Ji Shaoli was afraid of scaring Jian Yunong, so he added, "Don't think too much; this kind of small matter might not affect things to that extent."
Jian Yunong knew that Ji Shaoli was trying to comfort her, but she remained silent.
"If you have time, come and spend more time with your aunt. It's nice to be back home. Even though she didn't say anything while you were abroad, she was still very worried about you. Now that you're back, she won't have to worry as much."
A hint of sadness appeared in Jian Yunong's eyes. "Okay, Uncle-in-law, you shouldn't worry too much either. My aunt has a sharp tongue but a soft heart; it might be because she's pregnant..."
Ji Shaoli's voice carried a smile. "I know."
He understood more than she did, knowing that Mist Shenshen had become irritable since her pregnancy, especially since this child was also part of his scheme; her mood couldn't possibly be good.
After saying goodbye to Grandma Huo, Jian Yunong prepared to return to the villa with Huo Jincheng. As she left, her grandmother held her hand and reminded her not to stay cooped up at home all the time, suggesting that she should go out more often. Coming back to the old house for meals would be good too; she could have delicious food made for her every day. And she should not pay too much attention to the gossip outside.
Seeing the concerned expression on the elderly woman's face stirred different emotions in Jian Yunong, warming her heart and making her want to cry.
Her eyes reddened, and Grandma Huo gently wiped her tears as if soothing a child. "Huo Jincheng told me about the terrible things he did, using such underhanded tactics to force you and Yi Nansheng to break up, which caused you mental distress. He actually feels quite guilty about it. Everything has consequences; this matter has come full circle and landed back on him. He has received his retribution, don't you think?"
Jian Yunong sniffled and asked, "He... he said he feels guilty?"
Clearly, she found it hard to believe; Huo Jincheng was quite proud and arrogant, never showing any signs of guilt in front of her.
Grandma Huo patted her head. The girl's hair was so smooth; being young was great, even when crying she looked beautiful and endearing. "He doesn't like to express himself. Some things are wrong no matter what; it's not something that can be fixed with just a few words of apology. The key is to make an effort to make amends. I'm also very angry about the terrible things he did. I told him not to expect forgiveness; the harm has already been done. Does he really think that saying 'I'm sorry' can solve everything? Hurting others and expecting forgiveness just because of an apology is unreasonable. I told him he needs to treat you twice as well. We can take our time healing your psychological issues; it's okay. Nong Nong, you need to believe in yourself and also in Huo Jincheng. You two are destined to be together; such a connection is rare, so cherish it."
Thinking of her late husband, that hot-tempered old man, Grandma Huo's tone became slightly somber and melancholic. "Go on now. During the time you were away, Huo Jincheng was busy as well. Now that you're back, bring him over more often to see me. The chef at home has developed new dishes that I'm sure you'll love."
Jian Yunong blushed; how did everyone in the world know how much she loved to eat?
"Grandma Huo" smiled, "Being able to eat is a blessing."
Outside, a light drizzle was falling, but "Jian Yunong" felt inexplicably good.
Not long after returning home, "Huo Jincheng" called. His deep voice was pleasant to hear, "Are you up?"
"Jian Yunong" smiled, feeling a bit proud, "I've already gotten home!"
"It seems like you weren't very tired last night," "Huo Jincheng" said with a smile.
"Jian Yunong": "..."
Wasn't tired last night? She felt like she was about to die. Uncomfortably, she huffed, "You seem pretty free."
"I might not be able to come back for dinner with you tonight."
So he specifically called to tell her this. "Jian Yunong" wasn't the type of girl who needed someone by her side all the time. "That's okay, I can go visit my aunt or go back to the old house for dinner. Grandma said as long as I go back for dinner, she'll make me lots of delicious food. I've heard the chef has developed new dishes."
"Huo Jincheng" replied unhappily, "Touch your chin and see if there's any drool coming out."
"Jian Yunong": "..."
"Let's have dinner at Grandma's tonight; I'll come pick you up."
"Okay."
Jian Yunong certainly did not want to cook, and she didn't know how to cook either.
While organizing her things, Jian Yunong suddenly found her bank card, the salary card she had specifically applied for when entering Dynasty Hotel, but she had never withdrawn a single salary from it.
During the months she had not been working, it seemed the company had not paid her any money.
Jian Yunong casually put the card into her bag and went to the flower shop at the entrance of the community to buy a large bouquet of flowers, which she planned to place in her bedroom.
She took a stroll around the walk-in closet and was once again shocked by what was inside; Huo Jincheng had not only bought her clothes but also jewelry and bags, a dazzling array.
Jian Yunong sat there for a long time, then silently closed the closet door and sat down on the chaise lounge by the bay window.
Since returning from abroad, it seemed she hadn't brought Huo Jincheng any gifts.
