Chapter 24

In the tense atmosphere, Lin Tian felt a pang of anxiety.
Jiang Nan was clearly thinking, and neither of them knew how he would respond.
Several seconds passed, and a determined expression appeared on Jiang Nan’s face. He said, “Comrade Zheng Yunlan, I can wait for you to get better.”
He said this with a smile still on his face.
Zheng Yunlan smiled too. “I’ll work hard to get better and won’t make you wait too long.”
The two shared a glance and a smile, and Lin Tian could practically feel pink bubbles floating in the air.
In that moment, she suddenly thought of herself and Chu Ci.
Unfortunately, the moment didn’t last long. Zheng Yunlan seemed to tense up again. Seeing this, Lin Tian had no choice but to step in between them. Sure enough, Zheng Yunlan relaxed quite a bit.
Jiang Nan put away his smile, feeling a little worried, but he said proactively, “I’ll go find my brother. Can you accompany her?”
“Sure, don’t worry,” Lin Tian nodded.
After the four returned, although there was some distance between Jiang Nan and Zheng Yunlan, their expressions clearly indicated a budding connection. Both families noticed but didn’t ask further.
Zhu Xiuxiu planned to ask her daughter later at home, and Chu Mingshan felt the same.
Unexpectedly, Zheng Yunlan suddenly spoke up: “Mom, Dad, Aunt Chu, Uncle Jiang, I have something to say.”
Lin Tian and Jiang Nan looked at her, sensing what she was about to say.
Sure enough, Zheng Yunlan continued, “I haven’t said this before, but ever since the incident with the traffickers, I cannot tolerate being around unfamiliar men. In my heart, I want to develop a relationship with Jiang Nan, but my body always rejects it. Jiang Nan said he doesn’t mind, but I can’t be so selfish. I don’t know when I will get better. Aunt Chu, Uncle Jiang, I’m not telling you this for sympathy or anything else. I just can’t hide it from you. If this bothers you, I’ll act as if I never met Jiang Nan today.”
Hearing her, Zhu Xiuxiu patted her and couldn’t help but cry: “Lanlan, why didn’t you say so earlier?”
Had she known sooner, she definitely would have refused this matchmaking attempt. Zheng Yunlan’s father looked at his daughter, heart aching and full of self-reproach.
Zheng Yunlan, however, was calm. She had gained courage from Jiang Nan and Lin Tian. Just as Sister Tian had advised earlier: it was an illness, not her fault.
Chu Mingshan felt conflicted and pitied the girl’s experience. But how could two people get married if she rejected all unfamiliar men?
Mr. Jiang looked at his son. He needed to know Jiang Nan’s stance, as this was ultimately his own matter.
Finally, Jiang Nan spoke: “Mom, Dad, I can wait for Comrade Zheng Yunlan to slowly accept me. I know you may worry about some issues, but believe me, we will overcome them gradually.”
His tone was firm. He was speaking to both his parents and Zheng Yunlan’s.
He had gone on matchmaking dates before, but Zheng Yunlan was the first person he was willing to continue pursuing.
Both children were mutually interested and naturally didn’t want to appear cruel. No one spoke; Zhu Xiuxiu and her husband were waiting for Chu Mingshan’s opinion. Chu Mingshan hesitated, not because she disliked Zheng Yunlan, but because she felt sorry for her son. She had never encountered this illness before. What if Zheng Yunlan never got better? What would happen to Jiang Nan?
Lin Tian watched closely. She shouldn’t really interfere, but she felt a vague sense of compassion. She said, “Aunt Chu, why don’t you let them spend some time together? Maybe Comrade Yunlan will stop rejecting Jiang Nan. She has no problem interacting with Uncle Zheng, so she can improve.”
Lin Tian had seen some future PTSD patients whose conditions were far more severe than Zheng Yunlan’s. Zheng Yunlan’s symptoms were mild. Once the shadow of the trafficker incident faded, she would likely heal gradually on her own.
After hearing Jiang Nan’s stance, Chu Mingshan didn’t want to appear cruel either. Lin Tian finished speaking, and Chu Mingshan looked to her husband for his decision. Jiang Hu understood and said, “Jiang Nan is grown. He must have thought this through before acting.”
Chu Mingshan sighed and finally said, “I don’t oppose you, but I have one condition: I want to see you married within three years. If by that time you cannot move forward, I hope you cease contact.”
She looked at Jiang Nan and the Zheng family. She could agree, but she wouldn’t allow Jiang Nan to wait indefinitely.
