Chapter 7

Gao Xuelian seethed silently, her heart full of resentment. Even if Yu Li wouldn’t marry Liu, the ex-convict, she would force her into it!

Tomorrow, she would have Liu Maokeng throw 200 yuan on the Yu family’s table—whether Yu Li wanted to marry him or not, she would have to!

Liu Maokeng was notorious for being relentless and stubborn, which was why everyone called him “Liu Maokeng” (Liu the Latrine).

In the past, he had been afraid of Wu Guohua because of his military background, so he didn’t dare act recklessly. But now that Yu Li had broken off with Wu Guohua, Liu Maokeng would definitely come after her.

As long as he could get 200 yuan on the table, which young man in the area would dare compete with him?

The thought of Yu Li being harassed by Liu Maokeng tomorrow, furious and helpless, made Gao Xuelian feel a twisted sense of satisfaction. She waited eagerly, certain that the Yu family would suffer for bullying her and not letting her eat dumplings. They would get their comeuppance!

She brought the leftover food into her room, muttering angrily, not noticing that someone had arrived at the Yu household.

When Yu Jiefang entered with Lu Guanshan, everyone was surprised.

“This is…?” Chen Ailan stood up in confusion.

Yu Jiefang smiled, “This is Young Lu! He passed by our land and helped me with a lot of work, so I invited him over for a meal.”

In rural areas, people were generally simple and kind-hearted. It wasn’t uncommon for strangers who hadn’t even worked to stop by during meal times and ask if they could join.

Chen Ailan hurriedly served dumplings with enthusiasm.

Lu Guanshan stood up straight and performed a proper salute. “Hello, everyone. My name is Lu Guanshan. I’m sorry for intruding.”

The Yu family members all perked up, their eyes lighting up, except for Bench, who was busy stuffing dumplings into his mouth.

Shiliu (Pomegranate) couldn’t help but giggle, her eyes twinkling. “Auntie, this uncle looks as handsome as you!”

Yu Li was stunned. She stared at Lu Guanshan, her chopsticks almost falling from her hand.

What was he doing here?

Hadn’t they agreed that she would think it over for a day?

Why had he gone straight to help her father with the work?

Yu Jiefang invited Lu Guanshan to wash his hands and face, while her second sister-in-law, Wang Xinghua, handed him a large bowl of water. “It’s so hot outside, look how dry your lips are. Drink some water to quench your thirst, then sit down to eat the dumplings!”

She smiled, reminding Shiliu, “Your aunt is beautiful, but this uncle here is handsome!”

Shiliu nodded eagerly. “Auntie, why is this uncle looking at you?”

Yu Li:!!

Everyone turned their gaze, and Lu Guanshan, feeling a little uncomfortable, also looked away.

He didn’t mean to stare at Yu Li, but he couldn’t help it.

In the small rural courtyard, with its garden of loofah, beans, scallions, and grapes, the family gathered around a wooden table piled with plates of dumplings. Yu Li sat quietly next to Shiliu, her bright eyes and white teeth glowing with a soft and peaceful beauty, her black hair like a silken waterfall.

She was like a rose bathed in the evening sunlight, gently fragrant, with an elegance that could be sensed from afar.

Just a few hours apart, Lu Guanshan found himself missing her, a longing he couldn’t control. He felt an overwhelming desire to look at her again, to be closer to her…

The Yu family noticed the connection too. Yu Jiefang had an inkling of what was happening. He had always thought highly of Lu Guanshan, and now it seemed like his daughter’s true match had arrived!

Chen Ailan came out of the kitchen, bringing the dumplings. Yu Jiefang exchanged a look with her, and she immediately understood. She glanced at Lu Guanshan, a smile creeping onto her face.

She placed the dumplings in front of Lu Guanshan. “Young Lu, don’t stand on ceremony. Help yourself! We’ve got plenty of dumplings today!”

Yu Tuanjie, the eldest brother, was curious. “Do you… know my sister?”

