Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s Chapter 2588 - 2524: Can’t Trust Him Anymore

Chiang Xiao had already anticipated that he harbored such intentions.

Pursing her lips tightly, she spoke gravely, "Dad, do you wish for Brother Xinian to shoulder such a massive load in his heart? To believe it was his fault that you abandoned treatment? Though he resents you deeply, he was the first to offer you the medicine when you collapsed earlier. But you loathe him so intensely that you want him forever denied peace or joy, trapped in the guilt of pushing his own father to his grave?"

Meng Chaojun trembled inwardly.

Her words might sting, but they always pierced straight to the heart.

"Little, naturally I never meant it that way. How could I possibly hate Xinian? I know it’s me who wronged him."

Guilt weighed heavily on him.

"If you skip treatment over his words, you’ll perish quickly. Then even Grandpa will truly blame it on Brother Xinian."

Would Meng Xinian find any peace that way?

"Moreover, he’s heading to a conflict-ridden nation soon. Do you want him departing with constant worry and distress?"

She had no obligation to fret over it, yet anything harming Meng Xinian was utterly intolerable.

Meng Chaojun, despite his heartache, still feigned indifference for her sake.

Meng Chaojun gazed at Chiang Xiao, overcome with emotion.

A sting pricked at his eyes.

He once believed Chiang Xiao merely coveted the Meng Family’s prestige or Meng Xinian’s handsome features—a superficial affection. Yet now, he saw her unwavering loyalty to Meng Xinian, her fierce protectiveness.

She couldn’t abide any injury to him.

He, a grown man, showed less insight than this eighteen-year-old girl.

"I get it now, Little. I won’t leave Xinian tormented." Meng Chaojun seized the potion bottle and downed it in one gulp.

When Chiang Xiao summoned Meng Xinian for the meal, Meng Chaojun sat ready at the table.

Father and son exchanged no words, but this familiar tension and mood eased Meng Xinian more, unchanged for over ten years.

It beat Meng Chaojun abruptly addressing him.

Old Meng and Chiang Xiao chatted lively to prevent the air from growing too stiff.

Post-dinner, Chiang Xiao and Meng Xinian prepared to depart.

Old Meng no longer urged them to linger longer.

Considering the circumstances, returning home was wiser.

As they stepped into the courtyard, Meng Chaojun abruptly called after them, "After my condition improves, I’ll probe it fully."

He left the subject vague, though all understood perfectly.

Meng Xinian halted briefly upon hearing it, then strode on without glancing back.

During the drive home, Chiang Xiao chose not to disturb him.

Silence hung between them right up to their doorway, where the phone rang without stop.

"Brother Xinian, I’ll dash inside for the phone first!"

Chiang Xiao hopped from the car swiftly, fumbling with the lock to catch the call just in time.

"Sister, you just arrived? I’ve rung twice already."

Cheng Cheng’s voice came through.

Chiang Xiao’s chest clenched, "What’s wrong?"

Cheng Cheng’s expression soured on the line.

Did trouble now define him?

This was downright humiliating.

"Nothing at all! All good here!"

Chiang Xiao exhaled deeply, "Then why that tone?"

One might assume she’d slighted him.

"Wish me luck instead of always probing for problems when you answer."

Chiang Xiao smirked, "Who’s got you acting so sloppy?"