Chapter Fifty-Eight

He avoided her gaze, unable to meet her eyes, and turned away to smoke with agitation, saying nothing at all.

Xin Gan spoke lightly, “He Cheng, you’re the one who did wrong, not me.”

He remained silent, not offering a single word in response; it was clear he had nothing to say.

Xin Gan continued, “I don’t want to see you. This isn’t just angry talk—it’s what I truly feel.”

His expression grew more complicated as he pulled on his cigarette again and again.

Xin Gan disliked the smell of smoke, and in this moment, his smoking made her feel physically ill. Covering her mouth, she coughed, stepped back a few paces, and added, “Don’t come looking for me anymore. I still mean it—I don’t want to see you.”

Her eyes lowered; seeing him always brought back memories of the vile things he had done.

He gave no response. Xin Gan walked to the door and was just about to open it when she suddenly heard him speak behind her.

“Xinxin, can you really not forgive me?”

She took a deep breath. “Just sharing a room with you makes me sick. It’s a revulsion that rises from my stomach.”

To He Cheng, Xin Gan had always been gentle, easy to talk to. No matter how willful he’d been, she’d never seemed angry. Only now, seeing her so upset, saying such things, did he finally realize—she truly loathed him.

Xin Gan hadn’t gone far when He Cheng took out his phone and logged into Twitter. He opened his photo album and began scrolling through pictures he’d secretly taken before—the ones he had secretly snapped of Xin Gan, even some quite private ones. Back then, their relationship was still intact; he would visit her during holidays, and once, by accident, saw her changing clothes in her room. On a reckless impulse, he’d taken a few photos.

He couldn’t even explain why he’d done it. It was a violation of her privacy, and he’d hidden them, afraid she’d ever discover them. But eventually—

Xin Gan did find them—online, in fact. At first, she hadn’t known who had taken them, but she deduced it from the angles and settings in the photos. It was He Cheng.

She’d given him a chance to admit his wrongdoing, hoping he’d confess himself, but he’d refused. Her disappointment grew so deep that she gradually distanced herself from him and ceased all contact.

Later, one night, after class, she was blocked by He Cheng on her way back to the dorm. He even tried to lay hands on her, claiming he was drunk. He reeked of alcohol, but truly drunk men are incapable of such things. Xin Gan almost called the police before he finally relented. But it was already too late; she was utterly and irreversibly disappointed in him.

At the time, she’d told him, “I always thought we were friends. Turns out I was just too naive. He Cheng, I never should have trusted you.”

He Cheng was only twenty then, reckless and arrogant, but he’d never forced himself on a woman—especially not Xin Gan. When he sobered up, the incident had frightened him as well. He apologized profusely, begging for forgiveness, pleading with her not to tell anyone else. If a third person found out, he’d be finished.

Xin Gan, soft-hearted and considering many things, kept his secret, but from then on, she kept a firm distance.

He Cheng was unwilling to let go. He sought her out many times, but each time ended unpleasantly.

Xin Gan grew afraid he might try something even more unthinkable, so she moved, told no one, and before returning home, even changed her number—determined to get away from him completely.

The ordeal left Xin Gan with a lingering shadow; for a long while, she often had nightmares, waking in the night, unable to sleep again.

Not long after returning home, she went to Beiyu to escape the memories for a while.

But He Cheng soon followed her back to the country. Upon his return, he did nothing with his time; Madam He left him to his own devices, indulging him as if he were some precious heir. He became ever more unruly, spending his days in wild company, causing trouble, and leaving He Chuan to clean up his messes.

Xin Gan’s disappointment in He Cheng deepened, but their final break came because of something else.

After failing to get his way, He Cheng’s resentment only grew. One of his equally wayward friends took a liking to Xin Gan, and He Cheng helped him pursue her, even giving him her photos. The friend, just as shameless, spread the photos around when he failed to win her over. They weren’t explicit, but were still private—still taken in secret.

In a way, it was a means of catering to certain perverse desires.

…

Xin Gan returned to the private room, steadied her emotions, and entered.

Her mother, seeing her return, asked, “What took you so long? And you didn’t take your phone—next time, always take it with you. Don’t make us worry.”

