RIRW – Chapter 67

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Ever since learning that Shen Yiming had found a partner in the countryside, Du Juan had stopped paying attention to him. She figured he would completely disappear from her life, and she would never have to see him again. This realization made her feel much lighter.

Strictly speaking, she didn’t dislike Shen Yiming—she just didn’t want to be someone’s stepmother. She didn’t want people pointing at her and saying, That’s so-and-so’s stepmom. She simply wanted a complete family of her own. But Shen Yiming was like a thorn stuck in her heart. She had once believed that, given his rough childhood and the hardships he endured, he wouldn’t survive. Yet, not only had he survived—he was thriving.

Clenching her fists, Du Juan wanted to leave. She didn’t want to run into Shen Yiming. When she didn’t see him, she could pretend he didn’t exist. But if they met, she would feel deeply uncomfortable.

“Mom, aren’t we going to go over and say hello? Maybe Yiming brought his partner back home,” Wei Jingren asked expectantly.

“No, we’re going home.” Du Juan turned and walked downstairs. Wei Jingren quickly followed but couldn’t help glancing back.

After they left, Shen Yiming coldly glanced toward the staircase. He had already noticed the mother and daughter but couldn’t be bothered to acknowledge them. This trip home was solely to bring Dandan to visit her grandmother—nothing more. There was no need to interact with those people.

After finishing their shopping, Zuo Dan lost interest in browsing the mall.

To be honest, for this era, the quality of goods in the provincial capital’s shopping malls was quite good. But Zuo Dan had “seen the world” before. Unless something was essential, she didn’t feel the need to buy anything.

Leaving the mall, she sat on the back of Shen Yiming’s bicycle as they rode down the street.

As they rode, Zuo Dan thought about his family situation and said, “Shen Yiming, your grandma already told me everything. Aren’t you planning on stirring up some trouble this time?”

“You just want to watch the drama, don’t you?” Shen Yiming exposed her real intention outright.

Zuo Dan spoke with great wisdom, “Life is like a play. I just want to watch the show.”

Hearing this, Shen Yiming suddenly changed direction on his bicycle. Zuo Dan yelped in surprise and grabbed onto the metal frame. “What are you doing?!”

“You want to watch a show? I’ll take you to one.”

Shen Yiming pedaled the bike like a motorcycle, the wind whistling past their ears.

By the time they arrived at their destination, Zuo Dan’s hair was completely disheveled. Looking up, she saw the large characters of Jiefang Cinema hanging high and mighty above them.

A show? Turns out, it’s just a movie.

Shen Yiming bought tickets and a bag of sunflower seeds before leading her inside. “Back in Zuojiatun, couples sneak off to the little forest or the cornfield for dates. In the provincial capital, they sneak into the movie theater.”

Hearing him mention sneaking into the woods, Zuo Dan immediately recalled how he had tricked her into the cornfield before. Her face turned red with anger, and she bared her sharp teeth at him.

Shen Yiming raised an eyebrow and continued seriously, “Even though the locations are different, the effect is the same.”

By the time he finished speaking, they had already entered the screening hall. The theater was packed, and although the movie hadn’t started yet, the place was buzzing with chatter. Just as the two of them found their seats, the film began.

All the lights in the theater went out.

The only light came from the movie screen, but it wasn’t very bright. It was difficult to see the people nearby, only faint outlines could be made out.

Zuo Dan quickly realized what Shen Yiming meant when he said the effect is the same. The young couple in front of them was slowly getting closer, then suddenly did something before quickly pulling apart again.

If she hadn’t been uninterested in the movie, she wouldn’t have even noticed what they were up to. Looking around, she saw other couples being slightly more intimate as well. As expected, no matter the era or how conservative the social norms, nothing could suppress the restless hearts of young men and women.

“Zuo Dan,” Shen Yiming’s voice came from beside her. She turned to look at him, only for him to suddenly plant a quick kiss on her forehead.

“……”

Shen Yiming whispered, “Don’t envy others.”

Zuo Dan’s face remained expressionless. “Which of your eyes saw me envying others?”

Shen Yiming replied in a hushed tone, “You kept staring… I thought you wanted me to kiss you too.”

Zuo Dan stared at him blankly for a moment, then suddenly smiled. She reached out and twisted his arm while gritting her teeth. “I was thinking of punching you!”

