An Xin hadn’t expected that someone like Zhang Fan could land a job in the provincial government. He must have pulled a lot of strings behind the scenes to get there. She finally understood why her cousin, An Ling’er, shamelessly clung to Zhang Fan. It turned out she had long known that after graduating from university, Zhang Fan would have a promising future, and now he had indeed been assigned to the provincial government.

Thinking of this, An Xin couldn’t help but look at An Ling’er with a playful glint in her eyes.

Her cousin wasn’t as simple as she had thought. Why hadn’t she noticed before that An Ling’er was such a manipulative schemer?

Pu Linrong, on the other hand, was thrilled by An Xin’s comments that elevated Zhang Fan’s status. She immediately took the opportunity to brag, proudly declaring:

“Of course! Our Zhang Fan has a bright future ahead. At least you, a country bumpkin, have the sense to recognize it. Now that you’re married, I don’t mind letting go of the past between you and Zhang Fan. Just make sure to stay away from him from now on.”

Pu Linrong’s words brought a sneer to An Xin’s face, but she didn’t let it show. Instead, she played along.

“Auntie, you flatter me. How could a country bumpkin like me dare to get close to someone working in the provincial government? We’d only embarrass ourselves. It’s best if you city folks don’t greet us at all when you see us—so you can maintain your dignity.”

An Xin always maintained her composure when dealing with rude people. She wouldn’t stoop to their level, but her words were always laced with sharp irony.

If someone spoke harshly to her, she’d respond with honey-coated words that carried hidden barbs.

She thought to herself, Why do they act like I’m desperate to associate with them? If Zhang Fan and An Ling’er would stop flaunting themselves in front of her, she’d be grateful.

By her side, Bai Yichen was holding back laughter. He had never realized how sharp-tongued his wife could be.

Against someone as shameless as Zhang Fan and a thick-skinned woman like An Ling’er—along with their haughty mother—An Xin’s words were the perfect counterattack.

Working for the provincial government isn’t the same as owning it, Bai Yichen thought. What’s with all the arrogance?

An Xin’s remarks, though cloaked in compliments, were filled with sarcasm. Even Pu Linrong, dim as she was, could sense the hidden mockery. But unable to come up with a retort, she could only huff and say:

“At least you know your place!”

Nearby, An Ling’er and Zhang Fan were stunned. They had never realized this rural cousin could be so articulate.

Seeing that she had effectively silenced them, An Xin lost interest in further conversation. She said, “Alright, we rural folk won’t disturb you city people any longer. We’ll be going now.”

Without waiting for a response, she grabbed Bai Yichen and left.

The three stood there watching as An Xin and Bai Yichen disappeared from view. Pu Linrong then turned to An Ling’er and asked:

“Ling’er, was that man An Xin’s husband? I heard he has a government job, but all I saw was a pretty face. How could he compare to our Zhang Fan? He just stood there like a mute.”

Pu Linrong had taken a good look at Bai Yichen earlier. Though he was tall and handsome, his reserved demeanor made him seem like a pushover.

The thought that An Xin had left Zhang Fan for such a spineless partner made Pu Linrong seethe.

An Ling’er, basking in Pu Linrong’s approval, replied sweetly:

“Yes, Auntie. That’s my cousin’s husband, Bai Yichen. He’s the team leader of a geological exploration team.”

Pu Linrong sneered. “A exploration team? You mean one of those groups that go around digging in the mountains? Still a country bumpkin, isn’t he?”

No matter how you sliced it, he couldn’t hold a candle to Zhang Fan, who had secured a job in the provincial government.

Thinking of Zhang Fan’s bright future, Pu Linrong couldn’t help but feel relieved that An Xin was out of the picture before he got the job. Otherwise, it would have been a real headache.

She glanced at An Ling’er. Though An Ling’er was also from the countryside, she owned two clothing stores in the county and was generous with Zhang Fan. For now, Pu Linrong decided to tolerate her.

Zhang Fan’s provincial government posting had originally been to the county grain bureau. It was thanks to An Ling’er, who had pulled strings and spent money to get him reassigned. Not a penny had come out of the Zhang family’s pocket.

Though An Ling’er wasn’t officially part of their family, she had practically handed them a golden opportunity. To Pu Linrong, she was just a gullible country woman who didn’t know better.

Keen to maintain her position, An Ling’er chimed in:

“You’re absolutely right, Auntie. My cousin’s husband might be a team leader, but he’s still just a glorified laborer—completely in line with my cousin’s status.”

Pu Linrong snorted. “A perfect match, indeed. A pair of good-for-nothings.”

Having gotten their fill of mockery, the two women finally turned to Zhang Fan. Seeing the time, he reminded them, “Let’s go. It’s my first day reporting to work. I don’t want to be late.”

Pu Linrong immediately nodded. “Yes, yes. Let’s not waste any more time.”

An Ling’er glanced toward the provincial hospital. She had originally planned to investigate An Xin’s connection there but reluctantly decided to let it go for now.

“All right, let’s head out,” she said, her tone tinged with regret.

After all, she couldn’t let anything jeopardize her grip on Zhang Fan.