“I almost got lost just now, Mom. Sorry to make you worry.”

Mrs. Cheng said warmly, “Well, nothing happened, so let’s not blame her. Just remember to take your phone next time.”

Xin Gan’s mother noticed wrinkles on her daughter’s clothing and reached out to smooth them. “You’re almost getting married, yet still making us worry so.”

Mrs. Cheng laughed, “Oh, my dear in-law, you should feel blessed—Xinxin is so well-behaved. You know He Jun’s youngest son, He Cheng? Now their family really has their hands full. Your Xinxin is a treasure.”

Xin Gan had just picked up her glass to drink when she heard Mrs. Cheng mention He Cheng. Her hand trembled, knocking the glass and spilling water across the tablecloth in a spreading dark stain.

“You look distracted—don’t touch the glass, you’ll burn yourself,” her father said, quickly removing the cup and casting a concerned look at her.

Her mother, worried, hesitated as if wanting to say something.

Mrs. Cheng suggested, “Is it that you’re too tired from the trip? We’ve been sitting all morning, and it’s getting late. Why not let Xinxin go home and rest? The environment in Beiyu is harsh; she must need to recuperate after coming back.”

Her mother agreed, especially after all that had happened to Xin Gan in Beiyu. She must be exhausted.

Xin Gan knew she wasn’t herself, so she stood and apologized, “Sorry, Dad, Mom, Auntie Cheng. I didn’t rest well last night and I’m a bit worn out. I’ll head home first.”

Mrs. Cheng patted her hand sympathetically and wished her well.

Xin Gan’s mother and Mrs. Cheng had plans that afternoon, so her father drove her home.

Once in the car, Xin Gan leaned back and closed her eyes, resting in silence. Neither spoke a word all the way home.

Just before she got out, her father said, “If you’re not feeling well, tell me. We’ll go to the hospital—don’t keep it to yourself.”

She managed a smile. “I’m fine, really. I just need some time.”

“Then get some rest.” He stroked her hair gently.

Back in her room, Xin Gan collapsed on her bed, utterly drained.

That evening, her mother returned home and asked the housekeeper to bring in the shopping bags from the car. “Where’s Xinxin? Is she still sleeping?”

“Yes, Miss came home at noon and has been sleeping since. I haven’t called her for dinner, fearing I’d disturb her rest.”

“Still hasn’t eaten? That won’t do. I’ll call her. She should eat before sleeping again.”

…

Xin Gan was woken by her mother calling her to dinner. She washed up and went downstairs.

As she ate, she noticed several shopping bags on the sofa and asked, “What did you buy? There are so many bags.”

“I went shopping with Auntie Cheng this afternoon and bought you lots of clothes. But they’re all gifts from her—she adores you.”

Xin Gan paused, “Auntie Cheng bought me clothes?”

“Yes. But I bought a gift in return, so you don’t owe their family any favors.”

After dinner, she cleaned up and was about to go upstairs when her mother called her back.

“Xinxin, come chat with me. Don’t go yet.”

She hesitated, then quietly returned to the living room and sat on the sofa.

“Don’t sit so far away. Come sit by me,” her mother said.

Xin Gan moved closer.

“Xinxin, what are your plans now? I’d like to hear what you think.”

She considered, “I’ll find a job.”

“What kind of job?”

“In my field.”

Her mother smiled, holding her hand and patting it gently, “Xinxin, your father and I have made enough to ensure you a carefree life. Our only wish is for you to be happy and safe. Although…”

Xin Gan noticed her mother’s gaze dim.

“If things don’t go well after you marry into the Cheng family, you can always come home. Your father and I are your family—your support, no matter what happens. We’re always on your side.”

…

Half an hour later, Xin Gan returned to her room, closed the door, and thought over her mother’s words.

For a moment, she almost blurted out her true feelings, but in the end, the words stuck in her throat. She couldn’t bring herself to say them.

…

True to her word, Mrs. Cheng arranged for Xin Gan to see a dermatologist for her face. Xin Gan couldn’t refuse her kindness, and the appointment was set at Mrs. Cheng’s home.

