Shouting as she ran over, He Ruchu stopped in front of Shen Siyuan, panting.
Just as she had gotten off the bus and started walking home, she saw someone about to throw a punch at Shen Siyuan.
Taking a closer look, she realized it was her own second brother, He Yi’an.
Alarmed, she immediately rushed over to stop him.
Staring at He Yi’an with her round eyes, she said, “Second Brother, what are you doing?”
As the male lead of the novel, Shen Siyuan was definitely not someone easy to provoke.
In the original story, after the original He Ruchu died tragically, He Yi’an, who adored her, tried to punish Shen Siyuan and avenge her.
But the outcome was predictable He Yi’an ended up meeting a miserable fate himself.
Having transmigrated into the novel and faced with all these people who genuinely loved the original owner, He Ruchu felt that not only should she stay away from the male and female leads, but she should also lead these loving family members away from them.
That way, their tragic destinies could be changed as well.
The moment He Yi’an saw her, he immediately pulled her to his side.
“Little Sister, are you okay?”
He glared at Shen Siyuan and continued, “Don’t worry. I won’t let you suffer for nothing. I’ll make certain someone gives you an explanation.”
He Ruchu instantly got a headache.
She had only just managed to stop Shen Siyuan from rushing into marriage. How could she let her second brother ruin everything?
“Second Brother, listen to me. This is all just a misunderstanding. Go home first, and I’ll explain everything to you slowly.”
As she spoke, she glanced at Shen Siyuan.
Leaning against his jeep, his face remained expressionless, making it impossible to tell what he was thinking.
All she could do was apologize.
“Shen Siyuan, I’m sorry. My second brother didn’t mean it.”
“You’re busy, so we won’t disturb you any longer.”
With that, she dragged He Yi’an away.
“Little Sister, what are you doing?” He Yi’an asked, utterly confused. “Did he threaten you?”
“No, no…” He Ruchu shook her head repeatedly, pulling him along at a brisk pace. “You’re overthinking it. Let’s go home.”
Shen Siyuan watched her retreating figure coldly and curled his lips into a faint smile.
Hah. What kind of act is she putting on this time?
When Shen Siyuan returned home, he immediately noticed that the living room was full of people.
Seated at the head was his grandfather, who was usually too busy to be home.
Beside him sat his grandmother, his parents, and his second uncle’s family.
He paused briefly before stepping forward to greet everyone.
After signaling for him to sit down, Old Master Shen spoke.
“Siyuan, explain to us exactly what happened between you and that girl from the He family.”
He had already heard all the rumors spreading through the compound.
But he didn’t believe the grandson he had personally raised would do such a thing.
“That’s right, Siyuan,” Old Madam Shen added worriedly. “Your grandfather managed to suppress the matter, but if it’s not handled properly, it could seriously affect your future.”
After a moment of silence, Shen Siyuan said, “I’ll submit a marriage application.”
Old Master Shen looked at him.
Regardless of the circumstances, it was indeed the best solution at the moment.
“But have you thought it through?”
Shen Siyuan nodded lightly.
“Yes.”
“Siyuan, marriage is not a trivial matter…” his mother couldn’t help saying.
Truthfully, she was being selfish.
She knew more or less what her son’s feelings were, and she didn’t want him to settle.
Before she could continue, Old Madam Shen spoke first.
“Actually, that girl from the He family is quite pretty. She and Siyuan seem rather well matched.”
Mother Shen frowned.
What was the use of being pretty?
Just thinking about that troublesome personality gave her a headache, let alone bringing her into the family.
Seeing her expression, Old Madam Shen continued,
“I’ve met that girl before. Her nature doesn’t seem bad.
“Besides, she’s still young. If you spend more time guiding her, she’ll improve.”
“But…” Mother Shen started.
“That’s enough.” Father Shen interrupted. “Since Siyuan has already made up his mind, let’s proceed with it.”
Old Master Shen nodded in agreement.
He actually shared a similar view.
He remembered He Yaoguang. The man was decent, and the children he raised shouldn’t be too bad.
After thinking for a moment, he looked at his son.
“In the next couple of days, choose a time and visit the He family together with Siyuan to discuss the marriage.”
“Understood,” Father Shen replied.
The sooner they settled the matter, the sooner they could silence the gossip.
