Chapter 60: Not Angry

Once Shen Zhuo left, Wang Xiaowei curiously leaned closer to Ye Xin and whispered, “Did Shen Zhuo really serve tea and pour water?”

Ye Xin poured her a cup of tea and asked, “Is that so strange?”

Wang Xiaowei nodded vigorously. “It is strange! Even though society is becoming more progressive and gender equality is promoted, in most households, cooking and cleaning are still seen as women’s work. In my family, it’s even more traditional. When guests come over, it’s all about maintaining face, and men rarely offer to serve tea.”

Ye Xin shrugged, not seeing a problem. “He just helped because I didn’t want to leave you here while I went to boil water. If one of his friends came over, I’d do the same for him.”

Wang Xiaowei was momentarily taken aback by Ye Xin’s casual attitude, then sighed, “While it’s true that couples should help each other and be considerate, how many actually manage to do that?”

Ye Xin didn’t have much experience in this area. In her past life, she barely interacted with boys, and in this life, it was only Shen Zhuo she had spent time with. As for her family back then, they weren’t exactly harmonious either. In her memories, when guests visited, things were quite relaxed; they’d just pour water or grab drinks and fruits. Back then, with water dispensers and refrigerators, everything was very convenient. For more formal occasions, they’d just go out to eat at a restaurant, so there was never really a question of who would serve tea.

Of course, she had seen plenty online; in the 2020s, many households still had traditional housewives. But those situations felt distant and didn’t resonate with her.

She chuckled, “Maybe it’s because you’re usually so gentle and kind. We didn’t treat you like a guest and were just casual about it.”

Wang Xiaowei smiled, feeling pleased that Ye Xin was so friendly towards her. Sipping her hot tea, she felt a warm glow inside.

Setting down her cup, she couldn’t help but say, “The more I see you and Shen Zhuo together, the more I envy you both.”

As Ye Xin poured more tea, she shook her head. “What’s there to envy? Look at him—he barely greets anyone. You’re the only one who understands him and doesn’t mind. If others were to misinterpret his silence, they’d think he was being rude. I often have to smooth things over to keep the atmosphere from getting awkward. He probably doesn’t even realize how many people he’s offended when I’m not around. Honestly, his personality gives me a headache.”

Wang Xiaowei laughed, “You two balance each other perfectly. He may be socially awkward, but he’s not unreasonable. With you as his capable partner, I’m sure he won’t offend anyone. Besides, he’s only cold to others; he treats you well, so just enjoy it.”

Ye Xin’s face flushed. “Xiaowei, stop teasing me.”

Wang Xiaowei chuckled again, then turned serious. “But in all honesty, seeing you two live harmoniously makes me want to settle down with someone local too.”

Ye Xin looked at her in surprise.

Wang Xiaowei met her bright eyes, somewhat resigned. “Are you that surprised? I’m twenty-six this year, not exactly a child anymore. Women have it tougher when it comes to age; if I don’t find someone soon, it will only get harder. Living in the intellectual youth dormitory has its inconveniences and can easily lead to conflicts. If I were to settle down, at least I’d have my own space, unlike this crowded dorm.”

Ye Xin hesitated. “Xiaowei, I shouldn’t be the one advising you about age, but you really should think this through. Don’t rush into marriage just for the sake of it… What if that person turns out to be unsuitable? It could make life even more difficult.”

Wang Xiaowei nodded, “I understand that. I’ll take my time finding someone.”

Ye Xin sighed in relief. “That’s good to hear.”

But then, Wang Xiaowei became curious. “By the way, how did you end up liking Shen Zhuo? I heard that his father had inquired about several potential matches, but nobody wanted to marry into his family because of their situation. Back then, he was just as cold and quiet as he is now; how did you manage to see his good side?”

Ye Xin sighed, “I don’t have any extraordinary insight. Back then, I didn’t really know him; I just saw his external circumstances.”

