Historically, the inherent flaws of our people have manifested in a tendency towards individualism. The more capable individuals are, the more they desire to act alone, deeming subservience as a trait of mediocrity.
However, Zhang Wenfeng had neither reached the stage for solo endeavors nor harbored such ambitions. It was not that he didn't, but that the prodigal women did.
Yang Yumei had long harbored dissatisfaction with Xie Sui, envious of his earnings and Lin Wanwan's comfortable life. Zhao Xuefei's words immediately struck a chord with her.
The two women, in unspoken agreement, whispered together for a considerable time.
Xie Sui was unaware of their schemes against him. Even if he had known, he would have been indifferent. What could two foolish women possibly achieve?
During dinner, he recounted the story of Sun Wukong to the two children, extinguishing their desire to play outside. They clung to him, wanting to hear the entire tale.
"Journey to the West" had not yet been released in theaters. By calculation, it was about a year away. Xie Sui mused that he could leverage this cultural wave to expand and strengthen his small food business.
Food, clothing, shelter, and transportation formed the foundation of commerce and were the easiest avenues for wealth in this era.
"Alright, let Daddy rest. I've spent the whole day playing with you, and I still need to rest. Why don't you learn arithmetic with Mommy? Memorizing ancient poetry or practicing calligraphy would be fine too."
Lin Wanwan interrupted their boisterous play as Xie Sui's exhaustion was evident.
Upon hearing about calligraphy and arithmetic, the two children immediately bolted outside, shouting, "We've arranged to play hide-and-seek with Xie Dabao! We're off!"
"They run the moment learning is mentioned. How will they fare when they grow up?"
Lin Wanwan, hands on her hips, tried to recapture the two scamps.
Xie Sui comforted her, "Children love to play. Doudou and Dingding are very smart; learning will certainly not be an issue.
When autumn arrives, we'll move to the county town. There are kindergartens there, and they'll naturally learn once they're enrolled. Forcing them to study now will only make them rebellious."
Lin Wanwan: "Education should start from childhood. Wait, what did you say? Moving to the county town? What about this entire household...?"
"This is just temporary. For formal production and to grow stronger and larger, we must move to the county town. I have a plan; just be prepared."
Lin Wanwan fell silent, looking at him intently. This confident and self-assured Xie Sui felt like a stranger to her.
"What's wrong? Wanwan, are you mesmerized by your handsome husband? The night is short, and we are alone. Shall we go to the room and discuss our aspirations? Deepen our connection?"
Lin Wanwan: "..."
She had misjudged him. This fellow couldn't maintain seriousness for more than three minutes. With a sly grin, she asked, "How do you propose we deepen our connection? Shall I serve you?"
Lin Wanwan's fingers cracked as she flexed them. Xie Sui immediately caved, "No, no, I was just saying. How could I dare to trouble my Wanwan? Shall I fetch you some hot water to wash your feet?"
"No need. What kind of a man washes a woman's feet? If your mother found out, she'd give me another hard look."
Lin Wanwan blushed. This rascal was being mischievous, using the guise of washing feet to plot something else.
Xie Sui chuckled, "She won't. Your mother dotes on you now. You hold all the family's finances, so I wouldn't dare upset you.
Alright, if you don't want it, I'll go to sleep. I have to wake up early tomorrow!"
Xie Sui felt a pang of regret, sleeping alone on such a beautiful night, his back a picture of desolation. *I'm so miserable, so utterly miserable.*
Lin Wanwan found it amusing but also felt a twinge of pity for him. She brought a basin of hot water to his bedside. "Wash your feet. Satisfied?"
"Thank you, wife. I know my wife cares for me."
Xie Sui slept soundly that night, dreaming of intimate moments with his wife. The consequence was having to secretly wash his underpants the next morning.
Today's main task was production. The packaging bags brought back yesterday had to be finished. By afternoon, thirty boxes of goods had been completed.
Xie Sui rested at home for the day while a throng of women busied themselves. He lay beneath a tree, legs crossed like an elder uncle, catching up on sleep.
"Brother Xie, your fields need weeding. Since we have some free time today, let's get the fieldwork done."
Zhang Wenfeng was also not idle. Even though his mule was resting, he himself was not, pulling Xie Sui to work in the fields.
"What? Weeding, working in the fields? No, it's too hot under the sun. Let's do it when it cools down."
The women working nearby chuckled. "He's truly like a young master," one of them explained, "The heat is what kills the weeds. Weeding on a cloudy day is like loosening the soil for them. Don't say such things in the future; people will laugh."
Lin Wanwan put down her work. "I'll go. You stay home and look after things."
Previously, all the fieldwork had been done by her, and Xie Sui had never worried about it. He had grown accustomed to it.
"No, I'll go. I'll go. Wanwan, you stay home. It's not good if you get tanned."
The women envied, "Little Xie has truly become sensible, knowing how to cherish his wife. Wanwan is truly blessed!"
"Hurry and go. Talk less; you only have a mouth."
Lin Wanwan was speechless. She wasn't used to his occasional public displays of affection; it was quite embarrassing.
Xie Sui shouldered the hoe and headed to the fields, feeling as though his bones had turned to jelly. He didn't want to work. He, a dignified CEO, had to work in the fields—it was humiliating! Sudan Fiction Network.
"Brother Xie, you rest. I'll finish quickly and complete your family's work too. You're not cut out for farming. Watching you work makes me tired on your behalf."
"Thanks. I'll pay you for a day's work."
Xie Sui wouldn't exert himself if the matter could be resolved with money. He found a shady spot under a tree and continued his nap.
He had been very tired lately, both mentally and physically. Even an iron man couldn't endure it.
Just as he was drifting off to sleep, he felt an itch in his nose and couldn't help but sneeze. Thinking it was an insect, he jumped up in fright and began swatting at his body.
"Giggle giggle..."
The clear laughter, like that of a mischievous child, made Xie Sui pause. He looked up and saw Zhao Xuefei.
She had been teasing him. Xie Sui didn't find it funny; instead, he was very angry. "Are you f***ing sick?"
Playing pranks and acting intimately were things only people in a close relationship did. If it had been Lin Wanwan, Xie Sui would have indulged her, tolerated her, and doted on her.
But Zhao Xuefei was a woman he detested. How could she presume to joke with him?
Xie Sui's face darkened, and he turned to leave. If she weren't a woman, he would have slapped her.
Emotions between men and women were very subtle. Without that spark of affection, a man could be more ruthless than a woman.
Unfortunately, Zhao Xuefei was too confident in herself and had underestimated Xie Sui. Humiliated by his scolding, she said coyly, "Xie Sui, do you really have to treat me like this?"
Xie Sui remained unmoved. He understood these women best; give them an inch, and they'd take a mile, wanting to step all over you.
Seeing him walk away without looking back, Zhao Xuefei fumed, "The things you've done to me, the gifts you gave me, you want to pretend nothing happened and haven't asked my opinion?
You want to have a good life with Lin Wanwan now. What were you doing before?
Tell me, if I told Lin Wanwan about us, would she forgive you?"
If I can't have it, I'll destroy it. That was Zhao Xuefei's thought. *If I can't have a good life, you can't either!*