Chapter 17: What You Can’t Have Is Always Restless

Ye Siran noticed He’s father in the front row glancing back at her repeatedly, as if wanting to speak but holding back. “Uncle He, did you want to ask something?”

“Ranran said she’d be back in at most two years. Does Hongwen still have a chance?” He Yongchang asked, full of hope.

“Uncle He, don’t joke. Brother Hongwen has already registered his marriage with my sister,” Ye Siran replied ambiguously, carefully choosing her words.

She didn’t know He Yongchang’s true thoughts. In her previous life, she had feared this father-in-law; in a whole lifetime, they had probably spoken less than they did yesterday.

Even though she had been reborn, in Beijing she was still an isolated little orphan.

No matter how talented she was, it could only make her a lonely, helpless girl—and right now, she didn’t even have those skills!

He Yongchang’s sharp gaze scrutinized Ye Siran’s eyes, like a dark lake.

There was a flicker of stubborn light, yet beneath it hid deep fear.

This girl was guarding herself against him!

He spoke gently, “I just want to tell you, if you’re unhappy over in Qing Province, come back. Hongwen keeps you in his heart.”

“…”

Ye Siran didn’t dare respond lightly and chose silence instead.

“The reason I chose Ye Ruyue was that she carries the blood of a capitalist. As long as Ranran is willing, I can always use the excuse of a class enemy to have her divorce Hongwen.”

Ye Siran was stunned by He Yongchang’s words!

At the same time, she thought: Good thing I didn’t confront this old fox just now; even if I lived another thirty years, I might not stand a chance against him!

“Ranran, Hongwen truly has you in his heart. Yesterday morning, he ran to the bathroom more than ten times to avoid registering marriage with Ye Ruyue. In the afternoon, when he found out I had already registered the marriage, he even argued with me.”

Hearing He Yongchang, anyone without a lifetime of experience might believe it.

But Ye Siran, having lived a lifetime, knew that Hongwen’s behavior wasn’t love—it was unwillingness to let go because he couldn’t have it.

“Uncle He, there’s a saying: what you can’t have is always restless; what you obtain is discarded like old shoes.

Those who are favored act without fear; those neglected always tread carefully. Brother Hongwen doesn’t love me—he’s just unwilling to let go.”

This time, He Yongchang had no words. His face remained calm, but inside he was shaken.

He hadn’t expected that the little girl who usually went unnoticed could see through things so clearly. How many grievances had she suffered to become so aware?

Yesterday, seeing his son in tears, he really thought Hongwen had realized Ranran’s worth and had fallen for her.

Turns out it was just unwillingness!

After a long while, he said guiltily, “Ranran, uncle is sorry for letting you suffer.

I thought Ye Jianping would treat you a bit better out of respect for me. Who knew you suffered so much out of our sight?”

“Uncle He, there’s no need to blame yourself. My stepfather—oh, never mind, I’ve already severed ties with their family of four.

Ye Jianping didn’t treat me well, but he didn’t actively make things difficult. It was my own mother’s doing—more terrifying than any stranger.”

In her past life, she had spent thirty years experiencing all sorts of bizarre torment from her own mother.

“Ranran, Song Chunhua mistreated you? Why didn’t you tell us?” He Yongchang asked incredulously.

The malicious acts of her biological mother hadn’t occurred yet—there was still He Yongchang’s household nearby, and the Ye family hadn’t completely fallen.

Ye Siran thought for a moment and said, “It wasn’t exactly mistreatment. I did everything voluntarily. Ever since I could understand things, I felt I was a burden to her, so I took on all the household chores to make things easier for her.”

In her past life, having grown up dependent on others, married to Hongwen, she could never be sure of his affection.

Confined all her life to petty household matters, her vision never extended beyond her parents and family.

Her thinking was limited, and her demeanor carried the air of a narrow-minded little girl.

Ye Ruyue, on the other hand, had been to university, had a career, and had confidence. That’s why Hongwen favored her without limit.

“Ranran, once you arrive, always remember: if there’s anything you can’t handle, send me a telegram…”

He Yongchang carried the large bag himself, nagging all the way. The reluctant look in his eyes even made Ye Siran feel a twinge of sadness.

Once on the train, Ye Siran realized this green train had no seats—just one empty carriage.

He Yongchang helped her find a window seat and put the large canvas bag under the window. “Ranran, is there anything in this bag that can’t be pressed?”

“No, it’s fine. You can sit, Uncle. Don’t worry!” Ye Siran immediately understood He Yongchang’s concern.

“All right, I’ll get off now. Ranran, once you find your grandparents, send me a telegram. Don’t take matters into your own hands.”

“Okay.”

After He Yongchang got off, Ye Siran looked out the window and saw her family waving farewell.

They raised their heads, sadness etched on their faces, staring at the children on the train, repeatedly giving their instructions.

It was like one of those heart-wrenching farewell scenes in future dramas.

When the train started, the family on the platform ran alongside it for a long time. Ye Siran even caught a glimpse of the dazzling He Yongchang.

Twenty minutes ago, she had doubted his intentions.

Clang… clang…

The train ran along the tracks, the joints clattering rhythmically.

Ye Siran knelt on her luggage, hands resting on the window, watching the scenery roll by calmly.

This green train went from Beijing to Qing Province. Not all passengers in her carriage were from Beijing; many were young people from surrounding counties, all volunteers going to support the rural northwest.

There were no traffickers on board for now. Whether any would appear en route was unknown.

No elderly or children either, and no need to fight for seats—there simply weren’t any.

At first, everyone was enthusiastic; some excited, some nervous, some anxious.

They exchanged greetings when eyes met. Ye Siran neither initiated nor rejected interaction.

She kept her head lowered, occasionally raising her gaze to reply if someone spoke to her.

Hours later, the initial excitement had faded. Familiar passengers leaned on each other to sleep.

Ye Siran stayed alone, and no one dared lean on her.

She visited the restroom every few hours, actually entering her space’s large mansion to prepare food.

After eating, she practiced the taekwondo she knew from her past life and some Shaolin martial arts.

After two days and nights, everyone looked exhausted. Ye Siran, nourished by the spiritual spring water, looked more radiant.

But she rubbed a few handfuls of black soil from her space on her face and clothes, so as not to stand out.

After three days and nights, the train finally arrived. The arrival announcement sounded.