Chapter 49: Xu Muzhou, Let’s Get Married

Xiao Qingru and Song Yuan returned to the school.

Since she had classes in the afternoon, no matter how upset she was, Song Yuan had to gather herself.

“Qingru, you go back first. I’ll come to visit in a few days when my students have a break.”

Xiao Qingru checked the time, they still had half an hour before class. “The team should have a phone, right? Call me if you need anything.”

Song Yuan nodded. “This won’t affect me, don’t worry.”

“Then I’ll head off?”

“Go on.”

After helping load the sweet potatoes and persimmons onto the bicycle and tying them down securely with a rope, she added, “Be safe on the way.”

“Got it.”

They hugged briefly, Xiao Qingru offering silent comfort.

Xiao Qingru pedaled away from the school but stopped near the Qin family’s home. After hesitating for a moment, she chose to move on. Some matters have to be handled by those directly involved, just as she wouldn’t want others interfering in her own affairs. She believed Song Yuan felt the same.

“Big brother, the lady who came with Sister Song left. Can I go ask Sister Song to teach me to read?”

“Don’t bother her anymore.”

“Why not?”

“No reason.”

Qin Bei’s dark eyes looked void of any emotion. He was just a farmer who struggled to support his younger brother how could he ever hope to be with someone like Song Yuan?

There was no future for them, and it was better to end things quickly.

“Big brother, where are you going?”

“To work.”

Qin Tian looked up at the sun, confused since it didn’t seem time for work yet.

Returning to the family compound, Xiao Qingru’s mother helped unload the bags.

“How is Xiao Song doing with the production team?”

“She’s doing fine.”

“That girl sure can bear hardship. Her parents must be really supportive, too. If she had joined the cultural troupe with you, she’d get to see her family more often, too.”

“Everyone has different ideals. She loves teaching.”

“Your father often says that Xiao Song is a progressive young woman with high ideals.”

They got to work washing, cutting, and milling the sweet potatoes into pulp with their home stone mill. It was slow, careful work, and it would take a few more days before they could dry and mail the noodles.

When Xu Muzhou came to see Xiao Qingru, he sensed something was different about her. She held onto him tightly, resting her head on his chest much more affectionate than usual.

He gently kissed the top of her head. “What’s wrong?”

“Xu Muzhou.”

“Hmm?”

“Let’s get married.”

The hand stroking her hair paused as Xu Muzhou thought he’d misheard her. “What did you just say?”

“I said, let’s get married!”

He hadn’t heard wrong she really said, “Let’s get married!”

The joy was so overwhelming that it left him dazed, his excitement sending waves of energy throughout his body. His fingers trembled slightly, and his legs even felt a bit weak as he hugged her tighter.

The man’s broad frame pressed against her, and she had to lean back a bit. “Hey, you’re heavy.”

He placed a kiss on her cheek. “I’ll go submit the marriage report right now!”

“It’s late, where would you submit it?”

Laughing sheepishly, he replied, “Then I’ll go first thing in the morning.”

Xiao Qingru nodded. She wouldn’t change her mind now that she’d said it.

Leaning against his chest, she could hear his heartbeat, fast and strong, and a smile tugged at her lips. Was he really that excited?

“I want to kiss you.”

“Haven’t you kissed me just now?”

“It doesn’t count if it wasn’t on the lips.”

Xiao Qingru blushed. “Do you really have to announce it?”

Before she could say anything else, he pressed his warm lips to hers.

The window was tightly shut, and the curtains drawn. Xu Muzhou cupped her waist and lifted her onto the desk, one hand on the table, caging her in. He kissed her deeply, more passionately than ever before, and her body softened, her mind a haze as she held onto his shoulders, keeping her balance.

In her daze, she pinched his shoulder lightly.

“Don’t rush things.”

Xiao Qingru’s face turned scarlet. “I really didn’t mean to!”

“I don’t believe you.”

She was at a loss for words, nothing she could say would clear up this misunderstanding!

Later, sitting across from the young couple, Xiao’s father asked solemnly, “Are you two sure about this? Have you decided to get married?”

Xu Muzhou nodded seriously. “Yes, we’re sure.”

Xiao’s father turned to his daughter. “Didn’t you want to wait? Why the sudden change of heart?”

Thinking her father might suspect her decision, Xiao Qingru cleared her throat and replied earnestly, “I just realized that if I’ve met someone I want to spend my life with, there’s no reason to hesitate.”

When it’s the right person, she won’t end up disappointed.

Days are built together by two people, and the same goes for love. Instead of being overly cautious, it’s better to act decisively. After all, they were only getting married, she wasn’t selling her soul. Besides, right now, she and Xu Muzhou were deeply committed to each other, and that was enough.

Her father asked again, “Are you really sure?”

“Absolutely.”

Her parents exchanged a look, and her mother smiled. “If you’re sure, then let Xu submit the marriage report. Good things shouldn’t be delayed.”

Though they had always expected this outcome, Xu Muzhou still felt an immense thrill upon receiving her parents’ blessing.

“Rest assured, I’ll take good care of Qingru,” Xu Muzhou promised.

Xiao’s father, his expression still stern, replied, “Words mean little. We’ll see it in your actions.”

Xu Muzhou nodded. “You’re right.”

While her father remained stern, her mother smiled approvingly. “We’ll worry about the future when it comes, but right now, I’m satisfied with his sincerity.”

“It’s getting late, you should go back,” her father said.

Once he left, Xiao Qingru remembered how he had snuck in through the window, only to pretend to come through the front door for appearances. It made her want to laugh.

“The marriage report should be approved within a month. There’s a lot to prepare, though. Are you planning to live here or move out?” her mother asked.

Since Xu Muzhou had been promoted, they could apply for housing. Xiao Qingru thought it best for the two of them to live independently, after all, marriage was about finding a partner, not burdening her mother.

“I’ll have Xu apply for housing. When that’s approved, we’ll hold the wedding.”

Both parents agreed, pleased that she was thinking things through. It was going to be a busy time in the Xiao household.