Chapter 37: Can the word “promising” be used in this way?

Being told he wasn’t even as good as that brat Fu Wencheng, Fu Wenli felt his last shred of dignity stripped away.

“Ming Leyao, you’re really something.”
“I think I’m pretty great too.”
“…..”

“Even if you don’t care about other things, surely you care about your reputation, don’t you? Once your name is tarnished, no matter how much the brigade leader tries to protect you, the school probably won’t keep a teacher with a stained reputation.”

Ming Leyao crossed her arms, casting a disdainful look at Fu Wenli, who was practically jumping with frustration. Just as she was about to mock him further, a man’s voice cut in.

“Fu Wenli, you’re still as despicable as ever. Bullying a female comrade—is this the Fu family’s idea of proper upbringing? Honestly, I’m glad I got kicked out of the house back then, or I’d have had to beg to leave it myself.”

A tall figure leaned lazily against the gate, long fingers casually flicking the epaulet on his shoulder. His eyes were dark and unreadable as they fell on the flustered Fu Wenli, lips curling into a mocking smirk.

Two men from the Fu family—one inside, one outside. One in a frenzy, the other calm and composed. The difference was stark.

“You… how are you here… You two—you shameless pair! No matchmaker, no parental consent, living together as a man and woman—how disgraceful!”

Hearing this, Ming Leyao couldn’t help rolling her eyes.
“What era do you think this is? Still stuck with the foot-binding cloth in your brain? That won’t do. If you can’t keep up with the times, you’ll just be left behind, fading into the dust.”

If it was a contest in verbal warfare, Ming Leyao was easily top tier.

“Fu Wenli, your mind is filthy, so you think everyone else is just as dirty. In the end, you’re just a joke, and yet you’re proud of it.”

“Fu Wencheng, we’re both from the Fu family—what makes you think you’re any better than me? Do you really believe this kind of woman is someone you can handle? She’s just using you!”

His tanned hand hung loosely by his side as Fu Wencheng replied in a low, steady voice,
“Sure, we share the same surname, but I was cast out because I’m not like the rest of the Fu family. As for Leyao’s feelings… I’m the one pursuing her. I haven’t won her over yet. And even if I’m being used, I’d do it willingly.”

…That was a 100/100 classic lovesick response.

“You… you…” Fu Wenli, choked with rage, turned and stormed off, completely forgetting that he had originally come to coax Ming Leyao into marrying into the Fu family. With a daughter-in-law who had a government job and steady income, the Fu family’s standing in the Shangjiaqiao brigade would’ve risen significantly. Not to mention, he wouldn’t have to work the fields anymore—just sweet-talk her into giving them money, and he and his wife could live comfortably.

It had all sounded great in his head. But when reality hit—everything turned out to be just a dream, nothing more than illusions.

“You suddenly came out like that—aren’t you worried people will find out you’re back?” Ming Leyao didn’t think someone like Fu Wenli would kindly keep Fu Wencheng’s presence a secret.

“And what if they do? I couldn’t just stand by while he bullied you and say nothing. What kind of man would that make me?”

Fu Wencheng turned slightly to look at the girl bathed in sunlight. His ears flushed slightly red.

“Actually, I could’ve handled it myself. You showing your face might jeopardize your mission.”

“Leyao, I want to be good to you, to be someone you can rely on. No matter the cost.”

“You…”

“I’ve thought this through. Don’t worry—I won’t let Fu Wenli spread rumors.”

“As long as you’ve got a plan.”

With that, Ming Leyao quickly dashed back into her room and shut the door. Leaning against the door, she patted her burning face. Remembering the serious tone in Fu Wencheng’s voice—like a confession—made her heart pound wildly.

Left with no response, Fu Wencheng stood silently at the doorway. He hadn’t planned to confess so soon, but the way Ming Leyao kept emotionally distancing herself from him gave him a deep sense of helplessness. He couldn’t hold it in anymore and blurted everything out.

Although she didn’t reply, he didn’t regret it.

Rubbing his brow, Fu Wencheng didn’t return to his room but instead went out to handle Fu Wenli’s situation.

By the time he returned, it was already night. A candle burned in the main hall, offering a sliver of warmth to his long, restless day.
Maybe… the girl was just shy? Too embarrassed to reply?

That became a very convincing explanation for Fu Wencheng, especially after he saw the note stuck on the kitchen door.

The elegant handwriting simply said: “The food is kept warm in the pot.”

But Fu Wencheng, ever so sensitive, saw care hidden in those six simple words.

Who knows how his brain made that connection—but he sure did.

That night, Ming Leyao dreamed of Fu Wencheng’s serious eyes. When she woke the next morning, she was still a little dazed. It wasn’t until someone knocked on her door that she snapped out of it.

“Leyao, breakfast is ready.”
“Oh—coming!”

She hurried through washing and dressing, then sat across from Fu Wencheng with her rice bowl, refusing to even glance at him.

“Yaoyao.”
“Mm?”

Her pretty face peeked out from behind her bowl, eyes darting away from his like a startled deer, which only made Fu Wencheng find her even more adorable.

“I’m sorry. If what I said yesterday made you uncomfortable… I just want you to know I meant every word. I swear on my military honors, I’m serious about you.”

“Fu Wencheng, you… you’re not misunderstanding something, are you? Just because I saved you…”

“No. I’m certain. Being away for over a month made me realize how much I missed you. I’ve never been so clear about my heart. I don’t expect you to answer now—I just want to ask: when you do think about marriage, will you consider me?”

When had Fu Wencheng ever spoken so humbly to anyone? Even during his darkest days—when he was kicked out of the Fu family and treated as an outcast—he always carried himself with quiet confidence, as if nothing could shake him.

“….” Ming Leyao had no idea how to respond.

She ended the breakfast in a hurry, grabbed her books, and headed to class. On the way, she saw four uniformed police officers heading toward the brigade office. Although curious, she didn’t think too much of it.

After her morning class, Liu Qiushuang snuck up to her with a face full of mystery.

“Did you see the police this morning?”
“Yeah, I did. Why?”
“Let me tell you—our Shangjiaqiao brigade really made a name for itself today. Turns out, we’ve produced a thief!”

“???”
Since when did “made a name for itself” get used that way?