Lu Guanshan nodded, then looked at Yu Li, as if silently asking how he should respond.

Yu Li bit the end of her chopsticks, her soft lips showing a hint of hesitation. She said cautiously, “Hmm, I know him. He’s Wu Guohua’s comrade. He came to deliver something for the Wu family, and I met him once.”

Yu Tuanjie’s face changed immediately. Wu Guohua’s comrade? That unfaithful man’s comrade?!

Lu Guanshan quickly explained, “I don’t know Wu Guohua very well. I just happened to be nearby on a mission, so I helped deliver something for him. I don’t really know much about what happened with Wu Guohua in the military.”

“But don’t worry,” he continued, “Once I go back, I’ll make sure to investigate. If Wu Guohua did anything to wrong Yu Li, I will make sure justice is served! After all, Yu Li and I know each other…”

This reassured the Yu family a great deal.

But Yu Li’s heart raced!

Especially when she heard him say “know each other.”

Was that really what it was? They had more than just a passing acquaintance—this was practically close contact!

The meal went on merrily.

Yu Tuanjie and Yu Fenduo kept talking to Lu Guanshan, while Yu Li remained silent, just listening.

At first, she thought her two brothers were among the smartest in the village.

But now, compared to Lu Guanshan, they seemed worlds apart!

This man wasn’t just strong in bed; he was incredibly poised at the dining table as well. While it seemed like he was passively responding to the Yu family’s questions, in reality, he was subtly guiding the conversation, making sure Yu Tuanjie and Yu Fenduo were the ones doing most of the talking.

He led the conversation step by step, making it enjoyable, yet leaving everyone wanting more.

Fortunately, Lu Guanshan didn’t bring up marriage or anything like that. After the meal, he excused himself, saying he had business in the town.

The Yu family naturally didn’t try to keep him.

Yu Li glanced up at him, and Lu Guanshan caught her gaze. He quickly looked away, but the look he gave her was filled with emotions.

It even made Yu Li feel as if he were full of a desire to possess her…

Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly turned her head, pretending to do some work. “Mom, I’ll wash the dishes…”

Chen Ailan smiled gently. She had just spoken privately with her husband and learned that Lu Guanshan was not only hardworking but also quite impressive.

She had subtly asked about Yu Li’s father and had immediately gone to the edge of the field to help, showing his sincerity.

Such thoughtfulness, strength, and practicality made him an ideal choice—someone no elder could turn down!

In comparison, even though the Wu family had been engaged for years, Wu Guohua had never come to help with any work. He never even called to check on the Yu family!

It was Yu Li who had put in so much effort for the Wu family.

Earlier, at the dining table, Lu Guanshan’s words had given Yu Jiefang and Chen Ailan a better understanding of his background. Although his family wasn’t wealthy, he was upright, capable, good-looking, sensible, and wise—he had perfect qualities for a good husband!

Chen Ailan had also noticed her daughter’s unusual silence and the blush on her ears. She casually picked up a bowl.

“This bowl is from your aunt. She sent over some pickled vegetables a few days ago. Go return it to her!”

Yu Li replied obediently, taking the bowl and heading out the door.

She had barely taken a few steps when she turned a corner into the alley between the houses, only to be suddenly pinned against the wall!

The man’s strong scent of masculinity hit her.

His dark, deep eyes locked onto hers, and his voice was low and intense. “Why didn’t you dare look at me earlier? Why didn’t you speak to me? Could it be that we don’t know each other well enough…”

Yu Li’s heart raced, her almond-shaped eyes misty as she looked at the man before her. Her cheeks flushed, turning the color of peach blossoms.

“I… I just…” she stammered, trying to explain.

But before she could think of what to say, her lips were sealed by his.

He gently nibbled on her soft, sweet lips, slowly prying them open, and then his kiss suddenly grew more passionate!

Yu Li whimpered as she instinctively wrapped her arms around his strong, muscular waist.