Rubbing his forehead, Shen Siyuan said,
“Let’s get the marriage certificate first. Everything else can be discussed later.”
“We’ll talk about that after you’ve visited the He family,” Old Master Shen replied.
With that, he stood up and went to his study.
The others gradually dispersed.
Shen Siyuan also got up and headed upstairs.
As he turned into the hallway, he heard a voice call out.
“Brother Siyuan.”
He frowned and looked over.
Standing not far away was Xie Qingwan.
His mother’s adopted daughter.
He wasn’t particularly close to her; he only heard his mother and the neighbors mention her often.
Seeing him stop, Xie Qingwan hurried over.
“Brother Siyuan, are you really going to marry He Ruchu?”
Although she hadn’t gone downstairs, she already knew everything that had happened.
She never imagined that Shen Siyuan, who had always disliked He Ruchu, would voluntarily propose registering their marriage.
Shen Siyuan’s frown deepened.
He nodded faintly and subtly stepped back to widen the distance between them.
“Why, Brother Siyuan?” Xie Qingwan moved a few steps closer. “You obviously don’t like her. Are you really going to marry her just because of those rumors?”
“I don’t believe you’re that kind of person. Did He Ruchu threaten you somehow?
“If you tell us, we can solve it together, okay?
“I really don’t want you marrying someone you don’t love.”
Listening to her, Shen Siyuan’s expression grew even colder.
“This is my business. You don’t need to interfere.”
Xie Qingwan stiffened.
“But… you’re my brother. How can I bear to see you being forced into something?”
“This is my own choice.”
His face remained calm and unreadable.
After giving her a brief glance, he said nothing more and walked past her into his room.
Staring at the closed door, Xie Qingwan’s chest rose and fell as she forced herself to calm down.
What exactly happened between Brother Siyuan and He Ruchu?
What could have made him choose this?
No. I have to find out. I can’t let him sacrifice himself like this.
The moment He Ruchu dragged her second brother home, she discovered they had a guest.
A young man sat on the living-room sofa chatting with her parents.
He looked about the same age as the original owner.
Dressed in a white shirt and black trousers, he wore gold-rimmed glasses and carried a gentle smile.
Unlike Shen Siyuan’s cold and distant demeanor, this man radiated warmth and refinement.
Hearing the door open, he looked over.
When his gaze landed on her, his smile softened with affection.
“Chuchu, you’re back?”
He Ruchu nodded.
“Mm.”
Drawing on the original owner’s memories, she immediately recognized him.
It was Zhou Chenyu, the childhood friend who had grown up with her.
The novel didn’t describe him much, only mentioning that they were childhood sweethearts.
He was also the fiancé carefully chosen for her by her parents.
“Chuchu, come sit down,” Zhao Qiaoyun called, relieved to see her return safely.
He Ruchu sat beside her mother.
“Dad, Mom.”
He Yaoguang nodded.
“You’re back.”
Zhao Qiaoyun held her hand.
“Why did you come back so late? Chenyu has been waiting for you for quite a while.”
“I stayed out walking a bit longer.”
She casually made up an excuse, not wanting to mention that she had gone looking for Shen Siyuan.
Then she looked at Zhou Chenyu.
“What brings you here? Do you need something?”
The Zhou family was also influential and interested in an alliance with the He family.
When the original owner came to Kyoto, they had arranged for Zhou Chenyu to come as well.
“I haven’t seen you in several days, so I came by to check on you.”
His voice was gentle.
“Chuchu, while talking with Uncle and Auntie earlier, we mentioned how long it’s been since we’ve returned to the Northwest.
“I was thinking of going back for a visit. Would you like to come with me?”
He Ruchu paused.
Looking at her parents, who were also watching her expectantly, she instantly understood.
In the novel, her parents had suspected the truth about what happened between her and Shen Siyuan.
Fearing Shen Siyuan might not treat her well, they hadn’t truly wanted her to marry him.
After the incident, following Zhou Chenyu’s suggestion, they planned to send her back to the Northwest temporarily until the rumors died down.
Only then would they bring her back.
But the original owner had been determined to marry Shen Siyuan and refused to leave.
He Ruchu considered the situation.
If doing the opposite of the original owner could change her fate, perhaps leaving was the right choice.
But if she left now, what about Shen Siyuan’s injury?
After hesitating, she finally said,
“Let me think about it.”