In truth, she hadn’t even arrived in this world at that time…

If she had to choose in that situation, she certainly wouldn’t have agreed. It wasn’t about anything else; she was simply too young to be thinking about engagement.

Rather than getting engaged, it would be better to build good relationships with the seasoned youth and get along harmoniously with the local team members, learning the ropes to survive in this new place. Relying on others was never as dependable as relying on oneself.

But the original owner’s spirit had long since dissipated, and now she was essentially the original owner, left awkwardly explaining, “At that time, I had just come here, found farming too grueling, and thought it would be easier to find someone to share the burden with… I suppose I just couldn’t handle hardship, so don’t laugh at me, Xiaowei.”

How could Wang Xiaowei laugh at her? She understood the sentiment all too well. Yet, she felt a twinge of shame recalling how everyone had isolated her back then.

Since the question was raised, she decided to dig deeper: “So, when his father came to visit, didn’t you stir up a fuss? What changed your mind? Did Shen Zhuo silently treat you better even back then?”

Ye Xin remembered the day she arrived in this world, feeling lost and helpless, and she couldn’t help but pout. “How could he? He was downright cold and hostile, practically trying to kick me out!”

Wang Xiaowei’s eyes widened in surprise. “So, how did things improve?”

Ye Xin sighed. “Honestly, I was just too stubborn to leave. In a moment of impulsiveness, I cooled down and realized he wasn’t so bad after all, which led to my regret.”

Wang Xiaowei playfully asked, “What’s so great about him? Is it his looks?”

Ye Xin nodded, then shook her head. “Looks are secondary; the main thing is he has a house and a car. Otherwise, I wouldn’t even consider being with him…”

Just then, Shen Zhuo walked in.

Both women fell silent.

Shen Zhuo lowered his eyes and brought over a pot of charcoal, setting it down for them to warm themselves. This was the same pot Ye Xin had used to warm up with Wang Xiaowei and Zheng Wenwen earlier.

After placing the charcoal down, he glanced at Ye Xin without saying a word, then turned and left the room.

Wang Xiaowei whispered, “Do you think he overheard us?”

Ye Xin frowned. “If he did, he did.”

Wang Xiaowei looked worried. “Do you think he’s angry? I feel bad for bringing this up. You should go clarify things with him to avoid any misunderstandings.”

Ye Xin waved it off. “It’s fine.”

Even though she said that, Wang Xiaowei still felt uneasy and regretted asking. After all, it was a rare moment of gossip, and it happened to be overheard, leaving her feeling embarrassed to stay. So, she stood up and suggested she should leave.

Ye Xin, seeing she couldn’t convince her to stay, packed some food into her basket as a parting gift.

As they reached the gate, Ye Xin remembered that last time she wanted to buy some chicken and duck eggs but didn’t manage to. “Xiaowei, my chickens have started laying eggs. If you ever need any, just come by. I’m saving them up!”

But Wang Xiaowei had no time to think about eggs. She hurriedly urged her, “You really need to explain things to Shen Zhuo clearly. Don’t let this drag on. If I caused any awkwardness between you two, I’d be too ashamed to show my face again.”

Ye Xin smiled and reassured her, “Okay, I’ll explain it to him right away. Don’t worry, Xiaowei.”

After shutting the gate and returning inside, she found Shen Zhuo busy cleaning up the tea snacks they had just eaten. He was quite diligent.

When he saw her return, he didn’t look at her or speak, silently continuing to gather the items and washing them in the kitchen, his profile appearing strikingly handsome yet aloof.

Ye Xin walked closer, stealing glances at him, unable to resist asking, “Are you upset?”

After a moment of silence, Shen Zhuo replied, “No.”

Though he said no, his tone was muffled, clearly indicating he was displeased.

Ye Xin furrowed her brow, thinking he was a bit difficult to handle. However, she felt no guilt. Instead, she spoke with confidence, “I didn’t lie to you; I was straightforward about my thoughts back then.”

“It’s just that I was drawn to your good looks and the fact that you have a house and a car. Don’t let that cause any friction between us now!”

