Chapter 21: The Vicious Female Supporting Character in the 1980s (21)

“Add a bit of sugar to the braised pork trotters. It’ll taste better.” 

“Hmm—fried eggs need soy sauce. That’s how I like them.” 

“The rice is done. I’ll take it outside first.” 

…

That meal, Cheng Wenfeng cooked in great spirits, feeling as if bathed in spring breeze. Su Qin stayed around him, sometimes chatting a bit, sometimes handing him a bowl or chopsticks. 

He felt as if even the air was sweet. While eating, his brows carried a constant smile. As long as he looked at her, his gaze was gentle as water, filled with sweetness. 

After the meal, Su Qin wanted to wash the dishes, but Cheng Wenfeng stopped her, “I’ll do it.” 

She didn’t argue and told him, “After you finish washing, let’s try that watch on. The clerk said it’s imported and always out of stock!” 

Cheng Wenfeng felt dizzy, washing the dishes absentmindedly, his heart all over the place. 

After he finished, he even secretly and carefully washed his hands several more times. 

Su Qin reached out her hand to him. He eagerly trotted over, looking expectant and nervous, just like a big Labrador wildly wagging its tail. 

She opened the small box, revealing the watch inside. The black leather strap paired with the clean white dial gave off a simple yet stylish texture. It was an eye-catching trendy design and considered a rare item in this era. 

“Give me your hand,” Su Qin said as she held the watch. 

Cheng Wenfeng dazedly raised his right hand. 

“Left hand.” 

He then raised his left hand, his heart pounding wildly. 

Su Qin pulled his hand over. The moment her soft, fair skin touched his, he felt everything around him blur, the air seemingly frozen, and the only thing he could hear was his heartbeat. 

She lowered her head, helping him put on the watch. Her warm fingertips gently brushed his wrist. His heart softened to the point of melting, and he stared at her obsessively. 

“What do you want?” he asked softly. 

“I want a lot of things,” Su Qin replied naturally. After she fastened the watch for him, she held his hand, curled her lips into a smile, and said, “It looks really good. I have great taste.” 

Cheng Wenfeng looked at the watch on his wrist, then at her so close in front of him, “Thank you. It’s beautiful.” 

He even felt that his own hand was too rough and dark, not worthy of wearing such a watch. 

Hearing his words, she immediately smiled brightly, joy shining in her brows. Cheng Wenfeng’s heart pounded like a drum. 

When Cheng Wenfeng was about to leave, he asked Su Qin once again what she liked. 

To stop him from buying random things, she shook her head again and said that she liked a lot of things and couldn’t think of anything specific at the moment. 

Su Qin had only bought the watch because she happened to see it and thought it would suit him. She didn’t expect anything in return. He had already done a lot for her. 

Yet the next day, Cheng Wenfeng brought her three boxes, inside which were a gold necklace, a gold bracelet, and a pair of gold earrings. 

“They said this is the latest style, and all the girls love it.” Cheng Wenfeng presented them like treasures, looking at her with great anticipation. 

“But they’re really expensive.” Su Qin looked at the heavy necklace, “People usually buy these gold pieces for marriage.” 

Only families with better finances could afford them. 

“When I marry you, I’ll buy you even more.” Cheng Wenfeng made this promise seriously. 

He wasn’t trying to use this as the three gold gifts for marriage. 

“That’s not what I meant—” Su Qin accepted them helplessly and generously said, “I really like them.” 

Once Cheng Wenfeng heard that she liked them, he immediately had an idea. 

A couple of days later, he brought her another box. 

“What did you get me this time?” Su Qin opened it and was visibly surprised and amazed. She was momentarily stunned.

Inside was a gold bracelet, and it wasn’t an ordinary plain band. The bracelet was carved with butterflies, each one vivid and lifelike, interwoven with light pink mother-of-pearl and pearls. The butterfly wings were meticulously crafted by hand, delicate and exquisite, noble and elegant.

Shedding the tackiness of gold, combined with the softness of mother-of-pearl and the brightness of pearls, it was pinkish, fair, and glistening gold. It was absolutely beautiful.

“Isn’t this really expensive?” Su Qin was a bit cautious when she took it out, thinking it was just too pretty.

Cheng Wenfeng pulled her hand over and put it on her, answering honestly, “A little.” After speaking, he was afraid she would feel pressured, so he added, “Once I earn more money, it won’t be expensive anymore.”

It wasn’t that the thing was expensive. The problem was with him.

He also said, “I looked around. There are many other styles of gold jewelry too, like all kinds of filigree gold jewelry. They’re much more beautiful.”

