Chapter 196

It had been a while since she last stayed there, but the place was regularly cleaned. Zion and Julia were grateful people, despite knowing that their marriage was over, they still made Nina thank Nash. Nash sat in the living room. Nina poured him a glass of water, “My parents said to thank you.”
“No need to be polite.”
Nina sat beside him and teased, “I couldn’t make them believe me no matter how hard I tried, but a few words from you and they believed. Am I just weak? Why do they believe you instead of me?” She couldn’t understand. Even though she could handle it herself, in the end, it was Nash who resolved it. Nash sipped his glass of warm water, his expression unchanged as Nina spoke.
He responded casually, “You need to understand one thing: human nature is ugly, especially among your relatives. They magnify your flaws while turning a blind eye to your strengths. Don’t sympathize with those who deserve none. The more people dislike you, the more miserable their lives tend to be. It’s not worth your consideration.”
He looked at Nina and chuckled, “It’s not just you; it’s the same for me. You’re just in the spotlight now. If you encountered those distant relatives of mine, you’d see they’re scarier than wild beasts.” Nina pondered, “Is that so?”
“Yes.”
Nina was not paying much attention, so she did not understand what Nash meant by “scarier than wild beasts.” In her hometown, funeral customs typically spanned three days. Relatives, neighbors, and friends would gather to share meals. Concerned about Nash’s comfort, Nina asked during lunchtime, “The meal is in the gathering area. Would you like to come and meet my relatives?”
“Why wouldn’t I go?” Nash replied, raising his head.
Nina responded, “I was worried you might not be accustomed to it since you’ve never been here before. It’s fine if you don’t want to go.”
“I will go,” he insisted.
Since Nash wanted to go, Nina didn’t object. However, to save her parents the trouble of preparing extra food, she decided against calling them. She and Nash headed out together. As they walked, they encountered their elderly next-door neighbor.
“Is this Nina?” the old man asked, leaning on his cane. Despite his white hair and slightly cloudy eyes, he immediately recognized Nina.
Nina gazed at him, taking a moment to recognize him. “Grandpa Henry,” she finally uttered.
It had been twenty years since her last visit to her grandparents’ house. At that time, Grandpa Henry was still strong and didn’t require a cane. He used to bring her to his home to play, always providing her with plenty of snacks and fruits.
As a child, Nina loved visiting her grandparents’ neighbors. However, times had changed, everyone had become busy, and relationships had grown distant.
Grandpa Henry approached her, scrutinizing her closely. “It really is Nina,” he said. “You were so small back then, and now you’ve grown so beautiful. Time flies. I’m getting old, and Mr. Walker Sr. is no longer with us.”
“Take care of yourself, Grandpa Henry. Live a long life!” Nina sweetly replied, causing him to chuckle.
However, what he truly wanted to ask was, “Nina, are you married? If not, Grandpa will find you a few suitors.”
Nash, who was standing nearby, couldn’t help but cough twice. Grandpa Henry’s attention shifted to him. Peering through his reading glasses, he scrutinized Nash before inquiring, “Nina, who is this?” “Nina’s husband, Nash,” Nash promptly answered before Nina had the chance to speak.