Naturally, Zhu Xiuxiu and Zheng Yunlan’s father had no objections. Arguably, their family had been at fault, but they realized Jiang Nan was a reliable young man. Now, they simply hoped their daughter would recover and that the couple would have a good outcome.
Zheng Yunlan looked at Chu Mingshan. “Aunt Chu, I promise. Don’t worry; I won’t hold Jiang Nan back.”
Chu Mingshan wanted to say she didn’t mean it that way, but she remained silent for selfish reasons. She looked at her son, hoping he could give her an answer.
After a long pause, Jiang Nan finally said expressionlessly, “Alright, I agree.”
He did not deny his feelings for Zheng Yunlan, but he understood his responsibility to his parents. He was never selfish to only consider his own desires.
Lin Tian and Chu Ci remained silent the whole time, quietly observing. Lin Tian’s heart sank a little, feeling anxious for both Zheng Yunlan and Jiang Nan.
She hoped they would have a good outcome. This way, the decade-long separation wouldn’t have been in vain, and Zheng Yunlan’s courage to be honest, paired with Jiang Nan’s steadfast response, would pay off.
That day, after the Zheng family left, Jiang Nan and Zheng Yunlan met again the next day with Zhu Xiuxiu accompanying. Zheng Yunlan seemed less resistant, which pleased everyone.
But soon, Jiang Nan had to leave. They agreed to write each other a letter every half month. Though the future was uncertain, they were both trying and hopeful.
After Jiang Nan left, Lin Tian and Chu Ci returned home with the two children.
Aunt Miao and Sister Xie were still on vacation, so the house had just the four of them.
That night, after Chu Ci showered, he heard Lin Tian and the children inside. Lin Tian was laughing; the children were babbling.
He stood at the door for a while, and Lin Tian noticed him. Finally, she asked, “Chu Ci, why aren’t you coming in?”
“Nothing, I’m here,” Chu Ci said awkwardly, unwilling to admit he had been watching them too intently.
He entered and sat beside Lin Tian, helping her play with the children.
Sitting close, he could clearly smell the soap on her, a faint orchid fragrance. Somehow, his face gradually grew warm.
Chu Ci felt flustered and moved slightly away.
His movement was noticeable. Lin Tian looked at him, realizing his face was red, and asked, “Are you hot?”
It was winter; this shouldn’t happen.
“The bathwater was too hot,” Chu Ci said casually.
Lin Tian nodded, not pressing further.
Lately, Chu Ci had noticed his increasingly restless feelings. His wife, the woman he liked, was sleeping beside him. If he didn’t feel anything, he’d truly be a block of wood.
But occasionally, he sensed Lin Tian avoiding him, so he dared not act impulsively.
“Chu Ci, can I ask you something?” Lin Tian suddenly said.
Chu Ci gestured for her to speak freely.
She asked, “If you were Jiang Nan and your match had this kind of issue, would you mind?”
Chu Ci thought for a moment. “If I liked her, I wouldn’t care. Waiting three years? Even forever wouldn’t matter. Jiang Nan cares about Aunt and Uncle, and that’s already a good outcome.”
Lin Tian smiled and said, “If it were me, I wouldn’t waste time. Rather than waiting for an uncertain outcome, it’s better to choose a smoother path. If the match isn’t suitable, just move on to the next one.”
Chu Ci was silent for a moment, then said, “There’s nothing wrong with your way of thinking. Everyone just makes different choices.”
“Don’t you think I’m being selfish?” Lin Tian asked in return.
Chu Ci shook his head. “No.”
Then, almost with a sense of relief, he said, “That’s why I feel lucky. Right now, we’re good as we are.”
After saying this, Lin Tian lowered her head to look at the children, avoiding his gaze.
After the New Year, on a sunny day, Lin Tian officially prepared to open her shop.
On the first day, Chu Ci rode his bike with her to the store.
They changed clothes and got ready to go out.
Since it was the first day, wanting a good omen, Lin Tian wore the red dress Chu Ci had bought her before, her hair neatly pinned up, revealing her beautiful face.
“Do I look good?” Lin Tian asked symbolically, thinking of the dress he had bought.
Unexpectedly, Chu Ci replied seriously, “You look especially beautiful.”
Lin Tian blushed slightly and hurriedly said, “I’m wearing the dress you bought, but unfortunately Aunt Miao couldn’t make a blouse. She used the fabric to make clothes for Ling Ling and Manman. Otherwise, I’d have liked to see how you look in red.”
