Ch 76: Is There Really Such a Good Thing? [QT]

“Help! Help…!”

Shen Yunxuan snapped out of her daze, hearing someone crying for help. She focused her gaze and saw someone flailing desperately in the river. Acting on instinct, she stepped forward, only to hear a loud splash as a man in a green military uniform dove into the water and swiftly swam toward the person, rescuing them in no time.

As Shen Yunxuan got a clear look at the two people, she was startled. Wasn’t that her younger sister and her husband? Why did they look so young?

“Who fell into the water? Oh no, it’s the second Shen daughter! And it’s the Xing boy who saved her!” A few village women came running over from a distance, surrounding the unconscious Shen Xuewei and Xing Kai, who was administering first aid. Their chatter created a buzz, and Shen Yunxuan was naturally pushed out of the circle.

Looking around, Shen Yunxuan’s expression shifted subtly. She discreetly pinched her thigh, the sharp pain jolting her into certainty: she had been reborn. Reborn to the day when she fell into the water and was saved by Xing Kai.

But wasn’t she supposed to be the one who fell into the water and was rescued? How had it turned into Shen Xuewei?

In her previous life, when Shen Yunxuan faced difficulties and sought help from Shen Xuewei, her sister mocked and ridiculed her, refusing to acknowledge their relationship. Later, when Shen Yunxuan’s life improved, Shen Xuewei’s family, after falling on hard times, clung to her like glue, which she found utterly repulsive. So now, seeing Shen Xuewei, she instinctively felt disgusted and stood still, making no move.

This scene, however, fell into the eyes of the Shen family, who had rushed over in a hurry. To them, it seemed as though Shen Yunxuan was cold-blooded and indifferent toward her sister. Grandma Shen stormed over and slapped her, snapping, “How are you taking care of your sister? Why on earth did Xuewei fall into the water? And you’re just standing here doing nothing—not calling for help, not fetching a doctor. Did you do this on purpose?”

Shen Yunxuan retorted immediately, “I was just startled and didn’t react right away. Grandma, how could you say that about me? Are you really my grandmother?”

Grandma Shen hadn’t expected her to talk back and widened her eyes in shock. Pointing at her, she roared, “You’re talking back? You—”

“I’m just stating the facts,” Shen Yunxuan interrupted. “Shen Xuewei kept inching closer to the water. I told her multiple times to come back and stay away from the edge, but she wouldn’t listen. How is that my fault? Grandma, even if you’re biased toward Shen Xuewei, you shouldn’t wrongly accuse me. How am I supposed to face the villagers after this?” She turned to the onlookers, her voice trembling with grievance. “Everyone, please judge fairly. Is this how a grandmother should act?”

“Calm down, old lady. This has nothing to do with Yunxuan,” someone in the crowd chimed in.

“Exactly. Go check on your second granddaughter. That’s what matters right now.”

Shen Yunxuan’s parents supported Grandma Shen, shooting a glare at Shen Yunxuan before rushing to Shen Xuewei’s side, anxiously asking, “How is she? Is Weiwei okay?” Just then, Xing Kai had finished saving her. Shen Xuewei coughed up a mouthful of water and slowly opened her eyes.

“Did you save me? Th-thank you…”

Xing Kai stood up and replied, “No need to thank me. Uncle, you should take her to the clinic for a check-up. I’ll be going now.”

“Yes, of course! Thank you, thank you so much!” Shen Weiguo hurriedly helped Shen Xuewei up and asked how she was feeling.

Shen Xuewei coughed a few times. “Dad, Mom, Grandma, I’m fine. Don’t worry… cough, cough…”

“Oh, my poor child! What an ordeal. Come on, let your father carry you to the clinic!” urged Fang Fang as she helped her onto Shen Weiguo’s back. The couple told Grandma Shen to head home first before hurriedly taking Shen Xuewei to the clinic.

No one noticed Shen Xuewei smirking subtly while lying on Shen Weiguo’s back.

As Shen Yunxuan followed Grandma Shen home, she vaguely heard the villagers gossiping.

“That boy who saved her is from the Xing family, right? The soldier who had been gone for years? Everyone thought he was dead, but here he is, suddenly back and saving someone.”

“What will happen with the Shen family’s second daughter now? She was soaked head to toe, wrapped in the Xing boy’s arms, and he was all over her while saving her.”

“Yeah, even if it was to save her, he touched what shouldn’t be touched.”

“What? Could they actually end up together? Would the Shen family agree? They’ve always wanted to marry their second daughter off to someone in town to become city folk. I heard they even had someone lined up.”

Grandma Shen’s face turned alternately pale and flushed as she heard the gossip. She glared daggers at Shen Yunxuan before slamming the door behind her as she entered the courtyard. She didn’t forget to scold, “Hurry up and wash the dishes, cook, and feed the pigs! Can’t you do anything useful?”

Standing in the courtyard, Shen Yunxuan glanced around. Old memories from years ago surfaced bit by bit, filling her with a sense of novelty, as though she were dreaming.

