Hi Ex, Your Uncle Is My Hubby Now - Chapter 113: Chapter 113

"Jeremy," Ruth called softly, "Rini said you've lost your sense of taste and can only taste sourness now."
Ruth placed a plate of finely diced pickled radish and a small dish of crisp, appetizing coleslaw in front of Jeremy.
Ruth smiled and said, "Jeremy, try some. I made these back home and brought them here. If you like them, feel free to take some with you. I can always make more."
"Thank you," Jeremy said as he picked up his fork and took a piece of pickled radish.
As Jeremy chewed on the pickled radish and was just about to compliment its taste, he heard Ruth say, "Anyway, you're Dorian's uncle, a generation above Irene. It's not really appropriate for you to regard me as an elder."
Jeremy was at a loss for words.
Ruth took a seat and asked Jeremy, "How does it taste?"
"Sour," Jeremy said.
Ruth burst out laughing.
Her herbal food for stomach nourishment was so rich and aromatic that even Jeremy, who rarely had much of an appetite, managed to finish a small bowl.
After dinner, Irene went to the bedroom to change and touch up her makeup.
Ruth asked gently, "Mr. Tucker, Rini mentioned you've had trouble sleeping since you got sick. Did the aromatherapy sachet I gave you help?"
"It works wonders," Jeremy said to Ruth, his voice full of genuine gratitude. "Since I started using the aromatherapy sachet you made, I can finally get a solid five hours of sleep every night."
That's no small feat.
Hearing this, Ruth finally looked relieved.
Jeremy rose to take his leave when Ruth suddenly took off her apron and said, "I'll walk you out."
Seeing that Ruth seemed to have something to say, Jeremy hesitated before agreeing. Then he said politely, "I appreciate your kindness, Mrs. Patterson."
After stepping out of the apartment, Ruth shut the door firmly behind her. When she met Jeremy's gaze again, her expression held unusual gravity.
Jeremy regarded the elderly woman silently.
He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but he felt a strange sense of unease.
"Mr. Tucker," Ruth said sternly, "As Dorian's uncle, you're technically Rini's elder. But you're still a single man. Coming to my house for dinner without Dorian is hardly the behavior of a responsible elder."
"I hope you won't cause any trouble for Rini. I don't want to hear people gossiping about her one day, accusing her of two-timing or calling her promiscuous."
Ruth added, "Mr. Tucker, I know better than anyone how damaging rumors can be. Rini may be unloved by her parents, but as long as I draw breath, I won't allow anyone to mistreat or belittle her!"
Confronted with Ruth's condemnation and threats, Jeremy remained unruffled and offered no defense.
Irene was truly blessed to be protected and cherished by someone like her.
"Please trust me. I would never do anything to harm Irene's reputation."
Jeremy scoffed inwardly, 'Two-timing? How could that even be possible? A wreck like me should just be scrapped for firewood. How could I ever be worthy of being beneath Irene's feet?'
Aiden stood smoking by the window at the far end of the elevator lobby.
Seeing Jeremy approach, Aiden quickly waved his hand toward the window, trying to fan away the smell of smoke. "Mr. Tucker," he greeted, crushing his cigarette in the ashtray atop the trash bin before pressing the elevator button.
Watching the elevator floor numbers tick down, Jeremy suddenly asked Aiden, "How would you describe Ruth and Irene's relationship?"
Without hesitation, Aiden replied, "They're like two peas in a pod—inseparable, and the most important family to each other."
Jeremy asked, "How's Ruth's health?"
"Ruth is tough as nails—a real spry little old lady. Honestly, I think she could easily live another ten years or more."
"Mm," Jeremy replied simply.
He didn't say anything else.
He lowered his head, absentmindedly fiddling with the vintage signet ring on his thumb. Suddenly, he asked, "What month is it now?"
Aiden said, "It's almost May."
"July isn't far off now," Jeremy murmured.
"Eh?" Aiden scratched his head in confusion and asked Jeremy, "Is there something special about July?"
"I'm not sure yet," Jeremy said, shaking his head. Then he stepped out of the elevator ahead of Aiden.
Just as Jeremy reached his car, his phone suddenly buzzed with an incoming WhatsApp video call from Irene.
After a moment's hesitation, Jeremy still answered the video call.