Reborn in the 1980s: I became a stepmother in the 1980s

Part 174 Yes, because of you

"Nian nian, are you really going?" Lin Mother, now disillusioned with the Si family and feeling negative towards Lin Sisi, was full of disappointment. She couldn't understand why Lin Sisi was marrying her daughter's former fiancé and why they wanted her to be there. She felt it was too cruel for her daughter to witness such a scene.

Si Nian counted the money, then put it into her bag. Hearing Lin Mother's concern, she smiled and said, "Of course I'm going. Why wouldn't I?"

They had extended the invitation, and she was eager to see the spectacle. Even if they hadn't invited her, Si Nian would have gone anyway. In fact, the Lin family might even join her.

Lin Mother was puzzled by her daughter's reaction. How could she be so happy about her former fiancé marrying someone else?

Zhou Yue Shen arrived in the afternoon, carrying fruits and some snacks. Si Nian happened to come out to get some hot water and they met.

Zhou Yue Shen looked at her, his voice low: "How is your mom?"

Si Nian replied, "She's doing well, but the doctor said she needs to stay in the hospital for observation for a while."

Zhou Yue Shen nodded and stepped forward, handing her the bag of fruits: "Give me a cup. I'll go get some water."

Si Nian accepted the bag and handed him a cup, saying, "Here."

Their fingers brushed briefly, and he gave her an extra glance.

Si Nian's expression was calm; she was no longer the girl who blushed at such touches.

She walked into the hospital room, and Zhou Yue Shen stood there for a moment, watching her back. He then smiled lightly and turned to get the water.

Today, he was dressed differently than usual, not in his typical white tank top. The watch on his wrist was particularly conspicuous.

Standing in the water room, Zhou Yue Shen's tall figure was striking. With his head slightly lowered, his brows and eyes were stern and sharp, and his profile was clearly defined. He drew several glances from the people and nurses around.

"Hey, young man, I remember you. Was that girl you were arguing with yesterday your sister? She's quite a character, brave too. Not many would have the courage to act like that," an elderly woman, dressed in hospital attire, said cheerfully, her gnarled hand trembling as she held a cup.

Zhou Yue Shen stepped aside to make room: "She is very brave."

Such incidents were not uncommon in the village, but she was the only one who dared to act that way. Zhou Yue Shen himself was quite surprised by her actions.

He agreed with Si Nian's decision.

As people looked on with curiosity, Zhou Yue Shen added, "But she's not my sister; she's my wife."

With that, he ignored the astonished looks and left the water room.

Indeed, Zhou Yue Shen was thirty, tall, and mature, while Si Nian was only eighteen, youthful and charming. It was hard for anyone to believe they were married.

Zhou Yue Shen entered the hospital room.

Si Nian was peeling an orange, chatting with Lin Mama. Her voice was gentle and melodious. She sat upright, her figure graceful, and her profile was delicate. Her long eyelashes fluttered occasionally, like a butterfly.

Lin Papa was resting in a chair nearby, and Zhou Sui Sui had already been sent away. The hospital was small and crowded with patients every day, leaving little room for family members. With the need to attend to business the next day, Lin Mama couldn't help but send Zhou Sui Sui out to handle things alone. She couldn't afford to stop business just because of her illness.

Meanwhile, Lin Papa, with his limited mobility, could only stay and help look after things. Seeing both her daughter and son-in-law visiting her, Lin Mama felt a deep sense of gratitude and a bit of embarrassment.

They stayed for a while, chatting with her. Concerned about their children and noticing that it was getting late, Lin Mama urged them to head back home. She also mentioned, "You don't need to bring food anymore. Your dad and I have found someone to help us. We'll eat in the hospital canteen from now on; it's much cheaper. Bringing food from so far away is really hard work."

Eventually, amidst Lin Mama's persistent reminders, Si Nian and Zhou Yue Shen left the hospital.

As Si Nian followed Zhou Yue Shen out, she noticed the car was missing and asked in surprise, "Where's your car? How did you get here?"

Zhou Yue Shen glanced at her and explained, "I took the car to the city for deliveries this morning and left it there. Your brother needs to practice driving every day, so I left the car with him. I'll get it back when he returns."

Si Nian understood but felt a bit conflicted and asked, "Zhou Yue Shen, why are you so good to my family?"

Si Nian knew that getting a driving license, especially a commercial one, was no easy task. Yet, Zhou Yue Shen not only let his brother learn to drive but also left the car with him, despite knowing that her brother was the kind of person who would walk for hours just to save a few bucks while Zhou Yue Shen took a taxi back. The seemingly cold and hard exterior of this older man actually hid a genuinely kind heart.

Si Nian even started to question the descriptions she had read about him in books, which portrayed him as distant and cold.

Zhou Yue Shen was taken aback for a moment. It seemed he hadn't expected Si Nian to ask this question. He lowered his gaze, looking into her eyes for a while. Finally, in response to her curious look, he spoke softly, "Because they are your family."

He paused for a moment, as if choosing his words carefully, then added naturally, "And you are my wife."

Si Nian blinked in surprise.

"Because of me?"

Zhou Yue Shen nodded slightly. "Yes, because of you."

On the way back, they were riding Si Nian's bicycle. She sat on the back, holding onto Zhou Yue Shen's strong waist. Zhou Yue Shen, tall and robust, rode the bicycle effortlessly. Even with Si Nian on the back, it felt like no burden at all.

Si Nian wasn't shy anymore, unlike her first time on his motorcycle. She confidently embraced him, her beautiful eyes scanning left and right. The town was bustling, with many food vendors.

Si Nian was looking around to see if there was anything delicious she could buy for the kids. She noticed a group of children gathered around a vendor and tugged at Zhou Yue Shen's sleeve. "Zhou Yue Shen, I want to buy that."

The bicycle stopped, and Si Nian got off. Zhou Yue Shen also dismounted and pushed the bicycle as they walked over together.

It turned out to be an old man selling sugar figurines. Si Nian admired the old man's skill, the figurines looking vivid and lifelike. "Xiao Han hasn't had any candy since he started losing his teeth. I want to buy some for him."

She knew that Xiao Han was afraid of toothaches, so even though she sometimes felt sorry for him and gave him a piece or two, he would usually resist eating more out of fear.

Si Nian noticed the children watching the sugar figurine vendor with longing looks. It made her feel a bit sorry for them. She thought buying one for Xiao Han would make him happy.

So she asked the man beside her, "Zhou Yue Shen, what is Xiao Han's zodiac sign?"

Zhou Yue Shen pondered for a moment before replying in his deep voice, "He's a Tiger, born at the end of December."

"And what about Xiao Dong and Yao Yao?"

"Xiao Dong is a Dragon, and Yao Yao is a Sheep."

Si Nian nodded and turned to the elderly vendor. "Grandpa, can I get three figurines of these?"

"Sure thing!"

Amidst the crowd of children, Si Nian and Zhou Yue Shen stood out as they waited. Suddenly, a voice called out, "Excuse me, are you Comrade Zhou?"

They turned to see a woman in her late twenties, holding a ten-year-old child, also clearly there to buy sugar figurines.