World 2. Chapter 6
“Honey, are you sure the young lady will like these things you bought?” With his son and his girlfriend coming home, Zhang Dachun had asked Lin Yanan to buy some household items. But when he saw what she’d brought back—all in the style preferred by older generations, with bright red and large floral patterns—Zhang Dachun was a bit confused. Don’t young women these days like this sort of thing?
“What do you know? My son said that girl loves red the most. She’s bound to like it—I’m the one who decides these things. What are you still standing there for? Hurry up and help me hold up the duvet cover.” ” In preparation for Yan Xue’s arrival, Lin Yanan had specially dug out an old quilt from the closet. The red quilt was covered in large peony blossoms, while the sheets and pillows were green—a rather jarring visual combination. Although Zhang Dachun wanted to object, he eventually gave in under Lin Yanan’s “authority.”
“Mingxuan, I’m hungry. Did you bring anything to eat?” After Zhang Mingxuan and Yan Xue boarded the train, he’d been busy stowing his girlfriend’s luggage. He’d barely sat down and caught his breath when Yan Xue started complaining she was hungry.
“I do. Your favorite tiramisu and red velvet cake.” Hearing Yan Xue was hungry, Zhang Mingxuan didn’t even bother to wipe the sweat from his brow; he hurriedly pulled the desserts out of his bag. He’d waited in line for forty minutes to buy them. Yan Xue really liked that pastry shop—the food was delicious, but it was expensive, and you always had to wait in line. Zhang Mingxuan had stored them carefully, so the shapes were still intact and looked perfect.
“I don’t feel like eating sweets right now. Is there anything else?” Unexpectedly, Yan Xue was acting out of character, becoming picky about food, her face betraying a hint of impatience.
“I also brought some snacks from the supermarket…” Before Zhang Mingxuan could finish his sentence, Yan Xue stood up abruptly: “Give me some money. I’m going to eat at a restaurant.” ” Left with no choice, Zhang Mingxuan put down the snacks he hadn’t even taken out of the bag yet, pulled out some red bills, and handed them to Yan Xue. Then she walked away without looking back, not even asking her boyfriend if he’d eaten. Even the fellow passengers sitting across from them couldn’t stand to watch this.
“Bro, you seem like a decent guy, so don’t blame me for speaking up.” Since Yan Xue had left, Zhang Mingxuan shared the snacks he’d brought with the passengers nearby. Looking at Zhang Mingxuan, who was drenched in sweat, and thinking about his girlfriend’s attitude, even though they’d just met, he steeled himself and spoke up: “In a relationship, you’re supposed to support and look out for each other. Of course, as a grown man, taking a little extra care of your girlfriend isn’t a big deal.
But what matters most is that she has you in her heart. Just in the short time we’ve been on the bus, I’ve watched you wait on her hand and foot, but she hasn’t asked you a single question. I’m tempted to ask: is she really your girlfriend? Or does she just want to use you as a laborer?” Hearing this, the people around them couldn’t help but nod in agreement. Although they were too embarrassed to say it outright, now that someone had spoken up, they made their feelings known.
“She’s just been exhausted these past few days and is in a bit of a bad mood. Usually, when I’m busy with school and my part-time job, she’s very considerate. No matter how long I’m working, she never interrupts me. Over time, I’ve actually felt pretty guilty about it.” To say he didn’t harbor any resentment would be a lie, but Zhang Mingxuan always thought of Yan Xue’s usual understanding and didn’t want to get angry with her.
“Bro, don’t take this the wrong way. Are you taking on most of the expenses for the two of you with that part-time job? Is your monthly allowance just not enough? Besides, couples—especially ones your age—naturally want to be together all the time.
“Let’s not talk about anyone else—just take me as an example. My girlfriend had to work overtime during the holidays and couldn’t come back to our hometown with me, but she packed me some food and texted to ask if I’d made it onto the bus. Has your girlfriend ever asked you that? You can’t keep backing down all the time, or you’ll end up being the one who always gives in. Is that worth it? I know it’s a big no-no to get too personal with someone you’ve just met, but I just can’t help but see it.”
After saying all that, the older guy across from him fell silent, but the impact on Zhang Mingxuan was far from over. He couldn’t help but start wondering if their relationship was really as harmonious as it seemed.
To be sure, Yan Xue would throw little tantrums when she was with Zhang Mingxuan, but never this blatantly. The reason for such brazen behavior was that she’d been driven to it by her roommate—though, of course, she was stewing in her frustration all by herself.
Lately, Zhang Mingxuan had been working part-time jobs outside the dorm and hadn’t had much time to spend with her. The only upside was that he sent her money. To stave off loneliness, she started looking for potential partners in various QQ groups, clubs, and social gatherings. She finally found someone she liked, and just as their conversation was heating up, she realized he was her roommate’s boyfriend. This time, she really slipped up and nearly blew her cover.
Yan Xue discovered the affair because she had accidentally glanced at her roommate’s phone that day and spotted the familiar profile picture and personal signature. Yan Xue was furious and initially wanted to confront him directly, but then realized that would only give herself away. So, she deleted his contact information—but her anger hadn’t been vented yet! And Zhang Mingxuan became the unlucky scapegoat!