CHAPTER 496: 477: FELLOW VILLAGER (FIRST UPDATE)

Ye Ling and Liu Nan were getting along quite well, while over at Ye Qian’s side, she had been on the run for several days, until all hope seemed lost. Only then did she quiet down, as if her soul had been extracted. She was dazed, and it took several exchanges to bring her back to reality. The Liu Family simply claimed they weren’t feeling well and went out to recuperate. Clearly, they were disappointed in their son.

Ye Qian still had to go to work every day, facing her colleagues’ concerns, which felt grating, as if they were ridiculing her. Yet she had to force a smile and socialize. Though there was nothing to do at work each day, she felt extraordinarily exhausted.

After enduring until the end of the workday, she heard someone looking for her outside. Ye Qian stepped out, saw the person standing there, and after a long moment asked, "Si Daochen?"

Yes, he was dressed in a suit, and it took Ye Qian a while to recognize him.

Si Daochen smiled courteously, and his smile dazzled Ye Qian, reminding her of her husband Liu Zhiyuan’s smile. But she quickly came to her senses, realizing it wasn’t him.

"I was wondering if you might not recognize me." Si Daochen moved closer. "I was transferred here, and there’s no one familiar. I asked around and heard you were here, so I came to see you. Are you free tonight? I’d like to invite you to dinner."

Compared to when he came from the countryside, Si Daochen no longer felt humble. He stood there confidently, attracting extra attention. He was fair-skinned, and pairing that with his military uniform and gentle smile, he stood out among soldiers and drew extra glances.

Ye Qian was feeling down, with only Liu Zhiyuan at home, occasionally getting angry, and the two of them not speaking. So she nodded, "You got transferred here, I should be the one welcoming you. Let’s go, my treat."

Si Daochen didn’t refuse, "Alright, next time it’s my treat."

This lack of pretense made Ye Qian gaze at him again.

They went to a mid-range restaurant downtown, ordered several dishes, and Ye Qian even volunteered to order alcohol. Si Daochen seemed to understand something and didn’t stop her. Until half the beer was gone, Ye Qian couldn’t help but pour out her grievances and shared all her troubles.

Si Daochen quietly listened by her side. Seeing his lack of disdain, Ye Qian felt even more distressed, but Si Daochen’s occasional caring words made her feel much better. They ate until after nine in the evening before splitting up and going home.

The next day after work, Si Daochen came again. Ye Qian had enjoyed their time together yesterday, so she went out with him for dinner, only then remembering to ask him, "You got married too, right?"

Si Daochen nodded.

Ye Qian asked again, "What does she do?"

"She’s a teacher," Si Daochen paused before answering, "You know her, too."

Ye Qian was dumbstruck for a moment, "I know her too?"

She thought hard about the people she knew, and couldn’t recall any teacher among them.

Si Daochen laughed, "Let’s not talk about her. She’s not in our company, so she doesn’t connect with us, and we have little to talk about when we’re together."

With his words, Ye Qian was reminded of her own marriage, which was indeed similar. She felt a kindred spirit with Si Daochen and grew closer to him.

"By the way, did I mention that my sister and her family were also transferred back?"

"I know about that," Si Daochen smiled lightly, "But I am obviously not the same type of person as your sister, so I’m not familiar with her."

So, he hadn’t sought her out.

Ye Qian was pleased to hear this, smiling, "You should be more familiar with her, but my sister is too stubborn, most people can’t get along with her. My brother-in-law is a cold person; I see that they don’t communicate much."

Her expression showed regret.

Si Daochen glanced at her and then lowered his head, "Yesterday, you mentioned being unhappy. Have you considered separating? He’s submitted his discharge application, and once it’s approved, he’ll leave the army, leaving you two with even less time together."

"Separate?" Ye Qian was momentarily stunned, then relieved, "Yes, I’ve never thought about it."

With the Liu family’s influence, even if she did have this idea, she couldn’t secure her job in the army unless Liu Zhiyuan took the initiative. Otherwise, she couldn’t do anything and could only maintain this marriage.

Si Daochen watched her face filled with difficulty and put food in her bowl, "Eat. Don’t think too much about troublesome things, as it’s pointless to worry."

Ye Qian nodded, but her face still showed undisguisable sadness, "Since you don’t have a common language with your wife, why stay together?"

"She sacrificed a lot for me; I can’t be an ungrateful person." Si Daochen’s face carried mockery.

Both were people with unsatisfactory lives, though they didn’t speak much afterwards, just sitting and drinking together felt comforting.

Ye Ling was unaware of Si Daochen and Ye Qian meeting, but three days later, Shen Bin returned; counting his days away, his return wasn’t particularly early.

Upon returning, Shen Bin began busying himself. Having just taken over work here, he had many things to handle personally. Meanwhile, Ye Qian, upon learning of Shen Bin’s return, went looking for him.

After finishing his tasks, Shen Bin returned to the office, finding Ye Qian had waited a while. Shen Bin paused, "You’re still here? You could have gone home to discuss, waiting so long; is it okay with your unit?"

Remembering the staff mentioning it, and seeing the time, he assumed she’d left.

"Brother-in-law, I just want to ask if you can ask your uncle to suppress Zhiyuan’s issue?" Ye Qian was relentless; otherwise, she wouldn’t have waited so long, her face pitiful, "Brother-in-law, Zhiyuan surely doesn’t want to retire. He’s home drinking himself into oblivion daily; I’ve seen his suffering. If the higher-ups hold it back, once he returns to the company, he’ll surely regain his spirits."

"No need to mention it further. I’ve asked him, and he’s clear about what he wants. Even your in-laws are not intervening, so let him decide for himself." Shen Bin checked the time, "It’s late; you should go, I have things to attend to."

After saying this, Shen Bin turned and left the office without hesitation, leaving Ye Qian standing there in dissatisfaction.