Chapter 189. Wife

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Arc E: Extra.

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Li Yan searched every single storefront on the street, then went to the opposite street, but still couldn’t find his wife.

He stood on the street, the wind blowing against his face, a chill rising from the soles of his feet to his chest, causing a stinging sensation in every rib.

The supermarket staff said they hadn’t seen the young man. Li Yan’s heart clenched with pain. He hunched over, breathing heavily, and his eyes were filled with clear panic. Where had he gone?

Once he was found, he must be severely punished. Even if the young man cries his eyes out, he won’t show any mercy.

Chen You was on the roadside, three or four streets away.

He was standing outside the supermarket when he suddenly saw an old man across the street carrying a bamboo basket and shouting “Ding-ding candy!” He crossed the road to see, but by the time he got there, the candy seller had already turned the corner and gone down another street.

An elderly woman with a young child asked how much Ding-ding candy cost. The vendor stopped and told her the price, but the grandmother thought it was too expensive and, coaxing and cajoling her grandson, led him away.

Just as the old man was about to lift the basket, he saw a tall, thin young man standing beside him, “Young man, do you want some candy?”

Chen You didn’t say anything.

The old man thought to himself that this was probably another customer who wouldn’t buy anything. He continued walking forward with his basket, making way for the approaching vehicles, and shouting continuously.

Chen You followed along the whole way.

The old man stopped to rest, and the young man behind him also stopped. He sensed something was wrong, and a look of wariness appeared in his cloudy eyes. It was a small business, and he didn’t make much money in a day, it was purely for the sake of preserving the craft passed down through generations.

If the old man encounters a pickpocket, he won’t have a good time for the rest of the year.

However, this young man didn’t seem like a pickpocket. He was well-dressed, had a good demeanor, and was quite handsome.

The old man looked around, noticing the crowds of people on the street, and figured the young man wouldn’t do anything rash, “Young man, what are you trying to do?”

Chen You stared at the transparent bag in the basket, “Ding-ding Candy.”

Upon hearing this, the old man breathed a sigh of relief, understanding the situation somewhat. He took out a small iron hammer and chipped off a small piece of hard candy for Chen You, saying, “Try it, and if you like it, you can buy more.”

Chen You wanted to eat more after finishing his first piece, so he turned around to ask to buy more candy, but found that the man was no longer beside him.

I’m done for.

Chen You looked around, but couldn’t see a single supermarket. He frowned, his expression turning grim.

The old man asked uncertainly, “Are you lost?”

Chen You pursed his lips and said, “My family member will come to find me.”

The old man looked the young man up and down, and couldn’t believe that this handsome young man, who looked so distinguished, could get lost like a child. Could it be because of his Ding-ding candy that he got separated from his family?

“Then you wait here and don’t wander off.”

After walking a few steps, the old man was still worried and turned back to ask, “Do you know where you separated from your family?”

Chen You shook his head, he hadn’t noticed the supermarket’s name.

The old man was stunned, with one foot practically in the grave, this was the first time he’d encountered such a complete imbecile, and he didn’t even look like an idiot, “Do you have a cell phone with you?”

Chen You said he hadn’t brought it.

The old man asked, “Why don’t you borrow someone’s phone and call your family to come pick you up?”

Chen You fell silent.

The old man also fell silent.

This must be what they call a mentally challenged child.

If you don’t memorize your family members’ phone numbers, and you don’t stay close to them when you go out, wandering around on your own, you could easily be kidnapped.

These days, society is in chaos, behind a human facade, who knows what kind of monsters and demons lurk within?

The old man couldn’t help but worry. The young man’s face was so pale, he probably wasn’t in good health, “Why don’t you come with me? My daughter-in-law’s shoe store is just ahead. You can wait for your family there.”

Chen You went with the old man.

The shoe store was sandwiched between a clothing store and a women’s jeans shop. The entrance was small, but once inside, it was surprisingly spacious.

There were two or three customers looking at shoes in the store. A woman in her forties stood nearby, enthusiastically describing the different shoe styles. She had delicate features, with eyes that slanted slightly upwards, and a mole at the corner of one eye.

The old man entered the store, put down his basket, and called out, “Xiuqin, come here.”

Chen You was stunned when he saw the woman turn her head.

Da Xiuqin left her customers behind and came over. She looked at Chen You kindly and asked the old man, “Ba, who is this young man?”

