Stealing My Stepsister's Fiancée - Chapter 30

Chapter 30: Jiejie is Jealous

“Of course I’ll come back.” Ni Hezhi lowered her head and affectionately lay on the grandmother’s lap: “Grandma, I’ll come back to take you all with me.”

Her face was tilted up, her neck long and slender, and a strand of hair was stuck to her cheek. Her serene and gentle appearance made the sunset glow seem exceptionally beautiful.

The old woman’s heart was swollen with warmth. Such a cozy scene had only ever appeared in her dreams.

She extended her withered hand and gently stroked Ni Hezhi’s cheek: “Our A’Yu is so lucky to have met such a good girl as Zhizhi.”

The grandmother smiled to herself, then suddenly changed the topic: “That child, A’Yu, is very sincere. When her father was sick, he could only get surgery because the villagers pooled money together. Whether it’s a debt of money or a debt of kindness, that child remembers it all. If anyone in the village has a problem and asks for help, she never refuses.”

The grandmother rambled on for a while before bringing the conversation back: “Take that girl from the Qiu family, for example. She either forgets her homework or her books and comes running to my house every other day. A’Yu only helps her out of respect for her father. But this child is very good at knowing her place. She knows the difference between her own people and outsiders.”

“Grandma…” Ni Hezhi understood the hidden meaning in the old woman’s words. Her cheeks felt a little warm as she complained coyly, “Why are you telling me all this? I… I didn’t ask.”

“Oh~ then Grandma was just being a busybody.” The old woman’s smile widened as she deliberately teased her: “Let that stubborn donkey stay confused, thinking others are genuinely in need and being so kind as to help…”

“Grandma, you can’t let her do that…” Ni Hezhi grew anxious, nervously interrupting the old woman’s words: “She’s so dense, how can she tell good from bad? You should remind her more often.”

The old woman was beside herself with laughter: “Oh dear, isn’t Grandma afraid of being a busybody and annoying someone?”

Ni Hezhi instantly realized what was happening. She grabbed the old woman’s arm, shaking it a few times in a mix of shyness and indignation: “Grandma, you’re making fun of me!”

The old woman smiled and stopped teasing her: “The sun is halfway down the mountain. A’Yu will be home soon.”

She stood up shakily and pointed to the corner: “Zhizhi, go get the broom for Grandma. I’ll sweep the floor, and we’ll eat as soon as A’Yu gets back.”

Ni Hezhi quickly stood up to support the grandmother: “Grandma, you go inside and rest. I’ll sweep.”

“Oh, our Zhizhi knows how to sweep now?” The old woman’s smile grew wider: “Then Grandma will be able to enjoy a peaceful life with you all from now on.”

“Grandma!” Ni Hezhi’s face turned completely red. Her voice couldn’t hide a young girl’s shyness: “If you keep making fun of me, I won’t chat with you tonight.”

The old woman pretended to be confused: “Huh? What did I say?”

Ni Hezhi drew out the end of her words: “Grandma~”

“Alright, alright, Grandma won’t say anything.” The old woman smiled, letting Ni Hezhi help her to a wicker chair.

Ni Hezhi poured a cup of warm water for the grandmother, then turned and walked into the small courtyard. She picked up the broom and began sweeping from the inner room outwards, occasionally looking up at the intersection.

The golden-orange light of the sunset sprinkled on the cobblestone path, as if a layer of fine gold dust had been laid down. Su Yu was pulling a small flatbed cart, hurrying home. When she reached the intersection, she slowed down slightly, reaching into her school uniform pocket. Two sweet, roasted sweet potatoes, wrapped in a paper bag and then a handkerchief, were hot to the touch.

The corners of Su Yu’s lips lifted unconsciously. Ni Hezhi was very picky about her food, complaining if it was too cold or too hot. This temperature was just right.

She walked this cobblestone path every day. In the past, seeing the scattered lights of the village would magnify the loneliness in her heart.

