Reborn as the Villain's Wife, I Shine in 80s-Chapter 141 - 137: Women chasing men is like a separation by a layer of gauze.

Chapter 141: 137: Women chasing men is like a separation by a layer of gauze.

The birthday feast was nearing its end amidst a sea of compliments, and the birthday star was brimming with energy. None of this had anything to do with Tian Sangsang, as she had stayed in the kitchen the entire time.

After helping clean up after the feast, Boss Lin handed some money to Tian Sangsang.

Tian Sangsang counted quickly and pulled out a paper note with a look of surprise, "Boss Lin, you gave me an extra yuan."

"That extra yuan is meant for you," Boss Lin patted his belly, his laugh narrowing his eyes into slits. "Today my dad ate really happily—he rarely has such a good appetite. Everyone also said that the dishes at this birthday feast were better than past years. It’s all thanks to you. The money is yours, you deserve it."

The compliments about the food made Boss Lin feel proud. Besides, he wasn’t bothered about the extra yuan.

"Thank you." Boss Lin was indulging her. Tian Sangsang accepted it graciously and kindly said, "The elderly really ought to focus on healthy eating. They should try to have more vegetarian dishes, like greens, tofu, green peppers, and the like. Eating these things prevents weight gain and promotes longevity."

Boss Lin laughed heartily, "He does like eating lightly flavored food."

After bidding farewell to Boss Lin, Tian Sangsang stepped out of his courtyard. Nearby, Chen Ming was standing by a cargo truck, waving at her.

As Tian Sangsang approached, she heard Chen Ming’s excited and enthusiastic voice, "Sangsang, I brought back the stuff you asked for! It’s in the back of my truck—come and have a look, okay?"

Her experimental equipment—it had arrived so quickly? Tian Sangsang climbed up to the truck bed with Chen Ming, and there in the center, a set of pristine experimental equipment gleamed brightly.

Tian Sangsang’s eyes sparkled as she gazed at the equipment. She bent down and gently ran her hands over them, inspecting every piece. Larger than usual chemical lab equipment, the glass material felt smooth and crystal-clear under her fingers, and the assortment was extensive—far more complete than anything she had in her space.

The equipment included test tubes, beakers, iron stands, Erlenmeyer flasks, glass rods, wide-mouth bottles, narrow-mouth bottles, funnel racks, filtering stands, distillation flasks, and more.

With these experimental tools, while she couldn’t produce large quantities of essential oil at once, it was enough to avoid drawing suspicion.

"I gave them the drawings you made. They crafted everything according to your designs. If there’s anything you’re not satisfied with, let me know, and I’ll ask them to redo it," Chen Ming said from beside her.

"No, no, I’m very pleased with these." To create such exquisite items at this speed must have taken considerable effort. Tian Sangsang replied, "Thank you for bringing them back for me. Making these things surely wasn’t cheap—I’ll reimburse you for the cost." Back then, she hadn’t expected Chen Ming to really follow through on this. Since he had, it must have cost a significant amount.

Chen Ming waved his hand dismissively, "Reimburse what? These didn’t cost a dime. The owner of the glass factory is a friend of mine—we’re on good terms. He made them for free. Just use them as you please."

So it was through a connection, no cost involved—but a favor was certainly owed, Tian Sangsang thought to herself.

"If you’re looking to repay me, you can just invite me out for a few more meals," Chen Ming teased when he saw her hesitation, grinning mischievously.

"Alright, I’ll cook some extra food, and you can take some to that glass factory owner too," she said. Since relations were good, they likely wouldn’t accept money. Making some food—simple yet considerate—was something no reasonable person would refuse.

"Great!" Chen Ming jumped off the truck. Tian Sangsang wasn’t as nimble as him; she climbed down cautiously and slowly.

"Fangfang, what are you looking at? Your aunt and her group are already far away," Shui Lian said with a smile.

Yao Fangfang bit her lip, saying nothing, her gaze locked fiercely on the man and woman not far off.

Seeming not to notice her expression, Shui Lian murmured softly to herself, "That man—is he Tian Sangsang’s boyfriend? They look so close..." freewёbn૦νeɭ.com

"He’s not her boyfriend!" Yao Fangfang’s heart skipped a beat, and she hurriedly clarified, "He’s Tian Sangsang’s landlord, but the two of them live together."

"Live together?" Shui Lian covered her mouth in surprise, furrowing her brows, "Not being a couple but living together—it’s bound to raise misunderstandings. If you hadn’t told me otherwise, I honestly would’ve thought they’re a couple."

Yao Fangfang’s face darkened.

"Fangfang, be honest with me—do you... have feelings for that man?" Shui Lian asked softly.

"I..." Yao Fangfang bit her lip, her blush betraying her thoughts.

"If you like him, go for it! We’ve received higher education; it’s not like the old times anymore," Shui Lian’s gaze turned profound as she gently took Fangfang’s hand, "They say a woman chasing a man is like cutting through silk. With your qualifications, there’s no reason you can’t win him over."

"That’s true." Yet thinking of Chen Ming’s recent attitude, Yao Fangfang deflated like a punctured balloon, her spirits waning. "I feel like he doesn’t like me. He never looks at me."

"Does he even know you? Maybe he simply doesn’t know you," Shui Lian laughed teasingly. "You haven’t even started, yet you’re already retreating? Is this the Fangfang I know? The Fangfang I know has always been confident and proud."

Yao Fangfang wanted to say no. She hadn’t been this hesitant before. But after liking someone, she became inexplicably cautious, afraid of leaving a bad impression in front of that person. Back in school, more accomplished and wealthy boys confessed to her, but none gave her that sense of instant attraction. Yet Chen Ming had appeared so abruptly, stirring her emotions.

"First you need to make him know you." Shui Lian said, "Once he knows you, if he still doesn’t like you, it can only mean something’s clouding his vision."

"Yes, something *is* surely clouding his vision!" Yao Fangfang thought of Tian Sangsang’s image instantly. If it weren’t for her, how on earth could Chen Ming ignore her like this? She’d always been the one placed on a pedestal by others. "Xiao Lian, you go ahead, I’ll head over to them and check things out."

Shui Lian’s lips curved into a smile, "Alright, Fangfang, I’m rooting for you."

Chen Ming was already sitting in the driver’s seat. Tian Sangsang was about to climb into the passenger seat.

"Tian Sangsang! Wait a moment!" Yao Fangfang ran up behind her like a gust of wind.

"Are you calling me?" Tian Sangsang turned around, raising her brow in question.

"Yes." Yao Fangfang quickly glanced at the car before addressing Tian Sangsang, "Can you deliver three pounds of braised food to my place tomorrow?"

Tian Sangsang looked at her curiously—surprising indeed. Wasn’t this the modern equivalent of ordering takeout?

Seeing her silent, Yao Fangfang thought she was unwilling and swiftly added, "Money isn’t an issue. If you’re worried, I can pay you upfront."

"You know I’m not concerned about that," Tian Sangsang responded, her tone calm as she looked at her.

Yao Fangfang shook her head and offered a smile, "I was planning to visit your place tomorrow to buy some braised food, but since my cousin and aunt won’t be home tomorrow, and Xiao Lian has plans—I’ll need to stay home to watch Qianqian. I don’t feel at ease leaving her alone. But if I were to take her to your stand, she’d definitely cry and make a fuss..."

At this, Yao Fangfang adopted an embarrassed expression, "You know how she can be, right? She doesn’t exactly..." like you. Haha.