Chapter 146: Getting a Back Rub
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
While Su Wen relaxed in the warm waters of her bath, Su Qing answered the door. “Who is it?” she asked, a little nervous, “It’s dark out.
Since her brother-in-law left, her eldest sister would lock the door early every night. As time passed, everyone in the household grew accustomed to the practice; they knew no one else would visit except Wang Chuyan, who returned on occasion.
“It’s me.”
A low and cold voice sounded from outside.
Su Qing was stunned. That… Wasn’t that her brother-in-law’s voice?
“Brother-in-law, is that you?” Su Qing asked excitedly.
Standing outside the door, Zhou Hengyang quirked a brow when he heard this unfamiliar term of address. Su Wen had never allowed her younger sisters to call him brother-in-law because she neither liked it nor acknowledged his status as her husband. Still, Zhou Hengyang did not allow surprise to color his words.
Instead, he replied seriously. “It’s me, Zhou Hengyang.”
“Brother-in-law is back!” Su Qing shouted happily and quickly opened the door.
The door swung open, revealing a tall, straight-backed young man. In the hazy evening light, Zhou Hengyang seemed one with the darkness, and only the vague contours of his silhouette could be seen. He almost looked like a gothic sculpture in the low light.
“Brother-in-law, why are you here? I thought you would only come back after the new year! Come in. Have you eaten?” Su Qing happily stepped aside, inviting Zhou Hengyang inside.
The candles in the courtyard cast a dim glow, dispelling the shadows clinging to Zhou Hengyang’s features and revealing a pair of obsidian eyes, which seemed to swallow the light around him.
Su Qing could not help but do a double take. Had her brother-in-law always looked so imposing?
She knew her older sister had always feared her brother-in-law. Su Qing wondered if that fear would grow exponentially when she met him.
“I’m back.” Zhou Hengyang offered Su Qing a barely perceptible nod and entered with a simple traveling bag.
“Brother-in-law, have you eaten?” Su Xiu also came forward and asked.
“Not yet.”
“Then we’ll go cook for you. It’s so late, and you haven’t eaten… You must be hungry.”
Su Qing and Su Xiu immediately got to work. The two sisters were very happy that Zhou Hengyang had returned. As long as their brother-in-law was around, Sun Dahai would have no chance to bully their sister. It would solve a huge problem they faced.
The two sisters wanted Zhou Hengyang and their eldest sister to live a good life together. After all, he was the son-in-law chosen by their father before he died.
Zhao Jiangang could not be compared to their brother-in-law at all.
Zhou Hengyang stood in the courtyard with a slight frown. He stared at Su Qing and Su Xiu’s figures as they retreated to the kitchen, a thoughtful look smoothing out the creases that lined his forehead. From the corner of his eye, he spied Little Sister Su peaking at him, but his expression did not change.
He knew Su Wen’s youngest sister did not like him much.
Zhou Hengyang did not find it strange that Su Wen was not around; he knew her habits. She liked going out at night and rarely stayed home as she should she might have even gone to see a certain someone at this hour. Hence, he did not take her absence to heart. Slinging his bag over his shoulder, he went to his room to put his things away.
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Little Sister Su stuck out her tongue, eyeing Zhou Hengyang warily. That man was back to snatch her sister away from her! No, she would not admit defeat. She had to protect her sister, no matter the cost!
Little Sister Su watched intently as Zhou Hengyang entered her sister’s room. Not only did she not stop him, but she also snickered. Big Sister was taking a shower. If Zhou Hengyang barged in, he would anger her so much that she would hate him!
Hehe… If that were to happen, her brother-in-law would never be able to take her sister away from her!
Little Sister Su covered her mouth with her tiny hands, stifling a giggle.
Zhou Hengyang pushed open the door and put his bag away as usual. Although he slept in the same room as Su Wen, they did not share the same bed. Su Wen slept on the bed while he slept on the floor..
Chapter 147: How to Latch on Someone’s Thigh
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
The sound of splashing water caught Zhou Hengyang’s attention, and his eyes narrowed. He traced the outline of a woman’s slender, arched back in the warm candlelight. Zhou Hengyang felt he could easily wrap an arm around that soft, supple waist. Half of the woman was visible, while the other hid in the rippling shallows of the makeshift bath, her skin the flawless beauty of polished jade.
