Chapter 29 - 029. Not afraid of 10,000, just afraid of one in 10,000
With a plan in mind, Lianshan’s previously anxious heart gradually calmed down. Until Shuzhen led him all the way to her room at the guesthouse, she didn’t show the slightest intention of calling Brother Liu over to tidy up or opening the doors and windows: "Uh, Shuzhen sister, should we still call Brother Liu over? Otherwise, maybe open the doors and windows?"
Hmph, it’s really not that he had impure thoughts. It’s just that in these times, conduct is scrutinized so strictly that even the slightest rumor could lead to a huge series of disasters.
Lianshan himself, being a big man, didn’t mind, but he was afraid of implicating Shuzhen!
The man’s thoughts seemed to be written right on his face, always easily seen through by Shuzhen. Seeing him still concerned about her feelings and reputation even in this situation, Shuzhen couldn’t help but feel a warmth in her heart. Still, thinking about what she needed to do next, she forced herself to suppress the corners of her mouth from lifting, making an effort to look serious and accusing: "Now you consider my reputation, but what were you doing when you pretended to be my man and held my hand earlier?"
"This... this, this, I, I... I was also doing it for your own good!" The honest man blushed, stammering before finally squeezing out this sentence. To support his younger brother and sister, he would go into the mountains to hunt, dive into the water to fish, working as if one person were three. Anyone who dared to bully his younger brother and sister would find him ready to fight to the death if needed. Lianshan was fearless! Mentioning him would invite thumbs-up and praises like "good man" and "real man."
Being the support for his younger siblings, young Lianshan forced himself to become courageous and strong, gradually developing this fearless and tough character. Now even the biggest hooligans wouldn’t dare provoke him easily, and when he frowned, he could scare a bunch of naughty kids to tears. For many years, he didn’t know what fear was, but in front of Shuzhen, he lost all his courage.
Afraid of her being upset or shedding tears, her little face would instantly make his words incoherent from fear. Clearly, she barely reached his chin, and her petite frame looked like the wind could blow her away. No matter how fierce she might be, she couldn’t withstand him with one hand! Yet such a frail little woman overwhelmed him into honest submission, with no thought of resistance. All he thought was as long as she didn’t cry or get mad, he’d do whatever she wished. After all, how shameful is it for a man to argue with a woman?
Thinking so, Lianshan actually felt a bit disdainful of himself.
They had been through all kinds of weird experiences along the way. If they had stuck to the adage "a good man doesn’t argue with women," how would they have survived those times when you had to risk your life to feed yourself?
Clearly, this demeanor was nonsense; he felt it was more like being bewitched by Shuzhen. Naturally considering her in everything, just seeing her purse her lips would make him laugh heartily for a long time. Although they had lived in the same village, they hardly had any interactions in the past. In fact, they hadn’t even spoken properly before he fished her out of the river the other morning.
Seeing the foolish man’s embarrassed scratching at his ear and cheek, Shuzhen found it quite funny. So steely in front of others but so shy and bashful under her gaze, with a natural loyalty without needing to be taught—she liked it! She wanted to claim him as her own as soon as possible, quickly, immediately, right now! Otherwise, she might find herself crying when someone else with an eye for treasure sees him.
Seeing him blushing like this, clearly not uninterested in her, Shuzhen’s doubts vanished, replaced by firm resolve. After all, when a man and a woman have mutual feelings, anything besides a little maneuver should not be considered malicious. At most, it’s just aiding the flame, helping their little spark of love take root and grow faster and better, sooner becoming a towering tree.