My Terrible Life in Those Years

I was getting ready to go back to my room to sleep when Du Yan pulled me aside and asked, "What do you think he'll say to me tomorrow?"

"We'll find out tomorrow, won't we?"

"So, do you think he'll come alone, or with two people? Or with other people?"

I want to laugh, but I also want to curse.

But seeing her startled and bewildered expression, he suppressed the urge to swear.

"I'm going to take a shower first, you should tidy yourself up too. We can talk later if anything comes up."

Back in my room, I splashed my face with cold water.

Today was quite eventful, with many things intertwined and the way things unfolded was somewhat beyond my comprehension and even beyond my control.

I sighed. In this place, in this company, in my environment, with no personal ability or status, I really have no influence at all.

I miss that bastard Lao Liu terribly. That guy was so shrewd and quick-witted, yet ruthless and cunning. If he were around, I could at least discuss how to proceed with him.

With Aunt Shu not paying much attention to me right now, I'm all alone and feel quite isolated and helpless.

I thought about it for a while, but couldn't come up with a clear idea.

I suddenly remembered Wan Ning tonight; I didn't even have a chance to have a proper talk with her.

When I took out my phone to make the call, I realized it was already very late.

Let's talk about it tomorrow.

"Jiang Ning, are you done showering?" Du Yan was already calling from next door.

"Soon! Almost there!"

I changed into my pajamas, poured myself a glass of water, and figured I had a lot to say and would need to expend a lot of breath.

I knocked on her door and was about to go in when I heard footsteps coming from the stairwell. I was startled. It was so late; could it be a thief?

He quickly turned around and saw Wan Ning's face appear.

I was overjoyed that she came to see me so late at night.

"Wan Ning? Why are you looking for me so late?"

Then, her face turned somewhat pale.

I looked at myself again, holding a teacup, still in my pajamas, while Du Yan's door was slightly ajar.

Damn, anyone would think I'm some kind of jerk who's planning to spend the night next door, right?

Her face was visibly twitching. She had come to ask me about the renovation, but instead, she saw this scene.

"I'm so sorry, I didn't know you, you guys, I shouldn't have come!"

With her face deathly pale, she quickly turned around and prepared to go downstairs.

How the hell did she have to stumble upon this at this time, in this state, and in this situation?

If this isn't clarified right away, I feel like I'll never have the chance to become Kang Ning's brother-in-law again!

He threw down the cup, took a quick step, and stopped her halfway down the stairs.

"Wan Ning, it's not what you think. Listen to me, don't leave yet!"

I panicked.

Just now, just now, the way she glanced at me, then turned away with a pale expression and went downstairs, was like a knife stabbing into my heart. It hurt! It really hurt.

"What are you doing? I'm going home!"

She began to struggle.

How can I let her go downstairs?

"No, I can't let you go home like this. We need to explain things clearly!"

I hardened my face, looking resolute.

She was powerless to break free: "We haven't done anything, and there's nothing unclear about it!"

I chuckled and said, "Nothing's wrong. Why do you look so unhappy? Did you think I slept in Du Yan's room tonight?"

The way her eyes seemed to be filled with tears really made me uncomfortable: "What business is it of mine which room you sleep in? We're not related! Why should I care which room you sleep in?"

I smiled inwardly, thinking, "As long as you're willing to talk to me, that's fine."

"Du Yan was just threatened. Someone is going to come to her door and cause trouble. She's all alone right now and wanted to talk to me about something. I just took a shower and changed my clothes. I was going to go over and talk to her about it, to give her some advice. You just happened to come up to me at this time."

"I can't explain her situation to you all at once; some of it is her private matter. She helped me out before, and we live next door, so I thought I should help her if I could."

I could tell that she was listening to what I said.

"If I had anything going on with her, why would I bring her to your stall? Wouldn't you be afraid your brother would kill me?"

Her eyes had been glazed over just now, but after I finished speaking, she clearly snapped back to reality.

"Then mind your own business. Why are you chasing after me? Why would my brother kill you?"

Her voice grew softer and softer, and her face became somewhat unnatural.

I chuckled to myself; this little girl is really interesting.

"Don't you know your brother's attitude? Isn't it because he's afraid I'll fall for his pretty and kind-hearted girl? He's afraid you'll be a lamb to the slaughter!"

My words clearly guided her train of thought.

Her face started to turn slightly red.

She hesitated.

"As for why I came out to chase after you, it's because I think you're important. I don't want you to misunderstand and think there's something going on between her and me!"

I spoke frankly and told her what I was thinking.

Before, I did feel that my feelings for her were still somewhat vague, but after the transformation, the stall, Chengzi's matter, and today's events, I feel that I have truly fallen in love with her.

Her face flushed when she heard my direct words.

They started struggling again.

This time, I knew she was a little embarrassed.

"Do you believe me now?" I quickly pressed on while the iron was hot.

She didn't answer, just kept her head down, but the blush on her face and neck was clearly visible to me.

"Why are you so thin-skinned?" I blurted out.

Good heavens, that one sentence has stirred up a hornet's nest.

"You, you think everyone is as shameless as you??"

She finally raised her head.

Those little eyes, that little face, that little forehead—my heart suddenly skipped a beat.

"Where am I being shameless?"

"Look at what you're saying, what you're doing, and the way you just carried her upstairs—I saw it all!"

I exclaimed loudly, realizing they had come to settle accounts.

"Hey, let me tell you, that guy just called and threatened Du Yan, saying he'd come here to settle scores with her. She was terrified and had no strength left. I just helped her upstairs, that's all. Nothing else. Why don't we go upstairs and ask him what happened? You'll find out then!"

I quickly clarified the facts! How could I possibly take the blame for this? I couldn't possibly do it, could I?

"Really?" she exclaimed in surprise.

"Of course it's true! If you don't believe me, we can go up and ask her right now. I swear to God!"

I shouted it out with righteous indignation.

If I hadn't stopped her, I would have patted my chest in relief!

"No need for that. Since nothing's wrong, there's no need to confront her!"

Well, how should I put it? This girl, once she turns around, immediately reveals her understanding and considerate side.

"Wan Ning, you're so kind!"

She didn't dare look at me; this time, even her ears turned a little red.

I cupped her small face in my hands and lifted her head up; she struggled weakly.

Those slightly trembling lips seemed to possess an infinite allure.

I couldn't resist, so I headed straight for it.

At this critical moment, Du Yan's voice rang out from upstairs: "Jiang Ning, Jiang Ning, are you free?"

Then, I felt a pain in my foot; she had stepped on it.

While I was in pain, she ran away from my arms.

As she was leaving the building, she turned back to me, her face flushed, and said, "Jiang Ning, I... I believe you!"

When I chased her downstairs, her figure had already disappeared into the night.

I lingered there for a long time, my heart trembling.

Wan Ning, for your sake, I will do my best to ruin this matter for you!