Yama Reborn-Chapter 420 - 417: "Can’t Hide It Anymore

Chapter 417 [It Can No Longer Be Concealed]

At noon, when Ou Xiuhua finished her early shift, Hou Changwei insisted on walking her to the entrance of the residential compound. After some polite refusals, Ou Xiuhua finally managed to send him away.

She thought for a moment, then decided not to enter the compound. Instead, she turned and walked south along the street towards the farmer’s market.

She had sent Hou Changwei away to avoid attracting too much attention. If he knew she still needed to buy groceries, she feared he might insist on accompanying her.

Ou Xiuhua had begun to notice that her neighbors and the proprietress of the small convenience store at the compound entrance occasionally teased her about the situation when they met.

Although these remarks were not malicious and were mostly friendly banter, they made Ou Xiuhua somewhat uncomfortable.

Truthfully, she hadn’t yet overcome the hurdle in her own heart.

In the vegetable market, she picked up a handful of leeks and had two pounds of beef cut, already planning dinner. She would stir-fry the leeks with eggs and make braised beef—a balanced meal with both meat and vegetables. There were also a couple of tomatoes in the fridge at home; she could crack an egg later for a simple tomato and egg soup.

After buying all her groceries, she walked towards the market entrance and spotted a fruit shop selling watermelons. It was December, so watermelons were out-of-season and expensive.

But knowing her daughter, Xiao Yezi, loved them, Ou Xiuhua decided to buy half a watermelon to take home.

Just as she entered the fruit store, Ou Xiuhua suddenly froze.

Honestly, it wasn’t the two people standing there that first caught her eye.

It was... the cat on the ground.

Her family’s Gray Cat was usually elusive, seldom seen during the day. She only knew the creature enjoyed basking in the sun on the rooftop terrace.

However, seeing her own cat here at the farmer’s market, a few hundred meters from home, was undeniably peculiar.

Moreover, it was her cat, yet it lay obediently at someone else’s feet, looking languid and even stretching its neck to nuzzle against the person’s pant leg.

Ou Xiuhua was dumbstruck.

Looking up, she finally got a clear view of the people inside the fruit store: two—no, three of them. Two adults and one child.

Ou Xiuhua instantly recognized the doll-like little girl. It was the child from the Chen Family who lived across the hall, a polite girl she had encountered a few times. The girl was very young and often seen coming and going by herself, with no adult in sight. It’s a pity, though, that such a young child has dyed her hair white, Ou Xiuhua thought.

Beside the white-haired little girl stood an older one.

At first glance, Ou Xiuhua was stunned.

This woman, even to my eyes, is beautiful enough to take your breath away, she mused.

Ou Xiuhua herself had been a renowned beauty in her youth, attracting a legion of young admirers at the factory compound after she came of age.

Yet, even so, the woman before her seemed to surpass Ou Xiuhua’s own youthful beauty.

This girl is wickedly beautiful, seductively enchanting!

Her seaweed-like long hair was simply tied up. Her clothes were ordinary: baggy jeans, an old, loose-fitting coat, and sneakers. It was a humble outfit, yet on this girl, it somehow exuded a captivating allure.

Absolutely uncanny!

When Yu Naitang saw Ou Xiuhua, she seemed momentarily surprised. Then, her eyes darted around, and she stepped forward. With a honey-sweet voice, she said, "Hello, Auntie."

"Ah, yes, hello," Ou Xiuhua replied, finally snapping out of her appraisal of Lu Xixi.

Yu Naitang smiled. "This is my older sister."

"Oh, her sister," Ou Xiuhua muttered, furrowing her brow.

Yu Naitang was carrying a baby in a recently fashionable carrier slung across her chest. Besides the baby, she also held a bag of groceries—Ou Xiuhua, experienced in household chores, recognized green vegetables and a fish.

This made Ou Xiuhua frown.

What’s going on here? she wondered. The older girl stands there empty-handed, looking carefree, while her little sister carries a baby and groceries? What kind of upbringing is that?

This thought diminished some of the awe she had felt for Lu Xixi.

Ou Xiuhua narrowed her eyes at Lu Xixi again, noticing the older girl had no intention of greeting her. Lu Xixi’s gaze was fixed on the fruit displays, seemingly oblivious to the exchange between Yu Naitang and Ou Xiuhua.

She doesn’t care for her younger sister and lacks basic courtesy, Ou Xiuhua concluded.

However, it wasn’t her place to comment on another family’s affairs, so she kept her expression neutral. She nodded at Yu Naitang and then pointed to the Gray Cat on the floor. "That..."

My cat, how did it get here with you? she thought. That definitely needed an explanation.

