Chapter 69 ☆ Bet

The room was peaceful. Xie Zhao sat beside the bed. Cheng Yaoyao had rested her head on his thigh without realizing it. Her hand was still tightly grasping his clothes, refusing to let go. Xie Zhao, reluctant to wake her, picked up an English book and read quietly.

Among the subjects, English was completely unfamiliar to Xie Zhao. Cheng Yaoyao had taught him the 26 English letters and some simple words, which he read silently and memorized.

“You need to read it out loud,” Cheng Yaoyao said suddenly.

Xie Zhao put away the book and looked down. Cheng Yaoyao had woken up and was looking at him with misty peach blossom eyes, mocking him, “Dumb English.”

Xie Zhao pinched her nose and said, “Get up and study when you wake up.”

“Humph, you lost the bet.” Cheng Yaoyao turned over and buried herself in his abdomen. “I can’t get up.”

Xie Zhao picked her up, but Cheng Yaoyao squirmed like an uncooperative cat. Xie Zhao said, “I figured out the problem.”

Cheng Yaoyao hid her face tightly, as if that would help her avoid getting up, and said in a muffled voice, “You’re lying! That question was high school level; how could you solve it?”

Xie Zhao said nothing, bringing the book and draft paper to Cheng Yaoyao for her to read. Cheng Yaoyao turned over and sat up in disbelief, carefully calculating the problem twice according to Xie Zhao’s solution ideas. She finally, reluctantly, admitted that Xie Zhao had indeed solved it correctly.

Xie Zhao said, “You lose.”

Cheng Yaoyao threw the notebook away, jumped off the bed, and ran, but Xie Zhao grabbed her by the waist and repeated, “You lose.”

Cheng Yaoyao whimpered and kicked her legs wildly. Just then, Xie Fei knocked on the door, “Brother and sister, it’s time for dinner!”

Xie Zhao paused, and Cheng Yaoyao took the chance to push him away and escape, leaving the bet unresolved for now.

Overall, Xie Zhao’s enthusiasm for learning increased, and his grades improved rapidly. Cheng Yaoyao couldn’t help but question if she was not smart enough or if Xie Zhao was exceptionally gifted. Even if Xie Zhao was a genius, it seemed impossible for him to learn new subjects without a teacher, right? Cheng Yaoyao asked Xie Zhao several times, but he just smiled and remained silent. When it came to high school math problems, Xie Zhao actually taught Cheng Yaoyao more.

These days, besides receiving occasional visitors, Xie Zhao spends his time at home studying with Cheng Yaoyao. Xie Fei also joins them, but her poor foundation and lack of focus lead Grandma Xie to abandon the idea of having Xie Fei take the college entrance examination. Since Xie Fei is still young, she will have the chance to prepare for the high school entrance exams and the college entrance exam in a couple of years.

Cheng Yaoyao, naturally lazy and reluctant to study, would not have taken the college entrance exam if it weren’t for the prospect of going to college with Xie Zhao. However, Xie Zhao is strict. Although he dotes on her, he has plenty of ways to motivate her if she stays in bed and refuses to study.

The sun was blazing in the sky as Cheng Yaoyao walked from her home to the village entrance, sweat dripping down her forehead. Many villagers were sitting under a large banyan tree at the entrance, enjoying the cool shade and chatting. Cheng Nuonuo was among them. When they saw Cheng Yaoyao approaching, they stopped talking and greeted her with somewhat unnatural expressions.

Cheng Yaoyao paid them no mind and stood aside, looking at the road leading out of the village.

Zhang Aihua, the second daughter-in-law of Lin Wuxing, called out, “Cheng Zhiqing, don’t stand there. Come and sit here!”

Zhang Aihua patted the space next to her, squeezing her plump body toward Cheng Nuonuo to make room.

Cheng Yaoyao replied indifferently, “Thank you, I’ll stand.”

Zhang Aihua was sweaty and smelly as she jostled Cheng Nuonuo. Her new mauve dacron shirt quickly became stained with dark sweat marks. Disgusted, Cheng Nuonuo immediately stood up and walked over to Cheng Yaoyao.

Cheng Nuonuo smiled and asked, “Sister, I haven’t seen you out for a while. Are you feeling unwell?”

Cheng Yaoyao crossed her arms and didn’t even glance at her. “I’m fine, don’t curse me.”

Cheng Nuonuo’s face froze, then she said nonchalantly, “Of course I wouldn’t curse my sister. It’s just…”

Cheng Nuonuo dragged out her words, trying to tantalize Cheng Yaoyao, but Cheng Yaoyao showed no interest. Cheng Nuonuo continued, “Sister, you haven’t heard? Ah-Yan will be back in the city soon.”

“That matter.” Cheng Yaoyao said lightly, “I knew about it a long time ago.”

“You knew?” Cheng Nuonuo, observing Cheng Yaoyao’s calm demeanor, was surprised. “Sister, Ah-Yan never comes back once he leaves. If you’re sad…”

“This is a good thing. Why should I be sad?” Cheng Yaoyao interrupted her, raising an eyebrow with amusement. “Isn’t it me who should be sad?”

These words struck a chord with Cheng Nuonuo. She opened her mouth but could only force a smile in response.

The conversation ended, and Cheng Yaoyao glanced impatiently at her watch before looking toward the village entrance.

Finally, several bicycles appeared at the intersection, and Cheng Yaoyao’s face lit up with joy.

The recent landslide had blocked the mountain road, cutting off access to the city from Tianshui Village and nearby areas. Fortunately, the watermelons had been harvested and sent to the city before the landslide, so there was minimal loss.

Recently, Tianshui Village and nearby areas had sent strong laborers to repair the mountain road, and a passage into the city had finally been cleared. With the road still under repair, only bicycles could navigate it effectively.

