The atmosphere inside the house had just begun to warm.
Laughter.
Soft conversation.
The quiet clinking of bowls.
For the first time—
It felt like a real family meal.
---
Then—
A loud voice shattered everything.
"Mei Lin! Come out!"
The shouting came from outside.
Sharp. Aggressive.
---
Everyone paused.
Ming Li frowned slightly.
Her father-in-law's expression hardened.
---
They stepped outside.
---
At the gate—
A group had gathered.
At the front stood Shen Guo's wife—the wife of the brigade's second-in-command.
Behind her—
Several villagers.
Watching.
Waiting.
---
Mei Lin's eyes turned cold.
So it came early.
---
"What is all this noise?" her father-in-law asked sternly.
---
Shen Guo's wife stepped forward.
"Ask your daughter-in-law!" she snapped.
"She dared to hit my son!"
Gasps spread through the crowd.
---
Her mother-in-law's face darkened immediately.
"You hit a child?" she said sharply.
---
Before Mei Lin could answer—
Another voice joined.
"That's not surprising."
An older man stepped forward.
"She always had bad behavior."
---
Murmurs rose.
"Yes…"
"She used to go out often…"
"Talk to men…"
---
Someone said louder—
"She's a bad example for the children!"
---
Another added—
"She's married and still behaves improperly!"
---
The crowd began turning.
Whispers becoming accusations.
---
Ming Li's expression changed.
His hand tightened slightly.
He stepped forward—
Ready to speak.
---
But—
A hand stopped him.
---
Mei Lin.
---
She held his wrist gently.
Then shook her head.
"No."
Her voice was soft.
But firm.
---
He paused.
Looking at her.
---
She leaned slightly closer—
And whispered something.
---
Then—
She stepped back.
---
Their daughter moved forward.
---
Everyone fell silent.
---
The little girl—
Started crying.
---
Loud.
Sudden.
Real.
---
"What happened?" someone asked.
---
Her daughter wiped her tears and pointed.
"It was him!"
She pointed at Shen Guo's son.
"He bullied me!"
"He pushed me!"
"He said my mother ran away and won't come back!"
---
Gasps.
---
Before anyone could react—
Her cousins stepped forward.
Also crying.
"He bullies us too!"
"He hits us!"
"He always says bad things!"
---
The crowd shifted.
The direction changed.
---
Mei Lin stepped forward calmly.
"Yes," she said.
"I pulled his ears."
---
Silence.
---
"Because he was bullying my daughter."
"And other children."
---
Her voice was steady.
Clear.
---
More murmurs.
This time—
Different.
---
At that moment—
Other parents stepped forward.
"He's right—my child was bullied too."
"He always uses his grandfather's position!"
"We didn't say anything before…"
---
The situation turned.
---
Shen Guo's wife's face changed.
"This is nonsense!" she snapped.
"They're lying!"
---
But now—
Too many voices spoke.
---
Her father-in-law stepped forward.
His presence—
Commanding.
---
"That's enough."
---
Silence fell instantly.
---
He looked at the crowd.
Then at Shen Guo's wife.
---
"If what they say is true—"
His voice was firm.
"Then disciplining a child is not wrong."
---
A pause.
---
"Bullying is not acceptable in this brigade."
---
No one dared to disagree.
---
Shen Guo's wife clenched her fists.
But she had lost the ground.
---
Then—
Mei Lin spoke again.
---
"There's one more thing."
---
Everyone turned.
---
Her gaze swept the crowd.
Then landed on the young men standing at the back.
The brigade students.
---
"You all think I behaved improperly," she said calmly.
---
No one spoke.
But no one denied it either.
---
Mei Lin continued—
"I gave them money."
---
Shock.
---
"Because life is hard for them."
"They had no food sometimes."
"No support."
---
The young men lowered their heads.
Ashamed.
---
"I asked them to return it later," she added.
---
Silence spread again.
But this time—
Heavy with realization.
---
One of the boys spoke quietly—
"She's telling the truth…"
---
Another nodded.
"She helped us."
---
The whispers changed.
Again.
---
Not suspicion.
But understanding.
---
Her mother-in-law looked at her—
Stunned.
---
Her sister-in-law blinked repeatedly.
---
Ming Li—
Stood still.
Watching her.
---
As if seeing her clearly—
For the first time.
---
Mei Lin didn't raise her voice.
Didn't defend herself aggressively.
---
She just told the truth.
---
And the truth—
Was enough.
---
Shen Guo's wife stepped back.
Her face stiff.
---
The crowd slowly began to disperse.
---
And just like that—
The storm ended.
---
But this time—
Mei Lin didn't lose.
---
She stood there.
Calm.
Unshaken.
---
And the brigade—
Saw her differently.
The crowd had not fully dispersed.
Whispers still lingered in the air.
But the tension—
Had shifted.
---
Mei Lin stood calmly in front of everyone.
