Chapter 22: The Vicious Female Supporting Character in the 1980s (22)

It was early morning.

Liu Mei was still dreaming. She had a pleasant dream.

In the dream, Su Qin had lost her usual arrogance and was bowing and scraping at home while taking orders from her. Even when she was scolded, she didn’t dare make a sound.

The gold jewelry she had handed over was taken back one by one from Su Qin by Zhao Yong and returned to her hands.

All the frustrations from this period were finally released.

A sudden, urgent knock on the door woke Liu Mei from her dream. She opened her eyes in irritation and held back her temper. “Who is it?”

“Meizi, get up quickly.” Mother Zhou shouted loudly and banged on the door twice.

“Coming.” Liu Mei got up with a face full of impatience.

Mother Zhou was also a snob. When their family was in trouble some time ago, she stayed far away. But ever since Su Yue was assigned to a magazine, she started coming over again to suck up.

If it weren’t for the fact that she couldn’t control that Su Yue girl and wanted to marry her off quickly, Liu Mei wouldn’t even consider this marriage proposal.

After dressing, Liu Mei composed herself and opened the door with a smile. “What’s the matter so early in the morning?”

Can’t even let people sleep in peace!

“Something big happened!” Mother Zhou lowered her voice in fear of being overheard by the neighbors. “Your Zhao Yong broke into someone’s yard to steal and got beaten into the hospital!”

Since the two families were about to become in-laws, she was keeping her mouth tighter than anyone else.

If there’s shame, it’s shared shame.

Liu Mei’s face instantly turned pale. Her eyes widened, and she nearly lost her balance. She trembled as she spoke. “How is that possible?!”

“It’s true! They even called the police. He was taken away by the police!”

…

Liu Mei rushed to the hospital and immediately asked where Zhao Yong was being treated.

“You’re Zhao Yong’s family? He’s in Room 705 on the second floor. But you need to pay the bill first.” The nurse handed her the payment slip. “Check if everything’s correct and then pay.”

Liu Mei took a look, and her voice suddenly turned sharp. “980 yuan? Is this a hospital or daylight robbery?”

“This is a hospital. It’s not a place for you to make a scene!” The nurse frowned. “Your son had surgery yesterday and received two bags of blood. Every charge is listed clearly.”

When Liu Mei heard that Zhao Yong had surgery, her legs weakened, and she quickly headed to the ward.

When she arrived, she saw Zhao Yong lying on the bed with both feet wrapped in thick white gauze. He was pale, and two policemen were sitting by his side taking notes.

Zhao Yong saw Liu Mei and called out as if seeing a savior. “Mom—”

Liu Mei’s heart ached at the sight. She immediately turned things around. “Who hit him? Who beat my son like this? Why haven’t you arrested them? He’s in this state, and you police aren’t doing anything?”

“Your son climbed over someone else’s wall in the middle of the night. That’s against the law.” The policeman sternly rebuked. “Don’t interfere with our work!”

Liu Mei was frightened and opened her mouth, not daring to say another word.

The police turned back to Zhao Yong. “Why did you go to Su Qin’s house? What was your intention?”

“No reason.”

“No reason, and you climbed a wall in the middle of the night?” The policeman’s tone was sharp and serious. He looked at Zhao Yong and continued. “This isn’t your first offense. Last time, it was for illegal gambling. What is it this time?”

“She hit me too! My foot got cut, it was cut by the glass on her wall!”

When Liu Mei heard it was Su Qin again, she gnashed her teeth in hatred. “It’s her again. She’s never up to any good! My son is like this now. They must take responsibility. This isn’t over!”

“Your son trespassed. And you’re blaming others?” The police officer shouted at Zhao Yong. “Did she tell you to go climbing her wall in the middle of the night? Did she ask you to be a thief? What she did was self-defense and isn’t illegal. You’re the one who committed a crime by attempting burglary. Do you understand?”

Zhao Yong still wanted to argue, but he was quickly seen through. His original goal was to assault Su Qin. Most women can’t bear gossip, and if she got pregnant, she would be at his mercy.

By then, he could ask for as much money as he wanted, and she would have to give it.

Now that he had been caught, he didn’t dare tell the truth. He only admitted to an attempted theft.

In the end, Zhao Yong was sentenced to fifteen days of detention for attempted theft, as there were no major losses or injuries caused.

Liu Mei let out a huge sigh of relief when she heard the verdict.

But then the doctor told her that Zhao Yong’s right foot had nerve damage from the glass cut. It would affect his ability to walk, and even with recovery, he would still walk with a limp.

Hearing that, Liu Mei’s vision went black, and she fainted on the spot.