The woman’s long black hair was tied in a high bun to keep it dry, exposing her delicate, unblemished neck.
Zhou Hengyang stiffened, and his mind went blank.
Su Wen heard a voice as she soaked in the bath. Softly, she called, “Help me scrub my back…” It was probably her cute little sister, or so she thought. Recently, Little Sister Su had been especially attentive towards her and often helped her wash her hair and scrub her back.
Indeed, Su Wen’s impression of her youngest sister had grown tremendously, and she found the little tyke more and more pleasing to the eye. Little Sister Su would help wash her hair, doing such a thorough job that it reminded Su Wen of a dedicated hairdresser.
Zhou Hengyang stood still.
Su Wen urged, “Come now, don’t dawdle. The bathwater is getting cold.”
Zhou Hengyang remained motionless. It was unknown what passed through his mind and whether he was angry or choked up with other emotions, but a weird look was plastered on his face. The gentle glow suffusing the room caused his eyes to glint in burnished gold, an indescribable weight reflecting in those onyx depths.
When Zhou Hengyang looked at Su Wen, it was with the eyes of a beast stalking its prey, waiting for the prime opportunity to swallow her whole. They burned with a cold, hungry light.
No matter how slow Su Wen was, she could still tell when something was wrong. Little Sister Su would always jump to assist her as soon as she asked she never needed to call her a second time. Could it be Su Qing and not Little Sister Su?
“Su Qing…” Su Wen began but caught herself when she registered a man in the room with her.
Wait a minute… Why was there a strange man in the room?
Where was her little sister?
What about Su Qing and Su Xiu?
Why had none of them warned her?
How could no one have made a sound?
Su Wen’s mind raced a mile a minute. She even briefly forgot that she was still soaking in the bath, naked.
Only then did Su Wen realize the severity of her situation. Someone had seen her naked!
Oh no!
Should she scream or accost the pervert for the outrage?
Before Su Wen could decide, the strange man’s deep and peculiarly hoarse voice resounded. “I’ll call Little Sister Su for you.” No sooner had he said as such than he disappeared like a gust of wind.
Su Wen removed the bedsheet covering herself. She was no longer in the mood for a bath. She quickly wiped herself dry and changed into a clean set of pajamas. To be more precise, what she called pajamas were, in fact, just a pair of cotton shorts and a shirt with short sleeves. It was airy and cool.
She always wore this ensemble at home. Although Su Qing had scolded her in a roundabout manner in the past not to wear something so casual, Su Wen never took it to heart.
Her shorts were closer to hotpants and might not have looked appropriate, but they were comfortable!
It was not like she would meet strangers in such an outfit, so why did she need to fear people’s gossip?
“Big Sister!” Little Sister Su rushed in excitedly. “Brother-in-law is back. Did you see him? Are you angry that he barged in without saying anything?” Little Sister Su wanted to use this opportunity to comfort her older sister.
“Brother-in-law?” Su Wen was gobsmacked. “So it was Zhou Hengyang.” She had been wondering who could enter her room without making a sound.
If anyone could do it, it would be Zhou Hengyang.
Wait a second… What was he doing here?
Wasn’t he the man she had spent a million reading coins on?
Su Wen immediately forgot all about how he had seen her naked. She paced around the room in barely contained excitement. One moment, she was happy; the next, she worried; hesitation was the fuel that drove her furor.
The male lead had suddenly returned.
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Why was he back?
Was it better for her to hug his thigh, or should she do things as planned?
No. She had to latch onto him. Sun Yunyun would take it for herself if she did not grab this golden opportunity. She was not about to let Sun Yunyun eat her cake and get away with it.
The only question was how she was supposed to go about doing it.
Now that was going to be a problem….
Chapter 148: The Best Male Lead
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
“Big Sister.”
Little Sister Su interrupted Su Wen’s wild thoughts.
“Big Sister, what are you doing? Zhou Hengyang is back. Aren’t you going to chase him away?” Little Sister Su’s intuition told her the situation was serious.
