Mu Wanwan’s face turned cold. The stern, reproachful man before her overlapped with the man in her memories.
In her previous life, scenes like this had played out countless times. Lin Huiru would deliberately provoke her, only to pretend to be the victim in the end.
Wen Lin would always stand on Lin Huiru’s side. Mu Wanwan would feel wronged and heartbroken, crying and making a scene—only for Wen Lin to grow even more disgusted with her.
Her heart tightened involuntarily, an indescribable bitterness rising within her.
In her past life, she had placed far too many expectations on Wen Lin, clung to him too obsessively. In the end, it was all for nothing. She had even lost her life because of him.
Pressing a hand to her chest, she forced her emotions to settle.
Then she said, word by word, “The one who starts it is the one in the wrong! If I slapped her, she asked for it. Why should I apologize?”
“Mu Wanwan!”
Wen Lin hadn’t expected this attitude from her—she hit someone and still refused to admit fault.
She shot him a cold glance before turning to Lin Huiru.
“You know very well what you’re up to. Don’t take me for a fool.
And you’d better stop provoking me. Next time, it won’t be just two slaps.”
With that, she turned and walked away.
It wasn’t until she was far gone that Wen Xin snapped out of it, so angry she could barely speak.
“She… she’s such a shrew! Brother, I told you not to marry her! When we get home, I’m telling Mom. She’s completely unreasonable!”
Wen Lin pressed his lips tightly together. The look Mu Wanwan had given him before leaving made him uncomfortable.
There had been deep disappointment and anger in her eyes. She had never looked at him like that before.
But he didn’t think he was wrong. After all, Mu Wanwan had hit someone.
Unnoticed by anyone, the corner of Lin Huiru’s lips curved upward.
She didn’t know how Mu Wanwan had changed so drastically—but this was even better. She had achieved her goal.
Mu Wanwan was still a fool. The more she caused a scene, the more Wen Lin would despise her.
The one who should have married Wen Lin was her. If not for Old Master Wen interfering, that village girl wouldn’t have stood a chance.
She had liked him for years. Just when she thought she was close to getting what she wanted, it all slipped through her fingers.
How could she accept that?
Wen Lin was hers. She would find a way to take him back.
By the time Mu Wanwan left the department store and walked some distance, she had completely calmed down.
She would be divorcing Wen Lin soon anyway. Why let these awful people and their nonsense ruin her mood?
An idea struck her, and she headed straight for the black market.
Although policies had loosened somewhat, the black market still existed. Some goods couldn’t be sold openly, and in certain ways, the black market was actually safer.
She wanted to buy softer cotton fabric. The black market would surely have some.
Turning into a narrow alley, weaving left and right through hutongs, she finally arrived.
It was livelier than she’d expected. Plenty of vendors were selling goods. As she browsed, she picked up some spices she’d need for braising meat.
“Big sister, what are you looking to buy? Just tell me—I’ve got everything, and I can even give you a discount!”
She was searching for fabric when someone called out from behind.
Turning around, she saw a teenage boy in patched clothes and a cap.
“Big sister, you’re really pretty,” he said shyly, scratching his head.
Mu Wanwan laughed. “You’ve got quite the sweet mouth. I’m looking for some good-quality cotton fabric. Do you have any?”
“Yes! You’ve come to the right person. I just got some good fabric in. Want to come take a look?”
“Sure.”
She followed him into a small alley and then into the courtyard of a house.
“Big sister, this is my home. Wait here—I’ll bring the fabric out!”
He ran inside and soon returned carrying several bolts of cloth.
The patterns were indeed nice. One bolt was even silk. It wasn’t popular these days—people thought it wasn’t durable—but as undergarments, it was the most comfortable.
“If you like this one, I can give it to you cheaper—six yuan!”
The boy was sharp-eyed. He’d immediately noticed her interest in the smooth fabric.
Silk didn’t sell well. Though pretty, it wasn’t sturdy. Most people preferred cotton.
Just as Mu Wanwan was about to haggle, a white-haired elderly woman slowly stepped out of the house.
“Huzi, who’s here?”
“Grandma, why did you come out? The doctor said you’re not fully recovered—you should be resting!”
The boy hurried to support her.
“I’m fine. After taking the medicine, I feel much better.”
The old woman looked at Mu Wanwan curiously.
Huzi quickly explained, “Grandma, this big sister is buying something. We’re discussing business. You should go rest.”
But instead, the old woman went back inside and returned with two washed pears.
“Miss, we don’t have much to offer. These pears are from our tree. They’re sweet—please have one.”
Mu Wanwan quickly thanked her. “Thank you, Grandma!”
The old woman smiled kindly and slowly went back inside.
Looking at the pear in her hand, Mu Wanwan lost the urge to bargain. When the old woman had come close, she’d caught a strong scent of medicinal herbs.
She must have been ill and taking medicine for some time. Huzi looked even younger than her, yet he was already selling goods in the black market. Life couldn’t be easy for him.
“I’ll take this bolt of fabric. By the way, do you know where I can buy pork around here?”
If there was a source nearby, she might as well buy it here instead of making another trip to the supply cooperative.
Huzi’s eyes lit up at the sale. Puffing out his chest, he said, “You want pork? Then you really did ask the right person!
There’s a small pig farm nearby. They have fresh pork every day. If you want, I’ll take you there!”
A pig farm?
Mu Wanwan felt pleasantly surprised. The supply cooperative sold meat without requiring ration coupons now, but the supply was limited and prices were higher.
Buying directly from a pig farm would reduce her costs for braised goods. And if she wanted to run this business long-term, having a stable supplier would be important.
Without hesitation, she asked Huzi to lead the way to the pig farm.