Chapter 49: There’s No One More Suitable Than the Two of Them in the Entire Area

Even on the way down the mountain, Zheng Jiamin was still in a daze, looking as though he had no idea what day it was. It was just too much of a shock for him—his best buddy suddenly getting into a relationship. He couldn’t wrap his head around it.

Wang Qiutong was just as stunned.

But girls tend to be more sensitive. Back during the autumn harvest, she had already sensed that Fu Mingze was particularly gentle when talking to Shen Mo’er. He was nothing like the cold, distant person he was at the educated youth station. Plus, Shen Mo’er had taken a risk to speak up for Fu Mingze in front of the Revolutionary Committee. That had already given her a sneaking suspicion that the two were growing closer.

Today, seeing them holding hands with her own eyes, and hearing Fu Mingze personally admit they were dating… Looking back, it really wasn’t all that surprising.

The two of them were so shaken that they hardly spoke on the way back.

Not until they entered the village did Zheng Jiamin finally sigh and say to Fu Mingze, “I didn’t think you’d achieve your goal of moving out of the educated youth station so soon. Bro, you’re just going to leave me behind like this? Don’t you feel even a twinge of guilt?”

Fu Mingze gave him a glance and said nothing, not bothering to answer such a question.

Zheng Jiamin hadn’t expected a response anyway. He was just thinking how, only a couple of days ago, he was still sighing about not being able to find a way out of the educated youth station. Now, in the blink of an eye, Fu Mingze was moving out.

“No wonder you dragged me to help build a new house for Comrade Shen. So it turns out the house was for yourself all along!” Zheng Jiamin exclaimed from the depths of his soul.

It probably hadn’t been the plan at the time, but that’s what it turned out to be in the end.

So Fu Mingze really couldn’t argue with that, and simply didn’t bother trying. He let Zheng Jiamin ramble and mutter to himself. Sure enough, after venting for a while, Zheng Jiamin calmed down on his own and his attention shifted back to their haul from the mountain trip.

“I really have a pair of sharp eyes. That was a thick patch of brush, and that rabbit was tricky—it just hid there without moving. But I still spotted it, ha!”

Zheng Jiamin was clearly quite proud.

It was when he saw the rabbit hiding in the grass that he turned to call Fu Mingze and the others over. But who would’ve thought that as he turned around, he’d catch Fu Mingze holding Shen Mo’er’s hand? Good thing Shen Mo’er had quick reflexes and was agile. Otherwise, if the rabbit had gotten away, they really would’ve lost out.

But they caught two rabbits!

One pheasant, two rabbits, and two baskets of chestnuts—it was a huge haul!

Wang Qiutong got excited too and shook Shen Mo’er’s arm wildly. “Comrade Mo’er, you’re just—too amazing!!!”

When the four of them got back to the Shen family’s little courtyard, they immediately got to work.

As expected, Fu Mingze and Zheng Jiamin were in charge of slaughtering the chickens and rabbits. Fu Mingze had watched the process several times before, so this time he didn’t need Shen Mo’er’s help. He deftly slit the throats of a chicken and a rabbit.

The other rabbit, lucky enough to escape death for now, was temporarily locked in an empty chicken coop.

Shen Mo’er and Wang Qiutong handled washing the rice and vegetables. Before long, the loach and tofu stew was already cooking, and the tempting aroma soon spread through the courtyard with the rising steam.

When Aunt Chen came over with Maomao, the pheasant was already simmering in the pot. The rich fragrance of the chicken soup made Maomao gulp with a loud glug of anticipation. “It smells so good!”

“Aiyo, I was thinking of coming over early to help, but it looks like you all don’t need this old lady’s help at all. This smells amazing! Maomao, we’re in for a treat today.”

Despite her words, Aunt Chen quickly stepped into the kitchen and shooed out the clearly unhelpful Zheng Jiamin and Wang Qiutong, leaving only Fu Mingze inside to tend the fire. Then she rolled up her sleeves and dove right in with gusto.

From time to time, she’d glance over at Shen Mo’er cooking and Fu Mingze stoking the fire, smiling so broadly her eyes squinted. What a perfectly matched pair, she thought.

With Aunt Chen’s help, the cooking sped up significantly. When there was only one dish left to stir-fry, Fu Mingze was also sent out to call people over for the meal. He and Zheng Jiamin rode their bikes around the village to invite everyone.

Back then, people didn’t have accurate clocks or watches. When hosting a meal, the guests were often afraid of arriving too early and finding the food not yet ready, which would make them look greedy. So generally, guests wouldn’t show up too early.

Therefore, the host would usually send a younger family member around to inform everyone again once the food was nearly done, both as a courtesy and to avoid wasting time with people waiting around.

After a spin around the village on their bicycles, people began arriving one after another. Zhou Mancang, Ding Shouchang, Zhou Peijun, and the others came by themselves. Zhou Qingguo, however, came carrying the baby, Congcong.

