Chapter 153: Three Sisters-in-Law

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, it was just getting light.

Although fireworks are banned in the city, you can still occasionally hear sporadic firecracker sounds.

Ding Heng came downstairs early, and Qu Zhen and Ding Wenjie sat at the dining table, tidying up neatly.

"Dad, Auntie, Happy New Year!"

Ding Heng greeted him with a smile.

Qu Zhen immediately took out a red envelope, a thick stack of red envelopes, and handed it over.

"Xiao Ding, may the new year bring you peace and good fortune."

"Thank you, Auntie."

Ding Heng didn't stand on ceremony and readily put it in his pocket.

Sister Jiang brought out several bowls of steaming hot porridge from the kitchen. Qu Zhen picked up a spoon, stirred it, and glanced towards the stairs.

"What's wrong with Pema? She knows we're going back to Tibet today but she's still not up. Did she stay up all night playing games again last night?"

She put down her spoon, her tone as helpless as ever: "Sister Jiang, go up and call her to hurry up and pack, so she doesn't miss the flight."

"it is good."

Sister Jiang responded and wiped her hands before going upstairs.

A moment later, hurried footsteps echoed on the stairs, and Sister Jiang ran downstairs, looking flustered.

"Boss, Baima...she seems a little unwell!"

Qu Zhen paused, her spoon still in her hand, and Ding Wenjie also put down his teacup.

Several people followed Sister Jiang upstairs and pushed open the door to Baima's bedroom.

The bedroom curtains were drawn, and the light was dim.

Baima was curled up in the blanket, only half of her face was showing, one hand was tightly covering her lower abdomen, and her whole body was arched.

Her usually round and fair face was now scrunched up, and her forehead was covered with a fine layer of sweat.

"Pema!"

Qu Zhen quickly walked over and reached out to touch her forehead: "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

"My old problem, stomach ache..."

Baima's voice was weak, her eyes were half-open, and her lips were pale: "Mom... my stomach hurts so much..."

Qu Zhen's brows furrowed instantly: "Was something wrong with last night's New Year's Eve dinner?"

Ding Heng stepped forward and took the blame: "It has nothing to do with the New Year's Eve dinner. I must have been outside for too long while setting off fireworks last night... and caught a cold."

Quzhen didn't blame her; she simply reached out to tuck the blanket around Baima, her face showing reluctance.

Ding Wenjie spoke up at the opportune moment: "Given Baima's condition, she probably won't be able to return to Tibet. Why don't we leave her in Xingcheng and let Ding Heng stay as well..."

"Ding Heng".

Quzhen turned to Ding Heng and sighed softly, "Bai Ma's old ailment has been going on for a while now. With some medicine and a couple of days of rest, she'll recover. Logically, I should stay, but I have to go back to Tibet eventually."

She didn't say much, but Ding Heng understood.

Quzhen's return to Tibet is not just for the New Year.

As a boss, and even the backbone of many industry chains, she has a lot of things she has to do and people she has to meet.

She had to be present for the New Year celebrations of the herders, the workers, and the partners.

Bai Ma's current unexpected situation has put her in a dilemma.

Ding Heng decisively assured her, "Auntie, don't worry, I'll stay and take care of Baima. You can go back and handle your business with peace of mind."

A hint of relief flashed in Quzhen's eyes. She nodded and looked down at Baima.

Bai Ma curled up in the blanket, her eyelashes trembling slightly when she heard Ding Heng's words.

"The medicine is prepared by Secretary Huang. I'll have her send you a list."

Qu Zhen instructed, "If she's still like this this afternoon, take her to the hospital. Don't let her tough it out."

Ding Heng nodded: "I understand."

Quzhen bent down and gently touched her daughter's forehead, saying a word in Tibetan in a soft tone.

Baima gave a vague reply and bid farewell to her mother.

Qu Zhen and Ding Wenjie left, and Ding Heng stood at the door of Baima's room, looking thoughtful.

Sister Jiang picked up the water glass from Baima's bedside table, preparing to replace it with a cup of hot water.

"Sister Jiang."

Ding Heng called out to her, "You're on vacation today, going home for the New Year, right?"

Sister Jiang gripped the water glass tightly, looking somewhat troubled.

The original plan was for Ding Heng and the others to return to Tibet together, so she could have a few days off to go back and have a reunion dinner with her family.

But now that Ding Heng and Bai Ma have suddenly stayed, she is in a dilemma.

Ding Heng said directly, "Sister Jiang, you should take your vacation. Follow the original plan and come back after the fifth day of the Lunar New Year. I can arrange these few days myself."

