Evening, back at the three‑courtyard compound.
Unlike usual, the central yard was crowded with people. Everyone was talking at once, all eyes fixed on the Meng household.
Jiang Rou and Shen Chengdong, puzzled, walked past them—only to catch someone whispering: “Meng Wen’s husband is really no good. Now that he’s got power and influence, his fox tail finally shows. The Mengs never should have taken in a son‑in‑law. Honestly, what decent man would agree to marry into the wife’s family? A man willing to do that must have some nasty scheme up his sleeve!”
Someone noticed Jiang Rou approaching and quickly nudged the speaker, signaling her to stop.
But Jiang Rou acted as though she hadn’t heard a word, heading straight home, completely unfazed.
Shen Chengdong pressed his lips together and followed, though inside he was far less calm than he appeared.
Back at home, Chen Aihe immediately pulled Jiang Rou aside to gossip. “You don’t know—today I was nearly scared to death! That son‑in‑law of the Mengs is truly worthless. Not only did he beat Meng Wen, he even tried to hit Meng Shuge. Outrageous! To end up with a son‑in‑law like that is the worst luck imaginable.”
Thinking back to seeing Meng Wen at the hospital earlier, Jiang Rou finally understood why she had been there.
Chen Aihe lifted her tea mug, gulped half of it down, and kept cursing: “That scoundrel wants to divorce Meng Wen and even seize the Meng family’s house. How shameless can he be? Why should the Mengs’ house go to him? Just because he’s some petty official, he thinks he can do whatever he wants?”
Her anger mounted as she spoke, until she blurted out: “You and Chengdong need to keep your eyes open too. Don’t end up like Meng Wen—that would be tragic!”
Jiang Rou frowned. “Mom, he’s nothing like that man. There’s no comparison at all. Can you stop being so prejudiced against him?”
She glanced around instinctively—thankfully, Shen Chengdong wasn’t there to hear.
Chen Aihe froze, stunned that her usually meek daughter would talk back like this. “Has he bewitched you somehow, that you’re defending him like this?”
Jiang Rou sighed helplessly, suddenly realizing that her parents’ bias was largely because of her own choices. Her temperament was too gentle, and her parents worried she might be bullied—that was why they acted this way.
After a moment’s thought, she softly reassured her mother: “Mom, up to now, everything Shen Chengdong has done has never harmed me. I believe he’s a good man. Even if he changes in the future, that’s something for later. We shouldn’t borrow trouble—if we start imagining him as bad already, how could we go on living together?”
Seeing her daughter speak with such clarity and conviction, Chen Aihe reached out to pinch her cheek. “You’re not possessed, are you? How come you suddenly talk so well?”
Jiang Rou pulled her hand away, rubbing her pinched cheek, almost laughing in exasperation. “Of course not—what are you thinking?”
She only wanted to grow stronger, to protect her parents and herself. Nothing more complicated than that.
Chen Aihe felt comforted and finally understood. “Alright then, you’re right. I was overthinking before. Other people’s business has nothing to do with us. From now on, you must live well with Chengdong.”
“Thank you, Mom—we will!” Jiang Rou’s smile was sweet, brimming with confidence in the future.
“Oh, by the way, your sister said in yesterday’s telegram that she’ll be back in the city at the start of next month. You should go meet her at the train station.”
Jiang Rou’s smile faltered. She had known her sister was returning, but still felt a little startled. “We’ll see. I might not have time.”
Afraid the sisters might grow estranged over the house issue, Chen Aihe fixed her gaze on her daughter and spoke earnestly: “Don’t let outsiders affect your bond. Last time your sister spoke up for Han Laosan, maybe she just couldn’t refuse him.”
“I’m not angry at her—I really might not have time.” Jiang Rou thought for a moment, then found an excuse. “After we move, I plan to find some part-time work. I can’t keep relying on you and Dad. By then, I might not be free to pick her up.”
Her sudden determination to “work hard” surprised Chen Aihe once again. She thought: this child has indeed grown a lot since marrying. It seems the son-in-law they chose isn’t so bad after all.
The next morning, Jiang Rou and Shen Chengdong moved part of their belongings into the new home. Then they borrowed a bicycle from Chen Ailan and rode to the supply shop to buy daily necessities.
The early morning streets were alive with the warmth of everyday life.
