Chapter 13

Chapter 13

Jiang Mingchuan was slightly taken aback and subconsciously turned to look at her, asking, "What's wrong?"

Jin Xiuzhu lowered her head, avoiding his gaze. Her long eyelashes cast shadows beneath her eyes, concealing her emotions from view. In a calm voice, she said, "Earlier, did you think I was about to suggest something foolish again, so you deliberately interrupted me by saying you'd visit those children's homes on Sunday?"

Jiang Mingchuan paused in his movements.

"In fact, what I was going to say was that Xiaoyan should talk to the teacher about this tomorrow. If that doesn't work, I'll take him to find those children's parents after school. You might have misunderstood me—I'm not as bad as you think."

"I didn't—"

Jin Xiuzhu smiled faintly, her voice soft. "Though you didn't say anything, I could sense an inexplicable hostility and prejudice toward me. Of course, it's not your fault. I started things off with dishonorable tactics, clinging to you. Despite that, you're a good person who endured it all and even took us away from our hometown. You were willing to marry me and give us a home."

"Unlike your integrity and kindness, my methods may seem unorthodox. After all, if I hadn't acted that way, I wouldn't have survived this long. Regardless of how I treat others, my feelings for you and the child are genuine."

"Although I was once Fu Jianguo's wife, I hardly saw him during the years we were married. Whenever he returned, we barely exchanged a few words. He spent more time with his mother and sister. I'm much more unfamiliar with him than you are."

Jiang Mingchuan found himself speechless. He wanted to explain that he didn't think ill of her, but upon reflection, he wasn't entirely sure.

Jin Xiuzhu continued, "Marrying you feels like the luckiest thing that's ever happened to me. You help with cooking and washing dishes, sweep the floor and fetch water in the morning, do laundry, and take care of the child. You've shown me what a true husband is like. I believed that if we just lived well together, our lives would improve. But I understand that the lingering resentment can't disappear overnight."

She then turned to him with a smile. "I'm not blaming or complaining to you. Instead, I want to tell you that you're a wonderful and exceptional person. Don't suppress your feelings or dissatisfaction for our sake. If there's something you don't like, you can speak up, and we can solve it together. You're not only the pillar of this family but also our closest companion."

Hearing her words, Jiang Mingchuan felt as if his heart had been suddenly gripped.

He had always been alone, only gaining a sense of fatherhood last year when he brought He Yan here. However, he didn't know how to be a dad, thinking that providing food and drink was enough. Now living together as a family, he tried his best to be kind to them and enjoyed the warmth they brought into his life.

Sometimes, though, he felt lost.

Jin Xiuzhu's words exposed his hidden thoughts. It turned out that he hadn't fully accepted them, harboring a subtle prejudice against Jin Xiuzhu that he hadn't even noticed.

Her character differed greatly from what he had been taught throughout his life. Growing up, people around him told him that his parents were great heroes, embodying the finest qualities. His adoptive parents were also exceptional individuals, and he had always strived to emulate them. Jin Xiuzhu, however, was self-serving, smooth, observant, and adaptable.

On one hand, he couldn't help being drawn to her, while on the other, he warned himself of her flaws.

Jiang Mingchuan's silence made Jin Xiuzhu smile. She gently coaxed him with a soft voice. "I hope you won't burden yourself so much. I know I have many shortcomings, but if you don't tell me, I won't be able to change. The distance between us will only grow wider. I want you to share your thoughts with me, just as I am telling you now. I don't like it when you keep everything inside or treat the child's issues lightly. If I hadn't asked carefully tonight, wouldn't Xiaoyan have suffered more?"

She stretched out to pull at his garments. "You couldn't have been as endearing as a child, having suffered more than Xiaoyan."

Jiang Mingchuan's throat tightened. After a moment of silence, he lightly patted Jin Xiuzhu's hand and said in a hoarse voice, "Let me wash the dishes first."

Jin Xiuzhu hummed in agreement, leaving him to sort out his thoughts.

As she left the kitchen, she met the curious gazes of the two children. The wall separating the kitchen and living room was thin enough for them to hear everything clearly.

Jin Xiuzhu playfully winked at the children.

They both visibly relaxed.

To Fu Yanyan's surprise, she had never realized that Jiang Dad kept many things bottled up inside. She had always assumed that his strained relationship with "Jin Xiuzhu" stemmed from their incompatible personalities.

That night, Jiang Mingchuan and Jin Xiuzhu lay in bed, talking for a long time. At first, Jiang Mingchuan was reluctant to speak, but Jin Xiuzhu asked him about the happiest moments of his childhood. She shared that hers were during the New Year, when she could enjoy a piece of meat.

Jiang Mingchuan chuckled and thought for a moment before saying that every May 4th was special. Many of his parents' friends would visit, sharing stories about them. Later, he learned that it was the day his mother had sacrificed herself.

Then, Jiang Mingchuan began to share other stories with Jin Xiuzhu. His adoptive parents had a son, two years younger than him, who often complained about his parents favoring Jiang Mingchuan. Deep down, Jiang Mingchuan knew that he was the outsider...

Some things he had never shared with anyone came pouring out tonight.

Jin Xiuzhu held him in her arms, gently patting his back.

Eventually, they fell asleep without realizing it.