If this were at home, in our apartment building where the units face each other and balconies are side-by-side, it wouldn’t be strange for a cat to wander into a neighbor’s place, Ou Xiuhua reasoned. But this isn’t our building; it’s the farmer’s market, quite a distance away. For my cat to be here, someone must have brought it. Frankly, it’s not about being stingy, but anyone would feel a bit uncomfortable. Taking someone’s cat so far without a word to the owner? That’s not right.

What kind of person was Yu Naitang? She was a clever little thing. One look and she understood Ou Xiuhua’s thoughts. She immediately smiled. "Auntie, my sister and I came out to buy groceries. When we got downstairs, your cat started following us. I’d fed it a couple of times before, so it probably recognized me and just kept tagging along. I saw your place was empty for the daytime, so I thought I’d bring it with us and take it back after we finished shopping."

Ou Xiuhua relaxed upon hearing this. Nodding and smiling, she said, "Oh, so that’s what happened. It’s alright. You can play with it if you like, but be careful it doesn’t scratch you."

Actually, Ou Xiuhua quite liked the young girl. She was pretty, spoke sweetly, and had a clever spark in her eyes—exactly the kind of child elders adored.

If only she didn’t have that habit of dyeing her hair, Ou Xiuhua sighed internally.

After a bit more small talk, Ou Xiuhua bought half a watermelon and paid. She then watched Yu Naitang buy two pounds of apples, which the girl carried. "Auntie, shall we walk back together?" Yu Naitang asked.

"Mm-hmm," Ou Xiuhua nodded, glancing sideways at Lu Xixi.

She noticed the older girl remained completely unconcerned, hands empty, showing no intention of helping her younger sister.

There was Yu Naitang, cradling the baby, holding vegetables in one hand and apples in the other. On her small frame, the load looked quite awkward.

Ou Xiuhua frowned. She feigned interest in the baby in Yu Naitang’s arms, who was also doll-like and incredibly cute.

Actually, I’ve seen this little one a couple of times in the hallway at home, Ou Xiuhua recalled. I liked her instantly. She’s so pink and tender, and never cries or fusses—so adorable. Most importantly, there’s something in her eyes, a sense of closeness I can’t quite explain.

"Your little sister is so well-behaved, never crying or fussing," Ou Xiuhua said, gently stroking the child’s face. Then, she turned to Yu Naitang with a serious tone. "It’s December, and the weather is getting colder. You should bring the baby out less. She’s so young; she could easily catch a chill and start coughing."

Yu Naitang smiled and gave a noncommittal reply, and then they all left the shop together.

Ou Xiuhua noticed Yu Naitang’s "older sister" trailing behind, hands empty, looking carefree and indifferent. She didn’t speak to anyone or seem to pay much attention to the younger girl, just coolly followed.

That’s truly impolite, Ou Xiuhua thought, frowning inwardly. What made her even more speechless was that her own Gray Cat also obediently trotted at this older girl’s heels, step for step, like a devoted follower—so well-behaved!

This is intolerable! she fumed silently. At home, that cat won’t even let me hold it; it never wants to be close. Only Xiao Yezi can pet it sometimes. But out here, it’s so subservient to a stranger! What a turncoat!

Although Ou Xiuhua was annoyed, she didn’t let it show on her face and continued walking quietly.

Just as they reached the roadside outside the market, Lu Xixi suddenly stopped.

Yu Naitang turned to look at her teacher, a puzzled expression on her face.

Lu Xixi’s face was cool as she pointed and finally uttered two words: "That one."

Ou Xiuhua heard her. Her voice is quite pleasant, she thought, but her tone is a bit cold, even strange.

Following Lu Xixi’s finger, Ou Xiuhua saw a roasted sweet potato vendor across the street, the aroma drifting towards them.

Yu Naitang was momentarily stunned, but seeing Lu Xixi looking at her so seriously, her heart leaped with joy!

Is this the first time Teacher has ever asked for food? And it’s cooked food!

Yu Naitang immediately beamed. "Roasted sweet potatoes? Wait here, I’ll go buy some!"

With that, the little girl hurried across the street.

Lu Xixi stood still, arms at her sides, not moving an inch.

This scene reinforced Ou Xiuhua’s impression: A mean older sister, making her little sister run errands. What a pity. She’s so beautiful, but her personality doesn’t seem very kind.

Just then, Ou Xiuhua saw the beautiful girl turn towards her and raise an eyebrow.

Then, the girl reached out and gave Ou Xiuhua a light tug!

Caught off guard, Ou Xiuhua staggered, nearly losing her balance. What... why is she suddenly grabbing me? she thought, bewildered.

But then she saw a young man with an askew cap who had materialized beside her. The girl had him by the wrist and, with a light toss, flung him aside. He crumpled to the ground, surprisingly unable to get up, a thin blade clattering from his hand.

Ou Xiuhua, instantly alert, hurriedly checked her pocket—thankfully, her wallet was still there.

