Chapter 29

Huang Ye Ying's confrontational tone catches Liu Ju Mei off guard. "So, what she said is true? It's not just to deceive you? I heard you're preparing to marry Su Qian Qian off to Luo Liang Ce. That educated youth has even come with so-called 'betrothal gifts,' and now you still want to cling to our Lin Xi…"

"Could it be that you think our Lin Xi is a pushover? Hmph, Fat Ying, your plans are laid out for everyone to see."

Liu Ju Mei sneers, "You should look at your daughter. What's so good about her? Average looks, bad temper, and lazy. Who would want her? My Lin Xi is at least a high school student; there are much prettier girls in the city. What use is she on the farm?"

Liu's mocking tone infuriates Huang, making her face flush with anger. "Nonsense! What's wrong with my Qian Qian? Even so, it doesn't mean Lin Xi is off the table—he eats everything, after all…" Huang stutters, losing her train of thought in her rage.

"Ha! You just admitted that Su Qian Qian is so lacking. And you say it's true? When, where, and what happened?" Liu is determined to not let Huang pin any blame on her son.

Engaging in improper relationships can lead to public humiliation these days.

"You're just being malicious. A woman who can't stick to her word is dangerous. If this were earlier, she'd have been punished harshly. Fat Ying, you don't know your child's temperament?"

"First, she wants to marry Luo, then changes her mind, spreading rumors that ruin his reputation. And now she's after my Lin Xi."

"I really don't understand why she's making such a fuss. If the village chief hadn't intervened last time, our Man Zhu would have reported her to the commune."

"If you keep coddling her, she might ruin your husband's position as village chief. Do you believe it?"

"The butcher in town doesn't like her, and neither do the soldiers. My son might be good-looking, but he can't compare to those city girls. Has she been incited by someone? Or is this about destroying the Four Olds? Some things can't be said openly, but you should be cautious."

Liu's sarcastic comments and her jab at Su Qian Qian leave Huang feeling uneasy.

Indeed, Lin Xi is more attractive than many city youths. However, to the elders, good looks mean little without real skills.

Like that butcher, who can bring home pig scraps, a steady job that many families would envy for their rare pork meals.

That young man has a stable salary with allowances; although no one knows the exact amount, it's better than farming. If he climbs the ranks, he could become a military wife someday.

From the perspective of the older generation, that's a secure job—something many can only dream of.

Huang believes her daughter, with her father being the village chief, deserves respect and attention. Yet, she wonders why Su Qian Qian is making such a scene. Could she really be misled?

Lin Xi's family is better than the educated youth's, but with two older brothers gone, he's the only laborer left, supporting his mother and younger siblings, not to mention his beautiful widowed sister-in-law.

People who care about their daughters wouldn't willingly marry them off to someone in such a situation.

"Isn't it your Lin Xi who seduced my Qian Qian?!" This thought makes Huang furious, shouting at Liu.

"Fat Ying, are you not listening? Su Qian Qian can't say anything specific. She claims Lin Xi seduced her."

"I could just as easily claim the daughter of a high-ranking official seduced my Lin Xi. Wouldn't my Lin Xi then be able to marry a city girl? What a foolish thought."

"Now, your Su Qian Qian's reputation is ruined. She can only marry second-rate men or bachelors; having Luo is already lucky."

"Be careful; I might spread this rumor to the neighboring village, and then your Su Qian Qian won't have a chance with any educated youth."

"At that point, just marrying a bachelor would be an achievement."

"My Lin Xi is not someone you can slander freely! Keep talking, and I'll fight you. You think I can't raise four kids as a widow?"

Liu Ju Mei picks up a hammer lying on the ground, glaring fiercely at Huang, her menacing demeanor suggesting she might strike.

Huang has relied on her husband's status as village chief for respect, so no one has dared to argue with her, giving her a sense of authority.

In terms of being brazen, Liu Ju Mei is more formidable than even the notorious Mei Hua.

This intimidates Huang, who instinctively steps back, casting a furious glance at Lin Xi before storming off, agitated and frustrated.

On her way home, she seethes, feeling wronged as the village chief's wife, and thinks Liu Ju Mei has disrespected her.

