Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s Chapter 2461 - 2397: Not So Friendly

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

Chiang Xiao firmly declines to paint for Hu Xiangyong after reconsidering due to Meng Xinian's insights, brushing off Liu Guoying's reminders of her earlier agreement. Determined to counter Hu's persistent interest, she calls her aunt Jiang Yingqiong to request an investigation into his suspicious background and budding business ventures, leveraging official channels to create obstacles. Feeling relieved after stirring potential trouble for the shady businessman, Chiang Xiao rushes to the hospital to check on Meng Chaojun's progress with the potion. There, Old Meng arrives for a visit but is intercepted at the entrance by a vaguely familiar middle-aged man with a knowing smile.

Thus, he naturally pegged the man as being in his middle years right away.

But after taking a better look, he discovered that the fellow seemed way younger than he'd pictured.

Still, he was certain this wasn't someone he knew.

"Who are you?"

"What, you don't know me?" The man eyed him, flashing that odd smile once more. "How about if I go by another name? Eldest Uncle Meng?"

That name sent a shiver through Old Meng's frame.

From what he recalled, just one individual had ever addressed him that way!

He examined the man more thoroughly this time, sensing a vague recognition. "You, you're..."

"Look again. You ought to spot me still, since I haven't gone overboard with the plastic surgery."

"Pla... plastic surgery?"

Old Meng jolted in surprise.

Why on earth would anyone get plastic surgery?

What even was plastic surgery?

Slicing up your own face?

Was that possible?

He peered at the man even harder, and the longer he stared, the more recognizable he became.

Old Meng felt a shock. "You, could you be Nian Che?"

"At last, you've figured it out."

Had Chiang Xiao been present, she would've noticed this was the same guy from the hospital, and the one Du Jinruo had once fancied, known as Kevin.

This was Nian Che.

Old Meng backed away on reflex. "Nian Che, why are you back?"

"What, is Eldest Uncle Meng caught off guard? Didn't Mutong bring it up while she was at the Meng Family place, saying I'd return before long? So why the big shock from Meng Dabo?"

"Mutong did say something, but I recall you claiming back then you'd never set foot in the country again."

"Things were different before; now they're not," Nian Che replied. "I've grown weary of drifting overseas all these years. Sure, I'm not ancient, but I've got this pull to come home to my origins, so here I am. Eldest Uncle Meng, how've you been holding up lately?"

"Fine, fine, all's well."

"Yet I've caught wind that the Meng Family's been faring poorly? A bunch of troubles have cropped up? Such as Meng Chaojun getting cheated on, splitting from his wife, and then landing a deadly disease. Is it real that he's on his last legs?"

A grin lit up Nian Che's striking features, though his remarks cut deep.

"Plus, word is your grandson's on bad terms with you? That he's snagged a new place with his betrothed and stays away? Doesn't bother showing up at home?"

Nian Che cast a glance toward the hospital and went on, "Truth is, I've kept an eye out here for a couple of days, and your grandson hasn't shown his face despite his dad's admission. He hasn't dropped by for a single visit."

Old Meng's expression soured.

"Nian Che, this is our private business—how'd you dig up all that?"

"Your private business?" Nian Che let out a soft laugh, adding, "Eldest Uncle Meng, don't get the wrong idea; we're tied by blood to some degree, aren't we? Besides, Meng Xinian ought to address me as uncle, right? So of course, now that I'm back, I'd want to check on how you're doing."

His words rang true enough.

But the way he said them carried a weird edge, leaving a sour taste.

Meng Donghai swallowed his irritation and responded, "If you're after details on the Meng family's state, why not head straight to us?"

Snooping on the Meng family's doings from afar?

That couldn't help but raise suspicions.

"I wasn't certain the Meng Family would roll out the welcome mat," Nian Che said, smiling anew. "But look, I'm here regardless, aren't I? Eldest Uncle Meng, come on. I'll head in with you to visit my brother-in-law."

Brother-in-law...