“Chase him away?” Su Wen shook her head. “No, he’s a live-in son-in-law. How can I chase him away? You’re not allowed to say that again, do you hear me? If you still treat me as your older sister, you shouldn’t speak ill of your brother-in-law, my husband. Showing him respect is as good as giving me the same.”
Su Wen still wanted to latch onto the golden thigh that was Zhou Hengyang. She could not allow her youngest sister to ruin things for her.
Hah! Things were already troublesome as they stood, with the original owner having offended Zhou Hengyang. Judging from the novel’s plot, she had transmigrated into this body after the original owner of the body broke up with Zhou Hengyang.
The original owner had chased Zhou Hengyang away so she could get together with Zhao Jiangang. When Zhou Hengyang returned, the body’s original owner had already given birth to Zhao Jiangang’s child.
Any hope of salvaging the marriage had flown out the window by then.
In the day and age she had transmigrated to, few people in the countryside applied for marriage certificates. A matchmaker would introduce the interested couple, and then they would hold a banquet, inviting relatives and friends for a meal. After which, they would be husband and wife. The household registrar’s office would record the change in status, and that was that.
Although Su Wen and Zhou Hengyang did not have a marriage certificate to prove their marital status, they were still recognized as a couple by everyone that mattered. The practice was not ironclad, but it was the way it was in the rural countryside.
Of course, some people would still get a marriage certificate. However, the original owner of the body and Zhou Hengyang did not. The only record of their status was with the household registrar under Su Wen’s name.
Little Sister Su stared at Su Wen dully. Looking deeply aggrieved, she acceded to her older sister’s request with great difficulty. Little Sister Su could not help but feel like she had lost. It was fine if she could not compare to Sixth Sister, but now she was not even as important as her newly christened brother-in-law. Little Sister Su lamented sorrowfully that she was the most pitiful person in her family.
their status was with the household registrar under Su Wen’s name.
Little Sister Su stared at Su Wen dully. Looking deeply aggrieved, she acceded to her older sister’s request with great difficulty. Little Sister Su could not help but feel like she had lost. It was fine if she could not compare to Sixth Sister, but now she was not even as important as her newly christened brother-in-law. Little Sister Su lamented sorrowfully that she was the most pitiful person in her family.
As Su Wen disposed of the bathwater, she caught sight of the silhouette of a man sitting at the dining table in the courtyard. Under the dancing candlelight, the man cut an impressive figure. The more Su Wen stared, the more satisfied she became. Zhou Hengyang was even more attractive than how he was described in the novel!
No wonder many women in the novel were trying to win his affection.
Zhou Hengyang was her ideal man.
Su Wen tilted her head. Something was wrong! How could a normal man not take advantage of the situation they had found themselves in? Was there a problem with her looks? Although Zhou Hengyang was said to have married Sun Yunyun in the novel, not once had he slept with her, regardless of the tricks the latter employed.
The look with which Su Wen turned on Zhou Hengyang grew strange. It was one filled with sympathy, pity, and love.
Sob, sob… Her favorite male lead had had it tough. What was the use of amassing so much power and wealth if it never brought him happiness? Indeed, no one was perfect.
Zhou Hengyang eyed the egg fried rice, the freshly made egg drop soup with tomatoes, and the small side of pickled vegetables. He frowned. He had never received such lavish treatment whenever he returned.
Could it be because of the special ticket and bicycles?
Having reached this conclusion, he relaxed. A problem that could be solved with money was not a problem.
“Brother-in-law, enjoy your meal. I’ll ask Third Sister to draw a bath for you.”
“Thank you.” Zhou Hengyang thanked her before enjoying his meal.
The Su family’s cooking was atrocious, and it had always been challenging for Zhou Hengyang to stomach the food with his picky eating habits. Hence, it was a pleasant surprise when the food that entered his mouth did not taste as bad as he expected.
Big Sister.”
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Su Qing cleaned up after dinner with Zhou Hengyang’s help. Once the dishes were clean, Zhou Hengyang sat in the living room, unmoving.
“Brother-in-law?”
