Xie Jianhua covered Su Qing’s mouth lightly, just wanting her to stop talking—not to strangle her.
But Su Qing’s eyes immediately welled up, large teardrops splashing onto the back of Xie Jianhua’s hand, her gaze full of grievance.
Xie Jianhua recoiled as if scalded, quickly pulling his hand back.
He softened his tone to explain, "I didn’t mean to silence you. I just wanted you to hear me out first."
If he let Su Qing spout nonsense, he’d be shouldering a mountain of blame.
If it were just between the two of them, he wouldn’t mind taking some undeserved flak. But with Wang Cuifen stirring trouble in the mix, he couldn’t afford to bear that burden.
"First, I have no relationship with your sister. Since returning, I’ve only seen her three times—each time with elders present, never privately. Second, I don’t hate you either, so don’t go spreading nonsense."
If Wang Cuifen overheard such talk, he’d be in for another scolding.
Su Qing blinked deliberately and asked, "If you don’t hate me, do you like me?"
She expected a "no," planning to pivot into negotiations, but was met with silence.
Fresh from crying, her eyes were still misty. Now that they were married, saying "I don’t like you" would be too cruel—he didn’t want to make her cry again. Yet "I like you" stuck in his throat.
Xie Jianhua’s mind raced, desperate to change the subject.
When no answer came, Su Qing muttered, "I knew you didn’t like me. I also—"
"Enough of that," Xie Jianhua cut in, adopting a stern, old-fashioned tone. "This ‘like or dislike’ talk is too frivolous."
"Rest in the room. I’m going out." With that, he stood and left hastily.
Watching his retreating figure, Su Qing whispered, "Bolting like I’m the plague. Guess he’s not lusting after me."
In her dream, she’d been bold and affectionate, chasing after him for closeness.
But now? Forget touching his abs—she couldn’t even bring herself to brush his fingertips.
"My mind’s not dirty enough, my face not thick enough. Need more practice," she groaned, rubbing her cheeks in self-reproach.
Compared to Xie Jianhua’s model-like physique, her own looks and figure paled. Sleeping together would’ve been her gain, yet she couldn’t muster the nerve.
Shaking off the odd mental images, Su Qing began packing her meager belongings:
Faded clothes, a scarf, an aluminum lunchbox, an enamel cup...
Who would have thought a hometown visit would end in marriage? Her original self had brought little, so she would soon need to write to friends at the educated youth outpost to have her things mailed over.
Meanwhile, Xie Jianhua was intercepted by Xie Jianzhong outside. "Little brother, planning to run away?"
"Not at all."
"Could’ve fooled me. I’d back you if you did," Xie Jianzhong sneered. "The Su family’s shameless. Mom paid 500 in bride price, and they fobbed off this bargain-bin Su Qing on you."
Xie Jianhua frowned. "Elder brother, Su Qing’s my wife now—family. Keep such talk to yourself."
"Fine, bite the hand that feeds you," Xie Jianzhong scoffed, face darkening. "How noble of you to treasure such a catch."
Used to his brother’s pettiness, Xie Jianhua ignored him and strode out.
Xie Jianzhong’s mood festered all afternoon, his gloom palpable. By dinner, he holed up in his room, claiming "no appetite."
"Again?" Xie Jiankang rolled his eyes. "Who pissed him off now?"
This was Xie Jianzhong’s classic play. Frail since childhood, he’d always been coddled by Wang Cuifen, who feared he wouldn’t survive.
While most families favored younger siblings, the Xies revolved around the eldest—his health demanded it.
Since he’d caused the rift, Xie Jianhua took responsibility. "I’ll fetch him for dinner."
"But didn’t he say he’s not hungry?" Su Qing asked.
Xie Jianhua shot her a look. "Stay out of it."
As the newest family member, Su Qing couldn’t meddle in sibling squabbles.
She turned to Wang Cuifen, blinking in confusion: Did I misspeak?
Though initially worried about her eldest, Wang Cuifen’s expression softened at Su Qing’s glance.
She glared at Xie Jianhua. "Who are you shushing? Qingqing said nothing wrong."
"Sit down, Second Son," Wang Cuifen said calmly. "No need to coax him. If he’s not hungry, skip a meal. A grown man won’t starve from fasting once."
The family gaped. This was unlike Wang Cuifen’s usual doting—normally, she’d plead or even cook special dishes for Xie Jianzhong.
Now, her focus was solely on Su Qing, heaping food onto her plate.
"Eat up, regain your strength."
Noticing a hole in Su Qing’s clothes, Wang Cuifen added, "Change later—I’ll mend this for you."
"Thanks, Mom. I’m hopeless at sewing."
Post-dinner, Wang Cuifen sat stitching, radiating maternal warmth.
"Your needlework’s amazing, so even!" Su Qing marveled, pulling up a stool.
"Hardly expert—just better than you," Wang Cuifen chuckled. "These clothes are worn. Next month, we’ll use saved cloth coupons for new ones."
Xie Jianzhong emerged to this harmonious scene, his scowl deepening.
No one had called him to eat, and now Wang Cuifen was laughing outside? He stewed silently, waiting for her attention.
But Su Qing nudged Wang Cuifen, whispering, "Elder brother looks furious. Did I upset him?"