Although she wasn’t all alone, the atmosphere at home was so oppressive it was suffocating. Su Yu was afraid of seeing her grandmother’s worried frowns and her sister’s timid, withdrawn eyes.

What other people’s lives were like was their business and had nothing to do with her. Deep down, she envied the cheerful, lively family atmosphere, but she remained silent and alone in the dark, day after day.

Maybe it was because she had never tasted happiness before that this period of time felt especially sweet.

While working during the day, Su Yu smiled to herself all day long, causing Miao Hailu to look at her repeatedly and suspiciously ask if she had won the lottery.

Su Yu just smiled without a word. She had never been so full of energy when working. She wanted to finish quickly so she could get home earlier.

The thought of Ni Hezhi waiting for her at home made Su Yu uncontrollably happy.

There was a light ahead, lit just for her.

Everything was getting better, moving forward.

For her, life seemed to have finally cleared, the clouds giving way to a sunny sky.

Su Yu was afraid that Ni Hezhi had been waiting for a long time and was hungry, so she quickened her pace, completely unaware of the figure trailing behind her, jogging to catch up.

“A’Yu~ wait for me~” Qiu Xiaoxia stopped beside Su Yu, walking alongside her, a smile on her lips: “My dad just came to find you… Did he say anything?”

Su Yu’s gaze landed on her for a second before retracting. She continued walking: “The party secretary said the village is cooperating with the county on a ‘Spark Project.’ From now on, the vegetables grown in Tong Village won’t have to be taken to the market to be sold. A special person will come to collect them, and payment will be settled at the end of the month.”

Qiu Xiaoxia stared unblinkingly at Su Yu’s profile, saying shyly, “So did he also say… he wanted me to learn how to keep the books with you?”

“Mm.” Su Yu’s tone was indifferent, and her expression was cold.

Qiu Xiaoxia blinked: “Did my dad… say anything else?”

“No.” Her voice was even flatter than before.

Q-Qiu Xiaoxia’s bright smile gradually faded. Two days ago, she had pestered her dad to propose a marriage to Su Yu’s family, but there had been no definite answer yet. She wondered if she should just ask Su Yu directly. Then, she thought that since her dad had already gone to their home, it was better to leave the negotiation to the parents of both sides. Otherwise, it would look like she was throwing herself at him.

After a few seconds of pondering, Su Yu suddenly turned her head and looked over: “Qiu Xiaoxia, they’re showing a movie at the end of the month. Can you help me save one more seat?”

Su Yu had never asked a girl to watch a movie with her before. She wondered how she should bring it up to Ni Hezhi and if she would look down on an outdoor movie in a small mountain village. But it couldn’t hurt to save a seat first. Otherwise, they wouldn’t even be able to squeeze in.

Qiu Xiaoxia was slightly stunned. Su Yu had already asked her to save two seats that day, and now she wanted another one. Was it for Shu Hui?

Su Yu was asking her to watch a movie, but she still wanted to bring that annoying tag-along. Where was the romance in that?

Qiu Xiaoxia was secretly annoyed, but she didn’t show it on her face. She knew Su Yu always took good care of her family. She pretended to be “loving everything Su Yu loved” and readily agreed: “That’s no problem. I just have to tell my dad.”

“Thank you.” A faint smile appeared at the corner of Su Yu’s lips.

Qiu Xiaoxia turned her head to look at Su Yu again, her gaze passionate and bold.

Su Yu felt the gaze from the side and frowned uncomfortably: “Aren’t you going home?”

Qiu Xiaoxia pouted and asked in return, “What, you don’t welcome me at your house?”

Su Yu’s lips moved: “We didn’t make any extra food, you should just…”

“Look at you being so stingy!” Qiu Xiaoxia interrupted her, smiling widely as she leaned her face toward Su Yu’s waist, her nose flaring: “Wow, roasted sweet potatoes… they smell so good. Su Yu, you just said you didn’t make any extra food, but I can at least have a roasted sweet potato, right?”

Su Yu refused without a second thought: “No, you can’t have this.”