Shen Chengdong pedaled hard, a smile tugging at his lips. Jiang Rou sat on the back seat, her expression equally joyful. At last, they had their own little household—finally free to live as they pleased. At the supply shop, they bought a thermos, a spittoon, a flashlight, and two sets of bowls and chopsticks.
Then Jiang Rou pulled out two pieces of white fabric patterned with tiny red flowers, planning to make curtains.
Shen Chengdong thought the fabric was meant for clothes, so he asked,
“Are two pieces enough? Should we buy more?”
“No need, this is plenty.” She stroked the cloth, clearly delighted.
There was already a sewing machine at home. In less than an hour, the two pieces of fabric had been turned into curtains.
Looking at the finished product in her hands, Shen Chengdong froze for a moment. “You bought it to make curtains?”
“Of course! Don’t they look nice?” Jiang Rou lifted them up, seeing nothing odd about it.
“They look beautiful.” His gaze grew complicated—he felt he had to earn more money, and soon. He strung up a wire to hang the curtains, set the thermos in place, and spread a bright red quilt over the double bed.
At a glance, the whole home was transformed, radiating warmth everywhere.
Jiang Rou was very satisfied. Tilting her head, she asked, “Is there anything else you’d like to add?”
Meeting her luminous eyes, a sense of belonging welled up in him. “No need. Having you is enough.”
The sudden words of affection caught her off guard. Her cheeks flushed crimson, and her speech grew clumsy. “Y-you tidy up the room. I’ll go to Auntie’s and bring back the puppy.” With that, she turned and left, her shy figure betraying her mood.
Shen Chengdong watched her go, his eyes full of tenderness.
Ten minutes later, Jiang Rou arrived at Chen Ailan’s house, just as she was pouring water into the dog’s bowl.
Seeing Jiang Rou come for the puppy, Chen Ailan called into the house, “Shandian!”
The next moment, a little black pup came bounding out. Though its hind leg was slightly lame, it still carried itself with spirited pride. Jiang Rou looked at it, utterly charmed.
“Shandian, this is your aunt. You’ll stay with her for a while. Once your dad recovers, he’ll come fetch you, alright?” Chen Ailan introduced Jiang Rou to the pup as if it could understand. Sure enough, the little dog wagged its tail at Jiang Rou and barked twice, like a greeting—so human-like it was endearing.
“I’m usually too busy to take care of it, so I’ll have to trouble you.”
Jiang Rou crouched down, reached out to rub its head, and smiled. “It’s no trouble—I really like it.”
“How’s your house coming along? Can you stay there tonight?”
“Yes, Chengdong has already put everything in order.”
Hearing this, Chen Ailan couldn’t help but sigh. “You lazy girl, finding such a diligent young man to live with—you’re truly blessed.”
“…” Jiang Rou blinked lightly, not feeling she was all that lazy. When she returned to the courtyard house with the little puppy in her arms, Shen Chengdong had already finished cooking dinner. He pointed to a straw mat in the corner of the main room and told Jiang Rou that was where the puppy would sleep.
Shandian was only four months old. It lifted its head to look at Shen Chengdong. Unlike its enthusiasm for Jiang Rou, it gave two low growls, eyes wary, then darted in front of her, striking a protective pose.
Shen Chengdong raised an eyebrow almost imperceptibly, clearly unimpressed by the little dog.
But Jiang Rou stroked its head and gently explained, “He’s your uncle—you need to get along with him, okay?”
As if understanding her words, Shandian finally let go of its hostility.
Shen Chengdong, however, was left speechless. Since it was their first meal after moving in, he had prepared two dishes and a soup—more plentiful than usual. They were all Jiang Rou’s favorites, and she ate with great satisfaction.
After dinner, the atmosphere between them shifted from warm to awkward. Before, they had always lived with her parents, their thoughts simple, their behavior restrained. Now, alone together as man and woman, Jiang Rou couldn’t help imagining things not suitable for children. She sat at the edge of the bed pretending to read, though she had no idea what the words on the page said.
In the quiet room, Shen Chengdong cleared his throat and asked, “Want to wash your feet? I’ll fetch some water.”
Remembering how ticklish it had been last time when he washed her feet, Jiang Rou shook her head without hesitation. “No need—I’ll do it later.”
Silence fell again, while Shandian slept soundly outside.
Nearby, the wall clock ticked steadily. Shen Chengdong suddenly unfastened the top button of his shirt and sat down beside her.
Jiang Rou turned her head, and his handsome collarbone and the prominent rise of his Adam’s apple filled her gaze. Her heart skipped a beat.