novelraw Chapter 377: An Ancient Version of a Date
Chapter 377: An Ancient Version of a Date
In this era, it is very difficult for divorced women to remarry.
It is likely that ever since Tong Pandi’s separation, she has not considered entering marriage again.
If she were to encounter another man like Wu Musheng, it would be even less worthwhile.
But if Tong Pandi were to meet a man who knows how to cherish and care for her, like Mr. Su, then Tong Huaqiong wouldn’t object to Tong Pandi remarrying.
However, in the end, it is necessary to respect Tong Pandi’s wishes.
In the evening, Tong Huaqiong learned from Tong Pandi that Tong Zhaodi had visited their home.
Tong Huaqiong had no fondness for this niece.
The reason Tong Pandi was willing to help was not only due to her awakening, but also because Tong Pandi herself is inherently a benevolent and grateful person.
After her rebirth, she did not turn malicious or harm others, but instead worked hard to extricate herself from the quagmire.
Tong Zhaodi, on the other hand, was different; her nature was malicious.
Selfish and fond of causing trouble.
In Tong Dajiao’s memory, even people like Gu Jingzhe and Gu Dashu, who in their past lives suffered dire fates, had done kind deeds. But for Tong Fusheng, Tong Zhaodi, and Tong Zhijie, she couldn’t recall a single redeeming trait.
Therefore, under her guidance, it only took a year for Gu Jingzhe and Gu Dashu in this life to straighten out.
For someone with an inherently wicked nature like Tong Zhaodi, she had no confidence or desire to save her.
"...Zhao Di is still young and unable to see her parents’ true colors, which is why she is so muddled. If she could leave the Tong Family, it would be for the best," Tong Pandi sighed at the mention of Tong Zhaodi.
Even though Tong Zhaodi had deeply hurt her that day, after calming down, she couldn’t bring herself to blame the younger sister she grew up with.
She still hoped Tong Zhaodi could leave the Tong Family and live with her.
"Pandi, you grew up with Zhao Di; you know this sister best. Think carefully, has she ever been considerate or kind to you throughout your childhood? You also grew up in the Tong Family; you used to be timid and afraid to go against your parents, but you clearly know in your heart how they treated you. You didn’t turn around and bully others just because your parents were unkind to you."
"So, even within the same family environment, people are different."
Tong Huaqiong knew Tong Pandi wanted to change Tong Zhaodi’s mindset.
As her aunt, she chose not to interfere.
Once Tong Pandi becomes thoroughly disappointed in Tong Zhaodi, she will naturally stop thinking that way.
Her words could only serve as a reminder at best.
After returning to her room, Tong Pandi, while holding Hua Er, fell into deep thought.
Aunt’s words made sense.
Whenever Tong Zhaodi felt wronged by her parents since childhood, she would vent her frustrations on her.
Moreover, she would team up with Tong Zhijie to bully her.
If it was excusable in their childhood due to immaturity, now at the age suitable for matchmaking, she still treats her elder sister the same way.
Just like her situation in the Wu Family, which Tong Zhaodi knows well, she still resents her for the separation.
Tong Pandi pondered deeply, uncertain whether to help Tong Zhaodi or let her be as in their past life, becoming someone’s concubine.
The next day was the fifteenth day of the first lunar month.
Lu Zhaoyang sent someone to invite Tong Huaqiong to bring Gu Taohua and others to town to watch the lantern festival in the evening.
Going to the town for the lantern festival is a must-do on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month in Yan Guan Town.
Even without Lu Zhaoyang’s invitation, Tong Huaqiong would have wanted to see the contemporary lantern festival in this time.
The reason Lu Zhaoyang came from the capital to Yan Guan Town to invite Tong Huaqiong and others was undoubtedly for Huang Jingshan.
Yan Guan Town did not have strict restrictions on men and women; betrothed couples could meet at home.
However, going out alone with a partner of the opposite sex for a lantern festival as in modern society would be too novel, potentially sparking negative gossip.
Given the rumors and slander surrounding Huang Jingshan and Young Master Lian’s broken engagement, Lu Zhaoyang hoped to have Tong Huaqiong as an elder of the male side accompany them, avoiding gossip.