Cheng Yaoyao stood gracefully under the tree, the scorching sun casting a soft light on her, making her appear even more captivating.

Shen Yan pedaled up to Cheng Yaoyao, stopping abruptly. “Yaoyao, why are you here? I haven’t seen you in a few days, you…”

Cheng Yaoyao ignored him, walking past Shen Yan to the bicycle approaching from behind. “Second Brother Lin!”

Lin Jiaqi dismounted and untied three heavy packages from the back seat. “I have your package. Take a look.”

Cheng Yaoyao glanced at the neatly wrapped packages and nodded. “Yes, thank you!”

Lin Jiaqi offered, “This package is quite heavy. I’ll help you deliver it to Xie’s house. I also plan to visit Xie San.”

“Okay,” Cheng Yaoyao agreed.

Lin Jiaqi got off the bike, pushed it, and walked alongside Cheng Yaoyao.

Shen Yan’s smile faded as he watched Cheng Yaoyao and Lin Jiaqi walking and talking together. His temples throbbed with frustration.

Cheng Nuonuo called out to Shen Yan several times before he came back to his senses. “Nuonuo, when did you arrive?”

Cheng Nuonuo’s face twitched, and she lowered her head, saying sadly, “I’ve been waiting here for you…”

Shen Yan, distracted by Cheng Yaoyao, barely paid her any attention. He simply said, “I have something else to do,” and got into his bikes, leaving.

Cheng Yaoyao and Lin Jiaqi continued toward the Xie family home. Since the day the Lin brothers helped Cheng Yaoyao save Xie Zhao, her affection for them had greatly increased. Lin Jiaqi, gentle and steady, was like a reliable older brother. Cheng Yaoyao enjoyed talking with him.

Lin Jiaqi commented, “Your family sent you three packages at once. I’m curious about what’s inside.”

“My father sent them,” Cheng Yaoyao replied with a smile.

Lin Jiaqi nodded. “Your father clearly loves you very much.”

“Does he loves me?” Cheng Yaoyao asked playfully, then added, “Of course he does, Who else could he loves?”

Lin Jiaqi’s gaze lingered on her pretty face, noting that she seemed to be pampered. “Well, I’m curious about what good things your dad sent.”

“It’s some food and some books.” The packages were square, and their weight indicated they contained books. Cheng Yaoyao had no intention of hiding this.

Lin Jiaqi looked surprised and hesitated. “Even though the situation is improving, books are still…”

“Don’t worry. My father knows his limits and wouldn’t send anything harmful.” Cheng Yaoyao shrugged. “If you’re worried, I’ll open them and let you check later.”

Lin Jiaqi smiled. “I’m not worried. Don’t be nervous.”

After being demobilized, Lin Jiaqi had been assigned to the Lin’an City police station and was waiting until autumn to officially start work. In the meantime, he had been helping out in the village.

The two chatted and laughed when suddenly a bicycle bell rang behind them. Shen Yan pedaled up to catch up, calling out, “Yaoyao, Yaoyao!”

Cheng Yaoyao didn’t turn around. Lin Jiaqi said, “He’s calling you.”

Cheng Yaoyao replied, “Ignore him; he’s annoying.”

Lin Jiaqi asked seriously, “Is he bothering you?”

“Just ignore him,” Cheng Yaoyao said, regretting having spoken to Shen Yan previously. She had only done so to help Zhang Xiaofeng with information, but Shen Yan seemed determined to reconnect and kept pestering her.

It was fine when Cheng Yaoyao stayed home with Xie Zhao, but whenever she went out, Shen Yan would follow.

Seeing that Cheng Yaoyao clearly heard him but didn’t stop, Shen Yan became more puzzled. He chased after her and blocked her path, “Yaoyao! Why are you ignoring me?”

Cheng Yaoyao crossed her arms, raised her chin, and looked at him. “Do I have to answer you just because you called? Who are you?”

Shen Yan said, “Yaoyao, I received a telegram from home, and you…” He glanced at Lin Jiaqi.

Lin Jiaqi touched his nose and asked Cheng Yaoyao, “Do you want me to step aside?”

Cheng Yaoyao replied coldly, “No need.”

She then turned back to Shen Yan, saying impatiently, “I’ve told you, we have nothing to do with each other. Your family doesn’t need to inform me about telegrams or letters. Isn’t Cheng Nuonuo waiting for you? Go and talk to her if you have something to say.”

“Yaoyao, that’s not what you said last time!” Shen Yan said urgently, “I know you’re still angry with me. Don’t worry, Nuonuo and I are no longer involved. We…”

It was the same old story. Cheng Yaoyao turned away in annoyance.

“Yaoyao, I haven’t finished!” Shen Yan called out as he hurried after her, but Lin Jiaqi stopped him.

Shen Yan glared at Lin Jiaqi. “Yaoyao is my childhood friend. It’s not your place to interfere!”

Lin Jiaqi’s expression darkened. “Don’t let me hear this again. The crime of hooliganism is not taken lightly!”

Lin Jiaqi, a former soldier, pushed Shen Yan aside. Shen Yan almost fell but managed to steady himself, glaring at Cheng Yaoyao’s retreating figure.

Lin Jiaqi accompanied Cheng Yaoyao home. Grandma Xie and Xie Fei were weaving curtains when they saw them return together. They stood up in surprise and greeted them warmly.

Grandma Xie was very grateful to Lin Jiaqi and enthusiastically poured tea. She and Xie Fei went to the kitchen to cut melons and prepare snacks. Xie Zhao, hearing the noise, came out and saw Cheng Yaoyao and Lin Jiaqi together, his expression darkening.