Chapter 40: Chapter 40

Sixteen years old, with a frail body.

Could it possibly be harder than what the original owner endured as a young girl?

Hearing these words from these people was especially ridiculous. Seeing how their faces had grown noticeably more haggard, An Ning didn't even bother responding and immediately slammed the door shut with a loud bang.

As for them forcing their way in? They wouldn't dare even with ten extra doses of courage.

Faintly, she seemed to hear words like "your biological brother" and "your father," but An Ning paid them no mind at all.

She'd already dealt with that scumbag father of hers—why would she care about some unlucky half-brother?

Besides, what difference did being biological siblings make? What use was it? Or did that mother-son pair dare to speak out about it? All of that scumbag's possessions had still fallen squarely into her hands.

In fact, to prevent their work unit from reclaiming that house, Jiang Yuhua had to endure everyone's strange looks these past years while gritting her teeth to take care of Lu Huaimin.

Thinking about her stepmother's expression just now, An Ning's already good mood improved even further.

Today's lunch consisted of a large portion of sweet and sour spare ribs, braised crucian carp, and fragrant rice specially steamed in freshly harvested bamboo tubes. Even six-month-old A-Heng got half a bowl of steamed egg custard along with a fist-sized portion of mashed apple paste.

The little one always had a good appetite, polishing off both the egg custard and apple paste completely.

After the meal, without needing any reminder from An Ning, Zhang Ma skillfully changed the diaper and pushed the stroller around the small courtyard with A-Heng.

It truly required zero extra effort from An Ning. Ever since Zhang Ma arrived, the couple's—especially An Ning's—quality of life had improved dramatically.

Life passed peacefully with An Ning studying and raising (playing with) her child, until she next heard news about that family. The entire Jiang family had been neatly packed off to a labor reform farm—reportedly turned in by their own daughter-in-law Lu Qing herself.

Because the incident caused such an uproar, the full story eventually spread. An Ning even got exclusive details from her system.

Lu Qing's entire pregnancy had been difficult due to the Jiang family's various schemes. Though she barely made it through, the baby was born pitifully small—not even four pounds—and was later diagnosed with congenital heart disease.

Because of this, the Jiang family didn't think much of this youngest son (grandson). Neglecting the mother and child became routine. However heartless Lu Qing might be, she still cared about her own child. When her son nearly died from yet another high fever caused by the family's negligence, the mother finally snapped.

Of course, someone like Lu Qing couldn't have orchestrated sending the entire Jiang family down by herself. The key figure was actually An Ning's stepmother, Madam Jiang Yuhua.

After leaving An Ning's place that year, despite Jiang Yuhua begging everywhere for help, nobody would lift a finger given her reputation at the time. Moreover, sending one young person per family to the countryside was already customary. Not to mention the Jiangs had already lost their jobs.

Lu Xu had been pampered since childhood—how could he endure rural life? But this stepbrother of hers did have one advantage: his looks. He was quickly taken in by a village family. Whether he went willingly or was forced, nobody knew.

But the girl's family were village cadres, domineering and powerful. After marriage, they refused to let him return home, not even issuing travel permits.

Seeing her only son doomed to rot in that mud pit, how could Jiang Yuhua possibly let it go?

This series of dramatic events even amazed the system residing in An Ning's consciousness.

"No wonder the host insisted on tying these two families together back then. The way they sabotage each other and ruin their in-laws is truly something!" They didn't even need outside help to destroy each other.

An Ning slowly finished the last stroke of her calligraphy practice, indifferent to her system's awed commentary.

Two equally ruthless families, tricked into becoming in-laws while suffering heavy losses—of course peace was impossible!

As it turned out, while the Jiang family was no pushover, they were no match for her stepmother Madam Jiang.

Given how this woman had calmly watched her husband collapse on her, then coolly cleaned up and fabricated the crime scene afterward—the Jiang family was far outclassed.

Bundled in thick wool scarves and ankle-length beige coats, the family of three arrived in Beijing after three days of travel.

Beijing winters were always dry and bitterly cold, the wind feeling like knives against the skin. An Ning instinctively huddled closer to her husband, while four-year-old A-Heng was wrapped up like a little dumpling, his fluffy rabbit-fur hat never removed since boarding the train. Only his obsidian-black eyes peeked out, curiously observing everything.

Thanks to this era's terrible transportation, the little one had never traveled far before.

Beside them, the tall man held his wife with one hand while carrying their son, retrieving a military canteen from his bag.

"A-Ning, you must be cold. Have some hot water to warm up."

An Ning immediately shook her head—no way was she opening her mouth in this freezing weather.

Fortunately, the Gu family's car arrived quickly. The one picking them up was Gu Chen's elder brother Gu Jun, current commander of the 72nd Army Regiment. The brothers had always been close. After pleasant chatter during the ride through the military compound, they soon arrived at a two-story building.

"This must be A-Heng! Just as adorable as in the photos!"

"Such handsome features—much prettier than when Ah-Chen and his brothers were little!"

Wonderful—after years of only seeing photos, they finally met in person. If not for propriety, Madam Yang might have refused to let go of the child.

Especially after A-Heng sweetly called her "Grandma" with a milky voice and an angelic smile.

Madam Yang's heart melted instantly. Even Commander Gu, who'd been solemnly reading newspapers on the sofa, kept sneaking glances over.

Truly, this world belonged to those who appreciated beauty. The irresistible charm of an adorable child conquered all—despite having only seen photos until now, little Zhiheng instantly captured the elderly couple's hearts.

Even their long-unseen son was momentarily forgotten.

"This must be A-Ning! So beautiful—no wonder A-Heng is so handsome. Seems our second son has excellent taste."

"A-Ning, make yourself at home. Our family doesn't stand on ceremony..."

"Oh, we couldn't attend your wedding, so there were some things we couldn't give properly."

After dinner, just as An Ning prepared to return to her room, her mother-in-law called her over. Expecting some serious talk, she was instead given an entire set of jadeite jewelry with instructions to keep it safe during these special times and only wear it when circumstances improved.

Only after the fatigue from traveling faded did she realize something felt off—wasn't her mother-in-law being excessively attentive?

Unusual behavior always meant trouble.

"Confess, Comrade Gu. Do you have some unresolved romantic history here?" In their room, An Ning pushed her husband down with a dangerous glint in her eyes.

Her answer came in the form of Gu Chen's sudden muffled laughter.