After that little tussle, both of them behaved and properly watched the rest of the movie. It was a pure love story—really, really pure. Zuo Dan thought it suited Shen Yiming well. He could learn how normal couples interacted and remind himself to keep a pure heart.

Once the movie ended, they headed straight home. Grandma had said she’d cooked something delicious for lunch, so they had to go back to eat.

Just as they reached the alley entrance, Zuo Dan saw a beautiful young woman standing there. She was wearing a blue plaid dress, her hair tied into a ponytail, exuding youthful energy. When the young woman spotted Shen Yiming, her face lit up with joy, and she even walked over to them.

Zuo Dan tugged at Shen Yiming’s shirt. “Did you cause this trouble?”

“I really did,” Shen Yiming replied flatly.

Zuo Dan: “……”

Wei Jingren had been waiting there for a long time. After she got home earlier, her father, Wei Guohua, was displeased upon learning that Yiming had returned with a partner. He complained about how people from the countryside shouldn’t keep running to the city. Her mother suggested they inform the local officials about it, as they shouldn’t allow such things to go unchecked. So, her father called the local government office to inquire, only to find out that Yiming had indeed returned to the provincial capital. However, since he came through the military’s channels, the provincial government wasn’t even aware of it.

Her father then instructed her to bring Yiming home for dinner and ask about the situation.

“Yiming, you’re finally back! Dad asked me to invite you home for a meal,” Wei Jingren said with a bright smile. Then, turning to Zuo Dan, she added, “Hello, I’m Yiming’s older sister, Wei Jingren. You can just call me ‘sister’ like he does.”

“Pfft—” Zuo Dan couldn’t hold back her laughter. She recalled previously asking Shen Yiming if he had a family member named Jingren (which sounds like “shocking” in Chinese), and it turned out he really did! Oh, but technically, this person wasn’t truly Shen Yiming’s family—just a stranger with a different father and mother.

Shen Yiming remained expressionless as he pushed his bicycle forward.

Wei Jingren quickly followed. “Yiming, Dad knows you’re back and wants to see you. This is such a big deal—how could you not inform the family?”

Zuo Dan found her words amusing. “Comrade Wei Jingren, was it? Come, let me teach you a few phrases. Do you know what playing dumb means? Or pretending to be confused when you understand perfectly well? Oh, and there’s also putting on an act. Have a good think about them. Once you’ve figured them out, then come talk to us.”

Then, she smiled and followed Shen Yiming.

Wei Jingren stood frozen, her face stiff, watching them walk away.

Zuo Dan turned back to wave at her before catching up with Shen Yiming. “Shen Yiming, now I understand why you’re so smart—it’s because you’re surrounded by smart people.”

“Just ignore them,” Shen Yiming said indifferently, completely dismissing their existence. But Zuo Dan knew he was definitely up to something. As far as she knew, no one had ever managed to take advantage of Shen Yiming without him getting back at them.

“Shen Yiming, take it easy. This isn’t Zuojiatun. When people have real power here, don’t be too reckless,” she warned.

“Oh? You’re actually worried about me?” Shen Yiming’s tone carried a rare hint of arrogance.

Zuo Dan mocked him, “Keep acting smug.”

When they got home, Grandma had already finished preparing the meal. She also mentioned that someone had come looking for Shen Yiming earlier, but since she was busy, she didn’t let them in. In reality, she simply didn’t want those people inside—especially since Zuo Dan was home. She didn’t want her to see such unpleasant people.

But clearly, Zuo Dan had already encountered them. “Grandma, we just ran into them.”

Grandma quickly asked, “She didn’t say anything, did she?”

Zuo Dan waved her hand. “No, we just ignored her. But Grandma, why doesn’t she have to go to the countryside?” If it was about the one-child policy, that girl definitely wasn’t an only child. Plus, she was the convenient daughter of Shen Yiming’s biological father. As a cadre’s child, she should have been sent to the countryside too.

Grandma replied, “You should ask Yiming about that.”

While eating, Shen Yiming casually said, “Back then, I arranged a position for her at the transport company. Now it’s hers.”

Zuo Dan remarked, “Then the words I just taught her were spot on.”

Grandma, intrigued, asked, “Dandan, what words did you teach her?”

Zuo Dan repeated them. Grandma burst into laughter. “Good words, good words! Dandan, you’re really knowledgeable.”

Zuo Dan modestly replied, “Not really. I only graduated from middle school and self-studied high school textbooks.”

