Chapter 115: Ambiguity

Yu Xiangnian thought to herself, “Do I look like someone who likes to meddle?”

Spending all day involved in neighbors’ trivial matters? Even if she had the time, she had no interest in it. She certainly didn’t want to become a gossiping woman!

With a look of regret, she said, “I truly want to support the leadership of the military district, but I have a strange temper, I speak bluntly, and my reputation in the family quarters isn’t great. Even if I say something, they wouldn’t listen!”

Her reputation as a shrew had its uses!

Yu Xiangnian paused and added, “The family committee is meant to foster feelings and communication among family members. I’m worried that if I join, it might have the opposite effect, harming relationships and disappointing the military district leaders’ intentions.”

Ma Dacheng and Su Mingliang exchanged a glance, finding it difficult to decide.

What Yu Xiangnian said wasn’t entirely false. Her temper might indeed cause conflicts instead of resolving them.

However, there weren’t many educated and capable organizers among the family members.

Seeing their dilemma, Yu Xiangnian continued, “Our family quarters are full of talents. For instance, Commissar Su’s wife, Sister Ai Qin, is educated and capable of writing and accounting; Captain Zheng’s wife is excellent at traditional dance and was once part of a town dance team; and Deputy Captain Fang’s wife is always willing to help others.”

Yu Xiangnian rattled off several family members’ strengths.

Cheng Jingmo was surprised. How did Yu Xiangnian know so much about these people when she hadn’t even spoken to them?

What he didn’t know was that during the days when Yu Xiangnian had sprained her ankle, Liu Zhen and Wang Hongxiang had filled her in on the details about the other family members.

Now, this information was proving useful!

With clear candidates in mind, Ma Dacheng and the others didn’t push Yu Xiangnian further. After a few pleasantries, they left.

Yu Xiangnian returned to her work, while Cheng Jingmo watched her, sometimes marking the book, sometimes frowning in thought, and sometimes nodding in realization before writing something down.

In less than three months, she had translated four-fifths of a thick English book.

Cheng Jingmo was captivated by her focus, but he also felt a faint worry.

The more he understood Yu Xiangnian, the more he sensed her ambitions.

So, when Ma Dacheng and the others suggested Yu Xiangnian join the family committee, he knew she would decline.

Her ambitions were never confined to the small family quarters but aimed at a broader world!

But if she ever decided to leave, what would he do?

The next day, a large notice was posted at the family quarters’ entrance, featuring the thank-you letter from the police bureau and a proposal from the military district.

The military district encouraged family members to learn from Yu Xiangnian, daring to fight against crime and becoming independent women who could hold up half the sky.

Family members crowded around the notice. Most of them were illiterate and couldn’t understand what was written.

Two literate family members read the contents aloud, and everyone started to comment.

“Wow! This woman is really brave, facing those people with just a slingshot!”

“Indeed! She usually looks so delicate, like she’d be blown away by a strong wind, but who knew she was so fierce!”

“We used to think she was bold because of her family’s support when she hit Captain Zhang. Now it seems she’s genuinely courageous!”

“And remember how she saved Fangzi last time! Though she usually seems lazy and pampered, she does have qualities we admire.”

…

Yu Xiangnian was also pulled by Liu Zhen to see the notice. She returned home, proudly telling Cheng Jingmo, “I’ve become a role model for everyone to learn from!”

Cheng Jingmo thought to himself that others didn’t yet fully understand Yu Xiangnian; she had many qualities that other family members could learn from.

Cheng Jingmo said calmly, “That’s good.”

Yu Xiangnian, feeling envious, replied, “You’ve been recognized twice this year, but I’ve only been praised once and haven’t received any reward.”

She wanted others to see her as exceptional, not just someone who was only valuable in the family context and not worthy of Cheng Jingmo in other respects.

Cheng Jingmo gave a faint smile. “I’m just fulfilling my duties; you are the brave one. I can’t compare to you.”

Upon reflection, Cheng Jingmo realized that he had simply been lucky.

The first time, he was supposed to be punished, but after a twist of events, he ended up being recognized.

The second time, if it hadn’t been for that doctor, he would have died and missed out on any recognition or reward.

Yu Xiangnian leaned closer, tilting her head, and said, “Why are you so smooth with your words today? Have you been sweet-talking?”

Yu Xiangnian’s delicate features were right beneath his gaze, and her charming eyes were fixed on him. Every blink made Cheng Jingmo’s heart race.

Their eyes locked, and Cheng Jingmo’s breathing became uneven. He wanted to look away, but his gaze seemed locked in place.

Yu Xiangnian was contemplating whether to seize the opportunity. During Cheng Jingmo’s month-long rest, she had sensed a growing romantic tension between them.

Cheng Jingmo had feelings for her, but their relationship had remained in a state of tension without advancing.

Cheng Jingmo was too reserved and conservative about romantic matters, so it seemed unlikely he would make the first move.

Yu Xiangnian tentatively placed her hands on his waist. Seeing he made no move to reject her, she slowly moved closer.

Cheng Jingmo realized what Yu Xiangnian intended and unconsciously clenched his fists. His heart pounded, his throat was dry, and his Adam’s apple bobbed uncontrollably.

Their lips were almost touching, their breaths mingling.

Cheng Jingmo’s heart felt like it was being tickled by a cat’s paw, eagerly waiting for Yu Xiangnian to close the distance.

Yu Xiangnian hesitated, wanting to make sure Cheng Jingmo wouldn’t reject her.

She didn’t want to be embarrassed again!

He should be agreeable!

She aimed at his lips, preparing to kiss him.

“I’m back!” A youthful voice called out, and with a creak, the door was pushed open.

Both of them jumped back in surprise, creating distance between them.

“Uncle, Aunt, what are you doing?” Xiao Jie looked at them in confusion.

Cheng Jingmo’s ears turned red. He turned his face towards the courtyard and said, “I got something in my eye; your aunt is helping me.”

His voice sounded different, slightly hoarse, as if something was caught in his throat.

Yu Xiangnian was extremely disappointed!

Such a great opportunity wasted!

“Why did you come back so soon?” Her disappointment was evident.

Xiao Jie sensed he might have returned at an inopportune moment.

He put down his backpack and said, “I’m going out to play again.”

Xiao Jie left to play, but the earlier romantic mood was gone, leaving them both feeling awkward.

Cheng Jingmo went to the kitchen to cook, and Yu Xiangnian returned to her room.