Chapter 41

C41 – They Were Lost in Their Thoughts

Wang Tiezhu instinctively flinched and asked, “What’s the matter?”

He had learned to be wary whenever his wife displayed such gentleness; it usually spelled trouble.

Lee Xiulian probed, “What are your thoughts on Zhang Xiaoloong?”

Wang Tiezhu was puzzled by the connection between the topic and Zhang Xiaoloong. “Zhang Xiaoloong? Well, he’s bright and eager to improve. Not just in Qinghe Village, but I’d say he has the potential to make a name for himself in all of Qingyang City.”

Lee Xiulian clicked her tongue a few times and reached out to pat Wang Tiezhu’s shoulder. “Back then, you had a good eye for marrying me into this family. And now, after all these years, your judgment has improved once more. If Zhang Xiaoloong is as capable as you say, wouldn’t it be wise to get close to him?”

Wang Tiezhu responded casually, “As the village chief, my role is to assist when he faces difficulties. What more can I do? I can’t just go and become his servant, can I?”

Lee Xiulian sighed, “I just praised you, and now I’m having second thoughts. You’re only concerned about your reputation. You can’t see the bigger picture. Zhang Xiaoloong’s character is well-known. If he succeeds in the future, will you forget the one who supported him in the past? The whole village may want to bask in his glory, and when that happens, those eager to follow him will be in long queues. There won’t be room for you to squeeze in. This is a golden opportunity you’re overlooking, despite still being the village chief.”

Wang Tiezhu remarked, “Your words make it sound like he’s already destined for greatness.” He knew his wife was right but was reluctant to admit it openly.

Lee Xiulian replied, “Let’s wait and see. You’re right too.” She was quick to discern the other’s thoughts. Unperturbed, she turned to undress for bed. “Just remember, when Zhang Xiaoloong becomes a success, and you regret missing this chance, it’ll be too late. Even if you try to disrupt his path to success in Qinghe Village, it won’t matter.”nove(l)bi(n.)com

Seeing his wife preparing for sleep, Wang Tiezhu hurriedly approached with a smile. “So, how should I go about getting closer to him? I’ve lived half my life without ever currying favor, but I’m willing to try. Hey, don’t go to sleep yet.”

Lee Xiulian pretended to be displeased, although she was secretly delighted. She sat on the bed without moving or speaking.

Wang Tiezhu surrendered, “Fine, fine. You’re the wisest in our family. I’ll follow your guidance in everything.”

But when it came to Wang Tiezhu himself, apart from being the village chief and leading a comfortable life at home, there wasn’t much else left but the aging process.

He also felt indebted to his wife. He was still in the prime of life, and it had been a decade since he could fulfill his role as a husband. Lee Xiulian had stood by him for all these years. Any ordinary person might have given up long ago.

Although Lee Xiulian often scolded him, the fact that she remained with him brought contentment to his heart.

Typically, he wouldn’t oppose anything Lee Xiulian said. However, this matter was particularly humiliating, and he found himself at a loss for words.

“Alright, think about it. How old are you? Are you still so concerned about your pride? Let’s make amends with Zhang Xiaoloong now, and in our twilight years... wouldn’t he care for us? I believe he would. That young man seems to have a sense of affection and loyalty. Don’t you think?” Lee Xiulian mused aloud.

Wang Tiezhu hesitated, unable to express what was on his mind.

“If you truly can’t accept it, then let’s discuss our own matters,” Lee Xiulian said while taking a step back. “You still maintain your seniority on the surface, but secretly allowing Xiaoloong to address me as ‘sister.’ Is that acceptable? What kind of seniority can you claim? You can’t even count the number of people from the past few decades. Why impose so many rules?”

Wang Tiezhu continued to smoke and finished burning the leaves in his pipe. He slowly raised his head and asked, “You don’t have feelings for Xiaoloong, do you?”

“What nonsense are you saying?” Lee Xiulian’s heart raced, as if she had been caught in the act of trying to steal something. “How old am I? How old is Xiaoloong? You have quite an imagination. Even if I did have feelings for him, could Zhang Xiaoloong possibly feel the same way about me?”

“Don’t hide it from me,” Wang Tiezhu sighed. “After all these years, I can sense what’s going on in your mind. Your eyes are different today.”

“I...” Lee Xiulian was silenced by her husband for the first time. After a prolonged pause, she slowly said, “I don’t want to leave. I just... want a child. How about we grow old together?”

“Really?” Wang Tiezhu stared at his wife with wide eyes.

It was only after she nodded that he began to pace around the room, eventually tossing his pipe onto the floor.