T1983 Chapter 12

In no time, Zhou Hui finished cleaning up the house. Although her brother said it was Chen Kai’s turn, she still thought that men and women were different when it came to meticulousness, and Chen Kai was not work material at first glance.

 

Not only Chen Kai, but this entire group of men was the same. Except for Chen Sen, they were all unable to survive by themselves, including her brother. A bunch of young masters with no regard for housework. It was unbelievable!

 

Zhou Hui was too diligent and Shu Ran had no way to stop her, so he had to let her do whatever pleased her. He went upstairs after finishing the meal. It wasn’t that he was lazy, but Xu Shen kept staring at him, wanting to touch. With Zhou Hui going in and out of the room, they couldn’t be presumptuous in front of her. The only solution was to go back to their room and hug as they liked.

 

It was said that all men were like this after tasting meat for the first time. Shu Ran could only hope Xu Shen would naturally get tired of it as days passed by. After all, he knew all men were the same… Even if Shu Ran lacked previous marriage experience, he has seen too much in the modern era. What “seven-year itch” and “growing distant with time”, there was no need for a couple to reach middle age to get tired of each other. Date for two years and the novelty was already gone. Most of them didn’t even reach the point of marriage. Even Shu Ran’s parents ended up divorcing after a short time. It’s not like they didn’t love each other, but maybe love simply went away.

 

Growing up, Shu Ran’s outlook towards emotions was very light, with no faith in the institution of marriage. He never expected God to make fun of him and bestow a same-sex marriage that transcended time and space. He still needed time to get used to it, one step at a time.

 

Entering the room, Shu Ran was immediately hugged and lifted by Xu Shen. All the weight of his body was pressed on the man, but since Shu Ran was slender, he didn’t feel that guilty.

 

“Brother Shen!” Shu Ran shouted in horror while hugging the other’s neck. He quietly demanded: “You can kiss… but can we please not do it today? I feel uncomfortable…”

 

“It’s uncomfortable for me too…” Xu Shen smiled sullenly. “I just want to hold you, no intention of doing anything.”

 

“Oh.” Shu Ran’s face heated up and he breathed a sigh of relief.

 

Looking at him, Xu Shen wanted to say he was not a beast who only had that in mind. There was no need to be so guarded against him. However, after just hugging the boy, his breathing was already abnormal, with little virtue left. He had no nerve to try and prove himself.

 

Xu Shen’s strong arms hugged Shu Ran’s waist, and he took a deep breath of his wife’s fragrance. He smelled clean, pleasant, and heart-warming.

 

How come he never found other young men so attractive before?!

 

Over the years, only Shu Ran could make his eyes light up, unable to move both his gaze and thoughts away.

 

Thinking back, Xu Shen couldn’t help but feel afraid. What if Shu Ran never came to him to dissolve the engagement? What would have happened in the end? Would he end up married to Zhou Hui, watching over his brother-in-law helplessly? Would Shu Ran become like him after a few years, married with children of his own? Would they become nothing but relatives? It felt terrible to think about!

 

“Thankfully you came to me in time to break the engagement.” Xu Shen hugged Shu Ran and whispered: “Otherwise…”

 

He didn’t say anything further. Shu Ran summed it up for him: “Would have been such a tragedy.”

 

Let such a good girl like Zhou Hui become a simple wife, deemed to become a widow in the future. What else if not a tragedy?

 

“Uh-huh.”

 

“It was wrong for you to do this.” Shu Ran said casually, unable to keep his words to himself. “You know you like men but still want to ruin someone’s daughter, just to continue the family line. Isn’t that a waste of people?”

 

Shu Ran was right. Xu Shen didn’t think too much at that time. He just vaguely realized that he liked men, but wasn’t completely sure. It was only when Shu Ran came into his life that he regretted being linked to a woman. But at that time, the engagement was already set in stone…

 

Maybe Shu Ran never knew what kind of suffering he endured during that short bike ride, when the boy sat behind him, hugging his waist. The first time, he was still able to suppress it. When he came back home, he just thought about it, unable to fall asleep for half of the night. Then he hugged him again. This time, the feeling was imprinted into his heart, guaranteed to last for a lifetime. Xu Shen completely decided that he would either marry this young brother or not marry at all.

