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Chapter 253: Chapter 253: Can Ghosts Get Sick?
When she returned to the family compound in the evening, Si Chen was still not back from work. Tong Yao was almost asleep by the time he arrived home past nine in the evening. Once he was cleaned up and in bed, Tong Yao relayed the day’s events that had occurred at her uncle’s house, even summing up at the end.
"Some greedy people care about nothing but their own interests, even tossing aside familial ties. Our dad is a principled man who wants only what is rightfully his. My uncle and aunt, on the other hand, are always trying to monopolize the inheritance and kick us out. They wave the flag of kinship when they need help, but wish we didn’t exist when they’re doing fine. Thankfully our dad is not soft-hearted, or he would have been manipulated by Tong Sikui today. I can’t believe Tong Sikui would put on such a show pretending to be possessed by the spirit of our grandfather. He really did outdo himself."
Though she was a 21st century woman who had time travelled, she still didn’t believe in any of the superstitious nonsense about spirit possession. The performance Ting Sikui put on was too obvious. If their grandfather’s spirit really had taken over his body, why would he still be showing symptoms of his ailments from when he was alive?
Could a ghost get sick?
If ghosts could get sick, then it would be a weak ghost. It wouldn’t have been able to possess Tong Sikui. Just the sight of Tong Sikui’s corpulent body would likely scare away any spirit.
Noticing Tong Yao’s humorous expressions and lively storytelling, Si Chen lovingly tucked her into bed and said with a smile, "You’re quite the schemer. If Tong Sikui knew he almost fell into your trap, he wouldn’t dare to cross you over money."
With her head peeking out from the quilt, Tong Yao grinned and said, "He was acting like a fool and got what he deserved. If he didn’t give in quickly, I would have literally fed him dog shit. I almost burst out laughing. Tong Xiangqiao thought Tong Sikui was really possessed; she held him tight, afraid he’d run off."
However, the conversation about her uncle’s house made Tong Yao began thinking about the Si family situation. She pursed her lips and grumbled, "You know my temper. I’m not someone who can be easily suppressed. If Zhang Lijuan tries to stir up trouble like my uncle and aunt, I won’t tolerate it. Don’t blame me if I end up causing commotion in the house. I don’t have the habit of putting up with people’s bad tempers. If anyone dares to stir up trouble, I’ll find ways to deal with them, it doesn’t matter who."
Si Chen lifted her head slightly, adjusted the pillow for her to be more comfortable and said, "I am aware of your mischievous mind, just try not to fight physically. Your small frame is not built for physical fights."
Tong Yao replied nonchalantly, "I’m not a shrew who instigates fights," conveniently forgetting about the times she had gotten into fights.
As if remembering something, Tong Yao’s face fell, and she glared at Si Chen, "Guess who I ran into at my uncle’s house today?"
Si Chen played along and raised an eyebrow, "Who?"
"Someone you’d never expect." Tong Yao deliberately created some suspense before she said, "Lin Man."
"Oh?" Si Chen frowned for a moment, appearing to recall this person from his memory. He was quick to guess, "She’s your cousin?"
Among the people present at Tong Yaohui’s house that day, only her uncle and aunt were present. Her aunt’s surname was Lin, so it wasn’t hard to guess Lin Man’s identity. In the context of the situation, it was indeed a coincidence.
"You’re quite sharp. No wonder you got us mixed up that day; from the back and at first glance, she does look a lot like me." Tong Yao pouted and said sarcastically, "I wonder how she’d feel if she knew you’re her cousin’s husband."
Si Chen didn’t seem to care, but upon seeing Tong Yao’s pout, a smile appeared in his eyes as he comforted her, "Don’t overthink it. As far as I’m concerned, she’s just a stranger."
If Tong Yao hadn’t brought it up, Si Chen would have completely forgotten that he even knew someone like that. One meets countless people in a lifetime, and aside from close friends and family, all others are just passersby. Si Chen never dwelled on these people.
"It would be great if she remained a stranger in the future, so there’s no more trouble", Tong Yao said and then leaned in to plant a kiss on his lips.
Her action was like adding fuel to fire, making the atmosphere in the bedroom heat up instantly. Knowing she was stirring things up, Tong Yao giggled and hid under the covers. The couple playfully tussled with each other until the wee hours of the night. Tong Yao, feeling wholly worn out, fell into a deep sleep like a content, lazy piglet.
However, Si Chen, like a wolf that had its fill, showed no signs of fatigue. He remained energetic while tucking Tong Yao in and pulling her in close for a cuddle.
If she hadn’t been asleep, Tong Yao would have decried him by accusing him of being some otherworldly creature.
Doesn’t everyone say that only a dead horse doesn’t get tired?
Sigh... They’ve all been lying.
Winters in Kyoto are harsh, with temperatures dropping below negative ten degrees. Even with fire and a hot water bottle in the room, it was still chilly. Si Chen, on the other hand, was like a human heater. While asleep, Tong Yao would instinctively snuggle closer to him.
Every morning, when Si Chen got up for work, he would replace her hot water bottle. But the comfort was fleeting as Tong Yao would wake up soon after he left.
Days passed quickly and the wedding day for Si Boyi was almost there. Tong Yao, accompanied by Wen Yun, shopped for new clothes for the family members and even for those on the in-law side.
"Should we buy something for your future sister-in-law too?" Wen Yun noticed Tong Yao buying clothes for everyone except for Zhang Lijuan. Considering the future sister-in-law relationship, Wen Yun suggested Tong Yao should buy a garment for Zhang Lijuan too.
Although Tong Yao and Si Chen were currently staying in Kyoto and could only go home a few times a year, for this same reason, Wen Yun suggested that Tong Yao should buy something for Zhang Lijuan. Since Zhang Lijuan would be spending more time with Lin Fengying, she would definitely be more favored by her.
Wen Yun worried that Zhang Lijuan might instigate issues between Tong Yao and Lin Fengying, causing conflict between mother and daughter-in-law, which would put Si Chen in a difficult position.
As someone who had experienced it, Wen Yun had a broader view while considering these issues, always having the long term in mind.
"No need." Tong Yao had her own plans. "Mom, Zhang Lijuan hasn’t married into the family yet. If we start flattering her now, she’ll become arrogant in the future. Besides, it’s her who’s marrying Boyi, not me, so there’s no need for me to please her."
Which sister-in-law would buy things for her brother’s bride before she’s married into the family?
Doing too much could make others take you for granted. Tong Yao wouldn’t appease someone who hadn’t shown her any beneficial actions, like Zhang Lijuan.
If Zhang Lijuan didn’t cause trouble and helped with the family business later on, Tong Yao wouldn’t mistreat her either. After all, they were family. As long as the other party wasn’t overbearing, Tong Yao wasn’t one to stir up trouble needlessly.
Seeing Tong Yao had her own strategies, Wen Yun felt relieved. It seemed her daughter was smarter and could handle sister-in-law relationships better than she could when she was younger.
