Transmigrated as Cannon Fodder — I Rise to Female Lead Through Hard Work-Chapter 73: Confused

Ding Jianshe felt a chill in his heart due to Ding Ancheng’s indifferent look, but he really didn’t have any intention of divorcing his wife and marrying someone else. He just thought Wang Qiushuang looked pitiful right now, especially since his mother invited her over for dinner; how could he, as a son, refuse?

As Ding Jianshe’s family and Liu Cuiju and her daughter left, the villagers who were gathered started to disperse, but the gossip increased.

"Ding Jianshe plans to marry a new wife."

"Hu Ailing is really pitiful, being kicked out without enjoying anything in her husband’s home."

"Exactly, exactly, look at that Hupozi, already planning for a new daughter-in-law, yet still making Hu Ailing cook. Knowing this would surely make one fume with anger."

"Ah, what’s the use of saying so much? Ultimately, it’s because she can’t have children."

"Indeed, they’ve been married for three years. No wonder Hupozi is anxious; no mother-in-law can tolerate this."

...

"What does Jianshe mean, is he really planning to marry that Wang Qiushuang?" The villagers gossipped, and Ding Anmin heard it all. These were secondary; the main concern was Ding Jianshe’s attitude. Surprisingly, he let Liu Cuiju and Wang Qiushuang come home for dinner, obviously not missing Hupozi’s intentions.

"Don’t meddle in other people’s affairs." Ding Anguo said.

"Didn’t expect someone to be so shameless." Tong Dongxue was still a bit stunned, "It’s true that every pot has its lid, but Hu Ailing is really pitiful."

Yi Roujing was a bit confused. Wang Qiushuang marrying Ding Jianshe—what’s going on? In the book, Wang Qiushuang, with her delicate attributes, achieved the impossible and married the eldest son of the county governor of Huaixi County.

Even though the eldest son was nine years older than Wang Qiushuang and had a limp from an injured leg, everything else was good, certainly better than this fickle Ding Jianshe.

Judging from the recent scene, Yi Roujing could tell that Wang Qiushuang didn’t fancy Ding Jianshe; it’s Liu Cuiju and Hupozi who are acting impulsively now.

As for Hu Ailing...

The book did not describe her, not a single line, so Yi Roujing truly had no idea about her outcome. She only hoped Hu Ailing could figure things out for herself; otherwise, no one could help her.

"Don’t overthink it."

Yi Roujing felt her palm being scratched a bit, snapped back to reality, and looked down to find her hand in Ding Ancheng’s palm. When did they start holding hands? He was quite daring; in this era, which couple dared show such affection outside like that?

Yi Roujing was incredulous, and her hand slightly twitched. Ding Ancheng scratched again before letting go, "Open your mouth."

"Huh?" Yi Roujing was puzzled when a milk candy was popped into her mouth.

It was fragrant and sweet, with a pure milky taste, much better than candies in future times. Yi Roujing’s eyes narrowed, enjoying the moment.

"Yiluo, do you think Ding Jianshe is fickle?" Tong Dongxue sought agreement but got no response, "Yiluo, what’s wrong?"

Although Song Yiluo’s gaze wasn’t focused on Ding Ancheng and Yi Roujing, she occasionally looked over and was pale seeing the two openly close to each other, leaving her with no mind for other matters.

"Nothing."

"Were you frightened? It’s just the moral shortcomings of rural people; we city folks don’t follow such practices." Tong Dongxue loudly comforted her.

"Hey, I don’t believe there’s no such thing in the city. And don’t lump everyone together. Not all rural people are like that." Ding Anmin was not surprised, "No, Ding Jianshe’s current registration isn’t with our brigade; it’s an urban registration. See, rural people are mostly honest, but once they move to the city, they change."

"You..." Tong Dongxue was at a loss for words.

Ding Anmin finished speaking and went home, leaving Tong Dongxue with no one to argue against. She kept complaining to Song Yiluo about Ding Anmin and Yi Roujing on the way back to the educated youth spot.

"Back home." 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

Ding Weihuo and Li Hongying had finished work, with one busy in the yard and one in the kitchen. Seeing the family returning, Ding Weihuo was delighted, "Hongying, Ancheng and the others are back; make a few more dishes."

"Dad, look." Ding Anguo was the last to enter, cautiously bringing a bicycle into the yard.

"Oh, brought the bicycle home, good stuff, hey, it got all muddy." Ding Weihuo circled the bicycle, inspecting it carefully from top to bottom for quite a while.

"I’ll wipe it clean now." Ding Anguo rode it for a distance but didn’t seem exhausted, energetically cleaning and oiling the bike to prevent rust.

In the afternoon, the entire family went to work, and on the way up the mountain to gather pig fodder, Yi Roujing, Ding Anmin, and Xia Xingchen were stopped on the road.

"Ailing, are you okay?" Ding Anmin looked at Hu Ailing’s left cheek, marked by a large red handprint, her eyes red, now slightly resentful as she looked at Yi Roujing.

Yi Roujing was somewhat surprised but quickly regained composure and calmly said, "Looking for me?"

"Why did you do this?" Hu Ailing was somewhat hysterical.

"Be clear, what did I do?" Yi Roujing looked at the agitated Hu Ailing, feeling her patience dwindling, she slightly frowned.

"Why did you disgrace Jianshe in front of so many people, who do you think you are? And that Wang Qiushuang—she’s your classmate, right? You shamelessly hooked up with Ding Ancheng, why are you urging her to do the same?" Hu Ailing’s eyes were bloodshot, biting her lip after speaking.

"Hey, you’re speaking nonsense..."

Yi Roujing reached out to stop Ding Anmin behind her and looked at Hu Ailing without a ripple in her emotions, "Is this the first time you’ve seen Wang Qiushuang? You believe whatever she says?"

Hu Ailing was speechless, offering no retort.

"Use your head." Yi Roujing said in a somewhat resentful tone, "Do you understand the situation now? Have you thought of a plan? Think about something practical, will you?"

"As your neighbor, I’ve been more than considerate; I’ve reminded you of things, stood up for you when unnecessary. Now you’re questioning me? Does your conscience not hurt?"

Hu Ailing’s tears broke out instantly. She squatted down, hugging herself tightly, "What should I do, what should I do."

Hu Ailing felt this panic because the slap on her face was from Ding Jianshe. She had been slapped by the mother-in-law and lectured by the elder brother-in-law, but Ding Jianshe had never hit her. Today was the first time; she was dumbfounded.

Moreover, Ding Jianshe hit her just because she accidentally spilled soup on Wang Qiushuang’s skirt. Wang Qiushuang’s mom, Liu Cuiju, had picked on her words, and her mother-in-law had fanned the flames, saying a few things, and then Ding Jianshe struck her. She was stunned, barely ate anything, and was sent out to work early that afternoon.

When she was forlornly leaving, Wang Qiushuang had held her back and said a few supposedly heartfelt words, leading her to find Yi Roujing.