Chapter 178 Sharing the Same Fate

**Chapter 178: Bound by Fate**

Su He thought it was odd that Fu Yanju, who was usually penny-pinching and reluctant to interfere with her decisions, would actually stick up for Yu Xu and his son.

"Fourth Sister, what’s got you so worked up? It’s just a small thing—you go ahead and decide. How about this: when the work’s done, dock them five bucks for their meals over the past two weeks," Su He said lightly.

"Oh, alright. Should I bring them the food later?" Fu Yanju asked hesitantly.

"Sure, and give them their wages too," Su He replied with a chuckle.

"Mhm."

So once again, dinner that evening was made by Fu Yanju.

When Fu Tinghua returned, Su He pulled him aside to talk.

"What’s the big secret?"

Seeing her expression, Fu Tinghua found it amusing and reached out to pinch her soft cheek.

"Hey, what are you doing? I’m trying to talk to you seriously," Su He said, oblivious, as she swatted Dr. Fu’s hand away. Then she asked, "When will Fourth Sister’s divorce certificate be ready?"

At these words, the smile faded from Fu Tinghua’s eyes.

"Soon. I’ve pulled some strings—it’ll be ready by Friday. We’ll go back to the village over the weekend and wrap up this whole mess," Fu Tinghua said calmly.

"Yeah, your call." Dr. Fu was reliable.

"Come back with me, okay? The shop is still under renovation anyway."

As he spoke, Fu Tinghua started pawing at her again—touching her hands, caressing her face, like he wanted to glue himself to her completely.

When Su He didn’t respond, he leaned in and kissed her lips softly, murmuring sweetly, "Okay? Come back with me. I don’t want to go alone."

Su He sighed...

"Fine, fine. I’ll go, I’ll go."

Soft-hearted Su He was no match for Dr. Fu’s charm—completely wrapped around his finger.

Just as Fu Tinghua was getting ready to get even more affectionate with his wife, Fu Yanju called out, "Ting Hua, Su He! Dinner’s ready!"

They exchanged glances, both faces slightly flushed.

PDA in broad daylight? Totally shameless.

"Fourth Sister, we’re coming!" Su He shouted toward the kitchen.

"Let’s go, time to eat."

She grabbed Fu Tinghua’s hand and pulled him toward the kitchen.

After their conversation that afternoon, the two of them felt closer than ever.

After dinner, Fu Yanju rushed to pack up the food and hurried off to deliver it to Yu Xu and his son.

Watching her weird rush, Fu Tinghua and Su He couldn’t help but exchange another glance.

Su He shook her head at Fu Tinghua in response, indicating she didn’t know either.

Once Fu Yanju left and the kids had finished eating and gone to play in the yard, Su He finally asked, “Should we... go check the shop?”

Fu Tinghua was clueless. “What’s there to see?”

“Ahem, the father and son I hired for the renovation—they’re also divorced, with a little boy,” Su He said, annoyed.

Fu Tinghua fell silent.

“My sister wouldn’t consider remarrying so soon. She probably just sympathizes with them because their situation is similar to hers. She’s always been like this—a pushover but quick to pity others.”

Su He stayed quiet.

So much to unpack there—Su He didn’t even know where to start.

Ah well, the Yu family had it rough too.

Su He had initially noticed they were barely scraping by, which was why she suggested paying them daily for the first week.

She wasn’t that nice otherwise.

If they messed up her shop and ran off with the week’s wages, she’d be screwed.

Meanwhile, Fu Yanju rushed over to the shop with the packed meals.

“Mr. Yu, young Yu, time to eat!” she called inside.

“Ah, coming!” Yu Xu limped out.

Thanks, Fu-mei.”

Yu Xu gave a sheepish grin, wiping dust from his forehead before realizing he hadn’t washed his hands. “Let me wash up first.”

Fu Yanju nodded and plunked down the food containers, sitting on a low stool by the shop entrance.

When they came out, Yu Xi followed his father.

“Fu-Auntie,” Yu Xi said awkwardly. He had wanted to call her “Sister Fu,” but his dad insisted on “Auntie Fu.”

Go ahead and eat. I talked it over with Su He today, and she agreed to provide three meals a day for the next half-month, deducting five bucks per person for food costs.”

Fu Yanju handed the meal boxes to the father and son as she spoke.

Wow, that’s... we’re so grateful.

Three meals a day for half a month, only five bucks each?

Eating out would definitely cost more than that. The portions were enough to feed an army.

We owe you both,” Yu Xu said again.

Thank Su He. My sis-in-law’s got a big heart. Just make sure her shop turns out beautifully,” Fu Yanju replied, shifting awkwardly.

You bet,” Yu Xu quickly assured. “I won’t let you down.”

After finishing the meal, Fu Yanju handed them the shop keys and told them to open up themselves tomorrow morning.

When Yu Xu took the keys, Fu Yanju also handed him that day’s pay.

"My sister-in-law told me to give you this—it's today's money," Fu Yanju said.

Staring at the bills in front of him, Yu Xu reached out with trembling hands and took it.

"Thank you. I want to ask you to tell Miss Su something else," Yu Xu suddenly said.

"What is it?"

"Miss Su trusts me so much, and I won’t let her down.

To be honest, before we found this job, my son and I could hardly put food on the table.

It was Miss Su who felt sorry for us and gave us daily pay for the first week.

But how things usually work in this business is that payment comes after the job is done.

I’ll take today’s money to get by, but the rest can wait until the job is finished."

Seeing Yu Xu’s determined look, Fu Yanju paused before agreeing, "Alright, I’ll talk to her when I get back."