Jiang Si Yu quickly accepted the truth of the matter. She knew who she should seek revenge on and no longer harbored resentment towards Wei Meng.
"I'm very sorry about what happened at the wedding. Please apologize to her for me."
Zhan Yi Chen shook his head, "Sister-in-law won't mind. As long as the truth is clear, that's all that matters. As for these people, I'll handle them for you."
"Thank you."
Jiang Si Yu left. Those who had hurt her, even if they were just hired hands, would not escape imprisonment. This was the only thing Zhan Yi Chen could do for her.
He knew that Jiang Si Yu would next target Feng Shi Ming, but that wasn't his concern. He had his own important marriage to attend to.
As for Feng Shi Ming, reaching this point was entirely her own doing, leaving no way out for herself. How could anyone else save her?
He returned home and began preparing for the engagement. Mu Lin Jing had already informed friends and family. Although it was just an engagement, everyone who should be notified had been. This naturally included Mu Bai, Mu Lin Jing's savior.
If he hadn't saved Mu Lin Jing and treated her for so long, they wouldn't have the happiness they did today.
So when Mu Lin Jing suggested they send an invitation to Mu Bai, Zhan Yi Chen accompanied her. "He is your savior. I haven't had the chance to thank him personally yet."
What he said was reasonable. They should remember a life-saving grace forever.
So Mu Lin Jing brought him to Mu Bai's residence. Knowing they were coming, Mu Bai had specially prepared lunch at home.
After welcoming them in, Zhan Yi Chen expressed his gratitude first. "Lin Jing is fortunate to have met you. Otherwise, I would still be immersed in the pain of losing her. Rather than saying you are her savior, you saved my life. I must thank you properly today."
Mu Bai smiled faintly, "Young Master Zhan, you are too kind. In such a situation, no one would stand by and watch. I was just fortunate enough to be able to save Lin Jing. I can't claim to be a savior or anything of the sort."
Zhan Yi Chen nodded, "If that's the case, I won't say any more polite words. In the future, if you need anything, just say the word. I, Zhan Yi Chen, will spare no effort to help."
Mu Bai looked at Mu Lin Jing and nodded with a smile.
Although there was nothing inappropriate about it, that glance suddenly gave Zhan Yi Chen an uncomfortable feeling. He couldn't explain why, but he found it very displeasing.
However, he didn't show it. After all, this was his own issue, and bringing it up would seem petty.
Mu Bai seemed not to notice his abnormality and naturally invited them to the dining room. "Knowing you were coming, I've prepared lunch in advance. We won't eat out, so you can taste my cooking."
Mu Lin Jing stood up first, "I haven't had your cooking in a long time. Let me taste it. Let's go, Yi Chen."
As she spoke, she pulled Zhan Yi Chen up. The three of them sat at the table. When Zhan Yi Chen saw the spread of dishes, his expression soured.
This table was filled with almost all of Mu Lin Jing's favorite dishes. Even if Mu Bai had prepared lunch knowing they were coming, he wouldn't be this thoughtful, would he?
Men understood men best. He looked at Mu Bai, feeling as though he had gained a love rival.
Especially when he saw that Mu Lin Jing's expression showed no abnormality, he realized that perhaps during the six months Mu Lin Jing was missing, their daily life was like this. Thus, Mu Lin Jing was accustomed to such dishes at the dining table and wasn't surprised at all.
His guess was correct. During the half-year Mu Lin Jing was recovering, Mu Bai did often cook for her, and it was always her favorite dishes, just like today.
At first, she felt it was inappropriate. After all, she was indebted to him and should have followed local customs, not have him accommodate her so much.
But Mu Bai said it was for her recovery, and over time, she got used to such interactions. So, when she saw this table full of dishes, she didn't find anything wrong with it.
During the meal, although Mu Bai made no intimate gestures, his words, intentionally or unintentionally, revealed his understanding of Mu Lin Jing, which was enough to sow seeds of doubt in Zhan Yi Chen's heart.
"Young Master Zhan, I heard your mother is gravely ill. I wonder if she is any better now?"
Zhan Mo Han's sore spot was suddenly touched. He subconsciously looked at Mu Lin Jing, his eyes clearly questioning her about telling outsiders such things.
Mu Lin Jing understood his gaze and immediately retorted to Mu Bai, "How did you know about this?"
In front of her, Mu Bai simply said, "I heard it through gossip. The Zhan family has so much news; it's hard not to hear some rumors."
Only then did Zhan Yi Chen secretly breathe a sigh of relief. "Thank you for your concern. My mother's illness is currently being treated."
"That's good."
Mu Lin Jing could tell he was becoming emotional and brought up other topics to change the subject.
After lunch, they didn't linger and soon left Mu Bai's house. Mu Lin Jing could clearly feel that Zhan Yi Chen was in a bad mood.
She knew Wen Yu Lan was his sensitive spot, and she herself rarely touched upon it. For Mu Bai to suddenly bring it up today, it was understandable that he would feel uncomfortable.
After leaving Mu Bai's house, Zhan Yi Chen remained silent until he dropped her off downstairs, still showing no intention of speaking.
"Don't pay too much attention to what Mu Bai said. He doesn't know the situation at home, so he asked that inappropriate question."
She said this originally to appease Zhan Yi Chen, but it backfired. Zhan Yi Chen turned his head, his eyes sharp. "You think I'm petty and shouldn't bother with him? Should he be asking others about such private matters?"
Realizing he had misinterpreted her meaning, Mu Lin Jing quickly explained, "That's not what I meant. He shouldn't have asked you about such private matters. But he's an outsider and doesn't know our family situation. Please don't argue with him."
She deliberately emphasized the words "outsider" and "our family" to prevent Zhan Yi Chen from misunderstanding her intentions further.
Zhan Yi Chen was still rational. Hearing her words, he quickly calmed down and took several deep breaths.
"I know."
He was silent for a long time. Mu Lin Jing didn't know what to say to comfort him. His reaction clearly indicated his aversion to this topic, and Mu Lin Jing was afraid that if she said the wrong thing, it would only cause him further misunderstanding. They rarely had such quiet moments.
"You should have less contact with him in the future."