Sister Jiang hesitated: "But what about Baima..."

"It's okay, I'll take care of her."

Ding Heng smiled and said, "You only get a few days off a year, don't waste them."

Sister Jiang glanced at him, then at Bai Ma on the bed, a hint of gratitude flashing across her face. She left with the words, "Call me anytime if you need anything," and quickly went downstairs.

The bedroom door closed, and the room became completely quiet.

Baima remained curled up in the blankets, motionless, though her breathing was much more steady than before.

Ding Heng suddenly spoke up: "Everyone's gone, stop pretending."

"Brother... I feel terrible... Waaah..."

Seeing that Baima was still acting, Ding Heng sneered.

"If you keep pretending, don't expect me to take you out for barbecue, hot pot, or crayfish again..."

Before he could finish speaking, the blanket was suddenly pulled back.

Pema sat up abruptly, her hair sticking up in a mess, the pain on her face completely gone, showing no sign of illness whatsoever.

"No, no, no! Brother, I was wrong!"

She clasped her hands together and said, "You're so kind, please don't hold it against me, and please keep this a secret!"

Ding Heng remained expressionless.

Feeling guilty under his gaze, Baima shrank back and muttered softly, "Brother, how did you figure that out? Even my mother didn't notice..."

Ding Heng deactivated his True Sight and asked curiously, "Why don't you want to go back to Tibet?"

Bai Ma's expression changed, her fingers gripping the corner of the blanket, and she didn't speak for a while.

"The plateau... it's a desolate mountain valley, what's there to go there?"

She tried to sound relaxed, but it was clear she was making excuses: "The signal was bad, it was cold, I couldn't eat well, and I couldn't sleep well..."

Ding Heng didn't reply, but just watched her quietly.

Baima's voice grew softer and softer until she finally turned her face away, staring at the light streaming through the gap in the curtains, her cheeks slightly puffed out, as if she were struggling with something.

Ding Heng did not ask any further questions.

Because he had just activated his True Sight Eyes, he could glean some information even if Bai Ma didn't say anything, but ultimately there was no need to make it clear.

"Brother."

"Um?"

Do you think I'm being dramatic and immature?

"Alright."

Ding Heng changed the subject, speaking in a casual tone: "Since you're not going back to Tibet, come with me to pay New Year's visits."

Baima looked up: "Where to?"

"It's at my maternal grandparents' house. We'll pick up your sister-in-law while we're there to cook for us."

"Okay, okay, you go out first, I'll change my clothes!"

Bai Ma immediately crawled out of bed, barefoot on the floor, and pushed Ding Heng to get out.

The door slammed shut behind me, and I could hear rustling noises coming from inside.

Ding Heng shook his head and took out his phone.

[Ding Heng]: I'm not going to Tibet; I'll stay in Changsha.

The message was sent and received a reply almost instantly.

[Lucky Zhao]: Really?!?

[Ding Heng]: Baima is not feeling well, so I'll stay and take care of her.

[Lucky Zhao]: Then can we meet earlier?

Ding Heng: Hmm.

[Lucky Zhao]: When? How about tomorrow? How about today? How about now?

[Ding Heng]: You should visit all the relatives you need to visit first.

[Lucky Zhao]: Okay then... You have to promise me you'll come find me as soon as your relatives are gone!

Ding Heng: Okay.

[Lucky Zhao]: Pinky promise!

Ding Heng didn't reply to this message, but instead started thinking about the next steps.

The original plan was to go to Tibet on the first day of the lunar new year and return around the fifth day, but now the plan has been completely disrupted.

Having a few extra days, I need to find something to do to pass the time.

My phone vibrated again.

[Lucky Zhao]: Oh right, I almost forgot to tell you!

[Lucky Zhao]: Originally, you were going to Tibet, and Hua Qing, Hua Yue, and I had planned to go to a hot spring hotel on the third day of the Lunar New Year. Now that you're not going, do you want to come along?

Junior high 3? Hot springs? And Hua Qing?

Ding Heng: Okay.

[Lucky Zhao]: Then I'll tell Hua Yue to book two more rooms!

Ding Heng put away his phone and leaned against the wall to wait for a while.

Before Baima even appeared, my phone vibrated again.

【A Sunny Day Amidst a Sea of ​​Flowers】: You went to a hot spring on your third day of junior high?

[Ding Heng]: What, senior sister doesn't welcome me?

【A Sea of ​​Flowers Under a Sunny Sky】: No.

Ding Heng waited for the next part.

A few seconds later, the second message popped up.

【Flower Sea Sunny Day】: But they're all here, don't go too far!

