Chapter 374: Chapter 219: Sorting Things Out
Star Manipulating Moonlight’s personality was very much to the liking of the Wen siblings, especially Wen Ke, who would pinch this and squeeze that from time to time. This display of joy made Little Pumpkin so jealous that she couldn’t help pouting: "Sis, you’ve never been this nice to me."
"I like sisters, who asked you to be a brother." Wen Ke handed another snack to Star Manipulating Moonlight: "Training is so tough, eat more."
"Ke Ke sis, I’m too full." Star Manipulating Moonlight pointed to her tummy, troubled: "There’s only so much capacity here, I’m afraid it might burst."
Wen Yan caught Yaoguang secretly loosening her belt and a smirk flashed across his eyes. He ordered Wen Ke: "Ke Ke, you, Little Su, and Little Pumpkin take Star Manipulating Moonlight for a walk around, I’ll have Ye’er keep me company for a bit."
Wen Ke also noticed Yaoguang’s little action and quickly stood up: "The courtyard is really atmospheric at night. Let’s go for a stroll. Alas, it’s a pity the crescent moon is so faint; otherwise, by the Xiao Hu, with the drifting smoke, it would be like a fairytale."
Luo Ye laughed: "Star Manipulating and Yaoguang will get a chance to see it. Next time we all have a break, we’ll come back together." He playfully poked at Yaoguang’s belly: "Hey, it looks like about five months’ worth, huh? Or is it six?"
Yaoguang grimaced and poked back at him: "Stop it, help me up. It would be rude to not eat what Ke Ke sis gave, and with all the tea I drank, honestly, I’ll burst if I eat any more."
"I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry, you were eating so eagerly I thought you weren’t full." Wen Ke hurried over to help Yaoguang up, then turned to Star Manipulating who Little Pumpkin had already helped up: "Look at me, good intentions resulting in a mess."
Star Manipulating quickly waved her hands: "Ke Ke sis, it’s alright, a walk will help digest. It’s our own fault for being greedy."
"Then let’s not waste any time and set off." Wen Ke took Star Manipulating and Yaoguang by the arms, one on each side, and nudged Little Pumpkin with a foot: "Hurry up, help them out."
Little Pumpkin frowned: "Sis, they are only overstuffed, not gravely ill. Look at you, tsk tsk..."
"Quit your nagging and just help when you’re told to help!"
"Female Tyrannosaurus!"
"If you keep blabbering, I’ll kick the life out of you!"
"..."
Only when the group was far away, bickering and making noise, did Wen Su stand up and rub Luo Ye’s head: "Little Ye’er, come for a stroll with Brother Su, let’s leave Xiao Yan to act all deep and broody by himself."
"I’ll come find you guys in a while." Luo Ye smiled and pushed Wen Su a little: "Hurry and go, those unreliable ones need someone to keep an eye on them."
"Alright, I’m leaving, if Xiao Yan dares to bully Ye’er, remember to tell Brother Su, and I’ll find someone to settle the score later." Muttering to himself, Wen Su quickly followed the others.
Only when the group had disappeared from sight did Wen Yan sigh: "It’s Ye’er’s return with Second Aunt that makes Ke Ke so happy. She has always wanted a sister since she was little, but unfortunately... Ye’er, remember, this is your home, you must come back whenever you have time."
"I understand what Ke Ke sis means by treating Star Manipulating and Yaoguang like this. Don’t worry, big brother." Luo Ye replied sweetly with a smile: "I really do consider this place home, why else would I bring Star Manipulating and Yaoguang back?"
Wen Yan affectionately touched Luo Ye’s head: "That’s more like it!" Then, he changed the subject: "Ye’er, Grandpa and my dad, Second Uncle, and Little Uncle are discussing a cooperation with Uncle Jiang tonight. Tomorrow, Little Aunt’s family is coming and there will be no time to talk to you, so Grandpa asked me to fill you in."
Luo Ye showed concern: "Is there another issue? Tell me, big brother."
"No." Wen Yan reassured her with a smile and shook his head: "For now, the Wen family is at peace. The troubles from a year ago have been mostly resolved. My dad’s promotion to Secretary is actually a compromise from the other party; otherwise, it would have taken another year."
After pondering for a while, Luo Ye connected the dots with what she knew and finally understood: "I know who it is." Quietly clenching her fists: "But for the Yang Family to compete with the Wen Family is simply suicidal, they must have a bigger backer, right?"
"The health of Old Sir Yang is deteriorating, and the urgency to select a successor has given rise to unrestrained ambition, which could lead people to act fearlessly. Hence, the infighting within the Yang Family is extremely severe. Yang Songli’s action might seem like a poor strategy, but if successful, the Wen family would surely fall into chaos, and in grief, Grandpa would decisively sell the Wen Mansion.
My dad’s mood would be greatly affected as well, making him potentially disinterested in state affairs, and whether the case can be solved remains uncertain, hence he took the gamble.
If all goes to plan, he would be the one to benefit most. The provincial leaders are inclined for my dad to lead in the next term. With his qualification, he could only get transferred to the province to hold a nominal position, essentially a promotion in name but a demotion in reality. How could he be content with that?"