Xin Gan had visited the Chengs once before leaving for Beiyu—this was her second time. The place wasn’t unfamiliar, but she couldn’t say she was comfortable.

The doctor was gentle and soft-spoken. After examining her face, he said, “It’s nothing serious—it’s an allergic reaction from adjusting to the environment. I heard you were in Beiyu, which can’t compare to Yong City in terms of climate. Allergies are normal; just take care of yourself and avoid the sun for now.”

Mrs. Cheng asked, “No need for more medicine?”

“No. The previous prescriptions were appropriate. Just take care of your mood—stress can slow recovery.”

After the doctor left, Mrs. Cheng invited Xin Gan to stay for afternoon tea.

In the Chengs’ back garden, Mrs. Cheng had the housekeeper prepare a table of exquisite pastries—all the kinds young women love—greeting Xin Gan warmly and urging her to sit by her side.

“Xinxin, why aren’t you eating? Don’t you like sweets?”

Xin Gan shook her head. “No, it’s not that.”

Mrs. Cheng suddenly remembered, “Oh, I nearly forgot—sweets can cause breakouts. Just have some tea, then.”

…

Soon, there were visitors at the Cheng house: He Chuan, followed by Cheng Hui.

Cheng Hui trailed behind, head down, silent, as if she’d done something wrong.

It was Xin Gan’s first time meeting He Chuan—a tall, handsome man, with the petite and pretty Cheng Hui following him. The two made a strangely harmonious picture.

He Chuan spoke with a hint of exasperation, complaining to Mrs. Cheng, “Aunt Qing, Huihui’s caused trouble again today.”

“What did she do this time?”

“She wrecked my kitchen. She came over, got hungry, didn’t like our food, tried to make noodles herself, and nearly started a fire.”

Cheng Hui, who had been looking down, glanced at Xin Gan as if discovering a new world. “Is that my future sister-in-law?!”

Xin Gan was caught off-guard.

He Chuan saw her too and said, “Aunt Qing, I hope we’re not disturbing your guest?”

Before Mrs. Cheng could answer, Cheng Hui objected, “What guest? She’s my future sister-in-law—my brother’s fiancée!”

Xin Gan managed a polite smile and greeted her, “Hello.”

“Hello, sister-in-law!” Cheng Hui rushed over to shake her hand, refused to let go, and linked arms with her. “Sister-in-law, what happened to your face?”

“Allergic reaction.”

“Did you get sunburned at my brother’s place? Good thing I didn’t go, or I’d have ended up like you. Still, even with a rash, you’re so lovely—I really like you.”

Mrs. Cheng was helpless with her daughter, half-joking with Xin Gan, “Huihui’s always like this—never serious. Go wash your hands, there’s cake.”

Cheng Hui immediately forgot her mischief and ran to the kitchen to wash up, eager for cake.

He Chuan was also invited to stay for afternoon tea. With two more people, Xin Gan felt a little out of place, speaking little and quietly listening as they chatted.

He Chuan studied her, finding her not quite as she appeared in photos. No wonder Cheng Jiu was so taken with her. Even with a faint flush on her face, her aura was captivating.

Thinking of his muddle-headed younger brother, He Chuan sighed inwardly—no wonder even He Cheng fell for her.

Cheng Hui liked Xin Gan from the first moment. She called her “sister-in-law” at every turn, making Xin Gan smile despite herself.

Cheng Hui leaned in, whispering, “Sister-in-law, want to know the bad things my brother’s done? I’ll tell you everything—then you’ll have something to hold over him and make him behave.”

Xin Gan, not wanting to dampen her enthusiasm, played along, “What bad things?”

“He used to be a real heartbreaker. Lots of girls wrote him love letters—I've seen them. I even hid a few in my room. I’ll show you later.”

Xin Gan hesitated, “Is that really okay? Those were written to him.”

“It’s fine—it’s all ancient history. You should see them, so you won’t be fooled by him. You don’t know how cunning he is.”

Mrs. Cheng, noticing Huihui’s conspiratorial whispers, half-joked, “Huihui, don’t say such things about your brother to Xin Xin. Is this how a sister should behave?”

