Cheng Tianyuan’s brows furrowed slightly as he gently raised them.
“Why can’t I accept it? You covered two hundred yuan for me before. I still owe you a hundred.”
The day after their wedding, his uncle and aunt caused a scene at their door, drawing the entire village to spectate. Without her giving two hundred yuan to defuse the situation, he couldn’t imagine how much more troubled he would have been.
A man of integrity may not bow for mere sustenance, but the harsh realities of life sometimes force a stoop.
He couldn’t deny his deep gratitude for her “righteous assistance” that day.
Xue Ling pouted, clarifying, “That money was a wedding gift from my father to us both. It doesn’t count as a debt.”
Cheng Tianyuan shook his head, insisting, “It needs to be repaid.”
“Don’t!” Xue Ling murmured, “This is for helping me with the rent. If you insist on leaving this hundred yuan, then consider it as us sharing the rent together.”
Cheng Tianyuan’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, blurting out, “Share the rent? Why?”
He was perfectly comfortable in his dorm, with no need for another place.
Xue Ling’s cheeks turned a soft pink as she inwardly cursed his obtuseness, then seriously began to lay out her case.
“Look, that house has three floors, and even though only the middle one is livable, it has two rooms! Your tiny dorm crams several men together; it’s surely cramped and inconvenient. Wouldn’t it be better to move in with me? The space is ample, after all.”
Cheng Tianyuan was momentarily stunned, his gaze dropping coldly.
Xue Ling pressed on, “A single girl living alone isn’t safe. I’m a stranger in these parts, and I know no one but you. You can’t just abandon me, can you?”
He remained silent, his ruggedly handsome face tense.
Was she… inviting him to share the apartment with her? Was she serious?
Seeing him silent, Xue Ling’s heart pounded erratically with nerves.
“The place isn’t far from the co-op, and the roads are good, making your commute easier. Plus, there’s a kitchen downstairs; we can cook together. Eating out all the time isn’t sustainable. It’s expensive and not as clean as home-cooked food.”
She continued, listing several reasons for them to share the rent, talking nonstop for a while.
Cheng Tianyuan, head bowed, listened in silence until the room quieted down.
She waited anxiously, taking two brave steps forward and tugging at his sleeve when he remained mute.
“Brother Yuan, please come live with me!”
Cheng Tianyuan’s face was a cold mask as he brushed off her hand.
“…No.”
Xue Ling was startled, the flicker of hope in her eyes dimming, her mind going blank in shock.
“Why not?”
Cheng Tianyuan glanced at her, his eyes softening briefly before he looked away.
“It’s inconvenient. If you need a roommate, find another girl. You’re working at the newspaper now; you’ll soon have colleagues and friends. Some of them would surely be willing to share with you.”
Her words from their wedding night echoed clearly in his mind.
She had unequivocally stated that they were incompatible, that she didn’t want to continue with him and would eventually seek a divorce.
If they were destined to part ways, it was better to avoid deeper entanglements.
He had brought her here and naturally took it upon himself to ensure her well-being. Guarding her in this small hostel was merely a temporary measure out of concern for her safety.
Now that she had her own place, in a relatively good area, there was no need for him to stay.
He disliked lingering connections and ambiguous relationships.
At their engagement, he was just a teenager, and she was but a child of four or five. Neither understood what betrothal meant.
He admitted, initially, he was furious when he heard her harsh words, filled with disdain and rejection.
As a man in his prime, how could he bear the naked contempt from his newlywed wife?
But upon reflection, he understood her helplessness and innocence.
After all, their parents had arranged this marriage without consulting either of them.
It was the eighties now, and young people were seeking freedom in love and marriage.
She was raised in a big city and educated. How could she possibly like such a feudal, traditional marriage?
He had been too hasty in marrying her to bring joy to his ailing father, neglecting her feelings. On reflection, her words that night were understandable.
Listening to him, Xue Ling was utterly disheartened.
But she wasn’t one to give up easily. She straightened up, chin lifted, staring into his eyes.
“I refuse! I only want to live with you! I don’t trust anyone else!”
Cheng Tianyuan was taken aback by her stubbornness and tried to explain patiently, “I’m speaking the truth. You should find a girl to share with. It’s not appropriate for a man to live in the same room with you.”
Xue Ling, irritated, retorted sharply, “We are legally married! We have a marriage certificate! Don’t married couples live together? What’s inappropriate about that!”
Cheng Tianyuan’s brows knitted together, falling silent for a long moment before finally speaking.
“Xue Ling, do you realize what you’re saying?”
“I’m not drunk or sleepy!” Xue Ling raised her voice, “I’m perfectly clear-headed. Of course, I know what I’m saying!”
A sudden warmth surged in Cheng Tianyuan’s heart, and unexpectedly, he too became angry.
“You know? Are you sure? Aren’t you just waiting for an opportunity to divorce me? If you’ve decided against being together, then let’s not drag this out! I want you to have a clean break for your future! Do you understand?!”
He raised his voice, startling Xue Ling!
In her memory, Brother Yuan had always been reserved, hardly speaking, almost like a little adult.
In the days they’d spent together, she’d seen his composure and dignity. Though distant and unemotional, he was sincere and generous, far from any brute.
This was the first time she’d heard him raise his voice… and it was to her!
Xue Ling felt a sudden sting in her nose, her eyes welling up with tears.
“I understand! I know all that! But I’ve changed my mind about the divorce! I want to stay and make a life with you!”
She sniffled, thumping her chest with resolve.
“Can’t you see how I’ve been these days? If I wanted a divorce, I would’ve dragged you to the civil affairs office already! Why else would I stay here? This is just a small county. If not for you, why would I come here?!”
Cheng Tianyuan’s eyebrows twitched, his entire demeanor stunned.
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