A pickpocket!

Pickpocketing incidents like this were not uncommon in 2002. It wasn’t like twenty years later, when everyone would use mobile payments and rarely carry cash. In this era, apart from department stores where cards were accepted, cash was king for small vendors and at markets. Especially at farmer’s markets, housewives and elderly shoppers buying groceries usually carried the family’s food money, often two or three hundred yuan.

Realizing it was a thief, Ou Xiuhua steadied herself.

She was kind-hearted. Her first instinct wasn’t for herself, but to step beside Lu Xixi, grab her arm, and try to pull her back. A young lady like her shouldn’t get hurt.

The thief on the ground lay there groaning, unable to get up.

Thieves like this usually have accomplices, Ou Xiuhua thought. They must have targeted me earlier in the market when I took out my money.

Sure enough, as one thief lay on the ground, another young man ran over from nearby. He tried to pull up his fallen comrade while yelling fiercely at Ou Xiuhua, "Back off! Don’t cause trouble for yourself!"

Ou Xiuhua saw this newcomer was also clutching a small knife. She wasn’t a coward, but she was a sensible woman who didn’t want trouble, so she tried to pull Lu Xixi back again.

But unexpectedly, Lu Xixi didn’t budge.

In the blink of an eye, Lu Xixi stepped forward!

Ou Xiuhua panicked. "Miss, don’t—"

She swallowed the rest of her words.

She watched as Lu Xixi stepped forward and reached out. Using some unknown technique, her two fingers pinched the very tip of the knife blade in the man’s hand.

Then, with what seemed like a light flick of her fingers, the man crumpled to his knees, shivering violently as if struck by a seizure. He could only whimper, unable to utter a word.

What kind of skill is that?! Ou Xiuhua was aghast.

While Ou Xiuhua stood there, shocked, Yu Naitang came bounding back with the sweet potatoes. She rushed up, grabbed Lu Xixi around the waist, and desperately pulled her back, crying, "Stop, stop! That’s enough!"

Then, Yu Naitang glared at the two thieves on the ground. "Aren’t you going to scram? Get lost! Or do you want to wait for us to call the police?!"

As she spoke, the little girl darted over and kicked each thief squarely in the small of their back.

After being kicked, the two thieves, who hadn’t been able to get up, miraculously struggled to their feet. Terror etched on their faces, they supported each other and stumbled away.

Lu Xixi narrowed her eyes and glanced down at Yu Naitang. Yu Naitang’s heart pounded, but thankfully, Lu Xixi looked away after a moment, her expression returning to its usual calm.

Yu Naitang finally breathed a sigh of relief.

That was close! If I’d been even a fraction of a second slower... Teacher’s mind isn’t fully recovered. Brandishing a knife at her automatically classifies them as ’enemies.’ If she’d really attacked, those two would be dead in the street right now! Two dead thieves? I wouldn’t bat an eye. But the trouble it would cause! That scumbag Chen Nuo’s mother, Chen Yiyi’s grandmother, is standing right there! And Teacher is technically her daughter-in-law! What daughter-in-law kills people in the street right in front of her mother-in-law the first time they meet?!

Ou Xiuhua looked utterly bewildered, staring at the little girl. Yu Naitang felt helpless but managed a strained smile. "Auntie, don’t panic. My... sister... she used to practice martial arts."

"Oh, practiced... practiced martial arts..." Ou Xiuhua echoed faintly.

After that minor incident, they continued walking home. Ou Xiuhua, with the typical mindset of an ordinary citizen, figured such things were best forgotten; she didn’t even consider calling the police. Yu Naitang, of course, wouldn’t bring it up either.

When they reached their residential complex and climbed the stairs to the fifth floor, Ou Xiuhua, who had been mostly silent, finally spoke. "Thank you both, young ladies. I would have definitely lost my wallet otherwise. If you don’t mind, why not come over for dinner tonight?"

As she spoke, Ou Xiuhua unlocked her door, smiling. "Besides, I see you bought groceries. You’re so young, you probably can’t cook them all that well. Bring them to my place; I’ll cook them for you. You can take the leftovers back and put them in the fridge for tomorrow."

Yu Naitang hesitated. Lu Xixi narrowed her eyes, staring at the open door of the Chen Family apartment...

For some reason, a complex, puzzled look flickered in Lu Xixi’s eyes. Suddenly, without a word, she stepped past Ou Xiuhua and walked right into the Chen Family’s home.

Upon entering, Lu Xixi’s usually cool, detached face showed a hint of confusion. Standing in the hallway, she surveyed the living room furnishings...

Suddenly, a peculiar expression crossed her face. Silently, she turned around...

Now it was Ou Xiuhua’s turn to be utterly astonished.

She watched as this girl, having entered her home...

Moved with an air of complete naturalness, opened the shoe cabinet built into the wall.