However, the anger mingles with Liu's words, which replay in her mind.

The more she thinks, the more an unsettling feeling grows.

Especially Liu's remark: "The butcher in town doesn't like her, and neither do the soldiers. Don't think my child is good-looking; my Lin Xi can't compete with those people. Has she been incited? Or is this about the Four Olds? Some things can't be said directly, but be cautious."

Memories flash in her mind, making her question everything. No, it can't be true. Her daughter is Qian Qian.

Perhaps she's just spoiled and has a slightly difficult temperament—Qian Qian is surely innocent!

"Has she been incited?"… That's it! Someone must have misled her! Who could be so malicious?

As for Huang's concern about her husband's position, she dismisses it entirely.

Her husband's position as village chief can't be lost over something so trivial, especially concerning Qian Qian. What trouble could she possibly cause?

Hmph, nonsense! Ridiculous! Psh!

Once home, she grabs Su Qian Qian, "Qian Qian, is there something you've heard? Why did you insist on marrying that educated youth, then change your mind and cling to Lin Xi?"

In her anxiety, she questions her daughter, searching for any signs of deceit in her expression.

Su Qian Qian had been looking forward to her mother's return, but Huang's harsh tone makes her pause.

This…

"I just think Lin Xi has a better future than Luo Liang Ce. Luo will definitely abandon his wife and children to return to the city, while Lin Xi is different. He's just a high school dropout because of family issues, but he might still get into a factory someday…"

Su Qian Qian quickly comes up with an excuse. She can't say Lin Xi will become a wealthy man, after all.

It's not appropriate to discuss such things; even starting a small business isn't acceptable, let alone being a capitalist or a tycoon—what a laugh!

Huang stares intently at her. She knows her daughter's telltale signs when she's lying.

Aha! Someone must have incited Qian Qian. What future could Lin Xi possibly have? Isn't he just a mud-covered peasant?

When the village school didn't hire teachers, there seemed to be no hope. Why is Qian Qian so sure?

"So, you're interested in Lin Xi's bright future rather than claiming he seduced you?" Huang seizes this point, recalling the humiliation she faced at Lin's home, her anger almost boiling over.

It's only her maternal love that keeps her from striking her daughter. She must find out who's been whispering in Qian Qian's ear.

Su Qian Qian hesitates slightly, especially given her mother's accusatory tone, suggesting the visit to the Lin household didn't go well.

Damn it, why is she so useless?

Now, her excuse has backfired, making her seem conflicted. "Mom, I just don't want to marry Luo Liang Ce. I want a better future, and I want to stay close to you."

"Mom, you treat me the best. I'm afraid that if I marry, I won't have a good life. I just want to stay by your side…" Su Qian Qian clings to Huang's hand, acting sweetly.

Huang's heart softens; her child can't have bad intentions. It must be someone else inciting her!

"Tell me, who has been saying those things to you?" Huang demands.

That old hag Liu Ju Mei claimed her daughter was tainted by something unclean, or had switched partners. It's clearly slander meant to intimidate her.

"Mom, who's been spreading rumors? It's all just my own thoughts." It was a flimsy excuse; how could she find someone to testify? Wasn't that full of holes?

Su Qianqian's words didn't convince Huang Yeying. On the contrary, she planned to see who the butcher's target and Gangzi's wife were arranged with.

But now…

"Qianqian, forget about the Li family. Just focus on being with Luo Liangce. Your grandpa's old house will be left to you and Luo Liangce. That'll be nice in the future."

"If you're worried he'll go back to the city, don't. Our production team doesn't even have spots for returning; even if there were, it wouldn't be for him."

Huang Yeying thought Luo Liangce wasn't completely useless… well, not exactly. She couldn't find the right words to describe him, but he wasn't worse than those second-rate old bachelors.

Unfortunately, Su Qianqian had no idea about her mother's good intentions and felt they had given up on her.

Clearly, they had previously sought out butchers and soldiers. Weren't they better than Luo Liangce? They just didn't want to stir up trouble for her.

If they really cared about her, they would have been willing to talk to the Li family, convincing Li Linxi or Liu Jumei to marry her!

Huang Yeying had no clue that her daughter felt resentful. She believed her arrangements would ensure Qianqian would have a good life.