Their Shen family wasn’t particularly prosperous in the village. Grandma Shen had been widowed young, losing two of her children early and only having Shen Weiguo survive. Shen Weiguo and Fang Fang had three children: Shen Yunxuan, Shen Xuewei, and Shen Jie.

It was 1980. She was 19 years old. After graduating middle school, her family had refused to let her continue studying, keeping her home to do chores. Shen Xuewei, 18, had just finished high school but failed her college entrance exams, while Shen Jie, 15, was still in school.

Her family doted on her younger siblings but never cared for her. Supposedly, it was because Fang Fang had suffered a difficult labor with her and nearly died, taking three months to recover. As she was only a girl, they resented her. When Shen Xuewei was born, the delivery had been smooth, and that year’s harvest was bountiful. They believed Shen Xuewei was lucky and showered her with affection. As for Shen Jie, being the only male in the Shen family, he was naturally the apple of everyone’s eye, with all the best things reserved for him.

Shen Yunxuan had grown up never getting enough to eat and was always shorter than Shen Xuewei. She had to wear Shen Xuewei’s hand-me-down clothes until, at eighteen, she had a sudden growth spurt. Her family, worried she would embarrass them with short clothes, finally made her one new set of clothes.

Shen Yunxuan looked down at herself; even this one outfit had grown old and worn. She wandered around the front and back yards before entering the room she shared with Shen Xuewei. On the desk were pitifully short pencil stubs and used notebooks. She gently touched them—they were hers, things her younger siblings had discarded and she had salvaged to use.

In her previous life, the family constantly criticized her, claiming no one would marry her. They arranged matches for Shen Xuewei first, and only managed to find someone for her after pulling every string they had—a young man named Xiao Jun, the youngest son of a master chef at a state-run restaurant.

The family was ecstatic. A state-run restaurant! In the village, anyone who dined at one would brag about it for days. With a father-in-law as a chef, wouldn’t there be endless good food? Plus, they earned well; wasn’t life all about having enough to eat and wear in those days?

Although Xiao Jun was idle and did nothing, a classic pretty boy, his family’s status made up for it. His father was a head chef, his mother a workshop supervisor at a textile factory, and his elder brother a teacher married to a supply and marketing cooperative worker. For Shen Xuewei, this marriage would be like falling into a nest of fortune. If not for Xiao Jun’s lack of ambition, even city families wouldn’t have considered Shen Xuewei.

The Shen family prioritized Shen Xuewei’s marriage above all else. But when it came time to discuss the marriage, the Xiao family demanded a high bride price, insisting that the bride’s family match it with an equal dowry. Both would belong to the couple afterward. This was how Xiao Jun’s elder brother had married. The Shen family was stumped—how could they, as rural farmers earning work points, afford this? They had only recently started earning from household farming.

At that time, Shen Yunxuan went to the river to wash clothes, slipped, and fell into the water. She was saved by Xing Kai, who was visiting his hometown.

The Shen family latched onto the Xing family, demanding a bride price of 500 yuan and a bicycle—a fortune in the village. No one had ever asked for so much. The Shen family threatened to cause trouble with Xing Kai’s military unit if the Xing family refused. Left with no choice, the Xing family grudgingly agreed. They held a barebones wedding out of resentment, which made Shen Yunxuan the butt of jokes in the village for years.

Xing Kai had a son and a daughter from his previous marriage. His first wife had left with her family and remarried after assuming Xing Kai had died on a mission. The children were left behind. After marrying, Shen Yunxuan became a stepmother, and Xing Kai soon returned to the army, disappearing on another mission.

Meanwhile, the Shen family used the bride price to buy Shen Jie a bicycle and gave 200 yuan to Shen Xuewei to marry her off to the Xiao family in grand style.

Shen Yunxuan had been reborn to this moment in time, just as the Xiao and Shen families were negotiating the marriage terms. But this time, it was Shen Xuewei who had fallen into the water and been saved by Xing Kai.

Leaning against the bed, Shen Yunxuan closed her eyes and discovered a Book of Memories in her mind. Intrigued, she read about her other lives and speculated that Shen Xuewei must have been reborn as well.

Could it be that Shen Xuewei was jealous of her previous life as the wife of a general and intended to steal her life this time?

Shen Yunxuan was surprised by the thought and chuckled, finding the idea amusing. She flipped through the Book of Memories again, marveling at her vibrant past lives and the absurd antics of other reborn individuals. It made her curious about what differences her new life would bring—after all, she hadn’t had many regrets in her previous one.

Her musings were interrupted by voices outside. Shen Xuewei had returned. The door slammed open, and Shen Weiguo and Fang Fang entered. Seeing Shen Yunxuan sitting idly, Fang Fang frowned. “Go fix up the bed for your sister! You’re so clueless.”

Shen Yunxuan didn’t move. “I’m still shaken up. My hands and feet feel weak. You can do it.”

Shen Weiguo scolded, “Xuewei fell into the water and wasn’t scared. What’s wrong with you? Useless! Hurry up and fix the bed. What kind of daughter acts so spoiled? No wonder no one wants to marry you!”

