I must do better than her.

“I just wanted to make you a loving breakfast.”

Su Wan hung her head, eyes shimmering with tears, her nose dusted with ash, like a little puppy caught in mischief.

The old man, seeing her like this, couldn’t help but soften. “Alright, alright, you’ve just bumped your head. Let Su Chen handle these things from now on.”

Su Chen: “……”

He shot Su Wan a disgruntled look and, sure enough, caught that sly rascal quietly snickering.

Su Chen felt utterly exhausted, as if his whole being was unraveling.

Why is it that most people get dumber after hitting their head, but Su Wan seems to have gained a dozen clever tricks?

After breakfast, the three of them went out to work in the fields together.

Their family didn’t have much land. The old man had his pension and survivor’s compensation for his son who died in service; as long as they didn’t squander it, it was enough for daily expenses.

Upon reaching the field, Su Wan rolled up her sleeves, ready to work hard.

She was determined to prove she was better than her former self.

But the old man only glanced once and called out, “Don’t go in there, someone’s already finished the work for us.”

“Huh?” Su Wan turned around in surprise. “Who’s so kind?”

At that moment, a tall figure began walking over from the far end of the field.

It was Jiang Mochen.

He wore an old shirt so faded its color was indiscernible, with several buttons missing at the collar, revealing a patch of honey-toned chest. His pant legs were rolled up beneath his knees. The outfit was undeniably shabby, but paired with his model-like build, it was strangely wild and attractive.

Su Wan found herself inexplicably entranced.

Su Chen saw her reaction and quickly nudged her with his elbow. “What are you staring at?!”

“Huh? Nothing!” Su Wan guiltily averted her gaze at once.

Su Chen gave her a look that said, “You’d better be telling the truth.”

He sighed inwardly; these two had no vigilance at all.

Jiang Mochen was obviously a man of deep schemes and narrow mind.

Every time Su Chen looked into Jiang Mochen’s eyes, a cold sweat broke out on his back.

Yet Grandpa and Su Wan both seemed to like him very much. Especially Su Wan—her eyes were like a fly, constantly darting over Jiang Mochen. Wasn’t she obsessed with Wang Luo before? How did her heart change so quickly?

Jiang Mochen drew closer and closer.

Su Chen watched him warily; Su Wan, feeling uneasy, turned her head to look at a distant tree.

“Good morning, Grandpa Su.” His voice was deep and resonant, like a whale in the sea—powerful and distinctly masculine.

Su Wan blushed unwittingly. Damn it, she’d lived so many years and dated before; why was she suddenly shy?

“Morning. Was it you who did all the work in our field?” Grandpa Su’s robust voice rang out, and there was a hint of admiration in his tone.

Jiang Mochen replied calmly, “I had nothing else to do. Consider it repaying Su Wan for saving my life.”

“That’s what she should do, don’t take it so to heart. If you don’t mind, come join us for dinner tonight,” the old man said, patting Jiang Mochen’s arm and taking the opportunity to scrutinize him. He couldn’t help but sigh inwardly: This arm is thick and strong—a hard-working, reliable lad.

The admiration in Grandpa Su’s eyes grew even stronger, and Su Chen became increasingly alert. What was Grandpa thinking with that look?

He shot Jiang Mochen a threatening glance, his expression saying, “If you dare accept, I’ll tear you apart.”

Jiang Mochen was about to refuse, but seeing Su Chen’s attitude, his eyes flashed with cunning and he accepted, almost provocatively.

Su Chen caught every nuance of his expression, face flushing with anger.

He stepped forward, wanting to confront Jiang Mochen and make his unwelcome feelings clear.

But Jiang Mochen only smiled faintly, bid farewell to Grandpa, and acted as if Su Chen didn’t exist.

After Jiang Mochen left, Su Chen finally exploded. “Grandpa, why did you invite him to our home? Haven’t you heard the rumors about him in the village?”

Grandpa Su, hands clasped behind his back, started walking home. “How rude! He helped us, and you don’t even thank him?”

“And besides, you called them rumors yourself. Why should I care?”

The old man turned back and gave Su Chen a deep look. “He’s much better than you. You can’t even understand your books, eat like a pig, and look at his muscular build—then look at your big belly!”

His words hit both siblings hard, and the chubby pair instantly protested.

“Grandpa! Yesterday you said I was just fine as I am!” Su Wan protested in a pinched voice.

Su Chen was about to retort too, but hearing Su Wan’s tone, he faltered.

He shuddered in disgust and quickened his pace.

Soon, he left Su Wan far behind.

Dust swirled on the road as Su Wan, dragging her plump body, sweated profusely from the heat.

“Damn Su Chen, couldn’t even wait for me,” she grumbled, raising a hand to wipe her sweat. Suddenly, a sharp voice rang out behind her, “Su Wan, stop right there!!”

Su Wan looked back and saw Wang Luo riding a battered bicycle, speeding toward her.

His gaze was fierce, hands gripping the handlebars as if he meant to run her over.

Su Wan, terrified, hurried to hide behind a large roadside tree, and Wang Luo barely managed to stop.

He stormed off the bike and marched up to Su Wan.

“How could you be so vicious? Why did you humiliate Wan Jun?”

His eyes were filled with blame for Su Wan and tender concern for another woman.

“She’s so kind—how could you bear to treat her like that?”

Listening to this, Su Wan couldn’t help but roll her eyes. She’d only asked for her bracelet back—how was that vicious?

And so far, the heroine hadn’t done anything remotely “kind.” Where did that label even come from?

Wang Luo frowned, looking as if his heart was breaking. “Had I known you were this sort of person, I’d have starved rather than take a cent from you!”

Su Wan was about to say, “Then give me all my money back.” But the system cut in first: [Host, mind your words.]

Su Wan: “………” I haven’t even said anything yet!

[But you thought it.]

Helpless, Su Wan softened her tone, feigning innocence. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t play dumb. You’re just upset I gave your bracelet to Wan Jun, right? Fine, I’ll give it back to you!!” Wang Luo suddenly threw a handful of cash at Su Wan.

His gesture was full of contempt; if Su Wan hadn’t dodged, the money would have hit her face.

Having tossed the cash, Wang Luo finally felt vindicated, and his gaze, when he looked at Su Wan, was even more arrogant than before. “Is that enough?”

“If not, there’s more.” He threw another handful of bills.

Su Wan glanced quickly—though the money on the ground looked plentiful, it was far from enough.

“Don’t be like this.” Su Wan feigned anxiety, stepping back, her voice trembling as if on the verge of tears.

Wang Luo stared at her fiercely, deliberately stepping closer, and with a wall-like gesture, boxed her in. “What do you want me to do?”