Chapter 15: Running Around with a Manure Basket — Seeking Death

The original owner didn’t cook, and the three meals a day were usually handled at the mine’s cafeteria. However, she never ate with Xie Fangzhu, typically waiting until after he left before slowly walking over.

Xie Fangzhu had gotten used to her indifference, usually just saying a word before leaving.

But today, unexpectedly, he even asked her if she wanted to join him. She was utterly shocked… but also annoyed.

The original owner didn’t want to have breakfast with him, and neither did she.

But given her persona, where she was supposed to be full of affection for her husband, could she refuse?

The answer was no.

Thinking this through, she resigned herself to it and gave a dazzling smile, one that could rival the sun itself: “Sure!”

She quickly jogged to his side, looking up at him with an expectant face, “I was actually too lazy to walk, will you give me a ride?”

Seeing her bright smile, like a little sun, Xie Fangzhu couldn’t help but smile back. He continued pushing his bicycle down the hill, saying, “Once we get to the bottom of the hill and I give the snake to Uncle Chen, I’ll give you a ride.”

Shen Yingying linked her arm with his, grinning happily, “You’re the best, my man!”

At the bottom of the hill was the family quarters, where rows of single-story houses were scattered. Chen Wenxing’s house was the first one at the corner.

The two quickly arrived at Chen Wenxing’s doorstep. Xie Fangzhu parked his bicycle, nodded to Shen Yingying, and picked up the black sack in the bike basket, walking toward the house.

The door was slightly ajar. Since Xie Fangzhu was a regular visitor, he didn’t hesitate and pushed it open, calling out, “Uncle Chen, are you there?”

A woman’s voice immediately replied, “Oh, it’s Little Xie! Your Uncle Chen is inside washing his face. Have you had breakfast yet?”

Xie Fangzhu entered, and since his voice wasn’t loud, Shen Yingying, standing outside, couldn’t hear what he said afterward. However, soon a deep, loud voice echoed from inside:

“It’s nothing to thank me for. My girl is always idle, so don’t worry, I’ll make sure to keep an eye on it!”

At these words, Shen Yingying couldn’t help but glance inside. What was he keeping an eye on?

Before she could process her thoughts, Xie Fangzhu came out, followed by a man who looked to be in his forties.

The man had dark skin, holding a large bowl, and was grinning widely. His prominent missing tooth made him look quite comical, though his expression seemed very down-to-earth.

This was Xie Fangzhu’s team leader, Chen Wenxing.

But when Chen Wenxing saw Shen Yingying, his smile froze as if he’d seen a ghost, making it all the more amusing.

Shen Yingying sweetly smiled at him and politely greeted, “Hello, Uncle Chen!”

Upon hearing this, Chen Wenxing nearly dropped the bowl of noodles in his hands, stunned. Was he seeing things, or was the sun rising in the west?

Why was Shen Yingying here with Xie Fangzhu?

“…Oh my goodness…” Chen Wenxing muttered, realizing too late that such words weren’t suitable in front of younger people. He quickly patted his mouth and corrected himself, “Pardon me, I’m getting old and speaking without thinking. Hello, Little Shen! Hello, Little Shen!”

Xie Fangzhu swung his long legs over the bicycle, turned his head to look at the still-stunned Chen Wenxing, and said, “Uncle Chen, it’s getting late, we’re heading to the cafeteria now.”

Chen Wenxing finally snapped out of his daze. “Oh, oh, okay…”

Shen Yingying moved aside to sit on the back of the bicycle, not forgetting to smile and wave at him, “Goodbye, Uncle Chen!”

Chen Wenxing: “!!!”

His wife had also heard the commotion and peeked her head out from the window. When she saw the two of them riding away on the bicycle, she looked just as shocked, her eyes wide in disbelief.

“…Oh my goodness…” she muttered, echoing her husband’s surprise, “She almost slapped that green hat right onto Little Xie’s face and still made him treat her like this. This girl’s methods are truly impressive! I wish our daughter could learn even half of that!”

Chen Wenxing: “…”

…………

After leaving Chen Wenxing’s house, Xie Fangzhu and Shen Yingying continued their way to the mine cafeteria.

The cafeteria was about a mile or two away from their living quarters, and it was the peak time for workers, so there were many people on the road.

The two of them seemed to have their own halo, drawing attention wherever they went, just like celebrities walking down the street, with everyone staring at them.

This was something Shen Yingying had anticipated.

Originally, the original owner and Xie Fangzhu were well-known around the mine, and after their elopement yesterday, their fame had only increased. The whole mine was probably gossiping about them.

So, when the two main characters appeared, how could anyone not look at them a few more times?

Just like this, as if walking down the red carpet, the two of them were met with gazes all the way to the cafeteria.

The cafeteria was very crowded at this time. As soon as they stepped inside, it was like two drops of water falling into a hot pan, making the already noisy cafeteria even noisier.
.The people in the cafeteria were whispering to each other, their gazes following one after another, as if they were trying to pierce through Shen Yingying’s body, condemning her soul.

They pointed and whispered about Shen Yingying. Although she couldn’t hear what they were specifically saying, she was sure it wasn’t anything good.

If it were an ordinary girl, she would probably be so embarrassed that she’d want to crawl into a hole and hide.

But Shen Yingying was mentally resilient and had a thick skin.

Not only could she ignore them, but she could also return a big, generous smile to those whose gazes were particularly intense.

This made the people who were continuously muttering feel embarrassed to continue. They could only curse under their breath: She’s being insulted, and still smiling—what’s wrong with her?

Of course, Shen Yingying wasn’t sick—she had an open heart.

Given the original owner’s style, she would definitely face a lot of criticism in the future. If she got angry every time, she’d probably die of rage in no time.

It’s better to open her heart, face things with ease, and be happy, making sure to frustrate every person who wants to criticize her.

The cafeteria has six windows, and it’s the breakfast rush hour, with quite a few people in each line.

The two of them picked a line with fewer people. Just as they stood there, they heard a voice from the nearby line:”Look, it’s that slut Shen Yingying. Damn, she got caught trying to elope yesterday. I don’t know how she has the nerve to show her face today!”

“So shameless! Only Xie Fangzhu would put up with her. If it were me, I’d have chopped off her legs!”

Shen Yingying forced a smile that didn’t reach her eyes and turned her head to look at the source of the voice. It was two men, one short and chubby, the other muscular, whispering to each other while staring at her.

Perhaps noticing her smile, the stocky man among them snorted and cursed, “She’s still smiling. How does she have the face to smile… damn, slut!”

Shen Yingying’s expression turned cold. Although others were also whispering and pointing at her, at least their voices were restrained, not daring to let her, the main subject, hear.

Were these two a bit too arrogant?

Were they completely disregarding Xie Fangzhu, who was behind her?

After all, Xie Fangzhu had a notorious reputation for “pampering his wife” (though it was all an act).

But as long as Xie Fangzhu didn’t want to take action against her, no one else had the right to run their mouths.

These two were incredibly bold to dare curse in front of him—it was like carrying a basket of dung through the streets—asking for death!