Chapter 43 She is Domineering

Ever since Xue Qingdai accidentally became known in the area as a “miracle worker,” she began to emulate her mother Yang Xiaomin’s professional demeanor—always greeting people with a smile. And it worked like a charm.

She had just received a letter from her third brother, hand-delivered by Xie Yan, and the two of them were standing near the entrance of the Xie family’s house when a neighbor warmly greeted her, “Little Xue, got a letter from home?”

Xue Qingdai’s almond eyes lit up with a cheerful smile. “Yes, Aunt Lin. I was just thinking of you—how perfect that we ran into each other. That tomato sauce was amazing! I ended up eating half a bowl more of noodles because of it. And the glucose bottle was so clean and clear—I even asked Aunt Shuying several times where she got it from. I was shocked to find out you made it yourself!”

“I stared at that little handwritten note inside for quite a while. The handwriting was beautiful.”

Xue Qingdai never underestimated the locals—many of their husbands or sons could be working in sensitive government positions. These women were savvy and tactful, the kind of people worth learning from—far more sophisticated than the petty squabbles back in her village.

Aunt Lin wiped her hands with a small cloth, her smile growing even more sincere. She pointed with a finger and said, “Everyone at home is tired of it, but you still appreciate it. Let me tell you, my canned yellow peaches are also top-notch. Next time, I’ll bring you a jar to try.”

Although Xue Qingdai knew she’d be heading home soon thanks to her third brother’s letter, she still smiled sweetly and replied, “Only if you don’t mind me being a glutton! Your cooking is incredible.”

“I also asked my family to send me some stored ingredients from home. I promised everyone I’d make more lip balm—I can’t keep them waiting.”

Aunt Lin grabbed Xue Qingdai’s hand warmly. “Little Xue, you’re such a good girl. I’ll go tell everyone right away.”

“No need to tell anyone,” Xue Qingdai said. “I just want to help. And Aunt Niu’s bok choy is amazing—not a single bug bite. I’ve written down everything everyone gave me in my little notebook. I remember every kindness.”

Aunt Lin blinked in surprise. How could such a sweet girl exist? Zhang Shuying was truly blessed to have such a wonderful daughter-in-law. Doing good and not even wanting recognition? Such selfless generosity—she had to tell the others about her!

Aunt Lin left smiling, and even glanced at the cold-faced Xie Yan with newfound warmth. This serious boy had luck on his side too—what a catch of a fiancée!

Back inside the Xie home, Xue Qingdai pinched her cheeks—they were sore from smiling. She turned to check her space for a hydrating face mask.

Xie Yan quietly followed her in, his eyes briefly flicking toward the unopened bottle of tomato sauce on the kitchen table. His deep gaze held amusement, but he dared not say a word.

Xue Qingdai ignored him, sat in a sunlit spot, and opened her letter. The warmth of the winter sun eased her longing for home. Thankfully, she had this letter from her third brother to look forward to.

She began mentally listing the things she’d ask her family to prepare—some bamboo baskets from Grandpa to store herbs, Dad to go catch fish and turtles in the Little West River for her to keep, and her eldest brother to build her a small wardrobe for the clothes she’d bought in the capital. As for her busy mother, the community committee head Yang Xiaomin—she wouldn’t need to say anything. Her mom would go all out to make her favorite dishes.

And most of all, she hoped her second and third brothers would remain safe and sound.

She opened the letter—and felt a chill. No name on the envelope. No stamp. That meant the letter had come through internal military or government channels.

Her third brother’s handwriting was bold and sharp, the tone hurried. Xue Qingdai’s grip tightened.

“Daidai:
Third Brother owes you an apology—I may be late picking you up.
But I already bought you three new dresses and some pretty hair ties.
Everything’s fine here.
No matter what happens, don’t hesitate to turn to Xie Yan. He’s supposed to be your future husband. If he can’t handle your temper, then he’s not worthy of your trust.
As long as you’re happy, that’s what matters most to me.”

By the time she finished reading, Xue Qingdai’s eyes were bloodshot. Her throat ached with suppressed emotion, and she couldn’t bring herself to speak. Carefully, she folded up the letter and tucked it away.

Xie Yan, ever attuned to her mood, gently placed his hand on her sun-warmed hair.

“Do you want to send anything to your third brother?” he asked softly.

Tears welled in her eyes, the sunlight blurring her vision. His voice was so calm and steady that it soothed her restless heart.

Leaning against Xie Yan’s thigh, Xue Qingdai murmured, “Xie Yan, when will my third brother be back?”

Xie Yan gently patted her back—something her brother had advised in a treasured letter he had sent to Xie Yan. That letter had contained a wealth of information about Daidai’s habits: for example, that patting her back gave her a sense of security.

Even though he didn’t know what had upset her, Xie Yan chose to share a few key things to comfort her.

“Your third brother was recently selected by Li Zhonghao, the most influential Hong Kong businessman, to be an economic consultant for the mainland. He’s currently busy studying economics and law, preparing a contract for a foreign enterprise entering China.”

“His status is sensitive, and he’s very capable—sharp business instincts. The country needs talent like him. Don’t worry—no one dares touch him. He also has two bodyguards assigned to protect him.”

The warmth leaning against his side disappeared as Xue Qingdai sat up, and Xie Yan had to retract his hand. In her heart, her brother still came first. When would he be someone she longed for just as much?

Xue Qingdai tried her best to stay calm. Her third brother had secretly become so impressive—and she was the only weak link in the whole family. That alone reignited her fighting spirit.

“Xie Yan, you’re so kind… even going out of your way to look after my third brother. Without you, I think I’d be completely lost.”

With a gaze that appeared deeply “sincere,” she looked at him and softly added, squeezing his fingers, “Xie Yan, my third brother might still need you to put in a little more effort on his behalf.”

Xie Yan pressed his thin lips together. Even though he knew Daidai’s sweet praises were just words, when Xue Qingdai’s expressive, watery eyes were entirely focused on him—he chose to believe them completely.

If this had been in the past, he wouldn’t have believed he was capable of such behavior. But now, without much hesitation, he said,
“Alright. These are all things I should do.”

Xue Qingdai added softly,
“Third Brother said, me staying in your home might be a burden to you.”
“Xie Yan, am I troubling you?”
“Third Brother really doesn’t make any sense, does he?”
“Xie Yan, I want to hear you say it~”
“If you don’t want to say it, I’ll change myself…”

Her sweet, soft voice grew quieter and quieter, like she might burst into tears if pushed any further.
Xue Qingdai didn’t dare become a hindrance to her third brother’s flourishing career—she had to “obediently” stay sheltered in the Xie household.

If she stayed long-term, she’d definitely need Xie Yan to help with things like laundry and other daily chores. What she wanted was for him to do it willingly.
And even if he wasn’t willing—she’d make him willing.

She was going to be bossy. So what?

Xie Yan’s upper body was pulled down toward her by her tugging force. The tall man, in her grasp, was like a powerless puppet. Their warm breaths mingled, face to face.
Afraid of crushing her, Xie Yan held himself up slightly with tense shoulders. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed; her soft red lips were right in front of his eyes.

His mouth felt dry, and he licked his lips. Finally managing to find his voice, he rasped,
“I’m willing—don’t listen to what your third brother said.”

Afraid she still wouldn’t believe him, he even placed a hand over his racing heart.
“I’ll do whatever you say.”

Xue Qingdai’s bright almond-shaped eyes blinked slowly.
Lately, Xie Yan had been way too agreeable.

Would he also agree if she asked for a divorce?