Her posture straight.
Her gaze steady.
---
Then—
She spoke.
---
"If anyone still has doubts," she said clearly,
"you can settle them now."
---
Everyone looked at her.
Confused.
---
She continued—
"To those I lent money—"
Her eyes moved toward the group of young men.
"Return it when you can."
"No rush."
"But don't forget."
---
The boys lowered their heads.
Ashamed.
Respectful.
---
Before anyone could react further—
She dropped another sentence.
---
"Tomorrow, we will register our marriage."
---
Silence.
---
Absolute silence.
---
Her mother-in-law blinked.
Her sister-in-law froze.
Even Ming Li—
Looked at her in shock.
---
"And the day after tomorrow," she added calmly,
"We'll hold a small banquet."
"Everyone is welcome."
---
The crowd erupted.
---
"They're registering?!"
"She's not leaving?!"
"A banquet too?!"
---
This—
Was no longer a rumor.
No longer uncertainty.
---
This was—
A declaration.
---
Her father-in-law stepped forward.
His voice cut through the noise.
---
"Enough."
---
The crowd quieted instantly.
---
He turned toward Shen Guo's wife.
His tone firm.
---
"As second-in-command, your family should set an example."
"Not create conflict."
---
A pause.
---
"Spreading rumors is wrong."
"Bullying is worse."
---
His eyes sharpened.
---
"If this happens again—"
"We will report it."
"To the police."
---
The words carried weight.
Authority.
Finality.
---
Shen Guo's wife's face turned pale.
She didn't speak again.
---
The crowd slowly dispersed.
But this time—
They left with different thoughts.
---
Respect.
Curiosity.
And—
A new understanding of Mei Lin.
---
But not everyone walked away peacefully.
---
At the edge of the crowd—
Zhang Xiu stood still.
---
Her hands clenched tightly.
Her eyes fixed on Mei Lin.
---
Shock filled her expression.
---
This is wrong.
---
In her previous life—
This never happened.
---
Mei Lin had left.
Divorced.
Walked away without hesitation.
---
Ming Li—
Had been alone.
Broken.
---
And she—
Zhang Xiu—
Had stepped in.
Saved him.
Saved his daughter.
---
Married him.
---
But even then—
He never loved her.
---
He never touched her.
Never gave her warmth.
Never looked at her the way he looked at Mei Lin.
---
All those years—
She lived beside him—
As his wife in name only.
---
And yet—
She had still been satisfied.
---
Because at least—
Mei Lin was gone.
---
But now—
---
Her breath grew uneven.
---
Why did things change?
---
Then—
A realization struck her.
---
Her eyes widened.
---
Yesterday…
---
She had woken up.
---
With memories.
---
Of another life.
---
Of everything that had happened.
---
She wasn't the only one.
---
"She came back too…"
Zhang Xiu whispered under her breath.
---
Her expression darkened.
---
In her past life—
She had lost his heart.
---
But this time—
She had thought she could change it.
---
Confess earlier.
Get closer to him.
Build their relationship.
Before Mei Lin could return.
---
She had been happy.
Certain.
---
But now—
---
"They're getting married…"
Her nails dug into her palms.
---
"No…"
---
Her eyes turned cold.
---
"I won't let this happen."
---
Her gaze fixed on Ming Li—
Then on Mei Lin.
---
In this life—
She wouldn't settle.
She wouldn't wait.
She wouldn't lose.
---
"He is mine."
---
The wind passed through the emptying courtyard.
---
Unseen.
Unheard.
---
A storm—
Had just begun.
Night fell over the brigade.
The hostel for educated youth was dimly lit, the air filled with low chatter and the rustle of bedding.
Most had already returned.
Tired after a long day.
Ready to sleep.
---
But not everyone.
---
Zhang Xiu stood near the corridor window.
Her expression calm.
But her eyes—
Cold.
Calculating.
---
A few young men sat nearby, talking quietly.
Among them—
One stood out.
Chen Wei.
---
He had always been different.
Quiet.
Reserved.
But his gaze—
Often lingered on one person.
---
Mei Lin.
---
Zhang Xiu had noticed long ago.
And now—
She would use it.
---
She stepped closer.
"Did you hear?" she said softly.
The group looked up.
---
"Mei Lin is getting a marriage certificate tomorrow."
---
Silence.
---
"What?" one of them asked.
---
Zhang Xiu sighed lightly.
Her tone carried sadness.
---
"It's not what you think."
---
The men frowned.
---
"She doesn't love him," Zhang Xiu said quietly.
---
Chen Wei's eyes lifted.
---
"She's being forced."
---
The words landed carefully.
Deliberately.
---
"She told me before…" Zhang Xiu continued, lowering her voice,
"She feels suffocated in that marriage."
---
The others exchanged looks.
---
"But…" one of them hesitated,
"she spends all her time with her husband now…"
---
Zhang Xiu gave a faint, bitter smile.
