Hades, the Urban Legend

Chapter 719: Chapter 722: Capable or Not

Tang Wan looked at Lin Ruoxi with a complex expression for a while, then smiled sweetly. "I'm glad to see you so confident, President Lin. That's certainly a good thing."

Lin Ruoxi smiled gracefully. "Actually, Sister Tang, you don't always have to call me President Lin. You can just call me by my name. It feels more intimate, although, it might seem a bit disrespectful since you're from the older generation."

Under the table, Tang Wan's hands clenched tightly, a wave of discomfort washing over her.

Lin Ruoxi's words sounded amicable, but they clearly implied that Tang Wan should not forget her true age, regardless of how young she looked. Actions taken without considering this could lead to awkward situations later.

Tang Wan felt a bitter, indescribable sensation because Lin Ruoxi's sharp words hit right at her vulnerabilities.

Suppressing her frustration, Tang Wan softly said, "Of course not. In that case, I'll call you Sister Ruoxi. I've never paid much attention to social norms. Back then, when the entire city of Yandu laughed at me, I still used IVF to have my precious daughter. Now, at my age, I care even less about certain things."

Lin Ruoxi's lips twitched slightly. "Yes, I truly admire your cleverness, Sister Tang. You should come visit our home sometime. After all, we'll be family soon, so it's good to start visiting early. Oh, and my mother-in-law is also very interested in health maintenance, though not as skilled as you. Perhaps you could share some tips with her. She would be very happy."

If Tang Wan hadn't known this was Lin Ruoxi's scheme, she would have flipped the table and left in anger!

This woman truly deserved her reputation as an iceberg that made competitors shudder. What appeared on the surface was just the tip of the iceberg, with most of the sharp edges hidden underwater!

Although she rarely attended events and often let Mo Qianni and Liu Mingyu speak on her behalf, giving the impression she was reticent, when it came to the crunch, each of her words was piercing!

Before she knew it, Lin Ruoxi had already grouped herself with Yang Chen's mother, Guo Xuehua!

Tang Wan felt indescribable grievance, but she could only endure it. If she lost her temper, it would mean falling into Lin Ruoxi's trap.

If she quarreled with Lin Ruoxi, what would Yang Chen think? Would he divorce Lin Ruoxi for her? That was impossible. Lin Ruoxi's words were superficially polite, and the only likely outcome would be that Yang Chen would avoid her under family pressure.

Seeing that her point had been made, Lin Ruoxi took out two red 100-yuan bills from her wallet, placed them on the table, and stood up. "I need to go to the market to buy groceries. Since I rarely get the chance to be at home with my husband, I want to make a good impression. I'll treat you to this tea. Although I know Sister Tang doesn't care about money, consider it a small token from me as a junior."

With that, Lin Ruoxi smiled elegantly and walked downstairs.

Tang Wan looked at the two hundred-yuan bills on the table, gritted her teeth, and her eyes became moist. She muttered, "It's all because of you, Yang Chen. Of all the women to marry, you had to pick one so hard to deal with. It's infuriating!"

Meanwhile, Lin Ruoxi, who had walked downstairs and returned to her car, closed the door and let out a long sigh of relief.

Patting her chest, Lin Ruoxi felt a bit weak. Competing in aura with Tang Wan was not easy, but she managed to hold her ground.

Starting the car, Lin Ruoxi felt a bit guilty towards Tang Wan. Aside from matters involving Yang Chen, their relationship had been quite amicable.

But thinking about the relationship between Tang Wan and Yang Chen, Lin Ruoxi shook her head, dispelling that hint of guilt. She smiled wryly to herself, "Oh well, I'm not exactly a kind-hearted woman. What's done is done. Being sinister and ruthless is not a first for me. If I can't control my man, at least I can keep the women at a distance."

With that in mind, Lin Ruoxi drove towards a large supermarket near her home. Although she needed to buy groceries, she chose the higher-priced supermarket over the wet market.

After all, the smells and hygiene of the wet market were not something she could easily tolerate, and being stared at by a crowd made her very uncomfortable. The supermarket was relatively more relaxing.

When she arrived home with two large bags of groceries, it was already ten o'clock. Being a woman, she had spent quite a bit of time wandering around the supermarket.

Yang Chen was sitting in the living room, accompanying Guo Xuehua in watching a Korean drama. Although it wasn't his preferred content, he had agreed to stay home for a day with Lin Ruoxi, so he did his best to keep his mother happy.

Seeing Lin Ruoxi return home with a flushed face, smelling of sweat, Yang Chen smiled knowingly. "Ruoxi, my dear, are you planning to cook lunch today?"

Blushing, Lin Ruoxi nodded shyly. "Don't worry, I've learned a lot. I can do it."

Yang Chen teased, "Are you sure you didn't forget?"

Lin Ruoxi, thinking Yang Chen doubted her, became a bit anxious. "I really can do it. Ask Mom and Wang Ma if you don't believe me!"

Guo Xuehua, sitting nearby, lightly tapped Yang Chen's hand, smiling and scolding, "Alright, Yang Chen, stop teasing Ruoxi. Don't you know how pure-hearted she is? Ruoxi, go on inside. You'll need Wang Ma's help. You can't handle it all alone."

Lin Ruoxi happily responded and rushed to the kitchen with her bags.

