Reborn as the Villain's Wife, I Shine in 80s
Chapter 150 - 146 Where am I not as good as her?

Chapter 150: 146 Where am I not as good as her?

Little Xu Xixi fluttered her big eyes at the small chicken drumstick in the bowl, fumbling with both a spoon and chopsticks.

Xu’s mother put down her chopsticks and suddenly broke the silence at the dinner table: "Yiyuan, you’re no longer young. Xixi is still small and needs someone to care for her. Do you have any thoughts about a suitable girl?"

Hearing her name, Xu Xixi lifted her head for a glance, wondering if she was being addressed. Seeing her grandmother and father locked in tension, she lowered her head again and continued eating, utterly unaware of the subtle adult concerns in the air.

Xu Yiyuan elegantly finished the last bite of his meal, swallowed it down, and his deep, obsidian-like eyes flickered slightly: "Mom, I’m not in a rush. Let’s wait until Fangfang’s situation is settled, and then we can talk." Correct content is on

Each year, Xu’s mother would bring up this topic, and every year, Xu Yiyuan used Yao Fangfang as an excuse.

The excuse never failed.

Yao Fangfang knew all too well that her cousin hadn’t moved on from the past, which is why she hadn’t tried to meddle.

But this year was different—her heart now belonged to someone. Hearing the word "settled," she couldn’t help but blush and lower her head. Settled? Could it really come to that?

"Fangfang is still young, but you can’t wait forever." Xu’s mother’s attitude turned a bit stern, and she threw out another suggestion: "I think Shui Lian is really great. What do you think of her?"

"Yes, cousin!" Mentioning Shui Lian, Yao Fangfang set aside her shyness for the moment and chimed in enthusiastically, "Shui Lian is wonderful—good to you, good to me, good to Aunt, good to Xixi. She’s a teacher in our town, cultured yet young. Such a virtuous woman shouldn’t wait—marry her quickly before someone else snatches her away!"

Yao Fangfang clearly understood Shui Lian’s feelings for Xu Yiyuan.

From Yao Fangfang’s perspective, Shui Lian was a much better match than his late wife. His former wife had been an uneducated, average-looking woman from a family of modest means—no comparison to Shui Lian at all. If only her cousin had met Shui Lian earlier! But according to Aunt, the late wife and her family had supported Aunt through her darkest times, prompting Aunt to arrange the marriage. Otherwise, someone as outstanding as her cousin would never have settled for such a match.

And Shui Lian? She was pitiful in her own way, harboring feelings for her cousin all these years, silently staying close to him. Was anything more heart-wrenching? Truly moving.

Then there was her cousin himself—his ability to endure was astonishing. Any normal man would’ve rushed to remarry after losing his wife. But him? He’d waited, single, until Xixi was now five years old. Grieving a spouse was human, yes. But grieving for a month or two was plenty—her cousin’s mourning stretched on for years. Yao Fangfang couldn’t wrap her head around it.

"Mom, let’s not talk about this now. I have no intention of remarrying." Xu Yiyuan sighed helplessly.

Xu’s mother clearly saw through Xu Yiyuan’s evasions and snapped with a tinge of anger: "Why not? What’s wrong with Shui Lian? She’s wonderful, her family keeps introducing her to men, and all of them match or surpass you. Yet, she’s willing to wait for you!"

Xu Yiyuan responded softly, "It’s not dissatisfaction—it’s that I don’t feel that way about her."

"Feelings? Can feelings sustain a marriage? Listen to me—marriage isn’t about feelings. You might not like her now, but spend enough time together, and feelings will grow. Trust me."

"It doesn’t work that way." Xu Yiyuan shook his head slightly.

Annoyed, Xu’s mother furrowed her brows and lamented, "Back then, I found you a lovely match in Xiao Wei. Such a good girl, but you insisted you didn’t like her. Said the same thing—always ’don’t like.’ She’s been gone for years now, and what’s your excuse now? Even if you feel you owe Xiao Wei, you can’t keep holding yourself back—and holding back Xixi too!"

After her words, the room fell into a heavy silence. Yao Fangfang hastily tried to lift Xixi away, worried she’d pick up on the adult conflict.

The serene expression in Xu Yiyuan’s eyes suddenly collapsed. Pressing his dry lips together, he stood up. "Mom, stop bringing this up. I will not marry Shui Lian." current on

From the doorway came the sound of a sudden "thud."

Everyone turned toward it and saw Shui Lian standing there, her face drained of color.

Her face pale as winter frost, Shui Lian appeared as though her heart had plunged into freezing depths—no words hurt more than hearing her long-cherished love reject her outright.

She turned abruptly and ran into the courtyard. Behind her was Xu Yiyuan’s usual gentle voice: "Shui Lian."

She stopped where she stood.

"Let’s talk." He walked over to her side.

Shui Lian knew what he intended to say—she’d known for years now. Yet, she pretended not to know, believing that if love at first sight wasn’t possible, perhaps something deeper could develop over time. But today, even that fragile dream couldn’t survive. How cruel!

"You and Fangfang are friends, and you’re younger than me—I’ve always seen you as a sister. I’ve never harbored other intentions toward you." He bent slightly, apologetically, and said softly, "I’m truly sorry."

Shui Lian’s tears hadn’t stopped since earlier. She wiped her face with trembling hands, steadied herself, and finally spoke in a whisper: "Is it really impossible? Not even a little? Couldn’t we marry, if only so I could care for Xixi? Wouldn’t you at least grant me that chance?"

"You already know that’s impossible... Forcing something will never bring happiness." He sighed heavily. "I don’t want to waste your time. You deserve someone better." Sensitive as Xu Yiyuan was, he had long noticed Shui Lian’s feelings for him, distinct from mere friendship. For years, he had avoided addressing them directly, hoping silence might help her realize. But silence had only complicated matters.

"I don’t want someone better." Shui Lian choked back sobs and shook her head, her heart pierced by the kindness without love in his eyes. "What is it about me that you don’t like? Whatever’s not perfect—I can change! I honestly..."

"You’re wonderful," Xu Yiyuan quietly interrupted her. "It’s not a matter of your worth. I’ve already been married and have a daughter. I honestly don’t want to waste your time."

"Then what kind of person do you like? Tian Sangsang?"

Her unexpected question froze him in place. "What did you just say?" Impossible.

"Ha." Shui Lian chuckled despondently. "I know—you like Tian Sangsang. The confused are blind, but outsiders see clearly. We’ve noticed—it’s you who hasn’t figured it out yet."

"I can’t accept it..."

"What is it about her? Dark-skinned, overweight, dragging a son along. I’ve wondered to myself a thousand times—what about me isn’t enough? How could someone like me lose to her?"

"If it were someone truly better than me, I’d accept that. But her? A simple village woman?"

"Indeed." After voicing her thoughts in a rush, Shui Lian wiped her damp face and offered a meaningful smile: "You’re right—it’s not a matter of worth; it’s about feelings. Feelings are so elusive."

"Shui Lian, you..." Xu Yiyuan looked at her with concern.

"I’m fine. I’m okay... Let’s just pretend none of this happened today."

"Alright." Xu Yiyuan nodded, relieved.