Chapter 208 A Surge of Favorability That Can't Be Stopped

A look of guilt appeared on Yuanyuan's face...

It was also accompanied by a hint of shyness...

She slowly sat up, as if the movement had aggravated her wound.

He accidentally let out a cry of pain!

Zhou realized that she might have aggravated the wound on her stomach, so he quickly helped her up!

There was a pillow behind her!

Her round face seemed to have turned even redder.

This was the first time she had seen Zhou Ye be so gentle and considerate!

She was deeply moved, as this was the first time in her life she had been cared for like this. Zhou Ye looked at her pale lips and face and asked softly, "Did the doctor say I can eat now?"

Zhao Yuanyuan shook her head and said, "Not yet, the doctor said we can't eat or drink for 12 hours!"

Zhou nodded, asked the nurse for some cotton swabs, moistened them with water, and used them to moisten Zhao Yuanyuan's lips.

"I already know about what happened in your family. Didn't your mother come?"

Zhao Yuanyuan paused for a moment and then said, "My mom went out, she should be back soon."

Zhou sighed and looked at Zhao Yuanyuan.

Actually, Zhao Yuanyuan is a bit older than me, but her face is round and the distance between her eyes is a little wider, so she looks much younger.

At this moment, his weak appearance resembled that of a younger sister.

Zhou couldn't bear to take care of him any longer.

Thinking about the girl's special needs, Zhou also pondered what he should do later.

Just then, Zhao's mother returned!

When Zhao's mother saw Zhou Ye, she changed her previous arrogant and scoundrel-like attitude.

He said with a smile, "Comrade Zhou is here! You've come to see our Yuanyuan, haven't you?"

Our Yuanyuan is so lucky to have such a caring leader and comrade-in-arms who are willing to take care of her, and such a thoughtful sister-in-law like you. She is so blessed!

As her mother, I felt relieved.

Zhou looked at Zhao Yuanyuan with a puzzled expression, wondering if her mother was not like this yesterday.

Zhao Yuanyuan nodded awkwardly; she knew what Zhou Ye wanted to ask.

So she took Zhou Ye's hand and said, "My mom said she did all that to protect me. It was all out of necessity!"

Zhou Ye raised an eyebrow slightly. There was actually such a way to protect oneself?

It's also because I lack knowledge!

Zhao's mother sighed and stepped forward, saying with difficulty, "Comrade Zhou, you don't know."

Yuanyuan's dad has always been that kind of person! Domineering! Overbearing!

I found out too late after I married him!

Then the child came along, what could I do? Her father favored boys over girls, so I could only let him be!

I had no choice but to secretly subsidize Yuanyuan!

Otherwise, who knows if Yuanyuan will ever grow up!

When she got to the sad part, Zhao's mother wiped away her tears and sniffled.

Zhou also expressed his incomprehension, but did not expose him...

She stood up and said to Zhao Yuanyuan, "Now that your mother is back, I'll be leaving now."

She also noticed that Zhao's mother hadn't prepared anything for Zhao Yuanyuan, and Zhao Yuanyuan, being a girl, was too embarrassed to tell a male comrade and colleague about her needs!

Zhou thought to himself, "Just consider it doing a good deed."

After leaving the hospital, she went directly to the supply and marketing cooperative.

The provincial capital's resources were abundant, and the supply and marketing cooperative sold everything. Once inside, perhaps because of Zhou Ye's extraordinary demeanor, the sales staff were very enthusiastic!

"Comrade, what do you need?"

Zhou also said with a smile, "Give me two pure cotton vests and two pairs of underpants!"

"OK!"

The sales clerk thoughtfully wrapped several pieces of clothing in oil paper and handed them to Zhou Ye.

Zhou thanked him and went back to wash the two vests and underpants.

It was placed next to the stove, and it dried out in no time!

It was around 11 a.m., and Zhao Yuanyuan couldn't eat anything at that time.

So Zhou didn't bring anything with him!

After finishing lunch, I set off again for the hospital.

In the hospital, Zhao's mother was eating two steamed buns with pickled vegetables.

Zhao Yuanyuan watched all of this with her lips pursed.

When Zhao Yuanyuan saw Zhou Ye, her eyes lit up.

"Sister-in-law, what brings you here?"

