Chapter 1377: Chapter 1378: The Little Widow of the Courtyard 105 Zhao Hong finished washing things and went back home, then turned around again, looking at Xue Li, who was still washing things by the pool. “What’s wrong?” Zhang Yu had heard everyone’s comments outside and put away the sausage she was about to make. She knew that during the year-end dinner, neighbors would definitely visit to see their family’s food, so she couldn’t let Xue Li’s words come true. “I always feel Xue Li is so strange.” “Even though my previous words were already somewhat rude to her, usually she would definitely get angry with me.” Zhao Hong didn’t like Xue Li, mainly because even if nobody was actually discussing her or the Xue family, she always felt people were discussing her family. She was ready for a showdown with Xue Li, but unexpectedly, the chicken collarbone didn’t get angry. Xiao Yi was inside coaxing the just-awakened child, Zhao Xi, and was quite surprised by Zhao Hong’s words. Even though he hadn’t been here long, he knew a thing or two about Xue Li. “She didn’t lose her temper?” Xiao Yi was puzzled, “Could it be because of New Year’s Eve?” Get full chapters from NoveI★Fire.net After all, it’s the day of bidding farewell to the old year, and no matter how upset, one would restrain oneself a bit. “Impossible. Once on New Year’s Eve, someone said she did the spring cleaning, cleaned the house, queued to buy New Year’s goods, and busied herself in the kitchen for half a day, only to end up with vegetable soup. And then Xue Li got into a fight with the person.” Even after so much time, Zhao Hong could still remember that scene, “Really.” “You wouldn’t believe it, almost called the street director.” Zhao Hong learned then that although Xue Li seemed gentle. She was actually very fierce, “She hits the softest places directly.” People only watched the spectacle. Zhao Hong, who regularly exercised with Old Man Wang, didn’t merely watch the bustle but observed the moves of both parties. Xiao Yi looked at the frail figure by the pool and suddenly felt tense, “No way.” “So stay away from her.” Zhang Yu had mostly forgotten about this incident, but Zhao Hong’s mention brought back memories. In a previous life, the Xue siblings hadn’t gone to the countryside. At that time, they had money, and Xue Fan had arranged things for them. Yet the current Xue family hadn’t made a fortune; given the couple’s bias toward sons over daughters, they wouldn’t willingly spend hard-earned money to buy a job for Xue Li? Why would Xue Li want to go to the countryside as an intellectual youth? She wanted to stay in the Capital City, either with a job or by getting married. Over the years, Xue family’s conduct, coupled with Xue Li always sporting a gloomy face, made the courtyard residents lack any goodwill toward her, and even the surroundings had no goodwill. Wanting those around to introduce her to someone seemed highly unlikely. Given the family’s circumstances, wouldn’t the Xue family have expectations regarding Xue Li’s marriage? They surely would have expectations, possibly at a high price. Zhang Yu looked at Xiao Yi, who was making Xiao Xi happy at the side. The young man was handsome, his family well-off, and most importantly, he was the sole heir. The Xiao family’s properties would all go to Xiao Yi, a man was certainly a golden bachelor. “Keep your distance from Xue Li in the future.” Zhang Yu didn’t know Xiao Yi’s preferences for women. From Xiao Min and Zhao Lei’s marriage, Zhang Yu understood the Xiao family didn’t care much about status but cared about the partner’s capabilities. If Zhao Lei had not been so capable, would Xiao Min find him admirable? Would the Xiao family approve of Zhao Lei and accept her as a mother-in-law? Knowing the Xue family’s behavior, Zhang Yu knew Xiao Yi would not be satisfied. Xiao Yi was stunned for a moment, then looked at Xue Li washing things and bit his lip, “Aunt Zhang, I understand.” Growing up and hearing some things around him, Xiao Yi knew a bit about such matters. He knew in many people’s eyes he was a delicacy, even though he wasn’t that old yet, he was seen as a golden bachelor not to be missed. Regarding marriage, Xiao Yi hadn’t thought much about it; he just wanted to study hard and not worry his grandparents. Also, to take good care of his niece, so his sister wouldn’t worry. He was sure his future wife couldn’t possibly be Xue Li; he didn’t like the Xue family’s ways. Nor did he like Xue Li’s personality. Zhao Hong listened to them and didn’t quite get what they meant, “Yes, we shouldn’t be too close to Xue Li; who knows when she might go crazy.” Alright, her daughter is still quite naïve, but being simple is better than having a venomous heart. “Let’s prepare for the year-end dinner.” “Once we eat well, we can chat on the kang bed.” In winter, nothing beats sitting on the kang bed reading and chatting. Since winter started, Zhao Hong and the others hadn’t rested on the loft, but on the kang bed in the downstairs large room. Fortunately, when constructing the kang bed, there was a small kang bed in the living room, allowing Xiao Yi to rest now. “Let’s eat on the kang bed.” Zhao Hong had thought of this long ago, just didn’t know if Xiao Yi agreed. Xiao Yi also felt cold, “Let’s do it on the kang bed.” Xiao Yi agreed, so naturally Zhang Yu didn’t oppose. Seeing her agree, Zhao Hong quickly placed the kang table on the kang bed. Xiao Yi brought food from the kitchen to the kang bed, plus the continuous boiling hotpot, the warmth in the room gradually rose. Neighbors also knocked to see Zhang Yu’s family’s year-end dinner. Seeing the full kang table and the dishes, “Why hadn’t we thought of eating on the kang table.” “This way, we can have fewer dishes.” A neighbor’s family was quite regretful. Zhang Yule laughed, “Year-end dinner, once a year, better to have something plentiful.” “Exactly, exactly.” Everyone cheerfully said a few words and then left. After sending them off, Zhang Yu and the others began their year-end dinner. “Have a good meal today.” Zhang Yu kept encouraging them to have more food, and Xiao Yi and the others didn’t hold back. “The hotpot is delicious.” Xiao Yi was swishing fish slices, finding today’s hotpot extraordinarily fresh. “Fish and lamb together, fresh indeed.” Zhang Yu was not surprised by the hotpot’s deliciousness. Zhao Hong ate happily, forgetting to talk to Zhang Yu, until her stomach felt almost full, she slowed down. “I wonder what my brother and sister-in-law are doing.” Zhao Hong paused, “I guess they’re busy working.” “All workaholics.” Workaholics are good, preventing any troublemakers. “Anyway, the canteen will prepare the year-end dinner for them.” Xiao Yi didn’t hear Xiao Min mention last year’s dinner few times. “Hope they eat well and do what they love.” Zhang Yu’s wishes this year were simple, hoping to weather the storm safely. “I hope Xiao Xi grows up safely and hope we stay happy.” Zhao Hong’s wishes were similar each year. This year, with Zhao Xi added, as an aunt, she specially wished for her niece.