Glancing at the schadenfreude in Shen Xuewei’s eyes, Shen Yunxuan stood and grabbed the bedding from Shen Xuewei’s bed. She loosened her grip, letting the blanket and pillow fall to the floor.

“Shen Yunxuan!”

Shen Yunxuan sat back down and frowned. “I’m really shaken up. Why don’t you give me some money so I can see a doctor?”

“There’s no money for nonsense like that!” Shen Weiguo snapped impatiently, telling Fang Fang to handle the bed instead.

Fang Fang grumbled as she brushed dirt off the pillow and prepared the bed for Shen Xuewei. Finally, Shen Weiguo placed Shen Xuewei down, telling her to rest and eat something nourishing later.

At the mention of food, Fang Fang turned to Shen Yunxuan. “Why haven’t you started cooking?”

Shen Yunxuan stood up. “I’ll go now.”

“Cook two eggs for your sister and make her a bowl of brown sugar water.”

Shen Yunxuan heard Fang Fang’s words, responded, and went into the kitchen. She lit the fire at the stove, casually tossed a piece of firewood to the side, and then deliberately dropped the thermos and a bowl onto the floor.

“What broke?” The sound of the thermos shattering startled Fang Fang and Shen Weiguo, who rushed out to see flames flickering in the kitchen. Their expressions changed instantly, their voices panicked. “A fire?! Quick, put it out!”

Grandma Shen also hurried out, slapping her thigh anxiously. “Hurry up! Put the fire out! How could there be a fire? You two, move faster!”

The commotion alarmed the neighbors, who came running over with buckets of water to help. At this moment, Shen Yunxuan staggered out, collapsing onto the neighbor Aunt Ma.

“Ah! Isn’t this Yunxuan? What happened? Did you start the fire?” Aunt Ma exclaimed, shocked at Shen Yunxuan’s soot-covered face, inspecting her for burns.

Before the Shen family could respond, Shen Yunxuan started sobbing. “I didn’t mean to. I was so scared after seeing my sister nearly drown. My hands and feet were weak, but my grandma and parents didn’t believe me. They forced me to cook. I couldn’t hold onto anything properly and barely escaped with my life…”

Aunt Ma immediately felt pity and comforted her. “It’s okay, it’s okay. You’re safe now, and that’s what matters.”

Meanwhile, the other neighbors had already put out the fire, frowning as they said, “How could you make the poor girl cook when she’s so shaken? Even if you don’t take her to a doctor, at least let her rest!”

“Exactly! You’re not blaming Yunxuan for Xuewei falling into the water, are you? We saw it clearly—Yunxuan was terrified, pale as a sheet. Besides, she doesn’t know how to swim. She couldn’t have saved anyone, and wasn’t it the Xing boy who did?”

“Even if you’re upset, you should wait until she’s recovered before saying anything. Look at the mess now—your whole kitchen is ruined.”

“And the thermos too! You know how hard it is to get one of those without a ration coupon. What a waste.”

Grandma Shen, furious, shouted, “That wretched girl burned down the kitchen and still dares to argue? If she couldn’t hold on, why didn’t she call for help? She did this on purpose! Where’s the broom? Bring it here—I’ll teach her a lesson today!”

Shen Weiguo quickly intervened. “Alright, Mom, that’s enough. Let’s clean up the kitchen first.”

Fang Fang, her expression stiff, stepped forward to support Shen Yunxuan. “She didn’t say she was in such bad shape. We thought it wasn’t serious. Let her rest now.”

Shen Yunxuan leaned her entire weight onto Fang Fang, who struggled to hold her up, her face turning red as she slowly helped her to the house. Before entering, Shen Yunxuan turned and gratefully said, “Thank you, uncles and aunties, for saving me. I could’ve been burned alive… it scared me so much.”

Aunt Ma called out, “Don’t worry. It’s over now. Just rest and don’t think about it.”

Shen Yunxuan nodded and went inside. As the neighbors left, they reminded the Shen family not to make Yunxuan work anymore. “She’s been doing chores for years. A day or two of rest won’t make a difference.”

Shen Weiguo, feeling their words were laced with sarcasm, grew even more upset. Looking at the scorched kitchen and the broken thermos, he felt a surge of frustration boiling in his chest.

Fang Fang, still in the house, was berating Shen Yunxuan. She, however, lay with her eyes closed, ignoring her. Annoyed, Shen Weiguo shouted for Fang Fang to come out and help clean up, then stomped off to the backyard to smoke. Grandma Shen, heartbroken over the ruined kitchen, followed Fang Fang to start tidying up. Both regretted not cooking themselves in the first place.

In another room, Shen Xuewei frowned at the commotion outside and asked, “Sister, what’s wrong with you today?”

“I was scared,” Shen Yunxuan said. “Watching you sink bit by bit, yelling for help with no one coming, I thought you were going to die. I was terrified that if you died, Mom and Dad would blame me. Who knows what they’d do to me?”

“I was also afraid you wouldn’t rest in peace, blaming me for not knowing how to swim and saving you. I feared your body would be washed away, and we’d never find it…”

“Enough!” Shen Xuewei cut her off, her chest heaving with anger. Having been reborn, she loathed hearing anything inauspicious. Shen Yunxuan’s repeated mentions of “death” and “body” grated on her nerves.