When Jiang Mingchuan woke up the next morning, Jin Xiuzhu was already gone. Looking at the empty space beside him, he felt a fleeting sense of loss.

He recalled her soft whispers in his ear, telling him that he was the best husband in the world and that she would always love him.

His face flushed, wondering how she could utter such sweet words.

He didn't know what love meant, but he knew that he had never regretted marrying Jin Xiuzhu.

In the morning, Fu Yanyan observed Jiang Mingchuan's face, which seemed filled with a sugary sweetness. She raised an eyebrow, recalling the conversation she overheard in the kitchen last night. She had expected an argument, but instead, they fell silent. She had mentally prepared herself for a prolonged cold war.

Meeting Jiang Mingchuan's gentle gaze, Fu Yanyan looked away, feeling uncomfortable. This version of Jiang Dad seemed strange to her.

He Yan, unable to hide his emotions, blurted out, "Dad, weren't you fighting?"

Jiang Mingchuan's smile faltered. "What do you mean?"

"Sister said you were fighting and told me to be good this morning. But you seem so happy now, not like you're angry. Mom must have comforted you."

He Yan looked expectantly for praise.

Jiang Mingchuan's smile faded as he turned to his daughter. "We didn't fight. Your mom and I have always been fine."

"Oh," He Yan nodded obediently.

Feeling betrayed, Fu Yanyan secretly glared at He Yan beside her before pretending to play with a small tiger plushie. To her surprise, she caught Jiang Mingchuan's scrutinizing gaze when she glanced up. Startled, she stuck out her tongue at him instinctively.

Afterward, she was surprised by her childish behavior.

Jiang Mingchuan found it amusing, confirming that she was still a child.

After finishing her chores in the morning, Jin Xiuzhu returned home with the children. On the way, Fu Yanyan couldn't resist asking about the events of the previous night.

Jin Xiuzhu didn't treat her like a child, recounting everything that had happened. She also imparted some wisdom: "There's an art to arguing. Shouting and resorting to physical altercations are the least effective methods. They only lead to hurt and embarrassment. Similarly, saying hurtful things in the heat of the moment and causing a prolonged silence wastes time and damages the relationship."

You must comprehend that every action bears consequences. In our quest for a favorable outcome, it is imperative to steer the situation towards it. Your father is a tender and benevolent spirit, one who prefers to endure in silence rather than stir up discord. He harbors his feelings and endures grievances without ever voicing them. When engaging in a dispute with an individual such as him, it is advisable to first identify his shortcomings and then employ emotional appeal to persuade him.

At this point, Jin Xiuzhu's face showed no emotion, and she said in a calm, almost indifferent tone, "You will meet many people in the future, those you care about, those you dislike. But remember, don't be soft-hearted; being soft-hearted is often like stabbing yourself with a knife."

"If you don't understand now, it's fine. Just remember, and you'll understand later."

Fu Yanyan tightened her grip on Jin Xiuzhu's small hand. She began to understand why Father Jiang was worried that she might be influenced in the wrong way by Jin Xiuzhu. Jin Xiuzhu's mindset was different from the general environment; she could see the weaknesses of human nature and would use them without sentiment.

But Fu Yanyan didn't understand, and couldn't help but ask, "Does Mom really have no feelings for Dad?"

She then added, "Dad smiled very happily this morning."

Jin Xiuzhu paused, not saying anything else.

---

On Sunday, Jiang Mingchuan took He Yan out early in the morning and didn't return until noon.

When they returned, He Yan wore a relaxed smile. At the gate of the courtyard, he shouted cheerfully, "Sis, I'm back."

Fu Yanyan came out of the kitchen expressionlessly, giving him a brief glance before calling out to Jiang Mingchuan behind him, "Dad."

Jiang Mingchuan patted her head and headed straight into the kitchen.

He Yan didn't mind being ignored and prepared to imitate his father by patting his sister's head. However, just as he raised his hand, Fu Yanyan loudly called into the kitchen, "Dad, Brother hit me."

He Yan: "…"

Immediately, Jiang Mingchuan's voice came from the kitchen, "Don't hit your sister."

Then Jin Xiuzhu's voice followed, "Play all you want, but don't bully your sister."

He Yan looked at her with a face full of grievance. Fu Yanyan shrugged and proceeded to enter the kitchen.

To her surprise, inside the kitchen, she saw Father Jiang with his chin affectionately resting on Jin Xiuzhu's shoulder. It seemed he had said something, as Jin Xiuzhu's eyes were curved in a happy smile.

Seemingly sensing something, Father Jiang quickly stood up straight, holding a rag to wipe the stove while clearing his throat to change the subject, "The military base has allocated some land recently. Each family can claim a plot. Do you want to take a look?"

Jin Xiuzhu feigned interest, nodding, "We'll see when the time comes."

Fu Yanyan quickly turned around and went back to the living room. Unexpectedly, He Yan suddenly made a gesture to speak quietly, but his voice was loud enough for everyone to hear, "I saw it. They were just kissing."

The two in the kitchen, who had been speaking, suddenly fell silent.

Fu Yanyan: "…"

This fool is beyond saving.

Author's note:

Jin Xiuzhu: I love you so much... pretending.

Jiang Mingchuan: My wife loves me so much.

He Yan: Mom and Dad were actually kissing. Am I going to have younger siblings?

Fu Yanyan: I'll just watch you guys perform.