He Chuan laughed heartily.

Cheng Hui glanced at He Chuan, and something flickered in her eyes before vanishing. She feigned irritation, frowning at him, “What are you laughing at? You’re just like my brother.”

“Huihui, mind your manners talking to your cousin like that.”

“Mom, you’re so annoying. You scold me for talking to sister-in-law, and you scold me for talking to He Chuan. Do you even like me? Are you really my mom?”

But Mrs. Cheng’s tone was all affection. She said to Xin Gan, “Huihui’s always like this—never takes things seriously.”

Cheng Hui simply dragged Xin Gan to her room, and Mrs. Cheng let them go.

Once they’d left, He Chuan asked, “Aunt Qing, you really like Xin Gan?”

“I do. But I still don’t know what Cheng Jiu’s intentions are.” Mrs. Cheng sighed. “Huihui can’t keep her mouth shut—do talk to her, make sure she doesn’t say things she shouldn’t around Xin Gan.”

He Chuan understood, but couldn’t help asking, “Isn’t keeping this secret just delaying the inevitable? Sooner or later, they’ll find out Cheng Jiu had a girlfriend before.”

“We’ll deal with that when the time comes. For now, keep it quiet.” Mrs. Cheng sighed again.

He Chuan smiled, “I don’t think it’s a big deal. Cheng Jiu and Xin Gan get along well; it won’t cause trouble.”

“It’s not Xin Gan I’m worried about. It’s her grandfather and parents. If they learn Cheng Jiu dated someone else after the engagement was set, they might mind. I would, if the roles were reversed.”

He Chuan chuckled quietly. “I doubt it’s that serious.”

“Oh, forget it. There’s no point worrying now. Once Cheng Jiu returns, let them get their marriage certificate—what comes after, we’ll handle then.”

He Chuan nodded.

…

Cheng Hui really did dig out those love letters for Xin Gan to see.

Xin Gan, not one to pry into others’ privacy, didn’t open them. “They were written to your brother. I think I’d better not.”

“It’s been years—just have a look.”

Xin Gan pressed her lips together.

Cheng Hui watched her a bit anxiously. “Sister-in-law, do you not care about my brother’s past because you don’t like him?”

Xin Gan hadn’t expected such a direct question. She gave a small, awkward smile but said nothing.

It was harder than she’d thought.

“Sister-in-law, my instincts are pretty sharp. You don’t like my brother, do you?”

Xin Gan recovered and smiled softly. “If loving someone means digging into every detail of their past, knowing everything about them, I think that’s not love—it’s obsession.”

Her words were too profound for Cheng Hui, who just let out a confused “Ah?” and demanded an explanation. But before Xin Gan could respond, He Chuan appeared in the doorway.

“Huihui, isn’t it bad to expose your brother’s secrets like this?”

Both girls turned to look at him. He Chuan stood at ease, arms crossed, leaning against the doorframe. “I called your brother. You better explain yourself.”

He put his phone to his ear and said, “Your sister’s here undermining you—I can’t stop her, it’s your problem now.”

Cheng Hui lunged to snatch the phone. The screen showed the call had been going for three minutes—it was Cheng Jiu. She glared at He Chuan, who just raised his eyebrows. “Glaring won’t help. Take the call.”

She did as she was told. Cheng Jiu’s voice came through, “So, you think you’ve outgrown my discipline? Want to see if I can still keep you in line?”

“Brother, don’t listen to He Chuan. I wasn’t undermining you!”

“I’m not talking to you. Put Xin Gan on.”

Reluctantly, Cheng Hui handed the phone to Xin Gan, mouthing, “Don’t listen to him, he—”

She didn’t finish—He Chuan had whisked her away.

Xin Gan answered, and Cheng Jiu’s deep voice sounded. “You visited my house?”

“Yes.”

“Is your face any better?”

“It’s getting there.”

“That’s all? It’s only been a week without contact and you don’t even want to talk to me?”

She denied it, “No, it’s not that.”

“So, you’re angry I haven’t called?”

Xin Gan pressed a hand to her chest, her heartbeat in disarray.