Still, Shen Yunxuan’s explanation made sense. It seemed her fear and nervousness had overwhelmed her. Shen Xuewei recalled hearing in her previous life about people freezing up under extreme pressure, unable to move or think. Shen Yunxuan must’ve been one of them.

She shot Shen Yunxuan a disdainful glance. To be so scared over something so minor—how could she be worthy of becoming the wife of a military commander? It was sheer luck that she had clung to Xing Kai. This time, Xing Kai had saved her instead, and the one he’d marry would undoubtedly be her.

Thinking of this, Shen Xuewei secretly reveled in her success. No one at this time realized Xing Kai’s potential. The years he had disappeared were spent on missions, earning him great merit and a promotion to company commander. He was only back now because he’d taken leave to visit his family.

In her past life, when Xing Kai returned, the Shen family latched onto him, demanding a hefty bride price. The Xing family kept quiet about his promotion, fearing the Shen family would make even more outrageous demands. This led everyone, including Shen Yunxuan, to believe Xing Kai was just an ordinary soldier. It wasn’t until Shen Yunxuan joined him later with their child that people discovered he had become an officer.

Later, Xing Kai continued to rise through the ranks, eventually becoming a division commander. Shen Yunxuan, a mere village girl with only a middle school education, who knew nothing but housework and raising children, ended up becoming a commander’s wife. If that wasn’t sheer luck, what was? Fortunately, Shen Xuewei had been reborn and had seized the chance to win over Xing Kai for herself.

Since no one currently knew that Xing Kai was a battalion commander, her showing kindness to him now would surely touch his heart. Moreover, she wouldn’t demand an extravagant bride price from the Xing family. With no grievances between them, they would have a good marriage—unlike Shen Yunxuan’s fate.

Shen Yunxuan glanced sideways and smirked inwardly. Shen Xuewei was still lying there, smiling even in her sleep. She must be ecstatic. Shen Yunxuan suddenly felt curious to see how long Shen Xuewei’s happiness would last after marrying into the Xing family.

Truthfully, this era was full of opportunities. Many bold and meticulous individuals became wealthy, and every industry flourished. Even if Shen Xuewei simply ran a small stall, she could make money. Why insist on clinging to Xing Kai? Just because he could become a division commander? Had she never heard that being a military wife was tough, or that being a stepmother was even tougher? Such a strange choice.

As for Shen Yunxuan, she would much rather find someone considerate, and together they could run a small business.

Outside, the sounds of things being dropped and banged around continued. Before long, Fang Fang brought two boiled eggs and a roasted sweet potato for Shen Xuewei, not even glancing at Shen Yunxuan or offering her anything to eat.

Shen Yunxuan closed her eyes and said, “Why do I keep seeing stars in front of me? Am I going to pass out? Mom, remember to take me to the clinic if something happens. Don’t let anything bad happen to me.”

Something bad? What nonsense! Fang Fang was already at her wit’s end. First, Shen Xuewei had nearly drowned, and now Shen Yunxuan was claiming to feel unwell. Fang Fang, frustrated but worried Shen Yunxuan might actually faint, begrudgingly brought her a sweet potato as well.

Of course, Fang Fang didn’t stop complaining as she handed it over. To her, Shen Yunxuan was an eyesore, especially after causing the family to lose money with the destroyed thermos and damaged kitchen. The thought still made her heart ache.

In her past life, Shen Yunxuan had felt hurt by her family’s treatment and tried hard to earn their approval. But as she grew older, she stopped caring. Now, Fang Fang’s scolding was no more than mosquito noise to her, easily ignored. If they dared to make her cook again, she wouldn’t hesitate to burn down the kitchen.

That night, no one in the Shen family slept well. Shen Xuewei, having caught a chill, was feverish and restless. Only Shen Yunxuan had a peaceful night, waking up refreshed the next morning.

The next day, Shen Weiguo and Fang Fang finally heard from Grandma Shen about the villagers gossiping about Xing Kai saving Shen Xuewei. Furious, they wanted to confront those spreading the rumors. After all, they planned to marry Shen Xuewei into a city family. How could they let anyone tarnish her reputation?

Shen Xuewei quickly stopped them, her eyes red as she said, “Dad, Mom, what’s done is done. The best solution now is for me to marry Xing Kai. Otherwise, when my future in-laws hear about this, they’ll humiliate me. I’ll never be able to hold my head high again. Only by marrying Xing Kai can I live with dignity.”

Grandma Shen objected immediately. “That’s nonsense! You’re supposed to marry into the Xiao family, become a city dweller, and eat city food! Don’t worry, the Xiao family doesn’t know anyone in the village—they won’t find out.”

“But what if they do someday?” Shen Xuewei’s face was full of sorrow. “I can’t take that risk. If they ever point fingers at me, saying I’ve been touched by another man, I’d rather die.”

Fang Fang, terrified, hugged her and started crying. “Don’t talk like that! What kind of disaster is this? We were just about to finalize everything, and now this happens!”

