Chapter 210 On the Way to the Countryside
The autumn heat was truly well-earned, and the train carriage was oppressively hot. Even with the windows open, not a breath of wind stirred.
Zi Yisheng had originally intended to share a compartment with his girlfriend. However, before he could even step inside, his brother-in-law had already whisked her away. His father-in-law, shamelessly, had claimed the berth that rightfully belonged to him.
Ye Shenge, holding Xia Tiantian, sat on the bed and watched the spectacle. She knew she was in high demand, it was simply unavoidable.
As the train lurched forward, the hot wind from outside at least made the carriage less stuffy. Ye Shenge, with Xia Tiantian in tow, brought out a pile of small snacks and distributed them to each room, giving everyone something to nibble on.
Ye's father watched his little daughter flit about like a busy bee, sweat beading on her forehead. He quickly pulled her back.
"Never mind those people, grab a set of chess and play a game with your old dad."
Ye Shenge smiled at her father's raised eyebrows, realizing he was subtly hinting for her to take something from her space.
"Alright, the chess is in my bag. I was afraid the journey would be boring."
Ye Shenge used her backpack to retrieve the chess set. She also took out two boxes of his favorite cigarettes from his past life for her father.
"Give one to Big Brother, and you should smoke less too. If Mom finds out, we'll both be in trouble."
Ye's father grinned, quickly tore open the cigarette boxes, and transferred the contents into the old ones. He then handed the torn boxes to his daughter to dispose of, before patting his backside and sending a box to his son.
Zi Yisheng and the others were smoking in the aisle. Seeing the opened box of cigarettes his father-in-law handed over, he picked one out, sniffed it, and raised an eyebrow. Good stuff.
"Is Uncle Ye finally sharing his prized collection?"
Ye Mu'en glanced at his father with a mischievous smile. His sister was very strict about the cigarettes she collected from their past life. These were some he'd secretly hoarded and asked her to keep for them, otherwise, they wouldn't get to smoke anything.
"There aren't many left, so smoke sparingly, everyone."
Ye's father also took a cigarette, saving his own. He mused about the current times, where even a box of cigarettes had to be rationed.
Ye Shenge lay on the bed, half-asleep, feeling sticky all over and unwilling to move. The chess game had been taken over by the two old men, leaving her to slump on the bed.
In the evening, everyone shared the dried rations and pickles that Aunt Zhen had prepared in advance. The weather was hot, so she hadn't dared to make much.
However, plenty of eggs were prepared for Ye Shenge and the two children. Two each, and they were gone.
After dinner, Ye Shenge took out a large number of apples and oranges from her bag. Eating some would at least prevent any difficulties later.
As night fell, the temperature dropped significantly. They dared not open the car windows too wide, leaving only a small gap to let in a sliver of coolness.
Ye Shenge, feeling sticky all over, couldn't bear to lie down. She knew she wouldn't be able to sleep without a bath and a change of clothes.
Ye Shenge asked her brother to fetch a basin of warm water. She first gave Xia Tiantian a simple wash in the carriage, changed her into a cotton vest and shorts, and let her sleep.
Mo Lin had already gone with the other men to the washroom for a shower. Ye Shenge waited until everyone returned before taking her change of clothes and asking her brother to accompany her to the washroom.
Zi Yisheng wanted to follow, but Ye's father stopped him.
Upon entering the washroom, Ye Shenge was nearly overcome by the stench. She held her breath and swiftly entered her space, the air immediately becoming fresh.
She drank two cups of well water, then headed to the washroom. The clothes on her body were casually tossed into the washing machine for a quick wash and dry, and would need to be packed away later.
Due to the time difference within her space, Ye Shenge even washed her hair. The hot water felt incredibly soothing, and she felt much more relaxed.
After a simple skincare routine and blow-drying her hair, she put on a soft long skirt before exiting her space. In truth, she really wanted to wear a pure cotton t-shirt and shorts to sleep, but she didn't even have the opportunity to take them out.
Zi Yisheng, seeing the young girl return, quickly leaned in. He hadn't had a chance to speak with her for a long time. His father-in-law and brother-in-law were definitely his biggest obstacles. Once they reached the village, he would have to find ways to keep them busy, otherwise, how would he cultivate their relationship?
"Get some sleep early tonight. I'll buy you breakfast tomorrow morning. Is there anything you'd like to eat?"
Ye Shenge gently squeezed her boyfriend's hand. She knew her father and brother were doing this intentionally. She could understand their feelings, so her boyfriend had to bear with it for now.
"I want hot porridge. My stomach feels uncomfortable with dry food."
When Zi Yisheng heard that her stomach was uncomfortable, his heart ached. She was truly suffering on the train.
"I'll have the people at the dining car cook some porridge for you right now. I'm sorry you're having to endure this today."
"No need. I'll just have some hot water later. You can have someone else make it for you tomorrow."
"Ahem, cough, cough, Shenge, hurry back to bed."
Ye's father's voice made Ye Shenge chuckle helplessly. This old man was something else.
"Then I'll head back now. I'll come to chat with you tomorrow."
Zi Yisheng was very happy. Even with so many obstacles, as long as the young girl's heart was with him, it was a victory.
"Alright, cover yourself with the blanket tonight. Good night."
"Good night."
As Ye Shenge approached the compartment, she pouted. Her father was really going too far.
"What's wrong? Did that brat bully you? I told you he wasn't good enough, how about we find someone else?"
Ye Shenge nearly fell over from anger. She said irritably,
"It's Dad who's bullying me. You already agreed to me dating Brother Zi, so why do you keep stopping us from talking?"
Ye's father felt a pang of sadness. She was already siding with outsiders. Although he was doing it intentionally, he absolutely refused to admit it.
"Dating should also consider appearances. It's not good to be seen by people in the aisle."
"Dad, are you an old-fashioned person? Don't make excuses."
Ye's father rubbed his nose. The young girl was too fond of that brat.
"I just want you to think carefully. Perhaps there will be someone better in the future. You're still young."
Ye Shenge decided she needed to have a serious talk with her father. Dating wasn't a one-time deal; you only knew if it was suitable by trying. If you don't try, how can you know if it's suitable?
"Dad, I like Brother Zi now, and I want to try and get along with him. If it's not suitable, I'll end it myself without you having to stop me.
But right now, I hope you'll support me because I still really like him. If you always prevent us from interacting, how will I know if he's right for me?"
Ye's father sighed. He wasn't specifically targeting Zi Yisheng. He knew that if any man came to take his daughter away, he would feel uncomfortable.
"Dad is just feeling a bit upset. At worst, I won't stop you anymore."
Ye Shenge understood her father's feelings, but she would eventually get married.
"Dad, even if I end up with Brother Zi, I'll still be living next door to our house. It's much better than marrying far away."
"That's true. How about... how about you give it a try then."
Mo Lin, lying on the upper bunk, pricked up his ears to listen. Yes, his sister would get married sooner or later. However, if his sister married Brother Zi, he would be willing. Despite his young age, he knew how to judge people.
Every time Brother Zi came home, his eyes were only on his sister, and he treated her exceptionally well. In Mo Lin's understanding, a lot of care couldn't be faked.