She thought Zhou wouldn't come again, but to her surprise, he came back again just a few hours later!

She felt a little excited.

When Zhou arrived, he brought a large cloth bag.

Seeing Zhao Yuanyuan sit up, he took something out of his cloth bag and handed it to her!

"Here you go. It's not convenient in the hospital, so wear this! It's new, and I've already washed it! You can wear it right away!"

Zhao Yuanyuan looked at the things in her hands and couldn't hold back her tears!

It turned out to be a pure cotton vest and underpants.

Her mother has been here for so long, but she has never thought about what a girl like her really needs.

He didn't even prepare a towel for himself.

The look in her eyes as she looked at Zhou Ye was full of emotion!

My lips moved for a long time, but I didn't know what to say to express my gratitude.

When Zhao's mother saw the brand-new vest and undershirt, a slight smile appeared on her lips.

From her daughter's expression, she knew what her daughter was thinking, and felt a deep sense of guilt.

It wasn't that she hadn't thought of it, but rather that she always made her own vests by hand, and had never worn one so exquisite before.

It's not that she didn't plan to prepare underpants, but she felt that she would only be staying in the hospital for a few days, and would just make do with what she had to do before leaving, so she didn't think about buying any!

Unexpectedly, it was prepared for her daughter by an outsider.

Her heart was filled with mixed emotions, including some touching moments.

It seemed as if he hadn't taken good care of his daughter.

Besides preparing these things, Zhou Ye also gave Zhao Yuanyuan a washbasin and a towel and put them under the bed.

Zhao Yuanyuan said somewhat embarrassedly, "Sister-in-law, thank you so much. I'll buy these things when I feel a bit better."

I can ask my mom to buy it, it's really too much of a expense for you!

How much was it? I'll pay you back!

Zhou waved his hand and said, "No need! It's just some small things!"

Zhao Yuanyuan, however, was very insistent!

"Sister-in-law, what are you saying? Brother Jianshe has already helped me so much. I really feel bad that you're spending so much money on me!"

Zhao's mother slapped her thigh and said, "Oh dear, Yuanyuan, call her sister-in-law. Comrade Zhou is doing this for your own good and to take care of you!"

You mustn't be ungrateful, child.

Besides, judging from Comrade Zhou's appearance, he doesn't care about these little things, so don't talk about money!

"You're being too polite!"

Zhao Yuanyuan glared at her mother.

Zhao's mother touched her nose, feeling a little embarrassed!

But she still said to Zhou Ye, "Comrade Zhou, I'm so happy that you came to see Yuanyuan. Please sit down!"

It's rare to see someone as meticulous as you.

Zhou pretended not to know what Zhao's mother meant, smiled, and sat down by Zhao Yuanyuan's bedside.

Zhao Yuanyuan glanced at Zhao's mother's steamed bun!

Zhou Ye chuckled and said, "Are you hungry?"

Zhao Yuanyuan nodded weakly: "Yes, I'm very hungry! My stomach is rumbling!"

But the doctor said I couldn't eat it.

We can't eat until 7 pm!

It seems Zhao Yuanyuan is quite the foodie.

Zhou shook his head and smiled, "Let's wait and see, hang in there a little longer!"

Zhao Yuanyuan obediently hummed in agreement.

It seemed there was nothing else, so Zhou left.

Watching Zhou Ye walk away...

Zhao's mother quickly closed the door and locked it from the inside.

He excitedly told his daughter, "Yuanyuan, I've figured it out. Comrade Zhou's daughter is young and naive, although she sometimes says hurtful things."

But he's kind-hearted and easily influenced!

You see, even when you were hospitalized this time, she still came to see you, didn't she?

Look at the malted milk powder on the table.

This is very rare and valuable!

The fact that she's willing to give you even this shows how much she values ​​you.

That's great news!

Seeing her mother's excited expression, Zhao Yuanyuan felt a little uncomfortable.

He said, "Mom, I don't want to do that anymore."

No sooner had she finished speaking than Zhao's mother slapped her thigh in anger.

Why won't you listen to advice, child?

Mom has eaten more salt than you have eaten rice.

I can see that your boss is a reliable and dependable person! He's someone you can entrust with your work.

