Chapter 22: How Did You End Up in Such a Mess?

If that were really the case, then he had definitely seized Jiang Yunhe’s weakness. Why would he be afraid she wouldn’t obey him?

Besides, he knew very well the messy affairs of the Jiang family.

With what little the Jiang family had, there was no way Jiang Dazhuang could afford to resolve this matter for his son. So sacrificing Jiang Yunhe was inevitable.

With her status, if she wasn’t sacrificed, who else would be?

Jiang Yunhe glanced at him. For someone his age, he was surprisingly cunning. Unfortunately, he guessed wrong. Even if she were to elope…

It would be with Chu Peihan—

No, wait. They wouldn’t even need to elope.

How could Chu Peihan ever bear to make her elope? Of course, the two of them would have a proper wedding, with formal rites and heavenly vows!

As for other people…

Wang Tiejiang was still waiting for her response, only to see Jiang Yunhe glance at him indifferently—then ignore him entirely and turn to leave.

He wanted to stop her, but the moment he moved, pain shot through him, forcing him to grit his teeth and swallow his frustration.

Forget it, forget it!

Jiang Yunhe’s business clearly wasn’t something he could meddle in.

Widow Liu gave him an irritated glare and scolded, “Don’t provoke her again. That girl is a walking disaster—anyone who messes with her will get nothing good out of it. Are you insane?!”

After that, she helped him up with an annoyed huff.

Wang Tiejiang rubbed his nose awkwardly and didn’t say another word. This time, they had truly miscalculated. Not only were they tricked, they didn’t even get a chance to defend themselves.

Still, he was curious.

“How did that educated youth Fang talk Li Daniu down? With that guy’s temper, I thought if he didn’t go to the police station today, he’d just sit and wait to die!”

“Why do you care?” Widow Liu said crossly. “Let me tell you, those people are all smart—they’re playing a game of wits. You better stay out of it and don’t let yourself be used.”

“…”

Wang Tiejiang shut up immediately, though he was still torn inside—whose side should he stand on?

Fang Mianmian was clearly capable. But Jiang Yunhe wasn’t someone to be trifled with either. Marrying her? That dream was as good as dead now.

But then again… Fang Mianmian…

Widow Liu saw his expression and instantly knew what he was thinking. She was speechless. She’d said it all so plainly—if he insisted on pretending not to understand, there was nothing more she could do.

In any case, she planned to steer clear of all of them in the future!

Jiang Yunhe didn’t bother thinking that much. No matter how many schemes Fang Mianmian had, she’d have to actually use them first. As for Li Daniu…

She trusted him.

Even at his worst, he wouldn’t break the law or cross moral lines.

In her previous life, Li Daniu’s son had committed a similar offense. He verbally harassed a girl from a neighboring village. When Li Daniu found out, he personally broke his son’s leg.

Then he forced the boy to marry the girl. If he refused, Li Daniu said he’d kill him.

Thankfully, the girl’s family was reasonable, and since nothing serious had happened, the issue was resolved.

If he could treat his own son that harshly, he would be even stricter with outsiders.

His own son…

For a brief moment, Jiang Yunhe felt like she had grasped something. But she quickly dismissed it. No way—that hadn’t even happened yet. And even if it had, how would Fang Mianmian know?

She’d already decided to go find Chu Peihan and bring him some food.

Or maybe… make something for him herself.

She just wanted to be good to him—instinctively, genuinely.

Jiang Yunhe found a secluded alley, took out what she wanted: apples, grapes, a few kinds of vegetables—two of each. Not a lot.

But for one person, it was more than enough!

Since she didn’t have a basket, she took off her coat and wrapped the items into a bundle to carry.

By now, it had been at least ten hours since she’d picked them the night before, yet they still looked fresh and juicy, as if freshly harvested.

She now understood—the space preserved freshness!

Pleased, she headed toward Chu Peihan’s home with quick steps. But just as she approached the house, she saw two small children sitting at the door, bawling loudly.

Crying—and cursing!

“Chu Peihan, heartless jerk! Shameless!”

“You’re a jinx! Not only did you curse our parents to die early, but now we’re stuck living off others, suffering, starving, no hot meals… Poor little veggies, nobody loves us…”

“Ridiculous!” Jiang Yunhe instantly exploded. She tossed her bundle aside and marched over, lifting both kids by the collars—one in each hand—and lined them up.

The boy and girl, no more than eight years old, never expected someone to intervene!

Wide-eyed, they stared at her.

One of them even hiccupped mid-cry.

Jiang Yunhe’s face darkened. Of course, she recognized them. These were Chu Peihan’s younger siblings—Chu Shuangjiang (the brother) and Chu Shuangsheng (the sister). Twin dragon-phoenix siblings. Eight years old.

In her previous life, they were raised by Chu Peihan’s uncle and grew up spoiled, full of bad habits. Later, they caused endless trouble for Chu Peihan.

To put it simply, they took all the credit for good things, and blamed all the bad things on him.

Even when Jiang Yunhe was sick, Chu Peihan had to care for her while constantly cleaning up the messes they made—barely sleeping.

And yet, they never showed a hint of gratitude. Worse, they often said cruel things to his face.

Jiang Yunhe had always wanted to teach them a lesson. But back then, she was too weak. Now, she could finally act.

Chu Shuangjiang and Chu Shuangsheng exchanged a look and saw the same contempt in each other’s eyes. They knew who Jiang Yunhe was!

Just some unloved village girl…

They’d heard she was often beaten at home. Now she dared to show off in front of them? How outrageous!

Chu Shuangjiang glared at her and, without warning, tried to push her.

Jiang Yunhe staggered from the force, nearly falling—

Thud—

She crashed into a warm chest.

Chu Peihan had appeared behind her, one arm around her waist. His gaze landed gently on her, brows slightly furrowed with concern.

Looking into his empty, lifeless eyes, Jiang Yunhe felt her heart ache.

She quickly said, “I’m fine. Chu Peihan, where did you go? How did you end up looking like this?”