Lin Fang wasn’t worried about her family suffering any losses. Her mother had crossed paths with Lan Xiang’s mom before and could handle her with ease. As for her father, his sharp tongue was legendary—some might even say his words could choke a person to death. Dealing with Lan Xiang’s mom would be child’s play for him.
Moreover, her parents were fiercely protective when it came to their children. In matters involving their kids, they’d first suppress the other party’s aggression, regardless of who was right or wrong. Then, behind closed doors, they’d settle the matter themselves. If their child was at fault, they’d apologize sincerely, accepting the consequences even if it meant losing face. If the other party was in the wrong, they’d calmly explain the situation to their children, teaching them when to stand firm and when to yield—lessons in how to navigate life.
Hearing the roar of motorcycles behind her, Lin Fang turned around and immediately broke into a smile. Her eldest brother, Lin Yong, was riding a powerful 250cc bike, with their father hunched behind him, shielding himself from the wind. Her second brother’s motorcycle was slightly shorter but equally robust, and their mother clung tightly to his waist on the backseat. If not for their parents’ age, the brothers would undoubtedly have raced each other.
The night before, Lin Fang had pestered Lin Yong about wanting to ride the motorcycle, partly to show she wasn’t upset with him after noticing his sour mood. To her surprise, he had actually borrowed one. Her second brother, Lin Tuo, had done the same—likely because they’d agreed to leave early the next day for the market, securing a good spot for their stall.
Lin Yong, an equipment specialist in the army, was skilled at disassembling and reassembling machinery, an expert in repairs, and an equally adept rider. If she played her cards right, she could enjoy a thrilling ride to school the next afternoon.
Lin Yong’s bike arrived first, braking sharply. Their father yelped as his head bumped into Lin Yong’s back. “Slow down, Big Lin! Your old man doesn’t want to become a human projectile!”
Ignoring the complaint, Lin Yong asked Lin Fang, “Why are you standing here? The wind at the village entrance is strong—you’ll catch a cold.”
Lin Yuanmin, their father, finally noticed his daughter. Frowning, he asked, “Fang, why aren’t you at home?”
Before she could answer, Lin Tuo pulled up smoothly beside them, asking the same question. Their mother, Dong Huixin, didn’t fuss this time. She got off the bike, checked Lin Fang’s hands and clothes to ensure she wasn’t cold, and then asked, “Were you waiting for us?”
“Yep! I was thinking Dad could teach me calligraphy. I figured using Second Brother’s beard for a brush would be perfect—good elasticity and saves money. I got impatient waiting at home, so I came here.” She burst into laughter at her own joke.
In truth, the excuse had popped into her head when she saw Lin Tuo’s scruffy beard. She hadn’t expected to run into her parents and brothers here—she’d assumed they were already home. Otherwise, how could Lan Xiang’s mom have caused a scene at their house if no one was there?
Her sister-in-law was home, but she and Lin Yong lived separately now. Lan Xiang’s mom wouldn’t dare pick a fight with her—despite her meekness around Lin Yong, she was no pushover, and Lan Xiang’s mom usually avoided her.
Lin Yuanmin dismounted, scoffing, “I’d believe anything else, but not this. I’ve been telling you to improve your handwriting for ages—those matchstick scribbles of yours. You’ve never listened before. Cut the nonsense. What’s really going on?”
Fine, she’d come clean. “Well, I wandered around the fields and heard Lan Xiang’s mom was making trouble at our place, so I hid here to avoid adding to the mess. I was waiting for her to leave before going back.”
Seeing Lin Tuo’s darkening expression, Lin Fang silently mourned for Lan Xiang. Dong Huixin quickly climbed back onto Lin Tuo’s bike, urging him to hurry home. Lin Yuanmin told Lin Yong to go ahead too, staying behind with Lin Fang.
Before her father could press further, Lin Fang seized the initiative. “Dad, I was serious earlier. I really want to learn calligraphy. This time, I’ll stick with it—no more slacking off!”
