Chapter 37

At this moment, in front of the Li family home.

Jiang Manzhu had just finished washing clothes and was preparing to hang them out to dry when several people approached from the direction of the village entrance. Among them was… the squad leader??

Who are they?

"Red armbands? What are you here for?" The main people responsible for breaking the 'Four Olds' wouldn't come just for a chat.

"According to reports, Li Linxi is suspected of speculation and profiteering, and we are here to investigate." They weren't being unreasonable by directly arresting anyone; reports were just reports, and they still had to rely on facts.

However, looking at this beautiful woman in front of them, several people with red armbands were somewhat suspicious. How could someone as good-looking as her be supported by someone without any means?

Upon hearing this, Jiang Manzhu's face changed dramatically. "Impossible! Someone must be slandering him."

She was responsible for all the household chores and knew everything that went on inside and outside the house. How could there be anything she didn't know? Even the meat and eggs had been cooked up during this period, especially since they needed to replenish their strength during the harvest season…

Oh no! Li Linxi's room!!!!!

Suddenly, Jiang Manzhu thought of a place she had never set foot in. If there was something improper hidden in Li Linxi's room, then that would be…

"Xiao Bei, go and call your third brother back." Jiang Manzhu couldn't resolve this situation herself, so she asked Xiao Bei to call his brother back.

Finally, she understood what it meant to have a male lead aura; the future is bright, but the road is twisted. Reports? Someone reported Li Linxi??

How could he be so careless in his work?

Just after Jiang Manzhu asked Xiao Bei to find Li Linxi, Li Linxi's figure returned home.

When Li Linxi arrived home, he noticed Jiang Manzhu standing there, looking at the inside of the house with a flustered expression, which made him frown slightly.

In fact, Jiang Manzhu intended to follow them inside, but they hadn't entered the house yet when Li Linxi returned.

Seeing Li Linxi come back, Jiang Manzhu hurriedly ran over and quietly reminded him, "The red armbands are here to check for speculation and profiteering. I don't know who is so malicious and overboard. It must be that someone is unaware they've gotten you involved, and they must have noticed something while you were working carelessly."

While reminding Li Linxi, Jiang Manzhu also hinted that perhaps Li Linxi had been careless and attracted trouble.

As a clever person, Li Linxi quickly caught on to Jiang Manzhu's implication. "I understand."

Then he followed the group inside, keeping an eye on whether they were going to set him up by planting something on him; after all, one must always be wary of others.

Xiao Bei followed in as well, curious to see if they were taking anything from their home, though he felt a bit shy and followed discreetly instead of walking openly beside them.

They first went to check the room to see if anything improper was hidden, like goods for speculation and profiteering.

However, after checking from the room to the kitchen, they found nothing inappropriate. Even the meat and eggs were absent.

As for things like brown sugar, they didn't consider it valuable; at most, it was just a seasoning.

The squad leader stood nervously at the door, worried that Li Linxi had actually done something illegal, which would be a stain on their production team's reputation.

They wanted to display a moving red flag!

After a long while, the people with the red armbands came out, looking somewhat glum.

After receiving that anonymous tip-off, which claimed that Li Linxi was engaging in large-scale speculation and profiteering and had hidden a significant amount of funds, they expected to find something big.

Instead, what they found was nothing.

Could they not be angry? They originally only needed two people to investigate, but now three or four had come, making the long and bumpy journey from the commune to the village.

"It's all just someone's false accusation. Nothing was found," one of the people in red armbands said with a calm expression, while many people were already peeking at the Li family's door.

What was going on? Was there an incident?

They saw that the group in red armbands spoke seriously to Li Linxi and then left together.

They came empty-handed and left empty-handed, which meant they certainly hadn't found anything or taken Li Linxi away.

Watching this scene, Su Qianqian was on the verge of breaking down. Yes, that's right, the report was written by her.

To achieve that position in the future, capital couldn't be built overnight but rather accumulated over time. Otherwise, how could a high school dropout like her step on the many prestigious families and become number one?