The old man recounted what had happened, saying, “His family must be anxiously looking for him.”

Da Xiuqin pondered for a moment and said, “Young man, think carefully. When you last saw your family, were there any landmark buildings nearby?”

Chen You suddenly said, “Mom.”

Da Xiuqin was taken aback, then she laughed, “Ba, this young man calls me Mom.”

The old man lowered his voice and said to his daughter-in-law, “This child isn’t very bright. Just listen to him and forget it. Don’t take it to heart.”

Da Xiuqin ohed, saying it doesn’t look like it at all.

The old man said you can’t judge a book by its cover.

Chen You，“……”

Da Xiuqin exclaimed, “Ba, look! Young man has a mole at the corner of his eye, almost in the same spot as mine. And you know what? He really does look a bit like me.”

Upon closer inspection, the old man realized it was true. He said to Chen You, “Young man, you have a special connection with our family.”

Chen You replied, “Mm.”

He looked at the old man again, but he had never seen his Yeye before, so he didn’t recognize him.

When a customer wanted to buy shoes, Da Xiuqin went to serve him.

Chen You’s lips curved into a smile. Mom is here, so Dad must be here too. Nanchang, I like you.

Pedestrians and vehicles kept passing by the entrance, and the loudspeaker of the women’s jeans store next door kept shouting, “Everything is thirty-eight! Everything is thirty-eight! Don’t miss it!” The noise, usually annoying, didn’t bother Chen You as much anymore.

Chen You looked at his mother, then walked out. That man must be very angry and looking for him all over the street.

Around 11 o’clock, a middle-aged man entered the store. He was strong and robust, with a rugged appearance.

Chen Weidong is a Sanda (Chinese kickboxing) teacher at a martial arts school. He comes here to eat after class and takes a nap here at noon. He does this every day. When he enters the store and sees a strange young man, he looks at his wife with questioning eyes.

Da Xiuqin pulled Chen Weidong aside.

Chen You, who had been sitting in a chair with his eyes closed, sleeping, immediately opened his eyes upon hearing the voices, his sleepiness completely gone.

After learning about the situation, Chen Weidong thought for a moment and said, “Mr. Chen, I’ll take you to the police station.”

Chen You lowered his eyelids.

He didn’t want to go, he wanted to stay here.

The curtain was lifted, and Chen LaoYe came out and said, “Dinner is ready. Eat before you go. Xiao Chen, if you don’t mind, you can eat with us too.”

Chen You said, “I don’t mind.”

There’s a small room at the back of the store, and another floor upstairs. Renting it costs quite a bit each month, but luckily, Da Xiuqin is quick-witted and good at business, so the store has been quite profitable so far.

Chen Weidong is a teacher. His salary isn’t very high, but he has plenty of free time and often comes to the store to help out.

Chen LaoYe is busy making his Ding-ding candy, determined to keep this family tradition alive.

The meal was very pleasant.

Da Xiuqin and Chen Weidong have no children, so when they met this young man who resembled them somewhat, they felt a sense of familiarity and affection.

She knew it wasn’t appropriate to put food on a young person’s plate, but she couldn’t resist and placed a chicken leg into the young man’s bowl, saying, “Eat more.”

Chen You did not show the slightest sign of resistance or disapproval.

Seeing this, Da Xiuqin put more food on his plate, saying, “Xiao Chen, you’re not from Nanchang, are you? Your accent doesn’t sound like it.”

Chen You said, “I just arrived in Nanchang last night.”

Da Xiuqin asked, “Did you come with your parents?”

Chen You swallowed the food in his mouth and did not answer.

The atmosphere at the table became somewhat awkward. Da Xiuqin, being perceptive, quickly changed the subject, asking Chen Weidong, “Are there any fun tourist attractions in Nanchang?”

Chen Weidong ate his food and said, “Meiling Lion Peak and Tengwang Tower are nice. The Qiushui Square Zoo is optional, you can go or not. There’s also the Ferris wheel, which you can ride if you have the time. There’s not much else worth seeing.”

Chen LaoYe took a sip of his wine, smacked his lips, and said, “If you ask me, it’s better to stay home and watch TV. There are plenty of people outside.”

Chen Weidong said slowly, “Ba, then why do you keep going out every day?”

Chen LaoYe said irritably, “I’m going out to sell Ding-ding candy.”

The father and son exchanged verbal blows, and the atmosphere became lively again.