 

“So it’s not too much to ask you to help with my sister’s marriage!” Shu Ran had a vivid look on his face, with a raised chin and picturesque eyebrows.

 

Xu Shen: “Didn’t Jiang Fan already go to inquire? There will be news soon.” When Shu Ran said that, he felt that what he wanted to do to the poor girl was indeed unforgivable. “Don’t worry, I will be responsible to the end!”

 

Later, he added: “I’ll prepare a dowry for your sister.”

 

Shu Ran shook his head: “That’s not necessary.”

 

If Zhou Hui could find a family of modest conditions, there would be no need for a dowry. They already owed Xu Shen money, how could he let him give even more? It made no sense!

 

Xu Shen rubbed the back of his head: “Yes, it is. Your older sister is my older sister. There’s no need to be polite as a family.” Shu Ran really didn’t want Xu Shen’s dowry, but if he had such intentions, there was nothing left to say. They’ll talk about it when the time comes.

 

He didn’t object, and Xu Shen took it as if he agreed. The two of them were able to talk so peacefully, really giving the atmosphere of newlyweds. Xu Shen’s heart moved slightly, so he leaned over and kissed his wife’s plump lips. He agreed not to do anything else today, so he just kissed gently and delicately, as if he only wanted some sweetness to satisfy his cravings.

 

It felt comfortable to be so close, but also increasingly embarrassing. If he had to use one word to describe it, it would be an itch. The closer they got, the less satisfied they became…

 

Shu Ran felt they couldn’t go on like this, so he finally couldn’t bear it and pushed away the strong man hugging his waist. He got up from his lap, wiping the saliva off his face: “I’ll go shopping with my sister, and also buy something good to eat. She doesn’t even have a decent hair tie.”

 

After all, she still had to dress up for her future blind date.

 

“I’ll go with you, and I’ll pay for it.” Not satisfied, Xu Shen reached his arms and hugged Shu Ran’s waist again. It was very thin as if he could break it without any force. But Xu Shen loved it and also kissed it multiple times last night.

 

“No!” Shu Ran pushed him away. “If you appear with my sister in public, it’s bad for her reputation. Her mother-in-law won’t be happy.”

 

It was true, but Shu Ran’s way of speaking was quite rude. Xu Shen helplessly pinched his cheek: “Then I won’t go, but I’ll give you money.”

 

Shu Ran nodded. He had no money of his own right now, so he had to spend Xu Shen’s. Thinking about paying it back in the future with interest, he had no psychological burden.

 

“It’s really not suitable this time. We’ll go shopping together in the future…” Shu Ran held Xu Shen’s hand and shook it coquettishly.

 

“Uh-huh.” Xu Shen couldn’t stand it, his heart feeling warm. Although Shu Ran was sometimes rude, with a hot and cold attitude, he still knew how to be sweet.

 

“It’s up to you.” He agreed and let go of Shu Ran’s hand, to take the money.

 

“Just give me some tickets, it shouldn’t cost much.” Shu Ran saw Xu Shen pull out a box from the cabinet, where he probably kept his money and tickets.

 

Xu Shen: “Take more and also buy something for yourself.”

 

When he saw Shu Ran’s luggage that day, he was distressed. In addition, when they first met, Shu Ran’s shoes had two big holes in them, and his clothes never fit.

 

But strangely, Xu Shen didn’t pay attention to those details at that time. His mind was completely attracted to other things. He felt that wearing a potato sack or a suit with leather shoes had no impact on Shu Ran, and the boy never took these things seriously. Even in ripped shoes, he was so confident, making others unable to tear their eyes off him.

 

Shu Ran: “Forget it, I’ll buy things for myself when we go shopping next time.”

 

Xu Shen smiled and said: “It’s okay.” But he couldn’t help and handed Shu Ran 200 yuan, which was a lot. Almost half a year’s salary for most people. Since transmigrating, Shu Ran had never seen so much money.

 

Holding a heavy stack of bills in his hand made him feel so rich, ah!

 

“Brother Shen, with so much money on me, I’m afraid I’ll lose it on the streets.” Shu Ran had never seen the 10 yuan bill of this era. He picked it up and looked at it carefully.

