Chapter 1: Returning Home

After graduating from college, I was assigned to the Resource Management Bureau in my hometown, Qingyang City. As soon as I received my deployment certificate, I couldn't wait to board the train back home.

Because I missed my family dearly.

I never met my father and relied solely on my mother since I was young. However, when I was in the second year of junior high school, my mother fell ill and left me forever.

Thankfully, there's always a way out in difficult times. Aunt Wenying took me in, and as soon as my mother's affairs were settled, she brought me back home.

Apart from her husband, Song Jianguo, Aunt Wenying only had one daughter, Song Jiaqi. Jiaqi, four years older than me, was exceptionally beautiful from a young age, a renowned beauty in the area with numerous admirers.

Jiaqi treated me well, but unfortunately, after graduating from vocational school, she couldn't find a suitable job. Instead, she rented a storefront and opened a clothing store.

Due to her beauty and fashionable appearance, she inadvertently advertised her store, resulting in good business for her small shop.

Perhaps it was fate's cruel twist that on the day my family celebrated my achievement as the top scorer in the liberal arts, a significant event that would shape my life occurred.

That evening, after enjoying a lavish banquet at the restaurant, Jiaqi went to the express delivery station to collect a package. After escorting my Aunt Wenying and Uncle Song, who had indulged in too much wine, back home, I hopped on my bicycle and rushed to the express delivery station to pick her up.

As I arrived at the entrance of the Huajun Express Delivery Station, I heard faint cries for help emanating from inside. My heart clenched, and I hurriedly pushed open the partially closed iron gate, only to discover the station's owner, Li Huajun, attempting to assault Jiaqi...

When l burst through the door, Jiagi was already pinned down on the desk, her hair disheveled, andher delicate face filled with despair. Li Huajun was pressing himself against her, clearly attempting toforce himself upon her.

Rage surged within me in an instant. Glancing around, l spotted a wooden stick leaning against thedoor, likely used for carrying goods. l grabbed the stick and unleashed a frenzy of blows upon himwith all my strength, targeting his head and body...

Later, we reported the incident to the authorities without delay, However, the outcome was far fromideal. While Li Huajun was to face punishment for attempted rape, my excessive force resulted in hisleft arm fracture, broken ribs, and severe cranial injuries.

While Li Huajun was still in the hospital receiving treatment, I found myself already detained in the detention center.

I never regretted injuring that scoundrel to protect Jiaqi, but the thought of my own future being ruined left me feeling bewildered.

Just when I felt utterly hopeless, there was a sudden and dramatic turnaround in the case.

When Uncle Song's family came to the detention center to see me, they mentioned that a high-ranking official from the province happened to hear about my case, and thanks to his concern, I was acquitted.

The ordeal was finally over, and not long after, it was time for the new school year to begin. I finally embarked on my journey to Jiangzhou University for higher education...

The situation finally resolved without incident, and before long, it was time for the new school year to begin. I finally embarked on my journey to Jiangzhou University for higher education...

To be honest, I was quite fortunate. Handsome and charming, somewhat resembling the male protagonists in idol dramas, I often attracted admiring gazes from female students on campus.

As the train arrived at Qingyang Railway Station at dusk, my excitement grew. I would soon see my beloved Jiaqi. However, upon reaching her doorstep, just as I was about to knock, I heard intense arguing coming from inside the house.

"'Second brother is the best, but if you don't want him, what about Xia Quan?' It was Brother-in-law Fang Zhengyuan's voice.

"'No, Xia Quan is too young! How could you even say such a thing?' Jiaqi seemed very angry, her voice raised.

"'Too young? He's already graduated from college and is working. Isn't he old enough? Jiaqi, it's better to be with him than someone else, right? Besides, your family has always taken care of Xia Quan, he will definitely be willing to help,'" Fang Zhengyuan continued persuading.

"Absolutely not! I could never do such a thing!" Jiaqi firmly refused.

"Fang Zhengyuan, have you lost your mind? How could you, as a grown man, even suggest such a thing? Let me tell you, I, Song Jiaqi, am not that kind of frivolous woman. Don't you ever entertain such thoughts again, I will never do such a thing," Jiaqi retorted angrily, her voice trembling slightly.

"Don't you want a child? Do you want to be ridiculed for the rest of your life?" Fang Zhengyuan grew impatient, his tone rising several notches, bombarding her with questions.