As she spoke, Fang Fang caught sight of Shen Yunxuan and suddenly turned hostile. “Was it you? Were you jealous of your sister and pushed her into the water on purpose? How else could something like this happen at such a critical time?”

Everyone turned to look at Shen Yunxuan, including Shen Xuewei, who said nothing. Shen Yunxuan stared coldly at Shen Xuewei and said, “Why aren’t you saying anything? Are you trying to frame me? I was several meters away from you and couldn’t have touched you. If you want to accuse me, let’s go see the village head and have everyone weigh in. Let them see what kind of person you really are!”

Grandma Shen fumed. “Outrageous! You want to involve the village head? Acting all high and mighty—who’s accusing you? Did Weiwei say a word? Do you even act like an elder sister?”

Shen Yunxuan pointed at Shen Xuewei. “Then why isn’t she speaking up? If she simply says she fell in herself, that’d be the end of it. Staying silent is clearly meant to make you all misunderstand and blame me. Does she think everyone is blind? She’s falsely accused me countless times since we were kids. I let it go before because it didn’t matter, but now you’re accusing me of harming her. Am I a murderer?

Fine, let’s report this to the police! Let the police investigate! No one will dare lie or falsely accuse anyone then!”

Shen Yunxuan grabbed Shen Xuewei, who paled and screamed, “I fell in myself! I never said you pushed me! You’re just too quick to speak and didn’t give me a chance to explain. How could you think of me that way? When have I ever falsely accused you?”

Shen Yunxuan scanned everyone with a steely gaze and said, “Did you hear that? Shen Xuewei said it herself—she fell in on her own. Don’t you dare try to frame me again. If word gets out, people might start saying the Shen family has a murderer. Then don’t expect Shen Xuewei to marry well, and don’t be surprised if Shen Jie gets expelled from school!”

Shen Weiguo and the others were both shocked and angry. Were they not even allowed to question Shen Yunxuan in their own home? Why did she have to make such a big fuss? Fang Fang, furious, raised her hand to hit Shen Yunxuan, but Shen Xuewei quickly grabbed her arm. She had realized that the family’s suspicion that Shen Yunxuan had pushed her into the water had truly enraged her.

It made sense. In this era, serious crimes were harshly punished. If such an accusation stuck, Shen Yunxuan could be arrested and executed. How could she not be terrified? For a naive young girl, such an allegation was utterly horrifying.

Shen Xuewei didn’t want things to drag on. She had only wanted to see Shen Yunxuan scolded and humiliated. Watching her sister’s fear and distress had been satisfying, but the situation had backfired. It was time to move on. Redirecting the conversation, Shen Xuewei firmly said, “Just like how my sister is worried about her reputation, I am too. Besides, after Xing Kai saved me, I can’t bring myself to marry anyone else. Please, let me marry him.”

Fang Fang exclaimed, “Are you out of your mind? Xing Kai is ten years older than you, and his two children are eleven and twelve! How can you marry him and become a stepmother to kids that age? Have you gone crazy? Xing Kai is a soldier—it’s his duty to save people. So what if he saved you? I’ll find anyone spreading rumors and put an end to it!”

Grandma Shen was equally agitated. “The Xiao family is such a great match! If Xiao Jun didn’t have trouble finding work, we wouldn’t even be worthy of marrying into their family. They have four stable jobs, including a supervisor! If you marry into the Xiao family, the whole village will envy you. Don’t be foolish. You’re still young and don’t understand—when you’re older, you’ll see.”

Shen Xuewei scoffed inwardly. Sure, the Xiao family might seem ideal now with their iron rice bowl jobs. But in a few years, they’d all lose their jobs. Only the eldest son would still be a teacher, and after splitting the family’s assets, that wouldn’t benefit Xiao Jun. Xiao Jun was lazy, often hanging out with bad company, gambling and loafing around. By the time he wanted to settle down, he’d have missed his chance. Later, he’d become a truck driver, earning little and always being away. His lifestyle would never compare to Xing Kai’s status as a division commander.

But Shen Xuewei couldn’t say that now. Nobody would believe that people working at state-run restaurants or supply and marketing cooperatives would lose their jobs in the future. If she said it, they’d think she was crazy.

Xing Kai’s leave was short, and Shen Xuewei didn’t have time to slowly persuade them. She lowered her head and cried, “If I can’t marry Xing Kai, I won’t marry anyone. I can’t accept it. Don’t try to convince me—it’ll only push me to despair. If you think Xing Kai isn’t suitable, then fine, I’ll just stay unmarried at home. As long as you don’t mind having an old maid in the family.”

The family couldn’t comprehend her logic. Grandma Shen urged, “Child, why are you being so stubborn? The Xiao family is an excellent match. Marrying into that family would bring honor to us all. Xiao Jun’s older brother is a teacher—he could even help Xiao Jie in the future. Don’t be unreasonable. Besides, we’ve already discussed most of the terms with the Xiao family. If we back out now, we’d offend not just them but also the matchmaker. What if they retaliate against Xiao Jie?”

Suddenly, Shen Xuewei said, “Then let my sister marry Xiao Jun.”