Her tone was a little regretful, but Chu Ci felt grateful.
“Let’s go early,” Chu Ci said, changing the subject.
On the way, he said, “From now on, I’ll escort you to the shop every day, then go to school.”
“Wouldn’t that be too troublesome?” Lin Tian thought. They could buy another bike, or she could just take the bus.
But Chu Ci was resolute. “No. It’s fine, I pass by your shop on my way to school anyway.”
“All right then,” Lin Tian nodded, no longer objecting, and followed him silently.
At the shop, Lin Tian changed into her work clothes and went to the kitchen to prepare. Chu Ci, on his own initiative, helped with cleaning at the front.
Lin Tian named the restaurant Bai Wei Yuan and even put up a promotion outside: anyone who came to eat today would get one dish free.
By noon, most nearby factory workers had finished work. Most went to the cafeteria; a few went home.
The factory’s two supervisors happened to be bringing people to discuss some matters. They had planned to take them to the state-run restaurant, but when passing Lin Tian’s small shop, they smelled an incredibly strong aroma.
Curious, Liang Yan looked toward the source. He had seen the notice Lin Tian had posted a few days ago, which said the shop would start serving lunch and dinner, no ticket required, just pay money.
For those who liked to improve their meals, this was a good option. The state-run restaurant also served meals, but tickets were required. This shop was different, you just needed money.
Lin Tian had initially planned to require tickets too, but later Zhao Yunyun introduced her to someone who allowed payment with money only. Lin Tian didn’t care how it worked, only that it made things convenient.
Persuaded by Liang Yan, the three men entered Lin Tian’s restaurant.
Upon entering, they immediately noticed the exceptionally handsome Chu Ci. But they were here to eat, so they asked him, “What dishes do you have?”
Chu Ci handed them the day’s menu that Lin Tian had prepared: braised pork, stir-fried greens, steamed spare ribs with rice flour, and scrambled eggs with tomatoes, just these four dishes.
“Is this all you have?” Liang Yan asked.
“This is today’s menu,” Chu Ci explained. “We change the menu daily. If you want something else, come back tomorrow.”
The three men found it novel. Since there were three of them, they ordered all four dishes and each ordered a bowl of rice.
Lin Tian had been feeling a bit hopeless, thinking no one would come on the first day. Unexpectedly, things turned out differently, her first customers had arrived.
She had anticipated that business might be tough initially, so she bought only four portions of each dish per day. If they didn’t sell, she would take them home or deliver them to her aunt.
Fortunately, the first dishes sold today, making Lin Tian very happy.
After ordering, the dishes were quickly prepared. The braised pork had a rich sauce, a glossy red appearance, and an intoxicating aroma.
The stir-fried greens sat beside it, red and green perfectly contrasting.
The steamed rice was fluffy, each grain distinct, white as snow, steaming hot.
Liang Yan and the others, already tempted by the aroma, eagerly began eating.
Not only did the food look appealing, but it tasted great as well.
The braised pork was especially outstanding, tender with a mix of fat and lean, sauce blending perfectly with the rice. They could easily have multiple bowls.
Of course, the other dishes were delicious too, but the braised pork stood out.
Liang Yan decided to pack some for his family later, since only money was needed, not tickets.
The three men ate heartily, and when they finished, all were fully satisfied.
“Was it good?” Lin Tian asked eagerly as she came out of the kitchen to check.
Liang Yan nodded appreciatively. “It was excellent. Will you have this braised pork tonight as well? I’ll stop by after work to buy some. Make sure your chef sets some aside for me.”
He then noticed Lin Tian’s beautiful face and asked, “And you are?”
“I’m the chef,” she replied calmly.
The three men were stunned, a beautiful female chef!
At this moment, Chu Ci stepped forward and introduced her: “This is my wife. She cooks wonderfully. Welcome to come again next time.”
“Great, great,” Liang Yan and the others nodded, too impressed to ask anything further.
After the three left, no one else came to eat. Lin Tian wasn’t disappointed; she prepared all four dishes on the menu for herself and the children as lunch for the day.
Chu Ci, worried she might feel down, comforted her: “It’s just the beginning. It’ll take time. Don’t worry, people will come eventually.”
Lin Tian smiled. “Don’t worry, I was mentally prepared for this.”
The first day passed like that. Lin Tian didn’t make money; she even lost some. Yet on the way home, she was smiling, which relieved Chu Ci.
In the following days, Chu Ci accompanied her to the shop. Business wasn’t great, but a few customers came every day.