“Really? You’re not just messing with me again?” Lin Fang had pulled similar pranks growing up.
She clung to his arm, whining, “Dad, I mean it this time! Trust me!” *If I don’t use learning calligraphy as an excuse, how else can I explain my refined handwriting from my past life?*
After triple-checking she wasn’t joking, Lin Yuanmin beamed. “Finally! Your eldest brother graduated high school, your second brother finished middle school, you’re in high school now, and even your sister-in-law’s educated. Yet every New Year, *I’m* the one writing the couplets. Does that make sense?”
“Nope, not at all! Once I master this, I’ll handle the couplets every year—better than you!” Her past-life calligraphy blended feminine elegance with bold strokes, surpassing her father’s.
He remained skeptical. “Alright, don’t boast yet. Let’s see how long you last.”
As they bantered, Lin Tuo roared back on his bike, skidding to a stop. He leaped off and circled Lin Fang anxiously. “Lan Xiang said you hit her! Are you hurt? Where?”
*That idiot Lan Xiang actually went with that story?* Lin Fang spared her even the mental eulogy. Judging by Lin Tuo’s reaction, Lan Xiang would soon be erased from his heart.
“What? Lan Xiang hit *you*? Let me see—are you hurt?”
Lin Fang nearly laughed. Her dad was a pro at flipping the script.
Grabbing both their arms, she explained, “Dad, Second Brother, neither of us hit the other. Think about it—if we had, would I be standing here unharmed? We just argued, then she fell somehow. I bolted before she got up. Really, I’m fine.”
Lin Tuo: “Swear?”
Lin Yuanmin: “You’re not hiding anything?”
*Normally, I’d have made a scene if something happened—I wasn’t exactly the understanding type.* She sighed inwardly. *Typical protective family.* Aloud, she added, “It’s true! After running off, I chatted with Bajin’s family digging yams in the field. Ask them.”
Though spoiled, Lin Fang never lied about serious matters. Reassured, Lin Tuo picked up his dropped bike. “Good, good. I’ll tell Mom. I’ll come back for you later.” He sped off—Dong Huixin was waiting for updates.
Once alone, Lin Yuanmin pressed for details. Now that Lan Xiang’s version was confirmed, Lin Fang recounted the clash truthfully—omitting the branch she’d used to trip Lan Xiang. That secret would die with her.
“Stay home these next few days—no wandering!” Lin Yuanmin’s voice trembled with delayed fear.
Lin Fang nodded. “I’ll practice calligraphy indoors. I *will* write those New Year couplets.”
The Lan Xiang duo wouldn’t let this go, but Lin Fang wasn’t worried. She’d avoid using underhanded tactics in the village to spare her family drama. Outside, though, all bets were off.
Later, Lin Yong returned instead of Lin Tuo. “Your brother’s heartbroken,” he sighed. “Lan Xiang’s mom was screeching curses, and Lan Xiang claimed you broke her leg. He dragged her out and dumped her beyond the gate, warning that if she kept it up, he’d make her paralysis real—even if it landed him in jail.”
Lin Fang’s heart ached. Lan Xiang had been smart, pretty, and top of her class—no wonder Lin Tuo had loved her. Had her rebirth ruined his happiness?
Then clarity struck. *So be it.* In her past life, Lan Xiang had married someone else by the time Lin Fang entered college. If she was rewriting her path, Lin Tuo’s fate would change too. He was too talented to be tied to a spoiled brat like Lan Xiang.
Lin Yong, no fan of Lan Xiang either, chuckled. “She and her mom fled after seeing your brother’s murderous glare.”
*Right—tall, dark, bearded, and scowling? Terrifying.*
Changing the subject, Lin Fang asked, “Did Xiaoyuan get scared?” *Really, she was wondering why her sister-in-law hadn’t intervened.*
She didn’t ask about the family dog, Heipi. Unlike other dogs that barked first, Heipi attacked silently if it sensed a threat. Visitors knew to call out from the yard, waiting for someone to restrain him before entering.
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