Chapter 30: Waiting in Vain Amidst Prosperity (1)
"Alright," Zhou Shengchen nodded, his body slightly stiff from standing all night. "I'll be back soon."
Xiao Ren's flickering gaze was not lost on him.
What was it that made the boy want to speak yet too afraid to open his mouth? As he descended the stairs, he pondered Xiao Ren's odd behavior. On the first floor, two girls were cleaning the rooms. He reached into his trouser pocket, pulled out a dark blue checkered handkerchief, and pressed it lightly over his nose and mouth to avoid the dust that might rise.
Avoiding the topic... avoiding it in front of his mother...
He paused briefly, thinking of Shi Yi.
The moment her image crossed his mind, he quickened his pace, striding along the stone path toward the courtyard gate.
The entire compound had been placed under strict quarantine due to Wen Xing's illness. No one could enter unless personally summoned by Zhou Shengchen's mother. He had forgotten this detail, too preoccupied with Wen Xing's condition to consider it.
Sure enough, as he stepped out of the courtyard, he spotted Uncle Lin's trusted subordinate standing not far away, watching him with desperate urgency but unable to approach.
He walked over, and the guards reluctantly parted to let him through.
"What happened to Shi Yi?" Zhou Shengchen grabbed the man's arm, his fingers digging in tightly.
"Miss Shi Yi is in critical condition."
"Critical condition?"
The man hurried to explain, "Last night, around midnight—"
Zhou Shengchen didn't let him finish. He pushed past him and strode away. The estate was vast, with 68 courtyards and 1,118 rooms, teeming with people—some familiar, others strangers. He had always remained calm, always observed from the sidelines. Relationships here were transactional, bound by interests rather than emotions.
Purpose, profit, human nature—he had prided himself on handling them all with ease.
But Shi Yi... Shi Yi alone was someone he couldn't decipher, couldn't unravel.
He couldn't stay calm. He couldn't remain detached.
He wanted to think, to figure out where things had gone wrong. The game was nearing its end, yet he still couldn't protect her. But his mind was blank, devoid of any coherent thought. And then there was fear—an unfamiliar terror that coiled around him, binding his limbs.
As he climbed the stairs, the mere sound of the medical team's hushed conversations on the second floor made him freeze.
He couldn't take another step.
Not one.
He believed in science, unafraid of death.
But he feared hers.
This overwhelming dread gnawed at his nerves, his veins, with cruel persistence.
Suddenly, Zhou Shengchen clenched his fist and slammed it into the stair railing with such force that the entire structure trembled. Everyone present was stunned. A young girl descending the stairs froze in shock, staring at him wide-eyed.
"Young Master..."
Slowly, she stopped dreaming.
It was time to wake up. Almost time, wasn't it?
She struggled once more to break free from the nightmare, her eyes swollen as she forced them open to a sliver of light. It wasn't harsh, softened by what seemed like fabric—similar to the curtains in her Shanghai home... perhaps identical.
Was she home? Really in Shanghai?
For a moment, she doubted, wondering if she had merely slipped into another nightmare.
Until she truly saw his face, his features. She managed a faint smile but lacked the strength to speak.
"Acute appendicitis," he said softly. "I was worried the family doctors wouldn't treat it properly, so I brought you back to Shanghai."
Acute appendicitis?
It had hurt like hell. She didn't want to recall the pain, only marveled at those who had endured it before.But was it an overreaction to return to Shanghai just for acute appendicitis?
She closed her eyes, lightly pursing her lips, which felt a bit dry. Hmm...
For some reason, perhaps due to physical weakness, she felt inexplicably sentimental and fearful.
Afraid of leaving him.
Shi Yi, oh Shi Yi, you're becoming more and more delicate.
She silently scorned herself, yet still tempted by something, she softly called out, "Zhou Shengchen?"
"Hmm." He leaned in closer, making it easier for her to speak without straining.
His features were so clean and pure.
Shi Yi studied him carefully. "I... want to tell you a secret."
"Go ahead." His voice was slightly low and very steady.