Su Qin was somewhat familiar with that. “Those are really pretty too. The National Museum has a lot of them in its collection. They’re especially beautiful.”

She had seen the real thing and was amazed by the ancestors’ aesthetic sense.

Cheng Wenfeng looked at her and promised, “Once I make money, I’ll buy them all for you.”

“Wow—” Su Qin couldn’t help laughing, her eyes brimming with joy. “But you’ll earn a lot of money in the future.”

How much would that take?

Cheng Wenfeng was once again moved. What had he done to deserve her believing in him so much? He nodded solemnly. “Yes. I’ll work hard and earn lots and lots of money to buy them for you.”

Su Qin smiled as she admired the bracelet on her wrist. Then she looked up at him. Her face was delicate and lovely. She clasped his hands with both of hers, her almond-shaped eyes curved like gentle crescent moons. She lightly shook his hand, her voice soft and sweet. “Holding hands like this, year after year.”

Cheng Wenfeng gazed at her with deep affection, his heart melting completely. “Do you want to go see a movie tonight?”

“You still remember to go on movie dates?” Su Qin teased him. “Do you go often with others?”

“No. I only heard people talk about it.” Cheng Wenfeng hurried to explain, his forehead beading with nervous sweat. “I’ve never gone before.”

“Oh.”

“Really, I haven’t.” He spoke again, his dark eyes full of sincerity. “I’m not lying to you.”

Su Qin couldn’t help but laugh. “Then I’ll believe you for now. Anyway, you’re not single anymore. Just remember to keep your distance from other women.”

Cheng Wenfeng nodded.

Su Qin then remembered something and raised her index finger to warn him, “Especially Su Yue. If you start liking her, then I won’t stay with you anymore. We’ll break up peacefully.”

She still couldn’t figure out why Cheng Wenfeng had become an exception. According to the plot, he should have been hovering around Su Yue by now. But he hadn’t. Instead, he had fallen for her.

Maybe to outsiders, this was just a novel. But to her, it was a real world she lived in. Her emotions weren’t something she could control.

If Cheng Wenfeng ended up liking Su Yue after all, then she would willingly step back. At the very least, she wanted to enjoy the present, because Cheng Wenfeng truly treated her well. She didn’t want to leave any regrets behind.

“Impossible.” Cheng Wenfeng immediately denied it and emphasized, “I’m only good to you.”

Su Qin beamed. “That’s more like it.”

*

In the evening.

The two of them got ready and headed to the cinema.

Just as they reached the entrance, they ran into Su Yue. She was alone, and there was no sign of Zhou Zhiyuan. When she saw Su Qin, Su Yue’s eyes dodged a bit and she looked flustered.

“You’re here to watch a movie too?” Su Yue greeted awkwardly.

Su Qin said, “Mm.”

“I came alone. Ayuan didn’t have time.” Su Yue had just finished explaining when a tall and thin young man walked toward her with movie tickets in hand. He said to her, “Let’s go in. The movie’s about to start.”

Su Yue’s face instantly turned pale. Especially after hearing Su Qin let out a chuckle, she felt even more embarrassed. Just as she was about to explain, Su Qin had already walked off.

Su Qin didn’t take the matter to heart. After entering the cinema, she and Cheng Wenfeng sat down and started watching the movie. She seriously discussed the plot, and from time to time, she would try to guess what might happen next.

“That leader is definitely a bad guy.” Su Qin suddenly turned her head, placing her hand on Cheng Wenfeng’s shoulder and whispering excitedly by his ear, “That leader and his subordinate definitely have an improper relationship. So bad.”

The two of them were close together. Her warm breath brushed against his ear like feathers gently stroking back and forth. His heart felt ticklish.

Cheng Wenfeng’s mind had already drifted. He couldn’t hear what she was saying.

When Su Qin sat upright again, immersed in the movie, Cheng Wenfeng glanced at her delicate hand from the corner of his eye. Her fingers were long and beautiful.

When Su Qin moved slightly, he immediately looked away and focused back on the screen.

Not long after, he peeked at her hand again and held his breath. His palm slowly moved toward her, like a probing antenna, inching closer and closer.

Just as he was about to touch her hand, he pressed his lips together, breathing a bit heavier.

He was getting closer and closer. Cheng Wenfeng’s heart pounded faster. Just as he was about to touch her, Su Qin suddenly lifted her hand and avoided it.

Cheng Wenfeng’s heart sank. Like a deflated balloon, he was about to withdraw his hand when she suddenly grabbed it. Her fair and delicate face leaned toward him, her voice filled with excitement and a hint of mischievous delight. “I told you. That guy is a bad person!”

