A Good Country Wife
Chapter 275 - 269: It’s Deliberate_1

Chapter 275: Chapter 269: It’s Deliberate_1

"It’s okay, he’s your older brother after all, and as your husband, I should show some courtesy to my brother-in-law. It’s nothing to be slighted by him as long as you, my wife, are happy." Zhao Erhu now found it easy to coax his wife with such words, and no longer felt awkward like before. Indeed, this is what he really thought. Before, he suspected Lin Qing had ulterior motives, but now seeing Lin Qing’s sincere concern for Lin Yue, his attitude naturally changed.

Lin Yue, now often cajoled by Zhao Erhu, was less trusting of his words, casting a doubtful look at him, "Zhao Erhu, when did you become so enlightened? Why weren’t you like this before? What’s your angle? Spit it out! Be honest with me, or you can plan on sleeping on the floor tonight."

"Wife, I swear I’m telling the truth. At first, I thought this brother-in-law of mine was unreliable, always trying to push you towards other men, but now it seems that’s not entirely the case. At the very least, he truly has your best interests at heart, even though his methods are a bit misguided. But that can change. As long as he sees that my love for you is real and that you’re truly happy now, he’ll eventually come around and recognize me as your brother-in-law. Then, you’ll indeed have a family member who sincerely cares for you."

Lin Yue listened and felt her eyes growing moist; she thumped Zhao Erhu’s chest softly, "Zhao Erhu, are you doing this on purpose?"

"What? Wife, what’s wrong? Did I say something that upset you? Don’t cry! You know I can’t stand to see you cry. It pains me. Good wife, if you’re unhappy about something, scold me or hit me, just don’t take it out on yourself. It’s not worth it." Zhao Erhu frantically tried to comfort her, not knowing why his little wife suddenly looked like she was about to burst into tears.

"Zhao Erhu, you’re definitely doing this on purpose, trying to move me on purpose, right? So that I’ll stay by your side for life and never leave, that’s why you said all that. You know this is what gets to me the most. Didn’t I already say I won’t leave? You’re going overboard." Lin Yue was rarely cared for and valued by anyone like this, and her way of showing gratitude was just as awkward.

Zhao Erhu, hearing his little wife, realized that Niuniu had been touched by his words. Looking at his wife, she was indeed different from others; a little kindness and she would be immensely moved. She was truly adorable and irresistible, as if it were impossible not to cherish her and hold her dear.

Zhao Erhu stroked his wife’s little head, "Yes, I did it on purpose. I want you to stay by my side for life, for me to dote on, to love, and to grow old together."

After leaving the Zhao Family, Lin Qing returned to Shanglin Village. Jiang Wenshu, anxious to know about Lin Yue’s recent situation, had been waiting at the entrance of the village. Seeing Lin Qing back, he couldn’t wait to ask, "Aqing, how has Xiaoyue been doing recently, is she okay? Has that brute been mistreating her? If that brute dares to mistreat Xiaoyue, I’ll fight him with my life on the line."

Listening to Jiang Wenshu talk like this, it turned out that the term "boor" was something Lin Qing had picked up from Jiang Wenshu, having heard it so often that it had made its way into his speech. Seeing Jiang Wenshu like this, Lin Qing helplessly shook his head. It seemed that his younger sister was living a good life; what should he do? If his sister never remembered Jiang Wenshu, that was one thing, but what if she did?

"Wenshu, don’t worry, Xiaoyue is doing very well. Zhao Erhu has been good to Xiaoyue; she’s been well taken care of by him. She’s grown taller and put on weight, making her even more beautiful than before. I remember when Xiaoyue was just a little maid, and now she has grown into a beautiful young lady," Lin Qing said, his expression softening as he spoke of his sister, whom he had treasured since they were children.

When Lin Qing spoke like this, Jiang Wenshu seemed to picture Lin Yue as she was now, "Yes, Xiaoyue is becoming more and more beautiful. I noticed that the last time I went to see her. By the way, did you give Xiaoyue the pastries I bought for her? Did she like them? If she did, I’ll buy her some more next time. That pastry shop is said to be favored by many daughters and wives of well-to-do families. I thought Xiaoyue would like it; I waited in a long line to get them."

"She probably liked them. I didn’t ask; I just had a brief chat with Xiaoyue before I left," Lin Qing said, pausing for a moment before finally voicing the concern he had held back, "Wenshu, the truth is, Xiaoyue is living a good life now. Both Zhao Erhu and those children get along well with her. She seems satisfied with her current life; I hope we don’t disturb it."

Jiang Wenshu had already sensed the change in Lin Qing’s attitude from his words but was unwilling to acknowledge and believe it. Now that Lin Qing had put it so bluntly, Jiang Wenshu became agitated, "Aqing, what do you mean by that? You said you would support me, so why have you changed your stance now? What has that boor done to make you waver from your previous decision? I love Xiaoyue so much; no matter what she has become, I am willing to marry her. You promised to help me. Aren’t we good brothers? We will be Xiaoyue’s family in the future. You can’t waver in your faith. If you falter, what am I supposed to do? I won’t give up on Xiaoyue!"

Jiang Wenshu’s words came out in a near frenzy. He hadn’t always been so fond of Lin Yue; although he would occasionally visit her, it was mostly when invited by Lin Qing, and his feelings for her seemed more like those of siblings, seeing her as a sensible and sweet younger sister. It was only after Lin Yue had been sold by her parents that Jiang Wenshu really began to miss her virtues, especially when he saw her at the Zhao Family’s village. The young girl he had watched grow up had become ever more beautiful and vibrant, capturing his heart in an instant.

"Wenshu, calm down! I did not say that I recognize Zhao Erhu as my brother-in-law, but I have to consider Xiaoyue’s feelings. If she truly thinks her present life is good, how can I, as her brother, bear to ruin it? Our parents disliked girls, considering them worthless and belonging to someone else. She was scolded and beaten by them since she was little and was treated like a maid, never having a good life. I just want her to be happy." Between his good friend and his sister, Lin Qing would unhesitatingly choose his sister, not just because of family ties but also due to the guilt of not having taken good care of her.

"Xiaoyue is only like this because she has lost her memory. Once she remembers, she won’t think this way anymore and will surely regret it!"

"But who can know if Xiaoyue will ever remember? What if she never regains her memory?!" Lin Qing was also very troubled by the matter. He finished speaking and then strode away.