“Cough, cough…” Zhou Hengyang coughed dryly. “Call your sister over. I have something I’d like to say to her. ‘
Su Qing nearly jumped out of her skin. Panicking, she said, “Brother-in-law, please don’t be made with Big Sister. She has had nothing to do with Zhao Jiangang. She’s said she wants to lead a respectable life with you.. If you don’t believe me, you can ask around the village – everyone will tell you the same thing!”
Chapter 149: You’re the Best!
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Zhou Hengyang frowned slightly. He had never thought about it. “That’s not what I want to talk to her about. It’s about Sun Dahai.”
“Oh. Alright then.”
Just as Su Qing was about to call Su Wen, she turned around and realized that Su Wen had already arrived. She walked in calmly in her short-sleeved pajamas. Su Xiu and Little Sister Su trailed after her.
Su Qing almost fainted when she saw what her sister was wearing.
Big Sister… Her brother-in-law was back. Why was Big Sister still dressed like this? What would happen if her brother-in-law drew the wrong connections upon seeing her outfit? Helplessly, Su Qing blinked, willing her sister to read the room. She blinked so hard and so much that her eyes were on the verge of cramping, but her eldest sister remained oblivious.
I’m here.” Su Wen secretly cheered herself on. She could not back down.
She was the head of the family now, and Zhou Hengyang was the live-in son-in-law. He had to listen to her at home, so what was there for her to be afraid of?
Hadn’t that photo she sent him been an act of courage? This was no different.
‘Su Wen, you can do it!’
Su Wen sat opposite Zhou Hengyang and did not even blush or pant while doing so. She counted that as a win. Su Xiu and Little Sister Su stood on either side of her, twin sentinels to the master of the house.
She cut an imposing figure.
Zhou Hengyang looked at her strong bearing, and his mouth twitched. Fear still ruled her emotions, but they were much more subdued than in the past. Those eyes that used to glare at him with such disgust and hatred were gone, replaced with a touch of guilt.
Zhou Hengyang’s cold eyes slowly softened.
Su Wen stared at Zhou Hengyang and cursed in her heart! She was starstruck. Her previous assessment had been all wrong. Zhou Hengyang was so handsome that it was blinding!
Zhou Hengyang was breathtaking.
The novel’s description did not do him justice. Zhou Hengyang had a high nose bridge and eyes that twinkled like black gems, cold and unfathomable. Framing his exquisite looks were a pair of strong eyebrows that lent him a heroic spirit.
His looks… No one would dare to say he was unattractive – he carried this masculine charm that was simply irresistible. His broad shoulders and impressive height were the icing on the cake.
Zhou Hengyang was handsome in an aggressive, dangerous, and wild way. No wonder the original owner of the body she had transmigrated into was so afraid of him. Someone like Zhou Hengyang was too much for her, her inner timidity urging her to a sickly gigolo like Zhao Jiangang.
Su Wen felt her one million reading coins was money well spent. If she could turn back the clock, she would have spent another one million to improve her looks!
Spending 500 words to describe the male lead’s appearance and temperament was worth it!
It was a shame he had no interest in women… What a pity!
“Cough, cough.” Even though Zhou Hengyang was calm and reserved, he still felt uncomfortable under Su Wen’s penetrating gaze.
Su Xiu nudged Su Wen from behind.
Su Wen snapped to her senses, feeling extremely awkvvard. However, as a self-styled actor of many faces, she hid her thoughts well, looking nonplussed despite the weird atmosphere. Su Wen was quite proud of her thick skin, one thicker than Zhou Hengyang’s.
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“What is it? Speak!”
Zhou Hengyang narrowed his eyes and said in a low voice, “The village chief called me and told me about Sun Dahai’s bullying of Su Xiu. Leave Sun Dahai to me!” As for how Su Wen had broken Sun Dahai’s arm, Zhou Hengyang did not say anything.
Su Wen was quite happy with the turn of events. ‘Not bad!’ she thought, ‘His EQ is high enough.’ Su Wen wanted to confront him about Sun Yunyun, but since Zhou Hengyang was considerate, she would extend the same courtesy to him.
