Chapter 10: Mutual Harm

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◎Abacus beads are about to collapse on her face◎


Dong Jiaojiao was infuriated. She had no intention of inviting anyone from the Lu family to dinner, let alone He Chengjun.

But no one asked for her opinion. He Chengjun pulled her aside and quietly asked what good dishes they had at home. If there were none, he suggested she rush to the corner store to buy some.

"Forget it!" Dong Jiaojiao snapped, shoving He Chengjun away. "He Chengjun, if you're shameless, I still have some dignity. Stop clinging to me in public and stay away!"

Indeed, in today's conservative society, even married couples rarely held hands in public. He Chengjun's repeated closeness had already annoyed Dong Jiaojiao.

He Chengjun frowned, thinking that his mother was right—Dong Jiaojiao was a vulgar woman who didn't even care about her husband's dignity in public. Truly hopeless!

With no other option, He Chengjun decided to head home and, if necessary, seek help from Yang Hongwei.

Yang Hongwei: ...

Remarkably, He Chengjun had a good memory. Even though he had only been to the house once during the separation of rooms, he remembered the way back.

Without needing Dong Jiaojiao to guide him, he led Lu Jinzhou and Lu Yao to their home.

Upon entering, He Chengjun saw the large meat buns on the table, freshly made by Dong Jiaojiao before she went out. They hadn't been steamed yet.

Dong Jiaojiao had planned to steam them after planting vegetables, as steaming the buns after two rounds of proofing would make them taste better.

But now, it seemed these buns might end up being served to He Chengjun and the Lu family...

Dong Jiaojiao deeply regretted making buns today!

No, it should be He Chengjun's fault for coming back today!

Seeing the buns, Lu Yao quickly volunteered, "Comrade He, Dong Jiaojiao must be tired from working in the fields. Let me cook tonight.

These buns look great. Let's have them for dinner tonight. It's hot outside, and if we don't eat them, they might spoil."

Since Lu Jinzhou was present, Lu Yao refrained from calling He Chengjun "Brother He" and instead used "Comrade He."

He Chengjun was momentarily stunned but chose not to comment on the title change, given his recent mocking by Dong Jiaojiao about it.

However, as Lu Yao was a guest, He Chengjun felt it wasn't right to make her work. He directly ordered Dong Jiaojiao, "You go and cook!"

Dong Jiaojiao shot him a scornful glance, washed her hands in the basin, and splashed the water toward him.

He Chengjun was enraged and about to reprimand Dong Jiaojiao when Lu Yao gently interrupted, "It's fine. I often cook at home.

Dong Jiaojiao just returned from the fields and must be exhausted. Let her rest. I'll handle it today, and she can cook next time."

Lu Yao started working efficiently, acting as if she were the mistress of the house.

He Chengjun was moved, thinking Lu Yao was not only virtuous but also considerate, unlike Dong Jiaojiao, who only caused trouble and embarrassment.

Dong Jiaojiao found their interaction increasingly nauseating.

The buns were her handiwork, and she had bought the flour and pork. Lu Yao's role was merely to steam them, clearly just trying to curry favor and show off.

Seeing Lu Yao's performance and He Chengjun's reaction, Dong Jiaojiao was even more irritated.

Although Dong Jiaojiao was still married and couldn't force He Chengjun to leave, she wished she could get rid of him and his guests. For now, she could only stew in her anger and plan her next move.

Dong Jiaojiao felt powerless and could only fume silently, plotting how to get He Chengjun to agree to a divorce or be forced into it.

In their previous life, they had argued frequently over Lu Yao, and she had suggested divorce numerous times, but He Chengjun had always refused.

Initially, she thought He Chengjun was unwilling to divorce because he had feelings for her.

Later, she realized that He Chengjun was afraid of being labeled ungrateful, given that Dong Jianguo had saved his life.

In the end, Lu Yao's scheme to send her to the mountain valley allowed He Chengjun, the false gentleman, to openly accept Lu Yao.

What a hypocrite! Dong Jiaojiao thought with disgust.

Seeing Lu Jinzhou sitting nearby only made her more irritated. She took out a bag of sunflower seeds from her pocket (actually from her space) and began cracking them noisily, scattering the shells everywhere.

Earlier, Dong Jiaojiao had noticed that Lu Jinzhou subtly touched his seat when he sat down, indicating he had a bit of a cleanliness obsession.

Since she was already annoyed, she wasn't about to make him comfortable.

Thinking of this, Dong Jiaojiao cracked the seeds faster, almost spitting shells onto Lu Jinzhou a few times.

Lu Jinzhou, who had a cleanliness obsession, wasn't upset with Dong Jiaojiao. He could sense her dislike for him from their first meeting. Moreover, he knew she wasn't unclean; on the contrary, her home was spotless.

Her current behavior was just a sign of her anger.

As for what she was angry about, Lu Jinzhou understood well.

In fact, he regretted agreeing to come with He Chengjun. He shouldn't have come. Seeing the situation only made him realize the futility of his visit.

Dong Jiaojiao's house was just one large room, easily viewable from end to end, with only a bed in the far corner. So tonight...

Lu Jinzhou recalled the intelligence from Li Xiang, which mentioned that He Chengjun was impotent. But even so, could they not have some affection, like kissing or hugging?

No, wait!

Why was he even thinking about this? They were a married couple; wasn't sharing a bed expected?

He knew he shouldn't have come!

He Chengjun had just helped Lu Yao fetch a bucket of water and returned to see Dong Jiaojiao spitting sunflower seed shells at Lu Jinzhou. His heart leaped into his throat.

For heaven's sake! Couldn't she show a little consideration? The seed shells were almost hitting him in the face!

"Dong Jiaojiao!" He Chengjun shouted.

"What do you want, you old witch!" Dong Jiaojiao retorted in the same tone.

"You... you go outside and help Comrade Lu Yao," He Chengjun held back his frustration, fearing another outburst from Dong Jiaojiao, and changed his request.

"I'm not going! If you care so much, you go!" Dong Jiaojiao snapped back, spitting more seed shells in Lu Jinzhou's direction.

He Chengjun's chest heaved with anger. Deciding to temporarily ignore Dong Jiaojiao, he turned to Lu Jinzhou to apologize:

"Director Lu, I'm sorry. My wife comes from the countryside and isn't used to good hygiene habits. Please don't take offense. If you'd like, you can sit here instead?"

Lu Jinzhou considered this, glanced at Dong Jiaojiao several times, and eventually moved to the other seat.


⋆。·˚ʚ🍓ɞ˚‧。⋆


Dong Jiaojiao : 🧹    (¬'‸'¬)

Lu Jinzhou : ( ˶°ㅁ°) !!

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