The corners of Qiu Xiaoxia’s lips involuntarily straightened. She asked tentatively, “Are they for Shu Hui?”

Su Yu didn’t say anything, but her facial expression visibly softened. Her peach-blossom eyes were like a mirror, reflecting her emotions directly. That kind of subtle, joyful happiness was about to overflow.

How could Qiu Xiaoxia not notice?

She bit her lip hard, determined to find out today who Su Yu was saving these roasted sweet potatoes for, treating them like a treasure.

The two of them walked on in silence. Seeing that Qiu Xiaoxia was acting like she was going home with her, Su Yu frowned in distress, hesitating whether to tell her to leave. Suddenly, a sweet voice came from beside them.

“Su Yu~ you’re finally home.”

The dim glow of the sunset passed over the rolling mountains, casting a dazzling golden light on the ground.

Su Yu saw a colorful ripple flowing in Ni Hezhi’s eyes.

It was so gentle and beautiful that it made her heart tremble.

Ni Hezhi was also looking at Su Yu without blinking, her petal-like lips slightly curved.

A moment later, she shifted her gaze, put down the broom, and prepared to help Su Yu with the flatbed cart. But her eyes froze when she saw the person behind her. Before she could react, the person had already walked over to her.

“Hello, I’m Qiu Xiaoxia. I grew up with A’Yu.”

Qiu Xiaoxia extended her hand to her, smiling warmly and politely: “You’re a guest at A’Yu’s house, right? A’Yu is usually very busy, spending most of her time working in the fields. If you feel bored, you can come and play with me. My house is next to the commune, a three-story white Western-style house. You can see it at a glance.”

Ni Hezhi was stunned. Wasn’t this the girl who was chatting and laughing with Su Yu by the river?

Wait a minute!

What was her name again?

Qiu Xiaoxia…

So… she was the girl who wanted to marry into Su Yu’s family.

Heh!

She said she didn’t like Qiu Xiaoxia in front of the whole family that day, but then she turned around and brought her home.

Stupid goofball, are you planning on “fishing” me?

Ni Hezhi’s eyes, like daggers, shot over to Su Yu. Su Yu, hit between the eyebrows, felt her heart leap into her throat. She didn’t know why, but any expression of displeasure from Ni Hezhi could throw her into a panic.

It felt like the sky was falling.

Su Yu parted her lips to say something, but Qiu Xiaoxia suddenly blocked her, obstructing her line of sight to Ni Hezhi.

Qiu Xiaoxia’s hand remained extended for a handshake. There was no trace of the hostility from their first meeting on her face. Her smile was even more dazzling: “Everyone in Tong Village knows that Su Yu and I have the best relationship. Her friends are my friends. If you need anything, just come find me. My dad is the village party secretary, and there’s nothing he can’t handle. Oh, by the way, there’s a market in town in a couple of days. Should I take you to have a look?”

What kind of a green-tea, declaration-of-sovereignty speech was this?

On the surface, it sounded like a warm invitation, but in reality, it was a warning to stay away from Su Yu.

Ni Hezhi met her gaze. Qiu Xiaoxia was still smiling faintly, but upon closer inspection, the smile was only superficial and didn’t reach her eyes.

What a considerate, gentle, and proper childhood friend.

Ni Hezhi thought Su Yu’s childhood friend should take up acting as an elective. Maybe she would become famous overnight.

Ni Hezhi couldn’t be a two-faced person. Her thoughts were all written on her face, and her impatience was evident: “I’m sweeping. Please move aside and don’t step in the dirt.”

Qiu Xiaoxia immediately leaned closer to Su Yu, as if she had been terribly wronged. She looked up with teary eyes: “A’Yu, did I say something wrong?”

Su Yu hadn’t heard a word Qiu Xiaoxia said. She was in a panic because Ni Hezhi’s face looked terrible. Her eyebrows were tightly furrowed, and she was on the verge of anger.

Su Yu didn’t know what she had done to make her angry. Just a moment ago, she was smiling so beautifully at her.

