“Sister-in-law Haiyun, I… wuwuwuwu~” Chen Yanran lowered her head, covering her face as sobs racked her thin shoulders.
Liu Haiyun’s expression changed instantly at the sight of her. She quickly pulled out a handkerchief and handed it over, her tone filled with concern.
“Why didn’t you call the police? How could you just let them get away with something so serious? Yanran, were they threatening you just now?”
She gently patted the girl’s arm.
“Don’t be afraid in the face of hardship. We must have the courage to overcome these things.”
The words came out easily—perhaps a little too easily. After all, if she had truly been violated and then reported it, Chen Yanran’s reputation would’ve been destroyed in an instant.
Chen Yanran accepted the handkerchief, dabbing at the corners of her reddened eyes. She stared at Liu Haiyun’s retreating back, and her tear-drenched gaze suddenly turned cold—venomous, like a snake silently watching its prey.
But a moment later, she hurried to catch up, her voice laced with desperation.
“Sister-in-law, can you… can you not tell anyone about this?”
Her eyes were pleading, full of anxiety.
“If others find out… they’ll say I’m dirty… unclean… They’ll look at me like I’m disgusting.”
How could Liu Haiyun refuse such a request? She nodded quickly, as if swearing a silent oath.
“Thank you, sister-in-law,” Chen Yanran whispered, her voice quivering with guilt. “This is all my fault. I was too naïve… trusted people too easily. That’s why I got framed like this…”
Her head lowered once again, grief and sorrow painting her features.
Liu Haiyun, sensing there was more to the story, leaned in closer.
“Who did this to you? Who could be so vicious?”
Chen Yanran hesitated for a moment, then gave a faint shake of her head.
“It’s better if I don’t say. I… I’m too afraid.”
Liu Haiyun’s curiosity was instantly piqued, her mind racing.
“Could it be… Xu Ying?”
Chen Yanran’s eyes widened, a flash of surprise flickering across her face.
“Sister-in-law… how did you know?”
Liu Haiyun smiled smugly, as if she had just confirmed a long-held suspicion.
“I guessed. That girl… she fell into the river last time because she was jealous of you and Chen Zhiqing. And now that you’re with him, of course she holds a grudge. Tsk tsk… I never expected Xu Ying, at such a young age, to be capable of such underhanded tricks.”
At present, Chen Yanran and Dong Wenzhong were seen as an item in the village. But now that Cheng Yaojin had suddenly appeared halfway, things were no longer so simple. Xu Xiangdong was sticking close to Chen Yanran, helping out in the fields and keeping her company. The villagers couldn’t stop whispering, and even Liu Haiyun had probed subtly to confirm things.
But Chen Yanran quickly denied it.
“Sister-in-law, you’ve misunderstood. Dong Zhiqing and I are not lovers. We’re just from the same hometown. He’s only looking after me out of kindness.”
Liu Haiyun’s hopeful expression dimmed. The thrill of gossip left her face as quickly as it had arrived.
Still, she forced a smile and said,
“Don’t worry, Yanran. I won’t breathe a word. If you ever need anything, you must come to me. After all… the enemy of my enemy is my friend.”
Chen Yanran gave a look of heartfelt gratitude, watching Liu Haiyun walk away. But the moment the woman was out of sight, the tenderness on her face twisted into something darker.
Disgust.
She wished she could bury this entire incident deep in the depths of her memory and never recall it again. But now that someone else—someone other than her and the Dong Wenqiang brothers—knew about it, she was uneasy.
What if Liu Haiyun talked?
No… she couldn’t risk it. The only mouth that stays shut forever—is a dead one.
As she passed by a state-owned restaurant, she stopped instinctively at the door. Through the glass window, she spotted Xu Ying inside, wearing a crisp white chef’s uniform, surrounded by a group of women. She was laughing, chatting freely, completely at ease.
She looked so comfortable, so confident…
Standing in the warmth of the room, Xu Ying suddenly shivered. A chill ran through her bones. She glanced toward the door, but saw nothing.
“What’s wrong?” asked Sun Lifang curiously.
Xu Ying shook her head with a faint smile.
