At daybreak, You Chen returned.
His tall, lean frame was clad in black, with black short boots that were especially eye-catching. His medium-length wavy hair was tied back, bearing a slight resemblance to You Jin. His handsome features carried a roguish elegance.
He tossed his black duffel bag aside and knelt directly before Grandfather’s coffin, kowtowing.
With everyone assembled, Nan Mo was finally released from his duties and couldn’t wait to proceed with the funeral procession.
The You family members wore mourning clothes.
Wu Weiwei, as an outsider, insisted on receiving the same treatment as Song Wanxi—she wanted to wear mourning cloth for Grandfather as well.
Unable to withstand her pleas, the You family agreed.
During the funeral procession, Wu Weiwei walked side by side with You Jin.
Song Wanxi was like an outsider, isolated at the back, following along with Sister Feng and the others.
Grandfather was cremated at the funeral parlor, and his ashes were buried.
The day after the funeral ended, torrential rain poured down.
Grandmother was brought back from the hospital. She had no appetite for food or tea and lay resting in her room.
The atmosphere in the house was somber and silent.
At the long rectangular dining table, the You family members and Wu Weiwei all sat together eating.
In their eyes, Song Wanxi’s status wasn’t worthy of the table. Apart from Grandmother, no one paid her any attention.
They chatted about seemingly highbrow topics, constantly flaunting their noble status and putting on airs of superiority.
Song Wanxi had no intention of trying to win anyone’s favor.
Her cousin You Jenny noticed that You Jin wasn’t saying much and deliberately brought up a topic. “Big Brother, can I catch a ride with you back to the city?”
You Jin looked up at her, his gaze darkening slightly.
Wu Weiwei quickly interjected, “A-Jin, I want to ride back to the city with you too.”
You Jin didn’t speak, only letting out a low grunt from his throat. “Mm.”
You Chen, sitting across the table, raised an eyebrow and gazed fixedly at Song Wanxi. His stare was direct, making no effort to hide his admiration. His tongue unconsciously licked the corner of his lips as he gave a roguish smile. “Sister-in-law, why don’t you ride with me instead? I’ll take you home.”
Song Wanxi’s eating motion paused as she looked at him.
Meeting Song Wanxi’s clear, beautiful eyes, You Chen’s smile deepened and his gaze grew heated. “My motorcycle is no slower than a sedan—thrilling, comfortable, and full of kick!”
You Jin set down his bowl and chopsticks, picked up a napkin to wipe his mouth, then leaned back in his chair. His cold, sharp gaze shot toward You Chen, and an aggressive, icy aura enveloped the room.
You Chen had no respect for seniority, openly teasing his own sister-in-law.
Everyone knew his unscrupulous nature and simply thought he was joking with his elder brother’s wife. No one took it seriously.
Song Wanxi didn’t want to ride in You Jin’s car, but she even less dared to ride You Chen’s motorcycle. She had no desire to experience life-and-death speed on the highway, drifting through curves.
“No need, thank you, Little Uncle.” Song Wanxi replied softly.
You Chen’s eyes were full of affection, his smile ambiguous, his naked gaze fixed on Song Wanxi’s stunningly beautiful face.
After the meal, Second Aunt was in the kitchen washing dishes and cleaning up.
Song Wanxi didn’t want to sit in the living room as decoration, so she took the initiative to go into the kitchen to help Second Aunt.
Although Second Aunt was virtuous and capable, her maternal family had strong backing, which made her look down on Song Wanxi—a poor girl from a remote mountain valley. Like the others, she felt Song Wanxi had married above her station.
“You finish the rest of the washing.” Second Aunt coldly tossed out the words, unwilling to stay with Song Wanxi, and left.
Song Wanxi didn’t mind. She just wanted a space to herself, to avoid facing her husband’s family who disliked her, always sitting stiffly and awkwardly in the corner.
Song Wanxi cleaned up, washed her hands, and just as she turned around, a tall figure suddenly loomed over her.
Startled, she stepped back, her back pressing against the stove. Her heart pounded as if it would burst, and her breathing became erratic.
You Chen braced one hand on the counter, leaning down to trap her in front of him. His wicked, cold eyes narrowed as he murmured softly, “Sister-in-law, this kind of rough, dirty work will hurt your delicate little hands. Don’t do it anymore.”
