Chapter 198: The Three at the Pool
"Mom, let's go in," Jiang Nannan said brightly, looping her arm through her mother's. Her smile was brimming with calm, genuine happiness.
She'd been here once before with Tang Ya—this was her second visit.
Now, with her mother fully recovered, that weight pressing on her heart had finally been lifted. Bringing her here, safe and well, to her new home filled Jiang Nannan with contentment.
Since her mother would now work at Tang Sect, Nannan could come often to visit her. For the first time in many months, the warmth in her heart seemed to match the morning sun.
The courtyard was paved with neat stone slabs leading toward several elegant, well-maintained houses.
Beside the main hall was a small rectangular pool, its rippling surface glinting bright under the sunlight.
Everything looked calm and orderly, clearly cared for by regular upkeep.
Ye Yunxi surveyed the space, her expression relaxing into satisfaction.
It was a good place—small, but clearly built with care and comfort in mind.
"Ye Chen, you're back!" called out a cheerful, familiar voice from the main house.
A flash of motion streaked across the courtyard as a figure appeared, full of lively energy.
"Senior Sister Tang Ya," Ye Chen greeted with a light laugh, stepping forward to embrace her briefly.
Tang Ya had been about to greet him with more affection, but seeing others present, she restrained herself slightly and smiled.
"And this is…?" Ye Yunxi asked curiously, her eyes sweeping over the young woman who had emerged.
At one glance, she could see the closeness between this girl and Ye Chen. Could this be another of his girlfriends? The thought made her inwardly sigh with concern for her daughter.
Tang Ya, in her blue-and-white Shrek Academy uniform with its short pleated skirt, looked radiant and full of spirit. Her slender legs shone pale under the sun, every step full of energy. Her bright eyes were warm with curiosity, her ponytail swinging with life.
As Ye Yunxi was quietly observing her, Tang Ya's gaze landed on Ye Yunxi as well—and she found herself equally surprised.
She knew Ye Chen liked Jiang Nannan and didn't particularly mind it. But who was this woman beside Nannan—someone so similar in appearance?
Could it be Nannan's older sister?
No… that didn't make sense. Nannan had never mentioned one.
Her thoughts turned briefly suspicious. Ye Chen had already taken Nannan—was he now trying to win over her sister too?
Ye Chen quickly noticed Tang Ya's expression and spoke before she could ask. "Senior Sister, allow me to introduce you. This is Auntie Ye Yunxi, Nannan-jie's mother. She'll be staying here with us at Tang Sect from now on, helping with daily chores and meals."
Then, turning to Ye Yunxi, he added warmly, "Auntie, this is my Senior Sister Tang Ya—the current leader of Tang Sect."
He hadn't expected Tang Ya to be off from classes today, but as a senior student, she could afford a few rest days each month.
Still, few Shrek students ever took breaks; most used those days to train. Clearly, this was one of Tang Ya's rare days of leisure.
"Wait—mother?" Tang Ya's eyes widened as she took in Ye Yunxi's appearance from head to toe.
"Y-you're… her mother? But you look so young!" she exclaimed before quickly covering her mouth, realizing her surprise might sound impolite.
Yet the astonishment in her gaze remained.
Ye Yunxi looked barely twenty, far too youthful and radiant to be anyone's parent.
Ye Yunxi smiled sheepishly, amused by the reaction. "Hello, Tang Ya. I've heard Nannan mention you often—thank you for taking care of her."
Her voice was soft and warm, her gestures graceful and mature, carrying the gentle poise of a woman who had seen much yet remained kind.
"Please, don't mention it," Tang Ya said quickly, smiling back. "We're classmates and friends—it's natural that we look after one another."
Her earlier sense of tension melted away. Nannan's mother—no wonder she looked familiar.
And besides, the timing was perfect. Tang Sect could certainly benefit from having someone reliable to help maintain the household.
Soon, the group was laughing and chatting together as they entered the courtyard.
Tang Ya enthusiastically showed Ye Yunxi around, while Ye Chen helped her settle into a comfortable room for her stay.
By midday, Ye Yunxi, Jiang Nannan, and Tang Ya were bustling in the kitchen together, preparing an abundant meal. The aromas filled the Tang Sect residence, warm and inviting.
At the table, the atmosphere was cheerful and easy.
Tang Ya's lively personality and kind humor filled the room with laughter. Every so often, she complimented Ye Yunxi, marveling at how young she looked—"You and Nannan could pass for sisters!"
Between stories from the academy and teasing jokes, Ye Yunxi's gentle laughter echoed through the meal, while Jiang Nannan smiled quietly, heart full of gratitude.
Ye Yunxi spoke little, but her presence was like a soft light—she served dishes, answered kindly, and watched both girls with affection.
Nannan, meanwhile, was content just listening, occasionally adding food to Ye Chen's bowl. The warmth on her face didn't fade for a moment.
To her, this simple happiness—seeing her mother laughing again, sitting beside Ye Chen—was perfection.
Ye Chen, the lone man at the table, found himself effortlessly at the center of this small harmony, quietly enjoying the care and attention surrounding him.
After the meal, Ye Yunxi stood to clean up, refusing help.
Ye Chen, Tang Ya, and Nannan stepped outside into the open courtyard to walk off the meal.
"Nannan, it's such a warm day," Tang Ya said playfully, slipping her arm through Nannan's. "Why don't we go for a swim?"
Her mischievous eyes glanced toward the small stone pool gleaming under the sun.
"I-I… don't really know how to swim," Nannan replied, her voice flustered and faint as her face turned crimson.
She already understood the meaning behind Tang Ya's tone—and that sideways glance at Ye Chen said everything.
A swim together…?
In this place? With him watching?
Her thoughts scattered instantly. Surely Tang Ya wasn't serious.
Before she could protest further, Tang Ya cheerfully tugged her by the wrist. "Come on, let's go! I have plenty of swimsuits—you'll find one that fits!"
"W-wait! Tang Ya—!" Nannan's plea trailed off helplessly as she let herself be dragged away.
Given Ye Chen's fondness for the pool—among other preferences—Tang Ya had made sure the Tang Sect's supply included a bewildering collection of swimwear.
Conservative, daring, extravagant—she had them all.
Tang Ya knew Ye Chen better than anyone. She'd spent enough time with him in this pool to understand all his tastes—and, truthfully, to indulge them herself.
After all the hardships she had overcome, her greatest joy now was spending time with him.
And as far as Tang Ya was concerned, there were some experiences best enjoyed together.
(END CHAPTER)
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