85 - Cinderella’s Dream: Together Forever

Wu Qian Ran noticed Chen Wan bringing her clothes, and quickly smiled at her, "Thank you, I knew you weren't indifferent to everything I just told you, right?" Jiang Yan Xin's expression instantly turned a few degrees colder, her gaze fixed on Chen Wan, "Chen Wan, what did you say to Miss Wu? Why did you let her follow us here?" Chen Wan was so startled that her knees nearly gave way, almost landing her on the floor. She quickly shook her head at Jiang Yan Xin. Couldn't Wu Qian Ran just make things clear? Wasn't she trying to get her into trouble? "I made it clear to her: I have a wife, and any previous talk of divorce doesn't count. I told her not to think about it; she insisted on coming along." Chen Wan explained softly to Jiang Yan Xin, with a hint of grievance in her tone, lacking the boldness she showed at Xiang Jia Wei's villa earlier. "Is that so? It seems to me you still haven't made it clear to Miss Wu. Shouldn't you explain it one more time?" Jiang Yan Xin said with a slight smile, but her gaze made Chen Wan feel uneasy. What should she do? She felt like her wife might really be angry. Chen Wan looked honestly at Jiang Yan Xin before turning to Wu Qian Ran, "Miss Wu, the truth is, I was indifferent just now. I hardly remember things from before the apocalypse, and I only have feelings for my wife now. I couldn't possibly be with you, I'm sorry." Wu Qian Ran had just put on the clothes Chen Wan handed her when she heard the rejection. She thought Chen Wan said this out of fear that Jiang Yan Xin wouldn't approve, so she added quickly, "I don't mind; as long as I can be with you, it's fine. Besides, it's normal for an Alpha to have several Omegas around in the apocalypse. And don't worry, I won't bother you and Jiang Yan Xin." Jiang Yan Xin glanced at Chen Wan and asked with a smile, "So, you want to have several Omegas around?" Chen Wan shook her head fervently, quickly trying to clarify, "No, no, having you is enough for me, Yan Xin. I already rejected her on the way back, truly." "Hmph," Jiang Yan Xin chuckled lightly, not commenting further. Seeing Jiang Yan Xin remain silent, Chen Wan promptly and righteously rejected Wu Qian Ran again, "Miss Wu, I really have no other intentions. In this situation, I just want to be with my family and have no messy thoughts. I won't be fickle, so you should leave. There's no place for you here." Wu Qian Ran felt embarrassed to stay after all that had been said, but she still believed Jiang Yan Xin's presence was why Chen Wan rejected her. As she left, Wu Qian Ran looked back at Chen Wan, "Chen Wan, if you change your mind, come find me anytime at Tent No. 632. I'll be waiting for you." Feeling the chilly gaze from Jiang Yan Xin, Chen Wan quickly refused, "Don't wait, I won't go." Inside, Chen Wan was nearly in tears; that big sister intentionally set her up even as she left. Unbelievable. Qin Ke, who had been silently holding back laughter on the side, saw the confirmation of Chen Wan's fear of her wife and curbed her laughter by playing with Cai Cai, whom she took from Yi Yi's arms, as a distraction. Once Wu Qian Ran left, Jiang Yan Xin gave one more sharp look at Chen Wan and, with a cold expression, returned to Jiang Wan Ning's side. When Chen Wan glanced at Ye Lan and Jiang Zhao Yuan, they had already withdrawn their gazes. Chen Wan inwardly cursed the original self for causing her trouble. It was all the fault of the original body's mistakes, unrelated to her as Chen Wan, the mighty A. And now, her wife was upset, and she hadn't figured out how to appease her. Cai Cai had been wanting to reach for Chen Wan, but seeing how involved everyone was in conversation, he stayed quiet. Now that the conversation was over, Cai Cai wiggled his little legs in Qin Ke's embrace and extended his arms towards Chen Wan, "Mama~ hug hug." "Oh, come here, let Mama hug my little darling." Chen Wan smiled, scooping Cai Cai into her arms, giving a gentle kiss on his soft cheek. As she held Cai Cai, she made her way cautiously closer to Jiang Yan Xin, tentatively calling out, "Darling?" Jiang Yan Xin shot her a glance and, without responding to Chen Wan, focused on re-wetting a cloth to wipe Jiang Wan Ning's forehead. Chen Wan pursed her lips, bouncing Cai Cai lightly in her arms, while her mind raced on ways to placate Jiang Yan Xin. Scooting closer to Jiang Yan Xin, Chen Wan called softly, "Darling? How is Wan Ning doing?" Jiang Yan Xin coldly hummed, still ignoring Chen Wan. Qin Ke and Yi Yi, standing to the side, were absorbed in the developing drama, yet fearing they might make their observation too obvious, they only occasionally stole glances and eavesdropped on the exchange. Ye Lan, noticing Jiang Yan Xin's persistent silence, smiled at Chen Wan and said, "We gave Wan Ning some medicine earlier, and it seems the allergy has subsided a bit, though she still feels quite weak." Chen Wan quickly gave Ye Lan a grateful smile and then asked, "Mom, where can I trade for food in the base? I’ll get some porridge for Wan Ning. Once she feels a bit better, we should leave, to avoid overextending her." "That sounds good, just be careful