*

Su Qin was quite satisfied when she learned the result.

She had been fed up with Zhao Yong for a long time and never thought he would walk into the trap himself.

Though she didn’t manage to get him locked up for a few years, this was enough for him to suffer. The incident had spread widely. What decent girl would still want to marry him? This was a good deed well done.

She heard Liu Mei was running around borrowing money to pay the hospital bills. Father Su was now divorcing her and trying to kick her out of the staff dormitory.

Ever since the incident, Cheng Wenfeng had been on edge.

When they suspected Zhao Yong was following her and had ill intentions, Su Qin told Cheng Wenfeng right away and asked him to place some broken glass along the wall. Cheng Wenfeng was worried, so he stayed up with her until late at night.

When Zhao Yong showed up, Cheng Wenfeng noticed right away. As soon as Su Qin shouted, he rushed in and gave Zhao Yong a good beating in the dark.

The neighbors all came out. For someone bold enough to trespass, of course, they joined in the beating. That’s when the police were called.

After Zhao Yong was detained, Cheng Wenfeng added barbed wire around Su Qin’s courtyard. Not only that, he planned to replace the door too.

“Is this door still usable? It looks pretty solid,” Su Qin said.

Cheng Wenfeng replied, “It’s old, not resistant to being kicked.”

Su Qin: “……”

She wanted to say, who would be kicking the door like that?

But seeing how nervous Cheng Wenfeng looked, she swallowed her words. She just needed to cooperate with him.

Cheng Wenfeng rebuilt the courtyard wall, changed the door, and even replaced the lock on her room. Still feeling unsafe, he kept observing the courtyard.

“All right, don’t worry so much,” Su Qin stepped forward and held his hand, “You’re right across from me. If anything happens, you’ll be the first to know.”

Cheng Wenfeng turned his hand over and wrapped her small hand in his palm.

“Besides, I’m reporting to school next month.”

It would have been fine if she didn’t say that. As soon as she did, Cheng Wenfeng’s face turned unpleasant again. It was so far away. How could he get to her quickly?

“What’s wrong with you?” Su Qin asked in confusion and moved a bit closer to him.

Cheng Wenfeng pulled her toward him. Su Qin fell into his arms, her hands pressing against his chest. The two were so close they could feel each other’s body heat.

Su Qin caught the pleasant scent of soap on him. His broad hand rested on her back, gently rubbing up along her spine.

She tilted her head and smiled in his arms. Reaching out, she wrapped her arms around his lean waist. Her fair and slightly flushed face tilted up as she said sweetly, “What are you doing?”

Cheng Wenfeng looked at her soft and tempting lips. His Adam’s apple bobbed. His eyes burned with intensity. The hand around her waist tightened even more. He slightly parted his lips and said, “I want to kiss you.”

Su Qin’s face and neck instantly turned bright red, but she didn’t dodge. Instead, she shyly nestled deeper into his embrace.

The heat in Cheng Wenfeng’s body rose immediately. His gaze was filled with tender affection as he leaned in toward Su Qin’s lips. His warm breath fell on her face.

Just as Su Qin was about to close her eyes, a voice interrupted them, “Xiao Qin—”

Liu Xiaoyan came running over as she spoke, her breath clearly hurried.

Su Qin quickly pushed Cheng Wenfeng away. Caught off guard, he stumbled back a few steps.

“I’m coming.” Su Qin raised her hand and quickly patted her own face. Without any hesitation, she turned and ran toward the gate.

Liu Xiaoyan didn’t notice the ambiguous atmosphere. Grabbing Su Qin’s hand, she asked, “Want to come to my house for dinner tonight?”

“Huh?”

“Come on, come on, you and Cheng Wenfeng both.” Liu Xiaoyan began to plead, lowering her head and looking shy, “My mom wants to introduce someone to me. He’s my brother’s classmate. I don’t like him. I plan to bring He Peng over to let her meet him. You guys come too, or it’ll be really awkward.”

Liu Xiaoyan and He Peng were together now. It reportedly started with an argument. Normally, neither of them would admit defeat. Liu Xiaoyan was so angry she was nearly in tears. He Peng panicked and tried to calm her down for a long time.

When the mood was right, he confessed. They had been inseparable lately.

“We’re having braised duck hot pot tonight,” Liu Xiaoyan added.

“……All right then.”

“It’s settled then.”

“Mm-hmm.”

Liu Xiaoyan looked at Cheng Wenfeng again, “You come too.”

Otherwise, it would be awkward with just He Peng as the only guy.

Cheng Wenfeng didn’t say anything. Su Qin answered for him, “We’ll come this afternoon.”