Moreover, the fact that they took care of you all night yesterday shows how much they value you, pay attention to you, and care for you.

Besides, you're just as good-looking as Comrade Zhou.

Men, you just have to show them more care.

I just saw Comrade Zhou. Although he is kind and gentle, he seems cold to me.

What man could stand such a cold woman?

You should be very considerate of your leader in general.

Whether in life or at work? Oh, that's how it is; feelings can develop over time.

Zhao Yuanyuan felt physically nauseous upon hearing these words.

She looked at her mother and wondered if she was too naive and foolish. Did her mother really love her as much as she said?

Or perhaps it was because she knew her father was in jail and she would have no one to rely on but me, that she changed her attitude.

She sighed and said to Zhao's mother, "Mom, please don't say things like that again!"

Let me think about it some more.

Zhao's mother was furious; she felt her daughter was being disobedient. "Those who don't heed the advice of their elders will suffer the consequences."

Just then, there was a knock on the door, which startled Zhao's mother. If you have a clear conscience, you have nothing to fear. If you have a clear conscience, you will be afraid of people knocking on your door!

She looked up and saw that it was her son, Zhao Kangkang.

She quickly opened the door and welcomed her son inside.

"Son, what brings you here?"

Zhao Kangkang glanced at his sister: "Sis, are you alright? Does it still hurt?"

Zhao Yuanyuan's feelings for this younger brother are very complicated.

She practically raised her younger brother when he was little.

But as her younger brother grew older, their relationship deteriorated.

While his father was hitting him, his younger brother even said from the side, "You're a good-for-nothing, get out of here!"

This is my home, and everything in this house will be mine from now on!

But last night when my father was about to beat me to death, my younger brother pulled him back from behind.

He still remembers what his younger brother said: "Dad, please stop hitting my sister, please stop."

My brother even said she's my biological sister. Are you really going to beat her to death?

Just as her father stabbed himself with a knife, she saw her younger brother's shocked face and even frightened eyes.

She thought that even if there were conflicts between her and her brother, and even if her parents favored boys over girls, she and her brother were still connected by blood.

She answered softly, "It's much better now."

My younger brother is much quieter than before... Maybe he was frightened last night! Or maybe he feels guilty.

After a long silence, he suddenly said, "I'm sorry, sister."

Zhao Yuanyuan's eyes immediately welled up with tears.

At this moment, Zhao's mother looked at Zhao Kangkang and said, "Son, it's alright! You're siblings. Why are you apologizing? Your sister is fine now, she won't die, don't worry!"

But your dad's already in jail.

There's no doubt he's been convicted, but it's unclear when he'll be released.

Let's take good care of your sister now, and we can rest easy once she recovers and is discharged from the hospital.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yuanyuan glanced at her mother in surprise.

Then Zhao's mother smiled and said to Zhao Yuanyuan, "Yuanyuan, look what happened to your father. It's all because of you!"

Mom and your brother can't go back to their hometown either.

What are you going to say when you go back?

So, Mom and your brother decided to stay in the provincial capital.

The courtyard you live in looks quite big to me!

I'll live with you, and your brother will have a room! It's quite spacious.

I was thinking of having your brother stay in the provincial capital, and asking your boss to arrange a job for him.

Even a temporary worker, or even a cleaner, will do.

What do you think?

Before Zhao Yuanyuan could speak, she wiped away her tears and said with a wronged expression, "Yuanyuan, Mom knows you're in a difficult situation."

But you're Mom's only capable daughter. What are you going to do with your brother?

Your brother really hasn't suffered much. He's already graduated, and if he can't find a job soon, they'll be sending him to the countryside.

He's never done any farm work before. He can't even tell the difference between wheat and grass.

Please help him. You're the only one who can help him right now!

Mom really doesn't want you to give up your job to him.

You earned your job through your own abilities, so Mom has no right to ask you to give it up!

But Kang Kang is your own brother, so please have pity on him, have pity on Mom, okay?

Zhao Yuanyuan looked at Zhao Kangkang's wet eyes and sighed.

"I'll give it a try once I'm healed." She wasn't entirely sure Xie Jianshe could help her!

Zhao's mother seemed oblivious to her daughter's hesitation, and happily held Zhao Yuanyuan's hand, saying, "I knew my daughter was capable, I knew it!"