not to run into danger again," Ye Lan said, concerned. "Don't worry, Mom. I'll go straight there, get the porridge and pickles, and come right back. It'll be fine." Chen Wan reassured her. "Alright then, please stay safe," Ye Lan cautioned. "Don't worry, Mom." Chen Wan replied, handing Cai Cai back to Qin Ke, who cooed over the little one contentedly. Once Chen Wan left, Ye Lan tugged at her elder daughter's arm, signaling to Jiang Yan Xin with a look. Jiang Yan Xin, not understanding the gesture, asked, "What's up, Mom?" "There's something I want to talk to you about. Come sit closer," Ye Lan gestured, motioning Jiang Yan Xin nearer. Though bemused, Jiang Yan Xin obliged and moved closer. Glancing at Qin Ke and the others, Ye Lan lowered her voice to speak to her daughter, "Yan Xin, maybe you're being too harsh on Chen Wan. Having a good Alpha beside you during the apocalypse isn't easy. Chen Wan's skills make her a reliable companion. Don't push her away to the point where she leaves for someone else." Jiang Yan Xin couldn't help but chuckle at her mother's imaginative concern and softly reassured her, "Mom, don't worry, Chen Wan wouldn't dare do that. She talked to Wu Qian Ran on the way here; I can't let that slide. I need to give her a little cold shoulder." "You know, in the short time you'll be at the base, I've seen too many Alphas abandon their original partners as they earn points here. Remember, you and Chen Wan were indeed thinking of divorcing before the apocalypse. Don't go overboard," Ye Lan continued to caution, fearing Chen Wan might indeed end up with someone else. "Mom, you'll see after spending more time with her. Chen Wan behaves well around me. There’s more than just good behavior; she even listens without protest when I tease her. She's not like other Alphas," Jiang Yan Xin replied with a smirk, confident that her mother's worries were unnecessary. Ye Lan, seeing her daughter taking her concerns lightly, couldn't help but worry more about Jiang Yan Xin and Chen Wan's relationship. Meanwhile, Chen Wan, out to exchange for porridge, had no idea her mother-in-law had such thoughts racing through her mind. She decided to spend the remaining 70 points all at once. Since they were planning to leave, the points would be useless otherwise. Because of the amount of bloodstains on Chen Wan's shirt and pants, surprisingly few people had eyed her, and most just watched from a distance. At the exchange point, she traded not only for porridge but also for buns, rice, and some vegetables—vegetables being the most expensive at ten points per box. But Chen Wan didn't hesitate, taking four boxes and returning with a bag full of supplies. As the blood on Chen Wan's clothes was quite intimidating, coupled with her expressionless and grim demeanor, no one dared to try and snatch her belongings. Meanwhile, the matter from Area A had been reported to the base's top leader. A few military officers sought his instructions, "Sir, given the negative impact of this incident, how many people should we dispatch for a thorough investigation?" The leader merely glanced at the officers, speaking nonchalantly, "I hear you're quite close with Xiang Jia Wei, yes?" "No, it's just an acquaintance, we've only met a couple of times," the officer responded, cold sweat breaking out under the leader’s questioning. "Very well then. Though Xiang Jia Wei and his group donated all they had, their reckless behavior in the base has long incited widespread dissatisfaction. The cause of this event was misuse of electricity leading to fire. Nothing else should be pursued. Understood?" The leader took a sip of tea, giving orders blandly. "Understood!" they replied in unison. The leader was secretly pleased by Xiang Jia Wei's demise. These people had been a nuisance, committing illegal acts but protected due to their contribution to the base's resources. The fire, regardless of its true cause, effectively cleaned out the troublemakers, aiding the leadership significantly. When Chen Wan returned, it was almost six in the evening. She quickly unpacked the bag of food and distributed it to everyone. Ye Lan and Jiang Zhao Yuan felt it was quite extravagant, but since the points weren't theirs, they said nothing and joined in on the meal. Noticing that Yi Yi didn't have a steamed bun, Ye Lan offered the bag to her, "Dear, have one too. You've had a long day." Yi Yi didn't need to eat, but her situation couldn't be explained to others at the base, so she took a bun and, when no one was watching, discreetly passed it to Qin Ke. As a result, Qin Ke ended up eating two buns by herself. Jiang Yan Xin called Jiang Wan Ning to get up. This time, Jiang Wan Ning awoke even more confused, as if still dreaming. She saw everyone, including her parents, and murmured, "Is this dream so long? Or am I really dying, seeing so many people?" "You’ve taken your medicine; you'll be fine. We're all here with you," Ye Lan said, wiping her tears, trying to comfort her daughter. But Jiang Wan Ning only smiled and shook her head, feeling that even reuniting in a dream was a blessing; it had been such a long time since their family had been together like this.