Ding Heng stared at the screen, a smile curving his lips.

The fairy's self-righteous warnings always seemed like she was playing along with his flirting...

[Ding Heng]: What if it goes a little too far?

The "typing" indicator flashed for a while before finally displaying only two words.

【Flower Sea Sunny Day】: Scumbag.

Ding Heng put away his phone, and Bai Ma's door finally opened.

The little girl changed into a new outfit: a bright red woolen coat with a white fur trim around the collar, which made her face look even whiter.

Her hair was tied into two braids with red bows at the ends, and she wore a pair of black leather boots. She looked cheerful and happy.

"Let's go."

The two got out of the car and drove towards the old street in the suburbs.

The car stopped at the entrance of the old street, where Wenjing was already waiting to greet us.

After briefly wishing his grandparents a Happy New Year, Ding Heng picked up Wen Jing and drove back.

Wenjing sat in the passenger seat, while Baima scrolled through her phone in the back.

The car stopped at a red light, and Wenjing suddenly asked, "Ding Heng, what are your plans for the first and second years of junior high?"

"Just live normally."

Ding Heng glanced at her: "What, you're not happy that I have more time to spend alone with you?"

"No, I didn't..."

Wenjing lowered her head, her voice unable to hide her joy.

We returned to the villa around noon.

As soon as Baima entered, she ran upstairs and went into the e-sports room.

Wenjing tied on her apron and began preparing lunch, with Ding Heng helping her.

"Ding Heng".

"Um?"

"Is Baima... alright?"

"It's nothing, I just don't want to go back to Tibet, so I'm faking illness."

Wenjing paused in her chopping, glanced back at him, and then turned back.

"Then why didn't you tell Aunt Qu Zhen?"

"What's the point of telling her? Will it put her in a difficult position?"

Wenjing didn't say anything and continued chopping vegetables.

Ding Heng gently embraced her from behind, and Wen Jing leaned into his arms, slowly relaxing.

"What are you doing...?"

The girl's voice was soft, sweet, and shy.

What do you think?

"Cooking..."

"It won't delay you."

Ding Heng rested his chin on her shoulder as he watched her chop vegetables.

Wenjing's chopping movements suddenly slowed down.

It rises and falls, one beat after another, with a distinct rhythm.

The villa was very soundproof, and since Baima was wearing headphones, she couldn't hear anything.

……

The two shameless days passed in the blink of an eye, and it was early morning of the third day of the Lunar New Year.

Ding Heng was cuddling Wen Jing and greedily enjoying the bed when he was suddenly awakened by a piercing doorbell.

He opened his eyes; a grayish-white light shone through the gap in the curtains, and it was just getting light.

Wenjing was still nestled in his arms, rubbing against his chest in a daze.

"Who is it...?"

The little white rabbit's voice was mumbled and unclear.

She was exhausted from last night's ordeal and really didn't want to open her eyes.

"You lie down."

Ding Heng gently moved her aside, put on his pajamas, and went downstairs.

The doorbell rang twice more, followed by Zhao Yanxi's clear call, which could be heard clearly even through the door.

"Brother Ding Heng! We've come to wish you a Happy New Year!"

Ding Heng opened the door.

A cold wind blew in, and three people were standing at the door.

Zhao Yanxi stood at the front, wearing a milky white short down jacket, a burgundy pleated skirt, long legs encased in thick black tights, and brown snow boots.

She was carrying a large, bulging bag, and it was unclear what was inside.

Hua Yue wore a dark green windbreaker, jeans, sneakers, and a backpack, maintaining her usual pragmatic style.

Hua Qing stood at the back, not wearing Hanfu, but a light gray long coat with the belt loosely tied around her waist, outlining her slender figure.

Her long hair was draped over her shoulders, her face was lightly made up, and her skin was so white it was almost transparent, like a piece of porcelain covered in frost.

"Brother Ding Heng!"

Zhao Yanxi buried her face in his chest: "Happy New Year!"

"Alright, alright, come in."

As Ding Heng caught Zhao Yanxi, he also took the bag to prevent things from spilling all over the floor.

Zhao Yanxi stepped out of the man's arms, a smile on her face.

Hua Yue followed behind, and nodded to Ding Heng: "Happy New Year."

Hua Qing was the last to enter. She paused as she passed Ding Heng and muttered something under her breath.

"Happy New Year."

She spoke very softly, as if afraid of being overheard.

Ding Heng calmly replied, "Happy New Year, senior."

Hua Qing didn't reply and quickly walked inside.

Zhao Yanxi rushed up the stairs: "Xiao Jingjing! I'm here! Are you up yet!"

