Chapter 36: I don’t have any thoughts about Lin Yitang

The next day, Lin Yitang went to the base early, teaching a new medicinal meal recipe. 

She wanted to go home and rest. She hadn’t seen Chen Xiuyuan today, probably embarrassed by the previous night’s events. 

Lin Yitang didn’t mind; she intended to keep her distance from him anyway.

After saying goodbye to Wang Guihua and the others, Lin Yitang left the canteen and saw Yu Jingchuan standing at the entrance.

He approached her. “I’m going home for dinner tonight. I’ll take you.”

“No need.” Lin Yitang didn’t want to go back to the Yu family with him.

“My mother wants me to bring you back, or she’ll nag.”

Yu Jingchuan seemed reluctant. 

He grabbed her arm and practically shoved her into the passenger seat.

The drive was silent. Lin Yitang looked out the window, ignoring Yu Jingchuan’s occasional glances.

Upon arriving at the Yu family home and seeing Zhang Yi and Chu Peilan, she smiled.

“Yitang, you’re finally back! Were you busy?  I made your favorite dishes!”

Zhang Yi knew Lin Yitang had been busy at the base canteen and the commute was tiring. 

She’d prepared many dishes, filling the table.

“Thank you, Zhang Yi.” Lin Yitang helped set the table.

“Rest. I’ll handle this.” Chu Peilan pulled Lin Yitang to sit down.

“Yitang, don’t overwork yourself. You’ve lost weight.” She touched Lin Yitang’s chin.

“Have I?  I don’t feel tired. I’ll rest tomorrow and spend the day with you!” Lin Yitang wanted to make more face cream; many people wanted to buy it.

She wanted to save enough money to buy a shop; selling from a stall wasn’t ideal.

“Good! Let’s visit Chengyu School tomorrow. Jingchuan can drive us!”

Lin Yitang didn’t want to go, but Chu Peilan was excited, and she couldn’t refuse. 

She could also visit Huaqing University to find potential customers.  University girls, many of them beautiful and well-off, would be good customers.

Lin Yitang imagined making money, smiling happily. 

Chu Peilan also smiled.  She liked Lin Yitang; she was beautiful and capable. 

She wanted her to be her daughter-in-law!  But… Chu Peilan sighed, looking at her son.

“Jingchuan, come to the study.”

She wanted to talk to him; otherwise, her matchmaking might backfire.

Yu Jingchuan wheeled Chu Peilan into the study.

“Mom, what is it?”

“Jingchuan, you’re twenty-four. Others your age are married with children.  Shouldn’t you consider your personal matters?”

“Mom, why are you bringing this up again?” Yu Jingchuan sighed. 

Yu Jianguo often mentioned it, and now Chu Peilan was too.

“Jingchuan, tell me honestly, do you like anyone?”

“No.” Yu Jingchuan answered quickly.

Chu Peilan looked into his eyes. “What about Yitang?”

Lin Yitang? Yu Jingchuan guessed his mother wanted to match him with Lin Yitang.  He pictured Lin Yitang’s alluring face. “Did Lin Yitang ask you to ask?”

Surprise flashed in Chu Peilan’s eyes. She shook her head.

“No, she never mentioned it. I think you two are a good match.”

“Mom, stop matchmaking. I have no feelings for Lin Yitang.” Yu Jingchuan was impatient.

“Really?” Chu Peilan was hesitant.  She knew her son, and she saw something special between him and Lin Yitang.  But he hadn’t realized it yet!

“Of course! Stop worrying about me! Worry about Congnan when he returns!”

Speaking of Yu Congnan, worry clouded Chu Peilan’s face.

“Congnan has been at the flight squadron for six months without contacting us. Is he alright?”

“The air force is strict.  He’s probably in closed training. He’ll be back soon.” Yu Jingchuan missed his brother.

Chu Peilan stopped urging him.  He would make the right choice when he understood his feelings.

Summer brought thunderstorms.  One night, Lin Yitang was sleeping soundly when a flash of lightning illuminated her room, followed by thunder. 

Rain lashed against the windows, and the wind howled.

Lin Yitang woke up. Her washed sheets and covers were still drying on the balcony. 

She got up, went to the balcony, and bumped into someone.  Another flash of lightning illuminated the man’s face, looking sinister.

“Ah!” Lin Yitang screamed.

“Quiet!” Yu Jingchuan covered her mouth.

His hand was warm.  She’d thought she’d seen a ghost.

“Don’t scare me like that!”

“I came to get my clothes.” Yu Jingchuan explained impassively, his gaze falling on her sleeveless nightgown.

It was wrinkled, the neckline slipped, revealing her cleavage.  Yu Jingchuan could see everything.

“Why are you dressed like this?”

Heat surged through Yu Jingchuan. His voice was rough.