“Great.” Liu Xiaoyan walked away cheerfully.

Su Qin turned to Cheng Wenfeng again and saw that his face had turned long. Thinking he didn’t want to go, she quickly walked to his side and tugged on his sleeve, “We’re having braised duck hot pot tonight.”

“……” Cheng Wenfeng looked at her greedy little expression and squeezed out words from between his teeth, “A braised duck hot pot is enough to lure you away?”

“That’s not it,” Su Qin denied, “Mainly just helping out. Eating is secondary.”

Cheng Wenfeng raised an eyebrow, “Come here.”

Su Qin thought of the scene just now. Her face grew warm again. She slipped away from him, “I’m not! I’m taking a nap. Bye—”

“……”

The sun was setting. The golden glow of dusk colored the evening clouds in a warm hue.

On their way to the Liu family’s house, Su Qin and Cheng Wenfeng bought some fruit.

When they arrived, Liu Sheng opened the door. Upon seeing Su Qin, his eyes visibly flickered and the corners of his lips lifted, “Long time no see. I heard you got into Yanjing University. Congratulations.”

“Thank you.” Su Qin smiled.

Liu Sheng nodded at Cheng Wenfeng as a greeting, then asked Su Qin, “Have you decided when to go to school?”

“Not yet.”

“It’s still early. No rush—” Liu Sheng’s words were cut short. Cheng Wenfeng suddenly stepped around him and walked over to Su Qin’s side, then suddenly grabbed her hand.

The gesture clearly marked his territory.

Liu Sheng’s expression changed again and again. At first he was shocked. Then, seeing Su Qin not resist, he felt a mix of complicated emotions.

From the first time he saw Su Qin, he had a good impression of her. But their first meeting didn’t allow for much interaction. Liu Xiaoyan told him Su Qin was coming tonight. He thought this would be a good chance to get to know her better.

He hadn’t expected her to already have a boyfriend.

But wasn’t this Cheng Wenfeng the guy she was set up with before?

Cheng Wenfeng didn’t care about the storm in Liu Sheng’s heart. He held Su Qin’s hand the whole time. Even when he sat down, he stayed right next to her.

Normally, He Peng and Liu Xiaoyan would have teased them already. But now, they didn’t have time.

Usually chatty, He Peng was now sitting upright, acting all serious, barely saying a word. Liu Xiaoyan also felt nervous and paid no attention to others.

Besides them, there was also a university classmate of Liu Sheng at the table. He was also from this city. Originally, he was brought over to be introduced to Liu Xiaoyan. But seeing the situation, Liu Sheng understood what his sister meant and didn’t mention it again, treating it as just a meal at a friend’s house.

Mother Liu brought out the braised duck hot pot, stir-fried a few dishes, and served the rice.

Su Qin said to her, “Aunt, you should eat too.”

“I just had some sweet potato soup. I’m not hungry at all. You young people go ahead and eat,” Mother Liu said with a smile and went off to busy herself.

The atmosphere at the table was tense, especially since He Peng noticed Liu Sheng glancing over to size him up from time to time. His legs were even trembling.

Liu Xiaoyan’s heart was tightly held as well.

Only Su Qin was relaxed, eating comfortably while praising Mother Liu, “Aunt, the food you made is really delicious, it smells so good.”

“Eat more,” Mother Liu said cheerfully.

Seeing the constant smile on Mother Liu’s face, Liu Sheng’s gaze involuntarily settled on Su Qin. His eyes softened a bit.

The next second, Cheng Wenfeng picked up a duck wing and put it into Su Qin’s bowl.

“Thank you,” she said sweetly.

Cheng Wenfeng smiled at the corner of his mouth, “Eat.”

Liu Sheng withdrew his gaze and chatted casually with the classmates beside him.

Seeing Liu Xiaoyan and He Peng so nervous, Su Qin started to liven up the atmosphere, frequently bringing up topics. She asked He Peng, “Are you not working today?”

“My job is pretty relaxed—I’ve got a few days off and won’t be reading meters until next month,” He Peng said, showing a bit of quick wit. Then he added, “Lately, I’ve been helping Wenfeng move goods. Anyway, I’m free at home.”

Having a steady job and still working elsewhere after hours showed ambition.

Mother Liu heard this and smiled happily, turning back, “You’re working two jobs? Much more hardworking than my Xiaoyan.”

“Xiaoyan is hardworking too,” He Peng quickly said.

“Yeah, Xiaoyan helped you sell vegetables last time, and she still has her job,” Su Qin added, “Her schedule is not as light as He Peng’s.”

Mother Liu nodded, “That’s true.”

