Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s Chapter 2686 - 2622: The Disfigured Man

Furthermore, he recognized the efficacy of the psychological treatment that Chiang Xiao had proposed.

The matter Chiang Xiao brought up with him also served as a potential justification for her should inquiries arise regarding the medicine painting. At the very least, Chen Baoshen could offer some explanation when the time came.

Chiang Xiao announced her intention to stay at the chief's residence for a few days, granting Ding Haijing and the others a period of leave.

Ding Haijing then made his way home.

Inside a humble, low-slung bungalow, a middle-aged man with a prominent scar running across his face was engaged in scattering feed for his chickens.

Upon detecting approaching footsteps, he turned his head.

A stranger, encountering this sudden movement, might have been taken aback.

The long scar on his face extended to his lower eyelid, slightly encroaching upon it, lending his eye a disconcerting and unsettling appearance.

A ring-shaped scar encircled his throat, giving the impression that his throat had been sliced open, a sight that was undeniably grim.

"Haijing, what brings you back?"

"Dad, I'm on vacation, so I came home for a bit," Ding Haijing replied, seemingly unfazed by the scars on his father's face. He presented the items he carried, stating, "I bought you some cigarettes; they're a specialty from the Capital City and not available around here. Give them a try."

"You haven't been working for very long. How did you manage to get money to buy me cigarettes?"

"Well, our boss is quite generous and also gave us some tea and pastries. Try the pastries first; they're exceptionally good."

The tea and pastries had been acquired from Youqingwei. Chiang Xiao had distributed coupons to everyone, enabling them to collect a box of tea and two boxes of pastries before her departure.

Ding Haijing was aware of the value of these items but chose not to inform his father, wishing to spare him any distress.

It was fortunate that Miss Chiang had so casually distributed these valuable treats.

This was why he had described his boss as being very generous.

"Really? Pastries from the Capital? Then I certainly must try them." Father Ding washed his hands, opened the pastry box with a smile, took a bite, and immediately looked at Ding Haijing.

"Are Capital City pastries always this delicious?"

Indeed, they were exquisite – the sweetness was perfectly balanced, not overpowering, and the texture was wonderfully soft, melting in the mouth.

"Yes, they're from our boss's establishment."

"It seems your boss is a very kind person. Wasn't it mentioned that she's a young lady?"

"Yes, she is indeed a young lady."

"It's quite commendable how capable a young lady can be." Father Ding savored the pastries with evident enjoyment, but his mood seemed to dip slightly afterward.

Observing his father's change in demeanor, Ding Haijing inquired with a slight frown, "Dad, would you consider coming with me to the Capital? We could find a place to rent there, and I could look after you."

"Don't bother, there's no point in going. I'd only frighten the city folk with my appearance."

"Who cares what anyone says?"

"What, are you planning to start fights with everyone who says something about me?" Father Ding shot him a look. "You've become so intimidating that all our neighbors have been scared away, causing them to move out. At least I have some peace now."

Recalling Chiang Xiao, Ding Haijing smiled and remarked, "I thought I was fierce enough, but my boss is just like me, always getting into altercations, which is a good thing. Some people simply don't understand, so they need to be taught a lesson through direct confrontation."

Father Ding appeared surprised. "Your young boss also knows martial arts?"

"Yes, her martial arts skills are quite formidable."

"That's good. One should indeed learn martial arts." Father Ding let out a sigh, pushing the pastries back towards his son. "You try some. I'm going to start cooking; fortunately, we have a melon today that can be picked and stir-fried."

As he watched his father's retreating figure, noting the slight limp in his gait, a dark glint flickered in Ding Haijing's eyes.