Brother Liansheng was feeling much better now. He had wanted to return to work earlier, but his wife wouldn’t allow it, insisting he rest at home for a couple more days. Jicheng, who owed him a life debt, sat up straight upon hearing this and exclaimed in shock, “There’s such a thing? Wife, did you see anyone suspicious?”
Liansheng’s wife sent their nine-year-old daughter to wash the dishes while wiping the table with a cloth and said, “Didn’t see anyone suspicious. When did your brother leave the house?”
Jicheng, sitting nearby, replied, “Chunfu and I left before the sun was up, when everyone was still asleep.”
Liansheng’s wife frowned in thought and said, “I heard the sound of your lock when I was combing my hair in the yard. I thought… Who else could have a key to your house? Did you lend it to someone who might’ve secretly made a copy?”
Jicheng shook his head. “I changed the lock after my parents passed. Never thought such a thing would happen in our village. Brother Liansheng, sister-in-law, you should be careful too. I’ll head back now. Tomorrow evening, I’ll cook a few dishes—come over for some fun. I’ll take my leave first.”
Only after Jicheng left did Liansheng’s wife speak worriedly to her husband. “I didn’t dare say this in front of Jicheng, but I’ve been seeing Jiliang lurking around these past few days. This morning when I was pouring water, I saw him and his father pass by our door. Do you think it could be them? But it doesn’t make sense—they’re better off than Jicheng. Why would they covet his things?”
Liansheng sighed. “Who knows? That family’s always been a headache. Second Uncle Ji and his wife are unreasonable. As soon as Jiliang was adopted, they cut off ties with Third Uncle’s family. Now they’re probably up to something. We can’t interfere, but you should spread the word in the village—tell everyone Jicheng’s house was robbed so people stay alert. I refuse to believe Second Uncle Ji would stoop so low.”
“Alright! I’ll go soon. Jicheng’s our benefactor—we should be the ones thanking him. Tomorrow, I’ll bring the half-basket of eggs we have left as a congratulatory gift. From now on, we’ll help them however we can. What kind of person is Second Uncle Ji, acting so disgracefully? Even among relatives, things shouldn’t come to this. I was foolish back then, thinking of urging Jicheng to reconcile with them. Thank goodness he didn’t—otherwise, they’d have barged in and robbed him outright.” Liansheng’s wife washed her hands outside and left immediately.
Chunfu went to check the spot where Jicheng hid his money. Everything was still in place, untouched. It seemed Second Uncle and his family hadn’t discovered it, which eased her mind somewhat.
When Jicheng returned, he rearranged the items in the house and told Chunfu to stay put while he went out briefly. He left with some bones the butcher had given him. Chunfu felt a pang of regret—those bones could’ve made a nourishing soup, but he took them without saying what for.
Chunfu crouched on the ground, playing with the chicks. They curiously pecked around the room, and she followed, occasionally stroking their fluffy feathers, her heart full. Suddenly, a faint whimper came from the yard—timid yet curious. Chunfu rushed out to find Jicheng holding a small dog. Perhaps startled by the strangers, it curled its tail and whimpered.
Jicheng already had his suspicions but lacked proof. If he ever caught the culprit, he wouldn’t hold back. Second Uncle had once dismissed his family as a burden, refusing to associate with them. Now, they were after his mother’s treasures? Wishful thinking.
“Got it from Uncle Xiangcheng’s place. It’ll keep you company. Hungry? I’ll pick vegetables from the garden and cook. Take it inside to play.”
Dogs had sharp ears—they’d hear any unusual noise. That would give them some peace of mind.
Chunfu wasn’t keen on Jicheng’s boiled greens and steamed buns, but there was nothing else to eat. She couldn’t fathom how he’d survived on such meals all these years. Anxiety gnawed at her—she wanted him to live well more than anyone, to prove wrong those who looked down on them.