Soon, Chu Ci had to return to school.
From then on, his routine became: escort her to the shop in the morning and pick her up in the afternoon, unable to stay long with her anymore.
One day, as usual, Chu Ci went to pick Lin Tian up.
As he entered the shop, he saw a strange woman pointing at Lin Tian and yelling, “I said your cooking is awful! Just because you think you’re pretty doesn’t mean you can lure people to your shop to eat!”
A man nearby tried to restrain her, looking frustrated: “Can you stop making a scene? I only came because her food is good. Don’t embarrass yourself, come with me.”
“Move aside! I’m going to teach this fox spirit a lesson today. She should stay home, not run around making money off men! Shameless!” The woman struggled against him, cursing even more viciously.
Lin Tian, cold-faced, could no longer tolerate it. She grabbed a cup of water from the table and splashed it at the woman, saying coldly, “With a mouth this filthy, let me clean it for you.”
The water splashed across her face, dripping from her hair onto her clothes, utterly humiliating.
The woman, enraged, broke free and lunged toward Lin Tian, but Chu Ci, who had just parked, moved swiftly to block her.
Furious, he said, “Excuse me, on what basis are you saying these things about my wife? I’ve already called the police, no one leaves today. If you don’t apologize to her, I won’t let this go.”
The woman, already angry, shouted back, “Fine! Let the police see how she’s seducing-”
Before she could finish, the man beside her covered her mouth. The man was Chen Dong, and the woman was his girlfriend, He Wei. Chen Dong’s family was wealthy, and he loved food. A few days ago, he had discovered Lin Tian’s shop and had been eating there daily.
He Wei had been introduced to him by his family; he couldn’t refuse, but he didn’t like her much and usually avoided her.
Today, she somehow found out he was here and followed him. She saw him asking about Lin Tian’s noodles, specifically whether they were cooked in bone broth, and went crazy. Chen Dong had explained, but He Wei refused to believe it, convinced that Chen Dong was interested in Lin Tian’s looks.
Hence the scene Chu Ci had just witnessed.
He Wei was speechless. Chen Dong, embarrassed, apologized: “Sorry, she speaks without thinking. I apologize on her behalf.”
Lin Tian didn’t respond. Chu Ci, expressionless, said, “Apologize, and don’t come to my wife’s shop again. She’s a woman; I won’t fight you. But based on what you just said, I could have hit you a few times.”
Chen Dong didn’t dare let go of He Wei and pulled her back a few steps, quietly warning, “Apologize quickly, or I’ll break up with you today. I don’t want to embarrass us at the police station. Even if my mom pressures me, it won’t work after that.”
He Wei, seeing his serious face, reluctantly said, “Fine… but weren’t you really coming here for her?”
Previously unaware that Lin Tian was married, He Wei now understood after seeing Chu Ci that there was likely nothing between Lin Tian and Chen Dong. From appearances alone, Lin Tian probably wouldn’t even consider an ordinary-looking guy like Chen Dong.
Still, she was annoyed and didn’t want to lose face. But since Chen Dong had said so, she didn’t want to go to the police, so she reluctantly approached Lin Tian and said, “Sorry.”
Lin Tian didn’t respond; Chu Ci spoke for her: “Leave. You’re no longer welcome here.”
Chen Dong paid for the meal, repeatedly apologizing: “Sorry for the trouble.”
Chu Ci watched coldly as Chen Dong left with He Wei.
Once they were gone, Chu Ci quickly checked Lin Tian over. “You’re okay, right?”
Lin Tian finally smiled: “I’ve fought human traffickers before. Someone like her? Not worth bothering. But I was unlucky to run into such a crazy person.”
Seeing she was fine, Chu Ci finally relaxed but was still angry: “She should have gone to the police to get some lessons.”
He knew, though, that in the end, all that was needed was an apology.
“You really called the police?” Lin Tian asked.
Embarrassed, Chu Ci replied, “No, I just scared them.”
Lin Tian had the staff clean up and close the shop early. She wasn’t in the mood to continue, and fortunately, there were no other customers, or it would have been a bigger problem.
Many people only see what they want, regardless of the truth.
On the way home, Lin Tian suddenly asked, “Chu Ci, will you always trust me like today?”
“Of course. So don’t lie to me, Lin Tian,” he said seriously after thinking for a long moment.
Lin Tian, however, didn’t feel happy and was pensive the rest of the way.
Her absent-mindedness lasted until she saw Ling Ling and Manman, and the children soon cheered her up.