Chapter 18: Yu Jingchuan and I are not suitable

Yu Jianguo’s words surprised both Lin Yitang and Yu Jingchuan; they hadn’t expected him to say that.

Yu Jingchuan was the first to react, frowning. “Dad, don’t play matchmaker. I’ll decide my own affairs!”

Yu Jianguo snorted. “Decide your own affairs? When will I see you get married and have children?”

“My affairs are none of your business.”

Yu Jingchuan wouldn’t back down. He didn’t plan to marry, especially not Lin Yitang.

Lin Yitang quickly spoke up, “Uncle Yu, Yu Jingchuan and I aren’t suitable. Marriage is impossible.”

Yu Jianguo raised his eyebrows in surprise. Lin Yitang had refused.  Did she no longer like Yu Jingchuan?

Young people change their minds quickly.

Well, since that’s the case, he wouldn’t interfere in their affairs.

“Do as you wish. I won’t bother.”

Seeing this, Chu Peilan changed the subject. “Yitang, you must be tired from your stall. We haven’t eaten dinner yet. Join us!”

Yu Jianguo had given short notice of his return, so Chu Peilan had Zhang prepare extra dishes. Lin Yitang’s return was perfectly timed.

Lin Yitang didn’t refuse and helped Zhang serve the dishes.

Zhang had made many of her specialty dishes. The abundant food was placed on the table, and even Lin Yitang, who wasn’t hungry, felt her appetite grow.

They sat down and began to eat.

After finishing, Lin Yitang put down her chopsticks and said slowly, “Uncle Yu, Aunt Chu, I plan to move out soon. I’ve troubled you for a while.

I can now support myself. I can’t keep bothering you. I’m looking for an apartment and should be able to move out in a few days.”

“Yitang, you’re moving out?”

Lin Yitang’s words shocked Chu Peilan. She looked at Yu Jingchuan, angrily asking, “Did Jingchuan bully you? If he wronged you, tell me, and I’ll help you!”

Yu Jingchuan had recently mentioned wanting Lin Yitang to move out. Now she wanted to leave; Chu Peilan thought it might be related to her eldest son.

Yu Jianguo’s eyebrows furrowed, his imposing manner intensifying.

“Yitang, don’t feel burdened here. Consider this your home. Anyone who objects, I’ll break their legs!”

Yu Jianguo glared warningly at Yu Jingchuan.

Yu Jingchuan was speechless. Compared to Lin Yitang, he didn’t seem like a biological son.

“No one bullied me. I just feel I can’t keep staying here and bothering you. I can earn money now and take care of myself.”

“No, it’s not safe for a young girl to live alone.  With Old Lin gone, as his former superior, I must take care of you!”

Yu Jianguo insisted on objecting. Chu Peilan quickly added, “Yes, Yitang, if you leave, I’ll have no one to talk to.

And I need you to treat my legs. Stay here!”

“Uncle Yu, Aunt Chu, I…”

Before Lin Yitang could finish, Yu Jianguo slammed the table. “No more! I won’t let you move out! If you insist, wait until you find a husband!”

Yu Jianguo’s years in the army had made him decisive.  He didn’t give Lin Yitang any room for negotiation.

She sighed slightly, unable to say anything more. She would try to persuade them.

She couldn’t stay at the Yu family’s home forever.

Lin Yitang chatted with Yu Jianguo and Chu Peilan for a while before returning to her room.

Yu Jingchuan was completely ignored. He stared at Lin Yitang’s departing back, unable to understand her.

Lin Yitang had tried to get close to him, her eyes filled with ardor, but in such a short time, she had changed so much. Was she faking it?

Suppressing his discomfort, he went to his room to rest.

Lin Yitang locked her door and entered her space. She found that several herbs had fully grown.

She was delighted. This was incredibly fast!

Lin Yitang wanted to try the recipes from “Beauty Recipes,” so she picked some herbs, planning to make a moisturizing and whitening cream the next day.

“Beauty Recipes” also contained massage techniques, which she could try.

Lin Yitang drank some spring water, exited the space, took a bath, and then massaged her face, neck, and chest.

During the massage, she glanced at her chest, her face reddening.

After finishing, she fell into a deep sleep.

Moving out was temporarily impossible.  The next day, Lin Yitang went to her stall and apologetically told Li Xuemei not to help her find a house yet.

Li Xuemei didn’t mind, saying enthusiastically, “It’s fine. Tell me anytime you need help!”

“Thank you, Sister Xuemei. I’ll treat you to cold skin!”

“No way!” Li Xuemei quickly refused.

“Sister Xuemei, don’t be polite; otherwise, I’ll be embarrassed to ask for your help again!”

Lin Yitang insisted on giving Li Xuemei a serving of cold skin.

Li Xuemei didn’t know what to say. She was generous and didn’t hesitate.

“Okay, I’ll accept. You’re my sister now! Come to my place for dinner tomorrow night. Try my cooking!”

Lin Yitang happily agreed. After Li Xuemei left, she got busy again.

She sold over 50 servings of cold skin and noodles that day, earning about fifteen yuan a considerable income.

She was very happy but tired.  After dinner at the Yu family’s home, she fell asleep and slept soundly.

The next morning, after washing up and looking in the mirror, Lin Yitang noticed her face was smoother and whiter, likely due to the cream she had made.

She had tried making a small jar of cream a few days ago. It was troublesome but successful, and she liked it.

She could make more jars and sell them while selling cold skin.

Many female workers at the steel factory might be interested. She was confident in her product.  Once they tried it, they would buy more!

Lin Yitang was increasingly excited. After getting dressed, she went to the department store.

The house was not far from the department store.  Lin Yitang arrived in about ten minutes and saw a crowd gathered and talking excitedly.

Thinking something had happened, Lin Yitang approached and discovered that Liu Xiaotong and Wang Wenqiang were being publicly criticized.