When Wei Jingren returned home, her eyes were red. Du Juan saw her and, noticing she had been crying, asked worriedly, “Why are you crying?”

“Mom, it’s nothing.” Wei Jingren wiped her eyes as she spoke.

Wei Guohua came out of the room and frowned when he saw her state. “Did Yiming bully you?”

“No, I just feel uncomfortable,” Wei Jingren said, lowering her head.

“Hmph, he’s capable now, isn’t he? Thinks he’s too good to acknowledge me as his father? I’ve invited him to a meal multiple times, and he won’t even come,” Wei Guohua said angrily. He had been a government official for many years and rarely faced such disrespect. He felt like his authority had been challenged.

Du Juan glanced at Wei Jingren, signaling her to go inside, then turned to soothe Wei Guohua. “I think he’s just upset about the countryside assignment. But which family’s child hasn’t had to go? Everyone has to be sent down. As the son of a cadre, and a boy at that, it wouldn’t make sense for him to stay in the city.”

Wei Guohua slammed the table in frustration. “I refuse to believe I can’t even get a meal with him. You’re coming with me, and bring Jingren, Xiaojun, and Xiaohong. I will have this meal today, no matter what!”

Du Juan hesitated. “Maybe we shouldn’t go. That boy is stubborn.”

“Hmph! Stubborn or not, he’s still my son. Get them ready—we’re going now!” Wei Guohua said furiously. Having been rejected twice, he was seething. He refused to believe he couldn’t even get a meal with his own son.

Du Juan called out to the two children who were studying in their room, telling them to come along.

When they heard they were going to find Shen Yiming, Wei Xiaohong and Wei Xiaojun were both reluctant. The two were fraternal twins, the same age, and had been spoiled by their family since childhood. They had never been treated unfairly before, and now they were being made to chase after someone just to eat? They wanted no part of it. Especially Wei Xiaojun, who felt uncomfortable about his half-brother. He had always believed he was his father’s only son—only recently did he find out that there was an older one.

“Don’t make your father angry. Just listen,” Du Juan advised them.

The two kids were relatively obedient to her. Wei Guohua rarely handled family matters, leaving most of it to Du Juan. She usually spoiled them, but when she got serious, they knew better than to disobey.

Seeing the kids were convinced, Du Juan turned to Wei Guohua and said, “Let Jingren stay. She’s already been upset today. Going again will only make her feel worse.”

Wei Guohua nodded in agreement and didn’t insist.

The driver started the car, and the family rode in a military-green jeep straight to the alley outside the Shen family home.

At that moment, Zuo Dan and Grandma were happily chatting. Since they had just talked about making Wei Jingren leave in anger, Grandma took the opportunity to explain the Wei family’s situation to Zuo Dan in detail again. Zuo Dan found it fascinating—Shen Yiming’s family drama was more exciting than a movie.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Hearing it, Shen Yiming got up to open the door. When he saw who was outside, his brows furrowed slightly.

“What’s the matter? You don’t even recognize your own father?” Wei Guohua said with a stern face.

Shen Yiming responded, “I almost didn’t. It’s been years since we last met.”

“Who’s here?” Grandma came out when she heard the commotion. Seeing Wei Guohua, she was clearly unhappy. He hadn’t visited for years, yet now he chose to show up. “Guohua, you haven’t been to our house in all these years. Surprised you could still find the way.”

Feeling a little awkward under Grandma’s questioning, Wei Guohua hesitated before saying, “…Teacher Zhao, I’ve been busy with work all these years. Today, I came specifically to see you and to have a talk with Yiming. Such a big event—his return to the city—and as his father, I didn’t even know about it. I sent people to invite him to dinner, but he never came. So I had no choice but to bring Du Juan and the kids over personally. I refuse to believe I can’t even have a meal with my own son.”

Du Juan smiled and added, “Teacher Zhao, Guohua just wants to have a meal with Yiming.”

Shen Yiming chuckled. “Minister Wei, what an honor to have you here. But our Shen family courtyard is too small to accommodate such an esteemed guest. How about this? I’ll set up a table outside, and Minister Wei can eat however he pleases. Consider it my way of repaying you for the kindness of sending me to the countryside.”

Hearing the bitterness in Shen Yiming’s words, Zuo Dan almost cringed from how sour it was. She came out of the house and saw the visitors: a burly middle-aged man in a cadre’s uniform, looking righteous and imposing; a slender woman standing weakly beside him, looking fragile like a willow in the wind; and behind them, two obviously unhappy teenagers.