Damn it! Why didn't they find anything? Or did those red armband people… let Li Linxi go???

On what basis? Suddenly, Su Qianqian thought of the previous rumors—Jiang Manzhu's family member was in the red armbands and held a relatively high position. Could it be that…

Bitch, I knew it!!!

"Why did the red armbands leave? It can't be because of Jiang Zhiqing's uncle, right? Covering up for Li Linxi isn't acceptable." Su Qianqian firmly believed they were protecting Li Linxi.

Her raised voice, filled with anger, was not low, and those around her were taken aback, looking at her with surprise.

"Isn't that right? Who doesn't know that the Li family has been eating well lately? I don't know where the money is coming from!" Su Qianqian, reminded of how others looked at her in her previous life and feeling irritable due to her pregnancy, shouted as if afraid no one would hear her.

Of course, this was also to stir suspicion among the other villagers. Everyone was from poor families; not to mention eating meat, even getting enough food to fill their stomachs was a challenge.

Why could the Li family eat meat every meal? There must be something shady going on.

This statement caught the attention of the red armband people, who turned their heads and began to inquire if there was any truth to it.

"You may not know this, but my second brother used to be a soldier, and he later heroically sacrificed himself. The state provided a pension." Li Linxi had a response ready. "Moreover, who doesn't save up some eggs and preserved meat to regain strength during the harvest season?"

"Exactly, the harvesting and planting are tough, and if you don't replenish your strength, you won't even have the energy to work in the fields," Jiang Manzhu quickly explained from the side. "How could what that comrade just said be so exaggerated? We're lucky to have a few pieces of preserved meat."

Jiang Manzhu also sensed something was off. Su Qianqian seemed to be quite resentful towards them, as if she wanted to publicize this matter in front of the red armband people, fearing she was hiding some ill intentions.

Glancing at Li Linxi, who had become tanned after working hard in the fields during the summer break, his once pale skin had turned into a bronzed complexion.

His refined handsomeness had transformed into a more robust charm; his features were quite good, and with his scholarly demeanor, it was no wonder Su Qianqian had been infatuated with him.

Love breeds hate!

Could it be that the one who reported him was Su Qianqian? This thought crossed Jiang Manzhu's mind, and looking at Su Qianqian's face twisted with jealousy made her take another glance.

The red armband people listened to their explanations and didn't think much of it. Indeed, farming was tough, especially during the harvest, and they couldn't delay the grain payment time.

"Indeed, throughout the year, this is the most exhausting time. It's important to replenish your strength, and taking care of yourself is essential to contribute better to the country," one of them spoke with the demeanor of a leader, feeling quite proud of themselves.

The others showed no change in expression but looked at the young girl with some seriousness. "Comrade, rest assured, our red armbands handle matters with fairness and justice."

Squad leader Su was nearly frightened by his daughter's sudden loud accusations. Did she even realize who she was talking about? How could she claim the other side was unfair? Was she crazy?

In broad daylight, with so many people around, how could anyone cover for each other?

Fearing that Su Qianqian might provoke the wrong people and implicate herself, Captain Su quickly went over to grab Su Qianqian, his face stern. "Su Qianqian, stop talking nonsense."

Did he really hope that someone in their production team was involved in shady dealings? What good would that do for their team?

Captain Su was furious, while Su Qianqian was unhappy. "I'm not talking nonsense! I'm just making a reasonable suspicion. Didn't someone report this? If there's no factual evidence, how could they come to investigate?"

"Comrade, we received an anonymous tip, and the details described were quite accurate. We maintain a skeptical attitude towards the content, but for the safety of the public and society, we must all take this seriously to combat illegal activities."

"Is there a misunderstanding regarding us?" The people in red armbands still understood the importance of maintaining their reputation. Regardless of what others thought, they had to explain themselves.

Whether you believe it or not… that's the other party's problem.

Su Qianqian's face darkened. She wanted to say something, but was pulled away by Captain Su. "Alright, Su Qianqian, you're pregnant. Stop running around and go home."