A faint smile appeared on Zhou Chenyu’s lips.
“Alright. Tell me once you’ve decided.”
She nodded.
Her parents visibly relaxed.
No matter what had happened, they still preferred Zhou Chenyu over Shen Siyuan.
They hoped she would return to the Northwest with him.
After chatting for a while, Zhao Qiaoyun went to prepare dinner.
As always, He Yaoguang followed along to help his wife.
He Ruchu initially wanted to help too, but after watching for a few moments and realizing she couldn’t contribute much, she gave up.
Returning to her room, she took out paper and a pen.
Using her photographic memory, she carefully wrote down everything she had seen in Shen Siyuan’s medical records.
She intended to study the case thoroughly.
After dinner, He Ruchu planned to visit the library.
Although she had studied medicine and was skilled at it, she wasn’t a specialist in men’s health.
For the time being, she had no clear solution for Shen Siyuan’s condition.
She decided to look for relevant books and study while researching.
Seeing her heading out again, Zhao Qiaoyun asked worriedly,
“Chuchu, where are you going this late?”
Sensing that her mother was still shaken by the day’s events, He Ruchu answered honestly.
“To the library. I’ll be back soon.”
Before anyone else could speak, Zhou Chenyu stood up.
“Perfect. I need to find a book there too. I’ll accompany Chuchu.”
“Good. It’s better if you go together,” Zhao Qiaoyun said with relief.
So the two left together.
The residential compound was lively in the evening.
Groups of children laughed and played while adults paid little attention.
One mischievous boy, chasing his friends, ran straight toward He Ruchu without noticing her.
“Chuchu, watch out!”
Zhou Chenyu reacted instantly and pulled her aside.
Because he pulled too hard in his haste, although she avoided the child, she ended up stumbling into his arms.
Immediately stepping back, she apologized.
“Sorry. I didn’t notice him. Are you okay?”
He shook his head.
“I’m fine. What about you? Did you get hurt?”
“No.”
But as soon as she answered, she felt someone staring at her.
Looking up, she found Shen Siyuan standing not far away.
Beside him stood Xie Qingwan.
When he noticed her looking over, he quietly looked away.
For a split second, He Ruchu felt as though she’d been caught doing something wrong by her husband.
She quickly shook the absurd thought from her mind.
Zhou Chenyu followed her gaze and saw Shen Siyuan.
Instantly, irritation welled up inside him.
Ever since Shen Siyuan appeared in He Ruchu’s life, her entire world had revolved around him.
There was no room left for anyone else.
Bitterness filled Zhou Chenyu’s heart.
And thinking about how Shen Siyuan had treated her only made him want to beat the man senseless.
Shen Siyuan merely glanced at him indifferently.
Just another fool blinded by love. Not worth paying attention to.
At that moment, Xie Qingwan approached enthusiastically.
“Ruchu.”
She smiled and lightly scolded,
“You were so careless just now.”
“Luckily Comrade Zhou was there. Otherwise, you would’ve been knocked over and ended up crying again.”
As she spoke, she linked arms with He Ruchu as though they were close sisters.
He Ruchu quietly withdrew her arm.
“Comrade Xie.”
Xie Qingwan paused, then laughed.
“Ruchu, why are you being so formal with me? You’re asking for a spanking.”
He Ruchu frowned slightly and didn’t respond.
Still smiling, Xie Qingwan asked,
“By the way, where are you going?”
“The library.”
“What a coincidence! So are we.”
Her eyes lit up.
“Then we can go together.”
Glancing at Zhou Chenyu, she continued,
“Is Comrade Zhou accompanying you?”
Without waiting for an answer, she smiled teasingly.
“Comrade Zhou treats you so well. He’s always by your side. I’ve never seen such a considerate man.”
Zhou Chenyu smiled politely.
“You’re too kind, Comrade Xie.”
“Not at all.”
Xie Qingwan sighed enviously.
“The two of you really make people jealous.”
Then she turned to Shen Siyuan playfully.
“Don’t you think so, Brother Siyuan?
“You grew up together. Childhood sweethearts. Such a special bond…
“I’m honestly very envious.”
Shen Siyuan’s expression remained indifferent.
His gaze swept over everyone before lingering on He Ruchu for a few seconds.
Though he said nothing, he sneered inwardly.
