Chapter 10: A Chance Blind Date

In their village, it wasn’t unheard of for wives to run away with other men. Since Xu Huai’an was a soldier who came home for no more than a month each year, and this young woman was so beautiful, Xu Wu couldn’t help but worry.

Seeing his second uncle’s concerned expression, Xu Huai’an said firmly:

“Uncle, don’t worry. Once you get to know Qianqian, you’ll see how good she is. Besides, she won’t need to work in the fields—I can support her. I just need to trouble you later to avoid assigning her heavy tasks. If really necessary, give her the lightest work. The work points don’t matter, as long as she doesn’t get exhausted.”

Xu Wu frowned slightly at his words, but when he saw how determined Huai’an looked, he could only sigh helplessly.

“Huai’an, since you’ve already made up your mind, there’s nothing more I can say. But you must understand—life isn’t that easy.”

Grateful, Xu Huai’an looked at his uncle.

“Thank you, Uncle. I knew you’d look out for me. Qianqian even prepared some city tobacco for you. We’ll bring it over to your house later.”

At the mention of tobacco—especially from the city—Xu Wu’s eyes lit up instantly.

“This girl seems thoughtful. You must treat her well. Once you two are married, live a good life together. If you ever run into trouble, come find me.”

“I know, I know.”

“Oh, one more thing. Your mother knows you’re back. These past two days she’s been trying to arrange a match for you.”

“…”

This news didn’t surprise Xu Huai’an. After all, every time he came home, his mother would try the same thing.

Xu Wu glanced at Shi Qingqian, who had remained silent. If you only looked at her face, she truly was a sight to behold.

“Child, don’t worry. Huai’an’s parents are good people. His mother does have a quick temper, but she means no harm. Once you join our Xu family, you won’t be mistreated.”

For once, Shi Qingqian replied sweetly, “Thank you, Uncle.”

“We’re all family—no need for thanks. You’ve traveled far, you must be tired. Get on the tractor and rest. Once everyone’s here in about an hour, we’ll head back to the village.”

Huai’an and Qingqian did as told, climbing onto the tractor. Huai’an laid one of his short-sleeved shirts on a spot to make it more comfortable.

“Sit here.”

Qingqian’s heart warmed at his thoughtfulness, and she sat down.

There were already a few educated youths on the tractor. When they saw the couple, their eyes carried curiosity and a hint of envy.

As they waited for departure, Fang Yi and Su Feifei arrived. Spotting Huai’an and Qingqian, they looked surprised. Fang Yi spoke first:

“Didn’t expect this coincidence—you’re going to Xiangyang Village too?”

Huai’an nodded slightly. “Mm.”

Xu Wu, noticing the two more youths, urged them to hop on quickly. Fang Yi and Su Feifei found seats, and the atmosphere on the tractor turned subtly tense.

As more people gathered, an hour quickly passed. Xu Wu started the tractor, heading toward Xiangyang Village.

The ride was bumpy. Some of the educated youths looked excitedly out at the countryside scenery, while others remained silent. Shi Qingqian leaned against Huai’an’s shoulder. It was her first time on a tractor, and the jolts made her nauseous.

Sensing her discomfort, Huai’an quickly asked his uncle to slow down. Then he gently patted her back, asking with concern, “Qianqian, do you feel very bad? Just hold on a little longer—we’re almost there.”

Her face pale, Qingqian nodded slightly.

After about half an hour, the tractor stopped at Xiangyang Village’s entrance. Qingqian got off and took a moment to recover, her color gradually returning.

After saying a word to Xu Wu, the couple headed down a country path toward Huai’an’s home. Since it was the farming off-season, many villagers were around, and they greeted them as they passed.

“Huai’an’s back.”

“Yes, Uncle,” Huai’an replied, greeting the villagers while shielding Qingqian.

After about ten minutes, they arrived at his house. Because the Xu family had Huai’an, a military officer, and two other hardworking sons, they had managed to build the village’s only blue-brick tile-roofed house, making it stand out. The courtyard gate stood wide open, showing the tidy yard inside.

“This is my home,” Huai’an explained as they entered. “The house was rebuilt two years ago. Besides the kitchen and the main hall, there are four rooms—one for each of us three brothers and our parents. My younger sister is studying in the county. On weekends, she shares a room with my parents.”

As they walked into the courtyard, a lively conversation floated out from the hall. Inside, Huai’an’s mother, Zhang Lanxiang, was chatting with Aunt Yang and a young female comrade.

Remembering what Xu Wu had mentioned earlier—that his mother was arranging a match—it was obvious what was happening. Huai’an understood at once. Qingqian did too. Her hand pinched his waist hard, making him wince, though he didn’t dare cry out. He looked at her apologetically, while she raised her chin, eyes glinting with a trace of indignation.

At that moment, Zhang Lanxiang and the others heard the noise and turned.

“Third son, you’re back!” Zhang Lanxiang ran out, overjoyed, not even noticing the girl beside him.

“Why are you so thin?” She pulled him toward the house. “Perfect timing—you’re back. Let me introduce you. This is Aunt Yang’s niece, a middle school graduate, and she has a permanent job at the county’s state-run restaurant. You two should get to know each other.”

“Mother, no need for introductions,” Huai’an said, stopping. He took Qingqian’s hand. “This is my fiancée, Shi Qingqian. I’ve already submitted the marriage report. Soon, you’ll have your daughter-in-law.”

Zhang Lanxiang froze at his words, her eyes falling on Qingqian.

Qingqian stood tall and elegant, her long black hair cascading smoothly over her shoulders, a few strands lifting lightly in the breeze, adding a lively charm. She wore a flowing white dress that swayed gently as if she’d stepped out of a painting—so beautiful it was hard to look away.

But she looked fragile, like a delicate flower that needed careful tending—not someone suited for household chores. Still, since her son had chosen her, Zhang Lanxiang couldn’t lash out right away. She first sent Aunt Yang and her niece off, even compensating them with a piece of cloth.

Once they left, Zhang Lanxiang turned back to give Qingqian another assessing look.

Meeting her gaze, Qingqian showed no fear. She could respect her elders, but she wasn’t about to become a servant.

“You two, come inside,” Zhang Lanxiang said, and turned into the house.