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Wang Jinhe nodded, saying, “That’s good.”
After touring the manor and ensuring everything was in order, Wang Jinhe felt reassured and headed back home.
In addition to checking the manor, Wang Jinhe also inspected the homegrown fruits and vegetables before seeking out Xie Kui.
Xie Kui was overjoyed to see Wang Jinhe return, exclaiming, “Xiao He, you’ve finally returned! I was starting to worry that you might not come back.”
“How could we not? There were some matters in the capital this year that delayed us, but thankfully, we’re back now,” Wang Jinhe casually explained.
“It’s good that you’re back. You have no idea how much our village has been improving. The surrounding villages as well. Everyone is grateful to you,” Xie Kui expressed with gratitude.
Wang Jinhe smiled and shook her head, saying, “It’s just a matter of mutual benefit.”
Xie Kui remained silent. Despite understanding the mutual benefits, he still believed that their current prosperity was largely due to Wang Jinhe’s blessings.
Now, the surrounding villages were gradually becoming prosperous, and everyone was leading happier lives, evident from the smiles on their faces.
These were indeed good times.
After chatting with Xie Kui and learning about the village’s recent developments, Wang Jinhe headed back home.
Along the way, she encountered many villagers, and her smiling face began to feel a bit stiff.
Upon returning home, Wang Jinhe rubbed her face wearily and said, “I feel like my face is going to freeze in this smile.”
“It’s been a while since they’ve seen you. Naturally, the villagers are happy, and there are naturally many people wanting to chat with you,” someone remarked.
Wang Jinhe remained silent, not feeling up to engaging in conversation with them; she was too tired.
Shortly after Wang Jinhe and her family arrived home, He Le came to visit.
Observing the sorrowful expressions on his face, Wang Jinhe couldn’t help but feel uneasy. “What’s with that look in your eyes?” she asked, feeling a chill down her spine.
“Sister-in-law, have you forgotten something?” He Le inquired.
Frowning, Wang Jinhe thought carefully for a moment before responding, “No, I haven’t forgotten anything. Have I?.”
He Le pressed on, “What about the design you promised?”
Wang Jinhe hesitated for a moment, then turned to Su Yu beside her. “I did forget about that.”
While in the capital, Wang Jinhe had intended to address the matter with He Le after resolving her own affairs. However, with preparations for their return home taking precedence, she had forgotten about it.
“I waited for you at home, only for you to leave without a word. It’s disheartening to think about,” He Le expressed, feeling a sense of disappointment.
Clearing her throat, Wang Jinhe waved her hand apologetically, saying, “I’m sorry, that was my mistake.”
He Le chuckled and reassured her, “It’s okay. I haven’t been too busy lately, so it’s fine to come by and pick it up.”
Hearing He Le’s understanding response, Wang Jinhe felt a sense of relief. She was grateful that He Le wasn’t holding a grudge, as she knew explaining herself would have been difficult.
Wang Jinhe retrieved the designs and handed them over to He Le.
After examining each sketch, He Le’s eyes sparkled with increasing excitement and admiration.
“Sister-in-law, you are truly amazing.” How could a sister-in-law be so skilled?
“Rest assured, sister-in-law, in the future, you can expect to receive payment. I will make sure you earn a lot of money,” He Le promised.
“I’ll be looking forward to that,” Wang Jinhe replied.
He Le discussed the specific details with Wang Jinhe, stayed a few days to finalize arrangements, and then left with some local specialties.
“It’s true; he came and went in a hurry,” Wang Jinhe chuckled.
“He still has some matters to attend to, so it’s quite normal,” Su Yu said. It would indeed be abnormal if he lingered here indefinitely.
“You’re right. After this, I plan to visit the border estate,” Wang Jinhe shared.
“So urgent?” Su Yu inquired.
“Yes, I am in a hurry. I intend to go there, make necessary preparations, and ensure everything is in order,” Wang Jinhe explained.
