"That's good, that's good. If you encounter any difficulties, remember to ask us old friends for help. Of course, especially our old friend Su Mo."
"..." Jiang Jianhuan didn't know how to continue, but Bai Qiu, unusually, showed some emotional intelligence and asked her a question.
"How is your father's health lately?" As if a doctor were having an occupational lapse, Jiang Jianhuan smiled and replied softly.
"I'm doing quite well lately, and my condition is about the same as before the surgery."
Bai Qiu didn't say anything more, just nodded.
"Don't overwork yourself, and get plenty of rest."
The dishes were served quickly, and the group began to eat. Jiang Jianhuan always liked to eat ribs, but that dish was a bit far from her. Jiang Jianhuan didn't like to turn the plate around at the table, so she only picked at the few dishes in front of her.
Li Li loves spicy food, so she ordered Sichuan-style diced chicken and stir-fried pork. Zhou You specially placed them in front of her. The girl ate with great enthusiasm, her lips turning bright red from the spiciness. Jiang Jianhuan avoided her, focusing instead on the tomato and egg dish and the stir-fried bamboo shoots.
Halfway through the meal, Su Mo suddenly stood up and swapped the dish in front of him with the ribs in front of Jian Ziming. Everyone was puzzled. A moment later, Su Mo picked up a piece of rib and put it in Jiang Jianhuan's bowl.
All of this was done quietly. Jiang Jianhuan paused for a moment while picking up his chopsticks, but said nothing and continued eating silently.
In fact, everyone around could see the little things between the two, but Zhou You and Bai Qiu pretended not to see them. Tong Xin reached out and nudged Jian Ziming.
"Look at other people."
“We’ve been married for ages,” Jian Ziming immediately retorted, jokingly. Tong Xin glanced at him, her expression a half-smile.
"If I disappear abroad without a word, will you keep a clean reputation and wait for me to come back quietly for the next few years?"
“Of course I can!” Jian Ziming exclaimed excitedly, while Tong Xin sneered and continued to ask.
"Would someone's personality drastically change, locking themselves in their room day and night writing songs, almost dying without anyone knowing?"
"Will it lead to addiction to tobacco and alcohol?"
"Why would they cling to the past for so many years without daring to change, only to fawn over someone the moment they return?"
At first, Jian Ziming tried to defend himself, but later everyone realized that Tong Xin was implying something and fell silent. The air was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop. Finally, Su Mo spoke up to stop them.
"That's enough." He looked at Tong Xin, a hint of anger in his eyes.
"Stop talking."
Tong Xin sneered, looked at Jiang Jianhuan, and spoke coldly.
"Do you know that the house you rented back then has remained exactly the same, with no changes to any of the furnishings?"
"I don't even dare to disconnect my old SIM card; I've been paying for it for several years."
"Of course." She changed the subject, her expression blank.
"Old Jane told me all this. I don't usually like to meddle in other people's business, but I just happened to see it today and couldn't help myself."
Tong Xin packed his things, pulled out a chair, stood up, pointed at their group of people, and said sarcastically.
"I really can't stand watching them all whitewash the situation."
"Old Jian, let's go."
After saying that, Tong Xin left with her bag. Jian Ziming quickly apologized to them and then chased after her. The atmosphere was quiet for a few seconds before Zhou You spoke first, chuckling awkwardly.
"Well, it's not as exaggerated as she said... Don't worry about it, come on, let's keep eating."
Jiang Jianhuan kept her eyes down, staring at the table. When she heard Zhou You speak, she blinked, then slowly raised her head and gave a smile.
"No need, I'm full." She glanced at the time and said goodbye.
"It's getting late, I have to go back now. Goodbye, Lili, let's play together again next time." Jiang Jianhuan hugged Lili next to her, and the little girl gave her a reluctant kiss on the cheek.
"Then don't lie to me."
"Definitely not."
"I'll see you off." Just as Jiang Jianhuan was about to get up, Su Mo suddenly spoke up and stood up with her.
"No need." Jiang Jianhuan shook her head, looking at him calmly.
I want to be alone.
Su Mo pursed his lips, looking somewhat anxious, with unease and trepidation hidden in his eyes. He immediately explained.
"Tong Xin doesn't know the circumstances of our breakup, and she doesn't know that I misunderstood and thought you were arguing first... Please don't be angry."
"I'm not angry," Jiang Jianhuan replied softly. She was just... a little sad.
"It's late, and you have to go to work tomorrow. Be careful on your way home." Jiang Jianhuan smiled at Su Mo, quickly lowered her head, turned around, and left. After she left, Su Mo stood there with a gloomy face, not moving for a long time.
The atmosphere became tense for a moment.
Zhou You and Bai Qiu exchanged a glance, just as they were about to make their escape, when Su Mo took out her phone and dialed Jian Ziming's number, launching into a tirade of abuse.
The person on the other end seemed to be apologizing and begging for forgiveness, but Su Mo's anger did not subside. Finally, she hung up the phone and threw it onto the table.
"Calm down, calm down. There are children here, don't frighten them." Zhou You quickly handed over tea. Su Mo glanced at Li Li who was still beside her, realized what was happening, and her expression stiffened.
"It's okay, I won't tell Sister Jiang." The little girl opened her big eyes, looking very innocent and cute.
"Thank you, Lili." Su Mo forced a smile and reached out to pat her head.
-
It was a bit chilly at night, and Jiang Jianhuan felt a chill from the inside out when the cold wind blew on her, causing her to shiver involuntarily.