Meng Yingying stumbled from the push, the wooden basin in her hands clattering to the ground. She gritted her teeth, and when she looked up again, her expression had returned to its usual indifference.
"They just came to see me. They didn’t say anything," she said.
"Really?" Third Wu eyed her skeptically. He was full of suspicion toward her now. After all, she usually kept to herself, yet at the critical moment, she had dared to accuse him of assault.
"If you don’t believe me, there’s nothing I can do. Either follow me around all day or lock me up at home," Meng Yingying replied calmly.
Third Wu stared at her for a long moment, searching her face for any sign of deception. Finally, he sneered.
"Seems like dying once made you more obedient. Let me make this clear—since you married me, Third Wu, whether you’re alive or dead, you belong to me. Keep your schemes to yourself, or I’ll go to the city and find your parents and your brother. I’ll make a scene at their workplaces, let everyone know what a shameless daughter they raised, crawling into my bed in the middle of the night."
"...I understand," Meng Yingying forced out, her nails digging into her palms as she choked back the fury in her voice.
"Good. Now go wash the clothes. When you’re done, come back and serve me. I’m exhausted from work all day, and I still have to deal with your nonsense," Third Wu grumbled as he headed home.
Only then did Meng Yingying lift her gaze to watch him leave, her eyes sharp with venom.
This man had ruined her life. But now that she had been given a second chance, she would make him pay a thousand times over.
She picked up the wooden basin and turned toward the river.
...
The next day, Meng Yingying arrived at the village office as usual, early in the morning.
Song Nianchu was surprised to see her.
"Meng Yingying, why are you here already? Shouldn’t you be resting at home?" After all, she had nearly drowned just the day before.
"I’m fine now. Lying around at home is worse than coming here to work," Meng Yingying said. Around Song Nianchu, the tension in her body eased slightly.
Song Nianchu studied her, thinking that working here might actually be safer for her than staying at home.
"If you feel unwell at all, let us know immediately," Song Nianchu reminded her.
Meng Yingying nodded.
For the rest of the morning, she seemed completely normal, and Song Nianchu’s worries gradually faded.
When work ended and everyone headed home, Meng Yingying passed by Song Nianchu and gave her a small nod.
"She really seems to have moved on," Aunt Wu remarked with a sigh.
Had she, though?
Just yesterday, Meng Yingying had been ready to die taking Third Wu with her. How could she have changed so much in just one day?
Was it really possible that a brush with death could make someone accept even the man who had violated her?
"A-Chu, let’s go home," Aunt Wu said, pulling Song Nianchu out of her thoughts.
"Alright," Song Nianchu agreed.
...
When Song Nianchu returned home, Mu Shi'an was hammering away in a corner of the yard.
She tiptoed closer and gasped when she saw the brand-new handcart in front of him.
"You finished one already?"
"Just some final touches left. I should be done before work starts this afternoon," Mu Shi'an explained.
Since this was their personal project, he could only work on it during breaks.
"That’s wonderful! Then I can go with Brother Gang and the others when they make deliveries this afternoon," Song Nianchu said, circling the cart. It was identical to the one Mu Shi'an had made for her before.
"Mm," Mu Shi'an acknowledged.
"I’ll go make lunch," Song Nianchu said.
He nodded, and she headed to the kitchen while he continued working.
By the time she called everyone to eat, Mu Shi'an had nearly finished.
As a reward for his hard work, Song Nianchu used the last of their cured pork ribs, stewing them with dried string beans.
The dish filled a large bowl, and Mu Haoxuan clutched his chopsticks, swallowing hard at the sight.
"Try it. It should be good today," Song Nianchu said, placing a rib in Mu Shi'an’s bowl.
"Sister, I want one too!" Mu Haoxuan held out his bowl with puppy-dog eyes.
"Alright, here’s a nice meaty one for you," Song Nianchu said, picking out a generous piece for him.
Mu Haoxuan beamed.
She didn’t forget Mu Yongnian either, giving him a rib as well.
Mu Yongnian looked up, surprised.
Song Nianchu smiled at him. "Let’s eat together."
"Mm!" He nodded eagerly.
The meal was satisfying for everyone, and Mu Shi'an naturally took over dishwashing duty afterward.
Now that Song Nianchu no longer had to personally deliver goods to the city, she could even take a short nap at noon.
After telling Mu Shi'an, she went to her room, while he stayed in the yard, working on the second handcart.
Song Nianchu slept until the work whistle blew. She turned to find Mu Shi'an’s side of the bed empty.
Getting up, she saw him still busy in the yard.
"You don’t have to rush. You should rest at noon too," she chided gently.
"It’s fine. I’m not used to napping," Mu Shi'an said without stopping.
Noticing the thin sheen of sweat on his forehead, Song Nianchu pulled a handkerchief from her pocket and dabbed it away.
The scent of soap drifted toward Mu Shi'an as she leaned in, the soft cloth brushing his skin.
"You didn’t even wipe your sweat," she muttered.
Such a handsome face shouldn’t be ruined by neglect.
The corner of Mu Shi'an’s mouth lifted imperceptibly, and he tilted his head slightly to make it easier for her.
"Alright, keep working. I’m heading out," Song Nianchu said, tucking the handkerchief away as if she hadn’t noticed his small gesture.
"Mm," he murmured.
Just as Song Nianchu reached the gate, the villagers coming to help arrived.
They exchanged greetings before going their separate ways.
The moment the workers stepped inside, they noticed the faint smile on Mu Shi'an’s lips.
"Comrade Mu, something good happen today? You look happy."
"I’m happy every day," Mu Shi'an said, the smile spreading to his eyes.
"Of course! He and Nianchu just got married. They’re still in the honeymoon phase," someone teased.
"Haha, true. Give it a year, and he’ll get used to it."
...
Amid the laughter, work began.
But Mu Shi'an’s gaze flickered slightly.
A year from now, he would still be just as happy.
Meanwhile, Song Nianchu was on her way to the village office when she suddenly spotted a familiar figure approaching from the direction of the village entrance.