Seeing Su Qianqian still resistant, Huang Yeying thought for a while and decided to bring Luo Liangce over.

She wanted Luo Liangce to vow that their Qianqian was worried he'd abandon her if he returned to the city.

Even if Luo Liangce thought this, he wouldn't dare show it. To outsiders, he appeared gentle and agreeable, except for his poor work ethic—he seemed like a good guy.

Except… after Su Qianqian spread some rumors, it ruined others' perception of him.

After all, it was well-known that educated youths weren't as good at farming as the villagers.

Luo Liangce finally understood what Su Qianqian was upset about and immediately said he would explain everything to her.

Since Su Qianqian's rebirth, she hadn't had the chance to be alone with Luo Liangce and didn't want to, fearing that she might impulsively beat him up.

Or, even worse, might impulsively reveal everything, which would be disastrous!

When she learned Luo Liangce wanted to talk to her alone, Su Qianqian thought for a long time and decided she needed to discuss the matter of breaking off their engagement.

Her parents' strong attitude and the fact that they could lock her up made her feel she couldn't resist.

But Luo Liangce could!

Luo Liangce took Su Qianqian to their original secret meeting place. Seeing her hopeful expression, he felt that Su Qianqian still liked him.

However, regarding the possibility of abandoning her if he returned to the city, he believed he wouldn't do such a thing! Definitely not!

How could Su Qianqian think he was so despicable?

"Qianqian, your mom has told me about your worries that I might abandon you if I return to the city. How could that be possible?"

Luo Liangce spoke first. He didn't want to go back to hard labor; he had learned the consequences of offending the team leader.

He should have endured more at that time, but being scolded to his face was hard on his pride.

Much time had passed, and he wasn't the only educated youth working the fields; there were other villagers too. He couldn't tell anyone it was the team leader's revenge.

Su Qianqian initially wanted to mention the "breaking off the engagement" matter, but as soon as Luo Liangce brought up the "pain from the past," half of her rationality vanished.

Oh, no way?

Who was it that vanished without a trace after returning to the city? Who was it that caused her to be looked down upon in the village?

"You wouldn't? Even if you would, what could I do? Once you returned to the city, you disappeared. Where would I find you?" Su Qianqian asked angrily, her face cold with a hint of resentment.

Luo Liangce didn't sense her hatred; he was taken aback for a moment by her loud question.

"Qianqian, you know what kind of person I am. How could I abandon you? You are my heart and soul…" Luo Liangce stepped forward, trying to take her hand to explain passionately.

Unfortunately, Su Qianqian wasn't willing to let him hold her hand. She stepped back, filled with disgust.

"Qianqian, my family lives in XX City, XXXXXXX. Although my household registration has been moved to our production team, it could still be checked at the commune. How could I do something like that?"

"If anything happened, it would be an accident; the outside world is chaotic now."

"When I went to the countryside, I saw several human traffickers on the train. They were either abducting children or women, and it was even worse at the train station, where people were just dragged away."

"Don't you know how I feel about you? I couldn't pretend for that long, could I? Everyone knows what kind of person I am. Even if others misunderstand me, how can you misunderstand me?"

Luo Liangce was indeed not bad-looking; otherwise, the daughter of the lofty team leader wouldn't have taken a liking to him.

He was good-looking, articulate, sweet-tongued, and his deep gaze was enough to make a girl who had never seen the world fall deeply in love.

In her past life, Su Qianqian really spent a wonderful time with Luo Liangce and genuinely had feelings for him.

If there was no love, how could there be hatred?

She even thought that Luo Liangce had abandoned his wife and child; otherwise, how could he have disappeared after returning to the city?

But now, Su Qianqian had a new perspective: what if something unexpected happened to Luo Liangce back then?

Luo Liangce had just revealed his home address. In her past life, she had sent her father to the commune to check, and after she was able to enter the city, she really went to that place.

But the people there said that Luo Liangce's family had moved away, and no one knew where they had gone.

Could it be that something really happened? If so, what did her past tragedy amount to?

Impossible! Luo Liangce must be lying!

