Chapter 9.2

Rumors are hard to trace, but the few thugs Xie Yanzhao had previously captured were a breakthrough. The police questioned them one by one. Having never seen such a setup, they were terrified, their legs trembling, and they spilled everything they had heard.

Following the clues, the police finally uncovered the source.

On that day, with the sun shining brightly, Ruan Mingfu was hanging clothes in the yard.

Xu Pandi ran over as if chased by a ghost, knocking over her basin. Ruan Mingfu’s face darkened, and just as she was about to speak, she saw Xu Pandi clutching her as if holding onto a lifeline.

“Ruan Mingfu, you have to tell them the rumors weren’t spread by me. I didn’t slander the soldiers!”

Two police officers entered the young people’s placement point and approached, “Xu Pandi, we suspect you’re involved in this matter. Come with us to the station for questioning.”

Xu Pandi, frightened, hid behind Ruan Mingfu, her solid build making her appear even smaller.

People from the placement point also turned to look.

Ruan Mingfu tried to walk away, but Xu Pandi’s grip was tight, preventing her from breaking free.

“It’s just an investigation, not a declaration of guilt. As long as you didn’t do it, the police will clear your name eventually.”

“You make it sound easy. If I get taken to the station, how will I ever get married?”

The two police officers’ faces darkened.

“You know, even though we’ve had some conflicts, I’ve never actively harmed you,” Xu Pandi clung to Ruan Mingfu, “If I had such intentions, would I have been beaten by you twice?”

The other educated youth: “……”

Ruan Mingfu: “……”

What Xu Pandi said made so much sense that Ruan Mingfu was left speechless.

The police officers were also a bit speechless but explained, “Xu Pandi, you don’t need to be afraid. You’re just assisting with the investigation. Once we clear you of any suspicion, we’ll ensure you get back safely.”

“But you said you suspect me of being involved. If I go with you, will I ever come back?”

The police officers: “……”

They were at a loss.

Ruan Mingfu tugged at the corner of her clothes and quickly moved aside.

“Assisting with the investigation won’t harm you. It’s a good opportunity to gain some experience.”

Ruan Mingfu knew Xu Pandi wasn’t the source of the rumors, but why should she help someone who had issues with her? It wasn’t like she was being overly kind. It was better if Xu Pandi had a hard time. At least she’d stop causing trouble for her.

Xu Pandi: “……”

Experience my foot.

What a vile person!

Xu Pandi, still unwilling, was taken away by the two police officers.

Ruan Mingfu watched her struggle, a wicked smile on her face. When she noticed the basin on the ground and her clean clothes lying in the mud, she regretted not having Xu Pandi clean them properly before leaving.

Because of the police investigation, the villagers had calmed down, but their looks towards Ruan Mingfu were less than friendly.

She didn’t care. She wouldn’t be staying there forever anyway.

What bothered Ruan Mingfu now was her future.

Zhou Peng was insistent, and her conflict with him had reached a stalemate. The situation was gradually improving, but she didn’t know when it would be resolved. For now, she was feeling helpless.

So much trouble!

*

The atmosphere in the Zhou household wasn’t great.

Mother Zhou had a displeased look, “I don’t agree.”

She had long been wary of Ruan Mingfu, who seemed flashy and untrustworthy. Given her behavior, bringing her into the family would only stir up trouble. She wanted to live a few more years in peace.

Zhou Peng showed no sign of impatience, “Mom, we agreed on this before.”

“Mom’s right. A small matter has caused such a commotion in the village. And getting tangled up with that soldier—she’s not someone who’s fit for a proper life. If she marries into our family, there’ll be no good days left for us.”

The speaker was Zhou Peng’s sister-in-law.

Mother Zhou softened her tone, “You have a bright future ahead. You could choose a girl from the city if you wanted. Why insist on her? If it were someone else, I’d agree, but not with her.”

Zhou’s sister-in-law nodded in agreement, “Little Brother-in-law, don’t be so stubborn. My younger cousin is great and looks good…”

Zhou’s sister-in-law swallowed the rest of her sentence under Zhou Peng’s intense gaze.

She had been intimidated by her little brother-in-law since marrying into the family. She wouldn’t dare offend him if not for the benefits promised by her family.

Zhou Peng’s expression was calm, but his eyes revealed his displeasure.

“Mom, if you won’t find a matchmaker, I’ll go myself. After the wedding, if you don’t want to see us, I’ll take Mingfu to the city.”

Mother Zhou clutched her chest, breathless with anger.

“No, you can’t go. If you do, you’ll no longer have me as your mother!”

