Chapter 13: Severing Ties

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“Uncle He, is there something on my face?” Ye Siran asked shyly as He Yongchang stared intently at her face.

“Hahaha... Uncle He was just thinking about how that stingy Ye Jianping actually dared to give you so much,” he chuckled.

“My stepfather is eager to become Elder Brother Hongwen’s father-in-law. If his own daughter had a chance to marry him, he would naturally give willingly.”

“Ranran, you’ve suffered these past few years, but luckily Ye Jianping is too proud to go too far.”

“It’s not exactly suffering; all of this was my choice. Besides, the person who dislikes me the most in that family is my own mother!”

“Ah! Because she’s your birth mother, Uncle He and your aunt find it difficult to intervene.”

He Yongchang refrained from voicing his true thoughts—he could only privately scold Ye Jianping. The woman who had helped him had endured hardship, and he felt guilty, so he wanted to marry her into the family quickly.

Looking at the man who genuinely cared for her, Ye Siran tentatively asked, “Uncle He, are you really willing for Elder Brother Hongwen to marry my sister?”

“Ranran, don’t worry. Uncle He will be honest with you—if Hongwen doesn’t marry you, he won’t find happiness with anyone else.”

“Uncle He believes in superstition?” Ye Siran lowered her voice. Her past life was suffocating, but that scoundrel He Hongwen lived well indeed.

With her help honoring his parents, caring for the family, and managing his health, he devoted himself fully to work without worries.

He was outstanding, promoted to director at a young age, and before thirty, became deputy director of the First People's Hospital in Jing City.

He conquered many critical illness treatments, won countless awards, and was highly praised—truly a shining star.

“Ranran, Uncle He quietly tells you, although superstition isn’t allowed now, those mysterious things cannot be explained by science,” He Yongchang whispered, leaning in as he helped her with her food.

“Since Uncle He believes in these mysterious things, why did he change his mind and want him to marry my sister?” Ye Siran asked in disbelief.

“If Ranran isn’t willing to marry, Uncle He absolutely respects your decision. It’s just that he’s not so fortunate; you can’t blame others.”

“......”

He Yongchang saw the young girl gasp in surprise but say nothing, just staring at him in disbelief.

He put down his chopsticks and looked seriously into Ye Siran’s eyes, gently continuing, “Ranran, don’t carry any burden in your heart.

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It’s all that boy’s own doing. Uncle never expected you to let go of years of affection so decisively. Uncle only wishes for you to live well.”

His kind and firm voice was like a warm spring breeze gently brushing over Ye Siran’s heart, bringing a flicker of warmth.

Especially the last words, “I only wish for you to live well,” felt like a warm current melting the coldness inside her.

But matters of the heart aren’t so easily severed. Had she not endured the soul-wrenching pain of her past life, she wouldn’t have come to this realization.

This time, she was unwilling to marry—not out of fear of the future, but because she had lived through a life she never wished to repeat.

All the youthful, beautiful illusions were shattered by the repeated favoritism of the one she loved most.

Ye Ruoyue was a thoroughly wicked woman, and He Hongwen was no good man. She hoped this life would lock them away forever to prevent further harm.

Yet the man before her, who had been kind to her for two lifetimes, looked at her with earnest eyes full of concern, leaving her conflicted.

In the end, she probed gently, “Uncle He, do you think my sister would be a suitable match for Elder Brother Hongwen?”

“Hongwen is indeed outstanding but too arrogant. Pride comes before a fall. Without someone like you, Ranran, willing to devote herself so wholeheartedly, no one would be a suitable partner for him!”

“Uncle He thinks my sister doesn’t truly love Elder Brother Hongwen?” Ye Siran was struck by his perceptiveness.

“Ranran, are you worried Hongwen won’t be happy after marriage? You’re the only pure soul who loves someone so devotedly.

“Ye Ruoyue may like Hongwen now, but she values the He family’s status more. When marriage isn’t as perfect as she imagined, she will surely cause trouble.”

“I’m not worried about He Hongwen’s happiness, but I’m concerned Uncle He might be worn down by Ye Ruoyue,” Ye Siran said seriously.

“Hahaha... Ranran, don’t worry. I haven’t taken your pain lightly. Rest assured! I won’t be angered by someone insignificant.”

Seeing He Yongchang laugh heartily, Ye Siran realized the real reason her former father-in-law died of anger was because he was upset with himself.

He had endured silence for love of He Hongwen and the failure to produce a son.

The old man had told her more than once that as a daughter-in-law of the He family, cooking occasionally was a way to strengthen the couple’s bond and cultivate temperament.

But cooking every day was no different from being a servant.

Yet she not only didn’t change, she felt her father-in-law despised her. Looking back now, she wanted to slap her former self.

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“Ranran hopes Uncle He takes good care of himself. These three bottles of stomach medicine I made—if you trust me, take one pill daily.”

“I trust you, Ranran. I’ve had stomach pains these past two years from not eating on time, drinking, or overeating. It’s thoughtful of you, girl.”

He Yongchang said as he unhesitatingly opened a bottle cap and popped a black pill into his mouth.

Moved, Ye Siran said nothing sentimental. “Uncle He, will someone come to pick me up tomorrow morning?”

“Ranran, I’ll take you home now to pack your things. Stay at my house tonight—I’m afraid Song Chunhua might try to steal your money.”

“Uncle He, don’t worry. If she tries, I’ll just say I’m marrying He Hongwen,” Ye Siran said with a triumphant smile.

“Hahaha... then go home. Tomorrow morning, I’ll personally come get you.”

Seeing the young girl smile so beautifully, He Yongchang laughed along.

As Ye Siran stepped inside her home, her mother slapped her hard, leaving her dizzy. “Ye Siran, did you stop your sister from registering the marriage?”

“Sister hasn’t registered?!” Ye Siran covered her face in surprise. She could have dodged but deliberately took the slap.

“Sister hasn’t registered, and you hit me? You’re my birth daughter—I don’t want you anymore!”

Song Chunhua could no longer contain her fury. “How dare you speak to me like that? Get down on your knees!”

“Kneel? Are you the empress or the empress dowager? The Qing Dynasty ended long ago. Are you hoping for re-education?”

“Heavens! What sin did I commit to have such a troublesome daughter? I’ll beat you to death right now!”

“Beat me to death, and He Hongwen definitely won’t marry your sister. You’ll go to jail. Better to beg me than offend me.”

“Your mother, you scold Ranran without knowing the facts. That’s outrageous! Ranran, will you help your sister?”

Ye Siran’s father seized the moment to plead.

“I can definitely get He Hongwen to register with Ye Ruoyue, but I’ll sever ties with you all,” Ye Siran said firmly.

“Want to cut ties? Dream on.”

Her mother, crazed with rage, lunged at Ye Siran but was deftly evaded. Her mother fell flat on the floor.

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