Reborn as the Villain's Wife, I Shine in 80s-Chapter 145 - 141 Love

After Tian Tian and Chen Guilan disappeared, Chen Ying couldn’t wait to say, "Sangsang, why did you tell them you need to think about it? If it were me, I’d have grabbed a broom and chased them out. You’ve seen it too, haven’t you? Tian Tian hasn’t changed one bit, always looking like she’s on the verge of dying. She acts like we’re bullying her or something."

"I’ve got my reasons for saying that." Tian Sangsang replied thoughtfully.

"Reasons? You’re not scared of them, are you?" Chen Ying asked incredulously.

Tian Sangsang shook her head slightly, glanced upstairs, and lowered her voice as she said, "Did you notice how your brother acted toward her earlier?"

Chen Ying thought for a second before it suddenly clicked. She looked at Sangsang with wide eyes, "You’re not saying... But seriously, is that the kind of person you’d want here? Think she’ll behave?"

"I’m always at the shop anyway," Tian Sangsang raised her eyebrows, "During the day, I’m here. At night, you’re here."

"The open blade is easy to dodge, the hidden arrow is hard to guard against," Chen Ying said worriedly, "If she ends up causing trouble because of my brother, I..."

"Relax, I have my ways of dealing with them," Tian Sangsang reassured her. Keeping her voice low, she added, "They’re a danger outside, and they’re dangerous here too. But better to bring them into our territory and keep an eye on your brother..."

To be honest, it’s annoying—if she doesn’t agree, Tian Tian and her family might just keep coming back to pester her. So why not cut them off at the source, make sure they never get back up again? Since they’re so eager to come, she might as well let them. Plus, it’s a chance to gauge where Chen Ming stands now. If he’s still hung up on Tian Tian, it means he’s hopeless. After all, Tian Sangsang considers him a friend and is willing to spend a little extra time on him.

"My brother is honestly so exhausting..." Chen Ying grumbled in confusion. Why do men always like girls like Tian Tian, weak and pitiful, triggering their protector instincts?

With a weighty tone, Tian Sangsang slowly remarked, "Love... it’s an uncontrollable thing, a destined calamity for everyone."

"So, back then..." Chen Ying shot her a timid glance, "When you couldn’t stop talking about Ye Jiang, was that because of this uncontrollable love???"

Instantly, Tian Sangsang’s expression shattered, and she shot to her feet, "Ancient history, don’t bring it up!"

"See? Love strikes again." Suddenly, she side-eyed Chen Ying and smiled.

Yao Fangfang reluctantly hugged Qianqian and showed up at Tian Sangsang’s small shop. She ordered two servings of spicy skewers, and insisted on eating there.

"Auntie Sangsang." Xu Xixi, restless on the chair, sweetly waved at Tian Sangsang who was busy working.

"Little foodie, hungry already? It’ll be ready soon." Tian Sangsang placed the two bowls of spicy skewers on the table.

Yao Fangfang didn’t eat hers; instead, she slowly fed Xu Xixi while looking distracted, her gaze darting back and forth.

Chen Ying scratched her hair in confusion. Tian Sangsang said love is here—what love? Could this peacock-like woman even have love?

From the stairs came the sound of footsteps descending, thud thud thud. Chen Ming appeared looking unkempt and sluggish, shirtless, with a towel draped over one shoulder. Clearly, he was heading to the backyard for a rinse.

Chen Ying, who had been observing Yao Fangfang, unmistakably caught the sparkle in her eyes when she saw Chen Ming, followed by a shy expression. As a woman herself, Chen Ying knew that look well, having worn it on her own face before.

Sigh—

What are you looking at!

Why are you looking at him!

Close your eyes!

Chen Ying sat up straight and steadied her agitated emotions. Why—why is this happening? Could it be that this woman has feelings for her brother?

She shuddered in horror. Why would anyone like her foolish brother? The same brother who waters down soda before drinking it.

But no matter what, he’s still her brother.

Yao Fangfang watched Chen Ming’s retreating figure with longing as he disappeared into the backyard. Her heart suddenly felt sour. She kept coming here despite her distaste for Tian Sangsang, just for a glimpse of Chen Ming, yet he still ignored her completely.

"Goodbye, Auntie Sangsang."

"Goodbye, come back again next time!" Tian Sangsang smiled warmly at Xu Xixi, while completely disregarding Yao Fangfang’s look of dissatisfaction.

Chen Ying placed a hand on her chest and still couldn’t believe it. She blinked a few times: "Sangsang, is it true? Is it really true?"

"What are you talking about? What’s steamed? What delicious thing are we steaming tonight?" Chen Ming asked with a faint look of anticipation as he emerged from the backyard.

Chen Ying and Tian Sangsang both shot him a look. ⊙▃⊙

Chen Ming sighed, his expression deflated. He looked at them with desire, "If not steamed, boiled is fine too."

Chen Ying and Tian Sangsang gave him another look. （︶︿︶）

Chen Ming swallowed hard, the light in his eyes dimming further, "Then fried, pan-seared maybe? Don’t tell me there’s no dinner tonight?"

This time, Chen Ying and Tian Sangsang couldn’t even be bothered to spare him a glance.

The atmosphere became undeniably awkward. Feeling defeated, Chen Ming ruffled his damp hair and retreated upstairs, deeply embarrassed.

Only then did Chen Ying snap out of her daze and murmur, "It must be a mistake. Could she really like my brother? But... if it’s Yao Fangfang, then I’d rather take Tian Tian."

Tian Sangsang was taken aback: "Why’s that?"

"Tian Tian’s easy to deal with—give her a little benefit, and she’ll obey. Yao Fangfang, on the other hand, no matter what, her personality is a handful!" Chen Ying sighed. She’d rather have a vase in the house than a peacock.

That comparison was pretty spot-on.

Tian Sangsang thought Chen Ming and Yao Fangfang might be a better match—if only Yao Fangfang toned down her personality a bit. But who can predict the future? It’s best to just go with the flow.

Early the morning after tomorrow, Tian Tian and Chen Guilan showed up again.

Wow, they came pretty early. Tian Sangsang glanced at them calmly and said, "I’ve given it some thought. Grandma’s illness is more urgent. Since my cousin is here to help out, there are a few things I need to clarify first."

Tian Tian and Chen Guilan exchanged a look, both overjoyed. She’s agreeing to take them on!

"Your cousin will help out as a hand, doing things like washing vegetables, cleaning dishes, sweeping floors, helping with customers—basically like an assistant. The salary will be twenty bucks a month. What do you think?"

Chen Guilan’s eyes immediately dimmed. She calculated as she said, "Sangsang, how could you let your cousin do such menial work? Tiantian can cook—she’s really good at it. She could help you out making these spicy skewers, braised food, and pastries. Just teach her, and she’ll learn quickly." Twenty bucks was okay, but menial work wasn’t dependable. A lady’s hands need to be pampered.

Well, well. So they’re after the recipes now. "Teach a man to fish..."—isn’t that their aim? Straight to the crux of it.

Tian Tian felt especially dissatisfied, particularly angry, but dared not show it. She forced a smile: "That’s right, once I learn, then you won’t have to work so hard while you’re busy. You can always count on me."