Chapter 273: Chapter 273: Comfort and Reassurance

Jiang Yan returned home later than usual today because someone from the higher-ups came down for an inspection. As the top leader of the district, he had to accompany them.

As soon as he came back, Mr. Jiang caught him and pulled him aside.

“Did you drink?” Mr. Jiang leaned on his cane, wrinkling his brow at the strong smell of alcohol on Jiang Yan.

Jiang Yan hadn’t drunk much, so he wasn’t drunk. He wasn’t one to degrade himself with flattery and sycophancy.

The strong smell of alcohol on him was deliberate. At such dinner parties, refusing drinks couldn’t be avoided, and pushing and shoving were common. He simply let people spill alcohol on him so they would feel embarrassed to keep urging him to drink. Plus, the strong smell made it easy for him to pretend to be drunk.

“I didn’t drink much. I know my limits.” Seeing that Jiang Yan was speaking clearly, Mr. Jiang’s expression softened a bit.

But still bothered by the smell on him, Mr. Jiang disdainfully said, “Change your clothes before heading to your room so you don’t stink up Miaomiao and the kids.”

“Okay, Grandpa.” Even if Mr. Jiang hadn’t mentioned it, Jiang Yan would have done just that.

“You, when you’re needed at home, you’re not here. What a coincidence, sigh…” Mr. Jiang said somewhat frustratedly, “When you go back to your room, make sure to comfort Miaomiao well…”

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yan’s heart sank, and he hurriedly asked, “What happened?”

“Sigh, Miaomiao was attacked with a knife at the school gate today.” Old Master Jiang still had lingering fears when talking about it now.

“What? Is she alright? No, I need to check on her right away…” Hearing this, Jiang Yan became incredibly anxious and quickly stood up to rush to the room.

“Stop, why panic? She’s alright… You’re covered in alcohol, rushing in recklessly might scare her.” Mr. Jiang’s words made Jiang Yan halt in his tracks. Knowing Miaomiao was alright, his heart settled somewhat, though he felt a wave of anxiety, followed by guilt and anger…

“Grandpa, can you tell me exactly what happened?” Jiang Yan suppressed his urgency, patiently trying to understand the situation so he could decide what to do next.

Mr. Jiang had already inquired about the details, embellishing the story a bit. The embellishments were mainly about Wang Miaomiao being a helpless woman, facing threats alone, being scared, bullied, fearing various things…

Ha-ha… Mr. Jiang’s recounting made Jiang Yan’s heart ache. His wife had suffered indeed…

“Alright, quickly wash up and head to your room. It’s late already. Remember to come home earlier next time; you have a family now. Don’t let your wife and kids worry…” Seeing the concern in his grandson’s eyes, Old Master Jiang was satisfied and waved him off.

Jiang Yan did not argue but earnestly agreed.

The gathering today was significant, but it wasn’t impossible not to attend. And he didn’t reach his current position by relying on flattery. He wasn’t afraid…

However, today was a choice he made, which resulted in his wife facing misfortune without his timely rescue, leaving him with lifelong regret.

Now, what’s done cannot be undone; all that matters is what he does in the future. The road ahead is lengthy; he’ll have to balance his focus between career and family.

Jiang Yan reached the main residence, noticing the lights still on in the eastern side room and the living room, realizing she wasn’t asleep yet. The dim lights instantly warmed his heart.

“Why are you standing at the door? Why aren’t you coming in?” The curtain at the doorway was pulled aside, and a small head peered out.

Jiang Yan looked at her curious eyes and found no signs of shock or blame.

His heart softened even further.

“I smell like alcohol. Can you pass me some clean clothes? I’ll go wash up before coming in so I won’t stink up the place.” Jiang Yan spoke softly, knowing this was why he hesitated earlier.

The layout of their home included a bathroom next to the main bedroom, but he had to go inside to get clean clothes before showering. If he entered, the smell on him would surely reach his wife.

“Drank alcohol… humph, drunkard…” Wang Miaomiao sniffed, the spring night wind still carrying traces of coolness. Upon closer sniff, there was indeed a faint alcohol scent. She wasn’t angry, knowing her husband was disciplined and wouldn’t go overboard, and he didn’t appear drunk. “Wait a moment…”

Watching the curtain sway slightly, Jiang Yan’s lips curled into a faint smile, a visible happiness.

Wang Miaomiao moved swiftly; soon, her head peeked out again from the curtain, her red lips lightly parting with a hint of playful scolding, “Hurry up and come take it…”

Jiang Yan stared at her, eyes aglow, quickly moving towards the door. As he approached, she wrinkled her nose, muttering about how strong the smell was, humph…

Wang Miaomiao handed him a bundle of clothes in an annoyed huff, prepared thoroughly from inner to outer wear. March nights were still chilly, and post-bath, dressing warmly was necessary to avoid catching a cold and suffering.

Jiang Yan swiftly took the clothes, noting the bit of exposed arm from Wang Miaomiao, wearing only a plush pajama. Stepping outside would surely make her cold, so he quickly said, “Please go inside. Don’t catch a chill. I’ll shower now and be back soon to keep you company.”

Seeing the clarity in his eyes and the not too strong smell of alcohol on his breath, Wang Miaomiao was somewhat reassured he hadn’t drunk much.

“Alright then, quickly go.” She said, not waiting for a reply, dropping the curtain and heading inside.

Jiang Yan chuckled, carrying the fragrant clothes away. Once a soldier and now retired, his showers were speedy, and very soon, he emerged with damp hair.

Upon entering, a large towel was draped over his head. He knew it was his wife, and sure enough, he heard her nagging, “Knew you wouldn’t dry your hair before coming out. Not paying heed to your health… Won’t listen even when told…”

Wang Miaomiao, waiting at the door, took his hand and led him to the small living room, starting to dry his hair.

Her motions were gentle and swift, as if she’d done it hundreds of times, so proficient.

It isn’t just Wang Miaomiao who’s adept at drying hair; Jiang Yan is too. Both tend to skip drying after a wash but willingly do it for each other, and over time, it’s become a cherished routine, one they indulge in.

The small living room remained silent for a while; Jiang Yan was waiting for Wang Miaomiao to discuss today’s events, yet she seemed to have no intention to bring it up.

Thinking it was late and the matter resolved, Wang Miaomiao felt no need to talk about it now. Knowing Jiang Yan returned late, exhausted, she showed her compassion, though Jiang Yan didn’t perceive it, lingering for some time, waiting despite his hair now dry.

“Alright, it’s all dry. Off you go.” Wang Miaomiao hung the towel on the rattan chair back, intending to wash and sun-dry it tomorrow.

Turning to head back to bed, she discovered he was still standing behind her unmoved.

“What’s wrong? Go on…”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep