Lin Ying lifted her eyes, a faint surprise flickering through them at Lin He’s sudden question. For a moment, she did not answer. But when she thought about it more carefully, it didn’t seem strange at all. In her elder brother’s mind, once a man married, he should shoulder the responsibilities of a husband b protecting his wife, taking care of the household, standing firm like a pillar. And Shao Mingyuan… in Lin He’s eyes, he had already fallen short.
“Isn’t he busy at the hospital?” Lin Ying replied gently. Lin He frowned slightly. Of course he knew that being a doctor meant long hours and endless responsibilities. Still, no matter how busy one was, could a man truly leave everything to his wife? “I know he’s busy,” Lin He said, his tone carrying a trace of dissatisfaction, “but can’t he spare a few hours for things like this? What would you have done today if I hadn’t come? You’ve only just gotten married if it’s already like this now, what about the future?” Lin Ying lowered her gaze slightly, her voice softening. “Actually… it’s my fault. Shao Mingyuan talked to me about this before. I knew he was busy, so I told him I could ask you for help. That’s why he didn’t come back.”
Hearing this, the tension in Lin He’s expression eased a little. Still, he could not help but remind her, “It’s only right for me to help you when you need it. But he is your husband—he should be here. Forget it this time. But if it happens again, I’ll have a proper talk with him.” His words carried a quiet firmness, the kind that came from genuine care. Lin Ying felt a warmth spread through her chest because of it . Having a brother who stood up for her like this… it was a rare kind of comfort for her .
So she smiled lightly. “Don’t worry, Ge (elder brother), I’ll make sure he comes back next time.” But even as she said it, she already knew she wouldn’t. Their marriage had never been built on affection. It was simply an arrangement that suited them both. She needed a husband in name—a shield against unnecessary trouble. Shao Mingyuan needed a wife who would not interfere with his demanding work. Perhaps… this quiet distance between them was the best outcome for there own peace. As for situations like today, when things became too difficult to handle alone—she could always hire someone. The money she had earned from selling the gold last time was more than enough to last for a while. If needed, she could even treat Master Chen’s apprentice to a good meal and ask for help carrying things.
After that, Lin He said nothing more. Once the meal was finished, he stood up and bid farewell to her . Lin Ying was in the kitchen, sleeves slightly rolled up as she washed the dishes, when she heard him preparing to leave. She quickly wiped her hands and stopped him. “Wait a moment.”
She went back into the kitchen and returned with two jars of homemade meat sauce, carefully wrapped. “This is for you,” she said, pressing them into his hands. The courtyard they lived in was crowded, with many families sharing the same space [a traditional compound-style residence where multiple households live around a shared courtyard]. There was always something happening, always someone watching.
A few days ago, Lin Ying had bought quite a lot of vegetables and meat. At noon, she had cooked a fragrant meat dish. Perhaps the aroma had been too tempting, because right at lunchtime, Aunt Li had appeared at her door. “Oh my, Xiao Lin (little Lin), you’re really living well,” Aunt Li said, her voice carrying a strange sweetness. “I smelled meat again today. My family hasn’t had meat in ages… I truly envy you.”
“Eating meat every day… how extravagant. Some people really don’t know how to live properly.” The words were not spoken aloud, but the meaning lingered clearly beneath the surface of her previous remarks. Before Lin Ying could respond, Aunt Li straightened her back slightly, adopting the tone of an elder giving advice. “Let me tell you, you stay at home all day, and your family depends on your husbands salary. You should learn to be frugal. Eating meat every day is too wasteful—you should eat something simpler.” She continued without pause,
“I saw the pickled vegetables you made the other day—they looked quite good. Pair them with cornbread [a simple staple made from coarse corn flour, commonly eaten in poorer households], and that’s enough to fill your stomach. You don’t even work, so why eat so well?” Then, as if remembering something, she added with a knowing look, “You young people are greedy, I understand that. But you can’t just eat everything yourself. You cook meat every day, but I’ve never seen you bring any to Doctor Shao. That’s not right. You shouldn’t eat alone.”
Lin Ying listened quietly, her expression calm. So that was it. In Aunt Li’s eyes, since she didn’t “work” and didn’t “earn,” she should live on coarse food and pickles. And if she cooked meat, she should carry it under the scorching forty-degree sun to deliver it to Shao Mingyuan at the hospital? For a moment, Lin Ying didn’t know whether to laugh or feel angry. “Aunt Li,” she said evenly, “I do have a job. I’m not idle at home. I write, and I earn money from it. What I spend is my own money.”
She paused, then continued, “As for Shao Mingyuan, he’s busy and chooses not to come home to save time. That has nothing to do with me eating alone. I wouldn’t dare take on such blame for no reason.” Her gaze sharpened slightly. “And Aunt Li… you don’t need to worry about my family matters. People who worry too much age quickly. You already have enough to think about every day. Isn’t Yonggui’s job enough to occupy your mind? You should leave the rest of us alone.”
“Look at you, talking back to elders… such a sharp tongue.”Aunt Li said angrily. Lin Ying knew that cooking meat at a time like this might attract trouble. But she had only been here for less than three months—how could she endure eating meat only once every few months, or even once a year? She had originally planned to make meat sauce—something that could be prepared once and eaten for a long time. Mixed with noodles or rice, it would be both convenient and satisfying. But she hadn’t expected the criticism to come so quickly.
And hearing someone tell her to live on pickled vegetables every day… That, she simply could not accept. If Aunt Li wanted to make things unpleasant, then fine—let everyone be unpleasant together. Sure enough, Aunt Li’s face flushed with anger. She clutched her chest with one hand and pointed at Lin Ying with the other, her voice trembling. “You child! How can you speak like this? Don’t you have any manners? How did your family raise you? I’m more than twenty years older than you—I could have been your mother! And you dare talk to me like that?” Lin Ying’s expression shifted instantly, concern appearing on her face.
“Oh dear, Aunt Li, what’s wrong?” she said, stepping forward quickly. “Didn’t I just say you shouldn’t worry too much? At your age, you need to take care of your health. If you keep interfering in everything, your body won’t be able to handle it.” Her tone grew softer, almost coaxing. “Look at you now you’re already feeling unwell. Stop talking and go rest. Stay at home and recover properly.”
Aunt Li trembled with more rage, pointing at her as her lips moved. “You—you—you—” But no words came out. Seeing this, Lin Ying’s smile deepened just a little. “What do you mean, ‘you you you’? Aunt Li, this is what happens when you worry too much—you get confused. You must take better care of yourself. What will you do if your body gives out?” At that moment, Aunt Li’s vision blurred. Her knees weakened, and she nearly collapsed.
Lin Ying reacted quickly, stepping forward to support her. Then, raising her voice, she called out loudly toward the opposite west wing [a side section of the courtyard house], “Help! Aunt Li has fainted from exhaustion! Uncle Mancang! Yonggui! Is anyone there?” Her voice rang clear and urgent. In an instant, the quiet courtyard stirred. As people came rushing from all directions even from the front courtyard. Soon, a small crowd had gathered around them. Master Chen (Chen Shifu) [an older craftsman, respectfully addressed as “Shifu,” meaning master or skilled elder] pushed his way through the crowd and after a quick look at Aunt Li with her flushed cheeks, her sweat-soaked clothes he nodded knowingly.
“It’s heatstroke,” he said. “The weather is too hot. Hurry, have Yonggui carry her inside and give her some water. It’s not serious—she’ll recover after some rest.” Everyone nodded in agreement. “That makes sense,” someone said. “In this kind of heat, she still has to cook for the whole family. Her kitchen is so small you can barely turn around. No wonder she collapsed.” Another added, “She must be exhausted. I’ve never seen Aunt Li without work.” As for Lin Ying, since she had been the one to notice Aunt Li’s condition and call for help first, no one doubted her.
After a while, Gu Yonggui stumbled out, still half-asleep. With the help of two others, he carried his mother inside. Just like that, the matter quietly came to an end . The next day, Aunt Li was unusually quiet and whenever she saw Lin Ying, she would lower her head and quickly walk away, as if afraid that even exchanging a glance might invite trouble. Not a single word was mentioned about what had happened the day before. Lin Ying also noticed it, but she didn’t bother to dwell on it.
After that, she threw herself into making all kinds of meat sauces. It wasn’t that she feared gossip she simply disliked the trouble that came with it. If she had to deal with people like Aunt Li every single day, how could she possibly find time to write, experiment with recipes, and live comfortably? So as she worked the kitchen soon filled with rich, savory aromas. Last time, when Su Yulan had guided her for a short while, Lin Ying had picked things up quickly. Now, the more she cooked, the more confident she became. She even felt that perhaps she had always had a talent for it. In her previous life, she had simply been too busy. With takeout and restaurants everywhere, cooking had always seemed like an unnecessary hassle—something she never truly learned.
But now… things were different. She was not short of money, and when it came to food, she never held back. The sauces she made were rich and fragrant, perfect for mixing with noodles or rice. Just a small spoonful could transform a simple meal into something comforting and satisfying.
They were also perfect for Lin He to take along.That is why she packed it for him when he leaves after moving the furniture. “I won’t keep you since you’re rushing to catch the bus,” Lin Ying said as she handed him a neatly wrapped jar. “This is some sauce I made a couple of days ago. Just add a little when you eat it’ll make it taste much better.”
Lin He accepted it without ceremony. “Alright. Go back inside. I know where the bus stop is.” With that, he turned and left. Lin Ying stood beneath the eaves [the extended edge of the roof that provides shade and shelter], watching his figure disappear before turning to head back inside. Just then, a voice called out from next door. “Xiao Lin, who was that?” Startled, Lin Ying looked over to see Aunt Zhao( orignal novel male lead’s mother ) —standing by the doorway. “That’s my brother,” Lin Ying replied. She thought that would be the end of it. But Aunt Zhao leaned forward slightly, her curiosity sharpening.
“Your real brother?” Lin Ying paused, momentarily speechless. “Yes! my real brother,” she said patiently. “The kind with the same mother.”
Then, glancing at Aunt Zhao’s posture, she added, “Aunt Zhao, weren’t you having trouble walking? Why are you out here?” Only then did Aunt Zhao seem to relax, as if reassured by the answer. “I couldn’t sleep, so I came out for a walk.” Lin Ying nodded lightly and returned inside. There was still plenty to do. Although the wardrobe was already filled, there were many small details left unfinished. Things had been placed here and there in a rush before, and now everything needed to be properly sorted.
Clothes, bedding, small personal items… none of it could be organized in a single moment. The next day, Lin Ying turned her attention to the desk. She moved it closer to the window, placing it beside the one Shao Mingyuan had originally set against the wall. To the right stood the bookshelf. Choosing a time when the morning sunlight was gentle, she took out all the books from Shao Mingyuan’s collection and laid them out on the desk to air them. Page by page, spine by spine, the faint scent of paper warmed under the sunlight. Before noon, she carefully sorted them by size and placed them neatly back onto the shelves. On the next shelf, she added her own magazines, arranging them with equal care.
Although Shao Mingyuan’s collection far exceeded hers for now, Lin Ying felt quietly certain— One day, her books would fill more space than his. So when everything was finally in order, she stepped back and looked around the room. A soft smile curved her lips. At that moment, she felt as if she could stay here forever. Than her gaze drifted to the desk. Perhaps… she could buy a small vase and place some fresh flowers there. It would make the space even more pleasant. With such a comfortable setup, her writing speed improved noticeably.
Six days later, Lin Ying completed her second novel. This time, she deliberately softened the romantic elements. Instead of focusing heavily on emotions, she wrote more about how the characters discovered their purpose in life and contributed to the country—something that fit well with the spirit of the times. On Saturday, she carefully packed her manuscript. With twenty thousand words, written neatly across manuscript paper [standard paper used for submissions, often lined for uniform handwriting], filled the envelope. This time, she only sent it to Shuiyue and Kanshan [literary magazines or publishing outlets], deciding to set aside the others for now. She would reconsider once she explored a different theme in the future.
After mailing it, she headed to the market while it was still early. To Lin Ying, cooking was something worth investing time and effort in. She hadn’t eaten well in her previous life. Now that she had the chance, she wanted to make up for it—slowly, carefully, one meal at a time. It was a pity that eating out wasn’t much of an option in this era. Most restaurants were state-run [government-operated eateries with fixed menus], and while the food was decent, it lacked variety and refinement. If she wanted something truly delicious, she had to make it herself.
Fortunately, her work as a writer gave her freedom. If she had been working in a factory, she would have had no choice but to eat in the canteen from morning till evening. After work, she would have been too tired to do anything more than prepare something simple. There would be no time nor energy to experiment with new dishes. So standing in the kitchen, Lin Ying carefully studied the process of making fen zheng rou (steamed pork with rice flour) [a traditional dish where seasoned pork is coated in ground rice and steamed until tender]. Her movements were slow and deliberate, her attention fully absorbed.
Then, as if sensing something, she lifted her head— And saw Chen Da standing once again at the Gu family’s door. Lin Ying’s curiosity instantly stirred. It’s second time already… Who exactly is he looking for? If it were Gu Yonggui, he wouldn’t need to come like this… Her thoughts turned quickly. Then it must be someone else in the Gu family… And almost immediately, a name surfaced in her mind— Gu Huijuan. After all, Gu Huijuan was close to Chen Da in age. The other children in the Gu family were much younger. A difference of ten years might not matter much among adults, but for children, even three years could feel like a wide gap. Gu Huijuan’s younger brother was only fifteen—there was no way Chen Da would come looking for him.
Lin Ying’s eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of amusement flickering within them. Could it be… Chen Da likes Gu Huijuan .That thought… wasn’t impossible at all. The last time Lin Ying had visited the Gu family, she had clearly seen how beautiful Gu Huijuan was. Her features were delicate, her bearing gentle—it wouldn’t be strange if Chen Da had taken a liking to her. After all, they lived in the same courtyard [a shared residential compound where neighbors grow up together]. It was entirely possible they had known each other since childhood, maybe even played together when they were young. Childhood sweethearts? The moment that idea surfaced, Lin Ying’s curiosity quietly bloomed.
So she set aside what she was doing and turned her attention fully toward Chen Da. From where she stood, she could see him lingering near the Gu family’s house. He moved cautiously, almost sneakily, leaning slightly as he peered through a nearby window, as if trying to confirm something inside. Then, after a brief pause, he stepped forward and placed a small package by the Gu family’s door. Lin Ying blinked. That… looked exactly like delivering a gift. But if it was just a gift, why act so secretly? She couldn’t quite understand it. Maybe… this is what young people in love do? No, wait… I’ve never even been in a relationship. How would I know what they’re thinking…
Her thoughts drifted, half puzzled, half amused. Soon after placing the package, Chen Da slipped away quietly, his movements quick and cautious—almost like a secret agent completing a mission. Arrive silently… check the surroundings… drop the package… retreat immediately…
This really looks like some kind of secret meeting… But strangely, the package remained untouched at the Gu family’s door. Ten minutes passed. Then twenty. Even after half an hour, no one came out. Just when Lin Ying thought perhaps she had misunderstood, a young girl finally appeared—it seemed to be Gu Huijuan’s younger sister. She picked up the package and carried it inside.
Watching this unfold, something suddenly clicked in Lin Ying’s mind. Without hesitation, she opened her gossip system. Sure enough, her card-drawing chance had increased by one. Her lips curved slightly. So it really was something worth noticing.
_________________By the time Lin Ying finished making the fen zheng rou (steamed pork with rice flour) [a traditional dish where pork is coated in seasoned rice flour and steamed until tender], she carefully went around the house, shutting every window and door tightly. Only after everything was sealed did she lift the lid. At once, a rich, mouthwatering aroma spilled into the air, thick and warm. Lin Ying inhaled deeply, her eyes softening with satisfaction. This… was definitely far better than the bland steamed pork she used to eat in the school cafeteria in her previous life.
Just as she sat down to enjoy her meal , outside, Shao Mingyuan arrived and paused at the door . His gaze lingered on the tightly shut doors and windows, the curtains drawn in the middle of the day. A faint crease appeared between his brows. Why was everything closed like this?
Had something happened? For a moment, he wondered if Lin Ying wasn’t home. But then he took out his key and opened the door— Only to find it wasn’t locked. Stepping inside, he saw Lin Ying seated at the table, quietly enjoying her meal. Lin Ying had just taken a bite of the tender meat when she suddenly looked up—and froze. Shao Mingyuan had returned. Caught off guard, she hadn’t even finished chewing before she heard his voice.
“Why are all the doors and windows closed? And the curtains drawn?” Lin Ying hesitated for a brief second. She couldn’t exactly admit that she was hiding the smell of meat to avoid attracting gossip… So she quickly came up with an excuse. “It’s been too hot these past few days,” she said, keeping her tone natural. “Closing the curtains keeps the sun out, and the doors and windows help block the hot air. It finally feels a bit cool inside—I didn’t want the heat to come in again.” Shao Mingyuan nodded. It sounded reasonable enough. At that moment, however, a low sound broke the quiet. His stomach growled. Shao Mingyuan stiffened slightly, a faint trace of embarrassment crossing his face.
