76 Volume 3: Part 2 Second Chances (2/2)

At the last question, she pointed to the man whom she genuinely did not recognize. If she'd known anyone with green hair or a baby face like that in the past, she definitely would have remembered it by now. Seeing how much Yan Li had changed, for a moment, she wondered if Shan Hui was this strange looking fellow.

The man in question cleared his throat and gave a flourishing bow, cupping his hands in front of him.

”After putting up with Brother-in-Law all this time and raising these precocious Nephews for you, this Big Bro only gets forgotten by his Little Sis in the end! Ah! Who knew MeiMei could be this cold? So sad, so sad!”

”What the— YE?”

He straightened up and winked.

”The very same.”

She rushed over, touching his face in disbelief. He was a full head taller than her so she was forced to look up.

”You— you're so big now!”

He grinned and gave her a big hug. As he embraced her warmly, his face cramped slightly from repressed tears. Though he'd waited until last, he was just as eager to touch her and confirm she was well as everyone else.

When Ye kept embracing Mei for a bit longer than might be deemed appropriate, Jin grabbed him by the back of his collar and pulled him away. He gave Ye a scathing glare.

”That's enough from you.”

Still dangling from Jin's grip, Ye narrowed his eyes slightly and then smirked nastily.

”Are you planning to bottle that vinegar and sell it?”

Jin scowled and looked ready to fight Ye right then and there, when Mei Hua stepped forward and ”chopped” them both on the head with the side of her hands.

”You two—” She rolled her eyes in exasperation. ”What are you even doing? Ye, stop needling Jin for no good reason. And Jin, stop reacting as if anything was going to happen. Who do you think I'm married to, huh? Ye or you?”

Jin pressed his lips together and glanced at Ye, who grinned cheekily back at him. Annoyed, Jin 'gently' tossed him away. The Fairy stumbled but still managed to regain his balance and land on his two feet.

”Now then,” Mei Hua stepped towards Jin and put a hand on either side of his face, just as he'd done to her earlier. ”Getting upset at Ye's antics; you seem to have regressed in confidence of my love for you. Let me remind you that you've nothing to fear.”

She pulled his face down to her level and kissed him soundly. His whole body stiffened in surprise before he gave in, relaxing and wrapping his arms around her. The constant ache in his chest loosened at the touch of her soft lips against his.

Thinking she only meant to go for a light, teasing kiss, he started to pull away. But he was pleasantly surprised when she snaked her arm around his shoulder and pulled him back in. The second kiss was more aggressive and also… very odd.

It felt as though a bit of her spirit had reached out and touched his through that ardent kiss. It was a cool caress and along with it came the feeling of being drawn into her, like a bee to a flower. In his whole life he'd never felt anything even remotely similar. A shiver of ecstasy ran down his spine and for a moment he completely forgot where he was and slipped his tongue into her mouth.

The three sons had gone beet red at their parent's behavior. Shi Ji didn't know where to look so he turned around while Yan Li covered his and Lu Shao's eyes. Lu Shao, who was well into adulthood, let his eyes be covered, since he didn't want to see his parents making out.

Ye's whole face puckered, feeling as though Mei Hua had really gotten back at him for teasing Jin. If making Jin jealous resulted in this kind of public display of affection, he'd never ever do it again as long as he lived. Finally he couldn't take it anymore and cried out miserably:

”You two, remember that you're outside! There are people present, people who don't want to see this! Like me! Ugh! MeiMei, please stop! I'm sure Jin is confident now! And even if he's not, stop anyway!”

Hearing this, Mei Hua released Jin and took a step back.

Tilting her head, she gave a small smile and asked her husband sweetly, ”Was there any reason to be jealous?”

”….nuh uh…” Jin responded stupidly, face red and feeling as if a great weight had been lifted from his spirit. Inexplicably, the world seemed like a fantastic place filled with wonder and amazement. He hadn't felt this good since… well, he couldn't think of a time.

”Gross~!” Shuya called out with a snicker. ”Get a room next time!”

She was standing next to Ye, who jumped back in alarm and pulled out a short knife from somewhere inside his sleeve.He hadn't sensed anyone there, and even now that he could see her, he sensed nothing at all. It was like she was air.

Mei Hua's sons were just as startled but immediately formed a loose circle around the stranger, confusion and wariness on their faces. Jin hadn't noticed her either, and paired with his euphoria, was the last to respond. He clumsily grabbed his wife and pushed her behind him. He tried to look threatening despite a flushed face and his lips still trying to rise at the corners.

”Who are you?” Jin demanded, attempting to sound authoritative instead of happy.

Despite being surrounded, the woman was not bothered at all. Her dark blue hair was in a loose bun and her pale blue eyes looked amused. She had a light green dress that contrasted her tanned skin, making her bare shoulders, deep cleavage, and long legs stand out.

She cheekily waved and winked at the men who were tensely standing near her, none were the slightest bit won over by her charming figure or behavior. Shuya gave a sullen expression at their cold response.

”Little Sister, your boys sure do love you. They're ready to slice this beautiful Older Sis into tiny pieces without any remorse, ah! How about introducing me to them before I'm skewered?”

Mei Hua stepped out from behind Jin, giving them all an apologetic head bob.

”Everyone, this is Shuya. A friend and teacher of mine.” When none of ”her boys” lowered their guards, she pursed her lips, ”Shuya, look at at how you scared them! I thought you said you were going to behave yourself!”

Shuya held her cheeks and pouted cutely. ”Who needs to behave themselves? I wasn't the one making out in public! No one was even paying attention to me and I'd been standing there for a long time!”