บท 4: Chapter 4 Seek Help from the Village Chief
He was aloof by nature, not fond of idle chatter; whenever he came, he only visited the village chief's house, never wandering around, and he certainly wouldn't spare a glance for any of the local girls, leaving the impression that he was distant and unapproachable.
Many people in the village, including those who had entertained the idea of getting He Nan to be their son-in-law, only dreamed about it. He was educated, capable, and came from a well-off family—they stood no chance of reaching his level.
Shen Mianmian only knew this much, and as for what He Nan was doing now, she had no idea. In any case, he had always been mysterious; this was the first time she saw him face-to-face, as previously she only saw his car or just a silhouette from behind.
What she knew had come from overhearing conversations between Zhou Lanfang and Zhou Siyu in her previous life. Originally, Zhou Siyu wanted to get close to He Nan, but he simply ignored her. His icy aura intimidated Zhou Siyu, and gradually she gave up on the idea.
As she snapped out of her thoughts, Shen Mianmian realized that He Nan was looking at her, seemingly waiting for her to continue speaking. She pursed her lips and forced out a "Thank you."
They were not acquainted, and calling him "Brother He" seemed too presumptuous, while using his name felt impolite. She was, after all, only fifteen years old. As for "Comrade He"... that seemed like a term used by equals or elders for younger people...
Deciding not to call him anything, Shen Mianmian didn't think they would have any further interactions.
He Nan acknowledged with a noncommittal "Hmm," and asked, "Who did this to you?"
"Ah?" Shen Mianmian blinked blankly for a moment, then realized he was referring to the bruises on her hand, "My mom."
He Nan's frown deepened, "Your dad doesn't care?"
The fresh bruises atop the old ones on her hand were not simply the result of disciplining a child. He Nan's impression of Shen Mianmian was limited to the knowledge that there was such a young girl in the village; he knew nothing else about her.
"My dad's not home," Shen Mianmian murmured, head bowed. A sudden surge of resentment welled up in her heart. Her body rarely lacked bruises, new or old, with Shen Jianhua turning a blind eye and Zhou Lanfang making up excuses so he wouldn't probe further.
Not aware? He Nan's brows furrowed even more. Such obvious injuries would be clear even to a blind person—it must be a case of one person abusing her and the other ignoring it, likely a result of favoring boys over girls.
"He Nan," a deep, kind voice suddenly called out from outside the car.
"Uncle Zhao."
He Nan opened the car door and stepped out. Shen Mianmian immediately followed, and a cold wind sliced through her the moment she was outside, causing her to shiver violently.
Zhao Xianlai had intended to respond when he caught sight of Shen Mianmian stepping out of the car, puzzlement in his eyes, "Mianmian, what are you doing here?" And she had been in He Nan's car.
Though it was strange, Zhao Xianlai didn't jump to conclusions. Shen Mianmian was only fifteen years old, still a child, and He Nan's character was known to him.
"My mom hit me." Shen Mianmian had barely spoken when the cold forced her to sneeze. Sniffling, she continued, "She won't let me go to school. I want to go, and then she hit me."
Shen Mianmian's voice was low, but her words were clear and orderly.
"Sigh." Zhao Xianlai exhaled heavily, "You go back first, I'll talk to your dad tonight."
He was aware of some of the Shen Family's issues—Shen Jianhua wasn't home, and he couldn't communicate with Zhou Lanfang.
Go back?
Shen Mianmian stood still, not moving; if Zhou Lanfang realized she hadn't washed the dishes, she would probably get another beating, and at the moment she had no strength to resist.
"If you don't want to go back, sit in the car."
He Nan's voice unexpectedly sounded above her head, and Shen Mianmian looked up at him, startled, to see him with an expressionless face as he walked over and opened the car door, gesturing with his eyes for her to get in.
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