Chapter 53 Rumors Everywhere

Night had fallen.

Lin You was urged by Xia Yan to return home and tend to the piglets, while she herself stayed behind to look after Lin Hongzhe. According to Zhu Yan, this was the perfect opportunity for the two to grow closer.

“You don’t really need to stay here. I can manage by myself, and Aunt Zhu is on night duty. If anything happens, I can call her,” Lin Hongzhe said quietly, watching Xia Yan peel apples with her head bowed.

Xia Yan glanced up at him. The boy’s tone was exactly the same as when Lin You spoke. “Little Zhe, I’m your father’s partner now. I shouldn’t trouble other aunties to take care of you anymore. What if someone misunderstands?”

“So, are you really going to marry my father?”

“From the way you say it, it sounds like you don’t want me to marry him?” Xia Yan sliced the apple into small pieces and held one up to Lin Hongzhe’s lips.

The boy hesitated for a moment, then opened his mouth. Apples at this time of year were the sweetest; as soon as he tasted it, a burst of fruity aroma filled his senses. Lin Hongzhe chewed slowly, reluctant to swallow.

“I still say the same thing: as long as you’re good to my younger brother and sister, I have no objection.”

“Why not include yourself?”

“What?”

Lin Hongzhe didn’t quite understand what Xia Yan meant.

She offered another piece of apple. “You said as long as I’m good to your brother and sister, but why not add yourself to that?”

“Because I’m the older brother. My duty is to protect them. As long as they’re happy, that’s enough.”

Lin Hongzhe pondered for a moment. He didn’t reject the idea of motherly love—in fact, he longed for it—but his younger siblings needed it more than he did.

Xia Yan gazed at him, feeling a pang of sorrow. He was only nine, yet so mature.

“Silly child, my love may be limited, but there’s enough to share among you three.”

Lin Hongzhe turned his head stubbornly. “I don’t need it.”

Xia Yan said nothing more. Some things simply take time. She was confident that, eventually, she could move this little boy.

***

The next morning, Xia Yan emerged from the infirmary with dark circles under her eyes. The smell of disinfectant inside had kept her awake all night.

Dragging her heavy legs, she headed home.

On the way, she noticed that every woman who passed by stopped to look at her; some even whispered and pointed.

She didn’t think much of it at first, assuming word had spread about her fight with Liu Xiuying the previous day.

But before she reached her door, Wang Guilan pulled her inside.

Before Xia Yan could react, Wang Guilan asked, “Xia, where were you last night?”

“I was at the hospital taking care of Little Zhe. Where else would I be?” Xia Yan replied, bewildered.

“Did you...?” Wang Guilan trailed off, went to the courtyard gate to check for eavesdroppers, and returned when she saw no one nearby.

Seeing her so secretive, Xia Yan wanted to laugh. “Aunt Wang, we’re not spies meeting in secret. Why so nervous? What were you about to say?”

“You still have the nerve to laugh? Don’t you know the whole compound is gossiping about you and Dr. Zhang?”

Wang Guilan gave her a stern look.

“Me and Dr. Zhang? What could there possibly be between us?” Xia Yan was confused, wondering if she’d misheard.

“Yesterday someone saw you two holding hands in the hospital. This morning, the whole courtyard is buzzing, saying...” Wang Guilan hesitated, making Xia Yan impatient. “Saying what?”

“Saying you seduced Dr. Zhang, held hands and even kissed him.”

“Who said that! Yesterday I ran into Zhang Jun when fetching water and he grabbed my arm, but—” Xia Yan recalled Zhang Jun grabbing her arm the previous day. She hadn’t noticed anyone nearby; could Zhang Jun have spread the rumor?

Wang Guilan saw her stop mid-sentence and felt a pang of anxiety. Could something really have happened?

Xia Yan took Wang Guilan’s hand. “Aunt Wang, could you help me find out who started this rumor?”

“Well...”

“There’s nothing between me and Zhang Jun. Why would I go kiss him when Lin You is at home? My eyes aren’t just for show.”

She spoke bluntly—she certainly wasn’t blind.

“With you saying that, I’m relieved, Xia. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure to catch whoever’s spreading lies and tear up her filthy mouth,” Wang Guilan cursed, then asked, “Xia, could it have been that wicked Liu Xiuying? Both kids are still in the hospital—maybe she saw you talking to Dr. Zhang and started spreading nonsense?”

Xia Yan frowned. It was possible. If it was Liu Xiuying, she was indeed a troublemaker. But without proof, Xia Yan wouldn’t jump to conclusions.

“Aunt Wang, let’s wait until we know the truth.”

When she got home, Lin You had already prepared breakfast and set it on the table. Seeing her enter, he lifted the lid off the pot. “Sit down and have breakfast.”

His expression was somewhat unnatural—clearly he’d heard something.

“Where’s Little Zhuo?”

“He’s gone to school.”

Lin You served her a bowl of plain porridge and pushed the side dishes toward her.

“Did you hear something?”

“You mean about you and Zhang Jun?” Lin You’s voice was low, betraying no emotion.

“I...”

“No need to explain. You don’t wear glasses, so you’re not nearsighted—you can see clearly,” Lin You ladled himself another bowl and lowered his head to drink, his tone calm and devoid of any other feeling.

Xia Yan chuckled. “Then why the long face?”

Lin You looked up, afraid she’d misunderstand, and forced a smile.

Xia Yan rolled her eyes. “You’d better keep that straight face. Such a handsome face, yet your smile looks awful—not natural at all.”

Lin You was silent for a while, as if struggling to find the right words. “This isn’t a long face—it’s just my normal expression.”

Hearing his earnest explanation, Xia Yan laughed softly. “Lin You, we’re courting now. Can’t you relax a bit? By the way, why hasn’t your marriage application been approved yet?”

“Did you think a marriage application was just a signature? After the commander approves it, it has to be sent to the military district for the instructor to sign.”

Xia Yan pouted. “I didn’t know... Anyway, hurry up and eat. I need to prepare some food to bring to the infirmary for Little Zhe.”

“Take a break. At noon, I’ll get some dishes from the canteen and bring them over.”

“The canteen food is greasy. He should still eat something light for now.” Xia Yan finished her porridge in one gulp. “I’m going to wash my face and catch a quick nap.”

“All right.”

At that moment, Lin Hongzhuo burst in, panting, his eyes red. He pointed at Xia Yan’s nose and yelled, “Xia Yan, you shameless woman!”