Zhao Yuanyuan pursed her lips; deep down, she didn't believe her mother's words. But...

Zhao Yuanyuan was discharged from the hospital seven days later. However, Zhou did not expect that Zhao Yuanyuan lived not far from his home.

It's only a ten-minute walk!

To Zhou's surprise, Zhao's mother and Zhao Yuanyuan came to visit the next day.

This really startled Zhou!

After all, Zhao Yuanyuan's health had only just met the criteria for discharge from the hospital, and she needed to recuperate at home for at least a month.

I didn't expect to go out today.

Xie Jianshe looked at them with some confusion: "Why are you going out so soon? Is something urgent?"

Zhao Yuanyuan looked somewhat embarrassed, pursed her lips, and refused to speak!

Zhao's mother smiled and said, "I'm an elder, so I'll call you Jianshe! You and my daughter have been comrades-in-arms and colleagues for so many years."

Thanks to you for taking care of us these past few days; you've been thinking about us, mother and daughter!

We are very grateful. This morning I just made some crepes. These are my specialty, layered crepes, so I thought since you don't live far away, I'd come and bring you some.

This first visit may seem abrupt, but it comes from the heart of my daughter and me!

You absolutely must accept it.

As he spoke, he took out a hot layered pancake from the basket. Zhou glanced at it and had to admit it smelled quite delicious. The layered pancake had some salt and pepper in it, giving it a surprisingly unique flavor.

But... this isn't for myself!

Zhou glanced at them and smiled knowingly. He then glanced at Zhao Yuanyuan and said, "You two chat first, I'm going to work!"

Just as Xie Jianshe was about to say something, Zhao's mother spoke first: "Oh dear, Comrade Zhou, are you going to work?"

Then I won't bother you any longer!

You should go to work now...

Don't worry, I've prepared breakfast. Jianshe will eat well!

Zhou Ye gave a speechless laugh, then turned and left!

"Xiaoye...Xiaoye..."

"Xie Jianshe called out!" Zhou waved his hand and left.

Xie Jianshe was especially wary after what happened with Shen Yan!

He looked sharply at Zhao Yuanyuan and suddenly said sternly, "Comrade Zhao Yuanyuan, you're not fully recovered yet, what are you doing out here?"

"Health is the foundation of everything, understand?"

Zhao Yuanyuan was speechless!

I could only stand there awkwardly!

Zhao's mother, however, had a different opinion. She felt that Xie Jianshe was showing concern for her daughter!

He slapped his thigh and said with a grin, "Yuanyuan, look how much your boss cares about you!"

This layered pancake, the salt and pepper seasoning was sprinkled on by our Yuanyuan herself.

This tastes great, you should try it!

"Yuanyuan isn't fully recovered yet. Once she's better, she'll make this mille-feuille for you herself."

Xie Jianshe knew about Zhao Yuanyuan's cooking skills. Back when he was in the army, Shen Yan and Zhao Yuanyuan would sometimes do the logistics work when they went on missions, so he had tasted this layered pancake before.

But they delivered mille-feuille cakes early in the morning, before the patient had fully recovered. What does this mean?

Xie Jianshe had some doubts in his heart!

He didn't speak to Zhao's mother, but said directly to Zhao Yuanyuan: "Comrade Zhao Yuanyuan, if you haven't fully recovered, go back and rest. Don't go out and wander around."

If you are fully recovered, please return to work as soon as possible, understand?

The voice was stern and left no room for argument!

"yes!"

Zhao Yuanyuan answered immediately. At this moment, Zhao Yuanyuan also knew Xie Jianshe's attitude. He also understood that he had some other thoughts.

When Xie Jianshe discovered it, he was filled with shame!

He pulled Zhao's mother and said, "Mom, let's go. The leader has already received the mille-feuille. Let's go."

Zhao's mother, not understanding what was going on, pulled Zhao Yuanyuan aside and said, "Oh dear, you're covered in injuries. It's not easy for me to come and see you, but you're covered in sweat."

Sit down and rest for a while!

I noticed that my husband has been quite busy this week, and the house hasn't been cleaned yet.

Let me tidy you up..."

At the same time, he looked up and down at the spacious house and its furnishings.