"You're lying! What kind of accident could you have? The world has changed for the better, and it's safer now. I heard they've already eliminated organized crime. A human trafficker wouldn't want to abduct a grown man like you."

Su Qianqian didn't believe him; everything was just Luo Liangce's excuses. He was trying to deceive her; she couldn't trust him! Absolutely couldn't!

"Organized crime elimination? Qianqian, what are you talking about?" Luo Liangce asked, puzzled. He roughly understood the meaning of the words but… when did this policy come into effect?

Su Qianqian fell silent. She had forgotten that organized crime elimination didn't seem to start at this time. Or perhaps, after returning to the city, Luo Liangce encountered some bad people and was bullied? That could explain the accident.

"If I send someone to look up your address and find that your family has moved, what then?" Su Qianqian raised another question, her tone full of suspicion.

"Or did you just give me a false address on purpose?" she added, voicing another possibility.

Luo Liangce felt… that something was wrong with her logic. Why did she have so many questions? He hadn't thought that much!

"Absolutely not. If you don't believe me, you can ask someone to write a letter to inquire," Luo Liangce replied seriously, raising his hand as if to swear. "Qianqian, I swear I'm not lying. I'm devoted to you. We were good together before, right? Can't you see my sincerity? If I deceived you, I'd be struck by lightning and die a terrible death."

Seeing Su Qianqian's expression beginning to soften, Luo Liangce knew she was starting to believe him and took her hand.

His gaze was full of sincerity and deep affection. "Qianqian, have you forgotten our promises? Or do you crave vanity and want to be with someone else?"

"In my heart, you will always be that pure, flawless snow lotus. You are kind and innocent; I refuse to believe you are that kind of person. I will work hard to create a better life for you."

"Qianqian, don't you trust me? I'm also a high school student, and my family is not in bad shape. If I hadn't been deprived of my chance, I could have been a teacher by now."

"Qianqian, trust me. I will treat you well. As long as we are together, we will live happily ever after."

Luo Liangce was good at sweet-talking, and with his deep gaze and earnest tone, it was compelling.

The love-struck brain had been reborn, and it was still the same love-struck brain. However, the desire for a comfortable life took precedence, though it wasn't completely settled.

"Qianqian, don't you like me anymore? Have your feelings for me faded so quickly?" Luo Liangce sensed her softening heart and pushed harder.

Su Qianqian felt a bit soft-hearted, yet not completely. Now she thought that Li Linxi was better… no, he was the best!

She raised her gaze to the man she had "hated for a lifetime" in her previous life and felt a pang in her heart. "It's not that. I just think it's too soon to talk about marriage."

Maybe after some time, she would be able to forget.

With the idea of keeping Luo Liangce as a backup, Su Qianqian thought it would be better to give him hope and then firmly reject him later!

In this life, she wanted him to feel what true heartache was!

After deciding, the anger, resentment, and hatred on her face completely disappeared, replaced by a smile. "Luo Zhiqing, what do you say?"

"Okay." Luo Liangce nodded. Whether they got married or not didn't matter; as long as the captain let him help with easy tasks and get a meal…

The two parted with hidden agendas, and Huang Ye Ying saw that Su Qianqian no longer resisted Luo Zhiqing. She seemed to be getting along well with him, which was good.

Oh, it had been tough for her to go through all this; as long as her daughter-in-law got married, it was fine.

She hurriedly had her three sons tidy up the old house to prepare a new home for her sister-in-law.

Knowing that her younger sister was getting married, the three daughters-in-law were pleased but unhappy about having to give her a house as a dowry.

The eldest daughter-in-law said, "You're clearly the eldest in the family. There isn't enough room in the house for us all to sleep. How can we fit all the kids in? The old house wasn't even divided between us!"

The second daughter-in-law said, "Your parents spoil the eldest and the youngest but not you, the second. Look, the old house is given to the little sister, but not to you."

The third daughter-in-law said, "Didn't you say your parents spoiled you the most? Why is the old house given to Su Qianqian? When the kids are born, where will they live?"

The three daughters-in-law were quite dissatisfied and whispered to their husbands. No matter how old the house was, it was still a house! With some tidying up, it could be lived in.

A piece of water that was bound to spill; why should they give a house to her? Were they treating the three brothers as nothing?