While Su Qin was chatting with them, Cheng Wenfeng again put some meat into her bowl without hesitation. Mother Liu saw this clearly and smiled even more broadly, the corners of her eyes crinkling.

She hadn’t seen Cheng Lan in a long time and wondered if she knew the two were together.

Otherwise, she would keep nagging about it whenever they met.

Speaking of which, as Mother Liu was about to carry the basin to the kitchen, a figure appeared at the door. Cheng Lan walked over with a smile, carrying a bag, and said, “I said last time I’d bring you some tomatoes but didn’t have time. Today I picked a big basket, so I brought it over quickly.”

As soon as Cheng Lan’s voice rang out, Su Qin was stunned. She was sitting at the table and didn’t have time to react.

“Wenfeng? What are you doing here?” Cheng Lan immediately saw Cheng Wenfeng, mainly because he was still standing and placing the soup in front of Su Qin, acting very attentively.

Cheng Lan watched his actions, then shifted her gaze to the familiar silhouette beside him.

Su Qin was not shy and turned around confidently, smiling as she greeted, “Team Leader Cheng.”

“It’s you?!” Cheng Lan almost dropped the tomatoes she was holding. Her eyes widened as she looked back and forth between the two, blinking repeatedly.

“Sit down and eat,” Mother Liu invited her.

Cheng Lan forgot she had already eaten and sat down in a daze. Seeing the intimate manner between the two, she was so surprised that her tongue got tied.

“Aunt,” Cheng Wenfeng frowned and spoke sternly to remind her.

Cheng Lan immediately snapped back to reality, squinting her eyes and smiling brightly, her mouth stretching wide. Her lively chatter kept the whole table’s atmosphere going.

Su Qin: “……”

She was a little scared by how enthusiastic Cheng Lan was.

Moreover, what was Cheng Wenfeng’s deal?

He acted like nothing was wrong, continuing to serve her food, completely unaware of the “situation” between them!

Su Qin did not dare to look at Cheng Lan’s expression at that moment and just smiled like a big flower.

After the meal ended, the group left the Liu family’s house. Without them saying a word, Cheng Lan already knew about He Peng and Liu Xiaoyan’s situation.

“Aunt, do you think it will work out?” He Peng asked anxiously.

Cheng Lan laughed out loud, “It will work out. You both can make it!”

Su Qin: “……”

Cheng Wenfeng: “……”

He Peng did not catch the deeper meanings and smiled foolishly, scratching his head, “I want it to work too. I’ll invite you to my wedding then.”

“Of course, you have to hold a big wedding!” Cheng Lan beamed with joy, her eyes even moist, raising a hand to wipe tears.

He Peng was confused, “Aunt, what’s wrong with you?”

Cheng Lan took a deep breath, patted his shoulder, and said sincerely, “Aunt is happy for you, really. This is so good. It also makes up for your parents.”

“Hehe—” He Peng grinned foolishly, “Xiaoyan is a good person, my parents will definitely be happy.”

Cheng Lan wiped away two more tears, “Aunt is happy too.”

Cheng Wenfeng: “…..”

*

In the next half month, Cheng Lan often came to Su Qin’s house.

Today she brought eggs, tomorrow some radishes and vegetables, the next day some pickled vegetables and cured meat, and a few days later rice, oil, and tea…

Su Qin refused a few times, but it was hard to decline such kindness, so she had Cheng Lan send the items to Cheng Wenfeng instead.

Cheng Lan waved her hand, “He’s a grown man, can’t he buy his own food?”

“……”

Cheng Lan used to say the opposite, often claiming Cheng Wenfeng was careless and rough, and she hated how he wanted to control everything.

Learning that Su Qin had eaten all four hens she brought, Cheng Lan said it was no big deal and immediately brought three more.

Eat more, it’s nourishing!

A few days before Su Qin went to school, Cheng Lan got even busier, preparing daily necessities for her, buying a set of bedding, and even cutting fabric to measure her for a few new clothes.

“Team Leader Cheng, no need. I have new clothes,” Su Qin politely declined.

“The fabric is already cut, all from people I know who got the newest styles. All good material,” Cheng Lan said while stepping forward to measure her waist, softly adding, “The capital is a big city. There are many rich people. People nowadays are so snobbish. If you don’t buy a few good outfits, what if they see through you?”

Perhaps touched, Su Qin did not say anything else, a ripple of emotion stirring in her heart.

She had always excelled academically and been protected by teachers in her small hometown. No one looked down on her there. Later in the big city, her roommates all came from well-off families, and it was obvious her family background was not good.

Someone once pitied her for working too hard at her part-time jobs and offered her a monthly allowance to be his “girlfriend.”

