Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s Chapter 2468: 2404: Once Wanted to Kill Xinian

Previously on Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s...
Old Meng recounted to Chiang Xiao the early harmony in Mother Xinian's marriage to Chao Jun, disrupted by Nian Che's sullen return and his objections to the union, hinting at deeper familial tensions. Suspicions arose as Xinian grew distant, though Nian Che was reportedly absent from the capital at key times. Following Xinian's death, which left Chao Jun devastated, Nian Che attempted a tribute at her grave but suffered a horrific disfigurement when high-proof wine ignited on a candle, scorching his face amid his drunken state. Lost in memories, Old Meng described glimpsing Nian Che lurking in the courtyard, fixated on young Xinian before approaching with a handkerchief.

A hint of concern appeared on Old Meng's face while he talked.

"From the way he behaved, something seemed wrong with him. As I approached, I noticed the glare he fixed on Xinian—it was exactly like the deadly stare of a vengeful spirit ready to strike."

"He intended to kill Brother Xinian? But Brother Xinian was only a kid at that time!" Chiang Xiao exclaimed in surprise.

Nian Che had held killing intent toward Meng Xinian?

She believed in Old Meng's judgment.

During those days, Old Meng wasn't too elderly yet, and with his battlefield experience, he could spot murderous vibes just from a person's gaze.

"Back then, I didn't fully believe he aimed to murder Xinian," Old Meng explained. "I wondered if he might be scheming to abduct Xinian instead, perhaps for some payback."

Abduct?

This detail made Chiang Xiao's body stiffen with tension.

Though it was a story from years ago, she still felt a surge of unease and concern as she heard it.

"That's why I stepped in right away to block him. Upon spotting me, his expression shifted. He claimed he just wanted a final glimpse of us, then asked to borrow funds for overseas facial surgery, since he might not come back."

Old Meng continued, "I figured his departure would be the ideal outcome. Even though nothing major occurred moments earlier, having him linger near Xinian filled me with worry. So, I offered him a decent amount of cash to cover his trip abroad for the procedure."

So, that explained why Old Meng had handed money to Nian Che?

And it had to be a substantial sum back in those days, didn't it?

As for Old Meng not checking on Nian Che afterward, Chiang Xiao got it.

His daughter-in-law had died, leaving a young child who required looking after. His son suffered an illness for weeks, and the whole home relied on him for every little thing.

Old Meng had never been one for fine details.

"Did Nian Che actually depart after that?"

"Indeed, he did leave. I even arranged for someone to confirm he got on the ship. In those times, travel was by sea."

"Grandpa, what precisely led to Brother Xinian's parents losing their affection for each other back then?"

"I can't pinpoint the precise cause. I questioned them separately, but Chenger only shook her head with a bitter smile. Chao Jun insisted Chenger's affections had wandered elsewhere, that another man occupied her thoughts. Yet when I pressed for the identity, Chao Jun stayed silent. Alas, I was deeply troubled by it all during that period."

"Was Brother Xinian's mother really like that? Weren't they known to share a strong bond at the start?"

Chiang Xiao had never delved into these topics with Old Meng before, yet now everything appeared far more tangled than before.

Old Meng shook his head. "To be frank, I never sensed Chenger was capable of such betrayal, but she did seem lost in her thoughts then. Occasionally, after chatting with her at length, she'd respond as if she hadn't caught a single word, so I'm not entirely certain."

Chiang Xiao grew quiet.

Perhaps all these questions would find answers within Nian Chengcheng's diary.

Incidentally, was Nian Che aware of Nian Chengcheng's diary?

He had returned quite a while ago, so why appear only now? What had kept him occupied during all that time?

Chiang Xiao glanced at her watch and abruptly noticed it was already five-thirty.

She had a meeting set with Meng Xinian, so she needed to hurry lest he fret that misfortune had befallen her.

"Grandpa, I suspect Nian Che harbors ill motives. You shouldn't join that dinner tomorrow."