Chapter 52: A Transformation

Shen Guodong’s personality was such that whenever he had an idea, he liked to sort out the causes and effects immediately. Only then could he feel at ease; otherwise, he would feel unsettled, as though everything was just a little off.

There was a reduction in the production of Northeast rice. He had managed to get a portion of this rice under his control. If he could properly drive up the price, using financial maneuvering, this wave was bound to be profitable. Due to the drop in yield, he wouldn’t even need to invest much to reach his target. It was as if fate itself was lending him a hand!

Thinking of this, Shen Guodong’s heart filled with joy. For him, this was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! The harvest would be around September. If the speculation on the Northeast rice went smoothly, it would only take two months. If he succeeded, he would have the capital to meet the factory’s transformation!

As he recalled, the upcoming transformation of the factory was huge. Investing funds at that time would certainly double his returns. And right now, what Shen Guodong lacked most was capital!

That was why he had chosen to cling to that bald man, using the other’s funds to set this plan in motion. But inevitably, since he didn’t invest any of his own money, even if the profits were enormous, only a sliver would end up in his hands. Most would be snatched away by others. He’d be left with little more than a handful of crumbs, just getting by on someone else’s resources.

But now, the situation was making Shen Guodong almost giddy. The timely opportunity with the Northeast rice gave him hope. If he could seize it tightly and invest even a little capital, there was no doubt that his earnings would be far greater.

At this thought, Shen Guodong was thoroughly excited! Whether he could turn his life around all depended on this chance. In fact, to call it “turning his life around” might even be too modest—this was a chance to become rich overnight.

“What on earth are you writing? The food’s getting cold!” Liu Yueru frowned in puzzlement at Shen Guodong, not understanding what he was scribbling away at.

“Let’s eat!” Shen Guodong, in high spirits, laughed heartily, scooped Liu Yueru up, and spun her around the modest living room. “If I can seize this Northeast rice opportunity, we’ll never have to worry about money again. Whatever you want, you can buy! That television and refrigerator you’ve been wanting—I’ll buy them all for you at once!”

“How did you know I wanted those things?” Liu Yueru replied, a little surprised. She was sure she’d never said a word about it.

“Remember that time we went to your colleague’s house to watch TV? Your eyes were brimming with longing. The way you touched that TV, I remember it vividly,” Shen Guodong replied offhandedly.

Yet, even such a casual remark was enough to move Liu Yueru deeply. She hadn’t expected Shen Guodong to keep these little things in his heart all this time.

“I may like those things, but I’m already quite content with the life we have now. You don’t need to make a fortune. As long as we live peacefully and quietly, and stay healthy, that’s enough for me,” Liu Yueru said softly.

People should know contentment and find happiness in it. Compared to before, Shen Guodong was a changed man—like night and day.

Hearing these words, Shen Guodong sighed gently. Liu Yueru’s expectations were just too modest. Somehow, his heart ached for this silly woman—he felt he owed her something.

“Come on, let’s eat.” Shen Guodong smiled warmly.

“Mm.” Liu Yueru nodded sweetly.

They finished their meal quickly. The weather was hot. After clearing the table, the two of them went out to the small courtyard to enjoy the cool air. A pleasant breeze brushed over them, bringing a refreshing relief. Shen Guodong pulled Liu Yueru into his lap.

“What are you doing? It’s so hot!” Liu Yueru protested, but though her words carried a hint of annoyance, her face was wreathed in smiles—she was clearly delighted. In her memory, this was the first time something like this had happened.

“We haven’t been married long—shouldn’t newlyweds be a little affectionate?” Shen Guodong replied, grinning.

A faint blush colored Liu Yueru’s cheeks. His hand had already wandered to places it shouldn’t have. Fortunately, the courtyard gate was closed. If anyone saw them, she would be mortified.

Truthfully, Liu Yueru and Zhou Meiniang were polar opposites—one reserved, the other uninhibited. To have two such women in his life was, frankly, nothing short of good fortune. At least, that was how Shen Guodong saw it.

“Yueru, don’t you think it’s time we had a child?” Shen Guodong asked. He’d never touched Liu Yueru intimately before; such a stunning beauty, still untouched—few would believe it if they heard. With her looks, there were few men who could restrain themselves.

“Mm…” Liu Yueru’s beautiful eyes blinked as she gazed at Shen Guodong. Finally, in a voice as soft as a mosquito’s whisper, she nodded, agreeing to his request.

Delighted by her consent, Shen Guodong couldn’t wait to carry her into their room.

After they each took a bath, night had already fallen.

“Turn off the light.”

The dim glow illuminated Liu Yueru’s radiant face—a sight that could ignite desire with a single glance. Her beauty needed no embellishment; she was like a tranquil water lily, blooming quietly, breathtakingly lovely. The blush that suffused her cheeks vanished with the flick of the switch.

When the light came on again, Liu Yueru’s face was streaked with tears—it was clear she’d been in great pain.

“What’s wrong? Does it hurt?” Shen Guodong asked, his voice full of concern.

She nodded slightly and buried her head in his chest. Compared to the pain, what she felt more keenly was happiness—something only she could truly understand.

Though they had been husband and wife for some time, it was only at this moment that their relationship had genuinely deepened.

There were no flowery confessions, yet their hearts were now tightly entwined, needing no words to know each other’s feelings.

“Guodong, I love you,” Liu Yueru whispered suddenly.

In this era, those three words were difficult to utter, but Liu Yueru spoke them, shy and bashful, yet sincere.

Clearly, her affection had reached its deepest point.

Shen Guodong smiled and held her close. If not for her body’s need to recover after this transformation, he might not have been able to restrain himself, yearning to take her again, to ride into battle and claim victory once more.