Unexpectedly, news of the robbery at Jicheng’s house spread through the village by nightfall. Jiliang, on his way home after working the fields, overheard the gossip and scowled. Fuming, he stormed into the house and complained to his father, who was chatting with his mother. “Dad, I told you not to stoop so low, but you wouldn’t listen. Thank goodness no one saw us. Hearing people curse the thief makes me burn with shame. Next time, go alone—I won’t humiliate myself like this.”
Second Uncle Ji flew into a rage. Did the brat think he enjoyed skulking around? If not for Jikun’s life, would he resort to this? His anger made him reckless—he grabbed a rolling pin and struck Jiliang, the dull thuds making ears ring.
A wife’s heart ached for her husband. Qiaoyun tugged at her mother-in-law’s sleeve, pleading, “Mom, stop Dad! He’ll beat Jiliang to death! Dad, stop! How will he face people tomorrow?”
But a child not of her own flesh meant little. Mother Ji shot her a glare. “He deserves it. Was that any way to speak? Jikun’s his elder brother—shouldn’t he help? Let Jikun die? He barely survived the frontier, only to find his own brother won’t lift a finger. Disgraceful! An unfilial, disrespectful wretch like him should be beaten. Why aren’t you cooking? Starving your father-in-law? We’re not dead yet—already mistreating us?”
Qiaoyun watched as her husband was struck until welts rose, her heart aching with grievance. How could his father’s misdeeds be blamed on Jiliang? The elders in this family were utterly unreasonable. If Jikun returned, they’d surely dote on him, leaving her and Jiliang to suffer.
That night, Jiliang was denied dinner as “reflection.” Furious, Qiaoyun secretly cooked him noodles with an egg after the elders slept. Bringing it to the kang, she fumed, “Jiliang, filial piety is one thing, but we can’t let them bully us. They’ve already changed their tune before Jikun’s back—what happens when he returns? A man who stirs such trouble abroad can’t be good. Will we slave for three lazy mouths? Jiliang, I want to live with dignity too.”
Jiliang’s body burned with pain. He knew the truth, but his parents had doted on him before. Perhaps their joy at “regaining” Jikun blinded them. Once Jikun returned, things would improve. Struggling up, he wolfed down the noodles—after working all day, hunger gnawed at him. Licking his lips, he muttered, “Enough. Don’t say such things in front of them—you’ll only get scolded. You’re the only one who cares for me. Clean up and sleep—we’ve work tomorrow.”
Jicheng couldn’t sleep. His restless tossing disturbed Chunfu too. A narrow gap separated them, his stubbornness refusing to bridge it. Chunfu hated how he bottled everything up. Just because she didn’t understand, did that mean silence? Anger flared—she sat up abruptly.
Startled, Jicheng sat up too. “What’s wrong? Why are you up?”
She lunged at him, wrapping her arms tightly around his bare, muscular torso. His skin burned against her thin sleepwear, reigniting desires he’d suppressed. Her closeness shattered his restraint—the dam broke, and longing surged unchecked.
In the dark, his breaths grew ragged. His fingertips traced her smooth skin, like fine silk he couldn’t resist. The last shreds of reason crumbled. He tried to push her away, but she clung tighter, her weight pinning him, stealing his breath.
Passion incinerated logic. They were husband and wife—this was natural. Lifting her slightly, he brushed his lips against hers. She murmured, compliant as a child, letting him lead.
Just as Jicheng was about to continue, she shoved him away and said earnestly, “Can’t breathe. Dying. Why do they hold so tight?”
Like a bucket of icy water, her words doused his ardor. He rubbed his forehead, sighing. “You saw that, didn’t you? Never mind—just sleep.”
Still straddling him, she shifted. “Why did you kiss me?”
Jicheng’s throat tightened. In the dark, his face burned. How could he admit it was instinct? Stammering, he said, “Because… I like you. Now go to sleep.”
Chunfu found his fib both amusing and heartwarming. Climbing off, she slipped back under her blanket. “I’m sleepy.”
Unbeknownst to the ruefully smiling Jicheng, Chunfu’s lips curled mischievously in the dark.
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