"Of course, drinking this will make you sweat and prevent a cold." Song Nianchu nodded.
Under Song Nianchu’s expectant gaze, Mu Shi'an drank the entire bowl of ginger soup.
"I didn’t expect you to like it so much. There’s more in the pot—should I get you another bowl?" Song Nianchu was surprised.
"No need!" Mu Shi'an quickly stopped her.
"Alright, then I’ll go wash the bowl." Song Nianchu took the bowl and left.
By the stove, Mu Haoxuan whispered to Mu Shi'an, "Elder Brother, don’t you hate ginger the most?"
"The ginger soup is fine," Mu Shi'an replied without changing his expression.
"It’s not that the ginger soup is fine—it’s that Sister-in-law’s ginger soup is fine," Mu Yongnian said knowingly.
"Have you two finished stamping the labels for today? If you have nothing else to do, go finish the assignments I gave you," Mu Shi'an said sternly.
Hearing this, Mu Yongnian immediately dragged Mu Haoxuan away.
The assignments their elder brother had given them were so difficult even a scholar would shake his head in despair.
When Song Nianchu returned after washing the bowl, she found only Mu Shi'an in the kitchen.
"Where are Haoxuan and Yongnian?" she asked, puzzled.
"They went to stamp labels," Mu Shi'an replied.
"So diligent? I’ll mention it to Uncle Zhengui later and have them earn some work points," Song Nianchu said with a smile.
"No need. They don’t have much else to do—consider it a way to pass the time." Mu Shi'an didn’t want Song Nianchu going to Wu Zhenggui repeatedly for their sake.
"It’s fine. This is serious work—their efforts deserve recognition." Song Nianchu understood his meaning and spoke softly.
"Do as you see fit, but follow the village regulations," Mu Shi'an said.
"Don’t worry, I’m always fair and impartial. I won’t play favorites."
"Mm." Mu Shi'an nodded, then remembered the young woman who had jumped into the river earlier. "By the way, what happened earlier?"
"You mean Comrade Meng Yingying? It’s a long story..." Seeing Mu Shi'an’s interest, Song Nianchu briefly recounted the events.
Throughout the explanation, Mu Shi'an’s frown never eased, and by the end, his expression had turned cold.
"That Third Wu treated her like that—why would she still go back with him?" Mu Shi'an couldn’t understand.
"I’m puzzled too. Earlier, she seemed determined, even ready to die, but after waking up, she agreed to go back with him." Song Nianchu was equally confused.
"Was she threatened?" Mu Shi'an wondered after a moment of thought.
"I’m not sure. Comrade Meng usually keeps to herself and doesn’t talk much with us." Song Nianchu shook her head.
Mu Shi'an lowered his gaze, deep in thought.
"Did you know Comrade Meng before? You seem quite concerned about her," Song Nianchu asked.
Given Mu Shi'an’s personality, he wasn’t the type to pry into others’ affairs, yet he had brought it up himself this time.
"She might have been my student," Mu Shi'an said.
"Your student?" Song Nianchu was surprised.
"Yes, though not formally. She probably attended one of my lectures. She once called me ‘Teacher Mu’ when we met, so I asked." He answered honestly.
"I see." Song Nianchu nodded. That explained it.
"I’ll ask Comrade Meng again tomorrow. If she’s being threatened, the village head and I will help her," Song Nianchu said.
"Alright." Mu Shi'an had only asked casually.
......
When Song Nianchu returned to the village office, Meng Yingying wasn’t there.
Having narrowly escaped death, she likely needed a few days to recover.
But word had already spread through the village. Though Song Nianchu and the others avoided discussing it, Meng Yingying had jumped into the sea in front of everyone, and the incident was the talk of the village all day.
At the village office, Song Nianchu forbade any discussion of the matter, and everyone focused on their work.
Only after the workday ended in the afternoon did Song Nianchu approach Aunt Wu.
"Aunt Wu, let’s visit Comrade Meng at Third Wu’s place," Song Nianchu suggested.
"I was just about to say the same. That Third Wu is a brute—who knows if he’s beating her in secret again?" Aunt Wu had been worried all afternoon.
"Then let’s go together," Song Nianchu said firmly.
"Alright."
......
When Song Nianchu and Aunt Wu reached Third Wu’s doorstep, they paused to listen, but no cries or pleas came from inside.
Just as they were about to knock, Meng Yingying stepped out carrying a wooden basin, and the three of them locked eyes.
"Comrade Meng, are you alright?" Song Nianchu greeted her first.
"I’m fine." Meng Yingying snapped out of her daze and nodded.
"Are you going to wash clothes?" Song Nianchu noticed the basin in her arms, filled with dirty laundry—likely Third Wu’s.
"Yes." Meng Yingying nodded again.
"Comrade Meng, if you need help, you can tell me directly. The village head won’t ignore this," Song Nianchu hinted.
"Don’t worry, I’m fine now." Meng Yingying gave them a faint smile.
"Do you still want a divorce from Third Wu?" Song Nianchu asked.
Meng Yingying’s expression faltered briefly before she composed herself, lowering her gaze to hide her true emotions.
"Couples fight and make up. I’ve had a change of heart—I don’t want a divorce anymore."
"You don’t? Weren’t you planning to report Third Wu before?" Song Nianchu frowned.
"That was then. After facing death, I realized something—women are meant to marry and bear children. Since I’m already married, I can’t divorce. A divorced woman has no future."
"Is that really what you think?" Song Nianchu stared at her intently.
Meng Yingying avoided her gaze and murmured, "Yes."
Before Song Nianchu could say more, Third Wu returned from work and, seeing them talking to Meng Yingying again, rushed over and yanked her behind him.
"Song Nianchu, what are you doing at my house again? Trying to convince my wife to divorce me? You’re so malicious—you spent money to get yourself a man, yet you can’t stand to see others happy?!" Third Wu roared.
"Third Wu, we’re just here to check on Comrade Meng. Don’t twist our intentions," Aunt Wu snapped.
Third Wu heeded her words—after all, she was the village head’s wife and had five sons backing her. He knew better than to provoke her.
"My wife doesn’t need your concern. I can take care of her. Now leave!" His tone softened slightly.
Song Nianchu’s gaze remained fixed on Meng Yingying. Something felt off, but she couldn’t pinpoint what.
"Ah-Chu, let’s go for now," Aunt Wu said, seeing Meng Yingying’s silence. Knowing the conversation was over, she pulled Song Nianchu away.
The moment they left, Third Wu shoved Meng Yingying aside, his face dark with anger.
"What did they say to you? Did they tell you to report me again?"
