Chapter 25

“You? I doubt you’ll even make it to university,” the village chief said angrily. “You better stay home and farm.”

“Farming is fine. It’s not like I don’t know how,” Xu Jianguo muttered.

The village chief was nearly infuriated to death.

Around 4 p.m., Fu Chunian returned. He didn’t go to the fields but instead boiled water for a bath and made soup for Lu Lanlan.

“I bought some egg cakes and meat buns, and I made soup. Have some for dinner. I need to visit the village chief for something,” Fu Chunian told Lu Lanlan after she got home.

Hearing that he wasn’t eating but had cooked for her, Lu Lanlan was touched. This man was too kind.

But… was he like this with everyone? How would his future wife feel about it?

Lu Lanlan thought about it. She knew she wouldn’t be able to accept it if her husband treated others as well as he treated her.

Fu Chunian grabbed some things and headed to the village chief’s house.

When he arrived, the village chief was scolding Xu Jianguo, while the chief’s wife was cooking.

As soon as Xu Jianguo saw Fu Chunian, he snorted coldly and went back to his room.

Seeing his childish behavior, the village chief became even more frustrated.

“Fu Zhiqing, what brings you here?” the village chief asked.

“I went to town this afternoon and saw something good, so I got you two bottles,” Fu Chunian said, placing the liquor he had bought on the table.

The village chief took a look. It was his favorite, and a single bottle cost over ten yuan. He immediately smiled.

“Fu Zhiqing, have you eaten yet? My wife made some dishes. Let’s have a drink.”

“Sounds good,” Fu Chunian replied with a grin.

The village chief turned to the kitchen and shouted, “Fry up some peanuts!”

Then, he walked inside with Fu Chunian, smiling.

“So, how are you adjusting here?” the village chief asked.

He had his suspicions about Fu Chunian’s background. Originally, Fu Chunian wasn’t assigned to their village—he had been placed here through connections.

“I’m adapting well. Under your leadership, this village is peaceful, and the people are warm and kind…”

Fu Chunian showered the village chief with compliments for over a minute, making him beam with pride.

Half a bottle of liquor later, after chatting for over an hour, they finally got to the main point.

“My girlfriend is quite delicate, and I came to see you today because of her,” Fu Chunian said, pouring another drink for the village chief.

Then, he took out an envelope and placed it on the table. “I don’t want her to suffer, but she refuses to just sit around. So I wanted to ask if there’s any lighter work available for her.”

The village chief squinted at the envelope, picked it up, and peeked inside. His eyebrows raised slightly when he saw the money.

“Lu Zhiqing is lucky to have a boyfriend like you,” the village chief said, casually folding the envelope and slipping it into his pocket. He lifted his cup and clinked it against Fu Chunian’s.

“It’s all thanks to you, Chief. If I hadn’t come to Xu Family Village, I wouldn’t have met Lanlan,” Fu Chunian said, flattering him even more.

The village chief was getting tipsy from both the alcohol and the praise.

“Don’t worry, leave it to me. A position as a scorekeeper is opening up soon. She can start in a couple of days.”

“That would be a great help, Chief,” Fu Chunian said.

They drank a bit more until the village chief was too drunk to get up, and only then did Fu Chunian leave.

At the door, the village chief’s wife saw him off. “Fu Zhiqing, keep this between us.”

“Don’t worry, Auntie. I understand,” Fu Chunian reassured her.

After he left, the village chief’s wife returned inside. The village chief had already sat up straight, completely sober.

He handed the envelope to his wife. “Keep it safe.”

She opened it and was surprised. “What does Fu Chunian’s family do? They’re so rich!”

She didn’t expect an answer and instead took out the money. “What about Er Yatou? We already promised that scorekeeper position to someone in our family.”

“The school needs more workers in logistics. Have her work there for now. We’ll see about the future,” the village chief said before heading back to his room.

—-

Night fell, but Fu Chunian still hadn’t returned, making Lu Lanlan a little anxious. She grabbed a stool and sat in the courtyard, waiting for him.

By the end of May, the nights were still chilly, but the mosquitoes were already out.

Lu Lanlan had taken a bath and changed into long-sleeved clothes, so the mosquitoes couldn’t bite her arms or legs. Instead, they buzzed endlessly around her ears, irritating her.

Before long, she couldn’t take it anymore and went back inside.

“Your boyfriend back yet?” Gu Yu asked when she saw her return.

“No. There are too many mosquitoes outside.”

“Then go wait in his room,” Gu Yu suggested. “Standing in the courtyard, who else will the mosquitoes bite if not you?”

“That’s not appropriate at this hour,” Lu Lanlan hesitated.

“What’s inappropriate? You’re his girlfriend, and he has his own room. You won’t disturb anyone,” Gu Yu reasoned.

Lu Lanlan frowned. “People will gossip.”

“You think they aren’t already talking? People gossip every day. If you don’t listen, it won’t bother you,” Gu Yu replied. “Either go to sleep if you’re not worried, or wait in his room if you are.”

Lu Lanlan hesitated but eventually walked outside again. However, instead of going to Fu Chunian’s room, she grabbed a piece of clothing and draped it over her head while waiting in the courtyard.

Fortunately, she didn’t have to wait long. Fu Chunian soon returned.

Seeing her standing there waiting for him, he walked straight over and pulled her into his arms. “Lanlan.”

Lu Lanlan was startled and immediately tried to push him away, but he wouldn’t budge.

“Fu Chunian, let go!” she whispered harshly, afraid of being overheard.

Hearing her gritted-teeth warning, Fu Chunian chuckled and finally released her, staggering slightly as if unsteady.

Lu Lanlan quickly grabbed him. “How much did you drink?”

“Not much. I’m not drunk,” Fu Chunian said, pretending to shake off her hand.

The more he acted this way, the more convinced she was that he was drunk. She forcefully helped him inside.

“Drink some water,” she said, handing him a cup. “I’ll get some more so you can wash up and sleep early.”

Fu Chunian suddenly grabbed her hand, his eyes hazy. “Why are you so good to me?”

Lu Lanlan was momentarily stunned by his question.

“Because you’re good to me, too.”

Not because of a deal, not for appearances—just because Fu Chunian treated her well, so she naturally cared for him in return.

Just like family and friends—only sincerity can exchange for sincerity.

Hearing her answer, Fu Chunian let go of her arm.

As he drank his water, he watched her fetch more outside, his eyes full of laughter.

When she returned, he immediately pretended to be tipsy again, swaying as he walked toward the bed.