At first, the three sons didn't pay much attention, but as the complaints piled up, they slowly began to grumble. After all, they would rely on them for support in their old age, yet all the good things were being given to their little sister.

Why?

Meanwhile, the captain and Huang Ye Ying hadn't noticed the dissatisfaction of their three sons. They didn't show it directly and still thought their family was harmonious.

.....

Liu Jumei heard that Su Qianqian and Luo Liangce were getting closer, and she sighed in relief, worried that Huang Yeying would shamelessly insist that their family's Linxi marry Su Qianqian.

After all, they were the captain's family, and it wouldn't end well if they offended them. Fortunately, Linxi and Manju both had teaching jobs, so she only needed to cut some pig grass.

If word got out without evidence, Su Qianqian would cling on, and it would be Linxi who suffered.

Perhaps, it really was unavoidable for him to marry her. No need to say anything else; the situation was what it was, and with strict oversight, she couldn't ignore Linxi's safety.

"Finally, it looks like Su Qianqian and Luo Zhiqing are getting along, so Linxi won't have to worry about Su Qianqian causing trouble anymore," Liu Jumei said, sighing at the dinner table.

"It's all because our Linxi is too outstanding," Jiang Manju nodded, sighing as well. After all, he was the male lead, with female characters all around him.

"Right, right, haha…" Liu Jumei laughed at this and no longer worried about the Su family.

"It's a pity Linxi didn't finish high school; otherwise, he could work in the city," Liu Jumei still held onto this concern. Actually, it was possible to support Li Linxi.

After all, the pension from Lin Nan could also support him, but life at home would be a bit tougher…

However, Linxi didn't want to.

Liu Jumei couldn't persuade him. By the time she learned about it, Linxi had already dropped out of high school. She was very angry at the time, but after getting upset, life still had to go on.

"Mom, that's all in the past. I think things are pretty good now. We don't have to work so hard in the fields, and we can occasionally eat meat. Xiaobei, don't you think so?"

The gentle boy smiled warmly, lightly brushing over the issue and highlighting the good in the present.

Xiaobei didn't quite understand, but he got the latter part and nodded vigorously, "Yeah."

More than anything, he hoped Mom and Brother San wouldn't argue; he was very obedient.

"Silly child, we used to eat meat often, what's with this greed?" Liu Jumei patted Xiaobei's head, referring to the time when Lin Nan was in the army, and Lin Dong could support the family.

In fact, it hadn't been many years; now they had returned to a similar situation, and both Liu Jumei and Xiaobei could adapt.

"Mom, don't worry about me. I'm not selfish enough to make the family work hard just so I can study. I don't want that kind of life. Now it's good; we're all safe and ordinary."

Li Linxi genuinely didn't think that not studying would lead to a bad life. He believed that as long as he had the ability, he could make his life better no matter when.

Without the path of studying, he would just find another way.

"Everyone has their own way of living, Mom. Let's not dwell on the past; isn't the present quite good? Talking too much will just make everyone unhappy. Come on, let's eat meat," Jiang Manju said with a smile.

"However, Linxi is growing up, and he's too outstanding. Everyone thinks he has a bright future, so they're eager to become his family," Jiang Manju reminded Liu Jumei that life now was also pretty good.

If it were bad, would the captain's daughter be willing to marry him? Would the captain's wife want to marry her daughter off? Right?

Liu Jumei was comforted by Jiang Manju's words, realizing that things were indeed good, so she didn't say much more.

Talking too much would only make herself and Linxi unhappy—why bother?

"Manju is right. Linxi is grown up. They say it's time to settle down. Now that he's established, isn't it time to start a family?" Liu Jumei cheerfully changed the topic.

It was precisely because Linxi wasn't married that people in the village kept watching him, and incidents like Su Qianqian's might happen again.

That wouldn't do; it would ruin Linxi's reputation.

Su Qianqian was indeed a troublemaker, as was Fei Ying. The previous incident with Luo Zhiqing was also caused by them, showing no restraint and coming after Linxi again.

"Mom, didn't we agree? I really don't want to talk about this right now. I'm still so young," Li Linxi sighed helplessly, feeling frustrated that old topics were being brought up again.

