Jiang Rou sat with Shen Xingwang, chatting idly, though her attention was fixed entirely on Shen Chengdong. Something felt off—her heart was uneasy.
Before long, Shen Chengdong returned with a cold expression. He forced a faint smile at her and said, “Xiao Rou, stay home with Mom and Dad. I need to step out.”
Jiang Rou nodded. “Alright.” But worry gnawed at her, and she quickly ran after him. “Where are you going?”
At the courtyard gate, Shen Chengdong turned back, hesitated for a moment, then chose honesty. “I’m going to settle accounts with someone.”
Seeing the hostility in his demeanor, Jiang Rou grew anxious. “What happened? Don’t be reckless—talk it out properly.”
“Relax. I just want to get some answers.” He then repeated what Xiao Wu had said, his brows furrowed tightly.
Jiang Rou was bewildered. “How could that be? Could it be that Fourth Brother was the one adopted?”
Her words made Shen Chengdong chuckle. “You’ve never met Fourth Brother. He actually looks a lot like Mom. Go back inside—I’ll be back soon.”
“Mm, alright.” Jiang Rou obediently stayed put, no longer following.
Meanwhile, Shen Chengdong arrived at a small house on the west side of the village. He was about to kick the door in, but Jiang Rou’s warning echoed in his mind. So instead, he raised his fist and knocked hard.
“Coming, coming! Who’s pounding like that? You’ll break the door!” The man inside opened up, irritation on his face—until he saw Shen Chengdong. His expression cracked instantly. “You… you’re back?”
Shen Chengdong gave him a cool glance and strode into the yard.
“Those rumors in the village—did you spread them?”
Shen Er panicked. “Don’t wrong me! I didn’t!” Afraid he wouldn’t believe it, he quickly added, “Fourth Brother and I are blood brothers. How could I harm him?”
“Then do you know who did?” Shen Chengdong’s gaze bore into him, pressing down with invisible weight.
Shen Er swallowed hard, unconsciously stepping back. “One time, Eldest Brother got drunk and let slip things he shouldn’t have. I guess someone else spread it from there. But I don’t know why he’d say Fourth Brother was adopted…”
“Who was it?”
“It was Shen Shulin.”
Shen Chengdong withdrew his gaze, thought for two seconds, then turned to leave. Seeing the danger had passed, Shen Er hurried up with a grin. “I heard you’re a driver for the city transport team now? That’s impressive! Since we’re brothers, could you help me find some work too? Anything’s fine—I’m not afraid of hard labor.”
“If you’re not afraid of hardship, then farm properly. Stop chasing useless ideas.” With that cold reply, Shen Chengdong walked off, leaving Shen Er grinding his teeth in frustration.
As the sun climbed higher, many villagers finished their morning’s farm work and headed home for lunch and rest. When they spotted Shen Chengdong, they greeted him warmly, as if he were family. After all, being a transport team driver was a source of pride for the whole village.
After exchanging greetings, Shen Chengdong went to Shen Shulin’s house, just as he returned from the fields.
A flicker of guilt flashed in Shen Shulin’s eyes as he forced a smile. “Chengdong, when did you get back?”
Catching the reaction, Shen Chengdong asked directly, “Why did you spread those rumors?”
“?!” Shen Shulin saw his fists clench tighter and instinctively wanted to run…
An hour later.
Under Jiang Rou’s anxious waiting, the man finally returned. She rushed forward, tugging at his sleeve to check for signs of a fight. Finding him unscathed, she breathed a sigh of relief.
“Well? Did you find out who spread it?”
“I did. Asked and answered.” More accurately, beaten into clarity. Some wounds don’t show on the surface—dealing with petty men requires ruthless methods.
Looking at her innocent face, Shen Chengdong decided not to burden her with the filth.
Jiang Rou pulled him aside, curiosity brimming. “So what’s the truth?”
“That man had his eye on Fourth Brother’s fiancée. He used this dirty trick to ruin their marriage prospects. Rumors are slippery things—without solid proof, they can’t be explained away.”
