"Ugh! The heavens are unfair, letting Sun Lijuan live so well while you have to suffer." She patted Sun Chan on the shoulder.
Sun Chan smiled but said nothing. The heavens had already given her a chance to be reborn, which was merciful enough.
While the two of them were outside strolling, inside the room, Lin Hongmei was struggling to wash sheets and duvet covers.
Lin Hongmei was crouching on the floor washing, while a man lay on another bed, carefree, his long legs swinging, looking like he couldn't care less.
"Can't you help me?" Lin Hongmei was full of anger.
"How can I help you? I don't even wash my own clothes at home." Han Dong yawned, looking out the window.
"You don't care now, but if she speaks out, I'm done for."
"What's the big deal? Just deny it. It's not like we've been caught in the act or pinned to the bed." Han Dong suddenly sat up, looking at Lin Hongmei, "Right, do you know the girl with Wang Dan? What's her name?"
Upon hearing this, Lin Hongmei got anxious and slammed her clothes into the basin: "What do you mean? I'm with you, and you're thinking about someone else?"
She had been arguing with Wang Dan just now and hadn't noticed what the girl behind her looked like. She wasn't stupid; hearing Han Dong's words ignited her anger instantly.
Han Dong said nothing, while Lin Hongmei, her hands still soapy, pointed at him, "Asking about another woman in front of me? What do you take me for? Are you playing me?"
Han Dong, smiling, grabbed her hand, "Do you need to be so angry? I was just asking casually."
"Cut it out!" Lin Hongmei's chest heaved with anger, her eyes wide: "I'm a girl from a decent family, not some shameless woman. I'm with you because you said you'd marry me. Are you bored now that you've got me and want to dump me? If you dare to dump me, I'll accuse you of being a rogue. If I can't have it good, neither can you!"
In the past, fooling around could land you in jail, even get you executed. But now it's just a two-month detention. Han Dong had been there before, just dreaded the nagging from his family, especially his brother, who was fiercely ruthless. What if he found out and broke Han Dong's legs?
Han Dong quickly, smilingly, grabbed her hand, "I was just asking casually, why so angry? That country girl doesn't catch my eye. She was making eyes at me when she came through the door. I found it amusing."
Lin Hongmei, upon hearing this, cursed instantly, "Shameless! Doesn't she see who she is, having delusions about my man!" The little vixen Wang Dan brought back wasn't decent. Trying to hook up with my guy at first sight, is she out of her mind?
Han Dong tilted his head, catching sight of her shirt collar, loose and revealing whiteness beneath.
A thought stirred within him. He got off the bed, one hand on her waist, seeking a kiss, but Lin Hongmei pushed him away: "Stop it! Now that I'm yours, when will you marry me?"
"I can't rush things, can I? You know my last relationship is still haunting me, and it's been less than a month since we fully broke up. I don't care, but I fear my parents will think you're frivolous. Just wait, I promise to take you home."
Lin Hongmei finally smiled, sitting back to wash the sheets. Thinking of her future luxurious life as a wealthy wife made her heart flutter.
Han Dong glanced at her, thinking, This type wants to marry me? Dream on! The girl earlier was really pretty, seemed very poor, and hadn't seen much of the world. Doesn't seem like it would cost much to get her. He began plotting how to woo her.
When Sun Chan and Wang Dan returned, they found everyone gone, the sheets and covers washed and hanging outside. Wang Dan sighed with relief, taking the old cover to replace it: "Just bear with me for a few days."
Sun Chan thanked her, "Really, thank you."
"No need for that, let's cook."
The girls living together took turns cooking. Today, Wang Dan got off early, so it was her turn.
Sun Chan felt guilty about staying and eating for free, so she offered to cook, making a two-grain rice with a small pot on top, filled with washed eggplant. Once the rice was done, the eggplant was steamed, mixed with chili, garlic, soy sauce, and salt, it tasted great. Sun Chan also stir-fried shredded potatoes and made a cold dish with bok choy. Wang Dan just helped out with little tasks.
Just as the food was ready, outside came the sound of girls talking and laughing as they returned.
Apart from Lin Hongmei they had seen earlier, there were three girls, all young women. Because Wang Dan had mentioned it beforehand, they were friendly, greeting Sun Chan. Seeing they were easy-going, Sun Chan felt relieved. A house full of Lin Hongmeis wouldn't be good.
"Let's eat. Today's meal is cooked by Sun Chan," Wang Dan smiled.
"Really? It looks delicious!"
"Yeah, you really know how to cook."
While washing her hands, Lin Hongmei raised her head, "Has the price of rice gone up again? I don't mind her staying, but our rice, flour, oil, and food are split five ways. Add another person, how do we settle this? Do you want us to go hungry or cover her share?"
Wang Dan widened her eyes, but Sun Chan held her back, smiling at Lin Hongmei, "I asked Wang Dan before and have a rough idea of your daily food expenses. I'll calculate the days I stay and settle up, don't worry."
The others quickly tried to smooth things over, "No worries, you're not here every day."
A round-faced girl laughed, "Lin Hongmei, you've said countless times you want to marry a rich man, why so stingy? Afraid your in-laws will say you can't manage a household?"
Everyone laughed at this.
Only then did Lin Hongmei fall silent, glaring at Sun Chan.
After dinner, amidst some laughter and chatter, they cleaned up and got ready for bed. No one said much, but Lin Hongmei stomped around, seemingly looking for trouble, yet remembered she should remain composed as a future rich wife, so she stayed quiet.
Wang Dan and Sun Chan shared a bed. Sun Chan felt awkward squeezing in, so she curled up to avoid leaning against her. Tossing and turning until late at night, she finally fell into a daze and drifted off.
She didn't know when suddenly there was a thumping noise, someone was banging on the door.
"Open! Open the door!" a sharp woman's voice demanded.