Making money, taking exams and supporting the family

chapter 16: Zhang Xiu hesitates

It was no wonder Zheng Xiaoluo had such a strong reaction. The issue of virginity was directly related to the quality of Zhang Xiu’s life after his escape.

If Zhang Xiu had left with an untainted body (virgin), they could easily fabricate a story about starting a new life away from home and could find a good partner for a happy life together.

But without his chastity, it would mean he was either a widow or did not adhere to social norms (a fugitive).

Even if they tried to fabricate their identity, the best they could achieve would be the status of a “widow.” His choices for remarriage would be limited, and a man who would marry a widow would likely have his own issues. As for the identity of someone who did not follow the rules, their fate would not be pleasant either.

The reason they were willing to help Zhang Xiu leave was also because they knew the advantage of having an untouched body, which would make it easier for them to start anew and find someone else in the future. That was why they agreed to assist.

But now that Zhang Xiu has lost his innocence, it would not be as easy to navigate life outside anymore.

“What does that jerk Lin Ze mean? Wasn’t he planning to sell you? Why did he sleep with you? Wasn’t his heart only for Zhang Yinzhu, and he even got angry and disgusted by just touching your finger? He’s such a scoundrel, wuwu…”

Zheng Xiaoluo grabbed Zhang Xiu’s arm, looking at the lotus pattern on it, almost in tears.

What should they do now? Lin Ze was unreliable, and if they ran away with a tarnished reputation, it would not be easy to find a good husband. How would Zhang Xiu spend the rest of his life?

“But it’s not entirely his fault either. It’s all a series of unfortunate events. Yesterday, Xue Liang colluded with the one from the Chen family (CSJ) to drug him and frame him. He came back in a dazed state, which led to… us being in the same room.”

Thinking about last night’s events, Zhang Xiu could not help but blush and offer an explanation.

He knew Zheng Xiaoluo’s concerns, but he also knew that last night’s situation could not entirely be blamed on Lin Ze. If he had to blame someone for how things turned out, it would be his own bad luck. Besides, Zhang Xiu could not shake the feeling that Lin Ze had been somewhat different since last night.

“You’re actually defending him?”

Zheng Xiaoluo was once again surprised.

“Wait, I just heard you calling him ‘husband.’ Xiu Ger, even after he treated you like that, you still call him ‘husband’?”

Now Zheng Xiaoluo remembered the question he wanted to ask earlier, but almost forgot about it. Why should Lin Ze, that jerk, be considered Xiu Ger‘s husband? Lin Ze himself had said he was not Zhang Xiu’s husband before.

Although Lin Ze seemed to have changed today, showing signs of remorse and awakening, who knew if it was genuine or fake? How could a person change overnight?

Seeing Zhang Xiu blushing even more, Zheng Xiaoluo became alarmed. Something did not seem right with Xiu Ger.

“Ah Xiu, your face is getting redder. Did you fall for him after he slept with you?”

Zheng Xiaoluo hesitated, gently poking their friend’s flushed cheeks, asking with concern. Otherwise, why would Xiu Ger defend Lin Ze?

“…”

Zhang Xiu blushed so much that he nearly ran out of breath, becoming as red as a boiled shrimp.

What was going on in Zheng Xiaoluo’s mind? Could he, as a Xiao Ger, really say such things without hesitation?