When everyone was seated at the table, little Congcong saw the large tubs full of meat and—plop—a glob of drool landed right on the table.

Shen Shaoyuan had always liked chubby, milk-scented little girls. Seeing Cong Cong like this, he immediately smiled and cheerfully picked up half a chicken leg and placed it in her small bowl. “Eat up!”

Watching the little one grab the drumstick and start gnawing on it bare-handed, he chuckled, then raised his small wine cup and said, “Thank you all for being here today. I mentioned it to everyone before, but now I’d like to formally announce it again. Our family’s Mo’er and Comrade Fu Mingze, the educated youth, have officially established a relationship. Given the current circumstances, we won’t go through the traditional engagement procedures. Today’s gathering is for you all to serve as witnesses—it counts as the engagement.”

Everyone present broke into smiles, casting good-natured and slightly teasing glances toward Shen Mo’er and Fu Mingze.

Granny Chen beamed. “I may have just picked up this matchmaking role by chance, but I dare say, there’s no better-matched couple in the whole region than these two!”

Even the usually stern-faced Zhou Mancang cracked a smile. “Educated Youth Fu hasn’t been with our brigade long, but it’s clear he’s a capable and steady young man. He’s a good match for Mo’er. The two of you—learn together, grow together.”

The others chimed in with similar sentiments. Even little Cong Cong, still chewing on her chicken bone, piped up in her childish voice, “Good! A good couple!”

Maomao was busy stuffing meat into her mouth, her eyes darting between Shen Mo’er and Fu Mingze. In her mind, she snorted proudly, I knew it all along—Sister Mo’er and Educated Youth Fu were definitely dating! Hmph!

Shen Shaoyuan was still holding up his wine cup. “Of course, today is also a way to thank you all for your support of Fu Mingze. Going forward, please continue to look after these two young people.”

“This cup is to thank you all.”

With that, he downed the cup in one gulp.

Zheng Jiamin led the group in cheers.

Among those at the table, the person closest to Old Seven Shen was Zhou Peijun, who couldn’t help teasing, “Old Seven, you’re a different man now that you’ve become a factory worker. Even the way you speak is so polished—you really do sound like an educated man!”

Zhou Qingguo added, “He works in the Propaganda Department. If he becomes a permanent employee, he’ll be considered a cadre. If that’s not a cultural figure, I don’t know what is!”

Zhou Mancang chuckled, “This wine really is excellent.”

In these times, grain and ration coupons were precious. Few were willing to use grain to brew wine, and even fewer would spend money at the supply and marketing cooperative to buy loose wine. So opportunities to drink were rare.

Most people couldn’t tell the quality, only that it smelled good and didn’t burn the throat. But Zhou Mancang, with a bit more experience drinking, could tell this was the good stuff.

Zheng Jiamin could also tell. His father was a fan of good liquor, and his family was relatively well-off. They often brewed a few taels of wine themselves, and occasionally bought high-end bottled liquor. But none of it matched the mellow aroma of what was in his tiny cup today.

Fu Mingze could taste the difference too. After all, he came from a bourgeois family background. Behind closed doors, the elders in his family still retained some “bourgeois habits” that were hard to shake. He’d tasted not just domestic liquor, but imported foreign spirits too.

Still, he knew his future father-in-law was valued at the kiln factory, and the Propaganda Department had some influence. It wasn’t strange he managed to procure a bit of good wine.

Given how tight the family’s finances were, the fact that Shen Shaoyuan didn’t quietly sell the wine for money, but instead brought it out to treat guests today, made Fu Mingze reevaluate the depth of his father-in-law’s love for his daughter.

Naturally, as the one benefitting from this affection, he felt deeply grateful.

Fu Mingze refilled Shen Shaoyuan’s wine cup without being told, then refilled the others’ cups as well. Raising his own cup, he said first to Shen Shaoyuan, “Seventh Uncle, thank you.”

Then to the others, “Thank you all, too.”

He drank it all in one go.

“Oh my, calling him Seventh Uncle now… soon you’ll be calling him Dad!” Granny Chen said with a laugh. As the matchmaker, she was fulfilling her duties diligently. Turning to Shaoyuan, she asked, “When are the kids planning to have the wedding?”

Shen Shaoyuan leisurely finished his wine, glanced over at Shen Mo’er, who was whispering with Wang Qiutong, and replied, “Next month. We’ll register the marriage first, then hold two tables of celebration. You’re all invited.”

Zheng Jiamin immediately started cheering again. Maomao and Cong Cong, thrilled at the idea of another meal, grinned ear to ear and joined the commotion. Seeing the two mischievous kids making a fuss, Wang Qiutong didn’t feel shy anymore and added her voice to the excitement.

