Thus, the most absurd and ironic scene unfolded.
Meng Xuan and Fu Yanshen stepped forward together to greet Ning Shu.
Though absurd and ironic, it seemed utterly reasonable in that moment.
Meng Xuan was the widow—the widow of a martyr—and she was carrying his orphaned child.
Fu Yanshen was her childhood friend. How fitting and noble it seemed for him to stand by her side at such a time.
If Ning Shu, as the wife, were to act jealous or petty, she would only appear heartless and narrow-minded.
Ning Shu smiled bitterly as she watched the two approach.
She watched her lawful husband, like a loyal knight, shielding the woman he had once loved.
No, not “once”—perhaps he had always loved her.
Even though an irreversible accident had occurred between them, even though they had both married others… who said one couldn’t love someone forever?
So, some things were better left unsaid—unclear, unspoken, and unutterable.
At that moment, Tang Yue’ai and Zhuang Fu stood by Ning Shu’s side.
But neither knew what to say or how to say it.
Could they step forward and intercept Meng Xuan’s approach?
No.
Meng Xuan’s every word and action seemed flawless, leaving no room for criticism.
Yes, even if there were conflicts between them, some conflicts couldn’t be resolved by airing them openly.
Nor could they be settled with a fight or a confrontation.
Some conflicts ran bone-deep, perhaps irreconcilable and impossible to resolve.
Tang Yue’ai and Zhuang Fu couldn’t find it in themselves to criticize or curse Meng Xuan at that moment.
And so, they found themselves trapped in a passive, unbreakable stalemate.
Passively waiting to be trampled upon, their dignity once again shattered.
Ning Shu, however, had no such thoughts. She only felt her body growing increasingly uncomfortable.
A heavy, sinking sensation spread through her lower abdomen.
Coupled with her profound grief and sorrow, her face grew even paler, and fine beads of cold sweat dotted her forehead.
Her back felt alternately chilled and feverish.
As the two drew closer, Ning Shu told herself inwardly, It’s fine. Stay calm.
It’s just a greeting. Don’t overthink it.
If you didn’t overthink things, they often lost their sting.
But just as the two were about to reach Ning Shu…
Xie Jinghong, who had been standing motionless and silent, suddenly moved.
He had been standing beside Ning Shu, at a distance neither too close nor too far, almost shoulder-to-shoulder with her.
With just a few steps left for the approaching pair…
Xie Jinghong stepped forward.
And then… he effortlessly intercepted them.
If Tang Yue’ai or Zhuang Fu had done this, it might have seemed inappropriate.
After all, everyone knew the three were close friends, having grown up together since childhood.
But for Xie Jinghong to do it… it felt perfectly natural.
Though he was friends with all the peers present today…
who could argue with the Xie Crown Prince?
Meng Xuan paused, taken aback.
Xie Jinghong spoke simply, “Long time no see.”
Meng Xuan replied politely, “Hong Ye, long time no see.”
With that, the greeting was at least exchanged, and Xie Jinghong had initiated it.
Ning Shu’s predicament seemed slightly less awkward now.
Seizing the moment, Tang Yue’ai stepped forward, linking her arm with Xie Jinghong’s, and greeted Meng Xuan as well, “Long time no see, Sister Xuan.”
Meng Xuan was a month or two older than them.
Tang Yue’ai stepped forward just then, conveniently positioning herself in the middle and cutting off the direct face-to-face stance between Meng Xuan and Ning Shu.
Meng Xuan pursed her lips. “Yue’ai, long time no see.”
Greetings were a simple and straightforward routine.
But Xie Jinghong took the lead and turned it into a spectacle.
As Tang Yue’ai would say, they were all old foxes—who was trying to play innocent with whom?
Just then, Zhuang Fu seized the moment, linking arms with Ning Shu. “Let’s go too.”
Ning Shu nodded.
Zhuang Fu walked forward with Ning Shu and spoke first. “It’s been a while for us too.”
Meng Xuan nodded with a light smile.
Then she turned her gaze to Ning Shu, but before she could speak, Ning Shu said first, “Long time no see, Sister Xuan.”
Meng Xuan closed her slightly parted lips and pursed them again. “Long time no see. I’ve caused you trouble.”
This was another direct and pointed remark.
Ning Shu didn’t know how to respond.
Fortunately, Xie Jinghong seized the conversation again.
Before Ning Shu could answer, he said, “Fang Chen’s accident is truly regrettable. You must take special care of your health and look after yourself. My condolences.”
These words forced Meng Xuan to wipe the smile from her face, her expression instantly turning somber and sorrowful. Tears welled up in her eyes as she choked out, “Thank you.”
Xie Jinghong looked at her, his gaze scrutinizing, and added, “No need for thanks. It’s only right.”
Then he immediately continued, “I thought you’d be overwhelmed with grief, but I didn’t expect you to be so strong. I truly admire you.”
As he finished speaking, Xie Jinghong shifted his gaze to Fu Yanshen’s face.
This was a masterful remark.
Fu Yanshen’s eyes darkened with displeasure. “What are you saying? Do you wish for Xuan’er to be overwhelmed with grief? She’s carrying a child! She’s being incredibly strong!”
Xie Jinghong smiled. “That’s exactly what I meant.”
Fu Yanshen’s expression darkened.
Ning Shu understood and couldn’t help but glance at Xie Jinghong.
Was he implying that Fu Yanshen should notice how Meng Xuan’s lack of “grief” seemed unnatural?
But Fu Yanshen’s words, while possibly defensive, weren’t entirely unreasonable.
After all, with a child on the way, excessive grief wouldn’t be good for the baby.
Ning Shu frowned slightly, her own lower abdomen still feeling quite uncomfortable.
But she spoke up now. “Sister Xuan, the departed are gone. Take care of yourself and the baby.”
Ning Shu said this only because she thought of the child and of Fang Chen.
She thought of that “never again.”
So the words slipped out.
She didn’t know if she should have said such a thing, but since it was already said… it was said.
Her words actually improved Fu Yanshen’s previously gloomy expression quite a bit.
Zhuang Fu seized the opportunity. “Don’t worry, everyone! Meng Lang and I will take great care of Xuan’er—we’ll treat her like a treasure, afraid she’ll melt in our mouths or fall from our hands!”
Xie Jinghong immediately added, “Thank you for your hard work. If there’s anything you need, just say the word. We should all do our part.”
Tang Yue’ai nodded. “Exactly! Sister Xuan, just relax and don’t hesitate to speak up! Even if you wanted to buy the entire capital, Hong Ye wouldn’t bat an eye!”
This might have sounded slightly exaggerated.
But the point wasn’t whether she actually wanted to buy the capital.
Everyone understood what the real point was.
They thought this would shut Meng Xuan up.
But who knew Meng Xuan would respond directly, “Thank you all for your kindness. I’m truly touched. However… I’ve already discussed it with Yanshen. I’ll be moving in with him.”
No one expected Meng Xuan to be so blunt, speaking so matter-of-factly as if it were perfectly reasonable.
Since there was no need to pretend anymore, Xie Jinghong spoke frankly, “This isn’t appropriate.”
But Meng Xuan had her own reasoning, saying, “I’m truly sorry. But to be honest with everyone, my emotions… my mood is actually very poor. At a time like this, I really need someone I can talk to to keep me company. Otherwise… I don’t know if I… can get through it.”
After she finished speaking, tears fell, and she immediately covered her face and wept.