“Little Brother-in-law, Mom’s health is already fragile. Don’t upset her more,” Zhou’s sister-in-law hurriedly patted Mother Zhou’s chest. “Little Brother-in-law, don’t blame me for speaking too much. Ruan Mingfu may be pretty, but she doesn’t seem fit for married life. If you’re going to marry someone, it’s better to choose Yujiao.”

Zhou Peng looked at her as if she were a ghost.

“My affairs are not for you to decide.”

Zhou’s sister-in-law almost cried.

“What’s going on?”

Lin Yujiao walked in wearing a white dress, “Auntie, my mother asked me to bring you a pumpkin.”

“Oh, it’s Yujiao,” Mother Zhou’s anger subsided, glaring at Zhou Peng. “Can’t you see Yujiao is carrying such a big pumpkin? Can’t you at least offer to help? You’ve grown up, and it seems you’ve learned nothing.”

Lin Yujiao blushed slightly, “It’s alright, I’m strong.”

Zhou Peng remained standing, and Mother Zhou shot him another glare.

“Yujiao, let me help.”

“No need,” Lin Yujiao maneuvered around Zhou’s sister-in-law’s hand, “I’ve already carried it all the way. It’s not much. Auntie, just tell me where to put it, and I’ll move it for you.”

“Just put it in the kitchen.”

Mother Zhou’s chest ache was finally soothed. She looked at Zhou Peng with a mix of frustration and disappointment.

Lin Yujiao was her ideal daughter-in-law. Compared to Ruan Mingfu, who was far from her expectations, Yujiao’s abilities were unmatched. While Yujiao earned eight work points, Ruan Mingfu earned only four, which was less than a ten-year-old child’s contribution.

“Mom, I’ll make my own decisions about my marriage,” Zhou Peng stood up and left.

Zhou’s mother’s chest ache grew worse.

Lin Yujiao came out of the kitchen but didn’t see Zhou Peng, her eyes filled with disappointment.

With Ruan Mingfu as a comparison, Mother Zhou found Lin Yujiao a thousand times more satisfactory. She wished she could go to the Lin family immediately to propose.

……

Ruan Mingfu had no idea about this. If she did, she’d be delighted.

If it weren’t for Zhou Peng’s relentless pressure, she wouldn’t have been so desperate to get married. Since the rumor incident, Ruan Mingfu hadn’t seen Xie Yanzhao again.

She couldn’t help but touch her face.

It was a shame to give up on the first man she actively pursued.

Ruan Mingfu’s melancholy lasted only until the tractor arrived in the village.

It wasn’t the busy farming season, and there wasn’t much work in the fields. With everyone resting this year, including the educated youth camp, she decided to try her luck in the county.

Ruan Mingfu was optimistic.

If she couldn’t handle the man, she’d focus on her career.

The place was unusually crowded that day. After much effort, she squeezed into a spot and saw the person ahead.

Well, when did this dog man become the village tractor driver?

Xie Yanzhao, with his handsome features, had a somewhat unapproachable aura. In the crowded tractor, people made sure to give him a wide space.

“Are you settled?”

Xie Yanzhao glanced back and immediately spotted Ruan Mingfu, who stood out from the crowd. He pursed his lips and placed his hands on the tractor’s steering wheel.

This was the first time they had seen each other in days, and it felt a bit awkward.

Ruan Mingfu pursed her lips and pretended not to see him.

“There’s still one person who hasn’t boarded…”

Once everyone was on the tractor, Xie Yanzhao started it up. He didn’t drive fast, but the rough road made the ride uncomfortable for Ruan Mingfu. By the time they reached the county, her face was pale, and her legs felt like jelly.

She was the last to get off the tractor and nearly lost her balance. Fortunately, a helping hand reached out to steady her, preventing a fall.

“Are you okay?”

The familiar voice—Ruan Mingfu looked up and saw that it was indeed Xie Yanzhao.

He looked at her, his brows furrowed in concern.

Ruan Mingfu waved her hand and sighed in relief, “I’m fine. I just need to catch my breath.”

“If you can’t handle it, don’t push yourself.”

Ruan Mingfu was puzzled.

When had she ever pushed herself? “Pushing oneself” wasn’t even in her dictionary.

“It’s fine,” Ruan Mingfu said, then curiously asked, “By the way, how did you end up driving the tractor?”

“The village’s regular tractor driver went to visit family, so the team leader asked me to fill in.”

Ruan Mingfu nodded.

Xie Yanzhao was indeed a dedicated comrade, always ready to help wherever needed.

After a moment, Ruan Mingfu felt better and said, “Well, I’ll be going now.”

Xie Yanzhao’s gaze was dark and unreadable.

Seeing his lack of response, Ruan Mingfu huffed internally and left.

She was very busy today and had no time to linger with Xie Yanzhao. Right now, she is Ruan. Career-oriented. Mingfu!

**