How Can a Construction Foreman Be the Public Girlfriend of a Top Celebrity? - Chapter 25

Chapter 25 

Zheng Ling understood instantly and said, “Then let’s pack two sets of clothes and stay overnight?”

Shu Xuan naturally agreed—she was more than willing to experience this kind of life.

Zheng Ling immediately returned to the bedroom to pack two sets of clothes. While Shu Xuan was still organizing her things, Zheng Ling brought over a suitcase so they could put everything in together.

“Teacher Shu, put it in here,” Zheng Ling said, opening up the suitcase where she had already packed her clothes.

Shu Xuan froze for a moment before placing her things inside too.

To her, putting intimate clothing together was something very personal. Apart from piling clothes with her younger sister when they were kids, she had never been this close to anyone else.

“Let’s go! Why are you zoning out?” Zheng Ling grabbed the suitcase with one hand and nudged Shu Xuan’s shoulder with her elbow.

Only then did Shu Xuan follow Zheng Ling out the door.

“Teacher Shu, let me tell you, that place is insanely nice—clear waters, green hills, starry skies. It’s still under development, but once the tourist site is finished, it’ll definitely be a hotspot,” Zheng Ling chatted while driving.

Shu Xuan hadn’t stayed in Nancheng long and wasn’t familiar with the environment. If it hadn’t been for the film shoot—if not for her marriage to Zheng Ling—she probably would’ve left Nancheng quickly.

“Boss Zheng always has a good eye.” Shu Xuan rolled down the window slightly. The morning breeze carried the fresh scent of rain and dew.

Zheng Ling continued, “Of course. Have you always lived in Jiangcheng?”

“Mm, only went to Beicheng for university after high school.” Shu Xuan’s hair fluttered in the wind as she squinted at the scenery. The treetops along the roadside were already turning yellow, and dry leaves rustled across the ground—it was already autumn.

“Was Beicheng happier than Nancheng?” Zheng Ling wasn’t sure why she asked this; it felt completely out of context.

Shu Xuan pondered seriously for a few seconds. “No. Beicheng is too vast, so vast that you lose sight of yourself—and of the future.”

Zheng Ling wanted to ask if being with her had made Shu Xuan happy, but she swallowed the question.

Instead, she said, “Then let’s go see the future together.”

Shu Xuan gently hummed in agreement, but the wind swallowed the sound, and Zheng Ling didn’t hear it.

When they arrived at the Tujia village in Nancheng, the sun was up and temperatures had risen. Zheng Ling parked the car; most of the construction team was already at work.

As Zheng Ling stepped out, Yang Lei walked over with a bowl of noodles, slurping loudly. Behind him, a group of workers squatted under the eaves eating.

“Ling-jie, you’re here so early,” Yang Lei said with his mouth full.

Then he noticed Shu Xuan beside Zheng Ling and casually greeted, “Saozi (sister-in-law), you came too.”

Shu Xuan nodded in reply, but Zheng Ling corrected him, “What sister-in-law—call her Teacher Shu.”

Yang Lei chuckled sheepishly, “Hahaha, Ling-jie’s even blushing. Alright, we’ll call her Teacher Shu.”

The workers under the eaves joined in, “Hello, Teacher Shu!”

Shu Xuan wasn’t shy in the face of this attention. She raised her hand elegantly and greeted them back.

“Uh,” Zheng Ling scratched her nose and said quietly, “Teacher Shu, let me show you around.”

“Sure.” Shu Xuan smiled and nodded.

The Tujia village had a rich ethnic flavor. Many buildings were white with blue beams, and their walls were adorned with hanging agricultural products and old farming tools.

Zheng Ling’s company developed the area with a commitment to maintaining the locals’ quality of life while preserving the ecology and traditional culture.

Nancheng Group’s designs focused on restoration, not drastic remodeling. Centuries-old covered bridges and towers—weathered by time—still stood strong on the land.

Zheng Ling introduced everything in detail. She had come with workers before construction started to scout the area. At the time, even cement roads were rare. They temporarily paved some for transport, which also benefited the villagers.

“Are the workers staying here?” Shu Xuan asked as they walked.

“No, there aren’t enough accommodations in the village. We just rent some villagers’ homes for cooking.” Zheng Ling reached out her hand when the uphill path became steep.

Shu Xuan had worn high heels that day, and it was hard to walk.

“Teacher Shu, want to swap shoes?” Zheng Ling asked, eyeing her towering heels.

“You sure?” Shu Xuan’s heels were already hurting. She didn’t refuse.

Zheng Ling found a large stone and had Shu Xuan sit. She knelt down and removed Shu Xuan’s heels.

“I forgot to tell you before we left—my bad,” Zheng Ling said as she set the heels aside. She tore off two large leaves and stepped on them barefoot.

Then she put her own sneakers on Shu Xuan’s feet. “How’s that? Fit alright?”

Looking at Zheng Ling kneeling before her, Shu Xuan briefly zoned out. Was this even real?

“Fits perfectly,” Shu Xuan replied.

Zheng Ling laced them up—her sneakers were indeed much more comfortable.