Then, with pinpoint accuracy, she took a pair of beige women’s slippers from the second shelf!

After changing into them, Lu Xixi walked further inside.

Ou Xiuhua was stupefied.

My shoe cabinet! How did she know where it was? And those beige women’s slippers! I found them when I first moved in and asked my son about them. He just mumbled something about buying them for guests.

While Ou Xiuhua was still reeling from shock, Lu Xixi turned back to her, took the groceries from her hands, and headed straight for the kitchen.

Ou Xiuhua, still in disbelief, hurried after her.

She found Lu Xixi in her kitchen, moving with complete familiarity. Lu Xixi took a basin from the cabinet, tossed the beef in, and then reached for the vegetable knife on the rack...

"Oh, Miss! You’re a guest, I can’t let you..."

Ou Xiuhua hurried to stop her. After a couple of attempts, Lu Xixi widened her eyes, looking curiously at Ou Xiuhua.

Suddenly, she spoke. Her voice was still a bit indistinct, but Ou Xiuhua understood her.

"You... won’t let me?" Lu Xixi asked.

"Huh?" Ou Xiuhua was stunned, then quickly said, "No, no, no, Miss! Please, go rest. We don’t have guests cook. Go on, go rest."

Lu Xixi frowned, seemingly pondering deeply. "Rest?"

"Yes, yes, go rest!"

Lu Xixi nodded, put down the vegetables, and left the kitchen.

Ou Xiuhua felt a strange mix of emotions. Maybe this young lady isn’t as I thought. She seems quite helpful, just a bit... peculiar. And just now... Hey! Wait! What?!!

Ou Xiuhua watched, dumbfounded, as Lu Xixi turned and walked straight into a bedroom!

Her son Chen Nuo’s bedroom!

Who visits someone’s house and just walks into a bedroom without a word?! Ou Xiuhua panicked.

She hurried after her. "No, Miss, that’s my son’s roo—"

As she reached the bedroom door, the last word died on her lips.

Lu Xixi had already confidently opened Chen Nuo’s bedroom closet and taken out a set of his pajamas.

Then, just like that, she slipped off her coat and put the pajamas on!

Ou Xiuhua was genuinely angry now. Even with her good temper, this was too much!

A stranger comes into my home, barges into my son’s bedroom, rummages through his closet, and puts on his clothes?! This is outrageous!

"Miss! You... Hey! Get up! Get up!" Ou Xiuhua cried, watching Lu Xixi plop down onto Chen Nuo’s bed.

She rushed over, grabbed Lu Xixi’s arm, and demanded angrily, "What do you think you’re doing?!"

Lu Xixi widened her eyes at Ou Xiuhua, frowning. "...Rest. You told me... to rest."

"Not like this! You can’t just barge into someone’s bedroom! That’s not how it works!" Ou Xiuhua took a deep breath, her voice turning icy. "Have you forgotten whose house this is?!"

"Whose house?" Lu Xixi murmured, as if to herself. She tilted her head, thinking carefully, her expression growing bewildered.

Then, she said, "This is... my husband’s house."

THUD.

The things in Ou Xiuhua’s hands clattered to the floor.

She whirled around to face Yu Naitang, who stood at the doorway.

Yu Naitang looked mortified, pressing a hand hard against her forehead.

Ou Xiuhua’s mind was a whirlwind of chaos, but suddenly, several pieces clicked into place.

The slippers! Her familiarity with the kitchen! And Chen Nuo’s closet—she found his pajamas so easily! And... something’s not right! No, something is very, very clear! 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

It felt as if decades of Ou Xiuhua’s life experience converged in that single moment, her intellect sharpening to a razor’s edge.

She spun back to Yu Naitang, her expression shifting dramatically as she stared at the girl. "You... you know my son, don’t you?"

"Uh... yes," Yu Naitang admitted.

Ou Xiuhua took a deep breath, her gaze falling on the baby, Chen Yiyi, in Yu Naitang’s arms. "..."

Then she looked at Lu Xixi, who was now leaning comfortably against the bed. "She... she knows my son too?"

"...Yes."

"Who is the child’s mother?!" Ou Xiuhua’s voice was suddenly hoarse.

"...My sister gave birth to her," Yu Naitang mumbled, avoiding eye contact.

"Your sister’s child? And you said she was your little sister?!"

"Uh... actually, she’s not my sister. She’s my teacher. So the baby is... sort of like my little sister," Yu Naitang’s voice dwindled to a whisper.

A flash of understanding seared through Ou Xiuhua’s mind. She looked from Lu Xixi on the bed to the baby in Yu Naitang’s arms.

Finally, her legs threatening to buckle, she asked in a trembling voice, "The child... what’s her last name?!"

"...Chen."

THUMP. Ou Xiuhua sank to the floor.