Earlier that day, he had been called away halfway through lunch by a patient’s family and by the time he returned to his office, the food had already gone cold. In the summer heat, cold food was even less appetizing, and in the end, he hadn’t eaten much at all. But now…
The rich aroma of meat in the room stirred his hunger all over again. Lin Ying naturally heard it too. Pretending not to notice his embarrassment, she spoke casually, “I made fen zheng rou. Do you want to try some? It’s a bit spicy though—can you handle that?” In truth, she had added quite a bit of chili. Steamed pork like this needed spice to bring out its flavor, but she might have gone a little overboard this time. She herself could handle it, but she wasn’t sure about Shao Mingyuan.
As his usual meals were mild, with barely any spice at all. Shao Mingyuan hesitated slightly. “I can eat spicy food,” he said after a moment. “Just… not too spicy.” Even as he spoke, his eyes were already drawn to the dish on the table—the glistening slices of pork, fragrant and steaming, paired with soft white mantou (steamed buns) [a staple wheat bun, fluffy and plain, often eaten with dishes]. Almost unconsciously, he picked up his chopsticks. But it didn’t take long for the truth to reveal itself. He really couldn’t handle much spice.
The moment he took a bite, the heat rushed to his face with his cheeks flushed bright red, and a thin sheen of sweat formed on his forehead.
And yet… It was delicious. Which make a kind of satisfaction he hadn’t felt in a long time spread through him. Compared to the dull, unappetizing food at the hospital, this felt like real food—something that awakened his appetite completely. Summer was already exhausting. After long hours at the hospital, there were days when he didn’t even feel like eating.
But he knew that wasn’t good for his health. He needed something like this—something warm, rich, and full of flavor. And without realizing it, he finished one mantou filled with the tender pork. Then another. He even drank some water, ate a few vegetables, and only put down his chopsticks when he was completely full. Lin Ying watched him quietly from the side. Seeing his reaction, she assumed he liked it.
“I made quite a lot,” she said lightly. “We can have it again tomorrow.” After eating his fill, a wave of drowsiness settled over Shao Mingyuan.
So he stood up slowly. “Leave the dishes for now,” he said. “I’ll wash them later. I’m going to take a nap.” Lin Ying shook her head.
“There aren’t many dishes. You go rest—I’ll take care of it.” He didn’t insist further and went to lie down. Lin Ying gathered the dishes and stepped out to wash them. After waiting in line for a while, she quickly finished and was about to leave when voices drifted over from behind.
It was Aunt Zhao and Su Beibei. At first, Lin Ying paid no attention. But then— The content of their conversation made her pause. Aunt Zhao’s voice came first, firm and direct. “Beibei, you’ve been married into our family for over a month now. When are you and Zhong Xu planning to have a child?”
Su Beibei clearly hadn’t expected this. Her voice carried a hint of surprise. “Mom, why are you suddenly asking this? Zhong Xu and I have only been married for a little over a month… isn’t it too early?” But Aunt Zhao immediately disagreed. “Too early? What do you mean too early? When I was your age, I had already given birth to Zhong Xu—and he could already stand! You’re both young, both working—why not have a child sooner?” She didn’t stop there. “Listen to me, I’m not lying to you. Having a child early is good for your body. The earlier you give birth, the faster you recover. When I was young, I didn’t even need much rest after childbirth.
“But when I had Zhong Xiao later—because I was older—I had all kinds of problems. My back hurt, my legs hurt, even my shoulders… everything ached.” Her tone softened slightly, but her insistence remained. “That’s why I’m telling you to have a child now. I’m still strong—I can help you take care of it. It’s just adding another pair of chopsticks [meaning one more person to feed, a common expression].” Su Beibei fell silent for a moment, clearly overwhelmed. She hadn’t expected her mother-in-law to say so much in one breath. It was obvious now— Aunt Zhao was serious about this. Very serious. Unable to refuse outright, Su Beibei spoke carefully, “I’ll talk to Zhong Xu about it. You know our situation… there are already so many people in the family. Adding another mouth to feed would be a big burden.”
In truth, she had no intention of having a child so soon. She simply wanted Zhong Xu to step in and persuade his mother—to wait, at least until their financial situation improved. Because she knew— If she said it directly, it might only make things worse. But if Zhong Xu spoke… Things would be much easier. After all— A daughter-in-law could never compare to a son.
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