Watching his wife's graceful figure, Yang Chen felt a wave of emotion. To be honest, he wasn't sure if Lin Ruoxi could be considered pure-hearted. In business, that was a far-fetched idea! But in many situations, her emotional intelligence was indeed low. Her intentions weren't bad, but her words often hurt others. Perhaps it was only when she refused to yield on something that she became so formidable.

Guo Xuehua noticed Yang Chen's contemplation and patted his shoulder, smiling. "No matter what Ruoxi's intentions are, she's putting in a lot of effort to please you. You should appreciate that sincerely, shouldn't you?"

"Heh," Yang Chen chuckled, nodding in agreement.

About two hours later, a sumptuous lunch was ready. Seeing Lin Ruoxi, her face flushed, wearing oversized oven mitts and carrying dishes to the table, warmed Yang Chen's heart even before he ate.

Wang Ma, who had seen the couple part on bad terms yesterday, was delighted to see them so harmonious today. She even went to the wine cellar in the basement to fetch an expensive bottle of Bordeaux red wine, suggesting the four of them have a little drink together.

Although Lin Ruoxi had many fine wines, just like her collection of cars, it was rare for the family to drink wine during meals, so these exquisite drinks were often left untouched. They were gifts from others, stored away like a bird storing food, rarely thought of.

At the table, Lin Ruoxi was obviously distracted, not eating much herself, and frequently picking out the best pieces to put in Yang Chen's bowl.

Yang Chen, with his hearty appetite, didn't refuse anything and ate voraciously. Although a few dishes were not as good as Wang Ma's, Yang Chen knew it was important to encourage Lin Ruoxi, so he ate enthusiastically.

The two elders watched the young couple with knowing smiles, saying nothing.

After the meal, under the influence of alcohol, Lin Ruoxi's cheeks were tinged with a rosy blush. If she hadn't deliberately played the role of a little wife to torment Yang Chen a few times recently, she wouldn't have been used to such caring gestures.

After cleaning up the table and helping Wang Ma tidy up the kitchen, Lin Ruoxi removed her apron, took out the fresh watermelon from the refrigerator, cut it up, and scooped out the flesh into a plate. She then carried the plate to the living room, intending to offer Yang Chen some dessert fruit. Even Lin Ruoxi herself felt she had made significant progress by thinking of this.

However, when she reached the living room, Yang Chen was nowhere to be seen.

Had he gone out to see another woman again? Lin Ruoxi frowned, standing in the living room, feeling a bit sad.

Guo Xuehua got up from the sofa, shaking her head with a smile. "You silly child, what are you thinking? Yang Chen is outside basking in the sun. The weather is nice and dry today. Go out and accompany him."

Only then did Lin Ruoxi realize, chastising herself for being overly suspicious. She felt a bit happy secretly and, embarrassed, lowered her head, carrying the watermelon outside.

Guo Xuehua and Wang Ma, having drunk some wine, felt a bit tired due to their age. Knowing the young couple needed some quiet time, they chatted and then went upstairs for an afternoon nap.

Outside, the breeze was gentle and the sunlight was brilliant.

Yang Chen was half-lying on a wide bamboo chair, squinting his eyes, relaxing his whole body, enjoying a rare quiet afternoon.

Such days were what he had yearned for since returning to this country—a mild sun, a warm breeze, no bloodshed, no darkness. But unfortunately, there were few opportunities to experience it.

Lin Ruoxi walked softly, almost tiptoeing, not daring to make too much noise to disturb Yang Chen's rest. However, carrying the plate, she couldn't just turn back, so she approached Yang Chen quietly and asked softly, "Honey, would you like some watermelon?"

Yang Chen smelled a pleasant jasmine scent, opened his eyes, and looked at the beauty beside him, tilting his head. "Are you going to feed me?"

Lin Ruoxi thought, treating you a little better and you really take it too far. But, considering her own shortcomings, she pouted, picked a piece with a toothpick, and brought it to Yang Chen's mouth.

"Ah hmm," Yang Chen ate a piece, chewing silently.

Worried, Lin Ruoxi asked, "Isn't it sweet? Maybe it's not fully ripe yet. I'm not good at picking them, so I just chose the most expensive one."

Yang Chen shook his head and blinked. "Even if it's not ripe, it's sweet when my wife feeds me."

"You're such a sweet-talker," Lin Ruoxi was pleased. It seemed her efforts were working, as Yang Chen no longer seemed distant like he did yesterday.

Yang Chen gazed at the woman before him, as beautiful as a tender orchid, her hair gently swaying in the breeze. Suddenly, he felt a rare sense of peace. He had never truly experienced the tranquility brought by a woman before.

Unconsciously, Yang Chen beckoned Lin Ruoxi. "Come here, my sweet Ruoxi."

Lin Ruoxi's hand holding the plate trembled, almost dropping it. Her heart pounded at Yang Chen's words, and she felt a bit hesitant.

This was outside, in the open air. If it were in the room, letting him hug and touch her was one thing. But what if someone passed by and he tried to do something to her?

Suddenly, Lin Ruoxi recalled what Zhenxiu had told her that morning. Right, wasn't this the perfect opportunity to use Zhenxiu's advice?

She just wasn't sure if she could pull it off.

To read the manga version, please click the YouTube link https://youtu.be/GnU613H6xm8