Chapter Thirteen: Liuyue Ru in Trouble

The day's work ended swiftly.

Shen Guodong didn't have many tasks, yet he was utterly exhausted, his bones aching as if they'd been shattered. The main source of his fatigue was dealing with those who tried to curry favor with him, which gave him a headache. There were even a few bold young women who approached him directly, leaving him at a loss for words.

When he returned home, he was surprised to find that Liu Yueru had come back earlier than usual. She was already seated at the desk, correcting students’ assignments.

"Why are you home so early?" Shen Guodong asked.

Without looking up, Liu Yueru replied, "I only had half a day of classes this afternoon, so I came home early. You’re actually later than I expected. Dinner is ready, go ahead and eat."

Shen Guodong nodded slightly and walked to the table, only to see a single plate of water spinach.

He was stunned.

How was it that the meal was even simpler than before?

"Why is there only one dish?" he asked offhandedly.

Liu Yueru’s body tensed, then she shook her head. "When I went to buy groceries today, I didn’t bring enough money, so I only bought some greens. We’ll have to make do for now. I’ll get something better tomorrow."

In these times, shopping was never convenient. Buying meat required meat coupons, cloth needed fabric coupons, and there were grain coupons for rice and flour. Still, a single plate of vegetables seemed too meager. Could something have happened?

Shen Guodong’s brows knitted together. He set down his chopsticks and walked over to Liu Yueru’s side, speaking earnestly, "We've been married for a while now. I know your character. Tell me, after you gave me money to pay off debts, where did the rest of your salary go this month?"

Liu Yueru bit her lip. Tears began to fall silently, streaming down her face as her shoulders trembled with suppressed sobs.

"It’s alright. I’m here. Even if the sky falls, I’ll hold it up. I’m your husband—what could you possibly have that you can’t tell me?" Shen Guodong drew her into his arms, gently comforting her.

Leaning against Shen Guodong, her eyes brimming with tears, she soaked his deep blue shirt. In this era, men’s clothing was either blue or gray, and nearly all the styles were the same. Choices were few. Clothes were made from fabric acquired with coupons, then sewn at home—sewing was a skill every woman was expected to have.

After some time, Liu Yueru slowly began to speak. As it turned out, since she had finished class early today, she wanted to go a bit farther to a market with more variety, buy some good ingredients to reward Shen Guodong, and pick up some fabric to make him a new set of clothes. By now, she believed he had really been named an exemplary worker—after all, there were teachers in her school whose family members worked at his factory. Shen Guodong’s achievement was no secret.

Unexpectedly, on her way back, Liu Yueru had run into Scar—a notorious local thug. He had stolen all her money. If it hadn’t been broad daylight with many people around, she might have come to real harm. Hearing this, Shen Guodong’s face grew dark. "Are you alright?"

"I’m fine, just a bit shaken. But what are we going to do for the rest of the month? We can barely get by… Looks like I’ll have to take a day off tomorrow and go ask my family for help," Liu Yueru said.

But Shen Guodong flatly refused.

Her salary had never been enough to cover even his former wild living, so whenever money ran short, Liu Yueru had to swallow her pride and ask her family for help. At first, they provided without complaint, but once they learned of Shen Guodong’s character, they stopped giving. Every time Liu Yueru went, she came back in tears, having suffered humiliation.

Though Shen Guodong had changed now, her family would never believe it. Even if they might give her the money, Shen Guodong would never let his wife endure such humiliation.

"It’s alright. You’ve changed now, so my mother will surely help us. We’ll get through this month, and after we’re paid, we can pay them back. Once we’re out of debt and have some money, life will be better for our whole family," Liu Yueru said, her eyes filled with hope for the future.

Seeing the light in her eyes, Shen Guodong’s heart ached. He said solemnly, "Let me handle it. You don’t need to go. I don’t want you to be wronged anymore."

Just then, a flash of determination appeared in Shen Guodong’s eyes, so intense it was almost blinding.

Liu Yueru’s expression froze as a sudden thought occurred to her. Panic crept into her voice. "What are you planning to do? You’re not thinking of going after Scar, are you? You mustn’t! You know what kind of man he is—ordinary people like us could never stand up to his kind. The money’s gone, it doesn’t matter, we can earn more. I just don’t want anything to happen to you!"

Scar was infamous in the area—a vicious gangster with a dozen men under him, living off extortion and intimidation. His boss, Baldy, was a powerful local figure, virtually untouchable. Not even the authorities dared cross them unless things got out of hand. Most people simply turned a blind eye.

Just hearing their names filled Liu Yueru with dread—she couldn’t think of anything else. They’d only lost some money, but if Shen Guodong tried to get it back, he might lose his life. It was a real possibility.

At this moment, Liu Yueru wanted nothing more than to live a peaceful life together. Once things improved, maybe have a child. That was all she wished for.

Shen Guodong, however, wasn’t overly concerned. He comforted her and then smiled. "Don’t worry. I’m not going to risk my life—I’m just going to reason with them. I’m not a fool; what’s the use of money if you’re dead? Trust me."

Hearing this, Liu Yueru hesitated, but finally agreed. Shen Guodong didn’t look like he was out for a fight. Yet, she wondered, could reason work with such people? It seemed absurd.

"I’ll let you go, but you have to promise me—nothing must happen to you," Liu Yueru said, looking at him with grave seriousness.

Shen Guodong smiled and agreed. A faint smile appeared on his lips as he released her and walked out the door.