Chapter 16: Under No Circumstances Should I Bypass Big Brother

Only Luo Yunhe could have done such a thing.

The thought of wasting so much grain ignited an inexplicable fury within her.

She had intended to teach her a lesson today, but not only did she fail to do so, she herself suffered a great loss.

Now, with the kitchen in the family home smashed to pieces and so much grain spoiled, Su Ruyi grew increasingly enraged.

“Father, Mother, we cannot keep this damned little wretch in our home any longer. Just look at the mess she’s made. In only a few days, she’s brought us nothing but shame. If this continues, will our family even be able to maintain its standing in the village? The entire Shangyue Village will be laughing at us. We must drive her away—or better yet, sell her!”

Su Ruyi’s words caused Su Shan and Su Chen to turn and look at her.

A fierce glint flashed in Su Shan’s eyes, clearly agreeing with his daughter’s harsh judgment.

Su Chen nodded in accord. “Yes, sell her! That wretched little woman does not deserve to stay under our roof. Selling her would at least help compensate for our losses.”

The three seemed to reach an unspoken agreement, whispering among themselves in the kitchen for a while.

Evening fell.

Su Jingxuan hurried home after a day spent worrying about his young wife.

The moment he arrived, he clutched a package and headed straight to his room, completely oblivious to the oppressive atmosphere hanging over the household.

“Father, Mother, don’t you see what a joke our eldest brother is? The first thing he does upon returning is rush inside, clearly heading straight to that little wretch. And he’s holding a package—could it be something he bought for her? Our eldest brother is hiding secret money? Father, Mother, we absolutely cannot let this go!”

Su Shan’s gaze darkened as he glared at Su Jingxuan’s retreating back.

Su Chen’s anger flared even higher at the thought that Su Jingxuan would actually buy things for that damned woman.

That was their money—how could he spend it on her?

“Honey, I’m home!” Su Jingxuan called cheerfully as he pushed open the door.

Hearing his voice, Luo Yunhe immediately opened her eyes and sat up.

***

“You’re back?” At that moment, Luo Yunhe inexplicably felt a pang of guilt.

After acting impulsively in anger and then calming down, she realized most of the items had been purchased with Su Jingxuan’s hard-earned money, stirring regret within her.

Seeing Su Jingxuan now, she instinctively felt uneasy.

“Come, take a look. Do these clothes fit? If not, I can exchange them!” he said.

Her guilt deepened as she forced a smile and took the package from him. Inside were three sets of coarse cloth garments.

Though simple, the colors were bright—one red, one turquoise, and one lake blue.

Though rough-hewn, the fabric was far superior to what most villagers wore.

Not luxurious silk and satin, but suitable enough so she wouldn’t be pointed at or ridiculed.

“Thank you, my husband! I like them very much!” She could accept the slightly gaudy colors.

“I’m glad you like them!” Su Jingxuan smiled awkwardly and scratched his head.

After examining the clothes, Luo Yunhe cautiously looked up at him.

“Husband…” She reached out, pulling his hand gently to sit beside her on the bed, then spoke carefully.

“Today, I may have done something a bit extreme…”

Hearing this, Su Jingxuan became tense. “Did they bully you again? Are you hurt? Where does it hurt?”

He reached out to check her for injuries, but Luo Yunhe caught his hand.

“My husband, listen… I’m not hurt…”

Relieved, Su Jingxuan exhaled softly, but seeing her hesitant expression, his worry returned.

“I… I just smashed the kitchen! They were too much. I tried to cook for them with good intentions, but they didn’t appreciate it. Instead, they accused me of stealing food. Husband, I know how hard you work to earn money. I acted impulsively—please don’t be angry with me, okay?”

Seeing her speak so timidly, he thought it must be something serious. Relaxing, he patted her hand.

“It’s alright. I know they must have said some nasty things to upset you. Breaking the kitchen isn’t a big deal.”

“Really? You won’t be mad at me?”

***

Hearing Su Jingxuan say this, Luo Yunhe still found it hard to believe.

After all, the kitchen was utterly ruined. Repairing it and buying new supplies would be a considerable expense.

And Su Jingxuan worked so hard every day at the academy. Now this mess, caused by her, had happened at home.

Yet he wasn’t angry. Instead, he comforted her.

“Of course I mean it. How could I be mad at you? The kitchen can be fixed. As long as you’re okay, that’s what matters.”

Su Jingxuan gently stroked her hair and reassured her, “If you ever feel wronged, you can let it out. Don’t keep it bottled up inside.”

“I understand,” Luo Yunhe nodded, feeling warmth spread through her heart.

She knew Su Jingxuan truly cared for her. From now on, she resolved to repay his kindness.

“By the way, you said you cooked today?”

Suddenly recalling something, Su Jingxuan asked curiously.

He remembered that Luo Yunhe didn’t seem to know how to cook.

“Yes. I thought you worked so hard every day and still had to do so much at home. I wanted to try cooking for you. I didn’t expect it to turn out like this…” Luo Yunhe said, feeling guilty and uneasy.

“It’s alright. I’ll help clean up later,” Su Jingxuan comforted her.

“I’ll help you clean up!” Luo Yunhe said.

“Good!” he replied, and the two left the room together, heading toward the kitchen.

No sooner had they left than Su Ruyi and Su Chen entered their room.

Seeing the small package on the low table, they immediately rushed over and opened it.

Inside were three sets of coarse linen clothes, and their expressions grew even more displeased.

“Mother, see? I was right! Our eldest brother really did buy new clothes for that little wretch. Even I don’t have clothes that nice. Not only is he biased, but he’s hiding secret money and spending it on that vile woman. We absolutely cannot let this matter go!”