Volume One, Chapter Nine: Even More Miserable Than Before

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Bai Xuanyuan was pressed down onto a stool by Fu Heng. The man’s arms were strong and broad, encircling her within his embrace. His gaze was cold and unyielding.

“From now on, don’t mention him, and don’t mention his tree either.”

Bai Xuanyuan pressed her lips together and, feeling the pressure of the situation, nodded slightly. As the man stood up, she muttered in a barely audible voice, “Only the official is allowed to light fires; the common people aren’t permitted to light lamps.”

“Don’t mention it, then don’t mention it. I water it every day, three times a day,” Fu Heng raised an eyebrow. “What three times?”

Bai Xuanyuan blinked innocently. “Nothing, I said nothing. You’re just being too sensitive.”

Fu Heng took her hand and gently stroked it. “Shen Wen is coming to the capital with us.”

“She has a heart condition and needs surgery. I helped her contact a doctor in the capital.”

“After the surgery, she’ll return to Jiangcheng. After that, since we’ll be living in the capital, we won’t see each other anymore.”

Hearing his words, Bai Xuanyuan couldn’t help but laugh aloud.

“Taking her to the hospital, accompanying her through the surgery, tending to her afterward—feeding her, taking care of her—if she recovers well, sending her back; if not, keeping her by my side for a lifetime.”

“Spending both money and effort—if Brother Jianping knew, he’d probably be moved to tears up in heaven.”

Fu Heng held her fingers tightly, voice softening. “She’s so pitiful without a husband. These things are nothing.”

“Let’s just help her, alright?”

Bai Xuanyuan smiled and nodded. “Alright, I’ll wait for your good news here in Jiangcheng.”

“When Shen Wen returns, I’ll take you to the capital. Otherwise, taking care of two people at once—I’m afraid it’ll be too much for you.”

Didn’t she understand Shen Wen’s intentions by now? Just a few days ago, she was covertly planting ideas in Bai Xuanyuan’s mind, cooing that Fu Heng was going to take her to the capital for treatment.

And after the surgery, she’d be the one caring for her painstakingly.

With a face as big as that, standing behind her, anyone would lose their sense of direction.

Bai Xuanyuan wished those two would just leave quickly—out of sight, out of mind.

Fu Heng lowered his head, unconsciously curling his palm inward. “Xuanyuan, won’t you come back to the capital with me?”

“Mom and Dad and Big Brother all want to see you, and Yuan Yuan too.”

Bai Xuanyuan remained silent.

She had overheard some of Fu Heng’s calls home and didn’t think his parents or older brother liked her much. In fact, they seemed somewhat critical of him settling down in a small place like Jiangcheng.

But as elders, they definitely wanted to see their grandson.

Hesitating, Bai Xuanyuan finally spoke up. “Then you take Yuan Yuan back to the capital first. When Shen Wen’s matters are settled, I’ll go back with you.”

She looked up. “Comrade Fu, I’m just a selfish woman. I don’t want any impurities in the relationship between me and my husband.”

The man pursed his lips and stared at her dumbfounded for a long moment before hoarsely saying, “Alright, after I send her back, I’ll come get you.”

For four or five consecutive days, the man left early and returned late.

Bai Xuanyuan wanted to quietly accept his departure, but there were always well-meaning neighbors giving her reports.

“Xuanyuan, you better keep an eye on things. That Shen Wen calls him over to help pack, and once inside, they stay there for hours.”

“A man and a woman alone together—it’s such a bad influence.”

Bai Xuanyuan only smiled and led her child home.

She had almost finished packing Yuan Yuan’s things. Every day she had been knitting sweaters for him and even made him overalls.

When Fu Heng returned, she was reading a textbook under the lamp, taking notes.

He glanced first at the packed suitcase, filled to the brim with new clothes for the child, sweaters and scarves in complicated patterns.

But none were for him.

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His jaw clenched tightly as he unbuttoned his shirt, looking down at her: “I heard you got a job at the supply and marketing cooperative?”

His face was expressionless, but his voice was sharp and cold as ice.

Bai Xuanyuan stopped her knitting and looked at him, confused but honest. “Yes. What if you don’t come back from the capital?”

“I can’t just starve to death at home.”

Fu Heng stared at her pale face, his gaze gently gathering her in.

An unfamiliar fear wildly grew inside him.

“If you’re here, I’ll definitely come back.”

He raised his hand, but before it could touch her face, Bai Xuanyuan dodged away.

Clear eyes shining with obvious disdain.

Just thinking about the man’s hands touching another woman during the day made her feel dirty.

“You stink. Go take a shower first.”

Fu Heng’s fingers froze mid-air, stunned for a moment before slowly lowering.