Everyone froze, stunned. Grandma Shen exclaimed, “What? Let your sister marry Xiao Jun? That won’t work!”

Fang Fang scoffed, “Your sister only graduated from middle school. She’s skinny as a stick, dark-skinned, with coarse hands. Why would the Xiao family agree to that?”

Shen Xuewei confidently replied, “The Xiao family wants someone sensible and hardworking, someone who can encourage Xiao Jun to improve. My sister is much more mature than me—she’s more suitable. Let’s settle it this way. That way, both families will be happy.”

Shen Yunxuan sneered. “You think you can decide my marriage? I won’t marry him.”

Shen Xuewei hadn’t expected Shen Yunxuan to refuse so directly. She quickly said, “Sister, someone’s calling for you outside the gate. Go check.”

Shen Yunxuan, uninterested in stopping Shen Xuewei from marrying Xing Kai, decided to leave, giving them space to talk privately.

Once she left, Shen Xuewei seized the opportunity. Grasping Fang Fang and Grandma Shen’s hands, she said urgently, “I’ve heard that Xing Kai is already a battalion commander, and he’ll likely rise to regimental or even divisional commander! Do you know how high-ranking that is? Even the town mayor would have to bow and scrape before him.

I was surprised when I first heard, but it’s fate that he saved me this time. Marrying him would be far better than joining the Xiao family. In the future, when the Xiao family splits their assets, do you think Xiao Jun, lazy as he is, could support me? He wouldn’t even be able to help our family. How could he compare to Xing Kai?”

The three were stunned. “A battalion commander? Xing Kai is a battalion commander?”

Grandma Shen, excited, asked, “Weiwei, where did you hear this? Are you sure?”

Shen Xuewei nodded firmly. “I’m absolutely sure. I wouldn’t joke about marriage—it’s a lifelong matter. Trust me, marrying an officer would help our family much more. Xing Kai might even arrange a government job for Xiao Jie in the future.”

Hearing this, the idea of marrying into the Xiao family paled in comparison to the prospect of having a high-ranking officer in the family. All three were thrilled and restless with excitement. Shen Xuewei quickly added, “Since the Xing family hasn’t mentioned this, they probably want to avoid drawing attention or being pestered for favors. We shouldn’t say anything either. Let’s go through the marriage quietly. And we can’t demand too high a bride price; we need the Xing family to feel good about this match.”

“What? We can’t even ask for a high bride price? But he’s an officer—”

“Mom!” Shen Xuewei interrupted Fang Fang’s protest. “Think long-term. Once I marry into the family and our two families are united, are we really afraid of not benefiting from it? But if you make them unhappy from the start, even if there are benefits later, they won’t share them with us.”

The three nodded in agreement. Grandma Shen beamed and said, “Our Weiwei really is the smart one. She’s educated, knows people, and hears about things we don’t. She plans for the future. Let’s do as Weiwei says. If it weren’t for her falling into the water, how would we have had the chance to marry into an officer’s family?”

Fang Fang’s eyes lit up. “Even those gossiping villagers helped us out. We’ll use the rumors as the reason for Xing Kai to marry Weiwei.”

Shen Weiguo nodded as well. “Xing Kai is almost thirty and has two older children. Even if he’s an officer, Weiwei is more than a match for him.”

Seeing that they agreed, Shen Xuewei felt relieved. She hadn’t wanted to reveal that Xing Kai was a battalion commander, fearing they would take advantage of the Xing family for Shen Jie’s benefit, tarnishing her image. But time was tight, and with Shen Yunxuan refusing to marry into the Xiao family, she had no choice but to be honest and secure their support.

She also suggested marrying Shen Yunxuan to Xiao Jun. After all, in their eyes, the Xiao family was ideal, so why not use Shen Yunxuan to maintain the connection? This would give the family additional support. Moreover, Xiao Jun’s older brother was a high school teacher. When Shen Jie attended high school, he could be looked after, ensuring he got into college.

The Xiao family was offering a substantial bride price, which the Xing family wouldn’t. But the Xiao family’s offer could still be leveraged.

By the time Shen Yunxuan returned, she found Grandma Shen grinning so broadly her mouth practically reached her ears. Grandma Shen, who had rarely left the village and lived a humble life, was overjoyed at the thought of having two powerful in-laws who could support her grandson.

Shen Weiguo immediately ordered, “Today, you’ll help finalize your sister’s engagement to Xing Kai. Tomorrow, we’ll go to the town to arrange your marriage to Xiao Jun.”

Without hesitation, Shen Yunxuan said, “I won’t go. Switching my sister’s arranged match to me will only make people mock our family for being shameless.”

Shen Weiguo’s brows furrowed, and he shouted, “You’re getting bold, aren’t you? The Xiao family might not even accept you! You’re just waiting to become an old maid no one wants. If they refuse, I’ll marry you off to someone in North Mountain Village. Only people from the backwoods would want you.”

A cold light flashed in Shen Yunxuan’s eyes. This was just like her past life. When she refused to marry Xing Kai and become a stepmother, they threatened to marry her off to the remote North Mountain Village. “Marrying off” was a euphemism—it was more like selling her! If that happened, she wouldn’t even be able to escape. Reporting it to the authorities would be useless; her family could claim it was a normal dowry and marriage arrangement.

