Chapter 271
"Ethan's here! Come closer and let Grandma take a good look at you!" Clara White's wrinkled face brightened as she beckoned to Ethan.
Ethan knelt properly and kowtowed. "Happy New Year, Grandma." His sisters followed suit. The elderly women nearby watched with envy—everyone knew Clara lived comfortably now. Her youngest son lived with her, and she ruled the household. The eldest son’s children had all made something of themselves: a soldier, a factory worker, a doctor in the city. Even the divorced eldest granddaughter, raising three children while tending chickens and pigs, outshone others.
This New Year, they had returned in a car—something the villagers had never seen before. The eldest White family had truly risen. It was a shame the eldest son had passed early; otherwise, he would have enjoyed this prosperity.
"Good, good! Get up now!" Clara grinned, her eyes crinkling with joy.
Since her last stroke, the old woman had never regained the weight she’d lost. Luna observed coldly that Clara seemed livelier than before. Clearly, Jack White wasn’t faring well these days.
The elderly women tactfully stood. "It’s the New Year—we should visit other homes too." With that, they left.
Clara pulled Ethan onto the heated bed and waved at Iris and Luna. "Come sit!"
Luna clung to Luna’s sleeve, refusing to let go. Luna understood her sister’s hesitation. After how Clara and their uncle had treated her, followed by the truth about her parentage, it was natural for Luna to hold resentment. Still, she hoped the family could at least maintain appearances.
Reluctantly, Luna sat down.
Clara shakily retrieved several red envelopes from the bed cabinet and pressed one into each of their hands. "This year, I’m following the city folks’ tradition—New Year’s money. Don’t mind how little it is."
Luna clenched the envelope, her emotions in turmoil. After years of hatred, this sudden change left her at a loss.
Clara bore responsibility for the tragedies of Luna’s past life. Did the old woman’s repentance now erase that? Luna couldn’t accept it. Not seeking revenge after her rebirth was mercy enough—expecting her to smile and play nice? Impossible.
"Grandma, where’s Jack and the others? How could they leave you alone on New Year’s? The house is freezing—didn’t they prepare enough firewood?" Ethan frowned.
Clara scoffed. "That precious son of mine took his wife to curry favor with Bai Zhuang’s future in-laws. They’d sooner see me dead than care if I freeze."
Ethan sighed. Iris and Luna went out to fetch firewood, stoking the stove until warmth filled the room.
"Grandma, after the New Year, Luna is bringing the kids to the city with us. I don’t like leaving you here alone. Why not come with us?" Ethan asked earnestly.
Luna turned her face away, pretending not to hear.
"Luna should go. With you all in the city, she won’t have to endure the village gossip." Clara shook her head. "This old bones isn’t going anywhere. This house and land will be yours, Ethan. I’ll guard them for you—won’t let Jack take advantage."
Ethan grew anxious. "But Uncle treats you like this—"
"Don’t worry." Clara patted his hand. "After what happened last time, the Women’s Federation checks in regularly. They wouldn’t dare cause trouble now. I’ve wronged you all too much in this life. I won’t burden you further."
The old woman spoke with such sincerity that even Luna had to admit—this time, Clara truly seemed remorseful.