Volume 1: Loss and Gain, Swallow's Pregnancy on the Head (Character Handwritten) Chapter 58: Re-entering the Government Office

  Hu Xiaoyan's actions left Shen Han slightly stunned, she had thought her request would be met with rejection, but instead she took the initiative to pull her own hand over, and at this moment, what appeared on Hu Xiaoyan's face was no longer that arrogant and detestable expression, but a unique gentleness belonging to her as a woman, perhaps... only when a woman is truly carrying a small life in her belly can she have such radiance.

  The touch in her hand made Shen Huan's thoughts immediately replaced, she looked into Hu Xiaoyan's eyes, and showed her the first sincere gaze and smile since they became sisters-in-law. She gently stroked her flat abdomen, but only felt some slight movements and a scorching temperature coming from her belly.

  That feeling was very small, so small that if Shen Huan didn't focus all her attention on perceiving it, she wouldn't have been able to detect it at all. She was a bit surprised - why had she been able to clearly feel the condition of the baby in Mrs. Yuan's belly when she touched it before? But because of the death of the woman in labor and the fact that this was her first time using her powers, it was extremely strenuous, causing her to faint for several days.

  The second time was much better, although she still felt weak, she understood that it was her unfamiliarity with the ability that made her unable to use it freely, and it would always exceed her physical load. Perhaps... this is just like learning something new, it takes a process to get familiar with it.

  Now, for a newly pregnant sister-in-law, it's very difficult to feel the movement in her belly, Shen Huan knew that as the months go by and the fetus takes shape, she would be more likely to sense it.

  "Sister-in-law, it's going to be tough on you from now on."

  Unconsciously, Shen Han said this sentence, and Hu Xiaoyan just looked at her, nodded silently after a while.

  Looking at this scene, no one was happier than Shen Yifeng. He had been sandwiched between his wife and sister for a long time, and his wife's nagging had made the whole household restless. If getting pregnant could make her understand the difficulties of being parents, then...her temper should also be somewhat subdued.

  The atmosphere was more harmonious than ever before, the three of them chatting casually in the house. Mrs. Li also told her husband and wife some things that needed attention, and as she spoke, she couldn't help but laugh: "Look at me, this old lady, your family is one of the best doctors around, what else do I need to say here? The things you should pay attention to, he must have already told you long ago. Just take a look!"

  Shen Huan saw that Shen Yi and his wife looked a bit embarrassed, and she also knew the main purpose of their visit. Perhaps... the rumors about something happening at home had already reached their ears, but since they were all sitting together as a family, Shen Huan tried to ease the tension by saying: "Mom, you don't know this, but Dad was just talking big, you've actually seen many more reactions from pregnant women than he has. You have real combat experience!"

  Shen Huan's words dispelled the awkwardness of Hu Xiaoyan and the others, causing the three to burst out laughing. Just then, Zhao Xiuzhuo pushed open the courtyard door and came in, catching sight of this scene. Seeing Shen Yifeng, he merely stared for a moment, his expression unchanged, and softly called out: "Mother... I'm back."

  Zhao Xi's return with Hu Youxuan completely broke the chill in this household. The small courtyard, originally with only three people, doubled in number. They chatted and talked about various topics, but it didn't feel awkward at all. However, when they were in the kitchen, Shen Han saw a hint of worry on Li's face that she couldn't hide.

  "Mom, I've caused you more trouble."

  "Never mind that, I still have the good stuff you brought back from your mother's house last time. Your sister-in-law just got pregnant and came over after a lot of trouble, so I'll get it for her to eat."

  For Li's kindness, no matter how small it was, Shen Han remembered it in her heart. She didn't say much and turned to go to Li's room, taking out the things that were properly placed in the cabinet. Hu Xiaoyan saw this and also felt embarrassed to continue listening to the three men talking about topics she wasn't interested in, so she followed Shen Han into the kitchen.

  "What are you doing here? You should be resting well with your pregnancy."

  Li turned around and saw Hu Xiaoyan following behind her, immediately giving Shen Han a look that made Hu Xiaoyan feel somewhat embarrassed. If Shen Han had been as quarrelsome as before, Li might have found it easier to deal with her. But now, she seemed to have genuinely accepted herself, showing no signs of dislike or dissatisfaction on her face.

  On the contrary, such changes made Hu Xiaoyan a bit at a loss.

  "Auntie, I'm not so weak, when I was at home, I did chores just like this."

  "That was in the past, after getting married you were considered a guest, how could they let you into the kitchen?"

  "Then I'll just sit here, okay? Outside, they're chatting enthusiastically, and I couldn't care less, it's so boring."

  Upon hearing this, Shen Huan and Li's wife tacitly understood each other and didn't say anything more. Meanwhile, Hu Xiaoyan wasn't just sitting there; she was watching the fire in the stove, occasionally adding a piece of firewood to it.

  Although the meal was simple, they enjoyed it immensely, especially Shen Yifeng, who hadn't smiled like that in a long time. Hu Xiaoyan saw her husband's expression and couldn't help but feel a little guilty. She had always been impulsive and knew that some of her actions would put her man in an awkward position, but she just couldn't help herself sometimes.

  After eating, the couple returned home soon after, while Hu Youxuan said he would stay for a few more days and wait until Zhao Xiuzhu finished her exams before returning. The husband and wife didn't say much to each other, as their purpose in coming this time was also to listen to some rumors. Hu Xiaoyan also wanted to take the opportunity to see her brother, but she didn't really want him to rush back home so quickly. Moreover, things had improved between her and Shen Han, so there were no objections when Shen Yifeng left.

  It was also a rare occasion, when she saw her husband take out some money from his sleeve to give to Shen Huan, she did not speak sarcastically, and Shen Huan did not accept it. Moreover, regardless of whether the maternal family was really so generous, as a married-out daughter, it was indeed inappropriate for her to constantly ask for their money, and she believed that Li Shi would not want her to always rely on her natal family for support either.

  "Shen Han, Lord Qin has asked me to invite you all to come over."

  Outside the door, Yingyue Xue knocked on the gate and walked in. Between her and the Zhao family, she was no longer so restrained. With Shen Han, they just called each other by name. She said this lightly, Li Shi and Shen Han exchanged a glance, while Zhao Xi Qiao's face still had that unchanging expression. She didn't say anything else, waiting for their own decision.

  "Mom, let's go."

  It was Zhao Xi who spoke first, his brief three words already revealing his stance.

  Went to the government office, and as expected, Qin Yu just hoped they could compromise. After all, sometimes people slightly bow their heads, and can gain a lot of peace. Shen Han couldn't help but secretly laugh, thinking: Slightly bow your head? You try it first! Peace? Is that your peace, Lord Qin?

  The more she understood this Mr. Qin, the more Shen Huan felt that Ying Yue Xue wasn't worth it. Such a good girl was ruined by this broken family, but... thinking of Ying Yue Xue's stubbornness, she also deeply knew that if she didn't want to listen, no matter how much she herself spoke, it would be useless.

  "Does the adult mean we should apologize and admit our mistake to the Yuan family?"

  Grandma and Little Uncle both furrowed their brows and didn't speak, while Ying Yue Xue's eyes also showed a worried expression. Shen Han couldn't help but open her mouth, and the tone of her words wasn't very good either, provoking Qin Yu to flash a hint of impatience. For him, as a parent official, he naturally had to take care of the people's affairs, but on the other hand, the old tiger at home was not easy to provoke either.

  Since he can't afford to offend anyone, the only thing he can do is to pick out the soft persimmon and squeeze it. Coincidentally, the Zhao family happens to be the softest one among the three.

  "Those who know the current situation are outstanding, just apologize and the twenty taels of silver that were hard to come by can be returned, and the Yuan family will also be relieved. In the future, everyone will be able to hold their heads high and avoid awkwardness, hurting harmony is not good."

  Shen Han's personality is straightforward and impulsive. Before, it seemed like nothing could get a reaction out of her, but that was because she hadn't figured out her place in this household. Now that she has the support of her family members, who are all strong-willed and won't tolerate being bullied or humiliated, she naturally won't compromise either.

  "Twenty taels of silver is a compensation for the mistake, we admit our fault but she, Yuan's family, wants to cheat people. We are not soft persimmons that can be pinched at will. At first, we had already taken a step back, but after she fabricated rumors and caused trouble, she still wants to pretend to be magnanimous and act like a good person? No way!"

  At this moment, Shen Han also understood the reason why Li Shi and Zhao Xi Qiao did not speak up. The biggest victim of this matter seemed to be Li Shi, but in fact it was her. There is nothing more uncompromising than reputation. A person can have no money, can have no power, but if they lose face, how can they come out and see people in the future? Therefore, for her to use the most recent hot scandal to counterattack is the wisest choice.

  "So what exactly do you want?"

  "What the Yuan family wants, our request is the same. We can make amends for the 'more children, more blessings' matter, then the Yuan family should also make a statement and apologize for slandering my younger brother's reputation, and give us some compensation."

  Who doesn't blackmail? It's just that you're not as shameless, but sometimes when your concessions won't bring the other party's gratitude, but rather more shameless demands, at this moment your only choice is to use their own methods against them. Moreover, when dealing with someone who has no shame, you must be even more shameless in order to win.

  "What?"

  "Sir, the Yuan family is the people you need to protect, are we Zhao family not? Can't the world be united without distinguishing between families? You can't guarantee that our family won't prosper either?"

  This was said very clearly, Qin Yu is not a fool, naturally he can understand the meaning of Shen Han's words, let alone her eyes kept glancing at Zhao Xiuzhu while speaking, seeing the difficulty on Qin Yu's face, Shen Han couldn't help but cry and laugh in her heart, silently roaring: Young uncle, you must definitely hold on to high school, I've said so much for you, if you don't make an effort, not only will I lose face in Fucheng Town, but I'll also lose the face to live.

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