C15 A Broken Shoe!

No worries, his heart belongs only to Xinrann, and he won't marry anyone else in this lifetime. He can wait.

Lee Chang'an slipped the money into Xinrann's hand and quickly walked away. While the money could help in a pinch, Xinrann couldn't shake the image of Guifen's fierce demeanor, which left her a bit unsettled.

Chang'an had already run off, and the money in her hand felt like a hot potato. If she used it, wouldn't that mean she still had feelings for him?

Oh well, things will work out somehow. Better to get some sleep and deal with it when Fann Jian comes by tomorrow.

In the night, Chang'an's figure had long disappeared. Xinrann sighed softly and carefully tucked the money into her pocket, giving it a reassuring pat. She figured she'd return it to Chang'an when she saw him next.

Just as she was about to head into the yard, she caught a glimpse of a spark in the corner of her eye. Startled, she covered her mouth and, driven by curiosity, picked up a stick and tiptoed over.

Guo Shaoqiang noticed Xinrann approaching and just smirked slightly, flicking away his cigarette before heading into his own yard.

Realizing it was Shaoqiang, Xinrann breathed a sigh of relief. She remembered that Shaoqiang's yard was separated from hers by just a single wall.

Thinking of Shaoqiang, Xinrann noted that he was tall and strong, not to mention a capable former soldier. His family was one of the wealthiest in the village, a stark contrast to the frail and seemingly malnourished Chang'an.

However, Shaoqiang had married three times in recent years, and each wife had passed away from illness. People whispered that Shaoqiang was cursed, causing his wives to die. No matter how well-off his family was, no one wanted to risk their daughter marrying into his household.

After Guo Shaoqiang lost his third wife, he seemed to have no intention of marrying again, focusing instead on raising his daughter, Tiantian.

Fang Xinran lay in bed, struggling with insomnia until the early morning hours.

At the crack of dawn, Liu Yu'e was already up, steaming some sweet potatoes and cooking cornmeal mush. This was the best breakfast their family had enjoyed all month. With Fang Xinran being unwell, she needed something nutritious. The usual bran and other simple fare had been set aside for now.

Liu Yu'e woke Fang Xinran, planning to have her eat breakfast and then accompany her to the fields. "Hurry up and eat. After breakfast, come to the fields with me. Your sister and I will work, and you can rest nearby. Today is the day we agreed to repay Fan Jian. If he comes looking for us, at least you'll be with us, and we can protect you."

Fang Xinran felt a pang of emotion. Despite their poverty, this family was full of love and support. She felt sorry for the original person who had been wronged.

She sniffed, overwhelmed with gratitude. The cornmeal mush was rough on her throat, but it warmed her heart and stomach.

"Mom, I'm not in pain today. Let me help in the fields. Every bit counts, and I can earn a couple of points. That could get us seven or eight potatoes," Fang Xinran said, jumping out of bed despite the lingering soreness. She knew that staying in bed would only add to the family's struggles.

Yet, she couldn't help but grumble internally about how little the work points were worth. Thankfully, she retained the original person's memories; otherwise, she'd be lost in this world and probably considered crazy.

Seeing the bruises still fading on Fang Xinran's neck, Liu Yu'e couldn't help but blame herself and her husband for their helplessness.