After watching a movie and returning to the supply store, sure enough, the two people were gone.
Shen Qingqing didn't think Jiang Zhixun had come looking for her, so she quickly put the matter out of her mind.
She stood in front of the counter, carefully examining what was available.
The clothes she wore were clearly high-end, and her demeanor was exceptionally refined.
Her small face was fair and flawless, with not a single visible pore, clearly well-maintained.
She looked like someone who had come from a big city.
The shop assistant asked Shen Qingqing warmly, "Comrade, what do you need? I can help you find it."
Shen Qingqing smiled slightly, "I'll take a look first."
"Sure, take your time."
She wasn't in a hurry, and at this hour, the supply store wasn't crowded. Shen Qingqing slowly and methodically picked out the items she needed.
She bought a pack of pink toilet paper and a bar of soap for her personal use.
Then she purchased two cans of preserves and two bags of candy to bring to the Lin Family.
Shen Qingqing wasn't sure if Jiang Zhixun would be okay with her visiting the Lin Family, but she wanted to be prepared just in case.
If nothing else, she could always eat it herself.
Shen Qingqing's purchases added up to quite a bit. She paid decisively, handing over both money and ration tickets, which made the shop assistant beam brightly.
"Comrade, in the future, come directly to me if you need anything. If there's anything new and good in stock, I'll recommend it to you."
Shen Qingqing nodded, "Alright, I'll find you next time."
She would be staying here for a month, and if she ran out of necessities or got bored staying at the compound, she would definitely take trips into town.
Although the movie screening at the theater was something she'd already seen in Beijing,
and the items sold at the supply store weren't things she urgently needed,
getting out of the guesthouse and moving around was still better than sitting idle and overthinking.
That wouldn't be good for her health.
After finishing her shopping, Shen Qingqing went to eat at a state-owned restaurant.
The weather was bitterly cold, so she ordered a bowl of beef noodles. The steaming hot food filled her stomach, warming her entire body.
Shen Qingqing's spirits lifted again.
She felt that being alone wasn't so bad. At least she didn't have to deal with anyone's moods or cater to anyone's feelings.
She could do whatever she wanted, as long as she took good care of herself.
If staying in the county town wasn't possibly creating unnecessary trouble for Jiang Zhixun, she would've considered renting a place here just to stay far away from him.
Shen Qingqing's only thought now was to have Jiang Zhixun quickly apply for a transfer back to Beijing, fulfill his dear mother's wishes, and let them each go their separate ways!
The cold weather deterred Shen Qingqing from wandering around aimlessly.
After leaving the state-owned restaurant, she headed directly to a nearby guesthouse.
Checking in required a letter of introduction, but with her paperwork fully prepared, the process went smoothly, and she successfully got a room.
To keep things quiet, she specifically chose a room on a higher floor.
The room didn't have a private bathroom, but since she was only staying for one night, she figured she could make do.
At this moment, she started to miss the small apartment she rented in Beijing.
Though tiny, it had everything she needed.
It had a private bathroom, a small kitchen, and just one bedroom that opened onto a small balcony.
Nearby, there were department stores and restaurants, making life quite convenient.
And it was close to the publishing house, just a ten-minute walk away.
Even though she hadn't suffered mistreatment in the Jiang Family in recent years, living under someone else's roof was entirely different from renting her own place.
Now, whenever she thought of going home, the only place that came to mind was that little apartment she rented for ten yuan a month.
Though it was just her there, it gave her a deep sense of peace.
Winter nights came quickly.
Not long after checking into the guesthouse, the sky turned dark.
The books she brought from Beijing were left at the compound, so Shen Qingqing simply decided to give herself a break.
After a quick wash, she lay down to rest.
Sleeping in a new place made it hard for her to fall asleep, so she closed her eyes and tried to relax, mentally going over important matters again and again.
By doing this, she could deepen her memory and avoid forgetting anything crucial in case her illness worsened.
Shen Qingqing was twenty-three this year—neither too young nor too old.
She could manage most things on her own,
but her illness was the one thing that truly scared her.
Yet, what could she do?
