127 She Has Nothing to Do with Me from Here On (2/2)
”That's true, only ordinary people would be head-over-heels in love with Chi Rui'er anyway.”
”She has nothing to do with me, from now on.”
”You must've been bitter when she got together with Gu Beicheng. But then again, like what they always say, love is blind. I do believe that. Otherwise, why would there be so many great catches falling into the hands of a woman?” An Xiaoning sneered.
”I wasn't bitter about it. Marrying you was the best decision I've ever made,” he said, resting his chin on her head.
An Xiaoning placed her head against his chest, hearing every beat of his heart, which was palpitating loudly.
He looked out of the window with bright-lit eyes.
——
Shi Shaochuan hired a professional to perform a ritual for Wang Fangfang, which cost him a hefty sum. The ritual was performed in the day, thus arousing the attention of the villagers. Wang Fangfang's parents did not object to it, however.
The ritual was finally completed after taking up an entire morning. Shi Shaochuan heaved a huge sigh of relief as he felt like a boulder had been lifted off his chest, upon confirming that Wang Fangfang's spirit had been destroyed.
Neither An Xiaoning nor the police were aware of the matter.
In a blink of an eye, it was the Eve of the Lunar New Year.
Many shops on the streets were temporarily closed for business to celebrate the festive season, though there were still a few that remained open.
The streets were brimming with crowds, adding to the joyous mood of ushering in the Lunar New Year.
Dressed in a long feathered coat with thick stockings and a pair of boots, An Xiaoning exited the store together with Mei Yangyang.
Having decided to close the store for the holiday, she gave out red packets to Xu Jingwen and Zhang Li and instructed them to return to work only after the Lunar New Year holiday was over.
She decided not to drive that day, since the roads were wet and slippery. Thus, she linked arms with Mei Yangyang and they walked on the streets together.
”It's the first day of the Lunar New Year tomorrow, Happy New Year. Here's a red packet for you,” said An Xiaoning as she handed Mei Yangyang a red packet.
”Thank you, Sis,” Mei Yangyang said as she accepted the red packet, grinning from ear to ear.
”I haven't been tending to the store lately. It's been hard on you.”
”Nothing of that sort, it's only my duty. I got to spend a great Lunar New Year this year, all thanks to you, Sis Xiaoning. I'm really grateful to you.”
An Xiaoning gripped her hand and said, ”Don't say that, you've had a hard time too. How are things between you and Long Tianze?”
”Things are fine, nothing special. Sis, he mentioned that he'd like to invite you and Brother-in-law to ski tomorrow afternoon. Would you like to come?” Mei Yangyang asked.
”Sure.”
”Alright, let's go together. I feel safer with you around. I heard we're going to spend a night there and will only return on the next afternoon.”
”You're afraid he'll eat you up?” An Xiaoning teased.
”Of course, I'm a fresh piece of meat, after all,” Mei Yangyang answered, her face blushing as red as a tomato.
An Xiaoning could not help but burst into laughter. ”Okay, we shall go ahead with the plan, since he asked.”
On her way home, she suddenly received a call from Mrs. Jin, asking her to return to the family mansion.
The reason being that Shi Shaochuan and Jin Qingyue were going to have lunch at the family mansion before heading to Shi Shaochuan's house in the evening to accompany old Mrs. Shi.
As soon as she entered through the gate, An Xiaoning was greeted with the sight of Shi Shaochuan seated at the dining table. She put on a smile and exclaimed as she quickly strode in, ”Mother, what a sumptuous spread we've got for lunch!”
”Xiaoning, come sit down here.”
”Xiaoning, Qingyan has handed your father and me the amulets. How long will they be effective for?” Mrs. Jin asked softly as An Xiaoning took a seat.