Chapter 6

Taking advantage of having money in hand, Mu Wanwan wanted to buy herself a piece of softer cotton cloth.

The undergarments she wore inside were all torn, and she really ought to make a few new ones.

The cotton cloth sold at the supply and marketing cooperative was all coarse. The department store carried better fabric.

Having earned some money, she was in a good mood and hummed a little tune all the way to the department store.

“Xinxin, this piece of fabric really suits you. It makes your skin look fair. I’ll buy it for you.”

“No, Sister Ruo, this cloth is too expensive! I shouldn’t let you spend so much!”

Lin Huiru smiled, patted Wen Xin’s arm, and said, “Why are you being polite with me? I came with plenty of money today. Whatever you like, I’ll buy it for you!”

Wen Xin immediately smiled even more brightly and affectionately linked arms with Lin Huiru.

“Sister Ruo, I knew you treated me the best!”

Lin Huiru was smiling when, from the corner of her eye, she spotted Mu Wanwan walking in. A calculating gleam quickly flashed in her gaze.

“Xinxin, isn’t that Mu Wanwan over there?”

The moment Wen Xin heard Mu Wanwan’s name, her brows knitted.

She followed Lin Huiru’s gaze and, sure enough, saw that it was her.

“What a coincidence. Let’s go say hello. Later, when Brother Wen Lin arrives, we can shop together.”

Lin Huiru suggested warmly.

Wen Xin, however, was reluctant.

“Sister Ruo, let’s not go. That Mu Wanwan clings to my brother like sticky candy.

If she hadn’t forced him into marriage, you would be my sister-in-law now. She’s just a little village girl—completely unworthy of my brother!”

Wen Xin looked down on Mu Wanwan. If not for her grandfather liking the girl and bringing her from the countryside to the capital, she’d never have set foot here. Because her brother had married such a country bumpkin, their family became the laughingstock, and she couldn’t even hold her head high in the compound.

Lin Huiru gave a shy smile. Wen Xin’s words pleased her, though she still said, “But it wouldn’t be polite to ignore her. Besides, she’s already married to Brother Wen Lin. You should at least show some courtesy.”

Wen Xin wrinkled her nose but was eventually pulled along by Lin Huiru to greet Mu Wanwan.

Mu Wanwan had just started picking fabrics when the two of them blocked her way.

“Wanwan, you’re buying fabric too? Perfect, Xinxin and I can help you choose!”

Lin Huiru wore her trademark gentle smile.

Mu Wanwan’s face turned cold.

Back at the hospital, Lin Huiru had already gone out of her way to seek attention from her. Now it was happening again. If she didn’t flare up, they’d treat her like a fool.

But in her past life, wasn’t she exactly that—a fool?

Lin Huiru had often provoked her on purpose. Every time, she’d stupidly get riled up, make a scene, while Lin Huiru played the innocent victim.

It always looked as if she were bullying Lin Huiru.

Wen Lin had often misunderstood her, and she had swallowed many grievances.

But in this life, Mu Wanwan wasn’t so foolish anymore. She didn’t care what Wen Lin thought.

If Lin Huiru dared to provoke her, she would make sure she regretted it.

“This fabric really suits you. If you like it, I’ll buy it for you. Actually, Brother Wen Lin has given me plenty of cloth before, more than I can use.

If you need some, come to my place another time and take whatever you want. It’s wasted just sitting there.”

Lin Huiru spoke warmly and even reached out to take Mu Wanwan’s hand.

But before she could touch her, Mu Wanwan had already stepped several paces back, keeping her distance.

“I don’t need it.”

Mu Wanwan’s voice was icy, utterly devoid of emotion.

Seeing this attitude made Wen Xin bristle.

“Mu Wanwan, what do you mean by this? Sister Ruo is being kind, and you show her that face?!”

“Xinxin, don’t. I know Wanwan must still be angry with me. It’s my fault for being ill at the wrong time and disturbing her and Brother Wen Lin’s wedding night.”

Lin Huiru tugged at Wen Xin, looking full of guilt.

Then she turned toward Mu Wanwan again. “Wanwan, it’s all my fault. If it will ease your anger, I’ll do whatever you want.”

The performance was so nauseating that Mu Wanwan could hardly bear it. She hadn’t wanted to waste her rebirth on petty people.

But if Lin Huiru was determined to put herself in front of her, begging for trouble, then Wanwan would not let her off lightly.

“You’ll do whatever I want? You said it yourself.”

The corner of Mu Wanwan’s lips curved. She suddenly raised her hand and slapped Lin Huiru twice across the face.

Her movements were swift. Lin Huiru was stunned, completely unprepared.

By the time she reacted, her cheeks were burning painfully. A flash of viciousness passed through her eyes, but she forced it down and instead let tears stream out.

“Lin Huiru, aren’t you tired of acting all the time?”

Mu Wanwan sneered, her bright almond eyes locking onto Lin Huiru’s.

Lin Huiru’s heart lurched. How had this foolish girl suddenly become sharp? And her gaze—so piercing, as though it could strip away her façade and see her real thoughts.

“Mu Wanwan, what are you doing! How dare you hit Sister Ruo? You’re too vicious!

Don’t you know she’s in poor health? She didn’t want to fall ill that night; it was an accident! Even if you’re angry, you can’t just strike her!”

Wen Xin was furious. She shoved Lin Huiru behind her protectively.

“You heard her just now. She said I could do whatever I wanted. And what I wanted was to hit her.”

Mu Wanwan said it openly, without the slightest sense of guilt.

Wen Xin was choked speechless. Then, spotting a tall figure striding toward them, she regained her confidence and shouted:

“Brother, come quickly! Mu Wanwan has gone too far—she actually hit Sister Ruo! She’s so petty and mean!

How could you marry someone like her? She’s not fit to be my sister-in-law. She’s nothing but a shrew!”

Wen Lin approached with large strides. Seeing the red marks on both of Lin Huiru’s cheeks, his expression turned grim.

Lin Huiru felt a surge of triumph but put on a magnanimous face. “Brother Wen Lin, I’m fine.”

“How could you be fine? Sister Ruo, you’re just too kind!”

Wen Xin fumed on her behalf.

Wen Lin then turned toward Mu Wanwan, his voice cold. “Did you really hit her?”

Mu Wanwan let out a short laugh.

“Yes, I did. So what?”

“Mu Wanwan! Apologize to Ruo right now!”

Wen Lin’s face was dark and frightening, his whole body radiating a chilling aura.