TFRLTOP Chapter 36 Part 2

He had worried that a forced marriage wouldn’t bring happiness, but to his surprise, they had a sweetness about them—like a real newlywed couple.

Feelings grow through living together, after all. Even in the old days of blind marriages, people often made it work.

Weiguo smiled, satisfied. He had indeed secured a good match for his daughter. This son-in-law was miles better than the rough village lads—educated, well-mannered, and attentive to his wife.

Though Junsheng remained distant toward him, he still poured him wine at dinner again and again. That was something, at least. And every time Mingming tried to sneak a drink herself, Junsheng conveniently reached for the bottle to refill Weiguo’s cup instead. At first she thought it was a coincidence. But after a few times, she realized—he was deliberately blocking her, even shooting her warning glares.

Mingming: …

So he just wasn’t letting her drink.

What on earth had happened that last time she came home drunk? Someone tell her—this suspense was killing her!

After a few rounds, Weiguo brought good news for Mingming: “Once the spring planting rush is over, you’ll help out at the Shuangdai store. It’s just temporary work, but they’ll count it as full work points. If anyone asks, just say you’re helping. Don’t mention the points.”

“Really?” Mingming hadn’t expected such a twist of fortune.

Weiguo beamed, darting his eyes toward Junsheng. Mingming followed his gaze and saw her husband quietly munching peanuts, as if he hadn’t heard a word.

“You and your man had the same idea!” Weiguo, tipsy and chatty, said happily, “I ran into him at the brigade office today. I was wondering what he was doing there, and before I even figured out how to bring it up, he clapped me on the shoulder and said—‘Old Chen, you want to find some work for Juan’er, right? Just say the word. No need to make your son-in-law run errands, bringing cigarettes and ration tickets as gifts, being all polite.’”

Weiguo went on: “Honestly, it’s a lot better for Junsheng to speak up than for me. I may be a brigade leader, but too many eyes are on me. He’s an educated youth. He even praised you in front of everyone. With that, they were happy to help.”

Mingming turned to Junsheng, mouth forming a perfect O.

Her eyes shouted pure shock—I can’t believe you actually did something so nice.

Yan Junsheng picked up only the worshipful, “Wow, you’re amazing.”

He cleared his throat, feigning nonchalance. “I just thought, since you like… cough, well, I figured I’d find you something to do.”

Mingming looked at him, feelings complicated. If it had been Chen Weiguo who’d arranged this, she would’ve gladly stood on the table and belted out a heartfelt rendition of My Good Dad. But since it was Yan Junsheng’s doing, what was she supposed to do—serenade him on the spot with My Good Husband? He’d probably smash his bowl right then and march to the brigade to take it all back.

After a long pause, she squeezed out: “Thanks.”

Junsheng’s eyelids lowered halfway, his long lashes trembling slightly. He couldn’t hide the faint curl at the corner of his mouth, though he quickly pressed his lips together to cover it. From the corner of his eye, he stole a look at her, still waiting for what she’d say next.

But she said nothing.

The smile slipped. He stared at her, steady and intense. She blinked back, bewildered.

“…That’s it?” he asked.

“Huh?” What else was there supposed to be?

Junsheng’s jaw clenched hard. He poured himself a drink, downed it in one gulp, and slammed the cup back onto the table—all while keeping his eyes fixed on her, not moving an inch.

Mingming darted her eyes around, deciding to play dumb.

Chen Weiguo, tipsy, chuckled at the sight of the young couple bickering like that. “Juan’er, you really ought to thank Junsheng properly.”

“Dad, drink, drink.” Mingming, under Junsheng’s burning stare, hurried to refill Chen Weiguo’s cup, then turned to top off Junsheng’s as well.

Best strategy: make a quick getaway. As soon as she’d poured the wine, she said, “I’m full. You two keep drinking—I’m going out for some fresh air.”

Weiguo waved a big hand. “Go on, I’ll have a chat with Junsheng, just us men.”

Mingming had no clue what that forcibly stitched-together son-in-law and father-in-law could talk about. She leaned against the gate fence, idly scanning the road.