"You, you... Fang Zhengyuan, it's clearly your problem, why are you dragging me into it?" Jiaqi's voice grew increasingly furious, the argument between husband and wife escalating.

Listening to their conversation inside the house, I was taken aback, subconsciously taking a step back, then letting out a bitter laugh.

Hearing the conversation between the two inside, I was taken aback, subconsciously stepping back, then letting out a bitter laugh.

Over the past few years when I returned home during holidays, I occasionally overheard Uncle Song and Aunt Wenying whispering about how the most frequent argument between Fang Zhengyuan and Song Jiaqi was about having a child, followed by Fang Zhengyuan's growing gambling habit, which had become a major concern for them.

This matter involved a little-known secret—during a special training session in the army, Fang Zhengyuan was unfortunately hit by a bullet in a certain area. Although it didn't take his life, it caused severe injuries and significant physiological issues, leading to his early retirement from the military.

Because of this, Song Jiaqi and Fang Zhengyuan had been unable to have a child. Now that Fang Zhengyuan was thirty years old, both sets of parents were pressing them, making the issue even more urgent.

I never imagined that their marital discord would somehow involve me. Undeniably, I had always had feelings for Jiaqi, a strong admiration.

But that's where it stopped. Aunt Wenying and Uncle Song were my benefactors, and Jiaqi cared for me deeply; she was a woman I respected. Even if I harbored feelings for Song Jiaqi, I would never act inappropriately towards her.

Inside the room, the couple's argument grew increasingly intense. After pondering for a while, I finally knocked on the door.

When Jiaqi opened the door and saw me, she seemed surprised. Her cheeks flushed, and she appeared somewhat awkward. Fang Zhengyuan leaned in, earnestly examining me before smiling and saying, "Xiao Quan, I offered to pick you up at the station, but you insisted otherwise. Look, you've only just arrived. Your mother-in-law even called several times asking for you."

"The train is often delayed, and I'm a grown man. Why would I need you to pick me up?" I replied calmly with a smile, glancing at Fang Zhengyuan in passing.

There was no denying that Fang Zhengyuan possessed a captivating appearance. Tall and muscular, his military training had sculpted his physique. His rugged features exuded masculinity. If not for his underlying health issues, their marriage would likely have been quite happy.

It was only then that Song Jiaqi realized my presence. She smiled and said, "Xiao Quan, come in and have a seat. Let me and Brother Fang change our clothes, and then we'll leave. Mom and Dad have been eagerly waiting for you at home. They've called several times asking about you."

I hesitated for a moment, waved my hand lightly, and replied softly, "No need to sit. You two change your clothes first; I'll go put my luggage away."

The house my mother left me was close to their marital home. Now that I had been assigned to the Resource Management Bureau, Aunt Wenying and Uncle Song had helped repaint the house for me, as their place was closer to the township and farther from the city center.

Jiaqi hesitated for a moment, nodded, and said, "Alright, we'll meet downstairs later."

"Okay, Jiaqi sister." I nodded and glanced at her before turning to leave.

Closing the door gently, Song Jiaqi's expression dimmed, her brows furrowing with worry. Fang Zhengyuan, lost in thought, remarked, "Jiaqi, I think Xiao Quan might have overheard our conversation."

Song Jiaqi jumped in shock, her fingers trembling, almost causing the teacup in her hand to fall. She immediately became flustered, saying, "How could that be? No way, he... Mom and Dad... If they find out, how can I face them? Oh!"

Seizing the opportunity, Fang Zhengyuan launched a psychological offensive, stating firmly, "Jiaqi, regardless, I've already said what I needed to say. Think about it carefully. I think Xiao Quan is a good person, kind-hearted, and trustworthy. He wouldn't gossip to others about this." Song Jiaqi seemed as if she hadn't heard his words, walking over to the table with a vacant expression and sitting down slowly...

As I walked downstairs, the conversation between Song Jiaqi and Fang Zhengyuan echoed in my mind. Lighting a cigarette, I pondered for a long time before finally calming down. I sighed softly, shaking my head in bewilderment, feeling somewhat amused and saddened.

How could I entertain such absurd thoughts? For me, Song Jiaqi had always been like an elder sister. When she got married, I only felt a bit melancholic for a while, but I wasn't particularly sad. Why did I feel unsettled upon hearing their argument today?

After a while, the three of us gathered downstairs, chatting and laughing. We hailed a taxi and headed to Aunt Wenying's place. After a hearty meal with the family that evening, we each dispersed with different emotions.