57. Noise

Even now, when Chen Shuoyin recalls what happened next, she still feels furious.

Although Lingfeng No. 4 High School was not overly strict, it maintained a disciplined atmosphere. The school openly discussed topics related to adolescent emotions, ensuring students were educated on them, but it strictly forbade any inappropriate behavior on campus.

Chen Shuoyin exchanged glances with the homeroom teacher, her ears burning red, unable to utter a single word. The next second, the lights were turned off again. The teacher made his way from the back door to the front, and to distract everyone, he loudly announced, “The exam results are out. I will be calling students to my office one by one to discuss them. Chen Shuoyin and Pei Yu, you two come first.”

Navigating through the darkness, they hadn’t even reached the office when the teacher sternly pulled Pei Yu’s arm away from where he was carefully protecting it. “Call your parents. Pei Yu, do you not understand what kind of time this is?”

To Chen Shuoyin’s surprise, she did not receive any reprimand, nor was she given a chance to explain.

It was unclear what the teacher discussed with Fang Youyou the next day, but from that moment on, she became firmly convinced that Pei Yu was the perfect grandson-in-law.

Chen Shuoyin was forced to take a week off to “rest.” The school records only ever granted such leave to students who had committed serious offenses. To her, it felt like an unofficial punishment.

During that monthly exam, Chen Shuoyin scored higher overall, but Pei Yu outperformed in a single subject and was chosen to compete in an academic contest. When he returned, his face was displayed on the school’s digital board for a whole week.

Before this, the teacher had promised the competition spot to her.

Thinking about it, Chen Shuoyin lost interest in responding. She pursed her lips, nodding absentmindedly, and tried to participate in the conversation. “He… never told me.”

“He’s just that kind of person—does things without saying a word,” Xiao Xiao replied while playing cards. “And there’s plenty more where that came from.”

“He really needs to change that habit. Otherwise, people might end up blaming him even when he does them good. Back then, he nearly died saving someone—”

His words carried a hidden meaning, making Chen Shuoyin widen her eyes in confusion.

Before the speaker could continue, someone covered his mouth. Xiao Xiao twisted his lips into a smirk. “You’d better play your hand, or when Pei gets back, he won’t be happy.”

“What’s there to be unhappy about—”

Bang.

A loud noise at the doorway interrupted everyone, stopping all movement at the table. Xiao Xiao stood up, blocking Chen Shuoyin as she attempted to leave. “Let’s not get involved in their business.”

“If they really fight, Pei Yu might not win. Zhan’s punches are brutal.”

Chen Shuoyin glanced at them in bewilderment. If that was the case, why weren’t they stopping it?

“Do you guys even know why they’re fighting?” she asked, tapping her fingers against the cards, feeling lost.

“For a woman, obviously.”

“Hu Er, don’t say nonsense in front of her.”

Hu Er rubbed his cards together, disregarding Chen Shuoyin’s presence. “Why can’t I say it? They’re husband and wife. What’s so hard to accept? Unless… their marriage is just a contract?”

“It’s fine, go on,” Chen Shuoyin said, giving him a nod. “I’d actually like to know.”

“You’re straightforward, sis.” Hu Er placed his cards down and sat on the table. “Zhan Yiheng and Pei Yu have always had similar interests. When they hit puberty, they even liked the same type of girls. Later, they both fell for the same person and fought over her like crazy. But since they were tight, they made up after every fight.”

“In the end, the girl chose Zhan Yiheng. Pei Yu was devastated. I’m guessing Zhan’s breakup this time was Pei Yu’s doing, and he’s not happy about it. That’s why he set up this whole thing—to get us to judge. But don’t worry, Pei Yu’s not the type to chase after someone while still holding onto his wife. Once they’re done fighting, we’ll talk to him.”

A loud smack landed on the back of Hu Er’s head. Xiao Xiao rolled his eyes. “Are you drunk? Pei and Zhan never liked the same girl.”

“You’re only telling half the story,” Hu Er shot back. “Why don’t you just come clean and tell her Pei Yu took on the competition burden to clear both of their disciplinary records?”

“I didn’t say anything because Pei Yu got what he wanted, but she’s still unsure. I wanted to push her a bit,” Xiao Xiao said. “Besides, she didn’t know, and Pei Yu did it willingly.”

Hu Er huffed. “I just can’t stand seeing his feelings being trampled on. Back then, who did Pei Yu end up hospitalized for? She never even visited him once.”

“Enough!” Zhan Yiheng sighed. “I asked you guys to set this up to help me. Can’t you see how disgustingly in love they are? Meanwhile, I just got dumped.”

Several voices overlapped:

“Serves you right!”

…

The summer heat in Tanzhu City felt like an overturned bowl, trapping all the rising tension and irritation within the narrow streets.

Pei Yu held Chen Shuoyin’s hand as they walked to the car, opening the door to let the air conditioning cool the interior.

His blood was still boiling from the fight. His palm was damp and warm, and he could feel her resistance to his touch. So, he simply pulled her into the passenger seat, leaning over to encircle her. He pinched her cheek.

“Wife, show me some concern. I almost got beaten to death.”

Chen Shuoyin lifted her tired eyes. “A lot of people care about you.”

“I only want your concern.” Pei Yu kissed her lightly on the ear, catching the way she shuddered and shrank back.

“But I don’t know how to care for people.”

“I’ll teach you,” Pei Yu murmured, taking her hands and placing them on his shoulders. “Kiss me. Every time you do, say, ‘It’s okay, I love you.’ That’s how you show concern.”

Ugh.

That’s so cheesy.

Chen Shuoyin couldn’t say it. She bit her lip and shook her head. “Just go home. I’ll clean your wounds.”

“Can you stop being so cold to me?” Pei Yu frowned. “Wife, I introduced you to my friends. Weren’t you happy?”

“I just don’t really recognize the version of you they see,” she said quietly. “You know I wasn’t social in high school. I didn’t like making friends. I’d rather not go next time. I don’t fit in with your world.”

Seeing her downcast expression, Pei Yu sighed. “What did they tell you?”

“Just some things from the past.”

“What things?”

“I don’t want to talk about it.”

Pei Yu turned, opening his phone. “Then I’ll ask them myself.”

She grabbed his wrist. “Don’t.”

“Wife, I didn’t bring you there to be uncomfortable. If they didn’t respect you, that’s my mistake.” He took her hand into his palm. “But you have to tell me—what did I do wrong? I need to fix it.”

“It’s my problem.”

Pei Yu let out a breathy laugh. “I invited you to have fun, but you didn’t enjoy yourself. How is that your fault?”

“I should treat you fairly. You had someone you liked. I should let you have the chance to bring up divorce,” she said sincerely. “If you were willing to fight in front of your wife over another woman, she must be very important to you. I can—”

Pei Yu cut her off impatiently. “You can what?”

She stared at him. “I didn’t know you liked me.”

Pei Yu was silent for a moment before speaking. “Who else would I like if not you?”