 

Xu Shen hooked his chin and said mischievously: “Then take your man with you and you won’t lose the money.”

 

Shu Ran patted him and said: “Next time!”

 

After simply dressing up, Shu Ran went downstairs to find Zhou Hui and shouted: ” Sister, stop working! Let’s go shopping!”

 

When Zhou Hui heard the word “shopping”, her eyes lit up. She quickly took off her apron and straightened her hair: “Wait for me, I’ll go get my bag!”

 

Those days, bags were made out of coarse cloth, and one could only use it when going out. Zhou Hui loved her bag. She made it herself, and it was embroidered with beautiful hand-stitched flowers. It was a pure hand-made work of art, with a unique flavor.

 

“It’s just the two of us? Brother Xu Shen won’t go?” In the past two days, Zhou Hui had completely changed her opinion about Xu Shen, and her words were closer than before. There was no prejudice left.

 

Whether a person was good or bad, one won’t know until they get closer to each other. Zhou Hui had close contact with Xu Shen and his men, and though he was not like the rumors said at all. Before, she didn’t like him and thought she was the one who refused the marriage. Now, she felt he didn’t have the intention to marry her at all! She had no idea what kind of confusion he had to propose marriage to her family before…

 

“He won’t go.” Shu Ran said. “He also went to bed late last night. It’s good to stay home for an afternoon nap.”

 

Speaking of this matter again, Zhou Hui pinched her brother and said: “Now you see how much trouble you have caused others? Tonight, I’ll clean up the guest room downstairs for you. Just sleep there and don’t disturb Brother Shen’s rest!”

 

What kind of filter did she have? He was the one who disturbed the other party’s rest?!

 

Shu Ran smiled bitterly. He was willing to sleep in the guest room downstairs, but let’s see if Xu Shen was willing to let him.

 

…………

 

It was now 1983, and Nanshi was a relatively large county town, but the infrastructure was just that, with the streets looking empty and simple.

 

Of course, that was Shu Ran’s opinion.

 

For Zhou Hui, this was a whole new world! In the past, she could never go shopping because there was no money in her hands. Now she had some, both saved by herself, and some given to her by her parents when she left home.

 

Shu Ran said: “Let’s go pick something beautiful. I’ll pay for it.”

 

Zhou Hui: “Where did you get the money?”

 

Shu Ran: “Pocket money given by Brother Shen… Don’t stare at me, I will pay him back!”

 

Zhou Hui felt her brother was too confident. He always said he would earn money, just like those uncles who drank too much and boasted in the village during the Spring Festival. It made others roll their eyes!

 

“You can keep it to yourself. Sister has money.”

 

Shu Ran had no choice but to think about how he could distract her attention and pay in secret.

 

The stores in this era were called “supply and marketing cooperatives”. Most of them sold practical things, with not many fancy embellishments. Those “fashionable” fabrics and dresses were so outdated in Shu Ran’s eyes, but Zhou Hui liked them very much. She kept touching everything left and right.

 

“Do you like it? Buy it if you like it.”

 

Zhou Hui shook her head: “Buy small items, let’s not buy clothes.” The price of ready-made clothes was expensive, way more expensive than making them yourself.

 

If only she had a sewing machine of her own…

 

The Zhou family had an old one. She could make clothes at home, but she didn’t know if her future husband’s family had one.

 

“Brother, this headband looks good!”

 

“Then buy it.”

 

“But the color is too bright, not suitable for everyday wear…”

 

“…” Shu Ran was helpless.

 

People who were used to poverty couldn’t enjoy shopping. They had too many thoughts when purchasing things. Sometimes they think about cost performance, and sometimes they think about practicality. Good-looking things were not practical enough, and ordinary things were not special enough.

 

Shu Ran’s sister had this personality, which was more or less petty. But it was not her fault, instead, it was something that the environment she grew up in forced on her.

 

“Sister, you don’t have to think so much. Just indulge once in a while.” Shu Ran took Zhou Hui back, bought all the things she liked but was reluctant to pay for, and kept complimenting how good she looked wearing them. She was a fairy who came down to earth, with the explicit intention of building up her confidence. Sometimes, girls dress up not for men, but to know and love themselves better.

