Chapter 4: The Sun Rises in the West?

“If you have a craving, let me know. I can make another dish,” Aunt Chen added warmly.

Having worked for the Huo family for nearly 20 years, Aunt Chen was diligent, kind, and well-liked by everyone. She addressed family members with a mix of formality and familiarity, using titles like “Doctor Huo” for the dean and first names for the rest.

Even though she didn’t have the best opinion of the original Xia Ruanyuan, she still affectionately called her “Ruanyuan,” showing her gentle nature.

Leaning against the kitchen doorframe, Xia Ruanyuan sniffed the air and said, “No wonder it smells so good!”

“I don’t have any particular cravings. I was just thinking of eating something light today, and your menu is perfect for me.” Xia Ruanyuan smiled sincerely, complimenting Aunt Chen.

Aunt Chen glanced at her in surprise.

Though she tried to hide it, Xia Ruanyuan still caught the disbelief in her eyes.

It seemed the original Xia Ruanyuan hadn’t been like this before.

Smiling to herself, Xia Ruanyuan said no more.

Although Chen Sao was surprised, she thought that maybe Xia Ruanyuan had been hurt outside, and now that she was more clear-headed, she was no longer as stubborn. This made her happy. After all, people are always more willing to get along with those who are easy to talk to and not with those who are difficult.

After making the meal, Chen Sao still delivered Lin Wei’s food to her room. Xia Ruanyuan ate downstairs with Chen Sao.

After the meal, Xia Ruanyuan helped clear the dishes, which surprised Chen Sao even more. Previously, Xia Ruanyuan had openly mocked her for doing servant-like work and had even suggested that she should serve better. It was unexpected that she would change.

Xia Ruanyuan even wanted to wash the dishes, but Chen Sao refused. Although Xia Ruanyuan had become more considerate, as the household helper, Chen Sao knew her place. If she were unaware of boundaries, she wouldn’t have lasted almost twenty years in the Hou family.

“Go rest,” Chen Sao said. “It’s just a few dishes; I’ll clean them up quickly.”

Xia Ruanyuan didn’t insist and went upstairs to tidy up her things. She couldn’t accept a marriage that was forced upon her, so she needed to move out of the Hou family. She started packing her things ahead of time.

However, when she went upstairs, she found that the original owner’s belongings were pitifully few—two outfits for summer, two for spring and autumn, one large cotton jacket, and two pairs of cloth shoes. These items were stuffed into Hou Beiqing’s closet, causing his clothes to become deformed.

Xia Ruanyuan took out the clothes and used a large floral cloth that the original owner had used to wrap them, carefully packing them again. It may have looked simple, but at least the simplicity wasn’t a sin.

After packing her things, Xia Ruanyuan observed Hou Beiqing’s room. His bedroom was connected to a study, but the study was locked, and Xia Ruanyuan didn’t plan on going in.

His room was very tidy. Everything was in its place with no clutter. However, the bed…

He hadn’t returned for many days, and the tidy bed had been left in disarray by the original owner. The original owner never made the bed, and the quilt was thrown around carelessly.

Xia Ruanyuan began to strip the sheets and put fresh bedding on the bed, then took them to the bathroom to wash.

Hearing the noise, Chen Sao came upstairs and saw her washing the sheets. She quickly rushed over to take over. “Let me do it.”

Xia Ruanyuan had never washed large items like bedsheets before, so she pressed them down in the basin, vigorously scrubbing.

Chen Sao took over and, with a washboard in hand, began to scrub seriously. She was quick and efficient, and soon the sheets were clean. Together, they hung them outside to dry.

When Hou Yuanyuan came back in the evening, she saw the sheets hanging outside and thought Hou Beiqing had returned. He was known to be a neat freak, and surely he wouldn’t tolerate that woman sleeping on his sheets. As for that shameless woman in their house…

Hou Yuanyuan thought about it and snorted in disdain. She couldn’t understand why her mother had allowed this woman to stay.

She entered the house and immediately asked, “Chen Sao, did my brother come back?”

Chen Sao, who was in the kitchen, replied, “No, Dr. Hou hasn’t returned yet; it’s not even time for him to finish work.”

Hou Yuanyuan pointed to the sheets. “Then what are those?”

“Oh, those were washed by Ruanyuan,” Chen Sao said with a smile.

After spending the afternoon together, Chen Sao had grown quite close to Xia Ruanyuan. The gentle Chen Sao enjoyed the company, and the two of them had a pleasant time chatting while preparing vegetables.

When Hou Yuanyuan heard her mention Xia Ruanyuan, she felt a pang of discomfort. “Is she still here?”

Before Chen Sao could respond, Hou Yuanyuan deliberately raised her voice. “She’s really shameless, sticking to my brother. I wonder when she’ll finally get out of our house.”

Xia Ruanyuan, who was in the kitchen preparing vegetables, could certainly hear her. It was impossible for her not to hear, even if she were deaf!

Chen Sao stood awkwardly and pointed to the kitchen. “Ruanyuan is in there, preparing vegetables.”

When Hou Yuanyuan heard this, her face twisted in disdain. “Oh, did the sun rise from the west today?”

She then sternly warned Chen Sao, “Chen Sao, don’t let her touch those vegetables, or I won’t be able to eat tonight.”

She made a gagging sound, as if disgusted.

Xia Ruanyuan paused, washed her hands, and then walked out. Seeing Hou Yuanyuan still wearing that odd expression, Xia Ruanyuan didn’t feel awkward. Instead, she gave a provocative eye roll in return.

Without acknowledging her, Xia Ruanyuan politely addressed Chen Sao, saying, “I’m going upstairs. Call me if you need anything.”

Just as Chen Sao was feeling awkward due to Hou Yuanyuan’s remarks, Xia Ruanyuan’s comment helped ease the tension. Chen Sao quickly responded, “Okay.”

Xia Ruanyuan ignored Hou Yuanyuan, and the latter stomped her foot in frustration. She couldn’t understand why Xia Ruanyuan had started acting so arrogantly. What was there to be arrogant about for a woman who had shamelessly clung to someone?

However, there was something else on her mind. She had just noticed that Xia Ruanyuan’s forehead was injured.

As Xia Ruanyuan reached the stairs, Hou Yuanyuan asked Chen Sao, “Chen Sao, what happened to her forehead?”

She pointed her chin at Xia Ruanyuan’s back.

After speaking, she didn’t give Chen Sao a chance to respond, instead answering her own question, “She must have done a lot of bad things and now she’s getting what she deserves, right?”

Chen Sao: She felt embarrassed. As a maid, what could she say?

Xia Ruanyuan lifted her foot to climb the stairs, rolling her eyes.

She did have it coming, but it wasn’t the injury on her forehead—her real punishment was having such a sister-in-law.