Chapter 88: Educated Youth Who Abandoned His Wife and Child -19

Shen Xiuyan could feel that if they kept teasing any longer, Mingyue might just spontaneously combust, so he turned back and said, “Mingyue, hold on tight.”

Su Mingyue didn’t quite understand what was going on, but obediently held on tighter anyway.

Shen Xiuyan immediately picked up the pace, transforming once again into the blazing-speed Little Shen on his wind-and-fire wheels.

As they zipped past Brigade Leader Su, he didn’t forget to call out, “Brigade Leader, we’ll go on ahead!”

Seeing the two youngsters flee in such a hurry, the women on the cart smiled knowingly.

Brigade Leader Su watched Shen Xiuyan pedaling the bike faster and faster, and was more alarmed than anything.

He wasn’t worried they’d fall—he was worried something might happen to the bike.

So he shouted, “Ride a bit more, then slow down and wait for us. Once we’re in the county, I still have to help you watch the bike!”

Brigade Leader Su was worried sick. He was terrified his precious little bicycle might get stolen before he’d even learned how to ride it.

Yes, even after all this time, he still hadn’t learned to ride.

Every time he got on, he’d be so tense and cautious that he couldn’t relax at all, afraid he’d fall and damage the bike.

The more he failed, the more careful he became, and the more careful he became, the more he failed. Eventually, he was stuck in a hopeless loop.

“Okay, got it!” Shen Xiuyan’s voice echoed from up ahead.

Back on the cart, the conversation had shifted from singing to a new topic.

“Brigade Leader, your son-in-law is really something—he’s a rare gem.”

“Absolutely. You’re going to be enjoying some real blessings in the future, Brigade Leader.”

“That one fainting spell he used to have, I don’t think it’s happened in a while. Looks like he’s getting healthier by the day. And Mingyue, well, she clearly brings prosperity.”

“Ah, I’m so envious. I don’t even ask for much. If my girl could find someone even half as good as Shen the educated youth, I’d be content.”

“Oh please, half? Half a bicycle, maybe? Even that’s basically a radio, don’t you think?”

“Hahaha! You’re killing me. A radio now? Keep dreaming!”

“Why is it that we all live in the same village, but the Brigade Leader gets all the luck?” someone sighed, casting a resentful look at Brigade Leader Su.

Gradually, more and more people turned to look at him, until he could feel the pressure of everyone’s eyes and nervously raised a hand to wipe his forehead.

That was the mistake.

Someone suddenly shouted, “What’s that on your wrist?!”

“Good heavens, Brigade Leader, you struck it rich!” A close buddy of his immediately leapt over and sat next to him.

Then, with zero courtesy, he rolled up Su’s sleeve. “Hiss—an S City quartz watch…”

If looks could ignite, Brigade Leader Su would’ve been set ablaze right then and there.

He was even more embarrassed now. How could he forget that he wore the watch today…

Everyone knew what kind of household he had—how could he possibly afford a watch? What if someone reported him?

He hurried to explain, “No way I could afford a watch. You all know our family’s situation. This was part of the bride price from Xiuyan…”

“What? Bride price?” the man finally lost control and shouted, “Wasn’t the bride price the bicycle?”

Brigade Leader Su scratched his head awkwardly. “No, there was also the watch…”

Everyone: “……”

They were speechless.

Didn’t even know where to begin being jealous.

A woman suddenly remembered something. “Wait—don’t tell me there’s more? Is it… three turns and one sound?”

Brigade Leader Su quickly waved his hands. “No, no. Ordinary folks like us couldn’t afford all that.”

He let out a breath of relief—thank goodness he hadn’t accepted Xiuyan’s full three revolutions and one sound.

If he had, these hungry wolves around him might’ve ripped him apart by now.

The crowd also let out a collective sigh. Wait—why were they sighing? What did he mean by “ordinary folks”???

This was a watch, for heaven’s sake! Not any cheaper than a bicycle…

If he’s ordinary, then what are they? Beggars?

Don’t ask. If you ask, it’s jealousy. Pure, seething jealousy.

Why does everything good fall into his family’s lap?

Brigade Leader Su’s buddy couldn’t help but ask, “Since it’s part of the bride price, why are you the one wearing it?”

His gaze had a hint of suspicion in it—like he’d discovered a new side to Old Su.

Brigade Leader Su refused to take the blame. He immediately explained, “Hey, I didn’t have a choice. Xiuyan insisted I wear it. Said he’d be upset if I didn’t.”

The man: “……”

Exhausted. No words.

He wanted to slap himself. Why did he even ask? He was just asking to be hurt, wasn’t he?

Brigade Leader Su looked just as aggrieved.

Xiuyan said if the watch wasn’t worn, it would rust. But how could he wear it to the fields every day?

Today was the perfect chance to wear it—he hadn’t expected to accidentally show off. That really wasn’t his intention…

If he had meant to flaunt it, he’d at least wait until the wedding was over. Now, with everyone already jealous of the son-in-law, wouldn’t this just draw even more attention?

Sorry, my dear daughter—your dad didn’t think this through today.

Hope no unexpected obstacle comes along and ruins your future happiness…

With these anxious thoughts in his heart, Brigade Leader Su finally arrived at the county town.

Feeling a bit guilty, he put on a flattering smile and went to find Shen Xiuyan and Su Mingyue. “I’ll watch the bike. I’ve got nothing else to do today. Take your time and enjoy yourselves—don’t worry about me.”

“Huh?” Su Mingyue looked puzzled. Why did her dad seem so sheepish?

But Shen Xiuyan didn’t concern himself with all that. Since the future father-in-law had offered, he wasn’t going to refuse.

“Thanks, Dad.” He waved. “Mingyue, let’s go.”

Brigade Leader Su smiled warmly behind them. “Have fun, no rush!”

“Okay~~~”

Watching their backs fade into the crowd, Brigade Leader Su let out a long, weary sigh.