Chapter 42: What Is Your Love Made Of?

Xu Shujian did not notice Song Yue’s odd behavior; his attention was fixed on the others.

"Hui, don’t think of people so negatively. President Zhang is just someone who likes to joke around," Pan Yun interjected.

Yu Hui and Zhang Qidong had been trading barbs back and forth, while the rest of the group either watched the spectacle or laughed along with them. To be fair, the back-and-forth was indeed quite amusing. It was clear to everyone that Yu Hui had reached a state of "breaking the pot to pieces"—not caring about the consequences—while Zhang Qidong enjoyed playing the mentor. He always had a theory rooted in his own perspective and took a certain pride in manufacturing drama for the sake of the show, as if he were the protagonist of the table and the program would lose its luster without him.

Just as Yu Hui was feeling that his barbs were losing their edge, Pan Yun spoke up. He immediately retorted, "I always get the feeling that you all wear a shell, especially you, Sister Yun, and President Zhang. Since you’re already here, why bother with the pretense? President Zhang, you are constantly putting on this display of righteousness, as if Sister Xiaoxian is just an unruly child in your home. From what I’ve seen, Sister Xiaoxian actually has a refined heart; it’s always she who is giving you face. And you, Sister Yun—turn your head and look at Brother Ye. Do you see how cautious he’s become? Haven’t you noticed he’s been observing you, wanting to say something but not daring to?"

Pan Yun blinked in surprise and actually turned to look at Chen Linye. "Do I?"

Chen Linye immediately shook his head and smiled at Yu Hui. "Brother Hui, please don’t drag me into this. This is a discussion among the heads of the households here."

Before Yu Hui could respond, Pan Yun countered, "In our house, you’re the head of the household, aren't you?"

Chen Linye conceded immediately. "Fine, fine, I’m the head of the household."

Zhang Qidong gave Chen Linye a thumbs-up. "Not bad, Linye. You’ve learned something. Regardless of who is right or wrong, soothing the situation first is key. A man bowing to his woman isn't about being afraid of his wife; it’s a form of wisdom."

Xu Shujian’s focus remained on Zhang Qidong. He realized that Zhang was neither stupid nor foolish; his seemingly aimless remarks were actually a sign that he simply did not care about the others. When Zhuo Hui was present, Zhang had been earnest and even slightly rattled, but that was only because Zhuo Hui’s status and social standing were not beneath his own. To put it bluntly, Zhang Qidong’s life philosophy was entirely dependent on whom he was dealing with.

If someone was beneath him, he felt free to toy with them; whether they were right or wrong didn't matter—if they were easy to bully, he would treat them however he pleased.

Xu Shujian looked at Pan Yun. "Sister Yun, do you truly believe Brother Ye is the head of your household?"

"Of course. Didn’t you hear what he said at noon? Sixty percent of his world is his music. I am merely there to assist him, helping him manage the trivialities of life. And even then, he thinks I’m overbearing and that I don’t understand him in our daily life."

Xu Shujian asked, "Do you think you understand him?"

"Hahaha, he doesn't even understand me, so why should I understand him? Hahaha, Shujian, I know you mean well, but the fact is he doesn't understand me. Earlier, Miaomiao and Xiaoxian both sensed that I was upset and kept comforting me in the room, but him? When I asked President Zhang about him while going downstairs, it turned out he had even taken a nap! Can you believe how infuriating that is? Hahaha, I’m so angry I’m laughing. Can you feel my helplessness?"

Pan Yun’s forced, awkward laughter was easily triggered; she laughed as she spoke, which was rather unsettling. Lin Xiaoxian, sitting beside her, reached out to hold her hand in comfort.

Huang Miaomiao said softly, "Actually, I think I can understand Sister Yun. In her world, Brother Ye is everything. If she were to grade her life satisfaction, Brother Ye would account for at least eighty percent. That’s why she cares so much about his answers. Brother Ye certainly hasn't handled some aspects well; I feel his way of thinking is too much like a 'STEM major'—he doesn't budge on things he believes are right. That’s why Sister Yun is even angrier. Sister Hui’s words were right; they seem fine on the surface, but there are deep-seated issues."

Zhang Qidong nodded. "That’s why I advised Linye to learn to admit fault earlier. If your wife is angry, why argue about who's right? Just apologize. I have plenty of experience in this. You all think I’m overbearing, but in reality, I’ve had to bow my head so many times in life. I’m the one who is actually full of grievances."

Song Yue found it hard to watch. Wasn't Old Xu trying to help them solve their problems? Why had the target shifted to him?

Before Song Yue could speak, Xu Shujian continued, "Have you forgotten Sister Hui’s final summary? She said that her husband only accounts for ten percent of her life satisfaction, but that ten percent is the foundation. If that were gone, the other ninety percent would collapse. Is it possible that Sister Yun’s theory—or rather, her definition of love—is fundamentally flawed?"

The others fell silent, lost in thought.

Xu Shujian understood why the others sided with Pan Yun. Zhang Qidong and Yu Hui’s absurdity was indiscriminate—they were obnoxious to everyone, so naturally, no one would side with them. As long as those two were the problem, everyone else would instinctively oppose them.

Pan Yun’s absurdity was different: she was agreeable to everyone else and only treated Chen Linye as less than a person. Since her anger didn't affect the others, they naturally sided with her. By siding with her, they inevitably concluded that it was Chen Linye’s fault—their perspective was dictated by their position.

If things continued this way, Pan Yun would keep spiraling. Xu Shujian was genuinely worried that this woman would steal the spotlight from everyone else and turn them all into her stepping stones.

"Hahahaha..." The others were quiet, but Pan Yun was not. She burst into inexplicable laughter. "Shujian, you must be joking. My love for him is flawed? You probably don’t understand our life. All my energy is focused on him, then my children and parents, and only last, myself. I’m terrified he’ll take the wrong path. Even when he goes to work, I have to remind him to watch his attitude so others don't get a bad impression."

"Hahahaha, and you say I’m wrong? How much I love him! I don’t allow him to be anything less than perfect, and I don’t allow others to treat him poorly. I am the person who loves him the most in the entire world. Do you think he could find another wife who would treat him better than I do?"

Pan Yun’s outburst stunned the table. Even Zhang Qidong became cautious, daring only to exchange glances with Lin Xiaoxian.

Several people tried to smooth things over, but Xu Shujian held up a hand to stop them. He set down his chopsticks, thinking to himself, *I’m a transmigrator; surely I can handle a Pan Yun?*

Xu Shujian stared directly at her. "Fine. Let’s assume you’re right. Then tell me this: you say you’re the one who loves him most in the world, that you won't allow him to be bad or allow others to treat him poorly. Yet, a minute ago, apart from those who stayed silent, everyone here was criticizing Brother Ye. They were all saying, implicitly or explicitly, that he wasn't doing enough. Where was your love then?"

Pan Yun’s laughter stopped, but the expression remained on her face. She was momentarily speechless.