Her household registration was tied to her family, and leaving required an introduction letter from the village head. Without money or ration coupons, there was no way to run. Furthermore, the outside world was full of dangers, from human traffickers to robbers and other threats. If her family reported her missing, she’d end up having to hide from them for the rest of her life.

She decided to take a different approach.

In a cold tone, Shen Yunxuan said, “I know you’re planning to sell me. I’ve already prepared a report and given it to someone I trust. If I ever go missing, they’ll report you for trafficking your daughter. It doesn’t matter here in the village, but think about what will happen to Shen Jie at school.”

“You ungrateful brat!” Shen Weiguo shouted, taking off his shoe to hit her.

Shen Yunxuan dodged. “This is just a precaution. If you don’t push me, nothing will happen.”

Fang Fang fumed. “You disrespectful thing! What do you want?”

Shen Yunxuan looked at them with suspicion. “I want nothing. But it’s odd—why does Shen Xuewei insist on marrying Xing Kai, and why are you forcing me to marry Xiao Jun? Could it be that Xiao Jun is a fool?”

Fang Fang exploded in anger. “How dare you think so low of us? Do you think we’d marry you off to a fool?”

Shen Yunxuan said coldly, “A year ago, I overheard you discussing a marriage proposal from a fool in a neighboring village. If he hadn’t fallen ill and died, wouldn’t you have already married me off to him?”

Fang Fang and Shen Weiguo were taken aback. They hadn’t expected her to know about that. No wonder she was so resistant to being forced into marriage.

Shen Xuewei tried to smooth things over. “Sister, you’re overthinking. I want to marry Xing Kai because of what happened during the rescue. As for the Xiao family, their marriage proposal is such a good opportunity. I only suggested it so you could enjoy a better life. Think about it—everyone would envy such a match. Why would we harm you?”

Shen Yunxuan considered this briefly and then said, “I get it now. You want me to marry Xiao Jun so his older brother will help Shen Jie in school. I’m not an object, and I refuse to be part of your deals.”

“Stop talking nonsense!” Grandma Shen snapped. “This is just a normal marriage, not some trade.”

Shen Yunxuan gave her a frosty look. “A normal marriage? It sounds more like my life is just a bargaining chip to you.”

Shen Yunxuan chuckled. “So you want me to marry well and enjoy life? Fine, I’ll agree to marry—on one condition: we officially cut ties through a newspaper announcement. That way, I won’t have to worry about you exploiting me. Otherwise, I won’t marry anyone. I’ll find someone on my own.”

“You little brat, what did you say?” Shen Weiguo was furious and tried to hit her, but Shen Xuewei stopped him, while Shen Yunxuan escaped to the courtyard.

Shen Weiguo’s face turned livid with anger. He shoved Shen Xuewei aside, yelling, “Why are you stopping me? She needs a beating to learn her place! She dares to talk about cutting ties with us? Let’s see her…”

“Then let her,” Shen Xuewei interjected. “I heard that in the future, those newspaper announcements about cutting ties won’t hold any legal weight. The law won’t recognize them. Shen Yunxuan doesn’t know that. Let’s agree to it. Later, if we ever go to her for help, she won’t dare refuse. Otherwise, she’ll earn a reputation for being heartless.”

Seeing the three of them frown in thought, Shen Xuewei felt a surge of excitement. Cutting ties was perfect. In a few years, when the Xiao family members lost their jobs, and Shen Yunxuan had no family to rely on, she’d have nowhere to turn. Wouldn’t that make her life even worse than it had been in the past?

She couldn’t let Shen Yunxuan find her own partner, especially not someone capable of making money through business. If Shen Yunxuan ended up living a good life, it would ruin her plans. No, she would ensure Shen Yunxuan married into the Xiao family—let her think she was marrying well, only to watch as the family fell apart, leaving her helpless. Shen Yunxuan would then experience everything Shen Xuewei had endured in her past life while Shen Xuewei basked in her new life as a general’s wife.

The Shen family didn’t fully understand the legalities of cutting ties but figured that even if they did, they could still guilt Shen Yunxuan into helping them later. However, they couldn’t afford to delay the Xiao family engagement. If they forced Shen Yunxuan too much and the Xiao family sensed her reluctance, the match might fall through.

They decided to humor Shen Yunxuan for now, agreeing to her condition to put her at ease. Once the marriage was settled, they could deal with her later. Surely, once they secured the support of Xiao Jun’s older brother, he wouldn’t turn them away.

With this in mind, Shen Weiguo called Shen Yunxuan back inside. Trying to appear stern but composed, he said, “You’re so suspicious. Fine, we’ll do as you ask and announce the severance in the newspaper. But you mustn’t make a scene or let the neighbors know. We’re only doing this to reassure you, and it would be shameful for our family if word got out.”

Shen Yunxuan studied them skeptically for a moment. “I’ll decide after I’ve met Xiao Jun. If he’s a fool, there’s no way I’m agreeing.”

