If it weren’t for the four large characters “Nancheng Prison” looming not far behind them, no one would have guessed that Shen Zhiyi was a former convict just released from serving her sentence.
To anyone unaware, she looked like she had just stepped out of some place of high importance.
Lu Yusheng was left dumbfounded by her audacity. He let out a cold laugh and retorted, “Shen Zhiyi, are you dreaming in broad daylight?”
“Three years of labor reform didn’t make you reflect, did it? You’ve done time, and yet you’ve developed a sense of superiority?”
Lu Yusheng could hardly believe his own ears.
Shen Zhiyi was actually telling him to kneel and beg her?
What right did he have to beg her?
“Shen Zhiyi, it’s not too late to regret this. Otherwise, once the whole city finds out, you won’t just be unable to stay in the village you won’t be able to set foot anywhere in Nancheng at all.”
“Is that so? I’d very much like to see exactly how I’m going to be barred from every corner of Nancheng,” Shen Zhiyi replied, looking completely fearless.
“Hmph, Shen Zhiyi, you’re just all talk.” Lu Yusheng didn’t take her seriously at all; she was just an ex-convict fresh out of prison.
“Ruochu, let’s go.” Furious, Lu Yusheng paid no heed to public decency. He grabbed Jiang Ruochu’s hand and prepared to get back on his bicycle.
Shen Zhiyi must have gone mad, demanding he kneel just to sign divorce papers?
He would wait and see who ended up begging whom in the end.
Jiang Ruochu wanted to say something to Shen Zhiyi, but seeing how angry Lu Yusheng was and how stubborn Shen Zhiyi appeared, she knew it was useless to argue.
Before getting on the bike, she turned to Zhou Muchuan for help. “Officer Zhou, could you please try to talk some sense into Zhiyi? Tell her it’s better for everyone to part ways peacefully with Yusheng Ge.”
“…”
Shen Zhiyi raised an eyebrow. Jiang Ruochu was actually asking Officer Zhou to persuade her?
“Ruochu, enough. Let her think what she wants. Let’s go.”
This time, Lu Yusheng made no attempt to hide his intentions. He deliberately helped Jiang Ruochu sit in front of him, holding her in his arms as they rode back to Lujia Village.
It was a blatant attempt to provoke Shen Zhiyi.
Watching them leave, Shen Zhiyi merely sneered. The original owner’s heart was already dead. As for her, a stranger in this body, even if Lu Yusheng the scumbag were to sleep with Jiang Ruochu the homewrecker right in front of her eyes, it would be nothing more than an eyesore. She felt nothing else for him.
“Shen Zhiyi, I’m sorry. I didn’t expect them to show up together,” Zhou Muchuan said apologetically.
“There’s no need to apologize, Officer Zhou. I suspect there’s more than one thing you didn’t expect,” Shen Zhiyi said meaningfully. Without proof, she wouldn’t speak too plainly; making unfounded accusations could get her sued for defamation.
“Shen Zhiyi, I owe Dr. Lu a favor. Half a year ago, he performed an appendectomy on my father, and my whole family is grateful. Today, bringing you this divorce agreement is my way of repaying that debt.”
Zhou Muchuan explained why he was the one delivering the papers. However, his main purpose wasn’t the divorce agreement he had promised Shen Zhiyi’s mother that he would personally pick her up and take her back to her parents’ home today.
The Lu family and Lujia Village might not welcome her, but her own family and the people in Lihua Village certainly did.
“Alright, Officer Zhou. Is there anything else? If not, I’ll be going now.” Shen Zhiyi didn’t care why an outsider like him was getting involved in her affairs with Lu Yusheng.
“Shen Zhiyi.” Zhou Muchuan called out to her again. “If you really want to reopen your case and clear your name, I can help you.”
Shen Zhiyi froze.
Sunlight glinted off the badge on his shoulder, casting a sharp, cold light.
This man the same one who had personally arrested her and sent her to prison was now offering to personally help her seek justice?
Did he understand what reopening the case meant?
Did he realize that if she were truly exonerated, his secure job could be gone?
Furthermore
Would he be forced to take off that uniform, so shiny and full of honor for both himself and his family?
Wasn’t that price too high for him to pay?
Yet, looking at the sincerity reflected in his dark eyes, Shen Zhiyi felt her resistance toward him melting away.
She got into the sidecar of the police motorcycle, which then headed toward Lujia Village. She held the military-style canteen that Zhou Muchuan had given her.
Zhou Muchuan wanted to take her straight to her parents’ house, but Shen Zhiyi insisted on stopping at Lujia Village first.
“Try not to act impulsively once we get there,” Zhou Muchuan said, one hand on the handlebar. His sleeves were rolled up, revealing his strong forearms.
Shen Zhiyi smiled slightly. “Are you worried I’ll get hurt, Officer Zhou? Or are you worried I’ll cause trouble for you?”
“The Lu family is hosting a grand feast today. Ever since Dr. Lu started working at the town hospital, their standing in the village has been very high.”
“…”
Shen Zhiyi understood. He was worried that as an ex-convict returning now, the entire village would turn against her for Lu Yusheng’s sake.
A grand feast, huh?
Perfect. This was exactly the stage she needed.
The motorcycle turned into the village entrance
Wow! What a spectacle!
More than twenty large tables were set up outside the Lu residence, packed with villagers. Smoke rose from the cooking fires, creating a bustling, lively atmosphere.
The most eye-catching was the main table at the center, covered with a bright red cloth. On it sat bottles of expensive Moutai liquor and large bowls of braised pork.
Back when she and Lu Yusheng got married, the family had constantly complained about being poor. Even the liquor served to guests had been provided by her own mother.
And now? For a child’s first birthday, they could afford such expensive wine and put on such a show?
Shen Zhiyi’s chest tightened with anger and disgust.
Lu Yusheng was wearing a brand-new Zhongshan suit, bustling through the crowd, pouring tea and serving guests.
Jiang Ruochu walked beside him, holding little Tongtong’s hand, looking every bit the mistress of the house. And around her neck, glinting clearly in the light, was the gold necklace that belonged to the original Shen Zhiyi.
“Oh! Look who’s back! Isn’t this the ex-con?” Aunt Li, who was cracking sunflower seeds by the door, shouted loudly.
The entire courtyard fell silent instantly.
Every eye turned toward Shen Zhiyi and Officer Zhou.
Mother Lu squinted, confirming that it was indeed Shen Zhiyi. With a loud clatter, she slammed her teacup down and shrieked, “You bad luck charm! What are you doing here?”
She rolled her eyes, her expression filled with utter disdain.
Shen Zhiyi stepped off the vehicle slowly, patting the nonexistent dust off her grey trousers. “I’m still married to Lu Yusheng. Isn’t it only right for me to come home?”
She stared coldly at Mother Lu. If it weren’t for fulfilling the original owner’s wishes, would she ever set foot in this filthy place?
This woman had never treated her well from the day she married in, acting like a tyrant straight out of feudal times, demanding absolute obedience.
Yet look at her now, smiling at Jiang Ruochu as sweetly as spring blossoms.