He was so happy he almost lost his mind. His heartstrings couldn’t help but be tugged with sweetness. The corners of his lips curled into a wide smile. His gaze was full of tenderness. He leaned toward her and quietly praised, “You guessed right.”

Guessed what?

He didn’t even know.

After the movie ended, Su Qin needed to use the restroom. Cheng Wenfeng waited for her outside and said, “No rush.”

There were quite a few people. Su Qin waited in line for a while. On her way back, she saw Su Yue walking toward Cheng Wenfeng. Her gaze darkened, and her heart rang with alarm. But she didn’t go over right away. Instead, she stepped aside and avoided their direct line of sight.

The man who had been with Su Yue was now nowhere to be found. She walked toward Cheng Wenfeng and asked, “Where’s Xiao Qin?”

“She went to the restroom,” Cheng Wenfeng replied blandly.

Su Yue nodded and smiled lightly. She said softly, “I’ve been feeling a bit down lately and wanted to watch a movie. I happened to run into a classmate, so we watched it together.”

She knew Cheng Wenfeng was close to Su Qin. This man always wore a stern expression and didn’t seem easy to approach. But her sixth sense told her that he was actually quite easy to get along with.

Moreover, he would probably have a good impression of her and be helpful to her in the future.

Zhou Zhiyuan had delayed the engagement. Su Yue wasn’t sure if it had something to do with Su Qin. She was actually quite upset about it and felt more and more compelled to get close to people who were close to Su Qin, hoping to gain a sense of satisfaction from them.

But just as Su Yue finished speaking, Cheng Wenfeng shot her a sharp glance. His voice was cold as he warned, “Leave. Stay away from me.”

His tone made it seem as if he was terrified of being associated with her.

Not only was Su Yue stunned, even Su Qin hadn’t expected Cheng Wenfeng to be so repulsed by Su Yue.

“What’s wrong with you?” Su Yue asked with a face full of grievance, her tone soft with a hint of complaint.

When Cheng Wenfeng saw her expression, the crease between his brows deepened. Without even thinking, he turned and walked away. When he saw Su Qin not far away, his expression turned a bit flustered and he hurriedly walked over.

“Let’s go back,” Su Qin said with a smile.

After walking a while, Cheng Wenfeng spoke anxiously, “She came over on her own. I didn’t talk to her.”

“Mm.”

Afraid that she might still have lingering thoughts, Cheng Wenfeng added again, “She’s definitely trying to set me up.”

As he spoke, a gloomy look instantly appeared in his eyes.

“Pfft—” Su Qin couldn’t help but laugh. When he said this, he really looked like he was gnashing his teeth at Su Yue.

Su Yue probably just wanted to leave a good impression or maybe probe their relationship a bit. But Cheng Wenfeng had directly blacklisted her.

It looked like he was really afraid she’d misunderstand.

Seeing Su Qin laugh, the heavy burden in Cheng Wenfeng’s heart finally eased. He sneaked a few glances at her. As they walked, under the cover of night, he took aim at the right moment and reached out his hand to the side.

When he wrapped her soft and delicate hand in his palm, Cheng Wenfeng’s heart began to race. He instinctively used some strength but was also careful, afraid of hurting her.

“Your palms are sweating.” Su Qin said with curved eyes, leaning closer to speak softly.

Cheng Wenfeng: “……”

The tips of his ears turned red. Thankfully it was night, or it would have been obvious.

*

There was no passionate confession, no deeply affectionate promises. All there was, was Cheng Wenfeng clumsily doing his best to treat her well. Su Qin admitted she had used a little trickery, and the two of them were now considered to be in a relationship.

Cheng Wenfeng didn’t seem to mind this small bit of trickery. That usually stern face always wore a smile when he saw her. He looked a little silly and foolish.

He was busy with work. Apparently, he couldn’t even finish transporting the goods. Su Qin, on the other hand, was quite free. Without needing to review anymore, all she had to do was go to work and draw. Thanks to the good habits she had developed during her studies, she now had plenty of time to practice calligraphy and read, so she still went to the bookstore.

Cheng Wenfeng woke up early in the morning. When Su Qin woke up groggily, he was already up. When she heard a knock on the door and opened it, she saw him standing there with breakfast and half a bundle of firewood.

She rubbed her eyes and watched him busy around. He even washed the rice and started cooking it for her.

“I want to eat stir-fried chicken with potatoes,” Su Qin said as she ate the meat bun in small bites and fantasized about chicken legs.

She hadn’t eaten any in days.