“Well, if it isn’t my future wife, two years from now. Having dinner at my in-laws’ place?” Wang Hu passed by on an ox cart, whistling.

“Your father-in-law is inside drinking with your current brother-in-law,” she shot back.

“So? Wanna go?” Wang Hu jerked his chin, inviting. “Come drink with me instead?”

Mingming remembered how last time she got drunk and had no idea what she’d done afterward. The thought made her shudder, and she shook her head.

“What’s wrong? Is that Young Master Yan still controlling you?”

“No, I’m just afraid that if they drink too much, they’ll start fighting.” She made something up casually.

“If two grown men really throw down, you standing here won’t help.” Wang Hu hopped off the cart and leaned against the fence beside her. “Come on, let’s go.”

She wavered, tempted, but still said no.

“You’re not really coming?”

“Nope.”

“Click.” Wang Hu tsked, then rummaged in a cloth bag on the cart. He pulled out a wax-paper bundle and handed it over.

“Candied beans. For you.”

Mingming didn’t bother with politeness—she took it and crunched away, one after another.

The two of them chatted across the fence.

“What’ve you been busy with lately?”

“Spring planting, of course. Once that’s done, things ease up.” Wang Hu grinned, cocky tilt to his chin. “When are you going to town again? I’ll treat you to roast duck.”

“No way, that’s too expensive.”

“What’s expensive? If you like it, then it’s worth it.”

“Oh, please. Like you even have the money.”

“Sure, I do. I just sell a few things at the market.”

“And how much would you have to sell just to buy one roast duck?”

“Sell a sheep.”

“Trading a sheep for a duck? Don’t waste your family’s fortune like that.”

“Fine, then I’ll fight roosters for cash. No one in Xinli Village can beat me at cockfighting.”

Mingming’s interest piqued. “Cockfighting? Fun?”

“Loads of fun. I’ll take you one day.”

She thought of the flock at home. None of them seemed very battle-ready. “Can I bring my goose instead? My goose has a fiery temper.”

“…Do you know why it’s called cockfighting?”

“Because chickens fighting don’t look dirty? A goose is all snowy white—once it gets messed up, it loses its visual appeal.” Mingming said it with complete seriousness.

“I almost believed you.”

Wang Hu leaned against the fence, chin propped on his arms, watching her with interest. “Last time, that double-cooked pork was pretty good. You seemed to like it. Barely touched the shredded pork, but you cleaned out the squirrel fish belly.”

Expression flat, Mingming said, “I just plain like meat.”

“Liking meat’s great. My family raises pigs—we’ve got more meat than we know what to do with.”

Her eyes flickered. “Really?”

“Why would I lie? Stick with me, you’ll eat meat every day.”

“My family’s sheep are all for sale—we can’t eat them.” She sighed with resentment, then thought better of it. Same village, same poverty—how much better could Wang Hu’s family be? She snorted. “Yeah, right. I bet at best I’d get scraps and offal.”

“Relax. I’d save the best pork belly just for you.”

She squinted at him, skeptical, eyes half-shut. He tilted his head, met her gaze, brows arched high, cocky and playful. Mingming couldn’t hold it—his expression cracked her up.

Her delicate features bloomed into a radiant smile, like spring flowers bursting open.

Wang Hu had never seen her smile like that. His chest tightened with a strange itch. Straightening, he looked down at her seriously. “Next time we go to town, I’ll buy you sweet-and-sour pork, crispy fried pork in sauce—people say they’re tangy and sweet, real delicious.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

Putting on a mock-serious face, Mingming asked, “Why are you being so nice to me? Don’t tell me you’re falling for me? I should warn you—I’m a very proper lady!”

“What are you talking about? I already told you, you’re my future wife. Just waiting on your divorce… But hey, if you want a little thrill, I could be your side piece for now. Just remember to make me official later.” Wang Hu played along smoothly, all nonsense.

They locked eyes—and both broke into wicked, knowing grins.

Mingming grabbed a candied bean and tossed it into the air. Wang Hu tipped his head back and caught it clean in his mouth.

“Whoa!” Mingming exclaimed. She was about to clap and toss another when a cold voice came from behind her.

“Juan’er.”