"It just so happens that winter break is coming. You'll be off, and it's the end of the year. Everyone will have time; we can celebrate a wedding together and have some fun."

While Liu Jumei spoke, she occasionally glanced at Jiang Manju, "Manju, don't you think?"

Jiang Manju remembered her promise to Linxi that she wouldn't interfere in such matters. "Haha, Mom, you should discuss this with Linxi."

It was their family matter, and they could discuss it without her input. After all, any comment she made would likely be taken the wrong way.

Jiang Manju smiled awkwardly, pretending to be starving and focused on her food.

Liu Jumei looked helplessly at Li Linxi, "Linxi, I'm not trying to pressure you. You're not a kid anymore; it's time to get married. I want to hold my grandchild."

Li Linxi pretended not to hear and quietly continued eating, finally suggesting, "How about introducing Xiaobei to someone?"

Liu Jumei was almost furious, "You just said you're still young, and Xiaobei is even younger. How can he get married? Nonsense!"

He wouldn't get married himself but wanted to use Xiaobei as an excuse. If he weren't her son, she would have slapped him.

After dinner, Liu Jumei found Li Linxi alone to discuss marriage matters. She genuinely worried that he might choose someone unsuitable or end up lonely.

Unfortunately, Liu Jumei couldn't persuade Linxi, but he managed to convince her instead.

However, Linxi knew this persuasion was just temporary; soon, his mom would bring it up again.

Maybe the elders just liked to do this?

Just like those aunts in the village, they loved to ask if someone had a partner or needed an introduction, always mentioning relatives and their situations…

Li Linxi was used to it and didn't take it to heart. "It's cold in winter, Mom. I can just go cut the pig feed in the mornings from now on."

"No need, it's just cutting some pig feed; I'm already very satisfied with my life now, much better than before," Liu Jumai felt that her current life was fulfilling, better than many times before.

"It's too cold; let's wait until after the New Year. I'm young and strong, so I'm not afraid of the cold." Li Linxi didn't agree. He knew he was getting older and needed to pay more attention to keeping warm.

"If you catch a cold, then who will take care of you? I won't feel at ease leaving you and Xiaobei home alone; it will only delay your classes." He found a reason that Liu Jumai couldn't refuse.

Hearing this, Liu Jumai wanted to say that she wouldn't catch a cold, but she wasn't sure. "You have to go to class and cut the pig feed; that sounds tough."

"There are only a few classes; it's quite relaxed." Li Linxi genuinely felt that being a teacher was easier than farming. The pay was decent, and there was a lot of time to do his own things. No wonder so many people wanted these jobs back then.

"Linxi, Linxi, will this bucket leak? Do we need to use something to seal it?" Outside, Jiang Manzhu was looking at the newly made bathtub and asked when she saw Li Linxi appear.

If the water flowed everywhere while taking a bath, it would be a disaster.

"Hmm, I haven't figured it out yet. Once I go to the supply and marketing cooperative to buy materials, I need to apply another layer," Li Linxi casually replied. "The final exams are coming up; make sure to supervise the students' studies and don't let them get bad grades."

Don't just laze around; read more and study, and talk less!

Jiang Manzhu puffed up her cheeks slightly, showing a bit of pride as if she were being underestimated. "Of course! Just wait and see."

That proud look combined with her beautiful face made her incredibly adorable.

"Okay, I'll be waiting," Li Linxi chuckled lightly and headed to the kitchen to fetch water.

After Liu Jumai came out, she thoughtfully glanced at Jiang Manzhu and then at Li Linxi's departing back. Their brief exchange just now had hinted at…

A certain intimacy that made Liu Jumai ponder.

"Mom?" Seeing Liu Jumai staring blankly at her, Jiang Manzhu thought she had something on her face.

"I've finished knitting the sweater for you; come try it on." Liu Jumai called Jiang Manzhu over, not mentioning her inner thoughts.

After putting on the sweater and pairing it with a plush thick coat, along with cotton pants, and even her shoes stuffed with fluff and cotton, she felt significantly warmer.

On the way to school, Jiang Manzhu didn't catch a cold again.