Qiu Xiaoxia reached out, wanting to grab Su Yu’s arm, but she saw Su Yu quickly turn and pull out the steaming roasted sweet potatoes from her pocket, presenting them to Ni Hezhi like a treasure.

Qiu Xiaoxia’s face changed in an instant, her expression visibly darkening.

Su Yu opened the handkerchief wrapped around the sweet potatoes, looking a little flustered: “I roasted them with firewood. I kept an eye on the fire while I was working. They’re just right.”

She added another sentence: “I kept them in my pocket, so they’re still warm…”

Ni Hezhi’s gaze fell on the two steaming sweet potatoes. The journey from the fields to the village took at least ten minutes. They were still steaming, which meant Su Yu had put them in her pocket right after pulling them out of the fire.

She wasn’t wearing much in the summer. A thin handkerchief couldn’t block such a high temperature. She wondered if this goofball had gotten burned.

Ni Hezhi was a little worried, mixed with an unspeakable heartache. But when her gaze swept back, she met Qiu Xiaoxia’s cold and icy stare.

Like a venomous snake, she was staring maliciously at her from where Su Yu couldn’t see.

Ni Hezhi’s heart tightened slightly. The childhood friend indeed had ulterior motives for Su Yu.

She could tell from their first meeting, but this blockhead Su Yu hadn’t noticed anything for so long. Ni Hezhi’s anger instantly flared up.

She shot a harsh glare at Su Yu.

Was that childhood friend starving or homeless?

Why were you so eager to bring her home?

She was so full of anger she couldn’t eat anything!

“I don’t want them. It’s vegetables and steamed buns every day… What a terrible place. There isn’t even a KFC.” Ni Hezhi, when she was angry, was like a lit gas tank, ready to blow up everything within a ten-mile radius.

She waved the broom hard, the bamboo branches scraping against Su Yu’s foot: “Go away! Can’t you see I’m sweeping? Your shoe soles are full of mud. Now I have to sweep all over again.”

A pampered young lady was a pampered young lady. She had the innate advantage of a superior person. She glared at Su Yu from the corner of her eye. Su Yu’s hand, held in mid-air, was slowly lowered. She looked like a child who had done something wrong, a hazy sense of loneliness spilling from her eyes.

Qiu Xiaoxia watched Su Yu silently, the creases on her brows deepening. The pretense of friendliness had completely crumbled.

In Qiu Xiaoxia’s memory, Su Yu didn’t talk much and always had the same expression on her face. She was distant to everyone, as if a veil separated them.

But her gaze toward Ni Hezhi was so focused. Qiu Xiaoxia had never seen the subtle smile on her face just now, nor the obvious disappointment on her face at this moment.

So, Su Yu also had a rich variety of expressions.

She could be happy, and she could be sad…

Qiu Xiaoxia began to feel uneasy. Her eyes, like a venomous snake’s, were fixed on Ni Hezhi, as if she would devour her in the next second.

Ni Hezhi was used to being pampered and naturally disdained catering to others’ moods. Her heart was inexplicably heavy and uncomfortable. Even her movements were tinged with a desire to vent her frustration. The broom “swish-swished” across the ground. A gust of wind blew the raised dust, and she suddenly felt a sharp pain in her eye.

“Ugh, it hurts…” Ni Hezhi instinctively dropped the broom to rub her eye.

Su Yu was walking into the house with her head down, carrying a basket. When she heard the sound, she immediately turned around. Seeing Ni Hezhi frowning and rubbing her eye, she dropped the basket and sprinted toward her.

Su Yu grabbed Ni Hezhi’s hand that was rubbing her eye, cupped her face, and asked with her head down: “Did dust get in your eye?”

Ni Hezhi was still angry. She tried to shake her hand free, but it was held even tighter. Because her eyes were closed, she couldn’t see Su Yu’s expression, but she could hear her slightly anxious voice from above.

“Don’t move. Let me see.”