Fortunately, she had moved out. Otherwise, Liu Mei would give her green vegetables for twenty-five days a month. That was pure torture for a meat lover.

Cheng Wenfeng said, “I’ll kill the chicken when I get back.”

“Won’t you keep it for laying eggs? There’s only one left.”

During the New Year, Cheng Lan had brought him two chickens. Later she gave him two more. Three had already ended up in Su Qin’s stomach. Only one was left.

“No need,” Cheng Wenfeng answered without hesitation, lightly sealing the fate of the hen.

After starting the rice, he quickly left. It was clear he was in a rush.

Su Qin sat at the table. After finishing the meat bun, she peeled a boiled egg. It was freshly laid by the hen that morning and was very fresh.

She had just taken a bite when there was another knock at the door.

Su Qin immediately stood up and walked over with a sweet smile. “Why did you come back so soon—”

Before she finished speaking, she saw who was at the door. Her action of biting the egg stopped, and her expression was a bit embarrassed.

Cheng Lan didn’t notice. She was carrying a woven plastic bag in her left hand and an old hen in her right. With a puzzled look, she said, “I don’t know where Wenfeng went so early in the morning. He’s not home now.”

Just as Su Qin was about to reply, Cheng Lan mumbled again, “He’s always busy but hasn’t brought home a wife yet. It’s worrying me to death.”

……

Su Qin swallowed the words she had intended to say and looked at the things she brought over. “What did you bring? It’s a lot.”

“This old hen is for you. Didn’t I say before that you should be nourished after the exam? There’s also some peanut oil and pickled vegetables. I was going to bring them to him, but no one’s home,” Cheng Lan said as she placed the hen to the side.

Su Qin actually had a key to Cheng Wenfeng’s house. But she knew she definitely couldn’t say that now. Otherwise, she wouldn’t even know how to face Cheng Lan.

“Cook the chicken today,” Cheng Lan said, then asked, “Do you know how to kill a chicken?”

Su Qin shook her head.

“It’s a pity it’s still early. Otherwise, I’d help you kill it now,” Cheng Lan thought for a moment and added, “How about you ask Wenfeng to help you kill it when he gets back? Don’t be shy. He’s very warm-hearted. Otherwise, you’ll have to struggle on your own.”

Su Qin nodded. “Thank you, Team Leader Cheng.”

Cheng Lan also said to her, “I have four more chickens at Wenfeng’s place. If you want to eat one next time, just go catch one from there. He’s just raising them. He definitely won’t eat them.”

These words made Su Qin lower her head in embarrassment.

Actually, only one of those four chickens was left. She was planning to eat it today.

Cheng Lan still had to go to the department store. She left after putting down the items and told Su Qin to let Wenfeng know to come pick them up when he returned.

Su Qin guiltily agreed.

It was close to noon.

Cheng Wenfeng returned, carrying the groceries he had bought, ready to go home and slaughter the old hen.

Su Qin had already boiled the water. She stopped him and told him that Cheng Lan had already come by earlier that morning.

Cheng Wenfeng didn’t take the things Cheng Lan brought home. He only went back to change his clothes, then returned to kill the chicken.

With a swift motion, the hen let out its final cry. He then began scalding it in hot water and plucking its feathers.

Su Qin stayed close by. Seeing that sweat was dripping down his forehead from the effort, she ran inside to get some tissues and reached out to wipe his sweat.

“Ka—” The small courtyard door was gently pushed open. Su Qin froze in place.

Cheng Wenfeng’s face instantly darkened, almost emanating a murderous aura.

“Xiao Qin?” Cheng Lan called out, asking, “Has Wenfeng come back?”

Su Qin immediately stood up, jumping several meters away from Cheng Wenfeng, and vaguely responded to Cheng Lan.

“I just went to the nearby store, so I thought I’d stop by.” Cheng Lan had already pushed the door open and walked in. She happened to see Cheng Wenfeng crouching and plucking chicken feathers, and was momentarily stunned.

Luckily, she reacted quickly and immediately said, “I was the one who asked Xiao Qin to find you. How can a girl kill a chicken?”

“Aunt,” Cheng Wenfeng reluctantly greeted her out of courtesy, much colder than usual.

“Mm, Aunt understands.” Cheng Lan noticed the change in his tone and felt uneasy. She looked at him, then at Su Qin, and handed over the cake she brought. “Make sure to eat it soon. Xiao Qin, you have some too.”

“Team Leader Cheng, would you like to stay for lunch?” Su Qin asked.

“No, no. My husband already made lunch. I have to go home.” Cheng Lan left hurriedly, even sniffing slightly as she turned around.

