Chapter 16: Lin Nian’s Deception

The atmosphere at the dinner table was imbued with a palpable sense of joy and contentment. The meal had been hearty and satisfying, leaving even Xiao Shi with a pleasantly rounded belly, a testament to the feast they had just enjoyed. Qin Ju's heart swelled with affection as she tenderly brushed her fingers through Xiao Shi's soft hair. Her gaze shifted around the table, taking in the adults who sat with beaming smiles, clearly enjoying the evening as much as the children.

In her previous life, Qin Ju had never experienced such genuine warmth and happiness at family gatherings. Her relationship with her second uncle's family had always been marked by a cool distance. They met only once a year, and the interactions were usually strained. The discord between Qin Ju and Shen Yi, her second uncle's daughter, had further strained family ties, leaving behind a residue of bitterness. The rare occasions when her second uncle visited were tainted with an undercurrent of discomfort and a palpable sense of lost dignity. One particular incident, which had nearly cost him his job, had cast a long shadow over their relationship, making every family gathering a reminder of their estrangement.

But now, in this new life, things were different. The dynamics had shifted, and the warmth and closeness she felt now were like a dream come true—something she had only dared to imagine in her previous life.

As the meal concluded, Qin Ju's family of four began preparing to leave. The evening air was cool and crisp, signaling the end of a pleasant day. Before they got into the car, Qin Ju turned to her father and mentioned her injured hand, observing the concern etched on his face. She decided it was best to take the burden off his shoulders. "Why don't you keep quiet about it? I'll handle the explanation with Mom," she suggested, hoping to alleviate some of the tension.

Her father, trying to suppress a smile, raised an eyebrow and asked, "Will I really not say anything?"

"You can take charge of sighing and looking concerned," Qin Ju replied with a playful smirk, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Standing beside them, Xiao Shi struggled to stifle his laughter. He covered his mouth with his hands, trying to keep his amusement in check. Qin Zhonghui, momentarily taken aback by his daughter's light-hearted approach, found himself caught between amusement and resignation. After a brief pause, he chuckled and agreed, "Alright! We'll do as you say!"

Before they got into the car, Qin Ju had already taken a pen and carefully imitated the doctor's handwriting on a form, then scattered the other physical examination reports on the ground. The sheer volume of paperwork created a startling visual effect, adding a touch of drama to the evening.

As they drove back to Sanjiazi Village, the streets had already succumbed to darkness, leaving them largely deserted. The few people who were out couldn't help but glance curiously at Qin Ju's family. It was evident that all eyes were on them, and Qin Ju felt the weight of their gaze.

She recognized that stare all too well. In her previous life, when she was eighteen, she had been subjected to such gossipy and disdainful looks, which had ultimately led to her downfall. The scrutiny and whispers had taken a toll on her, and she was acutely aware of the way people's judgments could tarnish her reputation.

A shiver ran down Qin Ju's spine as she recalled the sharp sting of those harsh, mocking words from her previous life.

Lin Nian's deceit, she realized, had set the stage for this renewed wave of gossip and scrutiny. It was a reminder of how quickly rumors could spread and how unyielding people's hearts could be.

"What's everyone looking at?" Su Yun's voice was laced with confusion as she noticed the curious stares. She called out to a familiar face, "Sister Li, is there something you need?"

Sister Li, who appeared flustered by the attention, quickly waved her hand and replied, "It's nothing, really, really." Without another word, she hurried away, eager to escape the uncomfortable spotlight.

Qin Ju understood the nature of village gossip all too well. In this close-knit community, rumors spread like wildfire, and judgments were passed without any attempt to verify the truth. People would cast harsh judgments from a distance, indifferent to the actual reality of the situation. Despite outward appearances of friendliness, people's hearts could be harsh and unyielding.

As the echoes of the harsh words from her previous life filled her mind, Qin Ju felt a sharp pang of distress. The familiarity of the situation was unsettling, a stark reminder of the struggles she had faced before.

"Sister, are you alright?" Xiao Shi's voice was soft but filled with concern. He walked close by, timidly holding Qin Ju's hand.

The small, warm, and gentle presence of her younger brother offered a comforting solace. Qin Ju clutched Xiao Shi's hand tightly, feeling a slight easing of the tension that had been building in her head. She managed a small, reassuring smile and said, "I'm okay, Xiao Shi. We might face some trouble later. If you're scared, you can stay inside the house."

"I won't hide," Xiao Shi replied, his voice resolute despite its softness. "I'm scared too, but I'll stay by your side. We're family, after all."

Though Xiao Shi was young and might not fully grasp the complexities of their situation, he understood the importance of sticking together. The notion of their family being able to live together harmoniously was a dream Qin Ju had once been too afraid to envision. His words were a comforting reminder of the strength they could draw from one another.

Feeling her eyes well up with emotion, Qin Ju smiled warmly at her brother. "You're very brave, Xiao Shi."

Up ahead, Su Yun and Qin Zhonghui exchanged glances, relief evident in their eyes. They were grateful for the early realization of the situation and the way their children were handling the challenges. Despite the difficulties they faced, the strength of their family unity remained their most valuable asset.

As they reached their home, they found everyone gathered in the yard of the front house, eagerly awaiting their return. The sight of their family members waiting for them was a welcome reminder of the support and love that surrounded them.

(End of this chapter)

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