If the Shen family couldn’t produce evidence, no one would marry someone with “unknown parentage.”
“Then he could swoop in and steal her away. And besides, he resents me—he wanted to drive a wedge between Fourth Brother and me.”
“That’s vile!” Jiang Rou fumed, wishing she could kick the man herself.
Seeing her so indignant, Shen Chengdong’s lips curved in amusement.
“Come on, let’s go inside. He won’t dare try again.”
“But what about Fourth Brother’s marriage?”
“As long as my parentage is exposed, Fourth Brother will be fine.”
Jiang Rou wanted to press for more details, but the man deftly shifted the topic. “Uncle Li’s big black dog next door just had a litter of puppies. Do you want to see them? If you like one, we can buy it and raise it.”
Realizing he didn’t want to say more, Jiang Rou followed his lead. “How old are the pups? I’ve never raised such young dogs.”
“Barely over a month. Let’s go take a look. If one feels right, we’ll ask Uncle Li to keep it for us.”
By dinnertime, Fourth Brother dragged his weary body home. Seeing Shen Chengdong there, he froze for a moment, then broke into a wide grin, his fatigue vanishing. “Brother, when did you get back? I almost missed you again.”
“Xiao Rou, this is Fourth Brother.”
“Fourth Brother, this is your sister‑in‑law.”
Facing the sister‑in‑law who looked like a fairy, Shen Si couldn’t help but envy his third brother’s good fortune.
Soon, the family gathered around the table, just about to eat, when Shen Er’s voice rang out from outside. “Mom, Dad, we’re back!”
At once, everyone’s faces darkened. Shen Chengdong rose to open the door, and Fourth Brother followed suit.
Seeing them at the table, Shen Er swallowed nervously and nudged Shen Yi forward. “Chengdong, Eldest Brother came to—”
Before he could finish, Shen Chengdong cut him off with a warning. “Mom and Dad are here. What exactly do you want to say?”
Shen Er quickly changed his words. “We heard you were back, so we came to see you.”
In truth, they had come to apologize, though they’d forgotten their parents knew nothing of the matter.
At that moment, Shen Yi forced a sheepish smile, no longer the arrogant bully he once was. “Third Brother, don’t hold past grudges against me. From now on, let’s still be good brothers.”
Shen Chengdong said nothing, only pulled over two stools and told them to sit down for dinner. To the two brothers, this gesture felt like a weasel paying New Year’s greetings to a hen—clearly up to no good. Startled, they quickly refused, dropped off the gifts they had brought, and slipped away with a flimsy excuse.
Everyone was puzzled, but no one tried to stop them.
After the meal, Jiang Rou whispered, “Why did they come to apologize? They weren’t the ones spreading the rumors. And then they left without even eating—so ridiculous.”
Shen Chengdong didn’t tell her the truth: they were afraid of getting beaten. That night, the two stayed at the Shen household. They slept in each other’s arms, unusually well‑behaved.
The next morning, Miao Yuzhen packed plenty of pickled vegetables and peaches into a cloth bag, along with seasonal produce from the garden. She explained that vegetables were expensive in the city, but here they cost nothing. Jiang Rou accepted the thoughtful gift, and she and Shen Chengdong carried the two bags back to town.
Not long after they left, gossip spread through Wangshui Village: apparently, Fourth Brother was the true son of the Shen family, while Shen Chengdong was the adopted one—no wonder he didn’t resemble the rest of them.
From the peaches they had brought back, Jiang Rou set some aside for her parents. When she arrived at the three‑courtyard compound, she found Chen Aihe in the yard doing laundry.
Across from her, the Tang family’s Liu Meifeng was also washing clothes. The two women kept exchanging sharp looks, the air thick with gunpowder.
Afraid they’d start fighting again, Jiang Rou tugged Chen Aihe into the house.
“Why are you pulling me? I was here first. If she dares to provoke me, I’ll kick her!”
Jiang Rou set the bag of peaches on the table, exasperated. “Mom, between the two of you, you’re nearly a hundred years old. You’ve been quarreling for twenty years—aren’t you tired of it?”
