Chapter 9: I Don't Think You're Weak

After dinner, Chen Xiulan prepared bathwater for Lin Heng. "Hurry up and wash, I've already set out clean clothes for you."

She then took their daughter into the room. At that time, there were no bathrooms, just a basin placed in the firewood room for washing.

In this season, the mornings and evenings were still chilly. Lin Heng shivered like a cold bird.

The house had no electric lights, only the dim glow from the stove. After quickly finishing his bath, Lin Heng went outside to the toilet.

It was only a little past 8 in the evening, but the village was already dark. There was no electricity, no entertainment—everyone slept very early.

This was life in rural China during the 1980s—poor and backward. People toiled tirelessly just to have enough to eat.

Looking up at the starry sky, the Milky Way was faintly visible.

"Tomorrow will be another sunny day," Lin Heng sighed, finishing his business and returning to the bedroom.

His wife, Chen Xiulan, had just finished tidying up the bed. Their daughter, Xiaoxia, was still playing and giggling on the bed, refusing to sleep.

"Let me take care of her," Lin Heng offered, climbing onto the bed to play with his daughter.

Chen Xiulan nodded and took her clothes to bathe in the firewood room.

The smell of kerosene filled the room, and the light was dim. Their daughter wrapped her arms around Lin Heng's neck, giggling happily.

"Sleep, sweetie. Daddy will tell you a fairy tale…"

Lin Heng laid her down, pretending to be the Big Bad Wolf as he told her the story of Little Red Riding Hood.

The little girl didn't understand a word, but that didn't matter. His wolf impressions—complete with growls—soon lulled her to sleep.

He tucked his sleeping daughter toward the wall and covered her with the blanket. Looking at her familiar yet strange little face, Lin Heng felt a mix of emotions. In this lifetime, he vowed to give her a better life and ensure she had the money to go to school.

This reminded him of his useless son from his previous life. That son was even lazier than he had been—nothing to feel nostalgic about. This lifetime, he was confident he could raise a better child.

"Did you put her to sleep?" Chen Xiulan returned, surprised.

"Yes, come rest, dear!" Seeing her return, still damp from her bath, Lin Heng suddenly felt an overwhelming urge.

Chen Xiulan blushed as Lin Heng blew out the kerosene lamp and climbed into bed. Just as she lay down, he reached out and embraced her.

"Keep it down; don't wake our daughter," she whispered, shyly.

"Don't worry."

Lin Heng grinned, excited like a young man. After decades apart, and now with his youthful body restored, he couldn't help but feel ecstatic.

It was over half an hour later before they both lay there, sweaty and exhausted.

"You seem… different today," Chen Xiulan murmured quietly. Even this part of their relationship felt different.

In the past, Lin Heng had been selfish, caring only for his own satisfaction before rolling over to sleep. Tonight, he held her tightly even afterward, making her feel an unfamiliar sense of warmth and security.

"I was a fool before," Lin Heng whispered in her ear. "From now on, I'll treat you well and give you a life others envy. I'll make sure your family knows you married the right man."

Chen Xiulan was touched. She squeezed his hand and replied softly, "As long as you're good to me and we live a peaceful life together, that's enough."

Lin Heng fell silent at her words. She had often said the same thing in his past life, but he had never listened. He had tricked her into marriage, only to treat her poorly.

Suddenly, Lin Heng pulled her into a tight embrace.

"What are you doing—" Chen Xiulan's words were cut off as Lin Heng kissed her.

Another ten minutes passed before they were both completely spent.

---

The next morning, at dawn, Chen Xiulan got up to feed their daughter.

Lin Heng tried to sit up but felt his lower back give out. He collapsed back onto the bed with a thud.

Seeing this, Chen Xiulan couldn't help but giggle.

Lin Heng glared at her. "Don't laugh—it's your fault!"

"I didn't tell you to overdo it three times last night!" she replied, smiling innocently. It's not my fault, she thought. I even warned you!

"It's because you're too tempting!" Lin Heng retorted, grumbling but secretly pleased.

Chen Xiulan blushed. "Stop saying such things. If my parents hear, I'll die of embarrassment."

After feeding their daughter and putting her back to sleep, Chen Xiulan quickly got dressed. She soon returned with a cup of tea for Lin Heng.

Lin Heng looked inside and found Shenjingcao and Yinyanghuo—two herbs for boosting kidney health.

Seeing his reaction, Chen Xiulan quickly explained, "I was just worried about your health. I don't think you're weak or anything."

Lin Heng: "…"

What could he say? He silently took the tea and drank it, vowing to start exercising to build his strength—next time, he'd make her beg for mercy.

---

By the time Lin Heng got up, the family was already awake. Chen Xiulan and her mother, Lu Hongmei, were preparing breakfast, while others washed up.

Stepping outside, Lin Heng stared at the heavy morning dew on the plants.

Not long after, he saw his younger sister, Lin Caiyun, carrying a large bundle of grass past the garden while reading a book.

Reaching the cattle pen, she put away the book and began feeding the cows.

"Caiyun, do you really want to study?" Lin Heng asked, walking over.

Caiyun glanced at him and replied sensibly, "I'm just passing the time. I'm already 16—I should help out at home."

Her words said one thing, but her eyes told another story. She had only completed sixth grade. She should have entered junior high this year, but their father, Lin Xu'an, had forbidden it. He thought it was pointless for girls to study; it was better to stay home and marry early.

Lin Heng knew he shared some blame. He had dropped out in eighth grade and remained unemployed, convincing their father that schooling was useless.

In his past life, Lin Heng had agreed. But after experiencing so much, he now understood the value of education.

"Don't worry. Come September, I'll pay for you to go to school. Without an education, it's hard to escape a life of hardship."

Caiyun's eyes lit up briefly before dimming again. "Thanks, Second Brother, but the family needs me. If you have extra money, give it to Sister-in-Law. She works so hard."

She didn't believe her brother could afford her education. He had always been the most unreliable member of the family.

Lin Heng smiled. "I'll have plenty of money by then."

In his past life, Caiyun had suffered greatly. Her husband had been a drunkard and a gambler. When he lost, he would beat her. She had died miserably, sick and alone.

This time, Lin Heng wouldn't let that happen. He would make sure his sister went to college.

"I believe you, Second Brother," Caiyun said with a faint smile, though she no longer dared to hope.

(End of Chapter)