Yet he had quietly prepared so many gifts for her.
How annoying, yet she couldn't help but smile; this complex emotion made Jian Yunong want to bury herself away.
Jian Yunong called Mist Shenshen to consult about what gift would be suitable for a man.
On the other end, Mist Shenshen was doing her hair; even while pregnant, she still loved to look beautiful. Ji Shaoli wouldn't let her go out and had hired a professional hairstylist to come to their home to cut her hair.
"Gift? For whom?" Mist Shenshen asked casually.
Jian Yunong felt embarrassed, "Of course it's for Huo Jincheng."
"Why did you suddenly think of giving him a gift? Is it some kind of anniversary? Or is it his birthday? No, I remember Mr. Huo's birthday is still far away."
Jian Yunong then told her that she wanted to give Huo Jincheng a token of appreciation.
Mist Shenshen was increasingly satisfied with this nephew-in-law. "Putting aside your mother-in-law, your husband is really good. He is the kind of man who takes responsibility; once he makes up his mind, he will be completely devoted to you."
Jian Yunong smiled happily, "Auntie, please give me some advice. I don't know what would be appropriate to give."
Mist Shenshen pondered for a moment. "I think Mr. Huo has seen all kinds of good things; we need something different."
Jian Yunong's curiosity was piqued. "Different? What do you mean by different?"
"For example, a romantic feast—candlelight, fragrance, plus some sexy lingerie. What do you think?"
Jian Yunong frowned and thought seriously. "Auntie, that's too insincere, isn't it? Isn't that just treating myself as the gift?"
"Is it the same? You must be the one who is resistant when you two are intimate, right?"
"What does resistant mean?"
"The one who refuses to move."
"……" Jian Yunong's face turned as red as fire, and she couldn't refute it. "Auntie, how can you say that…"
"What's there to be embarrassed about? You're already married; knowing these things is perfectly normal. It's just a little fun between couples. Besides, you two haven't been together for so long; this isn't good for newlyweds, okay? Just listen to your aunt; I'll have someone bring these things over for you later."
"Ah? No, no." Jian Yunong felt shy. If someone found out, it would be so embarrassing. "Aunt, you're pregnant, so you should worry less."
Mist Shenshen rubbed her belly. "Aren't you going to listen to me? What's there to be embarrassed about? I have some resources here to guide you. You should learn how others are charming and graceful. What era is this? Why are you still so conservative?"
"Impressive, Aunt, you're the best."
Jian Yunong quickly hung up the phone, determined to find another way.
Less than half an hour later, her aunt sent a video, reminding her to study well and to send her thoughts after watching, requesting about five hundred words.
Is this like writing an essay in elementary school?
As she pouted, her aunt sent another message: "If you don't watch carefully, I'll smash your dog head."
Jian Yunong was furious. Why did she call her a dog?
Mist Shenshen replied: "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have called you a dog head; dogs are so obedient!"
Jian Yunong felt like she must have been picked out of a trash can.
The movie was called "The Secretary."
It sounded quite serious.
Jian Yunong's current job was also as a secretary, but she wasn't doing very well. Watching how the secretary in the movie operated would be a good opportunity to learn and improve her skills.
However, as the plot deepened, Jian Yunong almost wanted to poke her own eyes out.
The legendary perfectionist used a red pen to criticize her subordinates' mistakes, while the fragile female secretary enjoyed being mistreated; one liked to punish others, and the other liked to be punished.
Especially that scene of spanking made Jian Yunong feel parched.
What the hell!?
She actually found someone of her own kind attractive! Although the female lead was indeed very strange and unconventional!
After watching the movie, Jian Yunong lay on the sofa in a daze for a long time. Her worldview was not just refreshed; it was completely reconstructed. Closing her eyes, she could only see the intense love between the two leads, a need to be needed, satisfaction and being satisfied, all portrayed vividly in their gazes.
Mist Shenshen called just as she finished doing her hair, probably thinking Jian Yunong had finished watching the movie. "Who says love can only be gentle and refined?" She chuckled. "Nong Nong, you need to understand that if someone makes you feel no desire for physical possession, how could you possibly fall in love with them? Moreover, men are sensory creatures. Giving anything is not as good as giving yourself. Take the initiative and show him that you have truly let go of the past and are no longer trapped by the shadows of your previous relationship. I guarantee your husband will appreciate this gift much more than those ties or cufflinks."
At that moment, the doorbell rang. "I'll go answer it."
It was a package from Mist Shenshen.
Jian Yunong hugged the box and returned to the sofa, picking up her phone. "Auntie, you wouldn't really..."
"Just open it and see for yourself. I won't talk to you anymore; I have to go eat. Ever since I got pregnant, I've been so hungry."
Jian Yunong lay on the floor, looking up at Pandora's Box. Who knew what she would find when she opened it?
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