She herself slipped on Shu Xuan’s heels. Shu Xuan was worried she wouldn’t be able to walk.

But Zheng Ling bounced around in the heels like she had springs on her feet, even running faster than Shu Xuan.

At noon, they ate at a villager’s home. The elderly woman, A-Niang, was thrilled to see Zheng Ling and brought out preserved meats and sausages.

“Aiyo, Xiao-Zheng, it’s been so long since you last came!”

“A-Niang, that’s too much food,” Zheng Ling laughed, pushing the bowl back. “I’ve been busy lately and haven’t had time to visit.”

A-Niang pouted. “Eat it all! Or I won’t rent you the room anymore.”

Zheng Ling shook her head helplessly. “Alright, alright, I’ll listen to A-Niang.”

A-Niang had been cooking for the workers. Zheng Ling had rented a room from her to rest during construction rushes.

“And this is?” A-Niang looked toward Shu Xuan.

“This is my spouse—like, officially married kind of spouse,” Zheng Ling introduced.

“Ohhh, I heard she’s a great beauty. And she really is! So pretty. You two eat, I’ll go cook for the others,” A-Niang praised while heading off.

After lunch, Zheng Ling fetched the luggage from the car.

A-Niang was washing dishes in her rustic kitchen, older than Shu Xuan herself. The workers rested in the shade after their meal before getting back to work.

Shu Xuan helped wash the dishes. A-Niang scrubbed the grease, and Shu Xuan rinsed the suds under running water—an efficient team.

“Aiyo, girl, letting you help me wash—makes me feel bad,” A-Niang said as a small mountain of clean bowls stacked up next to Shu Xuan.

“Consider it post-meal exercise.” Shu Xuan smiled.

“What do you do?” A-Niang asked.

“I’m an actress, A-Niang.”

“An actress? Aiyo, no wonder you’re so pretty. Xiao-Zheng better treat you well.” A-Niang marveled. Her face was wrinkled but her eyes were sharp.

“Do you live alone, A-Niang?” Shu Xuan asked.

A-Niang sighed. “I used to live with my husband and son. They went out to work, but fell from a building. Now it’s just me.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Shu Xuan realized the question was a bit insensitive.

“Eh, it’s life. Lost the lawsuit, didn’t get any money.” A-Niang rinsed chopsticks. “I was going to work at a factory this year. Luckily, Xiao-Zheng rented my house and let me cook. Otherwise, I’d break down in no time.”

Shu Xuan quietly listened as A-Niang continued.

“Xiao-Zheng’s a good person. When adults want to work for her, she says their kids must go to school first. She says our village will get better—we won’t need to leave to work elsewhere. We’ll make a living here.”

Shu Xuan felt firsthand how tourism development could transform a struggling village. The regulations she once skimmed on paper could reshape lives.

Zheng Ling showed up with two pomegranates. “Teacher Shu, come rest and have some fruit. I’ll wash the dishes.”

There were still dishes left. Zheng Ling split the pomegranates by hand, set them on the wooden table, rolled up her sleeves, and began washing.

“Go eat—it’s sweet! The neighbor gave them to me,” she said, wiping sweat from her brow.

“They’re sweet, alright. Go eat!” A-Niang encouraged.

“Okay.” Shu Xuan rinsed her hands and sat, cradling a pomegranate half, watching Zheng Ling wash.

Zheng Ling had swapped the heels for slippers, but her ankles were already marked red.

“Xiao-Zheng, how long till this place is done?” A-Niang asked.

“Probably by next summer. It’ll officially open by year-end,” Zheng Ling replied as she stacked clean dishes.

“That’s good. Means I get to cook longer,” A-Niang said with a smile.

“No worries, A-Niang. Once the tourists come, you’ll make money just sitting outside selling traditional crafts,” Zheng Ling reassured her.

“All done.” Zheng Ling wiped her hands on her shirt.

The workers were already back on site.

Zheng Ling brought Shu Xuan to the construction area. The heat was sweltering, and they sat under a tree for shade.

Shu Xuan still held her pomegranate, gently plucking seeds and popping them into her mouth. The sweetness cooled the heat.

“Hot?” Zheng Ling asked.

“Not too bad.” Shu Xuan watched the workers repairing stone walls that towered over them, supporting the crumbling hillside.

“I’ll show you my wind-summoning technique,” Zheng Ling said mysteriously.

“Huh?” Shu Xuan turned her head, puzzled.

Zheng Ling whistled—and sure enough, a breeze blew past moments later.

“See? Amazing, right?” Zheng Ling tilted her head back, enjoying the wind.

Shu Xuan didn’t know if it was coincidence or real. “Impressive, Boss Zheng.”

“Doesn’t that deserve a kiss?” Zheng Ling leaned in.

Shu Xuan had just taken a bite of pomegranate and was about to reply when her phone rang.

It was her sister, Shu Ming.

“Hey, Sis, you okay? I’ve been stuck in the lab for days, just saw your news,” Shu Ming’s voice was anxious.

Shu Xuan glanced at the pouting Zheng Ling and smiled. “I’m fine.”

“Really? I’ll take leave and come home to be with you.”

