Chapter 202: Chapter 202: Exhausted

Fury escalated within Xie Xinghua’s eyes as she abruptly turned around, her steps firmly leading towards Lady Zhao, seemingly resolved to seek an explanation.

Noticing that the situation was about to spiral out of control, Jiang Xunzhong quickly interjected, "Xinghua, calm down... the food is actually hidden in the third room."

Meanwhile, Fang Qin, who was inside the house listening to the disturbance outside, couldn’t help but feel a sense of inexplicable panic rise within her.

She feared that Xie Xinghua’s rage might extend to her, especially since her own wounds were still healing and she was utterly unable to cope with the nearly frenzied woman.

What scared her even more was the thought that if the conflict were to inadvertently harm the innocent Dazhuang, the consequences would be unimaginable.

With this thought, she clenched her teeth and, enduring the severe pain, slowly stood up and opened the door that led to an unknown fate... after all, the food had been moved stealthily into Fang Qin’s room by Lady Zhao last night, taking advantage of the deep night and sleepy hearts, all under the pretense of concealment.

She whispered instructions that as long as Fang Qin could keep this secret and not inform the physically strong, hot-tempered Dazhuang about this secret aid, she would allow Fang Qin the opportunity to reunite and personally care for her son—Dazhuang, separated by twists of fate.

Upon hearing this, a mix of joy and sorrow intertwined in Fang Qin’s heart, like tender buds nourished by the fine rain of spring, fragile yet resilient.

For many days she had been unable to breastfeed, and the once life-nourishing sweet well had quietly dried up; yet even so, being able to once again embrace her son’s warm little body and feel the solace of their blood bond was enough to slightly soothe the loneliness and pain in her heart.

Unknown to her, behind Lady Zhao’s seemingly compassionate arrangement hid only her weariness and exasperation at the daily care of Dazhuang.

Her feelings were like the withering leaves at the end of autumn, her dissatisfaction with Fang Qin still lurking beneath every silent sigh.

If it were not for Xie Xinghua’s increasing detachment and estrangement prompting Lady Zhao to wait for her injuries to heal before using her again, she might have long disregarded the life and well-being of Fang Qin and her son, let alone allow their intimate contact.

As Xie Xinghua approached, fueled by raging anger, the sharp axe in her hand glinted with a chilling light under the dim lamp, sending Lady Zhao’s inner panic spreading wildly like wild grass, almost devouring her courage entirely.

She tried to flee from the impending storm but found her legs as if shackled by invisible chains, too heavy to move even a step.

Lady Zhao clung to the box filled with food, her voice trembling as she said, "You, you dare... "

"If anything happens to Da Ya, just see if I dare!"

Xie Xinghua’s response thundered like a clap of thunder, each word and phrase revealing an indisputable resolve.

"If you don’t let me have a moment of peace, then none of us will have peace."

As Xie Xinghua roared, the people around them began to exclaim and dodge, unwilling to witness the impending tragedy.

Jiang Xunzhong had already paled with horror, his legs trembling uncontrollably.

Lady Zhao’s pupils contracted dramatically under immense fear, her face turning completely pale.

Despite her attempts, the axe ruthlessly descended, plunging deeply into the box that Lady Zhao was clutching, causing her hands to go numb from the shock, and beneath her, the yellow fluid she inadvertently secreted due to extreme fear, signaling her internal collapse and despair.

"I, I want to, to split up the family..."

The few words were almost squeezed from her trembling lips with the last of her strength.

At that moment, Xie Xinghua quietly stepped into Fang Qin’s crude yet cozy room, and the scene before her undoubtedly confirmed all her guesses: piles of white rice and flour, fresh eggs, and lush green vegetables filled the small space, silently telling a tale of secret charity and another’s helplessness.

The anger in her heart crackled like ignited firewood, unwilling to remain silent and allow the injustice to continue rampant.

But on second thought, since last night, not a grain of rice had entered the stomachs of the young and old at home. The adults might still endure with sheer will, but the two young children were already too weak to even cry, not to mention her husband, who lay on the bed, appearing especially helpless due to illness.

At this moment, ensuring the whole family was fed was imperative.

Xie Xinghua resolutely picked up the heavy bag of flour, and under the complex gazes of those around her, she determinedly walked to the yard, preparing to search through the pile of items marked by the years for cooking utensils.

The wooden basin, wooden scoop, and several mottled wooden bowls were still intact, but the iron pot, which should have carried the essence of daily life, was noticeably prominent with a big hole due to long-term disrepair.

"Su Yu, may I borrow your pot for a use?"

Xie Xinghua had no choice but to seek help from her neighbor, her tone carrying a hint of helplessness and entreaty.

Su Yu silently nodded, her eyes revealing understanding and sympathy for what had just transpired.

She deeply knew that behind Xie Xinghua’s nearly uncontrollable anger was more a protective maternal instinct and a sense of responsibility toward her family.

She understood that Xie Xinghua’s confrontation with Lady Zhao was more an emotional outburst than true hostility.

Su Yu maintained the role of an observer, not intervening in the dispute.

Because she knew the world Xie Xinghua was shouldering was one that could not be easily set aside—a world requiring meticulous care for a sick husband and several frail, hungry children.

This heavy burden made every decision Xie Xinghua made exceptionally difficult and weighty.

Thus, with mixed feelings, Xie Xinghua entered Su Yu’s kitchen, filled with the scents of daily life, while Su Yu and her husband, Jiang Ziling, also involuntarily followed behind, both seemingly waiting to see how this strong woman would use a simple meal to bring a glimmer of warmth and hope to a family in the midst of turmoil.

Xixi sat quietly inside the house, her small figure exceptionally serene. Her large eyes occasionally looked towards the tightly closed door, filled with curiosity and longing for the outside world.

Jiang Ziling stood by, his brows slightly furrowed, his eyes filled with deep concern for Xixi’s safety. He occasionally looked up, his gaze piercing through the window, seemingly gauging every potential danger outside.

Xie Xinghua was busy in the kitchen, her movements smooth and orderly. The sparks of the fire danced, reflecting on her serene face, the sound of drawing water clear and pleasant, and as she kneaded the dough, the flour gently flew, forming a fine mist, her actions revealing an unperturbed composure unaffected by the external world.

But the occasional tense expression that flitted across her face and the slightly pale corners of her lips silently spoke of her inner unrest and struggle.

Su Yu stood quietly to one side, observing Xie Xinghua with meticulous detail. Her eyes, like deep lake waters, hid a deep understanding and sympathy for Xie Xinghua.

She could feel the fear and evasion in Xie Xinghua’s heart, a dread of the unknown, and an unbearable burden of potentially losing her loved ones.

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