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

Part 184 She did it on purpose

Previously, Si Nian had brought Yao Yao to Fu Yang's home when Fu Qianqian was buying her a job. At that time, Si Nian had held the child with a gentle expression, looking as delicate as a flower.

However, Fu Yang had thought it was all just an act. He had believed that Si Nian was merely putting on a show, standing in a position where he could see her, and trying to win his favor by pretending to like children. He hadn't taken it seriously.

But now, Si Nian didn't know he was coming. She had a severe case of cleanliness and had never allowed guests into her room or let them interact with her children. Yet here she was, eating a bun that Yao Yao had bitten, her expression soft and affectionate.

Even if it were an act, there was no need to go this far. Moreover, there were no other people around; she didn't need to maintain any public image here.

So, was this her true self? Fu Yang was somewhat stunned.

Because the Si Nian he was seeing now was completely different from the Si Nian he remembered, even her demeanor seemed altered. The old Si Nian had never been so gentle or patient with children.

Though puzzled, it wasn't the right time to dwell on these thoughts. His purpose for coming today was to persuade Si Nian to settle the matter with Lin Sisi privately.

Even though theft was indeed severe, since the Si family had decided to return the money, it seemed unnecessary to escalate the issue further. Fu Yang hadn't wanted to get involved initially, as he found disputes between women particularly distasteful. However, the situation had blown up significantly and was quite embarrassing. Given his complicated relationship with Lin Sisi, if he did nothing, he might end up facing some unfavorable criticism.

Feeling harassed by the persistent requests for his help, Fu Yang had agreed to come.

It wasn't a big deal, and Si Nian was unlikely to refuse him. She had never turned down his requests before.

With that thought, he moved closer to the door. A knock sounded, and Si Nian turned to face Fu Yang's ever-proud and handsome face. Her mouth twitched slightly.

Given his presence here, he was probably there to plead on Lin Sisi's behalf. It seemed the Si family was pulling out all the stops, even enlisting someone as prideful and image-conscious as Fu Yang. Clearly, this matter had a significant impact on him.

But little brother, shouldn't you have a more respectful demeanor when you're asking for something? What's with the condescending, high-handed attitude?

Si Nian couldn't help rolling her eyes as she lowered her head to feed the remaining porridge to Yao Yao. The sweet millet porridge melted in the mouth, leaving a delightful aftertaste. Yao Yao's eyes squinted with contentment as she enjoyed the meal.

Si Nian finished feeding Yao Yao and started peeling a boiled egg. It was important for growing children to have an egg a day.

Fu Yang, waiting for her to speak first, was taken aback. Was she blind? Hadn't she heard the doorbell?

No, she was deliberately ignoring him.

Realizing this, Fu Yang's expression darkened. Was she holding a grudge because of his marriage to Lin Sisi? Otherwise, why would she be so dismissive when he was making an effort to speak with her?

Fu Yang admitted that the situation was unfair to Si Nian. After all, if it weren't for this issue, she wouldn't have had to marry someone from the countryside. He could understand why she was unwilling to forgive Lin Sisi.

With that thought, his irritation eased somewhat.

Fu Yang, feeling that Si Nian's situation was pitiful and not worth arguing over, stepped closer and tapped his finger on the table in front of her. "Si Nian, don't misunderstand. I'm not here specifically to see you. I just want to talk about Lin Sisi..."

Fu Yang was concerned that Si Nian might think he was coming to her out of regret, so he started by explaining himself before broaching the topic of Lin Sisi, hoping to avoid any misconceptions.

Though he admitted that Si Nian's transformation had altered his view of her somewhat, making him less disdainful than before, his pride wouldn't allow him to bow to a woman, especially one he had previously disliked. Lowering himself was absolutely out of the question.

However, before he could finish his sentence, Si Nian suddenly interrupted, "Are we that close?"

Fu Yang was momentarily stunned, unable to react.

If Si Nian's previous disregard had been an act, then Fu Yang, standing right in front of her now, was completely thrown off by her continued calm demeanor. Her eyes, clear as water, and her delicate brows and features, showed no trace of emotion due to his presence.

There was no surprise, no happiness, and no excitement—she treated him as if he were an inconsequential stranger. Such indifference made Fu Yang even more unsettled.

He would have preferred if Si Nian were angry, resentful, or even shouting at him. The fact that she was so unemotional was harder for him to bear. He admitted he didn't like Si Nian, but they had grown up together as childhood friends, and he still found it hard to reconcile with her current reaction.

Fu Yang had tolerated Si Nian's silence about their broken engagement for so many years partly because of their past relationship. He didn't want to be too ruthless, as there had been some feelings involved, beyond just love.

However, Si Nian's current attitude, devoid of any trace of affection, was jarring. He had once held a pivotal role in her life, but now felt completely insignificant. This absence of emotional connection was something Fu Yang found hard to accept.

He had initially thought Si Nian's previous disregard might have been a result of her frustration over Lin Sisi's issue. But now, her clear indifference and visible impatience were unmistakable.

Could it be that she was still angry because he had misunderstood her yesterday? Si Nian had always been somewhat petty, and Fu Yang hadn't expected Lin Sisi to actually steal such a large amount of money. Naturally, he hadn't believed it at first. Since these events occurred only after Si Nian returned, it was understandable that he had misunderstood.

When Si Nian learned that Lin Sisi had stolen the three thousand yuan to drive her away, she felt some sympathy for her situation. But now, Lin Sisi seemed to be doing just fine, didn't she?

Si Nian couldn't be bothered to feign interest. In truth, she was indifferent to Fu Yang. While he was arrogant and had a high opinion of himself, Si Nian found him relatively tolerable compared to Lin Sisi, who constantly sought trouble. She considered his occasional self-absorption a quirk rather than a serious flaw. She didn't dislike him, but she wasn't keen on engaging with him.

If Fu Yang was here to advocate for Lin Sisi, she wouldn't be so accommodating. As she cleaned up the remnants from breakfast, she pondered how to manage the large number of items she had bought the previous day. With Zhou Yue Shen riding a motorcycle, it was clear they couldn't transport everything. She had purchased quite a bit of clothing and toys for the older and younger children.

Seeing the two children's likely joy upon their return, especially the youngest who might be delighted for the whole day, brought a soft smile to Si Nian's face.

She was somewhat surprised by Fu Yang's arrival, not expecting that Lin Sisi could influence him to this extent. However, she wasn't going to give him any special treatment just because he was the male lead.

"What do you mean by this?" Si Nian asked.

Fu Yang's face turned a shade of green as he saw Si Nian's indifferent attitude, even seeming lost in thought while he stood right in front of her. He had taken time out of his busy schedule to come and see her, and she responded with such disregard?

He felt he had already extended a significant courtesy by coming all this way. Her lack of appreciation was infuriating.

"Didn't you understand my meaning? We're not that close, are we?" Fu Yang retorted, trying to conceal his irritation.

Si Nian raised an eyebrow and, instead of showing anger, smiled. "If we're not close, why should I bother discussing anything with you?"

Fu Yang was stunned into silence, unable to react for a long moment.