Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s Chapter 2439 - 2375: Cannot Be Controlled by Others

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

Wang Yi and Chiang Xiao, drawn by the lake's stunning clarity and blooming wildflowers, descended the slope to admire the scenery and daydream about buying the spot for a vacation retreat with fishing spots. Spotting clothes and shoes on a nearby wooden boat, they realized someone was in the chilly water, and soon a bare-chested man with mixed-race features emerged, wiping water from his face. He called out to them, requesting a male companion's help to free a large fish stuck between rocks, promising half as reward, and Chiang Xiao agreed to fetch assistance despite Wang Yi's reluctance.

Chiang Xiao grabbed her hand and urged her to spin around and dash back the way they came.

On the way, she couldn't resist twisting her neck once more to peek at the fellow.

From amid the waves, the man stretched out an arm, gave her a wave, and broke into a wide smile.

"Take your time, I'll hang around right here," he shouted after her.

Meng Xinian caught the sound of hurried steps nearby, whipped his head around to check, and bolted toward them, dropping his belongings in the process.

"Is everything alright?"

Chiang Xiao eased her speed, noticing she'd given him a scare.

"Nothing's wrong, really, nothing at all."

At that, Meng Xinian's knotted nerves finally unwound.

He came to see that Hu Xiangyong had actually spooked him for real. Recognizing this, Meng Xinian knitted his eyebrows.

Such a sensation felt utterly awful.

Since when had he let others box him in like this?

Thus, finding a way out remained essential.

Yet this moment wasn't right for pondering it further.

"What's going on? Why the mad dash?"

"Over there's a lake where a guy in the water mentioned snagging a massive fish he can't pull up by himself. He wondered if we'd lend a hand, promising half the catch if we did," Chiang Xiao explained.

"There's somebody around?" Chen Yin sounded surprised.

Wang Yi chimed in right away, "Yeah, he's even got a wooden boat. Plus, that lake's view is stunningly gorgeous."

Meng Xinian eyed Chiang Xiao and inquired, "Fancy some fish?"

Truth be told, they hadn't packed any fish with them.

Chiang Xiao fluttered her lashes, "The water in that lake looks so pure, so the fish has to taste amazing."

"Alright, let's lend him a hand then."

If she craved it, that settled it.

Chen Yin eyed Meng Xinian acting all doting and whipped, deep in thought.

Normally sharp as ever, Meng Xinian would've grilled about the stranger's identity and any shady vibes first, yet the instant Chiang Xiao brought up splitting the fish, his mind jumped straight to reeling it in for her.

He truly placed Chiang Xiao above all else every time.

Did that mean he fell short with Wang Yi?

"Come on, let's check it out."

Meng Xinian pivoted and instructed, "Nah, you hold the fort here."

All this was meant for their upcoming meal, and if some shady character drew them off to tamper with the supplies, the whole group of four would tumble right into the trap.

Sure, Chiang Xiao and he could probably spot any funny business in a taste test straight away, but did they want to sample every single item beforehand?

"How about shifting all our stuff to the lake's edge and grilling right there? The view's honestly breathtaking," Chiang Xiao proposed.

"You're the boss," Meng Xinian agreed without hesitation, "Chen Yin figured hauling it over would be a hassle before."

Chen Yin: "..."

Sorry, Officer Meng, come again?

Didn't you voice that complaint first?

Still, he shot Meng Xinian a look and let it slide.

Never mind, no point squabbling with a guy who'd been pulling stunts since they were kids.

Back in those days, who hadn't gotten pushed around by his cheeky antics at least once?

Even now, he puzzled over how a compound troublemaker like Meng Xinian ended up enlisting as a soldier.

Everyone hefted a share of the gear and headed toward the lake.

The fellow had thrown on his clothes by then, perched on the boat with his bare toes still trailing in the shallows, crooning a rough melody while chewing on a little bloom.

As they approached lugging all that gear, his gaze sparkled, and the flower slipped from his lips into the drink when he opened his mouth.

"Planning a barbecue? That's awesome! I'd figured on whittling a few branches, stacking rocks for a basic setup, and just slapping the fish on for a quick roast. With all you've got there, it'll make things way easier."