Oh wow, what a complete family set.

Wei Guohua immediately caught the sarcasm in Shen Yiming’s words and grew even more furious. He could tell his son still resented being sent to the countryside. “There’s no need for that. We’ll talk right here. I have questions for you.”

Seeing Grandma frown, Zuo Dan jumped in, “Shen Yiming, you’re really being thoughtless. Grandma has worked so hard and is already up in years, yet you expect her to cook and host guests for you?”

Wei Guohua felt odd hearing this and glanced at Zuo Dan.

“This young lady—is she Yiming’s partner?” He had heard about her from Du Juan and was already displeased.

Zuo Dan beamed enthusiastically. “Minister Wei, my hometown is exactly where Yiming was sent for his countryside labor. You have no idea how grateful I am to you. If it weren’t for your—what do they call it—oh yes, selfless sacrifice and public over private interest, sending Shen Yiming to our village, our village wouldn’t have been able to live such a happy life today!”

Minister Wei’s face immediately darkened.

Wei Xiaojun sneered, “Do you even know what you’re saying? The correct phrase is selfless and impartial.”

Zuo Dan replied cheerfully, “Oh dear, we rural folks don’t have much education, which is why we need intellectuals like you to help us. By the way, you must be heading to the countryside soon too, right? Where are you planning to go as a young intellectual? Yiming just responded to the military’s call to serve the country. Our village could really use people like you.”

“I’m not going to the countryside!” Wei Xiaojun shouted.

Zuo Dan waved a hand dismissively. “Oh, but you have to go. Each family can only keep one child in the city, and your sister, Wei Jingren, is staying, right? That means you and this young lady here both must go. Otherwise, Minister Wei would be violating policy. You wouldn’t believe how thrilled our village was when they found out Minister Wei has two more children—we’re all waiting for you! If you don’t come, we might just have to come looking for you.”

Wei Xiaohong’s face turned sour. She had never even considered the possibility of going to the countryside. “You’re talking nonsense. Mom, Dad, let’s go. I don’t want to stay here.”

Du Juan pressed her lips tightly together before finally saying, “Yiming’s partner is quite sharp-tongued.”

Zuo Dan turned to her with sudden realization. “Oh, you must be Comrade Du Juan! When I first heard your name, I thought you must be a woman who possesses both wisdom and beauty.”

Du Juan was momentarily stunned, clearly not expecting Zuo Dan to flatter her. She quickly replied, “You’re exaggerating.”

“No, no, not at all. Your name is really well chosen. Du Juan Hua (azalea) and Du Juan Niao (cuckoo)—both are remarkable! Azaleas are so beautiful, your name sounds elegant just hearing it. And cuckoos are even more extraordinary. They’re the smartest among birds! They don’t raise their own chicks but lay their eggs in other birds’ nests. When their chicks hatch, they push the other baby birds out and take over the nest, with the mother bird unknowingly raising them. Isn’t that clever?”

Wei Guohua and Du Juan: “…”

Du Juan’s face turned even darker than Wei Guohua’s. Never in her life had she been spoken to like this. She was so furious that her body trembled slightly.

Wei Guohua snapped angrily, “Yiming, is this how you taught your partner?”

Shen Yiming responded calmly, “She’s much smarter than me—she doesn’t need my teaching.”

Grandma chuckled. “Our Dandan is really well-educated, knows so much. Guohua, I think you should head back now. It’s already past lunchtime, and I doubt there’s much left at the restaurants. These old arms and legs of mine—surely, you wouldn’t really expect me to cook for you?”

Wei Guohua didn’t get his meal, but he sure got a belly full of anger. However, he hadn’t come just for food—he had important questions for Shen Yiming. “Yiming, what’s the deal with your return to the city? Did you use backdoor connections?”

Shen Yiming replied, “If Minister Wei has doubts, you can go to the military and investigate.”

Zuo Dan curiously asked, “Can the government even interfere with military affairs?”

Wei Guohua was immediately at a loss for words. He had been in government for so many years and had never been humiliated like this. Now, back-to-back frustrations were making his blood boil. “Fine, you’ve got guts. If you’re so capable, never tell anyone that you’re my son!”

Shen Yiming smiled. “Thank you for making that official.”