Damn, it's so annoying! When did Su Qianqian become so unreasonable?

A few people in red armbands glanced at Captain Su but didn't press further. Since Li Linxi wasn't involved in shady dealings, they decided to leave.

But Su Qianqian wasn't happy about it. She thought her dad was doing this on purpose. Could it be that he took a bribe from Li Linxi?

"I don't believe it! Li Linxi must have done something shady. Their family clearly has no labor force, yet they live so well every day. I often see Li Linxi going out at night. Who knows where he goes!"

Su Qianqian's hormones during pregnancy made her even more paranoid and rebellious. When others stopped her from doing something, she felt compelled to do it more.

At that moment, being scolded by her dad made her even more unwilling. Her dad never cared about her. Why should she listen to him?

As soon as she said that, the others looked at Su Qianqian in shock.

Especially the villagers, who were starting to doubt whether Su Qianqian had a problem with her mind, as if she were deliberately trying to pin the crime on Li Linxi.

Wasn't it just last year that Su Qianqian wanted to marry Li Linxi? Now she was acting so ruthlessly. Was it a case of "if I can't have it, I'll destroy it"?

Oh, this kind of woman is truly terrifying and malicious.

"Comrade Su Qianqian, you didn't write that tip, did you? That's why you're so desperate to smear Comrade Li Linxi?" A mocking voice came from behind.

It was Tang Shengyan, who had heard that people in red armbands were here, and they were going to Li's house.

He knew Li Linxi was busy harvesting, and the Li family only had Jiang Manzhu at home. He hurried over, worried that Jiang Manzhu might get bullied.

As for the other silly member of the Li family, Tang Shengyan didn't care and considered him nonexistent.

As soon as he arrived, he saw a female comrade making a fuss, and his concern wasn't for Li Linxi but for whether Jiang Manzhu would be implicated because of him.

When Su Qianqian was accused, her face turned pale for a moment, then she angrily retorted, "Nonsense! How could I do something like that? Even if you want to help someone, you can't slander me casually!"

"How can you still have the nerve to say that? Everyone here can tell you're slandering Comrade Li! The comrades in red armbands said they didn't find anything else, and you still insist they're covering for him. How can you treat the diligent comrades in red armbands like this?"

Tang Shengyan immediately saw that Su Qianqian wasn't a good person; her face was full of jealousy towards Manzhu, so he wouldn't be polite to her.

The faces of the red armband members relaxed a bit. Who would dare to cover for someone casually? If something went wrong, they would be in trouble. They weren't family.

Even among family, how many people have reported their own parents or children?

"Alright, Captain Su, since there's nothing else, we'll take our leave. You all go back to work." They ignored Su Qianqian and spoke directly to Captain Su before preparing to leave.

Su Qianqian wanted to say something, but was pulled away by Captain Su. If possible, he really wanted to seal her mouth.

Su Qianqian felt somewhat guilty. Tang Shengyan had exposed her, and it seemed like she was struggling yet ultimately following Captain Su away.

"Hmph! Su Qianqian clearly feels guilty. The captain is covering for her. She claims the comrades in red armbands are bad, yet she herself is just as unclean." Jiang Manzhu couldn't help but notice Su Qianqian's guilt and snorted in disdain.

"Exactly! Captain Su is spoiling her. She's already married and has children, yet still so unreasonable."

"Is it true that Su Qianqian reported it? Why? No matter how dissatisfied she is with Li Linxi, she shouldn't report him!"

"If she reports anyone she doesn't like, who can stand it?"

Everyone was also afraid of this situation. Even if their family had no problems, who knew what might come up in an investigation? What if it was particularly strict?

Some families were frugal, saving meat and eggs until they were about to spoil before finally using them.

With no chance to earn money, they saved—spending less; the family's wealth was all saved.

"Hey, we should speak carefully. Who knows if someone will bear a grudge and report us?"

"What's there to be afraid of? My family has been poor for eighteen generations; we're innocent! Hmph! Captain Su still covers for her. Look at this year's harvest. What has her family been doing? All the heavy work is assigned to my family's Chengzi."