Shen Weiguo snorted but didn’t argue further. He was eager to settle Shen Xuewei’s marriage to Xing Kai and didn’t have time to debate with her.

He and Fang Fang changed into their best clothes and went to the Xing family. Once inside, Fang Fang started with a trembling voice, “Sister-in-law, everyone’s talking about how your son saved my daughter, Weiwei. They’re saying she won’t be able to find a good match now. What are we supposed to do?”

Mrs. Xing, already aware of the rumors, looked embarrassed and a bit annoyed. “How can you blame my son? He was just being kind and saving someone. He did nothing wrong.”

Fang Fang quickly nodded. “Of course! We see Xing Kai as a lifesaver. It’s just… my daughter has been crying ever since, scared that people will gossip and ruin her future. She feels so wronged.”

Xing Kai, listening quietly, frowned and said, “If you’re willing, Uncle and Aunt, I’ll marry Shen Xuewei. That way, no one will have anything to say.”

Mrs. Xing was taken aback, looking at her son and then at her grandchildren. After a moment, she hesitated but didn’t object. Shen Xuewei was young, pretty, and had nearly married into a city family—an attractive match. If she married in due to this incident, it would give the Xing family the upper hand in the relationship.

Mrs. Xing grabbed Fang Fang’s hand and began discussing details. Fang Fang was thrilled and eagerly agreed. The two families quickly finalized the match. Xing Kai submitted an expedited marriage application, and the wedding was set for three days later. With Xing Kai returning to the army soon, they wanted Shen Xuewei to have a couple of days to build rapport with him.

Although rushed, and with the bride price only 188 yuan and none of the traditional “three rounds and one sound” gifts, Shen Weiguo and Fang Fang were overjoyed. After all, they were about to have an officer as their son-in-law!

After they left, Mr. Xing commented, “I thought they’d try to haggle for a higher bride price, but they agreed so quickly. They must really care about the gossip.”

Mrs. Xing smirked. “The more they care, the better. This way, they won’t act high and mighty in our home. If we’d brought in a spoiled little princess, it’d be trouble for us.”

Xing Kai, uninterested in the details, left the house after filing the marriage paperwork. For him, the wife he was marrying would primarily live with his family, so he felt no need to involve himself further.

Meanwhile, the Shen family celebrated their success late into the night. The next morning, they were unusually cheerful as they urged Shen Yunxuan to prepare to visit the Xiao family. They no longer worried about the severance Shen Yunxuan had demanded—it was just a way to placate her, something they didn’t take seriously. Their focus was on getting the Xiao family to agree to the match and negotiating for a higher bride price.

Shen Weiguo and Fang Fang had already discussed their plans: if the match worked out, great; if not, no big deal. They’d find someone else willing to pay a high bride price to marry Shen Yunxuan. Since she was so afraid of being “sold,” they’d just look in the town. There were plenty of widowers or disabled men willing to pay. Shen Yunxuan was capable and hardworking—surely, she wouldn’t have trouble getting married.

With the Xing family as in-laws, whether the Xiao family joined or not wouldn’t make much difference.

When Shen Yunxuan accompanied Shen Weiguo and Fang Fang to the state-owned restaurant, Xiao Jun’s father, Xiao Zhijun, personally prepared a table of dishes to host them. Xiao Jun’s mother, Yu Hong, led Xiao Jun to sit down. The moment Yu Hong saw Shen Yunxuan, her expression turned to one of surprise.

Fang Fang, feeling awkward, explained, “This is my eldest daughter, Yunxuan. Sister-in-law, how about letting the young ones go out for a walk to get to know each other while we chat?”

Yu Hong glanced at her, then at Shen Yunxuan, still looking a bit perplexed. Beside her, Xiao Jun snickered. “Sure, go ahead. Just hurry up with your chat and call me back to eat before the food gets cold. My dad’s cooking is only good when it’s hot.”

Now it was Yu Hong’s turn to look embarrassed. “You rude boy! Don’t you have any manners? Go on, and don’t wander too far.”

Xiao Jun got up and walked out, followed by Shen Yunxuan. As they left, he noticed her indifferent expression and, intrigued, asked, “Why’s it you instead of your sister? You don’t look too thrilled—did they force you to come?”

Shen Yunxuan raised an eyebrow. “So, were you forced into this too? Do you not want to get married, or do you just want to marry someone else?”

Xiao Jun shrugged. “Why bother getting married? Why would I invite someone into my life to boss me around? How about we go back and tell them we’re not interested in each other?”

Shen Yunxuan shook her head. “That’d just lead to the next match being arranged right away. Your family might find you someone decent, but mine? It might end up being a disabled man willing to pay for me.”

Xiao Jun widened his eyes and glanced back toward the restaurant. He suddenly understood—Shen Yunxuan was the pitiful scapegoat of the Shen family.

He thought about his own situation. His family likely wouldn’t arrange a great match for him either since the so-called “good families” all looked down on him for being aimless.

Just then, Shen Yunxuan spoke up. “Xiao Jun, how about a fake marriage? Dare to try it?”

🌸˚˖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧🩷˚⋆