"In my past life, after I died," she said softly, pausing for a few seconds, "I didn't drink the Mengpo Soup."
She wasn't sure if he would understand what Mengpo Soup was.
He smiled faintly. "In the underworld?"
She laughed. He was so good, even playing along with her. "Yes."
He made an acknowledging sound. "So, that old lady let you off?"
Shi Yi frowned slightly, trying to recall but couldn't remember clearly. "Yes, maybe because... I never did anything bad."
He couldn't help but chuckle. "Then I must have done something bad, so I was forced to drink it?"
"No," she said seriously for a moment before relaxing again, not wanting to seem strange. "You're good."
"I'm good?"
"Mmm."
So very good. There's no one better than you.
He asked quietly, "You know me?"
"Yes," she said with a soft laugh. "In my past life, I knew you."
She looked at him.
I knew you, and it saddens me that you no longer remember me.
But it's okay. I've always remembered you.
Zhou Shengchen remained leaning over her until she closed her eyes, then gently kissed her forehead.
Gradually, he slipped into an objective, emotionless mode of thought.
His memory was excellent. He still remembered how he had listened to the doctor declare her out of danger and how he had walked down to the second floor. Uncle Lin had briefed him in the most concise manner about Shi Yi's sudden condition.
The toxin wasn't strong—an ancient component. Prolonged exposure was the most fatal aspect.
What had triggered it? A cup of tea, a stick of incense, or perhaps some delicate pastries—any of these were possible.
"Do you think, in our family, if we wanted a girl to disappear, we'd resort to such mild methods?"
This was the reason for his suspicion.
If the goal was clear, why would his mother need such slow, gradual infiltration?
Or was he too trusting? The number of people who could freely approach Shi Yi was very limited—aside from trusted aides, there was also Mei Hang... His worst fear was coming true. Everyone around him had been with him for years, each entangled in complex relationships behind the scenes. Human actions always served some purpose. What could it be that someone would repeatedly try to take her life?
He was calculating—the relationships behind everyone and the possible motives.
Shi Yi fell asleep again, this time much more peacefully.
Her breathing soon became even.
Zhou Shengchen absentmindedly raised his hand, lightly curling his index finger to touch her cheek.
During her convalescence, Zhou Shengchen stayed home with her the entire time. Eventually, Shi Yi even started protesting, urging him to attend to his own responsibilities. There were things she didn't dare say aloud—with him by her side twenty-four hours a day, she could hardly focus on anything herself, constantly distracted by his presence.As for Zhou Shengchen, he carried on as usual—reading when it was time to read and working when it was time to work.
She worried that he might not be accustomed to living here long-term, so she suggested moving to the standalone villa he had prepared for their newlywed life. He declined, only making slight adjustments to the layout and furnishings of their current place to make the environment more suitable for her recovery.
Every detail was comfortable and thoughtfully arranged.
This illness had truly taken a toll on her.
When her parents visited, they were shocked by her haggard appearance.
Afraid they might blame Zhou Shengchen for not taking good care of her, Shi Yi quickly explained that she had rarely gone to the gym in the past six months, leaving her in poor health, which was why a simple appendicitis had left her in such a state.
Regarding the treatment, Zhou Shengchen mentioned that he had opted for conservative therapy instead of surgery, and she agreed—if medication could reduce the inflammation, it was best to avoid the operating room. “I’m afraid of pain,” she said softly, tapping her fingers lightly on the back of his hand and arm. “Thinking about it, I’m actually quite delicate… Not only afraid of pain but also of the dark.” She teased him with a glance. “Do you think I’m too delicate?”
Back in Wuzhen, she had once kept him talking until dawn because of faint, indistinct noises that unsettled her.
Zhou Shengchen meticulously wiped each of her fingers clean with a warm, damp towel. “No.”
“Really?”
“Very much so.”
“Apart from being able to read, paint, cook, tidy up the house, and do voice acting…”
He chuckled. “Quite the polymath.”
In truth, the things she took the most pride in were all skills he had once taught her.