‘Good! As my husband, you should be able to handle something so trivial.” Since Su Wen had set her sights on Zhou Hengyang, she had to do things to draw him toward her. Allowing him to handle some matters at home was one way of fostering this connection.
Su Wen gave herself a thumbs up for being quick-witted..
Chapter 150: I’ll Listen to You
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
“Cough, cough…”
“Big Sister! ”
Su Xiu and Su Qing were so frightened by Su Wen’s words that one coughed violently, and the other did not dare to look Zhou Hengyang in the eye. The two of them had always known their eldest sister was bold. Otherwise, she would not have pursued Zhao Jiangang despite marrying Zhou Hengyang.
However, they did not expect her to be so bold.
Could such words be said without forethought?
It was not just Su Xiu and Su Qing whose minds had gone blank; even Zhou Hengyang was stunned by Su Wen’s declaration. It was only for a second, but his expression froze, and it took a concerted effort of will to school his emotions. Zhou Hengyang was glad no one had seen him slip.
What’s wrong?” Su Wen was confused. “Did I say something wrong?”
“No!” Zhou Hengyang restrained himself from looking away and nodded seriously. “I’ll listen to you.”
As a live-in son-in-law, it was his duty and responsibility to listen to the female head of the household. Zhou Hengyang would never shirk his responsibility. On the contrary, he was happy that Su Wen would entrust this matter to him.
Su Wen shot him an appreciative look and rose to her feet. “Then it’s settled. I’m going to bed. Don’t just stand around like fools! Pack up and get ready for bed!”
There was no internet, electricity, or nightlife in the countryside. What else could they do but sleep at the end of the day? Wouldn’t leaving the candles burning for no reason be a waste? Wasn’t that something Su Xiu was constantly harping about?
Su Wen returned to her room to sleep ahead of everyone else. She lay on her bed and rolled around in glee.
Su Wen suddenly found their village chief, Li Youcai, more pleasing to the eye.
She had never thought he would call Zhou Hengyang and ask him to return and help her. It had been her greatest and most longstanding desire to patch up the relationship between herself and Zhou Hengyang – the relationship the original body’s owner had ruined. If she had sought his help after everything the original owner of the body had done, wouldn’t he think she was shameless?
While Su Wen felt she was quite thick-skinned, it was not to the extent of such shamelessness. Even she felt that was too much.
However, the situation was very different now that Li Youcai had been the one to get in touch with Zhou Hengyang.
Zhou Hengyang returning without hesitation after receiving the village chief’s call was outside Su Wen’s expectations. It showed how Su Xuewen had a good eye for choosing a son-in-law. Zhou Hengyang’s character was beyond reproach. So long as she did not cross his bottom line, she had no reason to fear Su Yunyun.
Su Wen heaved a sigh of relief. She was glad she no longer had to worry about her six younger sibling’s futures or the miserable fate that would have been in store for them.
Things were developing well.
So long as she did not play with fire, Zhou Hengyang would continue to be tied to her; he would not be able to escape his status as a live-in son-in-law. Knowing Hengyang’s character, he would never allow harm to befall the Su family he was a part of; he would even look after her six younger siblings regardless of how he felt about them. Su Wen wanted to pat herself on her back for her cunning.
Maybe one day, Zhou Hengyang would come to love her.
No, no. She was getting ahead of herself. One day at a time. Su Wen knew she had to focus on the present.
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Being the gracious person she was, Su Wen threw all further thoughts on the matter out of her mind and soon passed into the realm of dreams.
Zhou Hengyang did not return to his room to take a shower. Instead, he took a shower by the well before returning to his room. He did not know why, but the room that used to fill him with disgust, one he could not help but subconsciously reject, now filled him with anticipation and a well of nervous energy.
Zhou Hengyang narrowed his eyes and stood at the door. He could not help but think of the scene that had left his mouth dry and breathing ragged. It surprised him but, at the same time, filled him with anger.
He did not know if it was his poor self-control or because of that woman…
Clearing his cluttered mind, Zhou Hengyang pushed the door open and entered with a dark expression. He did not even look in the direction of the bed. After laying out the mattress, he picked a pillow and got ready for bed..