Chapter 351: Ma Juan

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

The two women standing on the second floor were Shen Mo’s sister-in-law, Ma Li, and her cousin, Ma Juan.

Upon seeing Shen Mo for the first time at the wedding of Ma Li and Shen Mo’s elder brother, Shen Cheng, Ma Juan fell head over heels for him. She silently vowed to marry no one but him. In the five years since Ma Li and Shen Cheng got married, Ma Juan has pursued Shen Mo relentlessly.

To avoid Ma Juan, Shen Mo even told his family that he wants to first establish his career before considering starting a family. He asserted that he had no plans to marry or have children within the next five years. He warned his family to stop pressuring him, or he’d join the military and never return.

Shen Mo’s parents were quite fond of Ma Juan, but they also knew their son’s temperament and that they couldn’t persuade him. Hence, they advised Ma Juan to wait for another five years, promising that the two would surely get married once the period was over.

If Ma Juan had behaved, Shen Mo would have inevitably succumbed to family pressure and married her after five years. However, her extreme jealousy has caused numerous troubles for Shen Mo. As a result, even Shen Mo’s parents have begun to view her less favorably.

Due to Shen Mo’s handsome appearance and prominent family background, he was always surrounded by women wherever he went. Jiang Xia first met Shen Mo when he had just returned from the military, and his house was besieged by a crowd of women.

But what Ma Juan couldn’t stand the most were scenes like this. She spread rumors that she and Shen Mo were engaged. If someone’s handkerchief happened to land on Shen Mo, she’d create a chance encounter with that woman and sharply mock her.

The Shen family was at their wits’ end with Ma Juan’s behavior but felt helpless due to the influential Ma family.

Even though Ma Li and Shen Cheng now lead a great life full of mutual affection, the foundation of their marriage was a political alliance. They were considered “leftover” singles in their era, with Shen Cheng being 25 and Ma Li 24 when they wed. They met by chance, and both families decided on a union due to political reasons.

When the two of them got married, Shen Cheng was already 25 years old, and Mary was 24 years old. In that era, they were considered older unmarried men and women, and they were the ones who were chosen.

After their marriage, Ma Li greatly assisted Shen Cheng, and the Shen family’s fortunes improved significantly. Despite not having children, Shen’s parents adore Ma Li.

Being Ma Li’s cousin, Ma Juan was treated courteously by the entire Shen family out of respect for the Ma family and Ma Li.

Ma Juan’s visit to the Shen residence was triggered by hearing of Shen Mo’s return. Eager for more opportunities to interact with him, she rushed over, calculating that their five-year waiting period was over, and it was time to discuss marriage.

Upon seeing Shen Mo being close to another girl, Ma Juan was seething with jealousy. Even as her cousin tried to comfort her, she was plotting revenge against the girl.

Ma Li gently patted her shoulder, saying with a soft smile, “Stop worrying.

Let’s get ready to go to the shopping mall.”

This era showcased stark disparities. While the poor struggled for meals, the wealthy indulged in daily shopping sprees.

Jiang Xia had initially wanted Shen Mo to just see her out the door so she could go find Jiang Chuan on her own. However, to her surprise, Shen Mo insisted on accompanying her to the entrance of the town to wait for Jiang Chuan. This disrupted her plans to go to the sugar factory’s residential quater to find Jiang Chuan. Left with no other choice, the two of them waited at the town entrance, engaging in sporadic conversation.

It was evident to Jiang Xia that there was something different about Shen Mo this time around. Previously, Shen Mo had an aloof and untouchable aura. But now, he seemed much more grounded. Moreover, he appeared to have a keen interest in the development of Puhshan Village, inquiring in detail about all the events and personnel changes that had occurred over the past six months.

Curious about why he knew so much, Jiang Xia questioned Shen Mo, only for him to playfully hint that she’d find out in due time.

Not being one to probe too deeply, Jiang Xia didn’t press further.

Fortunately, they didn’t have to wait long before Jiang Chuan returned. The two of them, under Shen Mo’s watchful gaze, awkwardly started their journey on the dirt road. Only when they reached a deserted stretch did Jiang Chuan pull out his vehicle and sped towards home..