Chapter 131: A Matter of Principle

The first brigade to deliver their grain tax was Cihang Village.  After inspecting the quality, the grain station set the prices: 10 cents per kilogram for rice and wheat, 4 cents for corn, 2 cents for sweet potatoes, and 20 cents for peanuts.  These were good prices for high-quality grain.

As the grain station workers weighed and stored the grain, Shen Chuning, as the accountant, meticulously recorded the amounts using an abacus.

She felt exhausted after a day of work, having only collected grain from five brigades.  There were nineteen brigades in total; at this rate, it would take at least four more days to complete the collection.

After the fifth brigade’s grain was collected, the brigade members left, but Shen Chuning continued verifying the day’s accounts.  Yin Linjiang, the cashier, voluntarily stayed to help.

After finishing, Yin Linjiang stretched, his gaze naturally falling on Shen Chuning, “It’s late. Comrade Shen, shall we grab some dinner at the canteen?”

The commune canteen offered both communal meals and individual orders, but individual orders were expensive.  However, the communal meal would be finished by now, leaving only individual orders.

Shen Chuning was about to refuse when Zhou Yubai entered, speaking for her, “Comrade Yin, thank you for the invitation, but we won’t be able to make it.”

“Wife, are you finished? Let’s go home. I made your favorite sauerkraut fish,” Zhou Yubai turned to Shen Chuning, his expression softening.

Shen Chuning gave him a perfunctory smile, “Finished.”

She turned to Yin Linjiang, “Comrade Yin, thank you for your kindness, but I won’t eat at the canteen. See you tomorrow.”

On the way home, Shen Chuning was silent.  Zhou Yubai felt uneasy.  He’d noticed her displeasure earlier.  Her usual chatter had ceased, making him nervous.

At home, Shen Chuning went straight to her room.  Zhou Yubai followed, putting his arm around her waist and lifting her.

Before she could react, he had her sitting on his lap.

“Tell me why you’re upset,” he demanded.

Shen Chuning, who had been holding back her emotions, started to cry.

She sobbed, “You ask why I’m upset?  Even though we’re married, I’m not your possession! Why did you interfere with my personal life? My colleague invited me to dinner, and I would have refused myself. Why did you do it for me? If a comrade invited you, would you like it if I refused without asking?”

She angrily punched his chest.

He held her hands, “Be careful, don’t hurt yourself.”

His deep eyes stared into hers, “If you think I shouldn’t have dinner with that comrade, I’d be happy you refused for me.”

Shen Chuning stared, thinking she’d misheard.

Zhou Yubai continued, “You refusing for me shows you care and think of me.  I should be happy.”

Shen Chuning thought this was illogical but couldn’t find a counterargument.

After a moment, she said hesitantly, “What if I’m just being stubborn? What if I’m wrong, and that person is worth knowing?”

Zhou Yubai answered without hesitation, “I’d still be happy.  If you’re stubborn and don’t let me go, it means you want to be with me constantly. Even if you’re wrong, I’m happy because…”

His deep eyes focused on her, his voice magnetic, “No one is more important than my wife.”

Shen Chuning was speechless.  Facing his intense gaze, she forgot her principles, her heart pounding with sweetness.

He leaned in to kiss her…

Feeling his lips, Shen Chuning suddenly came to her senses, pushing him away.

She frowned seriously, “But I decide my own social interactions. That’s my principle.”

Zhou Yubai said indulgently, “Fine, I promise I won’t interfere.”

He wouldn’t interfere in front of her.  He’d deal with those annoying suitors behind her back.

Shen Chuning relaxed, cuddling him, “I’m hungry.”

“Okay, let’s eat,” he carried her inside, kissing her ear, “After dinner, I’ll feed you something else.”

Even though she was used to his shameless behavior, she blushed.  This man was so… shameless!