business, is it? The key issue is the lingering connection between you and him, isn’t it? You’re married and still can’t behave, even flirting with Fengmian right in front of me and your husband."

The two men wisely remained silent—one out of shame and regret, and the other due to absolute trust.

Ye Manman smiled again.

She looked up and asked He Chen.

"He Chen, was I flirting with him?"

He Chen shook his head.

Ye Manman’s delicate eyebrows arched up as she spread her hands.

"See, your persecution complex is still not treated. I’m just standing in my own home, casually saying a few words, and it’s flirting? I’m truly wronged."

"I advise that if your brain can still be treated, do so first. Illness shouldn’t be delayed."

"Suspecting others of seducing your husband—ever thought maybe only you see him as valuable? To others, he’s nothing. You’re like a dung beetle clinging to him every day, afraid someone might snatch him."

With a scrutinizing gaze, Ye Manman glanced up and down at Ye Xiaotong, who was dressed with no taste at all, and smiled slightly.

"Moreover, didn’t you and my husband speak more just now? Should I also suspect you two of flirting right in front of me?"

At this, He Chen suddenly spoke up seriously.

"I wouldn’t. I was just trying to get them to leave. I could never like someone like her."

Ye Manman didn’t expect He Chen to be so endearing and couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

"Got it. Of course I believe you wouldn’t fancy someone like her. It’s clear her mind hasn’t been treated yet."

After reassuring He Chen, she turned to give Ye Xiaotong a bright smile.

"By the way, speaking of this, sister, since you’re here, I’d like to ask for this month’s items while I’m at it. You still remember, right?"