Chen You emptied the bowl of rice completely, leaving not a single grain.

In the afternoon, Chen LaoYe picked up his basket and went out to sell his Ding-ding candy.

Chen Weidong went to school.

Only Chen You and Da Xiuqin remained in the shop.

Da Xiuqin gave Chen You a bottle of nutritional drink. It was from a case that a relative had bought previously, and nobody had drunk any of it.

“Xiao Chen, how old are you?”

Why is it this question again? Chen You sipped his nutritional drink, “Thirty…”

“You’re already thirty? I can’t believe it. I thought you were under twenty.”

Da Xiuqin looked at the young man’s overly pale face, “You need to pay more attention to balancing work and rest. Health is the most important thing, nothing can buy it.”

Chen You said, “Mm.”

Da Xiuqin went upstairs, grabbed a handful of beef jerky, stuffed it into Chen You’s hand, and then went about her own business.

Chen You stayed in the shoe store, and every woman who came in looked at him.

Da Xiuqin heard several customers say, Lady Boss, your son is really handsome.

The two of them bear a strong resemblance, someone who didn’t know them might think they were mother and son.

Da Xiuqin initially tried to explain, but later she just went along with what the customers said.

She felt both happy and melancholic. How wonderful it would be if this were her own child.

As darkness fell, Chen You still hadn’t seen the man appear. His brows furrowed as he paced outside the shoe store.

Does the man find him troublesome and decide not to look for him anymore?

Chen You had eaten too much beef jerky and felt uncomfortable in his stomach. He wanted a bed to lie down and sleep, preferably with someone he trusted by his side.

A bus was parked not far away, and Chen You accidently saw a poster that was an advertisement for a hotel. Only then did he realize the name of the hotel he was staying at.

At that moment, Chen Weidong had just returned to the shop from school. Seeing that Chen You wanted to leave, he immediately drove his BYD car over without saying a word.

Da Xiuqin said reluctantly, “Xiao Chen, come again when you have time.”

Chen You replied, “I will.”

Chen LaoYe came out and handed a bag of Ding-ding candy to Chen You, saying, “Take this.”

Chen You took Ding-ding candy and said, “Thank you, Yeye.”

After giving a few words of advice, Chen LaoYe waved his hand.

Chen Weidong was a local and knew the hotel’s location. He tried to avoid congested areas and drove Chen You back to the hotel.

Chen You got out of the car and thanked Chen Weidong.

Chen Weidong glanced at the tall, thin figure in the rearview mirror. That kid seemed so naive and simple-minded, was he really going to be okay?

He shook his head. Everything should be fine, he has been sent back after all.

As the car disappeared from view, Chen You had to shift his gaze, and a tall, imposing shadow appeared in his field of vision, emanating a terrifying aura.

Li Yan’s voice showed no trace of emotion, “I’ve been looking for you all day.”

Chen You remained silent.

Li Yan maintained the same tone, his face devoid of expression, “Do you know how I felt when I came out of the supermarket and couldn’t find you?”

He pressed on Chen You You’s shoulders, his tone gentle, but his expression was chilling, “I was scared, terrified, and filled with self-reproach. I lost you. I searched for you like a madman, going street by street, wishing I could turn Nanchang upside down.”

“I’ve cursed this city countless times and regretted bringing you here.”

Li Yan’s emotions gradually erupted, a mixture of extreme anger and extreme panic.

He was afraid that his wife might suffer the same fate as the college student in the news, he didn’t dare to think about anything else.

Sensing that the man was on the verge of losing control, Chen You’s eyes flickered, “I was at the shoe store.”

Li Yan could smell beef jerky on the young man. If there was food, there must be drinks too, “You’ve made new friends so quickly?”

Chen You said, “Not friends.”

Li Yan, controlling his emotions and refraining from shouting, said, “Then tell me, who were you with today, and why didn’t you call me?”

Chen You only said, “I don’t know the number.”

Li Yan, “…”

He took a deep breath. “Then why not go back to the supermarket?”

Chen You said, “I don’t know the name of the supermarket.”

“……”

Li Yan pressed his forehead against Chen You’s and said, with a mix of laughter and tears, “No matter which way of life you choose, I’ll support you.”

“But can you please stop being so willful?”

Chen You lowered his eyes, “I wasn’t being willful.”

