Chapter 27: The Image of a Virtuous Wife and Good Mother

“If you can’t bear to wear it, then don’t wear it…” muttered someone who had a grudge against Madam Zhou.

But Madam Zhou’s next words made her swallow the rest of her words.

“But Xiuyan insisted that I wear it, saying if it breaks, he’ll buy me a better one. As a mother, I can’t refuse such a filial gesture, can I?”

Upon hearing this, someone was envious. “Ah, no wonder everyone wants their children to study. Truly, scholars understand things better, even their words sound nicer than others’.”

The neighbors couldn’t help but compliment her. “Indeed, look at your son, then look at mine. It’s clear, comparison is inevitable. You’ve really made it; your good days are still ahead.”

“Well, I’ll take your good wishes then,” Madam Zhou waved with a smile. “And your son’s not bad either. He works hard in the sugar factory and can already earn a silver or two a month. He’s better than the shopkeepers in the county!”

Many people in the village were now working at Shen Xiuyan’s sugar factory, which had very strict and fair promotion conditions. Different kinds of work had different wages, and those who were skilled and worked more could naturally earn higher pay.

Now, many villagers relied on Shen Xiuyan, so they spoke politely and flatteringly to Madam Zhou, with this neighbor being one of them.

Hearing Madam Zhou praise her son, she was very happy, feeling that her son’s evaluation as a team leader for the month was secure.

“Haha, still not as good as you! My son will probably need another lifetime before he can buy me something this nice,” she laughed.

“Ah, don’t say that, they’re all good kids.”

The neighbor felt pleased with Madam Zhou’s words, and she thought of herself as being in cahoots with Madam Zhou. So, seeing someone who wasn’t on good terms with her nearby, she smiled and asked, “Sister Feng, how’s your son? I heard he’s still working in the county. Has he bought you any jewelry? Come on, tell us, so we can all be envious.”

“He’s alright, he’s alright, he’s been busy and hasn’t come back recently.” Sister Feng awkwardly turned her head. “Ah, it’s getting late, I still need to go home and cook. I can’t chat with you all anymore.”

After saying this, she hurried away.

Looking at her retreating figure, the neighbor sneered. It was only a few years ago that her son was the only one from the village working in the county, earning a few hundred wen a month, and she was so proud of it. Every day, she would look down on this and that.

Even Shen Xiuyan, a mere Tongsheng, she looked down upon. Once, when she spoke ill of him behind his back, Madam Zhou overheard, and that’s how they ended up with bad blood.

It had always been that woman looking down on Madam Zhou, but now it was different—Shen Xiuyan had made something of himself.

Just think, even her own mediocre son, relying on Shen Xiuyan, could now earn a silver or two a month.

In comparison, Sister Feng’s son had completely fallen into the mud, and couldn’t continue showing off.

Madam Zhou was very pleased as she watched her enemy’s retreating figure. It was all thanks to her son that she could vent her frustration this time.

The next day.

“Ah, Young Master Shen, you’ve finally come.”

As soon as Shen Xiuyan entered Su Family’s bookstore, he was met with the enthusiastic gaze of the shopkeeper.

Shen Xiuyan scratched his head awkwardly. “I’m here to see Miss Su…”

“I know, I know. Please, follow me,” the shopkeeper wiped away a tear of frustration.

At his age, what had he done to deserve this? How had his bookstore turned into a secret meeting place for the two of them?

If the master found out, would he even survive?

But if he went to report to the master now, Miss Su would also make him regret it.

He had just wanted to diligently sell books, but why had he ended up in such a difficult situation?

The shopkeeper had figured it out—he was in a position where neither side would accept him.

“Young Master Shen, Miss is here.” The shopkeeper led Shen Xiuyan to the door, wiping his eyes as he left with a bitter heart.

“Mingyue, I’m here,” Shen Xiuyan lifted the curtain and said with a smile.

“Shen Lang, why did you come so late? I haven’t seen you in so long!” Su Mingyue pouted. “You haven’t found another little fairy outside, have you?”

Shen Xiuyan raised his hand and swore, “How could I? Every day, it’s just studying, studying! Yesterday, I even ranked third in class…”

Though that third place wasn’t really something to be proud of…

But Su Mingyue didn’t think so. She clapped her hands in admiration. “Shen Lang is amazing, you’ve improved two places!”

Shen Xiuyan didn’t feel particularly comforted…

After all, he was a man who wanted to take the Xiucai exam. To prevent Su Mingyue from focusing on that matter, Shen Xiuyan subtly changed the subject.

“Look at this.” He happily took out a box containing jewelry.

Su Mingyue took the wooden box, opened it, and gasped, “Wow, what beautiful jewelry.”

“It’s for you, do you like it?”

“I like it!” Su Mingyue quickly answered, but then regretted it. After all, she still had to maintain the image of a virtuous wife and good mother.

So, she reluctantly pushed the box back. “Shen Lang, this is too precious, I can’t accept it. Please return it.”

Shen Xiuyan saw the gleam in her eyes as she looked at the jewelry. It was clear she liked it very much, and this expression couldn’t be faked.

“Well, it’s bought now. There’s no reason to return it. Please, accept it.”

“This… this isn’t good…”

Su Mingyue swallowed nervously as she pretended not to like it. Her act was so cute.

Shen Xiuyan couldn’t resist and grabbed her delicate little hand. He’d caught her hand, but now he didn’t know what to do next.

Su Mingyue’s first reaction was that Shen Lang’s hand was very hot. Instinctively, she tried to pull back, but Shen Xiuyan wouldn’t let her.

After a moment, both of their faces were flushed with a faint blush.

Now, the distance between the two was only an inch. A pleasant cold fragrance swirled around them, and the atmosphere gradually became more enchanting.

After the impulsive moment, Shen Xiuyan couldn’t bear such an enchanting atmosphere and tried to pull his hand away.

But just as he let go, Su Mingyue hugged him back.

This bold move made Shen Xiuyan’s face turn red all the way to the back of his ears.

Feeling the stiff body in his arms, Su Mingyue secretly looked up, and her gaze met Shen Lang’s red face.

This pure reaction made Su Mingyue very satisfied, giving her a sense of pleasure from teasing him back.

Seeing that Shen Lang was so stiff that he could hardly breathe, Su Mingyue finally let go.

With such little ability, he dared to hold her hand first?