Was she supposed to clutch this hopeless marriage, forcing Jiang Zhixun to take responsibility for her?
Just as she was about to fall asleep, she heard the sound of a car parking downstairs.
She paid it no mind, closing her eyes and drifting off to sleep.
The moment the car stopped, Jiang Zhixun stepped out from the driver's seat and quickly walked into the guesthouse.
His tall frame and long legs moved with purpose, the buttons of his coat left undone, letting in a rush of cold wind as he walked.
The front desk staff couldn't disclose guest information, but Jiang Zhixun presented their marriage certificate, gaining permission to go upstairs.
Once again, Jiang Zhixun had tracked her down, catching Shen Qingqing completely off guard.
Gripping the doorknob, she barred him from entering.
Her delicate lips moved, but her tone lacked confidence. "Are you crazy?"
Jiang Zhixun was livid.
This woman had gone off on her own and stayed out all night, and yet she had the audacity to scold him!
He pressed his hand against the door to prevent her from slamming it shut.
His tone was icy. "Come back with me."
"I'm not going back."
Jiang Zhixun's voice turned even colder. "What nonsense are you up to now?"
Shen Qingqing's calm façade shattered, but she didn't offer any further explanation. "Even if I am acting out, it's none of your business."
"Shen Qingqing!"
The man's expression was frigid, his tone growing increasingly stern.
Shen Qingqing couldn't understand Jiang Zhixun. He clearly avoided her like the plague, so why was he showing up now?
Not wanting to talk further, she pushed hard against the door to close it.
This action ignited the anger that Jiang Zhixun had been suppressing.
The veins on the back of his hand, which was braced against the door, stood out.
"Shen Qingqing, I dare you to pull another stunt."
Having endured his cold attitude time and again, Shen Qingqing was now in an absolutely foul mood.
"Get lost!"
She used all her strength to try to shut the door.
In Jiang Zhixun's memory, Shen Qingqing was always gentle and soft-spoken, never uttering harsh words.
Yet, hearing the word "get lost" come out of her mouth left Jiang Zhixun momentarily stunned.
The force he had on the door lessened considerably.
If not for his quick reflexes, she might have actually managed to close it.
"Come back with me."
"I'm not going back."
Unable to shut the door, Shen Qingqing switched tactics and tried to push Jiang Zhixun away. "Can you just leave me alone?"
Was it an illusion, or did Jiang Zhixun hear a hint of tears in her voice?
Gripping her wrist, he exhaled heavily, but in the end, refrained from reprimanding her.
Neighbors began opening their doors one by one. "If you're going to argue, do it at home. Some of us are trying to rest!"
"The soundproofing here is terrible. If you must fight, go outside to do it."
"Couples always bicker, but you should talk things out calmly. Arguing solves nothing..."
It was Jiang Zhixun's first time encountering something like this, and his expression was one of deep embarrassment.
He offered a brief apology to the neighbors, then tugged Shen Qingqing by the wrist and pulled her into the room.
Once the door was shut, he began packing her belongings.
Jiang Zhixun's unilateral actions infuriated Shen Qingqing once again.
Through gritted teeth, she asked, "Jiang Zhixun, what are you trying to do?"
"Take you back."
"Can you stop meddling in my affairs?"
Jiang Zhixun turned his head, his expression hard to read. "If you truly didn't want me involved, you shouldn't have come to the Northwest."
Shen Qingqing suppressed her temper. "I'm not interfering in your business, so don't interfere in mine. Once we're back in Beijing, we'll go our separate ways."
Jiang Zhixun didn't stop packing her things, letting out a cold scoff.
"I see what you're doing—trying to stir up trouble so you can complain to the old man when we're back in Beijing."
Before Shen Qingqing could refuse, Jiang Zhixun picked up her coat and wrapped it around her.
With one arm firmly grasping her body and the other carrying her belongings, he forcefully led her downstairs.
Only once Shen Qingqing was stuffed into the back seat of the car did she realize something important.
"Did you go through my things?"
After all, he didn't have the marriage certificate with him when he came to the Northwest!
Jiang Zhixun replied in a low, eerie tone, "It's mine too."