Chapter 14

The male educated youths in the neighboring dorm heard the commotion and rushed over to watch the scene.

Sun Lei, feigning shock, draped an arm over Yang Shuming’s shoulder and asked,
“Yang Shuming, tonight is your wedding night with Hu Shufang. Why are you running back to the youth dorm to bother our female comrades?”

Humiliated and furious, Yang Shuming shoved Sun Lei away and swung a heavy punch straight into his face.

Sun Lei, caught off guard, took the hit and instantly flew into a rage. He swung back hard.
“Yang Shuming, you bastard! If I don’t beat you half-dead tonight, I’m not Sun Lei—I’ll take your surname instead!”

The girls inside screamed in fright as the other male youths rushed forward to pull them apart.

Breaking free, Sun Lei shouted,
“Don’t hold me back—he threw the first punch! I’ve hated this jerk for ages, and I’ve been itching to give him a beating. What’s so great about him? Just because girls think he’s handsome?”

“Yang Shuming, do you even know how low you are? Stealing a return-to-the-city quota using such dirty tricks? Well, guess what—we met the county Revolutionary Committee director today. He’s canceled your quota!”

“You’re not going anywhere. You can rot in this mountain village with Hu Shufang for the rest of your life!”

Yang Shuming froze, staring in disbelief.
“Sun Lei… what did you say? My quota’s canceled?”

Sun Lei straightened his rumpled clothes, spat on the ground, and smirked.
“Yeah, you didn’t see that coming, did you? We actually met the director himself—he even invited us to lunch. You know why? Because Director Zhou and Commander Zhou are old acquaintances. In front of Commander Zhou, the director promised to suspend this year’s return quotas and even told his secretary to help improve our living conditions.”

Yang Shuming shook his head, refusing to believe it.
“No… that’s impossible. My father-in-law told me my paperwork was already submitted and approved. You’re lying! Decisions like this don’t just get overturned!”

Sun Lei gave a mocking laugh.
“Yang Shuming, do you think your father-in-law can cover the sky with one hand? He’s just a production brigade leader—does that outrank the county Revolutionary Committee director?”

“Let me tell you something—not only is your quota gone, your father-in-law might lose his position too. The director’s going to investigate him thoroughly, and every bit of corruption he’s done is coming to light!”

Yang Shuming staggered back two steps, then turned toward Wen Jiao, gritting his teeth.
“Wen Jiao… do you hate me that much? Why are you trying to destroy me? Why won’t you even spare my father-in-law?”

Wen Jiao frowned.
“What the hell are you talking about? I’m trying to destroy you? I went after your father-in-law? Yang Shuming, did I force you to marry Hu Shufang? You stole a quota using filthy tricks—this is called reaping what you sow!”

Lin Hui jumped in to back her up.
“Exactly! This has nothing to do with Wen Jiao, and you dare blame her? Are you crazy?”

Sun Lei snorted.
“He is crazy—seriously ill, in fact.”

Yang Shuming glared at him furiously.
“You don’t understand anything! You’re heartless—you don’t know how I feel! I hate this damned place. I have to go back to the city. I refuse to waste my whole life here!”

Lin Hui shot back sarcastically,
“Right, right, only you hate this place. The rest of us just love rotting here, huh? What are you, a genius while we’re all idiots?”

“Yang Shuming!” Hu Shufang came running up, staring at him in shock.
“It’s the middle of the night! Why aren’t you home? Why are you back here at the youth dorm? Have you forgotten—you’re my husband now!”

The thought of his canceled quota made Yang Shuming loathe Hu Shufang even more. He’d never liked her to begin with—marrying her was just a means to get back to the city. Otherwise, he would never have given up Wen Jiao.

When Yang Shuming said nothing, Hu Shufang raised her voice.
“I’m talking to you! Are you mute now?”

Rage surged through him and he shouted,
“Because I don’t want to talk to you—and I sure as hell don’t want to see you! Go back if you want—I’m not stepping foot in your Hu family home again.”

Hu Shufang stared at him, stunned, then glanced at Wen Jiao sitting on the bed. A mocking smile crossed her face.
“Yang Shuming, give it up. Wen Jiao’s about to become the commander’s wife.”

Yang Shuming flushed with embarrassment and snapped,
“Stop spouting nonsense! Like mother, like daughter—neither of you can keep your mouths shut, huh? Hasn’t your mother caused us enough trouble? If she hadn’t made a scene at the wedding banquet, would they have gone to the county Revolutionary Committee to complain? Would my quota have been canceled?”

“Well, if that quota’s gone, then our marriage doesn’t count either. I want a divorce!”

The words hit Hu Shufang like thunder. She glared at him, trembling with rage, then suddenly laughed coldly.
“Fine, Yang Shuming. I must have been blind—thought you were different from other men. Thought I could rely on you for life. But you’re just a despicable man. You think I’m afraid of you? Fine, let’s divorce. But mark my words—you’ll regret this!”

She shot Wen Jiao a venomous look and stormed off.

Sun Lei curled his lip.
“Wow, Yang Shuming, I didn’t think you could sink this low. Poor Hu Shufang—but hey, she brought it on herself. What did she see in scum like you anyway?”

Yang Shuming clenched his fists again, glaring at Sun Lei.

“Enough already, Yang Shuming!” Wen Jiao finally spoke up sharply.
“If you’re done making a scene, get out. You may not want to sleep, but we do. And stay out of my sight from now on—you’re ruining my mood.”

Yang Shuming opened his mouth but couldn’t get a word out. Wen Jiao really had changed—she’d become blunt, coarse, and coldhearted.

Lin Hui strode to the door and slammed it shut.
“Shameless pair of dogs,” she muttered. “Alright, lights out—don’t waste energy on trash like this.”

Someone switched off the lamp. Wen Jiao lay back down and pulled up her quilt, but her mind refused to settle. So much had happened today—Yang Shuming and Hu Shufang were utterly disgusting.

How could these two possibly be the main characters of the book?

Thankfully, her own man, Zhou Changhuai, was decent—not only exactly her type, but also thoughtful and kind.

As for his supposed physical problem? She truly didn’t care. No one’s perfect. Illness can be treated; as long as it’s not fatal, it’s nothing to worry about.

Thinking of Zhou Changhuai, Wen Jiao drifted off to sleep.

Meanwhile, over at the Zhou household, Shen Qiujü pulled out all the money she’d saved for him. Forcing it into his hands, she said,
“This is what you sent home. I’ve kept it all for you—about six hundred yuan.”

Zhou Changhuai was stunned.
“So much? Mom, you didn’t spend a single cent of the money I sent? Then how have you been managing?”

Shen Qiujü smiled.
“Your brother and sister-in-law earn work points. They’re diligent, grow their own vegetables, and your brother often hunts or fishes. But you—”

“You’ve been sending money home for us and for Suwei’s schooling. Good thing she’ll graduate next month and get a job soon. Once she starts earning her own salary, you don’t need to send her money anymore.”

“From now on, give your wages to Wen Jiao. Let her handle the household. I trust her—she’ll be a fine wife.”