Ye Qingqing hadn't expected Fu Longfei to hit her. She was caught off guard at first, simply taking the blows. But when she realized he had no intention of stopping, she retaliated. It was late at night, and the neighbors heard the commotion from the Fu family courtyard. Some curious people even climbed onto the wall to peek.
Ji Mingyi knew nothing of these events. Ji Mingxue hadn't mentioned his encounter with Fu Longfei when he returned. However, the news of Ji Mingyi's divorce had still spread. It reached Han Dong's ears, and he felt as though he had come back to life. Yet, he feared it was just a rumor and paced restlessly at home. Finally, Han Shi, unable to bear it any longer, used a work-related matter as an excuse to invite Gu Jingyi to dinner. This time, Ji Xingmi was naturally included, which would also serve to gather information for his uncle.
When Gu Jingyi received Han Shi's invitation, he already guessed the reason. He had been with Ji Xingmi for the past couple of days and knew everything that had transpired. Thinking of Han Shi's uncle, he didn't hesitate and went directly to the Ji family to speak with Ji Xingmi about it.
"What do you mean? Han Shi's uncle has intentions towards my aunt?" Ji Xingmi was surprised when Gu Jingyi brought up the matter. She had thought it was about Qi Wenjing's situation, as several days had passed since then, and she was still unaware of the aftermath. She hadn't expected their main concern to be her aunt, who had just gotten divorced.
"I'm just guessing. After all, he hasn't married all these years, and now everyone knows about your aunt's divorce. Han Shi inviting me at this time and asking me to bring you along, it all seems suspicious!"
"Then what's the deal with Han Shi's uncle?"
"According to Han Shi, his uncle has always liked your aunt. But your aunt is three years older than his uncle, and she always treated him like a younger brother. Later, your aunt got married, and he stopped thinking about marriage."
"Just because of the age difference?"
"When Han Shi's uncle was young, he was a bit rebellious. Most respectable families wouldn't consider him, so..."
Ji Xingmi had a general understanding of the situation but was unsure of her aunt's thoughts. However, she still had to go to the dinner, as it was Han Shi who had invited them, and he was Gu Jingyi's friend, not Han Shi's uncle. If the opportunity arose, Ji Xingmi would still ask her aunt about it. After all, she was still young and shouldn't give up on life just because she encountered a scumbag!
However, to Ji Xingmi's surprise, when they arrived, they indeed encountered Han Dong. Gu Jingyi's brow furrowed. Han Shi could only offer an embarrassed smile upon seeing this. Han Dong, on the other hand, spoke up directly to explain, "I heard you were having dinner together, so I followed. It's not Han Shi's fault. Hello, I am Han Dong!" He directed the latter part to Ji Xingmi.
Ji Xingmi nodded, acknowledging this. She found the uncle standing before her quite admirable – refined in appearance and rather responsible.
"Xing'er, is it alright if I call you that? I apologize for intruding on your gathering today. I feel it's more appropriate for me to ask certain things myself."
Ji Xingmi continued to nod, thinking to herself, *Whether you can or not, you're already doing it.*
"How is your aunt... doing?" After a long hesitation, Han Dong finally asked this.
"She wasn't well before, but she's doing alright now!" Ji Xingmi answered truthfully.
"Is she currently..." Han Dong still hesitated to ask, fearing disappointment. Han Shi watched Ji Xingmi nervously, afraid his uncle would be upset by her response.
Ji Xingmi, having a slight understanding of their history, didn't conceal the truth. After all, everyone already knew. "My aunt is divorced! Does Uncle Han have anything else you want to ask?"
"Was she mistreated?"
"Yes."
"Good. I understand." Having obtained the information he sought, he no longer intended to stay and prepared to leave.
"Does Uncle Han like my aunt?" As soon as Ji Xingmi spoke, Han Dong froze in place. Without any hesitation, he replied, "I love her!"
"Uncle Han, let's talk."
Upon hearing this, Han Dong sat back down. Seeing this, Gu Jingyi went outside with Han Shi, as two more people were yet to arrive, and they went to greet them. After the two of them left, Han Dong finally asked her, "What do you want to talk to me about?"
"About you and my aunt! I just heard about your situation, so I wanted to understand."
"There's not much to say. It's just my one-sided affection for her, that's all. Other things are not important!"
Ji Xingmi observed his seriousness and then delivered a bombshell: "My aunt suffered greatly in the Fu family. After being drugged, she might not be able to have children. Would you still not mind?"
"What? How dare he?" Han Dong slammed his fist on the table.
"Uncle Han hasn't answered my question yet!" Ji Xingmi showed no particular reaction to his anger, rather fixating on the answer.
"If the person wasn't her, I wouldn't have children either. The Han family's lineage doesn't depend on me, nor is there an imperial throne to inherit."
Ji Xingmi raised an eyebrow at this answer and let out a laugh. However, she didn't expect what Uncle Han said next, which left her speechless.
"The father of your aunt's child (姑父) also has 'father' in his title, so it's not a big problem!!"