Chapter 81: The Man with a Muscular Body

Wei Xiaojuan naturally supported her in every way and was even a bit excited.

She wished she could handle all the work and let Xia Li help at the stall.

Xia Li was fine; she had carefully planned and even consulted at school.

She had originally dropped out, but now she wanted to continue applying to high school. This was not something she could rush into, as in this era, there was a preliminary exam before the college entrance examination. Only those who passed the preliminary exam could officially participate in the college entrance examination.

Often, the preliminary exam could eliminate seventy percent or more of the students. Considering Xia Li’s special family circumstances and her decent performance at school, they allowed her to apply for the preliminary exam for the coming year. After all, passing was one thing, but actually taking the exam was another.

It was rare for rural kids, especially girls, to have the desire to learn, so it was worth a try.

Xia Li registered and paid the tuition, and starting next week, she would be attending school as a transfer student.

She was a day student, so she could go home for evening self-study.

However, she was temporarily helping at Wei Xiaojuan’s stall, so she would be putting in extra effort these days and also teaching Wei Xiaojuan how to make a new pig trotters and soybean soup to see how well it sold.

From now until the college entrance exam in July next year, there was just over half a year.

Although it felt rushed, after all, Xia Li dared to make this plan because the exam knowledge in this era was not that difficult for her. The original owner had studied for two years of high school, so her knowledge reserve was still there.

She had thought it through: participating in the college entrance exam and making money had to be balanced, and both needed to be strong; that way, she would feel more confident.

So it was just about investing a bit more time, and she believed she could manage it.

If business was good this winter, she was also considering whether she could rent a storefront in the city to officially open a partnership, operating a private kitchen style.

Wei Xiaojuan was also tempted but felt a bit hesitant, fearing it was too ambitious.

After all, starting a storefront would require a significant initial investment.

Of course, everything depended on effort; if everything was in progress, what was there to fear?

Four o’clock in the afternoon was the quietest time. Wei Xiaojuan had already simmered the pig trotters soup early, adding the medicinal ingredients in order, while Xia Li read her book and occasionally reminded her.

The sound of bicycle bells rang out in the distance, mixed with the light laughter of two girls.

Xia Li was lost in thought, realizing that doing the practice questions from class was far from enough. For exam preparation, the key was to gather some typical exam questions.

Suddenly, a shadow fell over her book.

Lifting her head, she met Zhao Xueling’s smiling face.

She sat on the back seat of a bicycle, dressed very fashionably.

Her face was powdered, and her lips were painted red.

Her exquisitely permed long hair draped over one shoulder, and she wore a woolen coat with red flared pants, looking both stylish and mature for her age.

She looked like a young girl just over twenty, yet she had the charm of a sophisticated young woman.

The person riding the bike in front of her was a small-time thug, looking at her with a hint of admiration.

However, Zhao Xueling nimbly jumped off the back seat and walked straight to a man, leaning against his arm. She turned to Xia Li with a smiling face and said warmly, “Xia Li, what a coincidence! You’re running the stall again? Are you tired? Want to go for a stroll in the city with me?”

The tall, thin young man beside her was Zhou Zhengbin.

Dressed in a leather jacket and straddling the bicycle seat, he looked over with a cold smile on his face.

His gaze was somewhat roguish, carrying a hint of darkness, making people feel uneasy.

Xia Li didn’t expect that these two had actually gotten together.

She had always been wary of Zhao Xueling.

To put it bluntly, in her previous life, Zhao Xueling clearly liked the male lead Wei Tianhong, wanting to get into university to match him. She didn’t pass the entrance exam the first year and repeated a year, but when she still didn’t get in, she gave up and married into a family in the city.

Now, however, she had dropped out of school and was actively getting involved with the street thug Zhou Zhengbin.

It looked like she was forced into it, but she seemed very willing.

This was quite intriguing.

How could her standards have dropped so drastically?

After all, was it that little thug who had a crush on her, or was it something else…

Xia Li smiled inwardly, withdrawing her gaze.

She lowered her eyes to continue reading her book and said lightly, “No need.”

Zhao Xueling had visited her home a few days ago and had made her intentions clear. Xia Li had directly rejected her, not expecting her to act as if nothing had happened now.

Seeing Xia Li’s cold indifference, Zhao Xueling felt quite pleased.

What an unrefined village girl!

Now your man is about to be snatched away by me, and the funny thing is, you’re completely unaware of what you’re about to miss!