“Little liar.” Li Yan laughed angrily, “I’ve been managing every aspect of your life, big and small. Once you leave the virtual world and step out of the studio, you’re completely clueless, no different from an idiot. You’d be easily tricked and even help the person who cheated you count the money.”

“In a situation like this, instead of staying by my side and behaving obediently, you still want to go out and run around?”

Instead of answering, Chen You retorted, “Without me, where would you be?”

Li Yan’s face twitched.

Chen You said, “Watch your words.”

Li Yan raised an eyebrow, “What, Master, are you saying I’m being disrespectful?”

Chen You glanced at the man and said calmly, “If you can’t control your emotions, I’ll delete you completely.”

Li Yan’s temples throbbed with veins, and with a cold face, ignoring the stares of others, he dragged the young man back to the hotel and slammed the door shut.

Chen You sensed danger and took a few steps back. When he realized he had nowhere to escape, his face darkened.

My constipation has just gotten better, and I haven’t had snails yet.

This man definitely won’t give up easily, he might go crazy, and then he won’t be able to eat snails anymore, or even boiled food.

Li Yan’s face was shrouded in a menacing aura, “Speak!”

Chen You spoke, “Speak what?”

Li Yan closed his eyes. Even now, he still didn’t know he was wrong. He seemed completely unaware of this, which was simply courting death.

Punishment is necessary.

Li Yan easily pinned Chen You’s hands behind his back and gave him a slap on the butts.

Chen You turned his head sharply, glaring angrily at him, “You dare hit me?”

Li Yan sneered, and with another wave of his hand, he struck him five or six times before stopping, “I’m not just going to hit you, I still want you!”

He grabbed the young man by the waist and dragged him forcefully into the room. Even if the other person said a dozen or twenty prayers and summoned God himself, it wouldn’t do any good, tonight he’s going to teach this person a lesson.

Chen You was pushed back onto the bed and struggled to sit up, but Li Yan pressed him back down.

He got up again, but was still pressed down.

The disparity in strength is too great, there is no possibility of turning the tide.

If only it were a competition of intelligence.

Li Yan pinched Chen You’s face, looking down at him with a dark cloud in his eyes, “Do you know your mistake?”

Chen You replied, “I don’t know.”

Li Yan’s breath hitched, and then he suddenly laughed, “No need to rush, I’ll let you know.”

Chen You’s voice carried a warning, “Li Yan!”

This was the first time since his return that Li Yan heard the young man call his name. He leaned down and said, “You can call out all the names you’ve given me. I like to hear them, and it likes them too.”

In less than half an hour, Chen You, who hadn’t slept much during the day, started to feel sleepy and weak. After struggling a few times, he stopped moving and let the man do as he pleased.

Li Yan left, then returned, pried open the young man’s mouth, and fed him the food he was holding.

He used his thumb and forefinger to pinch the corners of the young man’s mouth tightly, preventing him from spitting out the food.

Chen felt uncomfortable, the food seemed to be stuck in his stomach. He wanted to vomit, and he also wanted the man to leave him alone. He knew he was in the wrong regarding what happened earlier that day.

Li Yan, as if punishing him, stuffed food into his mouth, saying, “Say you were wrong.”

Chen You grabbed the man’s short hair and tugged at it several times.

That little bit of pain was like a tickle to Li Yan, “You have to understand, virtual space only has a bunch of dead data, but the real world is full of all kinds of living people. You don’t know who is good and who is bad.”

As he fed the young man, he talked about the wickedness of people in society, telling him that no one could be trusted except him.

Li Yan never wanted the young man to use his cunning and scheming on him. It was best to keep things as they were now, he was special to the young man, the only one.

What they need between them is honesty, embraces, kisses, and endless sweet nothings to say for all eternity.

Chen You’s tone was cold, but his eyes were red and he was crying, “I hate you.”

After a moment of surprise, Li Yan chuckled softly, pressing his lips against the young man’s tears, “You say you hate me, yet you’re holding onto me so tightly that I can’t even pull away.”

Chen You turned his head away, buried his face in the pillow, and his ears turned red.

“Wife…”

Li Yan’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he leaned against the young man’s back and whispered in the increasingly red ear, “Don’t be stubborn with me anymore, okay?”

Author’s Note: After writing about Youzi’s parents, I won’t go into detail about the others. Anyway, they’re all on Earth, a planet with a 5,000-year-old culture—it’s amazing, hahaha!

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