“Nothing, just felt a sudden chill.”
Sun Lifang chuckled.
“That’s the weather for you. It turns in an instant these days. By the way, are you still commuting to work from home?”
Xu Ying nodded.
“Winter’s coming. It’s going to get rough traveling back and forth. Your hands will freeze off! Not to mention if it starts snowing…”
“I was just thinking of renting a place nearby,” Xu Ying said with a grateful smile. “Lifang, if you hear of anything, let me know, okay?”
“Sure thing! I’ll ask my mom as soon as I get home.”
But before Sun Lifang could do anything, fate had already arranged for a house to come to her.
From the front door came a loud, familiar voice—
“Little sister!”
Xu Ying looked up, eyes lighting up with surprise and joy.
“Third Brother!”
The door flew open, and a tall, broad-shouldered man stepped inside with vigorous strides. At 1.8 meters, Xu Shengwu stood tall, his clean features marked by sword-like brows and bright black eyes. His strong jaw and high nose made his profile strikingly handsome.
Seeing his baby sister in a white chef’s coat, busy among strangers yet beaming with confidence, his heart warmed.
Sun Lifang, standing nearby, couldn’t help staring. The man looked like he’d walked right out of a movie.
“Third brother!” Xu Ying tossed aside the rag in her hand and ran into his embrace.
Xu Shengwu chuckled and patted her shoulder gently. Still, there was something odd in his eyes—his little sister seemed… different somehow.
Behind him, Wu Qingsong grinned cheekily and nudged Huo Chen.
“Brother Chen, ever hugged your future wife like that?”
He ducked as Huo Chen raised a hand to smack him.
“Stop talking nonsense! Xu Ying and I aren’t like that.”
“You better be careful what you say!” Wu Qingsong laughed, rubbing his head. “If Shengwu hears you, you’re done for.”
He looked at Huo Chen knowingly.
“If you don’t like her, fine. But if you do—act fast, or someone else will snatch her right out from under your nose.”
Huo Chen’s expression remained cool, but a strange light flickered in his eyes.
“No.”
“Huh?” Wu Qingsong leaned in. “What was that?”
“Nothing.”
“Don’t mumble! What did you say?”
But Huo Chen ignored him and strode toward Xu Ying.
“Xu Ying, the days are shorter now, and it’s getting colder. I know a family renting out a place nearby. Good environment, nice people. Want to go check it out?”
“Yes!” Xu Ying replied without hesitation. “I get off work at six-thirty. Come get me then?”
Huo Chen nodded.
Xu Shengwu raised a brow. He hadn’t missed the ease with which Xu Ying accepted Huo Chen’s offer. Nor did he miss the trace of warmth in Huo Chen’s normally frigid gaze. Something was up.
What on earth had happened during the three months he’d been away?
“Third brother, are you hungry? I’ll cook something for you,” Xu Ying offered.
“I’m starving!” Wu Qingsong jumped in. “Please cook for me too, sister-in-law!”
Xu Ying turned to Huo Chen.
“Have you eaten?”
She was curious—every action she took seemed to increase the favor points she received from Huo Chen. Five points, then ten, then twenty… What would cooking him a meal be worth?
Huo Chen was momentarily stunned, then glanced at Wu Qingsong and replied lightly,
“No. I haven’t eaten. I’m hungry too.”
“Perfect! I’ll make something right away,” she said, walking off cheerfully.
Wu Qingsong looked heartbroken.
“She completely ignored me! Just one word from Brother Chen and she’s all smiles, running to the kitchen!”
Xu Shengwu was watching carefully. He didn’t mind his sister falling in love—but if it were someone like Huo Chen, with a solid character and calm temperament, he wouldn’t oppose it.
At least it’s better than some stranger.
“So…” he asked Wu Qingsong, “what’s going on?”
Wu Qingsong shrugged helplessly.
“You saw it with your own eyes.”
Xu Shengwu turned to Huo Chen, who had just taken a sip of water.
“Huo Chen, do you like my sister?”
Pfff! Huo Chen choked and sprayed water all over the place.
Cough, cough, cough! “No! No, I don’t…”
His ears were red.