“Alright, I can’t accompany you, but let Yuan Bao go with you.” This way, he would feel more at ease.
“Okay.”
After Lin Zixun returned, Wang Jinhe granted him a few days off to spend time with his family.
Lin Ziqian looked at Lin Zixun earnestly and asked, “Brother, when are you going to marry Sister-in-law?”
“It’s been so long, why haven’t you gotten Sister-in-law to agree to marry you yet?” Lin Ziran chimed in, her eyes wide with curiosity.
Clearing his throat, Lin Zixun replied, “Isn’t it supposed to be a gradual process? Can’t rush these things, right?”
Giving Lin Zixun a look, Lin Ziqian spoke up, “I think you just haven’t caught up to Sister-in-law yet, haven’t gotten her to agree to marry you.”
“Brother is right, Big Brother, you’re too slow,” Lin Ziran shook her head.
Sister-in-law is so good and beautiful. How can Brother not seize the opportunity? What if someone else steals Sister-in-law away? Brother will have regrets then.
Lin Zixun’s parents watched their son being teased by the two children and couldn’t help but laugh mischievously. “Zixun, it’s not that we’re criticizing you, but it’s been so long. At least tell us how far you’ve progressed.”
Sighing softly, Lin Zixun wondered what he had gotten himself into.
It seemed he needed to have a serious discussion with Qiu Chan about this matter once he returned home, to avoid being constantly teased by his younger siblings.
“Mother, I’ll ask Qiu Chan about her thoughts when I get back.”
“Alright, ask her and then let us know. We’ll help you prepare the betrothal gifts.” Betrothal preparations start as soon as a son mentions someone he likes. It had been almost a year of preparation, yet Lin Zixun hadn’t convinced Qiu Chan yet.
For the first time, his parents doubted his capabilities.
Feeling the weight of his mother’s doubt, Lin Zixun felt like walking away.
Was this still his mother?
“Mother, rest assured, your daughter-in-law isn’t going anywhere,” Lin Zixun reassured earnestly.
Upon hearing her son’s reassurance, Lin Zixun’s mother felt relieved. “That’s more like it. Son, you need to hurry up. Kids your age in the village already have families. You are the only one left unmarried. Are you not embarrassed?”
Lin Zixun remained silent, although he desperately wanted to express to his mother that he felt embarrassed.
After a few days of staying at home, Lin Zixun returned to Wang Jinhe’s house.
Upon his return, he sought out Qiu Chan and, with Wang Jinhe present, took her away.
Raising an eyebrow as she watched the two depart, Wang Jinhe curiously remarked, “What do you think Lin Zixun wanted with Qiu Chan?”
“I guess he’s being pressured to get married by his family,” someone speculated.
Wang Jinhe couldn’t help but chuckle at the possibility.
Turning to Qiu Yi, Wang Jinhe inquired, “Qiu Yi, do you and Yuan Bao have any plans? Are you not considering marriage?”
Qiu Yi was taken aback by Wang Jinhe’s sudden question and felt a bit embarrassed. “Miss, weren’t you talking about my sister and Lin Zixun? Why bring me into this?”
“Just curious. You and Yuan Bao have feelings for each other, so marriage is not out of the question,” Wang Jinhe said.
“I’m fine with it,” Qiu Yi said, feeling a bit bashful.
Yuan Bao treated her well, and she had feelings for him too.
“Alright, I’ll discuss with Su Yu tonight and have him ask for Yuan Bao’s opinion. If everything is fine, we’ll start preparing for your marriage,” Wang Jinhe proposed.
Although Qiu Yi felt a bit embarrassed, she was also filled with anticipation. She and her sister were going to have a family of their own.
Lin Zixun led Qiu Chan to a corner of the garden, not giving her a chance to speak, and holding her hand, he somewhat plaintively asked, “Qiu Chan, when will you agree to marry me?”