Reborn as a Landlord-Chapter 1572 - 800: Joy Upon Raising One’s Head (Part 2)
"It’s fine even if you’ve eaten, have some more at my place. Our bean paste buns are especially delicious," Xiao Qi said, letting Xiao Hetao accompany Xiao Tanzhi to the side room to sit and eat.
"Sister, we just saw Yin Suo and her mother at the temple," Xiao Qi told Lian Manman as they walked toward the main courtyard.
Today is the second day of the month, and Lian Lanlan returned to her mother’s house, which is not unusual.
"Just the two of them? Are they just arriving now? Did they take a cart?" Lian Manman asked casually.
"Sister, I saw them leaving the village and heading to the town," Xiao Qi quickly replied.
This was a bit strange, making Lian Manman stop in her tracks. Lian Lanlan visiting her mother’s house, even if not staying overnight, should at least stay for lunch before leaving. But at this Chinese hour, even if Lian Lanlan left the county town super early and arrived at Thirty Mile Camp early, there wouldn’t be enough time to eat lunch.
Wu Jiaxing and Lian Zhizhi came from the town quite early, and the family hasn’t even had lunch yet.
Leaving in such a rush without eating lunch, something must be up.
"Xiao Qi, did you see anyone sending them off?" Lian Manman asked Xiao Qi again.
"No one was accompanying them, it was just Yin Suo and her mother. They were walking to the town and seemed quite hurried. Yin Suo and her mother’s faces did not look good," Xiao Qi told Lian Manman.
"Sister, I thought it was weird too, that’s why I told you," Xiao Qi added to Lian Manman.
"I see, then it probably doesn’t mean something suddenly happened at home and they have to rush back," Lian Manman mused to herself, "Did they have a falling out with the old residence?"
But Lady Zhou always cherished Lian Lanlan, elevating her standing significantly. Why would they have a falling out?
If not Lady Zhou, there must be someone else in the old residence. Who would dare confront Lady Zhou and upset Lian Lanlan and Yin Suo to the point of making them leave?
"Xiao Qing," Lian Manman thought for a moment, then called the maid Xiao Qing over, "Pick a couple of soft and easy-to-eat dishes and send them to the old residence."
Lian Manman whispered a few more instructions to Xiao Qing, who nodded and went to the kitchen.
"Sister, are you sending Xiao Qing to find out more?" Xiao Qi asked Lian Manman.
"Yes," Lian Manman nodded.
She instructed Xiao Qing to take the chance of sending dishes to the old residence to find out what was happening with Lian Lanlan. Lian Manman’s actions weren’t just out of curiosity but a necessary precaution.
The old residence has Old Master Lian and Lady Zhou, and their connections are intricate. Even though Lian Lanlan seems obedient now, she still wields significant influence over Lady Zhou. Keeping a handle on the old residence’s situation is essential to avoid being caught off guard.
As Lian Manman took Xiao Qi to the back courtyard, they encountered Wu Jiaxing, who had just finished talking with Lady Zhang. Wu Jiaxing had a broad smile, almost grinning ear to ear, and his steps were somewhat unsteady.
Lian Manman couldn’t help but chuckle silently, knowing Lady Zhang must’ve told Wu Jiaxing about Lian Zhizhi’s good news, and that’s why he was so happy about becoming a father.
"Brother-in-law," Lian Manman and Xiao Qi stopped and greeted Wu Jiaxing.
"Manman, Xiao Qi, hehe, hehe," Wu Jiaxing said foolishly.
"Xiao Qi, accompany our brother-in-law to the front hall," Lian Manman hurriedly instructed Xiao Qi to accompany Wu Jiaxing, lest he accidentally bump into a wall while walking.
"Brother-in-law, have you been drinking? Why are you so happy?" Xiao Qi, unaware of Lian Zhizhi’s possible pregnancy, asked as he accompanied Wu Jiaxing to the front.
Lian Manman couldn’t hold back her laughter.
Back in the rear courtyard, Lady Zhang and Lian Zhizhi were both full of joy, chatting intimately.
Lian Manman climbed onto the kang and shared what she heard from Xiao Qi earlier, that Lian Lanlan and Yin Suo left for the county town without having lunch, and then she shared her guess.
"It seems like they indeed had a falling out," Lady Zhang remarked, "Normally, they’d stay for a meal at least, and if they were leaving, people from the old residence would go to town and bring a cart to the door before they’d leave."
"Didn’t they say Si Lang works in the county and usually stays at their house? How could they have a falling out?" Lian Zhizhi wondered.
Si Lang went to work at the paper craft shop during the last lunar month, and before long, it was the New Year. The shop temporarily shut down, opening again after the tenth of the first month. Si Lang is resting at home now.
Lady Zhou treated Lian Lanlan very well initially, and with Si Lang staying at Lian Lanlan’s house, Lian Shouyi’s people also have to curry favor with them. There’s no reason for a conflict.
Lian Manman couldn’t think of a reason, and Lady Zhang, contemplating, didn’t speak either.
"How is Si Lang doing at the paper craft shop?" Lian Zhizhi asked again.
"I’ve heard it’s going well," Lian Manman replied, "He didn’t work for long before the holiday. If he doesn’t lose interest and continues working well, the old residence will have someone more to support the household."
"How much is he earning per month now?" Lian Zhizhi asked again.
"That’s hard to say," Lian Manman shook her head, "I heard he didn’t bring home any money in those few days, saying the shop pays little, and with him staying at Yin Suo’s house, he has to contribute to groceries... It’s likely that even if he earns money later, he won’t hand it over to the family."
Both Lian Shouyi and Si Lang have been tight-lipped about their wages since they started at the paper craft shop.
"Oh dear, if there really was a falling out, could it be because of that matter?" Lady Zhang suddenly asked.
**
Second update coming shortly, seeking pink votes. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, don’t hesitate to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)