Wei Guohua was so enraged that he took a deep breath before storming off. Du Juan shot a cold glance at Zuo Dan before following him. Wei Xiaojun and Wei Xiaohong also trailed behind, glaring at Zuo Dan, feeling like she had just scared them on purpose.

Zuo Dan waved at them with a teasing smile. “Having a biased mother like Du Juan must be tough.”

Wei Xiaohong and Wei Xiaojun quickly caught up to their parents. Once inside the jeep, Wei Xiaojun anxiously asked, “Mom, does this mean Xiaohong and I really have to go to the countryside?”

Du Juan glanced at Wei Guohua and signaled to her son with her eyes. Of course, she didn’t want her children to go, but this wasn’t something she could openly discuss in front of Wei Guohua.

Unfortunately, Wei Xiaojun was oblivious. “Mom, say something! Each family can only keep one child in the city—why should Xiaohong and I be the ones sent away?”

Wei Xiaohong also protested, “Yeah, Mom! Why didn’t you discuss this with us?”

No one in the family had ever seriously mentioned the countryside issue before. Seeing their older sister Wei Jingren stay in the city, they had never thought they would be affected. But after hearing Zuo Dan just now, they suddenly realized they might actually have to go. Graduation was only a few months away—then they’d be sent off.

Du Juan frowned. “We’ll talk about this at home.”

“Mom, you’re playing favorites with big sis, aren’t you?” Wei Xiaohong accused.

“Enough!” Wei Guohua exploded. “What’s so bad about going to the countryside? If others can go, why can’t you?”

He was already furious from the argument over sending Shen Yiming away. Now, hearing that his other children were also resisting, he completely lost his temper.

“I’m telling you both—you’re going to the countryside, no arguments! Follow the national call to support rural development!”

Wei Xiaohong and Wei Xiaojun were so scared they didn’t dare say another word. But both of them looked toward Du Juan with resentment. Such a huge decision, and she hadn’t even told them beforehand. She had used up the only exemption spot for their eldest sister—if that wasn’t favoritism, what was?

That rural girl wasn’t wrong—cuckoos lay their eggs in other birds’ nests, pushing out the rightful offspring. They were the real children who had been pushed out by their eldest sister!

Du Juan saw the resentment in her own children’s eyes and felt a surge of frustration. But with Wei Guohua present, she didn’t dare express it.

She had already been secretly working to keep both of her children in the city. But now that Old Wei had spoken so firmly, things would be much harder to manipulate. That rural girl—was she doing this on purpose?

Meanwhile, Zuo Dan was sitting in the courtyard, drinking tea with Grandma, while Shen Yiming was in the kitchen washing dishes.

Zuo Dan said worriedly, “Grandma, I didn’t say anything wrong just now, did I? They just left like that—I hope I didn’t upset them too much.”

Grandma waved her hand dismissively. “No, no, you spoke perfectly.” She liked smart, outspoken girls. No wonder Yiming liked her—such a charming young lady.

Once Shen Yiming finished washing the dishes, Grandma went inside for her afternoon nap.

Now, only Shen Yiming and Zuo Dan remained in the courtyard.

Shen Yiming poured himself a cup of tea and looked at Zuo Dan rocking comfortably in the chair. He smiled faintly. “Zuo Dan, you’re not scared off by my family’s mess, are you?”

Zuo Dan shot him a glance. “You’re underestimating me. If I ever run away, it would be because I can’t stand you, not because I’m afraid of trouble. My grandma always taught me—if someone bullies you, you have to bully them back even harder. Otherwise, you’ll be walked all over for the rest of your life. Too bad all I could do was annoy them with words instead of giving them a real lesson.”

Shen Yiming took a small sip of tea. “Next time you come over, there won’t be these kinds of troubles anymore.” He didn’t want Zuo Dan to be caught up in such family drama.

Zuo Dan perked up at his words, looking intrigued. “Shen Yiming, what do you mean?” Watching him strategize and set things in motion was her greatest entertainment these days.

Shen Yiming leaned back in his chair, smiling. “If a dog bites you, do you bite it back?”

“Of course not. I’d find a bigger, meaner dog to bite it instead,” Zuo Dan replied.

“Smart.” Shen Yiming reached out and lightly tapped her forehead.

Zuo Dan asked curiously, “So, where’s your dog?”

“I’m raising it. Once it’s trained, it’ll be ready to use.”