A woman as vain, selfish, and opportunistic as her would never look back at the past once a better prospect appeared.
He Ruchu glanced at him and smiled faintly.
“Qingwan, your standards for envy are pretty low.”
Xie Qingwan’s smile stiffened.
“Really?”
She lowered her eyes sadly.
“Maybe it’s because so few people have treated me well since I was little. That’s why seeing how well Comrade Zhou treats you makes me…”
Her voice trailed off.
Then she forced a smile.
“Ruchu, I didn’t mean anything by it. I’m just bad with words. Don’t take it the wrong way.”
“How could I?”
He Ruchu raised an eyebrow.
“Someone as eloquent as you could never be bad with words.
“It’s just a pity I can’t learn even one percent of your talent, or I’d probably be covering my mouth and laughing too.”
“I…”
Xie Qingwan stared at her.
Something felt off.
He Ruchu looked gentle and no longer spoiled like before.
Yet somehow, she made people uncomfortable.
Suppressing her unease, Xie Qingwan smiled.
“Ruchu, what nonsense are you saying? You’re already wonderful. Why would you need to learn from me?”
“Come on. Let’s hurry to the library before it gets dark.”
He Ruchu couldn’t be bothered to continue.
She had zero interest in the romantic entanglements of the novel’s male and female leads.
The library wasn’t far from the compound, and they arrived soon after.
The moment they entered, He Ruchu shook off Xie Qingwan and the silent Shen Siyuan.
She also felt too embarrassed to let Zhou Chenyu accompany her while searching for the books she wanted.
After telling him, “Go find the books you need first,” she hurried away alone.
In this era, people were still fairly conservative about certain topics.
Books on men’s health were scarce in the large library, and books covering intimate matters were even rarer.
After searching for quite some time, He Ruchu finally found a few in a remote corner.
The one she wanted most was placed on the highest shelf.
Although the original owner wasn’t short, she still couldn’t quite reach it.
Frowning, she stood on tiptoe and stretched as far as she could.
But she always fell just short.
After several failed attempts, frustration began to build.
Then, just as she was reaching again, a long, slender hand suddenly appeared from the opposite side of the bookshelf and took the book first.
Her irritation instantly doubled.
Looking through the gaps in the shelf, her eyes met a pair of dark, cold ones.
It was Shen Siyuan.
Their gazes locked through the bookshelf.
After a brief moment of stunned silence, He Ruchu smiled awkwardly.
“Shen Siyuan, what a coincidence.”
Then it hit her.
He was probably here for the same book.
Before she could say anything else, his cold voice rang out.
“I saw that book was about to fall, so I was just putting it back.”
The explanation sounded strangely awkward.
He Ruchu stared at him, then at the book in his hand.
Her gaze drifted lower
And instantly, she understood.
“Oh… I get it.”
She bit her lip, her eyes full of guilt.
No man could remain completely unconcerned about something like that.
“Shen Siyuan, don’t worry. I’ll definitely cure you.”
His face, already darkening as he followed her gaze, turned even darker.
Ever since he discovered she’d secretly investigated his condition, he’d known she was planning something.
And sure enough, he’d been right.
“I don’t need that.”
Even if he recovered, he would never touch her.
He would keep his promise, marry her, and take responsibility.
But beyond that?
Absolutely not.
Seeing his expression, He Ruchu assumed he was upset about his injury again.
Her guilt deepened.
Walking around the shelf, she approached him.
“Shen Siyuan, these are for you.”
She shoved all the books she had found into his arms.
“Read these together with the one you’re holding. They might help.”
Then she carefully glanced at his face.
“Actually, there’s nothing embarrassing about reading books like these. I ”
“Shut up.”
He interrupted her, his sharply defined face faintly flushed.
“Who said I wanted to read this book?
“I already told you I only picked it up because it was about to fall.”
“Mm. I know.”
She nodded obediently.
“You’re not reading it. You’re just doing a good deed.”
Shen Siyuan: “…”
This woman!
“No matter what kind of injury it is, it’s still an illness. There’s no need to feel ashamed or avoid treatment…”
She tried once more to comfort him.
But before she could finish
“Shut up, He Ruchu! Can’t you understand simple words?”
He ground his teeth.
Who was responsible for his current condition?
How did she have the nerve to keep bringing it up?
Hah.
Was she really that worried about her future “marital happiness”?