Ni Hezhi was at a disadvantage, but her mouth was still stubborn: “Who wants you to look? It’s all your fault, for bringing that person…”

Realizing that her words could be misinterpreted, Ni Hezhi swallowed the phrase “for bringing that person back” and grumbled, changing the topic: “It’s all your fault for stepping in the dirt on the floor I just swept.”

This sudden “unjust accusation” stunned Su Yu for a moment. A moment later, she apologized softly, her tone as gentle as if she were comforting someone: “I’m sorry.”

Ni Hezhi was unexpectedly taken aback. A few seconds later, the corners of her lips curved into a small smile. The heavy frustration in her heart seemed to dissipate a little.

Su Yu saw that she had stopped moving. She placed her thumb on her eyelid, gently and carefully lifting it to look for the dust in her eye.

Ni Hezhi’s eyelashes trembled continuously. She instinctively tried to rub her eye. Su Yu sensed her intention and increased the pressure of her hand a little. Ni Hezhi couldn’t get away. The hand she had raised was also pulled down by Su Yu in time.

“Don’t move. Rubbing it hard will damage your cornea.”

Su Yu very carefully lifted her eyelid and saw a tiny speck of dust attached to the white of her eye. Her lips slowly moved closer, and she blew gently.

The breath that swept over was warm, like a piece of burning charcoal had been dropped into the air, using the heart as fuel to burn the chest.

Ni Hezhi’s vision was obstructed, and she felt even more like she was on fire. For some reason, a scene of her and Su Yu kissing intimately on the stuffy small bed on a rainy day flashed in her mind.

Just by leaning against Su Yu like this, a strange ripple stirred in her heart. She wanted so badly to be closer to her, even closer.

As Ni Hezhi thought this, she couldn’t help but wrap her arms around Su Yu’s waist, pressing her body against her. She lifted her chin and said coquettishly, “My eye hurts so much…”

Their breaths intertwined ambiguously. Su Yu’s heartbeat was deafening, but she quietly freed one hand and wrapped it around Ni Hezhi’s waist. The shadow cast by her long eyelashes hid her expression, but the arm holding Ni Hezhi’s slender waist tightened slightly, a movement so gentle that no one could notice.

She silently massaged Ni Hezhi’s eyelid, maintaining the position for about half a minute. Ni Hezhi’s eyes stung, and the dust was brought out by her tears.

“Is it better?” Su Yu used her thumb to wipe away the tear forced from Ni Hezhi’s eye. She said gently, “Try opening your eye.”

Ni Hezhi closed her eye and rolled her eyeball, then slowly opened it, meeting Su Yu’s tense and concerned gaze.

“How is it? Can you move it?”

Su Yu’s dark eyes gazed at her, and with the light of the sunset, her eyes and brows overflowed with tenderness.

In all her twenty years of life, Ni Hezhi had never seen such beautiful eyes. They were dark yet bright, like they held the starlight, with no other thoughts attached.

They were a pair of eyes where only she existed in the pupils.

Seeing Ni Hezhi in a daze, Su Yu anxiously repeated her question: “Can you still move it?”

Ni Hezhi came back to her senses and quietly said “mm.” A faint pink blush appeared on her cheeks: “It’s better.”

Su Yu’s tense nerves finally relaxed, and a small parentheses-like smile appeared at the corner of her lips.

In all the time Ni Hezhi had been in Tong Village, she had rarely seen such an obvious smile from Su Yu. The corners of her long, narrow eyes turned up, and the crease of her double eyelids deepened. When she smiled, her facial expressions became vivid all at once.

Happy and a little shy.

It was so beautiful that it was hard to look away.

Ni Hezhi looked at Su Yu, and Su Yu also looked at Ni Hezhi.

Their eyes met, and their two heartbeats, at different frequencies, intertwined.

Thump, thump, thump…

Standing not far away, Qiu Xiaoxia silently watched the scene. The hand hanging at her side unconsciously curled into a fist, her nails digging deeply into her palm.