“How is that my fault? She’s the petty one.”
Back in the day, Chen Aihe and Liu Meifeng had been neighbors since birth. Their personalities clashed, but they kept to themselves, like well water not mixing with river water. Later, a matchmaker first introduced Chen Aihe to Tang Guang’an—the very man who is now Liu Meifeng’s husband.
Chen Aihe dismissed him for being short, but Tang Guang’an fancied her and pursued her for months before finally giving up and marrying Liu Meifeng instead. By coincidence, the newlyweds continued living in the same compound. From then on, Liu Meifeng seemed plagued by a hidden grudge, competing with Chen Aihe in everything—husband, family, work, children.
Jiang Deshan was an eighth‑level fitter at the machinery factory, with a father who had been a soldier, respected by all. In family and career, Liu Meifeng couldn’t compare. Only in children did she hold a slight edge.
Usually, Chen Aihe ignored her, unless Liu Meifeng pushed too far—then they’d clash fiercely.
“By the way, how was your visit to your in‑laws? Are they in good health?”
“They’re all fine, and they treat me well.” Jiang Rou hesitated, choosing not to mention Shen Chengdong’s parentage.
“You two should eat here tonight. Your father’s been in low spirits these days—let Chengdong drink with him.”
Jiang Rou had a hunch. “Is it because of Jiang Qiuyu again?”
“She hasn’t come by lately. Your father’s just brooding on his own.” Chen Aihe didn’t want to dwell on her, so she changed the subject. “You and Chengdong have been married nearly three months now. Isn’t there any movement with your belly?”
“What kind of feeling?” Jiang Rou was slightly taken aback.
“Like nausea, acid reflux, anything like that?”
Only then did she realize what her mother meant. Forcing a smile, she replied, “Pregnancy doesn’t happen that easily. Look at Sister Ling in the backyard—she’s been married for over a year and only just got pregnant.”
In truth, she hadn’t yet figured out how to tell her family that she might not be able to conceive at all.
Chen Aihe thought it over and agreed. Pregnancy could come early or late; there was no need to be anxious.
By evening, Jiang Rou brought out the dishes, Shi Lan set the bowls and chopsticks, and Jiang Deshan produced a bottle of medicinal liquor gifted by someone, handing it to Shen Chengdong. “Drink this. It’s too strong for me,” he said, reaching for another bottle of plain white liquor to pour himself a cup.
Shen Chengdong eyed the golden liquid but couldn’t make sense of it—he assumed it was simply high-proof, which was why his father-in-law avoided it.
Jiang Rou thought the same. Seeing her father already pouring, she urged her husband, “Go on, pour yourself some too. It looks good.”
Setting aside his doubts, Shen Chengdong filled his cup. The two began exchanging toasts, drinking with peanuts and cold dishes.
Chen Aihe watched from the side, adding food to their plates. “Your father’s in the mood today, Chengdong. Keep him company and drink a few more cups.”
Shen Chengdong nodded. The liquor was smooth and fragrant, surprisingly pleasant, so he took a few extra sips.
After several rounds, Jiang Deshan slowed down, gradually becoming tipsy. But he was a good drinker—when drunk, he only slept, never caused trouble. Half an hour later, he was completely out of it. Shen Chengdong supported him back to his room.
By the time Jiang Rou and Shen Chengdong left the courtyard, the sky outside was already dark.
The night breeze was warm. The man couldn’t resist loosening two buttons on his shirt, his Adam’s apple shifting as he swallowed. Walking beside him, Jiang Rou turned her head and thought her husband looked especially handsome.
Sensing her gaze, Shen Chengdong glanced back, his eyes tinged red. “What is it?”
“Nothing. Just that walking at night feels nice.”
Seeing the alley empty, Jiang Rou took the initiative to hold his hand as they headed home.
Shen Chengdong clasped her delicate, boneless fingers, his body growing hotter, leaning closer to her, his eyes reddening further.