Before the exams, Jiang Manzhu encouraged her class, saying that everyone had worked hard this semester, and they were sure to do well!

The students were all excited; whether they did well or not would affect their New Year celebrations!

Grading the papers was done by grade levels, so Jiang Manzhu didn't know how her class had performed yet.

She participated in the grading for the second and third days, was responsible for recording scores on the fourth day, and checked and submitted them to the homeroom teacher on the fifth day, who would then assign the outstanding student awards.

Yes, that's right; awards existed in this era, but only one slot.

When homeroom teacher Deng saw the math scores, he was shocked and suspected it was a mistake, even asking for their class's math papers to be brought over.

When other teachers heard, they hurried over to take a look, and it even attracted the principal's attention. The principal noticed a significant improvement in math scores for the fourth and fifth grades this semester.

Wow, looks like they hired two good teachers! Not bad, not bad; they should be praised!

The happiest were the fourth and fifth-grade students. The Chinese scores were about the same as previous years, but they could show off their math scores in front of their parents. Finally, they wouldn't be scolded this year. Thank you, Teacher Jiang (and Teacher Li)!

After Liu Jumai heard about this from other students, she couldn't stop smiling. My Manzhu and Linxi are amazing! They're nurturing talents for the country!

That night, she even fried two fish for the two of them.

Because of this, Xiaobei eagerly received a small piece from his brother, sniffing sadly~

Fortunately, his sister-in-law was generous and gave him a big piece. Yum, it was delicious!

Before the New Year, news broke that meat was about to be distributed. Another piece of news was that Su Qianqian and Luo Liangce's marriage had been set for the 18th, which was a good day.

"Look, now you won't have to worry about others chasing after you," Jiang Manzhu said cheerfully upon hearing this news.

"Alright, don't talk too much about other people's good news," Li Linxi replied indifferently, not thinking much of it.

…

Originally, she wanted to procrastinate, but now the date was set, and there were only a few days left…

"Mom, how come the date is set so quickly? Why didn't you discuss it with me?" Su Qianqian was unhappy. She had said she wanted to get to know Luo Liangce better before deciding.

She had barely spent any time with him. Did her parents want to marry her off because they were starting to get tired of her??

She was angry and wanted to make a scene, but Captain Su's cold face was filled with authority as he slammed the table, "Su Qianqian, what are you making a fuss about?"

With that loud bang, Su Qianqian dared to make a scene in front of Huang Yeying, but not in front of her father; his authority was too heavy.

She instinctively shrank her neck, her anger turning into grievance. "Dad, why are you in such a rush to marry me off? I don't want to."

"Don't want to marry Luo the educated youth? Then marry Dog Shun! On the 18th, you must get married." The captain wouldn't let Su Qianqian stay at home any longer. With the ruckus she had caused this year, she would surely cause even more trouble in the future.

It was worrying; she was too spoiled, and the old lady wouldn't admit it.

Dog Shun? That good-for-nothing who whistled at women all day? "I don't want him!"

"Choose one, your call. Otherwise, get out of the Su family." Captain Su scolded coldly. His reputation in the village had been quite good, but because of Su Qianqian, it was getting worse.

The last time he attended a meeting at the commune, he was ridiculed by the captain of the neighboring team, and he felt utterly humiliated.

Get out of the Su family?

Su Qianqian felt as if she had been struck by lightning; it was a shocking revelation that left her stunned. "I don't want to!"

Where could she go if she left the Su family? The Li family wouldn't accept her.

Fine, she thought, she'd pretend to agree for now. Jiang Manzhu was a widow; couldn't she make Li Linxi like her? Besides, if she and Luo Liangce made an agreement, she could still keep her innocence and surprise Li Linxi…

After deciding this, she quickly chose Luo Liangce.

On the 18th day of the twelfth lunar month, the captain's daughter was getting married, and they invited the entire village to celebrate. Li Linxi, Jiang Manzhu, and Xiaobei went together.

Liu Jumai said, "I don't want to see that Huang Yeying. You all go eat and make sure to get your share back!"

The three, receiving the order, felt a bit helpless… Saving food was one thing, but the contribution money was considerable too.