Lu Zhaoyang went out of his way for Huang Jingshan.
In the evening, Tong Huaqiong set off with the entire family; Hua Er stayed home as she was too young, and Chen Sufen, being pregnant and concerned about the crowd, opted to stay and keep Tong Pandi company.
Everyone else followed Tong Huaqiong.
The children, Man Er, and Xiao Long, carried beautiful lanterns.
On the way from Qinghe Bay to Yan Guan Town, there were people from various villages heading to town for the lantern festival.
The villagers walked on foot to the festival, envying those in Tong Huaqiong’s carriage.
Su Chengmin drove the carriage swiftly to town, where Tong Huaqiong spotted two figures on the bridge—none other than Lu Zhaoyang and Lu Zhaozhao, the siblings.
Once off the carriage, Lu Zhaoyang and Lu Zhaozhao approached upon seeing Tong Huaqiong.
"Are you cold?" Tong Huaqiong asked, holding Lu Zhaozhao’s hand.
Lu Zhaozhao replied with a smile, "Not cold."
"Zhaozhao." Gu Taohua linked arms with Lu Zhaozhao.
Lu Zhaozhao smiled at Gu Taohua, her gaze settling on Gu Jingzhe behind Tong Huaqiong.
Lu Zhaoyang came for Huang Jingshan, and Lu Zhaozhao came for Gu Jingzhe—such born romantics, these siblings.
Tong Huaqiong couldn’t help but observe her youngest son under the lantern lights.
Gu Jingzhe remained oblivious to his mother’s gaze, as his eyes were fixed solely on Lu Zhaozhao.
The Huang Family waited at the other end of the bridge.
Tong Huaqiong needed to escort Lu Zhaoyang to the bridge, pretending it was an accidental encounter.
Thinking of this, Tong Huaqiong found it amusing—this was the ancient version of a date.
Pure, slow.
Everyone surrounded Tong Huaqiong as they crossed the bridge, with Man Er, Xiao Long, Yaozu, and Duo Er holding their lanterns and chattering.
The bridge was aglow, illuminating the entire town.
Yan Guan Town seemed alive with radiant lights, a bustling, vibrant scene.
"Oh my, isn’t that Manager Tong? You’ve come to see the lanterns too?" Huang Yuanwai greeted Tong Huaqiong cheerily at the bridgehead.
The greeting was so loud it drew the attention of passersby.
Tong Huaqiong thought to herself, this was rather blatant.
Thinking this, she cheerfully approached and replied in an excited voice, "Yes, here to see the lanterns. What a coincidence to run into you here. Zhaoyang, look, we’ve bumped into your future in-laws; shouldn’t you come quickly to pay respects?"
In the crowd, Lu Zhaoyang carried himself with impressive elegance.
He walked forward steadily, first bowing to Old Mrs. Huang, "Aunt Tong spoke highly of Yan Guan Town’s Lantern Festival and invited me and my siblings to see it. I arrived at night and haven’t had the chance to visit yet, I ask for Grandmother’s forgiveness."
Old Mrs. Huang broke into a smile; there was no need for any pretense—everyone knew the lanterns in the capital were more spectacular, and Lu Zhaoyang had come from the capital to Yan Guan Town for her granddaughter, leaving her overjoyed.
Then Lu Zhaoyang bowed to Huang Yuanwai, saying, "Greetings, Father-in-law."
The term ’Father-in-law’ made Huang Yuanwai’s heart fluster with joy as if filled with sweetness.
A smile spread uncontrollably across Huang Yuanwai’s face; his satisfaction with Lu Zhaoyang was no less than that of his own mother, eager for the entire town to witness his son-in-law’s presence.
Lu Zhaozhao also came forward to greet Old Mrs. Huang, Huang Yuanwai, and Huang Jingshan.
Old Mrs. Huang held onto Lu Zhaozhao’s hand, a wave of compassion washing over her upon remembering that Lu Zhaozhao was an orphan.
Standed under a lantern nearby, Huang Jingshan, with her tall figure, had an ethereal, supermodel quality about her.
Tong Huaqiong approached Huang Jingshan and grasped her hand, exclaiming in surprise, "Isn’t this Jingshan?"