USWHC -Chapter 88 Leaving Just Like This? (Part 8)

“Everyone hasn’t left yet?” Zhu Jie said as she and Ji Yi returned to the street corner where they had gotten off. She had assumed Old Ge’s carriage would have gone long ago, so she was pleasantly surprised to find it still there. Speaking as she climbed into the carriage, she felt a small thrill at the unexpected timing.

But the others showed no hint of surprise. Instead, their eyes widened instantly, and they all stood up unsteadily, hastily making way for her. They seemed terrified of blocking her path; one wrong move and they might incur her displeasure!

Zhu Jie looked at their cautious expressions, as if they were staring at a monster. Wherever she went, people automatically gave her a path. Before long, half of the carriage had been cleared for her, and the others, preferring to huddle together in the cramped space, didn’t dare sit near her.

Well, it seemed she was about to become famous! Zhu Jie sighed, but enjoying half a carriage alone was rather pleasant. She pretended not to notice, walked in casually, and plopped down with an air of authority, saying to everyone, “Sit, sit—no need to be polite!” as if she were truly at home.

Not to mention, her gesturing carried such dignity that everyone unconsciously followed her instructions and sat down. But just as they did, Ji Yi came up as well, and the others hurriedly made space for him.

Yet Zhu Jie noticed a difference: when the others looked at her, their eyes were full of fear, but when they looked at Ji Yi, their gaze was filled with deep pity! It was obvious—they felt sorry that Ji Yi had married a wife like her.

Ji Yi seemed oblivious, sitting directly beside Zhu Jie, naturally wrapping an arm around her waist and even giving her a slightly indulgent smile.

The smile wasn’t extraordinary, but to Zhu Jie, it was immense support from Ji Yi. At least in public, he had clearly shown recognition and support for her as his wife. That was enough. Zhu Jie smiled contentedly.

Once everyone had settled, Old Ge finally rushed out flustered, giving a goofy smile to the group. “Sorry for keeping everyone waiting. Drank a bit too much, just a bit too much!” He hurriedly went around to the front of the carriage, and it started moving.

“Did you get the meat?” Zhu Jie asked Er Gou’s mother, striking up a conversation. She decided to start with Er Gou’s mother’s proudest point.

Er Gou’s mother immediately beamed at the meat wrapped in cloth in Er Gou’s hand and said loudly, “Bought it! The butcher was nice to me, even gave two extra taels!”

“You’re really impressive, Auntie!” Zhu Jie praised at the right moment.

Hearing this, Er Gou’s mother became even more pleased, sweeping a proud glance around the carriage. “Of course! Who wouldn’t show me a little respect?” she said, as if implying something.

“Yes, yes!” Zhu Jie quickly agreed. She knew Er Gou’s mother was subtly referring to her, but she just wanted to ease the mood, so she played along.

Then she curiously asked, “Why did everyone leave so late today?”

According to the original plan, everyone should have left before she had hit anyone. But now, not only had Hu Sanliu not left, no one had left at all. How strange!

“It’s Old Ge—he got drunk eating at the restaurant and delayed everyone!” Er Gou’s mother snorted unhappily, but then suddenly burst out laughing, sneaking a glance at Zhu Jie.

Zhu Jie immediately knew what that glance meant: she was secretly amused, thinking how fortunate it was no one had left, otherwise she would have missed all the fun!

Zhu Jie sighed inwardly but put on a sorrowful expression, choked up, and said, “Honestly… all this time wasted, and yet something so terrifying happened! You probably don’t know yet… just now… just now…” With that, she actually started crying in front of everyone.