"That's right! My family has to move heavy bags of peanuts and work hard in the fields."

Even if everyone earned full credits, it was still exhausting work. Captain Su's family either picked beans or planted rice. Even plowing the fields was done by other people's children.

Who would feel good seeing that?

The situation was too ugly, and everyone was too tired from their daily labor to fuss around. They just wanted to go home, eat a meal, and rest.

Now, Su Qianqian's incident had become a fuse. First, she took advantage of Captain Su to arrange easy, high-credit work for her family, and now she relied on her father's authority to bully the team members.

After everyone left, Tang Shengyan couldn't help but rush to Jiang Manzhu and ask with concern, "Manzhu, how are you? Are you hurt? Did anyone bully you?"

Jiang Manzhu looked at the nervous boy in front of her and smiled gently, "I'm fine, thank you."

Li Linxi watched the interaction between the two, feeling inexplicably irritated.

He turned away, not wanting to disturb their conversation, and asked Xiao Bei to go home and tidy up the kitchen, as they had just rummaged through it during the inspection and hadn't helped tidy it up.

Seeing Jiang Manzhu, who had a polite and distant demeanor, made Tang Shengyan feel a prick in his heart. He bit his lip. "Manzhu…"

"Tang Zhiqing, you can just call me Jiang Zhiqing from now on. Alternatively, you can call me Teacher Jiang." Jiang Manzhu's smile remained, but to Tang Shengyan, it felt like a galaxy divided them, separating them from each other.

"I-I understand. I still have to work. Since you're fine, I'll be leaving now. Take care of yourself." Tang Shengyan knew that with so many people around, talking a few more sentences could easily lead to misunderstandings.

In fact, misunderstandings had already begun.

The misunderstandings started from the youth point. Who didn't know that Tang Zhiqing cared a lot about Jiang Zhiqing and was particularly concerned about her? Perhaps it was because Jiang Zhiqing had come down from the countryside.

However, everyone didn't say this in front of Tang Shengyan, as he seemed warm and cheerful, but his temper could be quite fierce when he was angry.

Plus, Tang Shengyan wasn't living at the youth point now, so no one would bother bringing this up with him.

"Okay." Jiang Manzhu nodded. She didn't say much to Tang Shengyan and turned to leave.

This action, this expression, this tone…

Tang Shengyan left feeling a bit lost, his hands still holding the callused blisters from working. It hurt a lot, but no matter how tired he was, he felt even more heartbroken.

He didn't know how to retain Manzhu or how to make her forgive him.

When Li Linxi tidied the kitchen, he saw Jiang Manzhu returning and his expression darkened for a moment, then returned to his usual indifference.

Jiang Manzhu saw Li Linxi and got straight to the point, "I don't know who was so despicable as to report us. It must be someone jealous of our harmonious and loving family, as well as our prosperous life."

Jiang Manzhu initially intended to ask directly, but noticing Xiao Bei still nearby, she quickly changed her approach.

Li Linxi understood Jiang Manzhu's meaning and lowered his gaze. "I will investigate."

Jiang Manzhu had no doubt about Li Linxi's abilities; he surely had various ways to find out. "Okay, I'll tidy up the house with Xiao Bei. You go to work."

Jiang Manzhu knew that Li Linxi must have been busy before rushing home, so she didn't want to waste his time.

Li Linxi didn't mind her 'use-and-discard' attitude and had no concerns about leaving the household matters to Jiang Manzhu. The only thing was… "Then I'll trouble you."

"Yeah, you know that's the least you can do." When he said it was troublesome, Jiang Manzhu shot him a playful glare, implying he shouldn't take her efforts for granted.

After Li Linxi left, Jiang Manzhu called Xiao Bei over loudly. "Xiao Bei, come help…"

Fortunately, Xiao Bei was there; otherwise, she would have felt a bit anxious being alone.

Xiao Bei had been listening to the conversation between Li Linxi and Jiang Manzhu and felt angry, unsure who to direct his frustration towards. He asked Jiang Manzhu, "Sister-in-law, who exactly is harming us?"

