Chapter 23: Let’s Go Home

Because Lin Shuhe was so anxious, he managed to shorten what was normally more than an hour’s drive to just forty minutes.

As he reached the entrance of the hospital, his eyes met Chen Manman’s.

Panic, worry, unease—none of it was hidden in his expression. Chen Manman’s heart skipped a beat. Why is he here?

“Manman, are you okay?” His hoarse voice was laced with concern.

His intense gaze made her feel a little awkward. “Why did you come? Is everything okay at home?”

“Mom and Dad are worried about you. Dahu and Erhu miss you too.”
And… I’m worried about you too.

The fresh scent of grass on him felt like a quiet blossom in the night, slowly enveloping Chen Manman. “The issue is mostly dealt with. I’m heading to the police station next.”

Lin Shuhe’s gaze was unwavering. “I’ll go with you.”

When he returned home earlier that evening and heard from his sister-in-law what had happened, he immediately borrowed a bicycle from the village secretary and rushed over.
He was afraid she’d been wronged.

Chen Manman quickly looked away, feeling her face heat up and her heart thudding wildly. “No need. I’ll head back soon. You go home with Grandpa and the others.”

“It’s so late—I’ll go with you.” Without leaving room for argument, he got on the bike and motioned for her to follow.

Chen Manman pressed her lips together, the corners curving into a faint smile.

The ride was silent. They quickly arrived at the police station.

—-

“Officer, here’s what happened: Today, my two kids were beaten up by my aunt’s child. My boys are just over three years old. One of them almost had his wrist broken.

I was really scared and panicked, and I accidentally hit her kid in the heat of the moment. His wrist was fractured. But I immediately took him to the hospital and covered all medical costs. I even offered extra compensation.”

The police officer looked a bit stunned—he rarely encountered someone coming to turn themselves in voluntarily. Closing his notebook, he said, “Alright. The case has been filed. Go home. We’ll contact you if there’s any update.”

Outside the station, Chen Manman tilted her head. “Do you think I was too harsh?”

“Not at all. You’re kind—it was all their fault,” Lin Shuhe said with burning conviction, his gaze like two glowing sparks.

Chen Manman smiled, her eyes bright and glimmering with laughter.

At that moment, Lin Shuhe felt as if sunlight had pierced his chest, warming his entire being.

“Come on,” Chen Manman said. “Let’s go home.”

“Alright—home,” he replied.

The word “home” struck something deep inside Lin Shuhe. His gaze toward her softened, filled with tenderness.

They rode side-by-side down the dark village road. Because it was so pitch-black, Chen Manman finally pulled out a flashlight from her storage space and casually lied, “I brought this with me when I left.”

Lin Shuhe: “…Right. Maybe I’m blind.”

With the flashlight, their pace quickened. Soon, they were home.

—-

“Manman, are you okay?” asked her father. Though Grandpa had explained what happened, everyone was still worried.

“Yeah, Manman, tell us. Did your aunt do anything to you?” her older brother asked anxiously.

Looking at everyone’s furrowed brows and worried expressions, Chen Manman felt a warm rush in her chest and her eyes misted over.

“Dad, Mom, Grandpa, Grandma, Big Brother, Sister-in-law…” she began, then told them everything that had happened at the hospital and police station, sparing no detail.

Her father nodded. “Good. Going to the police was the right move.”

Her mother agreed. “Exactly! That big kid still bullied our little ones. He needed to be taught a lesson!”

Her big brother chimed in. “Yeah! If I ever see him again, I’ll beat him up!” He even threw a few mock punches.

Grandma nodded. “Serves that child right.”
Honestly, she’d been terrified earlier, but after Grandpa talked her through it, she realized—grandchildren have their own fate. She couldn’t worry about everything.

“Mom! You were amazing today!” Dahu looked up at Chen Manman, eyes sparkling with admiration.

“You’re the best, Mom! Thank you for protecting me! I’ll always love you!” Er Hu wrapped himself around her leg, little face pressed to her thigh, his eyes watery with emotion.
To him, Mom was a hero. One day, he’d protect his family too.

Embarrassed but proud, Chen Manman chuckled, “Of course! It’s my job to protect you!”

Her father coughed. “Alright, let’s eat.”

No one had eaten yet—they’d been waiting for her to come back.

At the table, Chen Manman shared what she’d learned at the clinic earlier. When she mentioned that the bright red berries growing all over the mountains could sell for 2.3 yuan per pound, everyone was stunned and excitedly chattered.

Her father eventually had to quiet the room so everyone could eat in peace.

—-

After the meal, her mother pulled her aside and handed her 15 yuan in large notes. “Manman, take it. You’ve been spending a lot lately—buying that bike, then this incident today—you must be low on money. This is from your father.”

Chen Manman pushed it back. “Mom, I really can’t take it. I still have money. Once I finish processing the Schisandra berries, I’ll have even more!”
(And besides, she hadn’t even paid for the bike… but she couldn’t say that!)

Her mom stuffed the money back into her hands. “What you earn is yours. This is from us. Two separate things. Take it—or I’ll get mad!”

Seeing her mother pretend to be angry, Chen Manman’s heart filled with warmth. She hugged her tightly. “Mom, I’m so lucky to have you guys.”

“You silly girl.” Her mom gave her a soft pat on the back.

—-

Late that night, the two little ones were already sound asleep, but Chen Manman lay tossing and turning, unable to settle down. Her mind was racing with thoughts about the future.

Lin Shuhe was a light sleeper and woke to the noise. “Manman?”

“Oh, sorry. Did I wake you?” she whispered apologetically.

“Are you worried about something?” His low, steady voice sounded reassuring in the dark.

“No, I just can’t sleep. And… thank you for today.”
She could’ve handled it alone, sure. But having him there made her feel secure.

“No need to be so polite. Erhu is my child too…”
And you’re my wife.
He didn’t say the last part out loud.

Hearing no response from her, Lin Shuhe turned to look toward the window.

The moonlight poured over her face. Delicate and petite, her soft lips and nose glowed in its silver light, her skin smooth like jade.

Stray strands of hair gently brushed her cheek, adding a quiet allure.

Lin Shuhe stared, captivated. He’d always known she was beautiful—but somewhere along the way, his heart…

…had started falling for her.