“No need,” Shu Xuan said. “Besides, I have Zheng Ling.”

Shu Ming paused. “Alright, as long as you’re okay. Gotta run—my professor’s calling.”

“Do you have enough money?” Shu Xuan asked.

“Yeah, and don’t buy me clothes and bags anymore. Just be well. Be happy with your… wife. That’s all I want.”

Zheng Ling, eavesdropping with her ear nearly on Shu Xuan’s face, finally grinned in satisfaction.

“Okay. Take care of yourself.” Shu Xuan ended the call.

Zheng Ling snatched the pomegranate from her hands. “No kiss? No fruit!”

“Boss Zheng, you’re so petty.” Shu Xuan laughed and turned away, and Zheng Ling chased after her.

That night, they sat in A-Niang’s courtyard under the stars and moon. Unlike the bright city skyline, the mountains offered serene beauty.

They sat on a bench, hands resting beside them. Only the sound of insects and birds filled the air—no engines, no noise.

“Teacher Shu, is it comfortable here?” Zheng Ling looked up at the crescent moon.

Shu Xuan gave a soft “mm.” “Boss Zheng, thank you.”

“For what?” Zheng Ling asked.

“For…” Shu Xuan hadn’t finished when a few young girls’ laughter interrupted.

A few six- or seven-year-old girls ran up.

One with braided pigtails said, “Sister Ling, A-Niang said you were here, so we came!”

“So late and still not asleep?” Zheng Ling playfully pinched a cheek.

Another girl in pajamas said, “We came to show you our red flowers! We all got red flowers!”

The red flowers were paper tokens given by school for good behavior.

“I got double 100s!”

“Me too!”

“You’re all amazing!” Zheng Ling patted a head. “When I was little, I never got red flowers… boohoo…”

Shu Xuan watched her play with the kids—how could someone be so adorable?

“Then here! You can have this one—we’ll earn more next time!” a girl gave her flower.

“Thank you. Now go sleep. Next time I’ll bring you something yummy.”

“I want to sleep with Sister Ling!”

“No, I’m sleeping with her!”

As the kids bickered, Shu Xuan calmly said, “Sister Ling is sleeping with me.”

Zheng Ling burst out laughing. She coaxed the kids to leave.

“Let’s go, Teacher Shu. Time to sleep with Sister Ling,” Zheng Ling grinned, holding the red flower.

Shu Xuan lightly punched her shoulder. “You talk nonsense.”

After two days in the village, they returned to Nancheng.

Zheng Ling had a meeting with Secretary Chen, so Shu Xuan stayed home.

The film crew hadn’t asked her to return yet. Datu just finished resolving some contract issues.

Netizens had noticed Shu Xuan’s Weibo was muted and began arguing online.

People speculated whether it was due to her public statements.

But most topics were quickly censored, and Datu’s team didn’t even need PR.

Photos of Shu Xuan and Zheng Ling visiting “Heaven on Earth” also surfaced. Haters cheered, saying Shu Xuan finally fell from grace—reduced to lounging at home.

Others, however, formed grassroots protest groups, pleading for her Weibo to be unbanned and for the protesting girls to be exonerated.

But such voices were like ants in a flood. Still, they rushed forward like moths to flame.

While Shu Xuan was cooking, the doorbell rang.

Holding a spatula, she opened the door. “Back already?”

But it wasn’t Zheng Ling.

Three people in black suits stood there—one woman and two men. They looked serious and showed credentials.

“Hello, Teacher Shu Xuan. We’re from the ‘Marriage Center.’ We’d like to ask you a few questions,” the woman said, her hair slicked back with mousse.

“Hello.” Shu Xuan greeted them calmly, as if holding a luxury purse. “Please wait, I’ll change.”

She closed the door, turned off the gas, and changed into a CHANEL dress.

She welcomed them into the tea room and served tea.

“Let’s get to the point,” she said, sipping her tea.

“Due to your recent online statements, which seriously hinder the marriage-matching policy, we’re here to remind you to watch your words,” the woman said mechanically.

Shu Xuan slowly set down her cup. “A reminder—or a warning?”

“What do you think?” one man asked.

“Surely your spouse is also being questioned. If not for yourself, think about her.”

Shu Xuan smiled faintly. “She and I? We were randomly matched. There’s no emotion. What should I consider?”

“Really?” the woman’s tone remained cold.

Shu Xuan’s smile stiffened. “You guess.”

“…” The agents hadn’t expected that answer.

“This is your first warning. Don’t repeat this, or your life and credit will be affected.”

“Understood,” Shu Xuan replied.

Seeing she had no desire to continue, they cut to the chase: “If you insist on spreading prohibited content, we’ll have to intervene in both your and your spouse’s careers.”

Shu Xuan thought of the village children, the workers, the families depending on them.

She gave in.

In the past, she only had herself to worry about. But once you care about others, you become vulnerable.

“Fine. I won’t post anything else,” Shu Xuan said, eyes unyielding. She believed one day she’d stand higher—free to choose her own path.

The agents had her sign a non-disclosure agreement and reinstated her Weibo.

Soon after, the film crew called her back to work.