The First Time They Laughed
Teaching Lin Shu to split wood turned into a disaster almost immediately.
“You’re holding it wrong,” Zhao Jun said for the fifth time.
Lin Shu frowned at the axe in his hands.
“It feels right.”
“It looks stupid.”
“That’s not helpful.”
“It’s true.”
Nearby, Zhao Mei pressed her lips together tightly, clearly trying not to laugh.
Even Zhao An peeked out from behind the doorway with curious eyes.
Lin Shu sighed dramatically and adjusted his grip again.
“Like this?”
Zhao Jun looked pained.
“No wonder you almost died falling into a river.”
Lin Shu stared at him.
“That feels unrelated.”
“It feels connected to me.”
A strange choking sound suddenly came from Zhao Mei.
Everyone turned.
The girl immediately covered her mouth.
But it was too late.
She had laughed.
Very softly.
Very briefly.
Still-
The entire yard froze.
Because Zhao Mei had not laughed openly around Lin Shu in a very long time.
The girl realized it too and quickly looked away, embarrassed.
Lin Shu blinked.
Then, unexpectedly, the corner of Zhao Cheng’s mouth moved slightly.
Barely noticeable.
But there.
Zhao Jun looked horrified.
“Father,” he whispered, “are you smiling?”
“I’m not.”
“You are!”
“I’m not.”
“You literally are!”
Zhao Cheng calmly picked up another tool.
“Focus on teaching.”
Zhao Jun looked deeply betrayed again.
Lin Shu suddenly had to bite the inside of his cheek to stop himself from laughing too.
The atmosphere loosened slightly after that.
Not fully.
But enough.
Enough that Zhao An slowly walked closer instead of hiding far away.
Enough that Zhao Mei stopped looking tense every second.
Enough that Zhao Jun continued complaining…
while still teaching him anyway.
For the first time since transmigrating, the house felt less like a battlefield.
Of course, peace never lasted long.
By late afternoon, a visitor arrived.
A young man dressed in pale blue robes entered the yard carrying a basket.
The moment Lin Shu saw him, memories surged violently.
His expression stiffened instantly.
Liu Wen.
The original owner’s lover.
Or rather-
The man he cheated with.
Zhao Jun’s face darkened immediately.
Zhao Mei looked uncomfortable.
Even little Zhao An instinctively moved closer to Zhao Cheng.
Only Zhao Cheng remained calm.
Too calm.
Liu Wen smiled gently upon seeing Lin Shu.
“Shu’er,” he said warmly, “I heard you were injured, so I came to check on you.”
The entire yard became silent.
Lin Shu felt cold sweat rise on his back.
This was bad.
Very bad.
Because no matter what he said now, suspicion would return.
Liu Wen stepped closer, concern on his face.
“You disappeared after the river incident. I was worried.”
Lin Shu noticed Zhao Cheng stop repairing tools.
Just slightly.
Waiting.
Watching.
Lin Shu’s mind raced.
Then he stepped back.
One full step.
Away from Liu Wen.
The movement made everyone pause.
Including Liu Wen himself.
Lin Shu spoke carefully.
“Thank you for your concern,” he said politely, “but you shouldn’t visit anymore.”
Liu Wen blinked.
“…What?”
“I’m married,” Lin Shu continued calmly.
“People misunderstanding our relationship is inappropriate.”
Silence crashed down.
Zhao Jun looked stunned.
Zhao Mei’s eyes widened.
Even Zhao Cheng finally lifted his head fully.
Liu Wen forced a laugh.
“Shu’er, what are you saying?”
Lin Shu kept his expression steady despite the tension choking the air.
“I’m saying this clearly so there won’t be confusion later,” he replied.
“Please don’t come here again.”
The smile on Liu Wen’s face slowly disappeared.
“You’re serious?”
Lin Shu nodded once.
Liu Wen stared at him for several long seconds.
Then his gaze shifted toward Zhao Cheng.
Something ugly flashed briefly across his expression.
“You threatened him?”
Zhao Cheng didn’t answer.
He didn’t need to.
Liu Wen clenched his jaw.
“Fine,” he said coldly.
“Let’s see how long this act lasts.”
Then he turned and left.
The yard remained silent even after he disappeared down the road.
Lin Shu slowly exhaled.
That had been terrifying.
Then-
“Act?”
Zhao Jun spoke first.
The boy narrowed his eyes suspiciously.
“…What did he mean by that?”
Lin Shu: “…”
Right.
Disaster delayed.
Not avoided.
Zhao Cheng finally stood.
His eyes rested on Lin Shu heavily.
Not angry.
Not soft.
Searching.
Then he walked closer.
Stopped directly in front of him.
And quietly asked:
“Was he wrong?”
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