Chapter 134: Breaking and Entering at Midnight?

Tang Banxia watched in surprise as Wen Mubai pulled item after item from his magical backpack.

Tang Banxia, who considered herself a woman of the world, asked, "Where did this watch come from? And the radio?"

Wen Mubai had already prepared his excuse: "My mother sent them; she said they were my dowry."

Tang Banxia’s mouth twitched. "Don't be ridiculous. We've been married for a year and a half. Your mother is sending you a dowry now?"

At this, Wen Mubai’s small face dimmed. He sighed, "My mother, she... she... she... oh!"

"What about her?" Tang Banxia refused to let him off the hook.

"She and my father separated." Wen Mubai lowered his eyelashes, then looked up again, ensuring Tang Banxia could see the melancholy in his eyes. "She rarely contacts me. It was only because Station Chief Xia reached out to her that she found out I was married and sent this to make up for my dowry."

Tang Banxia was speechless. Was this for real?

"But aren't you an orphan of a martyr?"

Wen Mubai stiffened, feeling annoyed at his own carelessness—he had forgotten his previous story. "My father, he passed away... and my mother doesn't care about me. I only have you now."

He let out a whimper and lunged into a hug, burying his face in her neck and holding on for dear life.

Feeling the warmth against her skin, Tang Banxia’s heart softened. She patted his head, "Alright, alright, you still have me. Don't be sad."

Wen Mubai let out a muffled, nasal sound of agreement, taking the opportunity to hold her a little longer before looking up, his eyes red-rimmed. "Wife, you won't despise me, will you?"

"How could I?" Tang Banxia wiped away his tears. "It's you I care about."

Wen Mubai finally beamed. "I knew you were the best."

Looking at his smile, Tang Banxia was momentarily dazed. Wen Mubai was handsome, with delicate and refined features. Because he had just been crying, there were still teardrops on his lashes. His eyes, rimmed with a faint crimson, were watery and pitiful. When he suddenly smiled, it was as radiant as the morning sun—charming and dazzling.

Captivated, Tang Banxia couldn't help but stroke the corner of his red-rimmed eye and smile. "Stop crying, be good."

Wen Mubai rubbed his cheek against her palm affectionately and lowered his head with a soft murmur. Tang Banxia, immersed in his beauty, completely ignored the flash of guilt in his eyes.

After a moment of tenderness, Wen Mubai took out the watch and solemnly fastened it onto Tang Banxia’s wrist. "Once you wear my watch, you belong to me. You can never leave me."

Tang Banxia found it amusing—how could he be so childish? But she hummed in agreement. "Alright."

It was a Seagull-brand watch with a delicate, silver-white face and a brown leather strap; it looked beautiful on her wrist. Wen Mubai admired it for a while before picking up the radio, saying happily, "With this, you won't be bored when you're at home."

Seeing him so wholeheartedly thoughtful was deeply endearing, and Tang Banxia couldn't help but give him a quick kiss. Seeing his wide-eyed, startled expression, she chuckled, "I don't think dinner is urgent anymore."

With that, she took his hand and led him into the bedroom. Wen Mubai wore a sweet, obedient smile, but his footsteps followed hers without the slightest hesitation.

The two of them hadn't developed any rift because of Sheng Qianqian; in fact, their relationship grew even closer. Wen Mubai, in particular, became increasingly clingy, following Tang Banxia everywhere she went, much to Sheng Qianqian's visible frustration.

Even Xu Sheng, who visited late at night, found it hard to look. Lowering her gaze, she quickly briefed them, "Professor Tang, these are the medicinal herbs you requested." A large parcel sat at her feet.

Tang Banxia wasn't surprised; she had heard during the day that the educated youth Xu had brought a large package back to the village, so she had been waiting. As expected, Xu Sheng arrived that night.

Xu Sheng continued, "The red deer antler will take some time; they are still collecting it." It wasn't that they were stalling; it was simply hard to find.

Tang Banxia waved a hand. "It's fine, I have some already."

Though surprised, Xu Sheng didn't press for details. "Also, the departure date for Beijing has been set. Here are your tickets and train information. Geng Zhengfei and I will be on the same train to ensure your safety."

"This one is for educated youth Wen; he will be in the same carriage. This was specifically arranged by Director Tang. As for the introduction letter, Geng Zhengfei will handle it, so you don't need to worry."

Tang Banxia took the tickets and checked them. "The day after tomorrow?"

"Yes," Xu Sheng nodded.

Tang Banxia had no objections. "Alright, I understand."

Once the arrangements were made, Xu Sheng left. After she was gone, Tang Banxia handed the tickets to Wen Mubai for safekeeping. "Keep these safe."

Wen Mubai tucked them away and said, "Wife, I'm going out tonight."

"So suddenly?" Tang Banxia was surprised.

Wen Mubai smiled flawlessly. "Since we're going on a long trip, I need to make some preparations. I'm going to check the black market."

"That makes sense," Tang Banxia agreed. "Bring back plenty of flour and oil; I'll make some instant noodles tomorrow so we have something to eat on the road."

Instant noodles? Another new dish? Wen Mubai didn't ask questions, simply nodding to show he understood.

He dressed neatly and climbed over the wall, completely unaware that a pair of eyes were watching him from the darkness next door. Once he was far away, the neighbor's door creaked open, and a thin girl crept out, heading toward the educated youth quarters.

On the other side, after Wen Mubai left, Tang Banxia finished organizing the herbs, stretched, and went to bed. Ever since she had transmigrated, her life had become increasingly regular; early to bed and early to rise was no longer a dream. Environment truly shapes a person.

In an era without smartphones, Wi-Fi, or even widespread electricity, what else was there to do at night but sleep? Oh, and exercise! But as a doctor, Professor Tang knew that too much exercise was bad for the lower back.

Her thoughts drifting, Tang Banxia lay in the warm bedding, drifting into a light slumber. Soon, her breathing became rhythmic.

She slept soundly, unaware that outside her door, two sneaky figures were approaching with a ladder. They leaned the wooden ladder against the wall. One kept watch while the other quickly climbed up, followed by the second. Once on the wall, they worked together to move the ladder over, stood it up in the courtyard, and climbed down one by one.

"Damn it!"

A hoarse male voice suddenly cursed. His companion quickly covered his mouth, only then noticing that the man had cut his hand on the broken glass embedded in the wall. "Keep quiet!"

The man nodded, his outburst having been a reflex. After the minor incident, they continued, their hearts filling with greed once their feet touched the ground. In the moonlight, they exchanged a look of avarice and headed toward the main house.

Tang Banxia, who had been sleeping soundly, sat up suddenly, inexplicably jolted awake. She touched her racing heart, her expression darkening. Could something have happened to Xiaobai?

Before she could think further, she heard rustling outside. She quietly lifted the straw curtain and peeked out to see two sneaky figures.

Well, it seemed she was the one in trouble!

Tang Banxia was caught between laughter and tears. Who gave these two the nerve to burglarize a doctor's home? She quietly climbed out of bed, grabbed a rolling pin, and stood behind the door of the main room, waiting for the right moment.