Her heart was bitter.

Let alone Cheng Wenfeng.

But what else could she do? The next time they met, she would try to talk sense into Wenfeng. In this world, how many things go exactly the way one wants?

Su Qin was no longer part of their world. She had already become someone different.

Still, she had let her brother and sister-in-law down—

Su Qin looked at the doorway, then turned to Cheng Wenfeng and hesitantly asked, “Your aunt… does she seem to be in a bad mood?”

“I don’t know.” Cheng Wenfeng replied in a deep voice, his gaze fixed on the tissue in her hand, hoping she would finish the action she hadn’t completed.

Su Qin didn’t ask further. “Alright, I’ll go wash the vegetables.”

Cheng Wenfeng’s expression immediately darkened as he threw the handful of feathers aside.

He was in a very bad mood right now.

Cheng Lan remained in low spirits for several days after returning. Little did she know, Su Qin was already beaming with joy as she and Cheng Wenfeng set the date to slaughter the last old hen—next weekend.

This one would be braised in soy sauce.

Originally, Cheng Wenfeng was supposed to go buy the side dishes, but he had to make a delivery at the last minute, so Su Qin went alone.

Not only did she buy side dishes, but also some beef—freshly butchered beef—planning to make a stir-fried dish with green peppers.

She also picked up some snacks she liked and carried a bunch of things back.

Just thinking about the delicious food to come made Su Qin’s steps lighter. She walked into the alley and suddenly felt something off—an uncomfortable sense of being watched.

Su Qin slowed her pace. The person behind her hid at the corner of the wall. When he peeked out again, she was already gone, so he quickly strode forward to look.

He searched several alleys in a row but didn’t see anyone.

After he left, Su Qin emerged from another concealed corner, her eyes full of contemplation.

Zhao Yong?

It was obvious he had come here looking for her. What did he want?

Su Qin only knew it wasn’t anything good.

Meanwhile—

Zhao Yong returned to the Su house and plopped down on the sofa. After drinking a few sips of water, he looked at Liu Mei and said, “I followed her to the market. She’s living the good life, spending several yuan without even blinking!”

As he spoke, greed flickered in his eyes.

Liu Mei’s face turned dark with jealousy, her features almost twisted. “She took all the money. She got several scholarships when she got into college and even earns a salary. How could she not live well? Once she goes to university, her nose will be pointed to the sky!”

When Zhao Yong heard that Su Qin had that much money, a sly look flashed in his eyes. “Mom, what are you mad about? She’s just a woman. It’s not even certain she’ll get into college.”

A mother knows her son. From Zhao Yong’s greedy and lustful gaze, Liu Mei instantly understood his thoughts.

She restrained her expression and didn’t try to stop him. Instead, that evening when Father Su returned home, she sighed and casually said, “If only Xiao Qin wasn’t going to college. If she took over the job, at least she could support you in your old age. Staying close would mean someone to take care of you.”

“If she really goes to university, then we can’t count on her at all.”

The more Father Su listened, the darker his expression became. He even cursed angrily, “If I’d known earlier, I shouldn’t have let her be born!”

If he hadn’t, maybe he could have had a son.

Seeing Father Su’s reaction, Liu Mei felt even more confident and no longer bothered to act pleasant around him. For the next few days, she even took the initiative to cozy up to him.

Just thinking that Su Qin might not go to university filled her with glee.

Wouldn’t it be great if she didn’t go? She had thought it through. When the time came, Su Qin could take over the job. Then she could be with her son, and everything would belong to them.

Once they had a child, wouldn’t Su Qin be completely at her mercy?

By then, the house, the job, the money, and Zhao Yong’s marriage would all be settled. The Su family would have done right by their mother and son.

As for how things would look on the surface? That would be Su Qin’s problem. Maybe she’d even be pregnant and begging to marry her son.

While Liu Mei was delighting in her fantasies, Zhao Yong was also full of confidence.

She was just a woman. He had dealt with plenty of them before.

Late at night, Zhao Yong found Su Qin’s house. After carefully surveying the surroundings, he reached up and grabbed the edge of the wall. Just as he climbed up and stood on top, something seemed to jab him. A sharp pain hit his foot, and he couldn’t keep his balance, tumbling into the yard.

As soon as his feet touched the ground, the pain made him groan. The soles of his shoes were soaked. Before he could get up, a stick suddenly came at him and hit him by surprise. He let out a miserable cry.

“Thief! Thief! There’s a thief climbing over the wall to steal things—” Su Qin shouted in fear while beating him. She used all her strength and kept hitting Zhao Yong with the stick.