Because of the darkness, Jiang Rou didn’t notice anything unusual. She chatted along the way, while he listened silently.
Back in their courtyard, neighbors were still chatting outside. Spotting them, they greeted them with cheerful smiles.
Jiang Rou exchanged a few words. Normally, Shen Chengdong would wait patiently at her side, but tonight he tugged lightly at her sleeve, signaling her to head home sooner.
Thinking he was queasy from the alcohol, Jiang Rou quickly bade the neighbors goodbye and whispered to him, “Hold on a little longer—we’re almost home.”
The man gave her a deep look, his breathing growing heavier.
She found the key, opened the door, and stepped inside. Just as she reached for the light cord, his hand seized hers. In the pitch-dark room, he wrapped his arms around her from behind, the smell of liquor clinging to him.
Pressed so tightly she could hardly breathe, Jiang Rou whispered weakly, “Weren’t you about to throw up? Don’t fool around—let me go first.”
If he vomited all over her, it would be a disaster!
But Shen Chengdong acted as though he hadn’t heard, holding her even tighter, lightly biting her ear. His rough breathing throbbed against her eardrum, sending a tingling current through her, leaving her numb and trembling.
Time blurred. Outside in the courtyard, neighbors were still chatting merrily, laughter ringing out, mingled with a child’s sudden cry after a fall.
Hearing it, Jiang Rou couldn’t help but sob softly, her pale hands braced against the rim of the water vat. In her wavering vision, the rippling water shimmered, its sound rising faintly.
The next day, Jiang Rou took leave from work. Thinking she was ill, Zhao Xiaolu brought a box of pastries after her shift to visit.
With a guest in the house, Jiang Rou pulled on long sleeves and trousers, covering herself tightly.
“What’s wrong with you? Sweating it out with a fever?”
“Mm, a bit of a high fever.” Jiang Rou forced a smile and deliberately coughed twice, her face flushed red.
Seeing her so unwell, Zhao Xiaolu felt distressed. “Don’t go to work tomorrow either. Wait until you’re fully recovered.”
Covered in red marks, Jiang Rou had already planned to do just that.
“I came today with good news. My aunt signed you up for the exam. The exact date will be announced later. She said you should study hard in the meantime—read newspapers, practice daily—and come to her house every evening for an hour of tutoring. When the exam comes, you’ll be sure to pass!”
“Please thank your aunt for me. I’d rather study on my own—she’s already helped me so much.”
“Don’t be so polite. My aunt really likes you. If it were anyone else, she wouldn’t bother!”
Thinking about the factory’s uncertain future, Jiang Rou ventured, “How about we both take the broadcasting station exam? We could look out for each other.”
“I won’t. I’m comfortable at the machine factory, and I get to be with Yuanzhi every day. I don’t want to work under my aunt.”
“What if the factory’s performance declines someday?”
“That’s impossible. Ours is a state-owned plant, always ranked first in profits. You’re just worrying over nothing.”
Realizing she couldn’t persuade her, Jiang Rou dropped the subject for now. After sending her friend off, Shen Chengdong returned from work carrying meat.
Jiang Rou lay back down, ignoring him.
“How are you? Still feeling unwell?” The man sat at the edge of the bed, full of regret for his excesses the night before, though he couldn’t explain why he had lost control.
Jiang Rou shot him a glare and complained, “I want to sleep in a separate bed. Tomorrow we’ll buy another one—each of us will have our own.”
“I don’t know why I was like that yesterday. I promise I won’t drink again.” To reassure her, he added, “I’ll even write a pledge. If I break it, then we’ll sleep apart.”
Reluctantly, Jiang Rou accepted, but remembering how much she had suffered the night before, she pinched him hard to vent her anger.
For the next few days, Shen Chengdong behaved himself. Once the red marks faded, Jiang Rou finally returned to work.
Han Yuanzhi touched her forehead with a grin. “Looks like you’re better. Since you’re well again, I’ve got a tough task for you.”
Jiang Rou blinked nervously. “What task?”