That humiliation still stayed deeply in Su Qin’s memory.

“By the way, I bought you a pair of shoes today but forgot to bring them,” Cheng Lan said, patting her forehead. “I’ll have Wenfeng bring them back later.”

Su Qin cherished this warmth, similar to a mother’s love, and did not refuse her kindness.

After measuring, Cheng Lan smiled and praised, “With your petite figure, full curves, and skin so delicate it looks like you could squeeze water from it, even draping a piece of burlap on you would look good.”

Just then Cheng Wenfeng walked in and heard that. Su Qin felt a little embarrassed and lowered her head.

“What time is the train the day after tomorrow?” Cheng Lan asked.

“Seven in the morning,” Su Qin replied.

Cheng Lan understood. “I’ll see you off then.”

“If you’re busy, don’t come. I’ll accompany her to school,” Cheng Wenfeng interjected.

Cheng Lan’s eyes widened. He was going to see her off? Although it was a neighboring province, it was still a long trip. Usually, traveling far like that was difficult; train tickets were expensive and hard to get.

But she didn’t say anything.

When they stepped outside, before Su Qin could catch up, Cheng Lan worriedly asked Cheng Wenfeng, “Will she still get along well with you when she comes back?”

Even Cheng Lan herself was uncertain.

For Su Qin to be with Cheng Wenfeng was already beyond her expectations. She no longer dared to boast about how excellent her nephew was.

Instead, she worried about what would happen if Su Qin and Cheng Wenfeng broke up.

After all, Su Qin was going to the capital to attend Yanda University. She wrote articles, painted, and got published. Cheng Lan could not imagine her own daughter being that amazing, let alone how much she could brag with a megaphone.

“She will!” Cheng Wenfeng said firmly.

Cheng Lan looked doubtful, clearly not reassured, as if saying: Honestly, I’m not very convinced.

Cheng Wenfeng: “….”

On the day Su Qin left for university, Cheng Lan arrived early with her two children, happy to see her off. Zhang Jun held several copies of Happy Children and asked Su Qin to sign them with names.

He said he was commissioned to do so.

“This one is for Guoguo.”

“This one is for Jiao Jiao.”

“This one is for Tian Tian.”

…

Su Qin signed each one, wrote blessings, and drew a cute little panda waving hello.

“I’ve always told them that you are my cousin’s wife, but they just wouldn’t believe me. Now they definitely believe it.” Zhang Jun said, holding the magazines like treasures, already imagining the admiration of the girls in his class.

“You little rascal, you even know how to sweet-talk girls,” Zhang Linlin exposed him.

Everyone laughed. Cheng Lan noticed Su Qin didn’t deny being called sister-in-law, and her smile narrowed her eyes. Her mood was indescribably joyful.

After saying goodbye, Cheng Wenfeng and Su Qin squeezed onto a green train.

They finally got on, the carriage was crowded, and the experience was awful. But Su Qin looked out the window with the corners of her mouth lifted. When Cheng Wenfeng sat down, she gently rested her head on his shoulder.

Cheng Wenfeng stiffened, breathing in her subtle fragrance. He sat still like that for several hours.

When they arrived at the school, volunteers came to greet them at the gate. Especially because Su Qin was pretty, the senior students were enthusiastic.

But before they could get excited, they saw Cheng Wenfeng standing next to her with a stern face and a strong aura. Many stopped in their tracks and didn’t dare tease.

They registered, found the dormitory, received textbooks, and picked up military training uniforms.

Cheng Wenfeng calmly guided Su Qin through each step and settled her in well.

He still had things to do, so he bought a ticket for tomorrow morning’s train and spent the night at a hotel. They ate dinner outside together. He saw her back to school and said, “Go back to the dorm, I’ll return to the hotel.”

“Okay,” Su Qin nodded but did not move her feet.

“The train is early tomorrow, so you don’t need to come to see me off. I’ll message you when I arrive,” Cheng Wenfeng said, feeling sorry she was tired after a long day.

“Okay,” Su Qin nodded.

“Go back now.”

Seeing her turn around, Cheng Wenfeng felt uneasy. Cheng Lan’s words echoed in his mind. He believed her and knew they would still be good, but his heart ached. His hanging hand clenched tightly as he stared at her back.

His heart felt crushed by a stone, making it hard to breathe and constantly being pulled apart.

Suddenly, Su Qin turned and quickly ran to him, stood on tiptoe, lightly kissed his lips like a dragonfly touching the water, and then ran back.

Cheng Wenfeng immediately smiled broadly, looking foolishly happy, shouting after her retreating figure, “Wait for me. When I make money, I’ll come stay with you. You have to wait for me.”