After drying her hands, he casually pulled the cashmere blanket up a little higher for her and brought over some pastries. Noticing his still-damp hair from his recent shower, she reached out and touched it lightly. “It’s already autumn. If you keep this up, you’ll catch a cold.”
“Not worried. I have your secret remedy.” He smiled, his voice softening slightly.
She knew he was referring to the perilla leaves she had once brewed for him.
Their eyes met through the thin lenses of his glasses.
A certain feeling quietly blossomed between them.
He cleared his throat lightly and stood up from the sofa, heading to the DVD cabinet. “Want to watch a movie?”
Shi Yi found it amusing and thought for a moment. “How about A Step Into the Past ? It’ll take days to finish—perfect for passing the time.”
“Sure.” He didn’t mind, bending down to turn on the DVD player.
From where she lay, she could see his reflection on the blank TV screen—a clear silhouette.
He focused on the DVD player, while she watched him.
Light blue flannel trousers, a white shirt—the same outfit he had worn the last time he stayed at her place. Simple and clean. Shi Yi felt her heart flutter, lying on her side against the sofa, her face half-buried in the blanket, gazing at him almost dreamily.
Finally done setting up the disc, Zhou Shengchen picked up the black remote from beside the TV and turned to say something to her.
But the moment he saw her like this, he immediately saw through her little game. “The way you look at me sometimes really makes me feel like some kind of celebrity.”
“Am I really that shallow?” Shi Yi muffled her voice under the blanket. “Zhou Shengchen, I love you.”
He acknowledged it with a hum, then couldn’t hold back a laugh.
Late September.
The Wang family’s matriarch arrived unexpectedly, accompanied by the eldest grandson—whom Shi Yi had met once before—and several elegantly dressed middle-aged women. Months had passed since their last meeting, yet the elderly woman remained as courteous as ever, even showing a touch more warmth. When the matriarch sat on the sofa, she gently tugged Shi Yi’s hand, urging her to sit as well, as if fully aware of her fragile health."This young master is a bit impatient, setting the wedding date so soon without leaving much time for his mother-in-law," the elderly woman smiled, gently holding Shi Yi's hand. "There are only six sets here. See if there's any you like?"
Shi Yi suddenly understood and looked at Zhou Shengchen.
Unconsciously, she pursed her lips.
He had given up the sofa for them, sitting on a wooden chair with his elbows resting on the armrests, smiling back at her.
"These are just initial samples," the elderly woman observed their reactions with amusement. "You'll probably need to come back three or four more times. Take a look at these first."
"Next time I can go to you," Shi Yi felt embarrassed making such an elderly woman travel around. "Just let us know in advance when they're ready, and I'll come to you."
"No trouble at all," the woman chuckled. "You've just recovered from illness, and Wen Xing is hospitalized in Shanghai. One trip lets me see two people. Otherwise... who knows when Wen Xing will recover enough to visit me in town."
Zhou Shengchen had told her about Wen Xing's hospitalization.
But due to her own health condition, he hadn't allowed her to visit the hospital.
The elderly woman's words gave her an opportunity to suggest visiting together. This time, Zhou Shengchen didn't stop her.
Someone opened the boxes, and soon a dark red clothing rack was set up.
Six sets of Chinese and Western wedding dresses were hung up one by one.
She had worn many outfits made by the Wang family before.
But mostly crafted by younger members.
These wedding banquet dresses, personally patterned by the Wang family matriarch, were truly different. Indescribably luxurious yet restrained, impeccable in fabric selection, design, and craftsmanship.
When Shi Yi tried them on in the study, only the Wang matriarch and Zhou Shengchen were present.
Casually, she asked why Wang Man hadn't come this time. She knew the Wang family usually sent Wang Man to accompany her for fittings to avoid impropriety, even when the matriarch visited.
Shi Yi asked out of concern.
Unexpectedly, the elderly woman beside her fell silent. By the time Shi Yi noticed, the woman sighed slightly, "She's also in Shanghai, but... she's resting during pregnancy."
Resting during pregnancy?
Shi Yi remembered Wang Man was still unmarried.
How could...
She didn't dare ask further.