Outside the newlyweds' home, tables and benches borrowed from various families were set up, and skilled cooks were busy in the kitchen, the fragrant smell of meat wafting through the air.

Once Jiang Manzhu and the others found their seats, they were filled with anticipation—oh, so much meat!

Luo Liangce and Su Qianqian hadn't appeared yet, but nobody minded; they were there to eat, after all.

When the food arrived, the coarse grain rice was expected, and the dishes had more vegetables than meat, which was normal. However, the meat was thinly sliced.

But… it was still delicious. Jiang Manzhu and Xiaobei felt full, knowing that their family didn't have meat every meal.

Everyone sighed, saying that it was no surprise that the captain's daughter had a grand feast, given how many hearty dishes (meat dishes) there were.

"Oh, it smells so good! Slow down, slow down; if you rush, you'll get a stomachache." Jiang Manzhu walked slowly, urging the two of them to do the same.

Xiaobei mimicked Jiang Manzhu, walking slowly and pretending to hold his stomach. "Sister-in-law, when will there be more weddings for us to eat at?"

He was getting addicted; if people were getting married every day, wouldn't they get to eat meat every day? Hehe.

"Dream on," Jiang Manzhu doused his enthusiasm with cold water. "Do you think every family is as generous as the captain's? It's better to work hard and hope we can eat meat every meal in the future."

Li Linxi walked behind them, listening to Jiang Manzhu and Xiaobei's conversation, a gentle smile on his face, not interrupting.

After walking for a short distance, Jiang Manzhu sneezed.

"Is it getting colder again?" She realized she had forgotten to wear an extra pair of pants when she left the house.

They couldn't walk too fast; being overly full made it easy to get a stomachache, and she was also worried about her appendix. In this era, appendicitis could be fatal—surgery was risky!

The village doctor wouldn't have the capability, and even if they did, it would cost a fortune—she couldn't afford it.

"You should wear a couple more layers when you go out. Don't end up sick again; wouldn't that be uncomfortable?" Li Linxi genuinely felt Jiang Manzhu didn't care for herself enough. It was freezing outside, and she had just recovered from being sick.

If she didn't take care of her own health, who would?

However, after Jiang Manzhu sneezed a few more times, she looked at the distance back home, frowning. "Can't we walk a bit faster?"

At the same time, she glanced at Xiaobei's clothing. "Xiaobei, are you cold? How many layers are you wearing?"

After saying that, she reached out to feel him, worried he might catch a cold too.

Once she felt that Xiaobei's hands were still warm, she relaxed and turned her gaze back to Jiang Manzhu. A moment later, he took off his outer coat. "Here, wear this."

His tone was a mix of helplessness and concern; he didn't want her to get sick again.

Jiang Manzhu, not caring about the usual boundaries, quickly put on the thick outer coat. It provided a warm embrace, and she thought, I'll definitely remember to wear two pairs of pants next time.

This place was so cold in winter…

When Liu Jumai saw them return, her eyes landed on the coat Jiang Manzhu was wearing, and she glanced at Li Linxi.

However, in front of them, Liu Jumai didn't ask anything, still maintaining her kind and gentle demeanor. "You're back! Did you eat well? Did you get your share?"

"Mom, Xiaobei and I ate until we were stuffed! Oh, we were afraid to walk too fast, hahahaha…" Jiang Manzhu laughed brightly, and as soon as they entered the house, she took off the coat and returned it to Li Linxi.

"That's good. It's getting dark; you should get to bed early." Liu Jumai felt quite pleased. Ever since her impression of Huang Yeying had soured that day, she had disliked her.

She headed back to her room, and everyone else went to their own as well.

However, after Jiang Manzhu and Xiaobei had settled in for the night, Liu Jumai came back and knocked on Li Linxi's door.

She had something very important to ask her son that she could no longer hold back.

Li Linxi wondered why his mother was suddenly so serious. Did she want to talk about marriage again?

Just when he thought she was going to remind him of the benefits of getting married, she said:

"Linxi, do you have feelings for Manzhu?"

Her face was stern, her brows furrowed in disapproval.

Li Linxi thought he must have misheard her. What? Who? Feelings for whom?

Was his mother being a bit too much? Was she trying to set him up with Jiang Manzhu?