The atmosphere turned warm and lively. Zhou Peijun even slapped the table. “A girl from our Eighth Team getting married—we’ll make sure it’s a grand celebration!”

Shen Mo’er then raised a cup to toast everyone as well.

Even Maomao and little Cong Cong joined in on the fun, taking wine cups filled with chicken broth to “toast” the adults, making the whole group burst into laughter.

By the end of the meal, everyone was a little tipsy. Fu Mingze told Zheng Jiamin and Wang Qiutong to head back first, while he stayed behind to help clean up.

He took it upon himself to wash the dishes, while Shen Mo’er swept the floor with a broom. Shen Shaoyuan came into the kitchen, glanced at the two of them, said nothing, and took away a small bowl of chicken soup that had been set aside in advance.

Fu Mingze raised an eyebrow but didn’t ask.

After Shen Shaoyuan left, Shen Mo’er whispered, “That’s for Old Wang in the cowshed next door. I’m not sure when they started talking, but my dad thinks Old Wang is very knowledgeable and enjoys chatting with him.”

They always picked times when no one else was around, and whenever they had something good at home, they’d quietly send some over.

Old Wang was quite old, and living in a cowshed, surviving on husks and bitter greens—he was painfully thin. Shen Mo’er had seen him a few times and sometimes worried whether he could make it through the winter.

Her father and Old Wang got along well, and since they lived at the village entrance, it wasn’t a place others often visited, so no one really noticed the two of them interacting.

But it would be different for Fu Mingze. Once they started living together, even if no one told him, he would find out.

Since she was planning to marry him, aside from the matters of her time-travel and the treasure vault, Shen Mo’er didn’t intend to hide anything about the family from him.

The truth about time-travel was too unbelievable, and the vault full of treasure wasn’t just bizarre—it could tempt even the strongest hearts. Unless absolutely necessary, Shen Mo’er didn’t intend to reveal them.

Fu Mingze was wiping bowls, and asked thoughtfully, “Don’t you think it’s bad to be associating with someone like Old Wang, a bad element?”

Shen Mo’er was slightly taken aback. Then she recalled that Fu Mingze was one of those educated youths who had eagerly responded to the country’s call and thrown themselves into rural construction. People like him were said to possess lofty ideals and unwavering beliefs—of course, excluding the likes of Yang Qingqing and Shi Wei.

Especially someone like Fu Mingze—he looked every bit the determined, steadfast type. Shen Mo’er gave it some thought and replied, “Of course it’s not good to associate with bad elements, but doesn’t the old saying go, ‘Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated’? If we occasionally gain some insight into the thinking and activities of bad elements, it can actually help us supervise and reform them.”

She even added to her earlier statement, “After all, Old Wang came from the capital. I heard he used to work in a fairly important department. It’s a fact that he’s knowledgeable and well-informed. Of course, my father will definitely absorb the good and discard the bad.”

Fu Mingze, who had originally just been probing her thoughts: “…”

Got it. His partner was truly a model member of the proletariat—ideologically pure and unwavering in revolutionary conviction, with a strong critical consciousness.

The only comforting thought was that both his partner and future father-in-law weren’t the sort to condemn people completely. They approached Old Wang critically, and even secretly brought him chicken soup.

To avoid causing her any unnecessary distress or inner turmoil, Fu Mingze swallowed back the confession that had been on the tip of his tongue.

He thought to himself, Better wait until it’s absolutely necessary to say it, and then just accept her criticism when the time comes.

Anyway, in normal circumstances, there probably wouldn’t be such a moment when it had to be said.

The elders in the family had already made arrangements for everyone based on their situations. Their files had also been altered with help from connections. Right now, the Fu family was scattered across the country. Not to mention figuring out their records—just getting in touch with one another was hard enough.

Fu Mingze thought for a moment, then followed along with Shen Mo’er’s words: “You’re right. Absorb the essence and discard the dregs—we must always remain vigilant.”

Shen Mo’er: “…”

She glanced at her partner’s upright, refined face and thought, Good thing you don’t know I’m a “feudal remnant.” Otherwise, I wonder how you’d stay vigilant against me.

Though their thoughts diverged, their hands didn’t slow in the slightest. Soon, they had finished all their chores. Then, with one carrying a flashlight and the other carrying a bucket, they went to the team headquarters courtyard to fetch water.

Just as they neared the place, they spotted a skinny figure by the well. The person reacted like a startled rabbit upon seeing them, grabbed the bucket, and scurried away, disappearing into the night.

Fu Mingze: “…Was that the little landlord the villagers talk about?”

Shen Mo’er shone her flashlight on the well. “Yes, his name is Lin Kaicheng.”

After some thought, Shen Mo’er decided to tell him about how Lin Kaicheng had warned her in the middle of the night when someone was stealing bricks. “I actually wanted to give him something as thanks, but every time I go knock on his door, he won’t open it. Whenever Lin Kaicheng sees me, he acts like a mouse seeing a cat—he avoids me like the plague.”

