Chapter 494: Chapter 169: An ’80s Drama Queen Forced to Become a Top Student (4)

Ren Xingchen hurriedly dropped the chair, then, realizing what was happening, glared at Sheng Leyun, who was bent over laughing. "What on earth are you trying to do? Are you really planning to do nothing at home and just be waited on hand and foot?"

"I’ve never seen such a lazy kid..."

Sheng Leyun raised an eyebrow. "All city kids are like this. Did you think we were still in the countryside?"

"It’s just washing some clothes and cooking a meal. Look at you, making such a big deal out of it. If you want to secure your position as Mrs. Xiao, you have to let my dear Mr. Xiao see your wifely virtues."

Ren Xingchen gritted her teeth. It was true; she knew Xiao Xuezhen was a completely different man from Sheng Xibao.

Sheng Xibao had been honest and simple, with no understanding of romance or sentiment. But he would have torn out his heart and offered it to her on a platter. He never cared what kind of person she was; as long as she wasn’t making a fuss, everything was fine.

But Xiao Xuezhen was a city man, educated and worldly. He had originally been Sheng Xibao’s colleague, a fellow student counselor.

This man was incredibly romantic and knew how to charm a woman. Their affection for each other grew immensely through their exchange of letters. Plus, they were both attractive, and both of their spouses had passed away. That was how they ended up together.

At the same time, Ren Xingchen understood the kind of woman Xiao Xuezhen wanted: someone delicate and dependent who would make him look good and satisfy his male chauvinism. Of course, she also had to be adept at all sorts of housework, ensuring he came home from work to a hot meal, wore clean and neat clothes every day, and lived a life free of petty, everyday annoyances.

But Sheng Leyun used to do all of that, and all Ren Xingchen had to do was look pretty.

Now that Sheng Leyun refused to cooperate, she would have to bite the bullet and learn everything from scratch...

Ren Xingchen gritted her teeth. "Fine, do whatever you want! You’re all grown up now, with wings of your own. Your mother can’t control you anymore!"

With that, she stomped off angrily to deal with the luggage that filled half the room.

By the time Xiao Xuezhen returned with their meal, the room was a complete pigsty...

A vein throbbed on his forehead, but he knew their things had to be unpacked before they could be put away properly.

Besides, watching the slender, beautiful woman bustle about his room made his long-lonely heart and body stir with excitement.

"You must be hungry. Let’s eat first. We can finish unpacking later," he said, smiling gently. He took the clothes from Ren Xingchen’s hands, set them aside, and then, ignoring Sheng Leyun’s presence, led the shyly blushing woman to the table.

"I—I’ll go wash my hands," Ren Xingchen mumbled, then hurried out. A quick turn down the hall brought her to the public washroom, which also served as the women’s restroom.

Sheng Leyun silently followed her to wash her own hands.

The food from the canteen was very plain: just four steamed buns, a dish of stir-fried celery with dried tofu, and another of diced carrots with minced pork. For a child, celery and carrots were vegetables with a peculiar taste that they would usually reject. Moreover, the cook had prepared them simply, so when you took a bite, the raw, vegetal flavor exploded in your mouth.

Ren Xingchen also frowned, clearly unsatisfied with the meal.

Cooking, as it turned out, required not only diligent practice and study, but also a natural talent. Although Sheng Leyun had never really been taught, her food was simply delicious. She could preserve the original flavors of the ingredients while still creating a dish that delighted the palate.

In any case, she was a far better cook than the chef in the canteen. Ren Xingchen’s picky eating habits had been cultivated by the original Sheng Leyun.

However, with Xiao Xuezhen watching, Ren Xingchen forced herself to eat it anyway.

"The canteen food is pretty mediocre, isn’t it?" Xiao Xuezhen initiated, a smile on his face. "And it’s the same few dishes every day. The kids and I are sick of it."

"It’s a good thing you and your daughter are here now. We can cook in the doorway, and when I come home from work, I’ll be greeted by a table full of delicious food. That would be pure bliss!"

Sheng Leyun let out a dry laugh, pouring cold water on his fantasy. "Of course it’s blissful to have a free maid to cook, do laundry, and clean the house. If I were in your shoes, I’d be ecstatic too."

Ren Xingchen pressed her lips together. She wanted to agree but was afraid of displeasing Xiao Xuezhen, so she chose to remain silent.

Xiao Xuezhen chuckled. "How can you say that? Including you, our family has three children. A family’s meals and clothes all need attending to. Your mother and I will have our roles—I’ll handle things outside, and she’ll manage the home. We’ll support each other and cooperate. Our life will be the envy of all our neighbors."

Ren Xingchen was still young, and her heart’s desire for love had not yet faded. She was powerless against Xiao Xuezhen’s sweet words and didn’t stop to consider what she was truly getting into. She just smiled and nodded. "That’s right. A family is something we have to build together."

"Brother Xiao, you work so hard. Just leave all the housework to me!"

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