Angry and pouting while working, Xiao Bei couldn't help but feel frustrated, but Jiang Manzhu didn't intend to explain anything to him.

"I don't know. Perhaps it's because everyone is jealous of us eating meat these past few days. So, Xiao Bei, don't go telling everyone that we have meat every day, okay?"

Jiang Manzhu changed the subject and offered a hint. Who knew if there would be further investigations? It would be troublesome if Xiao Bei inadvertently let something slip.

"Our family hasn't been as prosperous since our parents passed away." Jiang Manzhu sighed and asked Xiao Bei to put away the old jars. Those people with red armbands wouldn't clean up; they just left the jars lying around.

Xiao Bei was a little more sensible now, having just turned twelve. He nodded with a bit of innocence, but he made a mental note. "I got it, Sister-in-law. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone."

Xiao Bei almost swore to it but then worried about whether he had mentioned it to his friends.

It seemed he had…

He suddenly looked downcast. "Sister-in-law, what should I do? I think I might have told that stinky dog and his friends."

"It's fine. Just don't mention it from now on." In a few years, they would have a market economy, and they could do whatever they wanted without current restrictions.

Of course, she meant nothing illegal.

After reassuring Xiao Bei several times, she took him to tidy up the house, starting with Xiao Bei's things, and got rid of anything unnecessary from the storeroom to free up space.

Once they had tidied up a bit, it was time to go to the vegetable garden to pick some vegetables and start cooking.

Xiao Bei followed closely behind, working diligently. Some people wondered whether Xiao Bei was truly simple-minded.

If he wasn't, could he still work? Wouldn't that mean…

Just as the thought arose, it was quickly squashed. After all, he was just a simpleton. His brother, Li Linxi, wasn't married yet, and the family had only this capable laborer to sustain two dependents…

Xiao Bei was still a simpleton, and at his mental age, he was still a child. He might never grow up, which meant he would have to be supported for a lifetime.

At this point, no one was thinking about marrying into Li Linxi's family. Even if some young girls liked him, their elders wouldn't approve.

Unless… the betrothal gift was substantial enough. But Li Linxi hadn't been willing to marry while Liu Jumei was still alive, and now it was even less likely.

At noon, Li Linxi came home. After lunch, when he returned to his room to rest, he noticed the tidied room. His eyes flickered, and he walked inside.

Jiang Manzhu stood at the door, "Linxi, don't worry. When I tidied up your room, I made sure to have Xiao Bei help. I definitely didn't take anything from your room."

"I saw that the other rooms in the house have been cleaned, so while I had time, I went ahead and tidied yours too, so you wouldn't think I favored Xiao Bei."

Jiang Manzhu considered herself more like a cleaning lady, believing that it was only the hearts of people that can be messy, not physical spaces.

"I think Tang Zhiqing seems to care about you. Do you have any thoughts on that?" Li Linxi turned to look at Jiang Manzhu, his voice lowered, his deep gaze fixed on her.

"I have no thoughts. I've said I'll stay in the Li family and take care of you and Lin Dong on behalf of my mother." Jiang Manzhu assumed Li Linxi was suspicious that she wanted to be with Tang Shengyan and quickly clarified.

She understood that Li Linxi must be concerned she was trying to take advantage of him.

Tsk, Jiang Manzhu was calculating. It would require her future lifelong devotion to Tang Shengyan, who was quite a catch.

"Don't worry." Jiang Manzhu framed his suspicions as concern, which made it seem less likely to offend him.

But Li Linxi wasn't worried in the way she imagined. "I'm not worried about you."

Who is worried about you!

"Okay, okay, you're not worried about me. You just don't want me to leave. Not that… cough, what I mean is, I'm so diligent and capable; I can take care of Xiao Bei."

Jiang Manzhu was just boasting. She truly hadn't placed herself in the sister-in-law role, but Li Linxi might just see her as one.

Quickly clarifying, "Young man, I'm just boasting; I don't mean to flirt."