At that moment…

Shen Zhuo paused slightly, clearly recalling the conversation. It had been during a trip back from town when he found himself perplexed and conflicted about his feelings for her. He had asked her directly, “Do you still take our engagement seriously?”

Instead of giving him a straightforward answer, she had countered with a question of her own: Did he want to take it seriously? She pointed out that she had nothing to her name, while he had a house, a car, and a handsome appearance. If they took the engagement seriously, it would be he who was at a disadvantage, while she would benefit. So it really depended on whether he was willing to go through with it.

In the end, he had said he was willing.

That was the moment when their hearts truly began to align.

As Shen Zhuo washed the teacups, he dried his hands before turning to her with a serious expression. “I really am not angry.”

Ye Xin pressed him, “Then why do you look so upset, as if I’ve wronged you?”

Shen Zhuo sighed, his mood clearly deflated. “Because you mentioned how I treated you poorly back then, with a cold stare and trying to kick you out…”

Ye Xin felt a surge of indignation, her voice rising, “Wasn’t that the truth? Did I say something wrong??”

Shen Zhuo quickly replied, “Yes, you did.”

His face twisted in regret. “I didn’t realize how wonderful you were back then. It was all my fault.”

Then he solemnly apologized, “I’m sorry. You must have been really hurt at that time.”

Ye Xin finally understood the source of his guilt and responded with a reluctant “hmph.”

Shen Zhuo looked down at her, continuing to explain, “I had no idea you still remembered that incident. I thought you were still holding a grudge against me and were blaming me for it. I just didn’t know what to do. I’m so foolish… Please forgive me; I’ll make sure you’re never sad again.”

Ye Xin scoffed lightly, “Easy for you to say. You’re making me sad right now. It’s the first day of the New Year, and you’re giving me the cold shoulder. Impressive!”

Shen Zhuo, feeling even more regretful, rushed to placate her. But he was at a loss for words, resorting to repeated apologies of “I’m sorry.”

Ye Xin didn’t want to dwell on this too long; it was New Year’s after all, so she decided not to hold it against him. Still, she felt it necessary to add, “In the future, if you have something on your mind, just say it directly. Don’t expect me to guess; it’s exhausting!”

Shen Zhuo nodded eagerly. “Okay, I promise I’ll do better from now on.”

That seemed to settle things.

Just as Ye Xin was about to walk away, he caught her wrist.

He hesitated, then asked, “Xin Xin, why did you… suddenly change back then?”

Ye Xin’s heart raced; he had finally broached the subject. Only Shen Zhuo, who had lived with her day in and day out, truly understood the magnitude of her transformation. Even the less familiar local aunties and youth had been surprised by the shift in her demeanor. There was no reason for Shen Zhuo to be any less curious.

However, after all this time without asking, she had assumed he had unconsciously accepted it.

So, Ye Xin could only say, “What’s the reason? Can’t I just come to terms with things?”

Shen Zhuo, having just heard her talking to Wang Xiaowei about that period, suddenly recalled it himself. Looking back, her change had indeed been drastic and abrupt. One evening, after returning from work, he had found her to be an entirely different person.

He felt puzzled and wanted to ask more.

But Ye Xin, not wanting him to delve deeper, leaned into his embrace, cleverly deflecting, “Let’s not go there. People are just strange sometimes. If you’re going to be with me, don’t dwell on the past… It’s the New Year; we should turn the page and look to the future, right?”

Feeling her soft warmth in his arms, Shen Zhuo was momentarily taken aback. Hearing her slightly aggrieved tone melted his heart. He wrapped his arms gently around her and replied, “Hmm.”

Forget the past; what did it matter now?

All he knew was that he cherished the Ye Xin of today.

She was smart, diligent, full of energy, optimistic, took care of herself, and was considerate of him—she was a truly wonderful Ye Xin.

It was time to think about the future.

In the new year, they would still be together, working hard toward a better life. And that was more than enough.