 

Zhou Hui lived for 20 years and it was the first time she was praised so much. Her heart felt complicated, but her smile when she got back home was different, full of energy.

 

“Yo! Are you two coming back from shopping?” Jiang Fan asked.

 

Near dusk, dragonflies flew low in the air, indicating that it might rain at night.

 

Not long before, Jiang Fan arrived and he was now chatting with Xu Shen. Seeing the Zhou siblings come back, he joked: “Brother Shen was anxious you would not come back!”

 

Just now, Jiang Fan was busy making fun of Xu Shen, asking with a smile: “Are you afraid your wife left for good?” He was almost kicked to the ground by Xu Shen.

 

“Brother Fan, you are here.” Shu Ran smiled in greeting and took out the snacks bought from the streets: “The fried breadsticks are still warm. Eat it quickly!”

 

“Oh, there’s something to eat?” Jiang Fan smiled and said: “That’s good, I’m hungry.”

 

It was not yet time for dinner, but they were all hungry. In this era, nobody paid attention to having an afternoon snack.

 

“Brother Shen, you eat too.” After greeting Jiang Fan, Shu Ran took out a piece and personally gave it to Xu Shen, in a more casual and close manner. Xu Shen took it over with a smile and asked Jiang Fan: “How did it go? Do you have good news for our sister?”

 

Jiang Fan happily munched on fried breadsticks and said: “There must be! I said hello to the leader of the unit. We can go there tomorrow. If Sister Zhou Hui likes someone, they can directly register for marriage.”

 

Young men were not scarce during this era, but girls were. Which bachelor didn’t want to get married? The quality of life after getting a wife compared to before, was the same difference as heaven and earth.

 

Shu Ran smiled and looked at Zhou Hui: “Sister, let’s thank Brother Fan!”

 

Zhou Hui smiled shyly, touched the newly bought headband she was wearing, and said: “Thank you, Brother Fan! I’ll get up early in the morning to prepare.” Then she looked at her younger brother again and continued: “Do you want to come with me? Don’t go to bed late tonight!”

 

Shu Ran: “Ah? Okay!”

 

Thinking of something, he gave Xu Shen a quick look. The other person was very seriously eating the fried breadsticks he bought.

 

There was a light rain in the evening, lowering the temperature and making everyone feel refreshed.

 

Zhou Hui continued to be busy after dinner, cleaning up one of the rooms downstairs. Her voice cheerfully came out of the room: “Dingzi, the room is clean! Come and see, you can live here in the future. Don’t disturb Brother Shen anymore!”

 

Outside, Xu Shen almost spit out a mouthful of tea, and turned his head to look at Shu Ran, silently asking: “What is going on?!”

 

“It doesn’t matter. I’ll still sleep in your room tonight.” Shu Ran sighed quietly, thinking he must clear up this misunderstanding, or else Xu Shen might develop a feud with Zhou Hui.

 

“That’s fine…” Xu Shen felt relieved.

 

Just now, he thought he had played too hard last night, and now Shu Ran wanted to sleep in a separate bed from him. It was not good! He had no problems with Zhou Hui, instead he felt ashamed to go behind her back like this.

 

“Uh-huh.” Shu Ran gently comforted Xu Shen, and replayed loudly to Zhou Hui: “Oh, I know!”

 

After taking a shower at night, he still quietly made his way to Xu Shen’s room. This time, he learned to erase his traces and turned off the lights as soon as he came in.

 

Xu Shen had been waiting for him for a long time. Seeing Shu Ran come to his room, we wanted to speak, but then the lights suddenly went out. Like a signal, he swallowed his words.

 

“Brother Shen.” Shu Ran whispered in the dark. “I turned off the lights so my sister won’t pay attention to this room.”

 

“Uh-huh.” Xu Shen answered quietly.

 

The room fell into silence and people’s hearts became more restless. Shu Ran did not dare to speak too loud. When he felt Xu Shen approaching, he quickly begged to be let go. He thought Xu Shen wanted to do something, but he wanted to rest in peace tonight.

 

Xu Shen chuckled. He never had that intention. Did his wife really regard him as a hooligan? It made him helplessly shake his head in the dark.