However, Li Linxi's dark, deep eyes remained fixed on her, leaving Jiang Manzhu momentarily stunned. Why was he staring at her without speaking? Did she say something wrong?

"And you, I promised my mother I'd take good care of you." Jiang Manzhu felt a generational gap and couldn't grasp what the younger generation was thinking.

Because Li Linxi's dark gaze was firmly locked on her without a word, which made her feel as though she had said something wrong.

Jiang Manzhu felt she hadn't done anything wrong. Did Li Linxi think she would keep mourning forever just because she had married Lin Dong?

Jiang Manzhu immediately examined Li Linxi with a questioning look. "Linxi, even if I married Lin Dong, he's been gone for over a year. I can guard for a few years, but I can't do that forever, right?"

Jiang Manzhu looked at Li Linxi incredulously. "You can't possibly think I'll mourn forever, can you?"

Jiang Manzhu wasn't a person with deep thoughts and openly expressed her feelings, leaving Li Linxi a bit helpless.

"I don't mean that; it's your freedom. My brother is gone; that's no reason to bind you. However, if you end up with Tang Zhiqing, then you shouldn't hide it from me."

Li Linxi's dark gaze had calmed down, seemingly casually mentioning it, but the last part of his sentence was significantly deeper.

"I won't. I don't have any connections with Tang Zhiqing, and there won't be any developments in the future." Jiang Manzhu made a statement; no, she needed to clarify this to Tang Shengyan as well.

She didn't want to bear the emotional debts of the original owner.

Li Linxi took a long, deep look at her. "Whether you have a development with him doesn't concern me. Just let me know in advance; I don't want to hear it from others, especially since you still live in our Li family."

Li Linxi didn't understand why he had said that. It was almost instinctive to express this concern without realizing it.

Jiang Manzhu understood; it turned out Li Linxi was worried she might take advantage of the Li family and then date someone else.

"Okay, no problem. It's getting late, so you should rest. You have to work in the afternoon, so I won't disturb you." Jiang Manzhu expressed her understanding, reassuring him she wouldn't take advantage of the Li family.

She had already taken the initiative to handle living expenses and was quite diligent in her work!

Taking care of a cute little one like Xiao Bei also required her personal attention. Wasn't that a contribution?

After sorting out her thoughts, Jiang Manzhu confidently accepted the facts, feeling no guilt.

Once Jiang Manzhu left, Li Linxi closed the door, left alone in the silent room, contemplating his unusual feelings from earlier.

He was smart, and he understood himself well.

After careful consideration, he realized he wasn't the type who couldn't tolerate others. His brother was gone, and Jiang Manzhu was a free individual. As long as she didn't break any laws, she should have her freedom.

It's just finding a partner; he isn't so harsh as to require a widowed woman to uphold a virtue plaque.

Whether it's the neighboring production team or theirs, there are women whose husbands have died, and just two days after returning to their parents' home, they've found another man.

It's a very normal occurrence; he isn't old-fashioned or feudal.

But he dislikes her being around Tang Shengyan. Why? Tang Shengyan doesn't seem like a poor boy, and he grew up with Jiang Manzhu… childhood sweethearts, their relationship should be quite good.

Moreover, Jiang Manzhu leaving — does it matter to him?

Why does he react so strongly? Is it because his mother said to take good care of her? No, she didn't say that.

Before his mother passed away…

The words his mother spoke before she died flashed through his mind. He and Jiang Manzhu?? Impossible!

His mind immediately rejected this idea. Lying half on the bed, propped up by the pillow, he struggled with this issue. Yet, that delicate face occasionally flashed in his thoughts.

A young man full of vitality, no matter how much he matures, when living in close quarters, especially as a man and a woman alone, how could there be no feelings at all?

It's just that the so-called affection was suppressed by the nature of their relationship. Li Linxi had never considered it this way.

Subconsciously, he thought that the three of them in the Li family could continue like this, which was quite good.

But he forgot how alluring Jiang Manzhu's exquisite beauty was. There would always be someone wanting to take her away from the Li family.