Song Wanxi calmed herself, anger burning in her chest. Her tone hardened. “Little Uncle, please show some respect and stay away from me.”
You Chen raised an eyebrow with a cold smirk and spoke softly, “I can tell my brother isn’t good to you—colder than a stranger. You’re so beautiful, so outstanding, so gentle. How many men would love to have you? Why force yourself to suffer?”
Song Wanxi clenched her fists, glaring at him in fury. “Please leave.”
You Chen didn’t retreat but instead moved closer, his hot breath spraying against her cheek as he whispered hoarsely, “Sister-in-law, I don’t mind that you’ve been married to my brother for two years. Why not be with me instead? I’ll treat you a thousand times better, ten thousand times better than he does. I’ll never neglect you, and I’ll never look at another woman besides you.”
Song Wanxi was traditional at heart, and You Chen’s behavior made her feel disgusted.
Even if every man in the world were dead, she would never be with her own husband’s younger brother.
“Get away from me.” Song Wanxi pushed with all her strength against You Chen’s chest.
You Chen stumbled back two steps.
Song Wanxi frantically sidestepped him, trying to flee.
She had only taken two steps when her body froze, and she stopped in her tracks.
You Jin was standing at the doorway, leaning against the wall with his hands in his pockets, watching the scene with a calm expression.
Harassed by You Chen, Song Wanxi felt only humiliation and fury.
But her husband watched impassively as she was harassed by another man—offering no help, no intervention.
How could he be colder than a stranger?
Her heart felt as if it had been shattered by a boulder, crushed into bloody pulp, aching until she could barely breathe.
An unprecedented despair and loss flooded her very being, a misery beyond words, making her want to flee to some deserted place and sob her heart out.
She lowered her head, eyes brimming with tears, biting hard on her lower lip as she brushed past You Jin with long, hurried strides.
Leaving the villa, she headed deep into the empty fields beyond the village.
In the kitchen.
When You Chen saw You Jin, he showed not a trace of fear. Instead, he raised an eyebrow smugly, wearing an air of arrogant defiance.
You Jin stepped inside, reached back to close the kitchen door, and turned the lock.
At the sight, You Chen’s body stiffened. The smile on his face gradually faded, and a flicker of unease surfaced in his eyes.
You Jin leisurely unfastened his cufflinks, unhurriedly approaching You Chen. The arms revealed beneath his rolled-up sleeves were solid and muscular—the product of long-term training.
Before You Jin, You Chen seemed frail and thin by comparison.
His elder brother had always been refined, composed, and level-headed. You Chen would never believe he would resort to violence.
His voice trembled slightly. “Brother, we’re both civilized men. Let’s settle things with words—no need for fists. Grandpa’s seventh-day rites aren’t even over yet…”
Before he could finish, You Jin’s iron-hard fist swept through the air like a thousand-pound hammer.
A dull thud.
You Chen was knocked sideways, crashing directly into the refrigerator. His hands slapped against it, and the large appliance wobbled.
His brows knitted in pain, blood seeping from the corner of his mouth. Still dizzy and disoriented, before he could react, You Jin grabbed his collar, yanked him back, and delivered another punch.
You Chen collapsed to the floor, spitting out saliva streaked with blood.
Gasping for breath, he braced himself against the floor, struggling to rise, his eyes fixed on You Jin with venomous intensity. Through gritted teeth, he snarled, “Go ahead, kill me if you dare. Otherwise, I’m taking Song Wanxi no matter what.”
You Jin’s face turned ashen. He dropped to one knee, seized You Chen by the collar, and dragged him close. His cold, fierce gaze carried murderous intent, and his voice was soft—yet it sent chills down the spine. “You dare covet your own sister-in-law? Tired of living, are you?”
You Chen sneered recklessly. “You’re such a hypocrite. You married such a beautiful, virtuous wife, and you won’t touch her—yet you won’t let anyone else touch her either.”
You Jin’s iron fist clenched until it trembled, barely suppressing the murderous rage burning within him. His dark eyes blazed like fire, and each word emerged like ice from a frozen cavern: “You Chen, I’m warning you—if you harass her again, don’t blame me for killing you without regard for brotherhood.”
Having delivered his threat, You Jin released his collar, rose to his feet, and turned to walk away.
“You don’t love her—so why do you keep her locked up and refuse to let her go?” You Chen shouted furiously at his retreating back.