“I’ve already bought train tickets to Old Third’s place. I’ll be leaving the day after tomorrow. While I’m gone, you need to take good care of your sister‑in‑law, understand?”
“Alright, no problem.” Even if he hadn’t asked, she would have done so.
To thank her, before finishing work, Han Yuanzhi handed her a box of braised pork and another of kung pao chicken. “Take them, don’t worry—I paid with meal tickets.”
Seeing such fine dishes, Jiang Rou beamed. “Thank you, Second Brother. I’ll take care of Sister‑in‑law with all my heart!”
True to her principle of not eating alone, she brought the food back to her mother’s house, planning to share it with everyone at dinner.
Chen Aihe was delighted at the sight. “Being a chef really is best—you can eat whatever you want.”
“Mom, Second Brother used meal tickets for this.”
“I didn’t say he took it for free. Our Chen family is upright—we don’t do sneaky things.”
With ready‑made dishes, dinner only needed rice and a couple of cold sides, making another fine spread for drinking.
Chen Aihe brought out the medicinal liquor and white wine from the other night. Jiang Rou quickly stopped her. “Mom, Chengdong’s stomach hasn’t been well lately. He can’t drink.”
“This is tonic wine. A little won’t hurt.”
Recalling that wild night, Jiang Rou pressed her lips together and asked, “What exactly does it ‘tonify’? Don’t tell me it’s an aphrodisiac?”
“How should I know? Your father said the person who gave it to him claimed it was good wine—strengthens the body, makes you younger. But after one cup he stopped. Said it made him feel overheated; his body couldn’t take it.”
Only then did Chen Aihe realize what “aphrodisiac” implied. She glanced at Jiang Rou, her eyes carrying a subtle, unspoken meaning. “So… did Chengdong drink it and…?”
“…” Jiang Rou felt a wave of helplessness. She didn’t want to explain, and her face burned even hotter.
“You two don’t have children yet—this wine is just right. Why not drink a few more cups tonight?”
Hearing her mother mention children again, Jiang Rou bit her lip. At last she made up her mind: better to let her parents be completely disappointed than to let them hope again and again only to be crushed.
“Mom, I have something to tell you.”
“Oh? What is it? Go ahead.”
Afraid the blow would be too much, Jiang Rou pulled her mother into the bedroom and sat her down on the edge of the kang. Taking a deep breath, she spoke the truth. “I may be infertile. I might never have children in this lifetime.”
“What? Infertile!” Chen Aihe’s head buzzed, as though the sky were collapsing.
“Who told you that? Did you go to the hospital?”
Seeing her mother’s eyes redden, Jiang Rou felt awful. “I went to the hospital for a pulse diagnosis. The doctor said my pulse shows it’s difficult to conceive.”
After confiding in Shen Chengdong, she had really gone to the hospital, wanting to know if the story matched reality. The diagnosis confirmed it. Though she had half‑expected it, the result still left her despondent.
“How could this happen…” Chen Aihe’s face was full of worry. Suddenly, she asked, “Does Chengdong know? What if he can’t accept it?”
“He knows. He said it doesn’t matter whether we have children or not.” At that, Jiang Rou’s gloom lifted.
“He really said that?” Chen Aihe was astonished. She thought of the Meng family next door—Meng Wen couldn’t bear children, so her husband went outside to secretly father one. Good men were rare these days; few would willingly live childless. So she found it hard to believe.
Sensing her doubt, Jiang Rou smiled. “Life is long. Let’s wait and see. I believe he meant what he said.”
At this point, there was nothing else to do but take things one step at a time. Chen Aihe said no more, planning instead to find a good traditional doctor in the coming days to examine her daughter again.
That evening, when Shen Chengdong returned from work, he clearly noticed his mother‑in‑law’s attitude toward him had changed. Curious, he asked Jiang Rou, “What’s with Mom today? She seemed different than usual.”
“What do you mean? I think she’s the same as always.” Jiang Rou feigned ignorance, teasing him a little.
Shen Chengdong pressed his lips together, not daring to say more. But he felt her mother was much warmer toward him than before.