“Probably just doesn’t want to get into trouble.”

Fu Mingze hoisted up the water bucket. As they walked back, he said, “If there’s anything we can help with later, we should.”

Shen Mo’er glanced at him in the dark. It was clear that her partner wasn’t someone who only thought about class struggle and ignored gratitude. She felt genuinely comforted.

The two of them fetched several buckets of water together and only stopped once the water vat was half full.

Storing some water at night was always a precaution—in case of fire or sudden need, it prevented panic.

Fu Mingze set down the bucket and glanced toward the closed courtyard gate. Then he suddenly pulled back the Shen Mo’er, who was about to head out, and called softly, “Partner.”

Shen Mo’er paused in her steps. His mellow, low voice seemed to have hooks, drilling into her ears, making her feel both tingly and flustered. Her face instantly flushed with heat.

She turned to look at Fu Mingze. In the dim kerosene lamp light, the lines of the man’s face were clean and sharply defined. His bright eyes looked at her as he smiled and said, “Now that we’ve officially confirmed our relationship, shouldn’t we have a hug?”

Before Shen Mo’er could reply, he opened his arms and effortlessly pulled her into an embrace.

The moment she fell into his arms, Shen Mo’er felt her heart suddenly start pounding furiously. Her body tensed slightly as she awkwardly adjusted to the unfamiliar warmth and presence. But he didn’t move further, so gradually she relaxed, and even reached out to wrap her arms around his slim waist.

Yeah… all things considered, today was basically our engagement day.

At such close distance, Shen Mo’er thought she could hear his slightly quickened heartbeat. She could also feel his warm, faint breath—it made her ears itch and burn more with every passing second.

After a while, she finally couldn’t help but wriggle a little in his arms. Then suddenly, he bent down, and in the next instant, he kissed her.

His lips touched hers, pausing briefly at first in a soothing gesture. Then, the kiss grew more forceful, prying open her lips as he began his invasion.

Shen Mo’er instinctively tried to push him away, but he held her even tighter. Her body arched slightly backward, and his hand instantly followed, supporting her waist. The heat from his palm burned through the thin fabric of her clothes and onto her skin, making her freeze and not dare move again.

He always seemed like the cool, aloof, dignified type—but this kiss was unexpectedly passionate, full of possessive desire.

Shen Mo’er’s entire body softened. Unconsciously, she clutched his waist, her fingers brushing against the firm muscles under his skin.

Fu Mingze’s kiss faltered slightly at that touch. After a moment, he finally released her and buried his face in the crook of her neck, sighing deeply. His breath tickled her sensitive neck, and his voice was hoarse with restraint as he whispered by her ear in protest, “Partner, if you keep touching me like that, I really can’t take it anymore.”

Shen Mo’er froze at his words, her hand instantly halting. After a moment of silence, she pushed him away, furious and embarrassed. “What nonsense are you talking about!”

Fu Mingze let out a low laugh and indulgently replied, “Mm, I was talking nonsense.”

But he quickly sighed, reluctantly letting her go. “I’d better leave now, or if your father comes back, he’ll probably beat me up.”

As he said this, he turned and planted a kiss on her blushing cheek. Then he stood up slightly straighter, gently smoothed her tousled hair, and reluctantly, lingeringly, said again, “I’m really going this time.”

Before Shen Mo’er could respond, Fu Mingze let go of her hand, gave her one last deep look, and quickly turned and walked out.

Shen Mo’er stood frozen in place for a moment. Through the open kitchen door, she saw him glance back and smile at her just as he opened the courtyard gate—then he turned and ran off.

Within seconds, his figure had disappeared into the pitch-black night.

That scoundrel!

Shen Mo’er couldn’t help but curse under her breath, patting her still-burning face.

After thinking for a moment, she realized Fu Mingze had actually been right—if her father had seen them just now… he probably would have beaten Fu Mingze up.

With that in mind, Shen Mo’er guiltily ran inside, grabbed a towel, and quickly washed up. Just as she had finished washing her face, the courtyard gate creaked open again. Shen Mo’er called out, “Dad?”

Shen Shaoyuan responded, then asked, “He’s gone?”

Shen Mo’er knew he was asking about Fu Mingze. She grinned and replied, “Mm-hmm, that pretty boy is gone.”

Shen Shaoyuan seemed to let out a snort of amusement. Then Shen Mo’er heard the sound of the courtyard gate closing and the latch being drawn.

She poured out the wash water and called out, “Dad, go to bed early.” Then, before Shen Shaoyuan could come over, she hurriedly slipped into her room.

As Shen Shaoyuan came in and closed the gate, he saw his precious daughter rushing into the back room, not even sparing him a glance.

He stood there watching her for a moment, then clicked his tongue. “Tsk.”