Chapter 38: Lu Fan Becomes a Hot Commodity, the Jiang Family Refuses to Let Go

For the past five years of their marriage, he had little contact with the Jiang family, only accompanying Jiang Ruxue to the family estate during holidays. Aside from a visit when Jiang Ruxue was in confinement after childbirth, the Jiangs had never once set foot in his home. Yet today, the living room was packed with them. Truth be told, he hadn't seen so many members of the Jiang family in one place since his grandmother’s birthday party not long ago; it was absolutely preposterous. Their aggressive presence made Lu Fan feel as if he had committed some grave offense against the heavens.

"Mr. Jiang, what is the meaning of this..."

The old patriarch looked down on him as always; in his eyes, Lu Fan was nothing more than a junior and a spineless good-for-nothing. He believed Lu Fan had only saved the third master of the Qin family by sheer luck, having happened to come across that particular illness before. After all, in their view, everyone in the world was driven by greed and profit. If Lu Fan were truly a miracle doctor or someone with a powerful background, why would he have willingly remained a live-in son-in-law in the Jiang household for five years? The old man glanced around the house before planting himself in the seat of honor on the sofa.

Jiang’s mother wore a look of disdain. "Tsk, tsk. If you ask me, this place is far inferior to the Jiang estate. Just look at how small these rooms are. The decor is so dated, and the orientation is poor. How is anyone supposed to live here?"

Little You had always been an obedient child, but she knew better than anyone that Lu Fan had done all of this to ensure she could attend elementary school. In truth, the house was not bad at all, but under the deliberate scrutiny of the Jiang family, everything was found wanting. For the first time, she spoke up to challenge them. "Grandma, could it really be worse than the servant quarters we are forced to stay in every New Year? From what I see, we have a large yard, spacious rooms, and Daddy has even prepared a music room, a study, and an art studio for me. I don't see anything wrong with this place."

The child’s milky voice pierced the hearts of those present like needles. Jiang’s mother’s expression darkened instantly. They not only looked down on Lu Fan but also despised this little girl; had she been a boy, they might have held her in higher regard. The child had never been close to them, but out of politeness, she had held her tongue in the past.

"Lu Fan, look at what kind of child you’ve raised! She has no manners at all. Where is it written that a child so young can talk back to her elders?"

Jiang Ruxue hurriedly interjected, "Mom, please don't say that. You is still young, and besides, she isn't wrong."

Jiang’s mother shot her a sharp glare, signaling her to be silent. Lu Fan pulled You behind him. "Be a good girl and go play in your room for a while."

You looked worried. "But, Daddy..." Lu Fan’s injuries had only just healed, and she didn't want him to be hurt again. Even if her voice carried little weight, she wanted to protect him.

"It’s alright, go ahead."

"Okay then."

Once You had left, Lu Fan turned his attention back to the group. "I wonder what brings you all here today?"

The old patriarch slammed his cane against the floor. "What else could it be? It’s about your marriage to Xue'er!"

The old matriarch shot him a look, preparing to play the peacemaker. Her voice turned gentle. "Little Lu, it is shameful to admit, but we elders have been too neglectful of you over the years. They say it is better to tear down ten temples than to break up one marriage. Your grandfather and father only pushed for your divorce earlier because of the pressure from the Qin family. Don't blame them; they were acting for the good of the entire family."

Lu Fan had already guessed their intentions. "So, what are you saying?"

"We have seen how you have treated Xue'er over these years. She isn't young anymore, and you have a child together. What grudge between a husband and wife can last overnight? Just do it as a favor to your grandmother—let’s not go through with the divorce, shall we?"