He showered, but by then the woman had already slipped under the covers, pretending to sleep.

Her breathing was shallow, her eyelashes trembling gently with each breath.

His fingers traced her brow, down her nose, softly outlining her features.

His fingertips were a bit rough, tickling her, making her laugh.

“Don’t touch me. I’m asleep.”

Fu Heng pulled her into his arms, his hand tightening around her waist little by little. “Xuanyuan, won’t you come with me?”

“I don’t feel at ease leaving you here alone.”

Bai Xuanyuan smiled faintly.

Last life, when he left her, he showed no worry at all—he left without looking back, afraid she’d cling to him.

Without him, she lived well enough.

Though it was rough at first—awkward, clueless, deceived, hungry, too ashamed to go home.

But she learned fast, sweet-talked her way into connections, and soon found a job selling pastries at the supply and marketing cooperative.

Twenty-two yuan a month, plus ration tickets.

She spent little and saved a good amount each month.

So, she never expected the man to come back.

Nor was it likely.

Shen Wen’s attitude clearly meant she intended to cling to him forever.

She couldn’t waste her youth on a crooked tree. Once he filed for divorce, she’d find someone new.

The man, receiving no reply, spoke on his own: “Be good and wait for me here. When I’m done, I’ll come get you.”

“I left you five hundred yuan. It should be enough for a while.”

Bai Xuanyuan’s eyes suddenly opened wide. She hadn’t expected him to leave her money—so much, too.

Last life, he hadn’t left a single cent, only a cold silhouette and a few harsh, critical words.

She barely remembered the content, but it was basically calling her petty, dirty-hearted, seeing filth everywhere.

Men truly are creatures of clear-cut love and hate.

If they like you, they treat you well without needing reminders—even if you do nothing, they’ll spend money and effort on you.

If they don’t, even if you bear their children, keep house, scrimp and save, and handle chores beautifully, they’d sooner kick you far away.

Thinking it over, she was no different from last life—just clingier and less caring.

Maybe men are naturally fickle.

Thinking of the five hundred yuan, she found him somewhat more endearing and wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing a kiss to his lips.

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“Husband, I really love you.”

“I’ll be good and wait for you at home.”

“You must come to get me soon.”

…

Her words were sweet as honey.

She didn’t mind sweet-talking a bit more—it wouldn’t cost her a thing.

The man smiled, pleased, pinching her chin and lingering on her lips, pulling her tightly into his embrace. “Xuanyuan.”

“I love you too.”

The next day.

Before leaving, the man bought chicken from the canteen and longans and red dates from the supply and marketing cooperative, then cooked a stew.

At the door, he carefully instructed her, holding her hand tightly, each finger interlaced firmly.

Yuan Yuan was thrilled about going to the capital, constantly asking, “Where’s Mom? Is Mom not coming?”

Bai Xuanyuan knelt down and ruffled his hair. “Yuan Yuan, you go first, okay? Daddy will come back to get Mommy soon.”

She held the child close for a long time, whispering in his ear, “If anyone bullies you, just call Mommy.”

“Mommy will always be the person in this world who loves you the most.”

She looked at Fu Heng. “Take good care of Yuan Yuan and have him call me.”

She wanted to say more to her child, but Shen Wen called out weakly.

She clutched her belly, half crouching on the floor, tearful and in pain.

Pitiful beyond words.

Fu Heng helped her load the luggage into the car, then gave Bai Xuanyuan a deep look.

Amid Shen Wen’s sobbing, the three got into the car and drove away.

Shen Wen watched Bai Xuanyuan growing smaller in the rearview, a faint smile curling her lips.

This life, as in the last, she was the winner.

Bai Xuanyuan was only fit to be the cast-off wife; losing both husband and son.

Forever stagnant.

Even worse off than before.

She had already reconciled with Xue Junping; the four were preparing to act tonight.

After all, she was alone—no one would know where she was taken or sold, and no one would care.

Bai Xuanyuan returned to her room and opened the small iron box where she hid money.

Inside were many ration tickets—fabric tickets, grain tickets, oil tickets, and sugar tickets.

She suddenly felt that last night’s effort had not been in vain.

After returning from the supply and marketing cooperative in the evening, she hid inside to read.

The night dark and still, she heard the sound of a lock turning.

This was a military-assigned compound—thieves were brazen to break in here.

She put on her coat, thought for a moment, then sewed the money and tickets into her clothes. She also put a small knife, scissors, and needle and thread in her pockets.

When out, one must always carry something for protection.

When Xue Junping pried open the door, the room light flashed on, and the four slipped inside quickly.

Bai Xuanyuan sat on the stool, eyes cold, holding a long rolling pin.

She wasted no words: “How much did Shen Wen pay you? I’ll double it.”