Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s Chapter 2546 - 2482: Just Here to Discuss

"So you were already aware?" Elder Meng inquired, clearly taken aback. "Then why are you maintaining such a calm demeanor?"

Both men had assumed Chiang Xiao would be completely distraught and overwhelmed by anxiety.

Their primary reason for visiting was to confirm her awareness of the situation, and secondly, to provide her with comfort.

They never anticipated finding her absorbed in her painting, acting as if nothing had changed.

Although Meng Chaojun’s health had been steadily improving of late, the news of this development caused his tension-induced headaches to return with a vengeance.

As he had only the one son, the prospect of an accident occurring while the boy was stationed in a war-torn country meant the Meng family line faced the threat of extinction.

Driven by this fear, he had refused to remain in the hospital, insisting instead that he join his father for the visit.

"Grandpa, what else is there left for me to do?" Chiang Xiao finished her final stroke, set down her equipment, and remarked, "You should surely understand the weight and reach of military orders better than I do."

A heavy silence descended upon the father and son of the Meng family.

Indeed, they understood the reality of the situation far better than she did.

However, intellectual understanding is a far cry from emotional acceptance.

Even while knowing that defying an order is impossible, they still harbored a desperate, lingering hope that some miracle might reverse the situation.

"Brother Xinian and I actually learned of this beforehand, so we had time to prepare ourselves mentally. I have already discussed everything with him; we must place our faith in his capabilities. He will absolutely make his way back to us."

Chiang Xiao spoke these words as she ushered them toward the living room.

"Grandpa, Dad, please have a seat. I need a moment to freshen up."

Chiang Xiao became self-aware of her rather unkempt appearance.

Having been consumed by her painting for days without proper sleep, it was inevitable that stray marks of paint had smudged her face and clothing.

The moment she stepped away, Meng Chaojun sighed and gazed at his father.

"Father, do you believe she will agree when we bring up that certain matter? It feels incredibly awkward to broach the subject."

"And what alternative do we have? Is there another woman in this house? If you will not bring it up, must I?" Elder Meng shot him an admonishing glare before adding, "I am warning you now, we are merely here to consult her, is that clear? Do not attempt to be overbearing."

"Father, when have I ever been overbearing?"

"I am well aware of your stubborn temperament. Regardless, if she agrees, we should be truly grateful. If she declines, it is a perfectly reasonable response, so do not dare give her a difficult look."

With a resigned sigh, Meng Chaojun mumbled, "I understand, Father."

He had already changed his ways; he hadn't shown her a sour expression in a very long time.

Given how well they were getting along lately, he would have to be an utter fool to jeopardize their dynamic again.

Once Chiang Xiao had finished tidying herself and changed into fresh garments, she entered to find the pair looking visibly agitated.

Their expressions made it obvious that they were struggling to voice a delicate issue.

"Dad, Grandpa, please do not fret so much. Brother Xinian has five days of leave, and he should be back by tomorrow evening at the latest."

"Little, we are aware of that," Elder Meng replied, offering a throat-clearing cough as he glanced toward Meng Chaojun.

Meng Chaojun felt a surge of frustration.

The old man had acted so bold earlier, as if he intended to take charge, yet now he was silently pressuring him to do the talking?

He looked at Chiang Xiao and managed only a single word: "Little..."

Chiang Xiao turned her gaze toward him.

Met by the clarity of her bright, earnest eyes, Meng Chaojun found himself momentarily incapacitated, unable to find the right words to continue.

The weight of the situation suddenly struck him with renewed force.

Chiang Xiao was only eighteen years old. She was still merely a university student.