“Mom…”

Anxin opened her mouth to argue, trying to explain that she wasn’t comfortable leaving her mother and siblings alone in the provincial capital. However, before she could say more, Chen Hongyan’s face darkened, her voice suddenly sharp and commanding.

“Listen to me. After dinner, you’re going back with Yichen. If you don’t, I’ll pack my things and leave the hospital today!”

Anxin: “…”

Alright, this threat worked.

Although Anxin understood her mother’s reasoning—trying to ensure her newly married daughter’s relationship started on the right foot—it didn’t stop her from feeling a twinge of bitterness. Truly, a married daughter is like water thrown out of the house.

The room fell into an awkward silence. Her younger siblings looked at each other nervously, unsure of what to say. Finally, Bai Yichen stepped forward and gently placed a reassuring hand on Anxin’s shoulder.

“Anxin, just listen to Mom. We’ll head back after dinner, and tomorrow morning, you can come right back to check on her.”

His voice was calm and soothing, and when he glanced at Chen Hongyan, his eyes held genuine gratitude.

What a considerate mother-in-law, he thought, feeling a rare warmth in his heart.

Hearing Bai Yichen’s suggestion, Chen Hongyan’s harsh demeanor softened, and she sighed deeply, adding, “Yes, do as Yichen says. You can check on us during the day, but go home with your husband at night.”

She understood her daughter’s filial piety, but she also knew that Anxin had a family of her own now. It wouldn’t do for her to stay in the hospital every night; it wasn’t good for her marriage.

Seeing her mother compromise, Anxin nodded in agreement.

“Alright, I’ll come back tomorrow morning. You should get some rest.”

It wasn’t ideal, but since she couldn’t earn money at night, it made sense to return home.

Anxin and Bai Yichen left the hospital with the younger siblings and headed to the rented house nearby. The warm aroma of chicken soup filled the air as it simmered on the stove. A small table was set with simple yet appetizing side dishes, making everyone’s mouths water.

Standing in the doorway, Bai Yichen’s sharp eyes swept over the modest home. He quickly pieced things together.

This isn’t a borrowed place; she must have rented it herself.

He chose not to say anything. It was clear that Anxin had lied to avoid her mother’s scolding for spending money. There was no need to embarrass her by pointing it out.

Anxin, unaware of Bai Yichen’s thoughts, busied herself helping her siblings. She handed Bai Yichen a large bowl of rice topped with a generous ladle of chicken soup. The fluffy white rice, glistening with the golden broth, smelled so delicious that Bai Yichen couldn’t help but feel his appetite grow.

“Thanks,” he said simply, taking the bowl and sitting down to eat. The exhaustion of the day melted away with every bite.

While her siblings devoured their meals, Anxin ate slowly and gracefully. Her movements were elegant, far from the image of a rough village girl. Bai Yichen watched her quietly, a faint sense of wonder in his heart.

How could such a refined woman have been ostracized by the villagers? he wondered. The cruel rumors that had labeled her a “cursed woman” seemed so absurd now.

After dinner, Anxin instructed her siblings to lock the doors and take care of themselves. She and Bai Yichen then returned to the exploration team’s compound, carrying a sack of supplies. The bag contained rice, flour, pork offal, brown sugar, and dried vegetables—items Anxin had discreetly taken from her space earlier.

By the time they arrived, it was already past ten o’clock at night. Anxin quickly lit the stove, heated water for bathing, and prepared for bed. No matter how tired she was, she insisted on staying clean, a habit she had carried over even after her transmigration.

Before lying down, Anxin suddenly remembered something. She jumped up abruptly, startling Bai Yichen, who had just reclined on the bed. He propped himself up, his sharp eyes narrowing suspiciously.

“What are you doing?” he asked, his voice low and probing.

Anxin rummaged through her bag and pulled out a crumpled stack of bills. Holding out the 200 yuan to him, she said awkwardly, “This is the money you gave me before our wedding. I said I’d borrow it, so now I’m paying you back.”

She had wanted to return the money earlier but was afraid of arousing suspicion. Now, with her finances more stable, it felt like the right time.

Bai Yichen stared at the money, his expression cooling instantly. The small flicker of warmth he had felt earlier vanished like a candle snuffed out by the wind.

His tone was icy as he replied.