Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s Chapter 2450 - 2386: Still a Bully or Not

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

The group uncovers the details of Zhu Shun's tragic past: he never carried out his revenge, as the perpetrator died fleeing in panic, falling into a canal near the site of his wife's violation. Relieved by this twist of fate, they reflect on how Zhu Shun honored his family's wishes by living on alone, never remarrying despite his carefree facade. At home, Chiang Xiao ponders his story while applying nutrient water, leading to a conversation with Meng Xinian about ongoing troop deployment discussions and his firm dismissal of any interest in Little Cai. They briefly discuss surveillance of the Gao, Lu, and Long families before embracing in bed, choosing to avoid such entanglements for the time being.

Indeed, to continue his rise in status, he'll surely have to tangle with political matters.

Meng Xinian's sharp mind puts Chiang Xiao at ease; she simply dreads the toll it might take on his spirit and heart, leaving him drained, joyless, and weary. Thus, for now, she's content with whatever Meng Xinian discusses.

"Little one, if I must head to Ke Ku Li, how about you request a break and remain by the Chief Alliance Officer's side?" Meng Xinian proposed out of the blue.

Chiang Xiao found herself stunned.

What reason could there be for her to request leave and reside at Li Hanzhong's residence without cause?

Staying there would feel so confining, right?

Constant company would make her uncomfortable and out of place.

Meng Xinian obviously understands this, but he proposed it anyway. Could he truly be concerned about Hu Xiangyong?

"No, I can stay right here," Chiang Xiao replied. "Brother Xinian, do you trust me? I've got this gut feeling that after I thoroughly study the Talisman Diagram from the Ancient Tome, I'll uncover something to shield me or neutralize Hu Xiangyong, so there's no reason for you to fret."

"But the Talisman Diagram still demands the Magic Brush, doesn't it?"

"Should I halt all my practices just to defend against him?" Chiang Xiao propped herself up. "Aren't we acting too defensively? We're forever trailing behind, dreading every strike—why bother? He's got eerie powers, but mine are enchanting, so what grounds do we have to fear him?"

"What worries me is ending up distant in a foreign land; if trouble strikes, I might not hear of it or return swiftly..." Meng Xinian expressed, "and that would leave me anxious beyond measure."

Chiang Xiao rested against his shoulder, giving it a gentle pat. "Relax, I suspect they're not as formidable as they appear! Consider Hu Xiangyong—he might have altered his firearm, perhaps? His gaze could hold some eerie implant? Even with his might, as long as I slip into the Space away from his view, he can't easily pinpoint my whereabouts."

Probably, it's due to their habit of relying on robust support while being encircled by far feebler common people. Whenever a handful surpass normal limits, it rattles them deeply.

In truth, it's hardly as terrifying as it seems.

For some reason, the moment Chiang Xiao grasped this, her ingrained terror of Hu Xiangyong dissolved completely.

Her assurance surged forth once more.

Meng Xinian fretted excessively over her safety, and given that his present responsibilities naturally entwine with these odd groups, he links them to Chiang Xiao's Space and Magic Brush, sparking his unease.

Yet now, witnessing Chiang Xiao's vibrant look, relief washed over him.

Yes, that's right.

That evening in Country Y, his guard was down since he never expected someone wielding such bizarre marksmanship, leading to that hit he took.

Still, with awareness of forces beyond his grasp, provided he stays alert and prudent, he could potentially hold his own against Hu Xiangyong.

A soft laugh escaped him as he tweaked Chiang Xiao's cheek.

"Fine, let's both hold onto our boldness."

"Precisely, the mighty shouldn't fret over every little thing, tiptoeing in caution. Aren't you the fierce Tyrant Meng I've always known?"

"Have I ever owned up to being a tyrant?"

"No admission required; in my eyes, you are, and that makes it so."

"Then watch how this tyrant behaves..." Meng Xinian murmured while rolling atop her and holding her down.

Some time later, Chiang Xiao slipped free from his hold, panting heavily, when an idea abruptly struck her.