With this thought, a hint of pride flashed in Zhao Xueling’s eyes.

She deliberately tossed her hair, releasing a wave of soft fragrance.

Still wearing a friendly smile, she acted as if she had a very good relationship with Xia Li, seemingly unfazed by the coldness from the other side.

“What have you been busy with lately? You’re not out having fun.”

Her tone was gentle as she curiously flipped through Xia Li’s book, and her keen eyes caught sight of the cover.

“This is… homework?”

“Xia Li, are you still holding on? Do you still want to go to school?”

Zhao Xueling said this with a look of surprise.

Xia Li slammed the book shut, nearly pinching Zhao Xueling’s hand, and smiled at her without showing any emotion, saying, “Xueling, I’m nothing like you; with grades like yours, you dropped out. Do you think you can still eat well just by reading?”

Zhao Xueling quickly pulled back her hand, grinding her teeth, while still trying to maintain a “good friend” facade.

With a pout, she said in a delicate tone, “What nonsense are you talking about? I would also want to continue my studies, but you know my family situation—two younger sisters waiting to go to school, and as the older sister, my burden is heavier than yours.”

She sighed, showing an expression of helplessness and tolerance.

Then she smiled again, “Look at me, why am I even saying all this?”

“Come on, Xia Li, let’s go to the city to see a movie. There’s a new film out, and it’s really good! Besides, Bin and the others have cars, we’ll go together!”

Zhao Xueling glanced over at Zhou Zhengbin with a somewhat shy demeanor.

Xia Li found this peculiar.

Why was she asking her out when she was involved with Zhou Zhengbin?

Besides, didn’t they have a spat last time?

She was too lazy to watch Zhao Xueling put on a one-woman show, so she didn’t respond and just looked at her with amusement.

Surprised, she asked, “Xueling, did a chicken peck at your throat today? Why do you sound so off? Skip the movie and go check your throat first!”

A small-time thug leaning against a car couldn’t help but chuckle.

Zhao Xueling choked for a moment, her smile froze on her face, and she inwardly cursed Xia Li for being so ungrateful.

Once she went to the city with Zhou Zhengbin and the others and was sitting in a dark cinema, Zhao Xueling tugged at Zhou Zhengbin’s sleeve, looking aggrieved.

“Bin, you saw it too, Xia Li is just that kind of straightforward person; I’m used to it…”

“But you should help me out and not let anyone cause trouble for her, okay?”

During this time, she had become familiar with Zhou Zhengbin and his gang.

One of the little thugs in their group liked her and often bought her things, but Zhao Xueling had rejected all his gestures.

Even if she was envious of those things, she couldn’t accept them.

After all, Zhou Zhengbin was the big fish she wanted to catch, and everything she did now was to leave a unique impression on him.

The movie began to play, and the pitch-black space was filled with dim, ambiguous light and shadows.

Zhou Zhengbin remained silent, casually tilting his head back and lighting a cigarette.

Zhao Xueling tentatively leaned against his shoulder, bringing a waft of fragrance.

He smirked, showing a hint of a smile as he watched the movie, unconcernedly reaching out his hand.

Xia Li was still unaware that Zhao Xueling had willingly taken the same path as in her previous life.

If she had known, she wouldn’t have said anything. Perhaps she would have even locked the door to prevent them from getting in.

It had to be 99!

These past few days, she had been thinking about going to the city to see if she could buy some study materials and also check the rental prices for storefronts in advance.

After bringing soup back in the evening, Jiang Cheng hadn’t come over for dinner, so Xia Li decided to go find him at the thatched cottage.

The sky was overcast, and the stars were hidden behind the clouds.

A cold wind blew at night, making her cheeks slightly red from the chill.

There was a faint light inside the thatched cottage.

Xia Li knocked on the door, and after knocking for the third time, the creaky wooden door finally opened with a squeak.

A handsome young man stood there, his features still blurry from sleep, staring at her in a daze.

Standing in the dim light, he was completely bare, showing off his toned chest and abs, a striking display of muscle.

Xia Li was momentarily taken aback by his appearance.

His flat, solid eight-pack abs were boldly exposed to her view.

In that instant, she felt a bit dizzy.

Dizzy from the sight.

In fact, she genuinely felt this way every time she saw him.

His muscles were simply too eye-catching.

Strong yet not overwhelming.

Tight yet not rough.

