The Tender Beauty is Sweetly Doted in the 20th Century Novel!-Chapter 270 - 268: The Coward Who Harbors a Secret Crush

Chapter 270: Chapter 268: The Coward Who Harbors a Secret Crush

Ye Manman found her family in Jing City, and He Chen had no relatives worth staying for in the countryside, so it was undeniable that they wouldn’t be going back for the New Year.

Cheng Yuan initially planned to go back home alone for the New Year, but her mother called to tell her that they wouldn’t be selling clothes at home next year.

Her mother planned to move to Jing City, rent a place near her school, and do some small business.

After all, it was just the two of them, mother and daughter, with no elderly or kids around. Her mother really wasn’t used to being alone at home and missed her daughter, who was studying far away in Jing City, terribly.

Cheng Yuan hesitated, worried that her mother might find it hard to do business or adjust to living and eating in a new city.

But her mother was swift and decisive, bringing her luggage and coming directly!

With no other option, Cheng Yuan sought help from classmates familiar with the area to rent a place.

Fortunately, the new apartment was quite close to the school.

Whenever she missed her mom, she could go home to eat whenever she wanted.

During her winter vacation, she and her mother visited Ye Manman a few times.

Little Naonao was too adorable and exceptionally well-behaved, never crying or fussing without reason.

Every time she would stay there for several hours before returning home.

And perhaps because her mom saw how much little Naonao was loved, she began subtly asking if she had a boy she liked or if anyone from school had pursued her.

With someone like Ye Manman who was already excelling, her mom started hoping she could marry and have children, too.

Several years ago, when the college entrance exam had not resumed, girls her age were usually already married.

Her mother initially thought it was inappropriate to marry and have children while studying.

But seeing that Ye Manman was managing both studies and child-rearing, she reconsidered the idea.

With just the two of them at home, it was indeed too quiet.

These matters, however, she couldn’t bring herself to discuss with her mother.

Each time, she would find an excuse to brush it off.

But still, when walking alone or in the deep of night, she couldn’t help but feel genuine envy towards Ye Manman.

She admired everything about Ye Manman.

Beautiful, intelligent, married to a man who loved her deeply, happy in marriage, found family who truly cared for her, and now had a cute and well-behaved son.

It seemed everything wonderful in the world was owned by Ye Manman.

While she herself remained alone, unable to attain love.

Of course, she clearly knew there were many areas where she couldn’t compare to Ye Manman, so she only harbored feelings of admiration, never jealousy.

She wasn’t as smart or confident as Ye Manman; that’s why she nearly succumbed to malicious rumors before, if Ye Manman hadn’t pulled her back, she couldn’t imagine what she’d have become.

Also, she couldn’t love or hate as Ye Manman could, unable to commit to someone and boldly express her feelings and give her all. She’s always been just a timid girl secretly crushing on someone.

So, it’s only right she didn’t get the one she liked.

No one would love a coward like her.

The winter vacation wasn’t very long.

Just over a month passed quickly after helping her mom set up the small shop.

Cheng Yuan didn’t buy new shoes for the New Year, continuing to wear last year’s old boots.

Seeing that the new school year was about to start, her mom worried she’d be looked down upon for wearing such old boots and forced several large bills into her hands to buy two pairs of new shoes at the mall and get whatever else was needed.

Cheng Yuan couldn’t refuse her mom and, holding the money, took the bus to the mall.

However, she never expected.

To meet Lin Zhishu at the mall!

She had just bought a new pair of shoes and was ready to browse other stores when she saw a tall, slim figure approaching, one she’d seen countless times in her dreams!

Even though they hadn’t seen each other in years, she recognized Lin Zhishu immediately!

He looked more mature than years ago, with more smile lines on his face.

Without knowing why, before she realized it, Cheng Yuan had hidden herself in a nearby department store.

Fortunately, everything was sold there; she could hide for a while and still see what was going on outside.

Beside Lin Zhishu was a tall, well-dressed girl.

The two of them walked and paused, seemingly searching for things they wanted to buy.

From Cheng Yuan’s perspective, the two of them matched perfectly in height, looks, and attire.

She glanced down at last year’s old boots on her feet, suddenly regretting not listening to the salesperson to wear the new boots right away instead of worrying about dirtying them and wearing her old boots outside.

Now, from head to toe, she couldn’t compare to the girl beside him.

What was initially just unrequited love was now burdened with a self-consciousness that made it almost impossible for her to lift her head.

She thought they’d quickly pass by the department store and leave, but unexpectedly, the items they wanted were inside the store!

Seeing them walk into the store, Cheng Yuan was so startled that she almost crushed the ruler in her hand!

The shop wasn’t large, with shelves filled with various goods on both sides; she stood by the left shelf, pretending to browse stationery.

And as Lin Zhishu and the girl began browsing the left shelf, Cheng Yuan’s heart pounded wildly!

Finally, as she felt their gaze about to fall on her, Cheng Yuan couldn’t hold back and hurriedly moved to the right side of the shelf.

She didn’t even notice what was on the right shelf as she randomly picked something up, all her senses seemingly focused on her back, keenly aware of any potential gazes falling on her.

Perhaps because Cheng Yuan was so careful, Lin Zhishu still noticed her and walked over curiously.

Cheng Yuan was extremely nervous, her hands shaking slightly.

Suddenly, she felt a gentle tap on her shoulder.

Startled, she jumped!

Especially since she was looking down, spotting the shoes worn by the person who tapped her on the shoulder standing beside her.

Lin Zhishu was wearing those shoes earlier!

Cheng Yuan felt her heart pounding to the point of bursting!

Barely controlling her expression, she feigned confusion and turned her head, only to see Lin Zhishu give her a very surprised smile.

"So it is really you! Yuan! I thought I mistook someone, but seeing you enter the store felt familiar."

He then glanced at what she was holding with a slightly odd expression.

"Are you buying a wrench?"

Cheng Yuan almost froze staring at him, but upon hearing his question, she immediately looked down, her vision blurring before she could even make out what she was holding.

She didn’t want to cry.

But she couldn’t control it.

Tears flowed uncontrollably, suddenly falling down.

Large teardrops fell, hitting the wrench visibly.

Lin Zhishu was momentarily stunned, then his expression turned serious.

"Yuan, what’s wrong? Why are you crying?"

"Did something happen?"

"You can tell me if something’s going on, at least I’m somewhat like your older brother."

Yes, he was somewhat like her older brother.

When Cheng Yuan was young, she really liked the older sister next door, and they were very close, with her often calling her sister.

And Lin Zhishu liked the older sister; they were secretly in love without the adults knowing.

Whenever it was just the three of them, Lin Zhishu would always say that he was also somewhat like her older brother.

Because he would be her brother-in-law in the future.