Marriage First, Love Later: The Soft and Obedient Little Wife of Mr. Lu - Chapter 139: Shen Tangyu & Bai Fan (Part 2)

Chapter 139: Shen Tangyu & Bai Fan (Part 2)

Shen Tangyu later recalled many times, unable to remember what had been going through his mind when he agreed to become the child’s free question-and-answer teacher—though he only promised to do so until his roommate returned.

He prided himself on not being easily soft-hearted, even somewhat aloof. Although in the eyes of relatives, friends, and teachers, he appeared intelligent and sensible.

In reality, he was always selfish and self-serving, never truly close to anyone in his heart.

Arrogantly, he believed everyone in this world was a fool, unwilling to waste words on others unless it served his immediate interests.

But the child stood in the light, the sunset’s afterglow streaming indoors, his slender shadow cast across the blackboard, his eyes clear and bright.

In that moment, Shen Tangyu didn’t know what came over him as he began patiently explaining things to the child, not even minding his somewhat pushy questions.

Shen Tangyu thought he must have remembered the lost kitten from his childhood.

When he had brought the kitten home back then, his parents strongly objected, threatening to throw it out. Defiantly, Shen Tangyu washed it clean and tucked it into his bed.

Perhaps sensing the tense atmosphere at home, the kitten sneaked out one morning after Shen Tangyu left for school and never returned, becoming a lasting regret of his childhood.

Bai Fan had the same eyes as that kitten—timid, probing, hopeful, cautious yet innocent. Perhaps his kitten had returned in another form.

Bai Fan was far smarter than the foolish students Shen Tangyu had taught before. He grasped concepts instantly, could extrapolate from examples, and was exceptionally eager to learn.

It was only through Bai Fan that Shen Tangyu learned he had always ranked at the top of his class since childhood.

But with an extra person in the household, his uncle’s family was unwilling to support him and wanted him to drop out and work. If not for his teacher coming to ask about him, Bai Fan wouldn’t have known his uncle had already started the withdrawal procedures.

Later, Bai Fan worked to earn money himself. His teacher, sympathetic to his misfortune, wanted to organize a class donation, but Bai Fan refused.

He only asked his teacher not to prevent him from working and made a promise with his homeroom teacher that his grades would never slip.

So you always sneak into tutoring classes to learn? Shen Tangyu raised an eyebrow, asking the child who was bent over his homework.

How can you call it sneaking? Knowledge is free—whoever learns it owns it.

Bai Fan reasoned confidently, Besides, your students don’t study seriously. How can they deserve your hard work? Only I understand your efforts.

After they grew familiar, Bai Fan became more talkative, like that stray kitten that, once accustomed to Shen Tangyu’s scent, would often climb into the wardrobe and curl up on his clothes to sleep.

How’s the burn on your chest?

Not a big deal.

Bai Fan replied simply, but Shen Tangyu frowned and lifted the child’s shirt.

Large red marks covered his tender, fair chest. On his delicate skin, some areas had blistered and been scraped open by cheap clothing, oozing yellowish fluid.

How did it get this bad? Didn’t you apply any medicine?

Bai Fan looked embarrassed at having his lie exposed. Shyly pulling his shirt down, he explained softly, It’ll heal in a few days.

Seeing Shen Tangyu’s expression remain stern, his whole body radiating cold intensity, Bai Fan licked his lips and had to confess the reason. He kept his head lowered, not daring to look at the other, his pride somewhat wounded as he mumbled:

The burn ointment is too expensive. I still have to pay for practice materials next month.

Shen Tangyu felt a pang of heartache and couldn’t bear to look at Bai Fan any longer, wanting to preserve the child’s last shred of dignity.

He had never worried about money since childhood, never experienced days where every penny was counted, where a single dollar had to be stretched as far as possible, and tomorrow’s survival had to be planned today.

Suddenly, Shen Tangyu felt a surge of anger. He couldn’t understand where this rage came from, but his face darkened as he pulled Bai Fan up and dragged him outside with long strides.

Bai Fan was startled and quickly asked where he was being taken.

“To the hospital.”

If the wound wasn’t treated soon, there was a risk of infection.

Shen Tangyu paid all the fees and bought several tubes of burn ointment and anti-inflammatory medication. Bai Fan kept his head lowered the entire time, his spirits clearly dampened.

Shen Tangyu picked up a bottle of cold water and gently pressed it against the child’s cheek, his tone unusually soft. “What’s wrong?”

“Thank you. I’ll pay you back as soon as I can,” Bai Fan mumbled, still not looking up.

Shen Tangyu sat down beside him and said dismissively, “No need. Just get first place in the next exam for me.”

He lifted the child’s chin and noticed Bai Fan’s red-rimmed eyes, glistening with unshed tears. The boy’s lips quivered before he suddenly wrapped his arms around Shen Tangyu.

“You’re really kind.”

It had been a long time since he’d felt such care—not condescending pity, but genuine, equal concern.

Shen Tangyu stiffened. He had never been this physically close to anyone, always maintaining restraint and distance.

But as he watched the child bury his face in his chest, his fluffy hair tickling Shen Tangyu’s chin, he didn’t feel uncomfortable. Instead, he gently rested his hand on Bai Fan’s head, offering quiet comfort.

When Shen Tangyu had free time, he took Bai Fan around the campus.

Bai Fan’s eyes sparkled with curiosity as he looked around, his gaze filled with longing.

“Will I ever be as amazing as you someday?”

“Yes,” Shen Tangyu replied, his voice carrying a tenderness he hadn’t even noticed himself, as he smoothed down the child’s unruly hair.

“But actually, I want to study medicine,” Bai Fan admitted softly, sharing his dream for the first time. “My dad died of liver cancer. My mom had to clean newly renovated houses to support us and ended up inhaling too much formaldehyde. She got leukemia.”

“So I want to become a doctor. I don’t want to watch anyone else I care about die from illness.”

Bai Fan’s voice was heavy with sadness. If his family had been better off, perhaps his parents wouldn’t have had to work so hard, wouldn’t have gotten sick—or at least could have received proper treatment.

They wouldn’t have left him, so young, to face this harsh world alone.

“You’ll definitely succeed. You’ll save many people and make up for the regrets of the past,” Shen Tangyu said, his heart aching as he ruffled the child’s hair. Bai Fan had already shouldered too much.

Later, Shen Tangyu’s roommate returned after handling matters back home, so he no longer needed to substitute teach.

On his last day, Shen Tangyu watched the boy diligently solving problems, unsure how to break the news.

“My roommate is back.”

Bai Fan’s pen stilled, the characters on the page smudging. He didn’t look up, continuing to write as he feigned calm. “So you won’t be coming tomorrow?”

“No, I was only filling in for him.”

“Oh.”

Silence fell between them. Neither spoke again, the atmosphere growing heavy and awkward.

Bai Fan packed up his exercises and smiled at Shen Tangyu, though his cat-like eyes held no real joy. Too young to hide his feelings well, his sadness and reluctance were plain to see.

Thank you for tutoring me these past few days. I’ll definitely get first place again next time.

Mhm, I believe you. Shen Tangyu spoke softly, his calm eyes seeming to conceal some turbulent emotion beneath.

Bai Fan stood up, hoisting his worn-out backpack, and waved at Shen Tangyu with a smile.

Well then—see you! I need to head to my part-time job.

Alright, be careful on your way.

Yep!

Watching the boy’s retreating figure, Shen Tangyu felt an inexplicable emptiness in his chest. Puzzled, he pressed a hand against his breastbone, unable to name this unfamiliar emotion he’d never experienced before.