Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s Chapter 2473 - 2409: Her Diary

Previously on Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s...
Chiang Xiao and Meng Xinian stopped at Old Zhuang's Small Restaurant in the quiet ancient town, where she heartily devoured four bowls of rice after their exhausting journey. The owner, mistaking her appetite for a challenge, patted Meng sympathetically and offered a discount, prompting Meng to tease that he was the one being "raised like a pig" by his capable wife. As they strolled through the serene, undeveloped streets, Chiang Xiao's inspiration sparked, envisioning a series of ancient town landscape paintings for an upcoming art exhibition.

"That's a good idea," Meng Xinian agreed with a nod.

Few individuals get the opportunity to journey across distant lands these days. Capturing the stunning vistas from diverse locations on canvas and staging an art exhibit would surely attract plenty of interest.

The artworks by Chiang Xiao possess fine details, infused with a quiet majesty. Her depictions of natural scenes feel alive and vibrant, rendering them truly captivating.

He could already picture the attention it would garner.

With that notion sparking in her mind, Chiang Xiao incorporated it into her future intentions.

During this time period, things differ greatly from two or three decades ahead, when travel booms, roads and rails link everywhere seamlessly, folks have more money, easy snaps with mobile phones abound, and the web delivers instant updates along with countless pictures.

Her upcoming exhibit would still command a solid audience.

After wandering around a little, they picked up a few souvenirs and regional treats, departed the town, and headed back to the familiar woodland spot.

Meng Xinian scanned the area thoroughly, double-checking for any signs of people close by, before requesting Chiang Xiao to summon the vehicle.

Once settled inside the car, Meng Xinian inquired, "How about heading to D State?"

Chiang Xiao had originally intended to make the trip.

Since they were already in the vicinity, just a short distance from D State, why pass it up?

Besides, she had deliberately requested three days' leave just for this outing.

Yet at the moment, she sensed that issues concerning the Meng Family took priority. For starters, Meng Xinian ought to learn about it, followed by examining Nian Chengcheng’s diary to figure out the next steps.

"We should hold off for the time being; there's something I need to share with you."

Traveling to D State would demand well over half a day's effort, wouldn't it?

"You brought up earlier that there was an issue—what exactly is it?"

Chiang Xiao replied, "Do you recall Nian Che?"

"Of course."

As soon as Chiang Xiao brought him up, a shadow passed over Meng Xinian’s gaze.

"This afternoon, I visited the hospital and spotted him there with Grandpa. He also stopped by Dad’s room. I caught snippets of their talk and afterward quizzed Grandpa on certain events from the past."

Meng Xinian’s brow furrowed.

Chiang Xiao halted briefly, allowing him a moment to process the words.

"What did my father say? How did he respond?"

"Dad remained asleep when Nian Che arrived. He stirred awake right as Nian Che finished chatting with Grandpa and was preparing to exit. Initially, recognition escaped him. But upon Grandpa naming Nian Che, a jolt of astonishment hit him, mixed with revulsion, and he clearly shunned any discussion of the man."

"Hmph."

A chilly snort escaped Meng Xinian.

Chiang Xiao noted how peculiar his response seemed.

"What words did Nian Che exchange with the elder? What questions did you pose?"

Chiang Xiao relayed every detail she had overheard.

Her recall proved sharp, capturing nearly every phrase without omission.

Meng Xinian absorbed the account in full, staying silent all the while.

After she concluded and he remained quiet, Chiang Xiao wavered before suggesting, "Would you like to review your mother’s diary right now?"

Meng Xinian rubbed his face in mild frustration with one hand.

"Brother Xinian?"

"Yes, let's do it."

"I'll fetch it then."

Chiang Xiao retrieved the diary and passed it over to him, while pulling out a flashlight as well. "Or would you prefer to examine it solo inside the Space?"

At first, she hadn't planned on sending him into the Space for reading; she figured he might prefer some private time with the diary. Entering the Space could make her feel like she was peering at him nonstop.

Meng Xinian answered, "No thanks, I'll go through it right here."

"In that case, I'll step inside to sketch some Talisman Diagrams."

"Alright."

Chiang Xiao gazed at him. "Brother Xinian, if something arises, just give me a shout."

Noticing the concern etched on her face, Meng Xinian offered a soft chuckle.