A quiet voice came from the second-floor bedroom, still groggy from just waking up: "Yan hope? You're up so early..."

"What do you mean 'early'?! What time is it?! Get up, get up!"

A ping-pong sound came from upstairs, mixed with the laughter of two people.

Ding Heng brought out several cups of hot tea from the kitchen: "Sit down, don't stand."

Hua Yue and Hua Qing took their seats, especially Hua Qing, who seemed very distant, acting as if it were her first time visiting.

A few minutes later, Zhao Yanxi dragged Wenjing downstairs.

Wenjing's hair was still a bit messy, and her coat was haphazardly thrown on. She was being dragged along by Zhao Yanxi, making her stagger.

"Yan hope, slow down..."

"What's with the slowness! We've been waiting for you alone! Jingjing, when did you become so lazy?"

"Go ask Ding Heng."

"Hey, you're getting a good deal and then acting innocent, huh?"

The two girls were joking with each other, which made Hua Yue roll her eyes.

A short while later, Baima was awakened by the noise downstairs.

She yawned as she walked out of the room and leaned on the stair railing to look down.

First, there was Zhao Yanxi, whom I had only met once.

Looking further down, there were two more people sitting on the living room sofa.

She didn't recognize Hua Yue, but she knew Hua Qing very well.

Bai Ma's heart skipped a beat, and her little brain started working at lightning speed.

Including Wenjing, there are three in total.

Moreover, the sheer number of people here today clearly indicates that they all came together in advance.

In other words, the three sisters-in-law not only knew each other, but also got along well?

A mischievous glint appeared in Baima's eye.

She adjusted her expression to be the most obedient one and ran downstairs.

"Hello, sister-in-law!"

Baima shouted, deliberately not selecting a target.

When the words reached the ears of the three girls, they all subconsciously thought that Baima was calling them.

The living room fell silent for a moment.

Wenjing was the first to react, and smiled at her: "Bai Ma, Happy New Year."

Zhao Yanxi stepped forward and took out a red envelope from her pocket: "Happy New Year, little sister! Here, this is your New Year's money from your sister-in-law."

Baima took it and squeezed it; it was a thick stack.

"Thank you, sister-in-law!"

Although money is not important to Baima, he still had to be polite.

Hua Qing stood up from the sofa and took out an exquisite brocade box that she had prepared in advance.

"Bai Ma, I brought you a set of Hanfu. It was custom-made according to the size you mentioned last time. Please take a look and see if it fits."

Baima took the brocade box and opened it. Inside was a pale yellow, high-waisted ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), made of soft fabric and embroidered with delicate intertwined floral patterns.

Wow! It's so beautiful!

Baima took out the Hanfu and examined it closely, unable to put it down.

"How about trying the walk-in closet?"

Hua Qing started walking towards the dressing room, and Bai Ma immediately followed. The two of them entered the dressing room one after the other.

The moment the door closed, Hua Qing suddenly stopped in her tracks.

She turned around, took a red envelope from her coat pocket, and quickly stuffed it into Baima's hand.

The movements were quick and hurried, as if afraid of being seen.

Baima glanced down at the thick red envelope in her hand, then looked up at Huaqing.

Hua Qing's ears turned slightly red, but her tone remained calm: "Take it, don't make a fuss, and especially don't call me 'sister-in-law' in front of them, it'll cause trouble for your brother..."

Baima blinked and instantly understood.

So, the woman Ding Heng brought home to meet his parents turned out to be a mistress?

Without any hesitation, she stuffed the red envelope into her pocket and nodded with a smile, "Understood, understood, don't worry, sister-in-law."

Hua Qing didn't say anything more and turned to walk back.

Baima followed behind, her heart pounding with joy as she touched the bulging red envelope in her pocket.

Back in the living room, while the girls went to visit the back garden, Bai Ma walked straight up to Ding Heng, took out a red envelope from her pocket, and waved it.

"Brother, look, what a thick red envelope!"

Baima, purely enjoying the spectacle, remarked: "It seems the women here are all quite generous."

Ding Heng glanced at her but didn't reply.

Bai Ma wasn't annoyed; she leaned close to Ding Heng's ear and whispered something in his ear.

"Don't worry, brother, I've basically figured out the situation between the three sisters-in-law, and I promise I won't cause you any trouble!"

She stepped back half a step and patted the red envelope in her pocket.

She stepped back half a step and patted the red envelope in her pocket.

"But the New Year's money my sisters-in-law give me can't make up for the pocket money that was taken from me, so maybe..."

Bai Ma rolled her eyes and chuckled mischievously.

"Brother, would you like to find two more?"