Don't Say You're Heartless (Modern Edition)

111 Yang Qiu

The Yang family had returned by the evening. Yang Qiong's second sister-in-law entered and said, "Little Qiong, you're really something! Qiuhua is so kind-hearted. The whole clan is praising both of you."

"How's the child?" Yang Qiong asked.

"He's fine now. We only came back after seeing that the child was okay. But it's such a pity about Little Qiu. She went mad out of nowhere. She's locked up in the woodshed now," Second Sister-in-law sighed.

"How did she go mad?" It sounded like a joke.

"She's been a bit off ever since giving birth. Brother Yang Ping thought her body was not recovering and that she'd get better with time, so he didn't pay much attention. But today, out of nowhere, she had a breakdown, and no one knew how to handle it," Second Sister-in-law shook her head. She looked at Shen Qiuhua's hand and said, "Did you get hurt while saving the child? Brother Yang Ping said he would come by tomorrow to thank you."

"He's being too polite," Yang Qiong smiled. It was rare for her second sister-in-law to talk this much with her.

"Qiuhua, I didn't ask you before, but do you have a partner? There are plenty of good men in our village, all honest and reliable. They treat their wives well. Let me know if you're interested in any of them, and I'll set you up!" The second Sister-in-law patted her chest confidently.

Shen Qiuhua smiled. "Thank you for your kindness, Second Sister-in-law."

Second Sister-in-law was pleased with her attitude and waited for more. However, after a long pause, Shen Qiuhua said nothing else.

"Hey, so what about you..."

Hearing this, Yang Qiong became irritated. Why was everyone trying to match her up with others? Qiuhua is mine, mine!

"Second Sister-in-law, Qiuhua won't be marrying into the village, but thank you for your kind offer."

Such a direct refusal finally got through to the second sister-in-law. "Oh, Qiuhua, I'm treating you like family, that's why I'm saying this. Our village may be in the mountains, but mountain men are good—no distractions from the outside world. They're honest and committed. Look at me, why did I marry Qiong's second brother? Those men outside may seem nice, but they're always looking for something better. Once they see a younger, prettier woman, they leave their wives. There are more divorces than marriages out there, it's unsettling. Don't you think so?"

"Second Sister-in-law, I already have someone in my heart," Shen Qiuhua finally said, having no other choice.

"Oh, then I guess I was being nosy. Well, rest up, then," Second Sister-in-law said, calling Erhong and leaving.

Both Yang Qiong and Shen Qiuhua let out a sigh of relief, exchanging helpless looks. "Your second sister-in-law sure has a way with words!"

"I've heard her elder sister is a matchmaker. She's probably learned a lot from her. But no matter what she says, my Qiuhua is already spoken for," Yang Qiong said, hugging Shen Qiuhua tightly.

Shen Qiuhua laughed, her eyes crinkling, and poked Yang Qiong on the neck. "Look how smug you are."

Yang Qiong's heart fluttered, and she desperately wanted to pin Shen Qiuhua down, but they were at home, sharing a room with Erhong, so she had to hold herself back.

At dinner, Father and Mother Yang were somewhat warmer toward the two of them. However, Shen Qiuhua noticed that their kindness didn't seem to stem from familial affection. It felt more like how they would treat a stranger who had saved their child, extending politeness out of gratitude.

The next day, Yang Ping brought two chickens over to thank Yang Qiong and Shen Qiuhua. The two of them insisted it wasn't necessary, but Yang Ping insisted on leaving the chickens.