I was extremely envious.

I thought to myself, if Xie Jianshe takes a liking to my daughter, once the two of them get married, wouldn't everything in this house be mine?

And I can bring Kang Kang with me to live here then.

When Kang Kang gets married, we can have the wedding in this courtyard, so we won't need to buy a house.

As Xie Jianshe's brother-in-law, shouldn't he at least pay some bride price?

One thousand or two thousand should be enough, right?

The more I thought about it, the better it seemed, so I decided to start clearing the table.

Alarm bells rang in Xie Jianshe's mind.

He spoke directly and sharply: "Auntie, what do you want to do? This is my home, and you are a guest. There is no reason for a guest to come and tidy up."

I'm going to work now. Please leave with Comrade Zhao Yuanyuan.

This is practically the same as kicking someone out.

Zhao Yuanyuan's face was full of shame.

He quickly apologized to Zhao's mother, saying, "Brother Jianshe, I'm so sorry, we were too forward today. I'll take my mother away right away, please forgive me!"

Then, ignoring Zhao's mother's resistance, she dragged her out. After they had walked a short distance outside the courtyard, Zhao's mother forcefully shook off Zhao Yuanyuan.

"What are you doing? I'm trying to help you."

Zhao Yuanyuan clutched the wound on her stomach, feeling some pain, and then said, panting, "If you really care about me, then don't do these things to help my mom."

Do you really think you're doing this for my own good?

You're trying to ruin me!

"Brother Jianshe and his wife have a very good relationship. Do you want me to end up like Shen Yan?"

Zhao's mother moved her lips, looking at Zhao Yuanyuan with some disappointment.

Zhao Yuanyuan didn't care about anything else. If she was sent to the northern frontier and could never come back, or if she lost her job at the Public Security Bureau, she knew in her heart what kind of life she would face.

She hardened her heart and said, "Mom, if you interfere with my life, my marriage, or my work..."

Then please take your younger brother back with you. I will no longer interfere with his work.

Let him go to the countryside if he needs to.

Let him suffer the pain he deserves.

Zhao's mother became anxious: "How could you say that? He's your own brother."

Zhao Yuanyuan sneered, "I'm still your own daughter, yet you still try to harm me without leaving any room for maneuver."

Zhao's mother became anxious: "How have I harmed you?"

"If you really marry him, you'll live a wonderful life from now on."

Zhang Yuanyuan said with a wry smile, "Mom, if I could get married, I would have done so long ago!"

If he were interested in me, he would have done so long ago!

Why wait until now?

How many years have we known each other?

Don't you know?

I'm telling you now, Brother Jianshe has absolutely no feelings for me.

What does he want from me?

I'm not as pretty as my sister-in-law. Does she like me because I'm ugly?

I'm not as smart as my sister-in-law. Does he want me because I'm stupid?

My job might not even be as good as my sister-in-law's. Nor is she as wealthy. Does she want me because I'm poor?

"Mom, please wake up! Everyone in this world wants to climb the social ladder, but not everyone can. Do I deserve it?"

Zhao's mother wiped away her tears anxiously: "Daughter, believe me! I've already inquired, and Comrade Zhou is indeed a young lady from Beijing!"

But she's such a burden!

She has two younger brothers and an elderly grandfather!

She even has a mentally challenged child living with her!

Xie Jianshe is definitely not satisfied; who wants to support so many people? We just need an opportunity!

Did you know?

Many things require us to fight for them!

Zhao Yuanyuan remembered the way Zhou Ye looked at her, so gentle. It was the first time someone had ever been so considerate to her!

I even prepared a vest and undershirt that I needed!

Even my own mother didn't expect this!

Can I really bear to do this?

No, I can't do that!

I would never steal a man from my sister-in-law!

no way!

Yes, I did have some inappropriate thoughts in the past, but I won't do it again!

He firmly told Zhao's mother, "Mom, you lied to me about coming here today. Don't do things like this again!"

Sister-in-law and Brother Jianshe are doing very well!

If you try to sabotage things again, then you and your brother can go back! I won't care about you anymore! After all, you weren't good to me before!

If you try to instigate me again, I'll kick you out immediately!

Call me unfilial, say I don't care about my family, I will still do it!