Chapter 114: The Golden Finger

From the current situation alone, Tang Xin’s life was actually quite good. She came from a decent family, grew up in a simple environment, and had hardly suffered any grievances. The most infuriating thing about her growing up was that her own father was persuaded to send her to the countryside to experience rural life—a point that both the original character and the present Tang Xin found deeply upsetting and unfair to their unworthy father.

However, Tang’s mother managed to bring Meng Jia along, so Tang Xin stopped feeling angry. What happened afterward was just that Meng Jia schemed against her, yet Tang Xin, grateful that Meng Jia helped her marry into a good family, continued to live her life earnestly. She had no desire for revenge; life should be filled with positive energy. Even without any special advantages, she believed one should live with diligence, optimism, and an uplifting attitude. That, she thought, was the fundamental principle of conduct. People like Meng Jia, who only think of taking advantage and stealing others’ achievements, were doomed to a bad end.

Tang Xin considered herself a positive and optimistic person. It was only because she had to be separated from her husband for over a month at a time of deep affection that she cried uncontrollably. But of course, she didn’t lose herself. Although she kept reminding herself that the people around her were real and not constrained by any plot, this was ultimately a world created by the original author. It could vanish at any moment. She could lose everything she had now. This was the deepest fear weighing on Tang Xin’s heart.

Through this nightmare, Tang Xin had a good cry, pouring out all her grievances and anger. She told her husband about the nightmare but didn’t know how to explain it properly—after all, the bizarre fact of being trapped inside a story would probably be unbelievable to anyone. Moreover, she feared that if she told Li Sheng that the others were merely fictional characters, he might become so furious that he’d lose faith in life.

“Li Sheng, no matter where you go, you must protect yourself. For your parents, for me, for the family, always keep your own safety as your first priority, alright?” Tang Xin’s voice was hoarse, tinged with a thick nasal tone, showing how deeply she had just cried.

Li Sheng nodded again and promised, “Don’t worry, I know. I definitely will.”

Tang Xin initially thought she wouldn’t sleep and wanted to watch him a little longer. In this era, without phones, calling was inconvenient, and video chatting was impossible. Once Li Sheng left, it would be a month or two without speaking or seeing each other. But she knew Li Sheng’s work was exhausting, so she told him to rest first.

Li Sheng said he was used to it and didn’t mind the hard work. Since his wife couldn’t sleep, why not do something else? Before sleeping, he worried she might be physically unable to keep up or satisfied, but now that she had the energy, why not engage in some marital intimacy to strengthen their bond?

Afterwards, Tang Xin was indeed so tired she quickly fell asleep. Li Sheng forced himself to rest a bit during the limited time left. At five in the morning, Li Sheng got up, fully refreshed, tidied himself, and went to say goodbye to his parents.

Li’s parents were always early risers, especially on this day—they had barely slept all night. Seeing their eldest son, Mrs. Fang’s eyes welled with tears as she repeatedly reminded him to be safe and protect himself.

“You’re so stubborn, always going after the most dangerous jobs. Sometimes I don’t care how much money you make; I’d rather you stay home and keep our family safe.”

Still, Mrs. Fang knew this was impossible. Her son was like an eagle soaring in the sky; she should let him fly freely, not confine him to a small courtyard.

Mr. Li, usually taciturn, unusually gave a rare piece of advice: “Your mother is right; listen to her.”

Li Sheng nodded solemnly: “Mother, Father, I understand.”

Mrs. Fang held back her tears and said no more, while Mr. Li waved for his eldest son to leave quickly. After all, he would be back in a month or so. No need to make such a fuss.

Li Sheng checked on his younger brothers’ rooms before turning to leave. Li Kai had just woken up.

“Big brother, safe travels.”

Li Sheng nodded, suddenly feeling that after the new year, his younger brothers had grown more sensible. This brought him great comfort.

Returning to his room, Li Sheng saw Tang Xin curled up sleeping peacefully. His heart melted completely. For his wife, he would no longer be the reckless man who always put himself first.

Then, Li Sheng truly turned away and left; this time, he did not look back. He feared that if he did, he wouldn’t want to leave.

When Tang Xin woke up, she found herself alone; the other side of the bed was cold—her husband had long since risen and left. It was already eight o’clock. Though her body ached all over, she forced herself to get up. Now that Li Sheng was working away, as the eldest sister-in-law, she had to be strong and independent and set a good example.

The younger children had already eaten breakfast and gone to school. Li Kai and Li Xiyue had gone to work with their father, leaving only Mrs. Fang at home. Li Xihua had returned to her in-laws after spending half a month at her parental home—already a rare exception during the New Year. After the Lantern Festival, she couldn’t wait to go back.

But she wasn’t the only one at home; Mrs. Fang hadn’t eaten breakfast either and was smiling, waiting for her daughter-in-law to get up.

Tang Xin felt a bit embarrassed. “Mother, you go ahead and eat. There’s no need to wait for me.”

She knew that mothers-in-law usually got up early but didn’t snack, so their stomachs were often empty.

Mrs. Fang only smiled and said, “Eating alone is no fun; I like waiting for you.”

Tang Xin understood this well. “Actually, Mother, I think if everyone’s home, it’s too noisy with all the chatter. But now the house is so quiet and empty, it feels strange and uncomfortable.”

The two women exchanged a knowing glance and smiled, sharing a moment of mutual understanding.

Mrs. Fang, worried her daughter-in-law might be sad after her eldest son had just left, deliberately brought up amusing stories about the other children to cheer her up.

“Speaking of which, all my children are mine. Xihua and Li Sheng have always been sensible and helped me with chores since they were young. But with Li Kai and Xiyue, I’m not sure if they had some grudge from a past life—they’re always noisy and quarrelsome, sigh!”

The topic was a bit sensitive, inadvertently mentioning Li Sheng. Mrs. Fang wanted to change the subject, fearing Tang Xin would be upset, but Tang Xin wasn’t bothered at all.

After all, she knew their separation was only temporary. Li Sheng would surely return safely.