---
"Do you think a woman who truly loves her husband…"
She paused.
"…would spend so much time with other men before?"
---
Silence.
---
"She came to town often," Zhang Xiu added softly.
"Ate with you. Talked. Helped you."
---
Her eyes turned toward Chen Wei.
---
"No woman does that… unless she cares."
---
The air shifted.
---
Chen Wei's hand tightened slightly.
---
Because somewhere—
Deep inside—
He had thought the same.
---
Zhang Xiu saw it.
And pressed further.
---
"She didn't have a choice before," she said.
"But now…"
Her voice softened.
"This is your last chance."
---
Everyone went quiet.
---
"Tomorrow," she said gently,
"before the registration…"
"Go to her."
---
Chen Wei looked at her.
---
"…What do I say?"
---
Zhang Xiu met his eyes.
---
"Tell her how you feel."
---
A pause.
---
"Maybe she's just waiting for someone to stop her."
---
The words were soft.
Hopeful.
Dangerous.
---
The others shifted uncomfortably.
---
But Chen Wei—
Said nothing.
---
After a while—
The group slowly dispersed.
---
One by one—
They went back to their rooms.
---
Only two people remained.
---
Zhang Xiu.
And Chen Wei.
---
The silence stretched.
---
Finally—
Chen Wei turned.
And walked away.
---
He didn't answer.
But his steps—
Were not steady.
---
Zhang Xiu watched him go.
---
Then—
She laughed.
Soft.
Low.
---
"Go on," she whispered.
---
Her eyes darkened.
---
"Make a scene."
---
Because she knew—
Ming Li's father.
---
A man of discipline.
Reputation.
Honor.
---
If he saw even a hint—
Of scandal.
---
He would never allow the marriage certificate.
---
Never.
---
"And you…"
She murmured under her breath.
"…won't disappoint me."
---
She had planted the seed.
---
Now—
All she had to do—
Was wait.
---
"This life…"
Her lips curved slowly.
---
"Ming Li will be mine."
---
Outside—
The night deepened.
---
And somewhere—
A mistake was already beginning.
The courtyard slowly emptied.
The earlier conflict had faded, replaced by a calmer, steadier atmosphere.
For the first time—
No one spoke about divorce.
---
They gathered again inside.
This time—
Not with tension.
But with discussion.
---
Mei Lin stood quietly at the side.
She didn't interrupt.
Didn't lead.
She let the family speak.
---
Her father-in-law sat at the head.
Thinking.
Then he spoke.
---
"For the banquet…"
He looked at Mei Lin briefly.
"…you don't need to worry too much."
---
He reached into his pocket.
Took out money.
---
"Take this."
---
100 yuan.
---
"For meat and vegetables."
---
The room fell silent for a second.
That amount—
Was not small.
---
Mei Lin was about to refuse—
But Ming Li spoke first.
---
"Father, don't worry."
---
Everyone looked at him.
---
"We'll manage."
---
His voice was calm.
But firm.
---
"I have money."
---
A pause.
Then—
He added quietly,
"She also has income now."
---
That sentence—
Carried meaning.
---
It wasn't just about money.
It was acknowledgment.
---
Her mother-in-law's expression softened slightly.
---
Her sister-in-law blinked.
Then suddenly spoke—
---
"If we're doing this—let's do it properly."
---
Everyone turned to her.
---
"I'll call my younger sister," she said.
"She can come help with cooking."
---
She looked at Mei Lin.
Not with hostility.
But with practicality.
---
"So we don't rush everything."
---
Then she added,
"We'll hold the banquet at night."
---
Her brother-in-law nodded.
"That way people won't miss work in the fields."
---
Her father-in-law agreed.
"…Good."
---
Everything—
Fell into place.
---
Simple.
Efficient.
Real.
---
Mei Lin watched quietly.
Her fingers tightened slightly at her side.
---
In her past life—
This moment never existed.
---
There had been no planning.
No family discussion.
No banquet.
---
Only separation.
---
But now—
They were preparing a celebration.
---
For her.
---
Her chest felt warm.
And heavy at the same time.
---
She stepped forward slightly.
"I'll prepare everything well," she said softly.
---
Her mother-in-law nodded.
---
"Just don't make mistakes," she replied.
But her tone—
Was no longer harsh.
---
Ming Li stood nearby.
He didn't speak.
But his gaze lingered on Mei Lin for a moment longer than usual.
---
Then—
He looked away.
---
One step closer.
Still cautious.
Still guarded.
---
But no longer distant.
---
The discussion ended.
---
One by one—
Everyone returned to their own spaces.
---
The night settled quietly.
---
But this quiet—
Was different.
---
Not uncertain.
Not fragile.
---
It was the calm before something new.
---
A family—
Slowly coming together.
---
Unaware—
That outside—
Someone was already planning to tear it apart.
-