Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s Chapter 2410 - 2346: What Did She Say About Me

Previously on Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s...

Chiang Xiao urged Ji Yuzhi to reconsider her budding relationship with Hu Xiangyong, emphasizing the need for caution in marriage and questioning her own understanding of him, while subtly conveying her lack of favor toward the man. Puzzled by Chiang Xiao's reservations despite Hu Xiangyong's charm and generosity, Ji Yuzhi reflected on the advice but hurried to their dinner appointment at Fuxi Restaurant. There, Hu Xiangyong awaited in a private room, complimenting her elegant appearance in a marine blue dress as they settled in to order.

"You decide, actually I’m not picky at all. Anything is fine." A flicker of appreciation in his gaze toward her had just registered with Ji Yuzhi, making her pulse quicken a touch as warmth crept into her cheeks.

Hu Xiangyong gave a nod and selected several dishes to order.

As the food was served, he posed the question offhandedly, "Did you run into Chiang Xiao today? What's her take on my suggestion?"

Ji Yuzhi had anticipated this inquiry, yet recalling Chiang Xiao's response filled her with concern that it might upset him.

"What, she turned it down?" Hu Xiangyong jumped in before she could reply, reading the look on her face.

Ji Yuzhi confirmed with a nod.

"Yeah, she mentioned not wanting her portrait displayed on the wall for random people to gawk at," Ji Yuzhi explained. "That said, she hasn't shut it down entirely. She offered to capture the scenery from the photo instead, for fifty thousand dollars."

Fifty thousand dollars.

A smile crossed Hu Xiangyong's lips.

"Looks like Miss Chiang Xiao has a real knack for earning cash. Makes you wonder if her fiancé might feel a bit overshadowed."

"Fiancé?" Surprise hit Ji Yuzhi, "Chiang Xiao's already engaged?"

"You weren't aware?" Hu Xiangyong shot her a look, adding, "Surprising, huh? Though Miss Chiang Xiao's fiancé isn't your average guy. He hails from a prominent family, even if it's facing some tough times lately, and his future's still bright—he's already an Officer."

"Supervisor Guard?"

"Yes."

This was news to Ji Yuzhi, but learning of Chiang Xiao's engagement now suggested she had a sharp eye for picking partners.

So, perhaps her view of Hu Xiangyong carried some weight too?

"What’s on your mind?" Hu Xiangyong's words pulled Ji Yuzhi from her thoughts.

She shook her head, "Oh, nothing, nothing. I was just pondering why Chiang Xiao got engaged at such a young age."

"Well, this young lady isn't your typical sort, is she?" Hu Xiangyong let out a soft laugh.

Ji Yuzhi found herself defending Chiang Xiao, "When you think about it, it's not that out of the ordinary. I've heard village girls often wed young; plenty have kids by eighteen. She's only engaged, after all."

"Ah." Hu Xiangyong responded without much commitment, then tossed out another casual query, "So, what did Chiang Xiao have to say about me?"

At first, Ji Yuzhi nearly blurted out an answer, but something held her tongue, and she swallowed the words.

Right before she left, the sincerity in Chiang Xiao's words had been plain to see.

"She didn't go into detail, only asked me to pass on that she won't paint her own portrait, but the landscape from the photo is an option, and she wanted your opinion on it."

"That's all?"

"Yes, that's it. Chiang Xiao doesn't seem like the type to ramble on—she's not a talkative girl," Ji Yuzhi replied.

Hu Xiangyong nodded, "Fair point."

Once she departed from the art academy, Chiang Xiao headed over to District Three Hospital.

The facility at District Three Hospital appeared far more modest compared to the General Alliance Hospital she'd visited earlier, with structures that looked rather dated. The staircases showed signs of heavy wear, dotted with craters, where small flaws went ignored and larger fixes were slapped on with uneven cement patches.

Patients milling about in the hospital couldn't resist stealing glances at her as they passed.