Zhou Shengchen coughed lightly and said, "Madam Wang, my apologies..."
"It was that girl's own choice," Madam Wang shook her head. "Young Master needn't apologize. She knew Second Young Master was already married yet still... Now she's moved out of the Wang family. She understands the Zhou family rules - none outside the principal wife may enter the ancestral home."
Suddenly, Shi Yi understood.
After trying the dresses, when Madam Wang left the study first, Shi Yi whispered, "When did Wang Man get pregnant?"
"Around the same time as Tong Jiaren," Zhou Shengchen gently patted her arm. "Go change."
"Mmm... what a pity."
According to Madam Wang's words about "none outside the principal wife," Wang Man must have already "married" Zhou Wenchuan. In the traditional Zhou family, multiple wives weren't surprising.
But what exactly was pitiful?
She couldn't quite say.
Having longed for something unattainable, then settling for less.
But now having obtained it, could it truly be called fulfilling one's wish?The two of them changed clothes in the fitting room. She helped him put on his shirt, gently fastening each button from the bottom up. He leaned slightly forward, hands resting on the wardrobe, accommodating her movements. After she finished buttoning, her fingers traced a circle around his collar to ensure every detail was perfect. Only then did Zhou Shengchen explain in a low voice, "There are some matters in the Zhou family. If you find them uncomfortable, just pretend you don’t know."
She gave a soft hum in response.
Wen Xing’s test results had consistently fallen short of the required standards, causing her surgery date to be postponed repeatedly.
Having studied medicine herself, she took care to recuperate properly, and her condition seemed to gradually improve.
The elderly matriarch of the Wang family, after exchanging only a few words with Wen Xing, left the hospital. Shi Yi and Zhou Shengchen accompanied Wen Xing to a bench on the lawn to bask in the sunlight. As Wen Xing sat down, Shi Yi reached out to Zhou Shengchen for a thin blanket and draped it over her legs.
On that early autumn afternoon, the sunlight felt warm but not scorching.
Shi Yi sat beside Wen Xing, while Zhou Shengchen stood nearby, keeping them company.
"The lunar calendar is already... September, right?" Wen Xing smiled, her eyes curving as she looked at Shi Yi.
Shi Yi nodded. "The seventh day of the ninth month."
"Lunar September... is the Chrysanthemum Month, isn’t it?"
"Yes."
Wen Xing frowned slightly, complaining, "Only September and December are easy to remember—one is the season when chrysanthemums bloom, so it’s called Chrysanthemum Month, and the other is the icy, snowy season, so it’s called Frost Month. The rest? I was forced to memorize them as a child, and though I did, I’ve forgotten them all now."
Shi Yi chuckled. "These aren’t useful in daily life, so it’s fine if you don’t remember them."
"But," Wen Xing said softly, "Mei Hang likes... girls who resemble refined ladies from noble families."
Shi Yi paused, roughly understanding Wen Xing’s implication.
This young girl had someone in her heart—that "withered willow and lotus, yet the plum remains unchanged."
Perhaps she had sensed it before, but it hadn’t been confirmed. After all, Wen Xing was twelve or thirteen years younger than Mei Hang. And Mei Hang, with his inscrutable demeanor—a thirty-five or thirty-six-year-old unmarried man surely had his share of past stories, didn’t he? Even Zhou Shengchen, who wasn’t particularly interested in romantic affairs, had been engaged twice to appease his family.
Shi Yi didn’t know Mei Hang well, but she recognized that Wen Xing was confiding a hidden longing.
And she, of all people, was the least adept at offering comfort.
Fortunately, Wen Xing changed the subject. As she spoke, her eyes sometimes curved with laughter, other times widened with animation, completely immersed in the conversation—as if she hadn’t spoken so freely in a long time and had finally found a kindred spirit. They sat like this for over forty minutes before Zhou Shengchen and Shi Yi escorted her back to her room, her cheeks still flushed with excitement.
Just as they were about to leave,
Wen Xing suddenly advised her, "Wang Man holds a special status, sister-in-law... it’s best if you avoid visiting her."
(End of Chapter)
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