Chapter 271 As expected, Aunt Yuan has arrived.
Chapter 271 As expected, Aunt Yuan has arrived.
The next morning, sunlight streamed gently through the window into Yuan Bao's room, waking her from her sleep.
Yuan Bao stretched out a big yawn, remembering that the system had been upgraded and all his skills and attributes had been greatly improved, and he felt particularly happy.
She walked into the dining room humming a little tune. The family was sitting around the table, enjoying a hearty breakfast, and the conversation naturally turned to their upcoming trip to Beijing.
"Oh my! This year, our whole family can go to Beijing to celebrate the New Year together. I heard that Beijing is very lively during the New Year, with all kinds of temple fairs. Our family can go and experience it."
With anticipation on her face, Yuan's mother fed Yuan Baosheng porridge.
Yuan Bao nodded with a smile: "Yes, Mom, I'll take you to eat some Beijing specialties, like the roast duck we brought back before. It's so fragrant when it's freshly roasted."
With his mouth full of steamed buns, Baoguo mumbled, "And those candied hawthorns, they're so sweet and crispy, I've been craving them for so long."
The family chatted excitedly, their voices filled with anticipation for their upcoming trip to Beijing.
At this moment, there was a knock on the door outside.
Butler Bai put down what he was doing and quickly went to open the door.
There stood Yuan Xiaogu at the door, carrying a large bag of fruit and beaming with smiles.
"Oh, who are you? This must be my older brother's house. It's been a long time! I've come to see you and your wife." Aunt Yuan greeted them warmly, but her eyes kept glancing into the yard.
Butler Bai politely welcomed Yuan Xiaogu inside.
Yuan Bao and his mother exchanged a glance, a hint of helplessness flashing in their eyes.
As expected, Yuan Xiaogu arrived.
However, this was the first time in so many years that Aunt Yuan had come to visit with gifts. Yuan Bao secretly complained to himself, "She really went all out!"
While Yuan Bao was mentally ranting to Xiao 9, he was also coldly observing Yuan Xiaogu's every move.
Aunt Yuan walked straight to Father Yuan, put the fruit aside, and put a flattering smile on her face: "Big brother, are you still having breakfast?"
Look at me, I've been busy with school and family matters, and I haven't had a chance to come see you.
I heard that Bao and Baoguo have both been accepted into universities in Beijing through the recommendation system. This is truly wonderful news! I'm so happy for you both.
Yuan Bao thought to himself, "Look at her, her acting is really exaggerated."
"We haven't been in touch for so long, but as soon as they heard we had some good news, they immediately came running over."
Little 9 nodded in Yuan Bao's mind and echoed, "Young Master, she definitely has something in mind. We must remind Father Yuan to be careful."
Yuan Bao continued his analysis: "I guess it's because after Uncle Yuan came last time, he went back and told her about our family's situation."
Seeing that we not only secured admission to a university in Beijing but also moved into such a secluded courtyard, they assumed we were destined for great things, which is why they came knocking on our door first thing this morning.
Little 9 nodded repeatedly in agreement.
Yuan's mother clearly knew the purpose of Yuan's aunt's sudden and early visit. She sat down next to Yuan Bao, and the mother and daughter exchanged a glance, both watching Yuan's aunt's performance with cold eyes.
Baoguo was still engrossed in eating, completely unaware of the subtle change in the atmosphere at home.
Seeing that her father only gave a faint reply without much further response, Aunt Yuan continued, "Brother, as you know, I haven't had it easy these past few years."
I've always been a homeroom teacher at school, which is very demanding. I also have a lot of things to take care of at home and am financially strapped, so when you were sick and asked me for money, I really couldn't afford it.
Please don't take it to heart, I really have some difficulties.
We're siblings after all; blood is thicker than water. We can't let this little thing cause us to drift apart.
Remembering his wife's stern reprimand a couple of days earlier, Mr. Yuan knew he couldn't let his aunt fool him again.
He frowned slightly and said in a cold tone, "Little sister, let's not talk about the past."
Our family has been through a lot during this period, but thankfully we've made it through.
Bao and Baoguo's achievements today are the result of their own hard work.
Yuan Xiaogu smiled awkwardly, trying to ease the tension: "Big brother, you're right. Bao and Baoguo are both promising children, and they'll definitely achieve great things in the future. Don't forget about us then!"
Yuan Bao couldn't stand it any longer and couldn't help but say, "Aunt, you didn't come here today just to say these things, did you? Just say what you want to say."
Aunt Yuan was taken aback by Yuan Bao's words, and a hint of displeasure flashed across her face, but she quickly regained her smile: "Yuan Bao, are you still holding a grudge against your aunt? Back when you were in my class, I was worried that you weren't focused on your studies! Fortunately, you lived up to my expectations."
"After you and Baoguo go to Beijing University, you must study hard and not slack off."
Yuan Bao looked at what Yuan Xiaogu said through gritted teeth and sneered, thinking to himself, "That sounds nice, but you were afraid that I would overshadow your two daughters because I was too good at studying!"
And why didn't you help us when our family was going through the most difficult time?
Now that they see we're benefiting, they want to take advantage of us.
She said calmly, "Aunt, thank you for your kindness. As for our family matters, and my brother and I's studies, we will study hard and have our own plans, so you don't need to worry about it anymore."
Yuan Xiaogu wanted to say something more, but at that moment, her maternal grandparents came out of the restaurant.
They overheard the conversation between Aunt Yuan and Father Yuan and understood the gist of it.
Grandpa sighed and said, "You two chat, we're going back to our room to rest."
After saying that, the grandparents went back to their room, leaving Yuan Xiaogu alone, looking somewhat embarrassed.
Aunt Yuan didn't want to listen to Aunt Yuan's hypocritical act anymore. She stood up and said to Aunt Yuan, "Auntie, as you can see, our family is having breakfast. If you don't have anything else to do, you can go back now."
Yuan Xiaogu knew that her test today had failed, and there was no point in staying any longer.
So she stood up, picked up the bag of fruit, and forced a smile: "Alright then, brother and sister-in-law, take care of yourselves. I won't bother you any longer. Yuan Bao and Bao Guo, remember to study hard."
After saying that, Yuan Xiaogu slunk away.
Watching Yuan Xiaogu's departing figure, Yuan Bao felt a surge of disgust.
She said to Xiao 9, "This kind of relative is disgusting. If she comes again, I won't give her a good look."
Little 9 responded in his mind: "My lord, you did the right thing. Some people just can't stand to see others do well, even if they are relatives. We'll have to be careful in the future."
Looking at Yuan Bao and Yuan Ma, Yuan's father sighed helplessly.
Yuan Bao was more direct: "Dad, you'd better stay calm and maintain your attitude today. Make them give up on this idea and stop them from getting involved."
After our whole family moves to Beijing, they won't be able to find us again!
Mr. Yuan couldn't help but feel a little sad: "Sigh! If it weren't for my illness that exposed them all... I always thought of myself as the eldest brother and took care of them for so many years. Who would have thought! I was too naive."
Aunt Yuan comforted her, "Alright, don't think about these unhappy things anymore!"
Yuan Bao chimed in, "That's right! Let's not think about these unhappy things anymore! People are different. Look at my uncle, aunt, and great-aunt, haven't they always been very good to us? So it really comes down to people."
Mr. Yuan nodded and silently went back to his room.
Yuan's mother and Yuan Bao exchanged another glance. It was clear that Yuan's father was still very heartbroken. His younger siblings, whom he had taken care of since they were little, had betrayed him when they needed help the most. One could only imagine how he felt.
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