Rebirth in 1986: Unforgettable Regrets

Chapter 1016: Chapter 1016: The Aroma of Food

"How could this happen?" Tang Yue carefully examined the news on each newspaper, which recorded true and false stories about Xie Ni and Zheng Qingchun. The most recent photo was an enlarged image of Zheng Qingchun and Xie Ni standing face to face. Xie Ni was slightly turned to the side, seemingly talking to Zheng Qingchun.

Even though the photo wasn’t particularly clear, coupled with these dubious news stories, it was enough to ruin Xie Ni.

"Mom, can you please look after the two kids for me?"

Tang Yue instructed the just-returned Mo Xiaolin to watch the kids, while she rushed to Xie Ni’s residence in Jing City with Wu Xin.

"How is Sister Xie?"

When Tang Yue arrived, she only saw the anxious manager standing in the living room, while Xie Ni was hiding in her room and refused to come out.

"It happened right when we were heading to an event. We hadn’t even arrived yet, and all the fans who used to like Sister Xie were insulting her and even throwing things at her." The manager’s eyes were red, with marks where things had been thrown at her; she was a mess, and the situation didn’t look good.

"So, after Sister Xie came back, she’s been hiding in her room?" Tang Yue inquired.

The manager nodded. Those people pointed at Xie Ni and insulted her to her face. So many people were shouting at Xie Ni; it’s not just Xie Ni, even the manager was finding it hard to bear. What have they done to deserve such public outrage?

Those reports weren’t even true.

"Don’t worry, I believe Sister Xie wouldn’t do such things, but the photo..." Tang Yue trusted Xie Ni, although the photo didn’t seem like it was taken years ago.

"It’s my fault."

The manager said guiltily, "This happened just a few days ago during a charity event. That person persistently clung to Sister Xie, talking to her. If I hadn’t stepped away for a moment, Sister Xie wouldn’t have been trapped."

The manager explained the details of what happened, with Tang Yue frowning, feeling everything was too coincidental. She said, "Go wash your face and change your clothes."

Tang Yue walked to the door and knocked on Xie Ni’s door.

"Sister Xie, it’s Tang Yue." Tang Yue softly knocked on Xie Ni’s door.

Inside, Xie Ni’s choked voice replied, "Xiao Yue, you should leave. I want to be alone for a while."

"Sister Xie, I’ll be outside. If there’s anything you’d like to eat, just tell me." Tang Yue didn’t force Xie Ni.

She sat in the living room and saw torn newspapers scattered about, filled with deplorable words. Did those people not realize that words can sometimes be sharp as a knife?

Did they catch her in bed with someone, or did they see Sister Xie destroying someone else’s marriage?

Just because of a few words and a vague photo, they concluded Sister Xie destroyed someone’s marriage?

She threw all the torn newspapers into the garbage. Sister Xie’s home was a spacious two-story house where she usually lived with her manager. Upstairs, there were three rooms: a bedroom, a walk-in closet, and a dance room.

Downstairs was for receiving guests and where the manager stayed.

Tang Yue checked the time, opened the fridge, and found plenty of food inside: pork, beef, ribs, chicken breast, cucumbers, bean sprouts, cabbage, tofu, and potatoes.

Potato stewed beef, boiled slices of meat, spicy chicken cubes, smashed cucumbers, followed by a bowl of seaweed shrimp egg flower soup—all colorful and fragrant.

Tang Yue intentionally left the kitchen door open. As the dishes were cooked, the aroma wafted into the living room.

"Smells so good."

After showering and changing clothes, the manager couldn’t resist the delicious scents.

"Potato stewed beef, my favorite! This beef is cooked to perfection!"

The manager exaggeratedly praised each dish and ended up drooling. Without needing an invitation, the teary-eyed Xie Ni came downstairs.

She immediately noticed the four dishes and a soup beautifully arranged on the dining table. It was already nearly two in the afternoon, and her stomach was growling from hunger.

"Sister Xie, come eat! I’m starving." Tang Yue didn’t say much else and started eating after serving some rice.

She had arrived in the morning, and after preparing the meal, it was almost two. Her stomach was empty.

Tang Yue had cooked a little more rice, and sure enough, the four of them devoured all four dishes and the soup, even finishing all the rice.

Tang Yue ate two bowls of rice and looked at Xie Ni on the sofa, rubbing her belly. She couldn’t help but say, "Sister Xie, after a delicious meal, do you feel better?"

"I feel better."

Xie Ni patted her satisfied belly, realizing it wasn’t that bad after all.

"Sister Xie, why don’t you come to my house and help me with the kids?" Tang Yue asked with a smile, her face radiating charm and her eyes twinkling, displaying a sweetness that could seemingly dissipate all worries.

"That sounds nice."

Xie Ni hesitated. She liked Zaozao and Chenchen, but given her current situation, going to Tang Yue’s house might be troublesome for Tang Yue.

"What are you worried about, Sister Xie?" Tang Yue playfully winked.

"I’m worried, what if someone sees me and it affects you?" Xie Ni, being straightforward, voiced her concerns.

Tang Yue linked her arm with hers and said, "If I’m not afraid, why should you be? This is the perfect chance for a break. Didn’t you want to visit my house? Now I’m officially inviting you to come stay for a while, and you’re not happy?"

"I’m happy."

Xie Ni was convinced by Tang Yue; staying alone here would drive her crazy.

When Xie Ni went to Tang Yue’s house, she completely changed her appearance to ensure she wouldn’t be recognized, and only under the cover of night did she head to the Tang Family residence.

"Finally here."

Xie Ni heaved a long sigh of relief, constantly anxious about being discovered.

"Sister Xie, from the moment we left until now, Xiao Yang changed routes several times. There’s no paparazzi following us, so rest assured," Tang Yue said with a laugh, greeting Mo Xiaolin, "Mom, this is Xie Ni."

"Hello," Mo Xiaolin greeted her warmly. Though she knew of Xie Ni’s frequent visits, there hadn’t been much interaction between them. She said, "Don’t pay attention to those newspaper stories. We all believe you wouldn’t do such things."

Mo Xiaolin’s expression was gentle, her smile kind and amiable, like a warm elder. Xie Ni was moved and said, "Thank you, Aunt Mo."

"No need. Have you had dinner? Come, eat with us."

With that, Mo Xiaolin went to busy herself in the kitchen.

Tang Yue followed her into the kitchen while the laughter of Zaozao and Chenchen came from the living room. Bringing Xie Ni back here was indeed a wise decision, having the two children around would make Xie Ni feel less like life was gloomy.