Jiang Manzhu, Li family…

His mind felt a bit troubled, but he didn't want to delve deeper. Soon, he lay down, closed his eyes; he had to work in the afternoon.

In the next two days, Jiang Manzhu felt that Li Linxi's gaze was subtly examining her. His expression was nuanced; she couldn't quite tell what he meant.

If she didn't understand, she'd ask. Jiang Manzhu had no intention of playing "guessing games" with Li Linxi and directly blocked his path.

"Li Linxi, why have you been staring at me these past two days? Did I do something to make you think I did something wrong?" After Xiao Bei returned to his room, Jiang Manzhu stood in front of Li Linxi, her expression serious and earnest.

If there's something to discuss, let's clear it up face to face. Didn't we agree to be a happy family?

"No." How could Li Linxi possibly admit it? The girl in front of him was shorter than him, looking up at him with a beautiful face, puffing up angrily.

"Still saying no! I noticed you were acting strange a long time ago, and you're hiding it from me. Mom said we should be harmonious as a family. Do you think this way of life is still enjoyable?"

Damn it, he must be thinking about kicking me out of the Li family. If Li Linxi, this fool, doesn't continue, wouldn't I have to return to the youth points?

Seven or eight girls share one room, with no place to store things, and we have to take turns doing chores. In winter, we have to boil water for bathing, and the person gathering firewood mocks us…

Those round, beautiful starry eyes were filled with anger as she glared at him, her words filled with indignation, and the desolate accusation made Li Linxi's heart tremble slightly.

"I have no intention of kicking you out." Li Linxi's expression remained calm and indifferent. "Since Mom said you are a part of the Li family, then you have the right to stay with us. If you don't want to get married, then you'll be a part of the Li family for life; I won't kick you out."

Jiang Manzhu didn't listen. "Then why have you been staring at me these past two days? If you have something to say, just say it; no need for tricks."

"I didn't. You're mistaken; why would I look at you? Just because you're good-looking doesn't mean everyone has to look at you!" When Li Linxi saw Jiang Manzhu fixate on this issue, he casually glanced at her, seemingly unconcerned.

This kind of sarcastic tone only made Jiang Manzhu angrier. Are you saying I'm common?

"Stop being suspicious; no one is fixated on you. It's not good to spread such rumors." Li Linxi replied blandly, but whether he actually thought that way was another matter.

Jiang Manzhu skeptically looked at Li Linxi and didn't believe what he said. In the following two days, Jiang Manzhu also started to occasionally fixate on Li Linxi.

Before she received any reaction from Li Linxi, she was first met with Xiao Bei's curiosity. "Sister-in-law, why do you keep staring at Third Brother? Did Third Brother do something wrong?"

When Jiang Manzhu heard Xiao Bei's reminder, she forcefully rubbed his head, messing up his hair into a nest before finally letting go.

"Your Third Brother is now so arrogant, he doesn't give me face and even speaks ill of me. He definitely deserves punishment." Jiang Manzhu casually found an excuse to brush off Xiao Bei, forgetting he was there.

"Huh? Third Brother is too much, but sister-in-law, you can't take your anger out on me by making my head a mess. You should punish Third Brother, not me!"

Xiao Bei first scolded Li Linxi and then, feeling wronged, patted his head, his hair looking messy like a bird's nest, which was quite ugly.

Jiang Manzhu subconsciously shifted her gaze to Li Linxi's head. Then her gaze met his deep eyes. Without thinking, Jiang Manzhu instinctively looked away.

Immediately after, she turned back, her round, beautiful eyes sparkling with vitality as she stared fiercely at Li Linxi, determined not to lose in a staring contest.

Seeing Jiang Manzhu suddenly filled with fighting spirit and that defiant expression, Li Linxi couldn't understand what was going on in her mind.

Having no interest in this competition, he averted his gaze first.

Jiang Manzhu thought she had won, smiling charmingly and triumphantly.

The corner of Li Linxi's eyes caught this scene, and a wave of laughter flickered in his gaze.