Hmm, why does that sound like weighing pork at a market?

Jiang Cheng stood tall in the doorway, rubbing his eyes.

He asked, “Wife, what brings you here?”

Suddenly, he slapped his forehead, recalling something, and leaned past her to look outside: “Why is it already dark?”

Xia Li quickly averted her gaze, lowering her eyes to the patch of low weeds by the threshold, and asked in a slightly annoyed soft voice, “What time is it?”

The young man noticed her long lashes fluttering a bit too quickly, and her delicate face was slightly flushed.

He chuckled foolishly in his heart, maintaining a calm expression, and said in a low voice, “Oh! I fell asleep after coming back from the mountain today. I didn’t wake up in time and forgot to eat.”

“Wait a moment, wife.”

As he said this, he went inside to grab a set of clothes to go eat with her.

Now that the weather was getting colder, Jiang Cheng seemed to live in a different season than others; while everyone else was wearing thick cotton jackets, he was still in a thin fleece shirt, maybe adding a vest at most.

Standing at the door felt cold, so Xia Li followed him inside, closing the door. When she turned around, she was met with his strong, muscular chest and back right in front of her.

In the light, she could see more clearly.

He had broad shoulders and a strong back, a typical physique that looked great without a shirt.

In the bright light, every inch of his tanned skin and muscle was clearly defined, with a strong waist and long legs, the lines smooth and tight, exuding a sense of power.

Jiang Cheng casually grabbed a piece of clothing and muttered, “This one won’t do, it’s new; I’ll get it dirty while eating.”

With a single motion, he took it off, his muscular arm reaching for the bed, and in two steps, he was in front of Xia Li, leaning down to her: “Wife, let me pass; I’ll get my clothes.”

He pointed casually to the other side of the bench, where an old piece of clothing was draped.

Xia Li wondered when he had become so slow and indecisive. Was he really picking and choosing his clothes?

How strange.

Her cheeks felt slightly warm, and she simply turned around to go outside: “Hurry up! I’ll be waiting for you out here.”

The cold wind blew, waking her up a bit.

Fortunately, he didn’t see her like this.

A man and a woman, disheveled and unclear, sharing a room together—wouldn’t they be severely punished in this day and age?

Jiang Cheng finished changing his clothes, a hint of delight in his eyes, looking inexplicably happy.

Xia Li asked, “What did you find in the mountains today? You seem so happy.”

When she spoke in a soft tone devoid of emotion, it sounded even more gentle and sweet in the dark night, prompting him to glance down at her.

He coughed and humbly replied, “Nothing much, just picked up a couple of wild ginseng roots. Not worth much, just enough to save a bit for my wife.”

Under the moonlight, his footsteps paused.

Xia Li slowly raised her head and continued walking forward without saying a word.

Jiang Cheng watched her back, the neckline of her knitted sweater revealing a slender, white neck.

Her black hair was braided like two delicate willow branches, and as the wind blew, fine strands danced in the air, accentuating her fair and smooth neck.

The wind picked up, becoming a bit chilly.

As the cold air rushed into her collar, Xia Li had only taken a couple of steps when she instinctively shrank back.

Suddenly, something was draped over her shoulders, bringing a rush of warm air.

Turning her head, she found it was his jacket.

The young man behind her had taken off his jacket and placed it over her shoulders, leaving himself in just a thin, half-sleeve shirt that showcased his well-defined muscles.

Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be the old jacket that the former village chief had given him, which he had worn out and even patched up once.

Jiang Cheng had strikingly handsome features, his sharp jawline giving him a cold demeanor, yet he smiled warmly at her, his dark eyes shining brightly.

Xia Li stopped in her tracks, her gaze meeting his, her eyes slightly startled.

She immediately wanted to take it off and return it to him: “Put it on, aren’t you cold?”

“I’m not cold at all,” he deliberately lifted his chin and reached out to drape it properly over her.

“Li, look at your thin arms and legs; if you get too cold, you won’t recover… oh no, you won’t grow properly. If you get too cold, cough, it won’t be good.”

“Just wear it well; I like seeing you in it.” His voice lowered, sounding almost like he was whispering sweet nothings.

Before Xia Li could react, he felt his ears turning red first.

As he adjusted the jacket over her shoulders, he couldn’t help but awkwardly touch her waist, his movements clumsy like he was playing with a cat.

Then, he quickly took a big step forward without looking back, secretly pleased with himself.