But that’s not all. Xu Xiangsi is no saint who repays evil with kindness.
She thinks she’ll let Xu Rongchang and his family off so easily? No way!
On the day she had arranged to leave with Long Peiye, Xu Xiangsi left early in the morning.
Instead of rushing to the dock, she first strolled over to the educated youth office.
She took out the Xu family’s household registration booklet, placed it in front of the clerk, and said in a clear voice, “Hello comrade, I’m here to register my sister Xu Jingjing for the rural service program.”
When the comrades in the educated youth office saw that someone had volunteered, especially to sign up for their younger sister, their eyes lit up.
These days, young people who voluntarily request to go to hardship areas are extremely rare!
“Wow, your sister is really insightful!” The clerk said with a look of satisfaction, and quickly began to process the paperwork.
While processing the paperwork, the clerk kept praising her, saying, “Your sister is really great! She’s a role model for us young people!”
Xu Xiangsi was overjoyed inside, but she kept a straight face and went along with it.
“That’s right, my younger sister Xu Jingjing. She’s had a passionate heart since she was little, and she’s always wanted to go out into the world, make a difference, and contribute to the construction of our motherland!”
Without blinking, she started making things up: “Just a few days ago, I even went with my dad to the countryside to check out the environment in advance, so that I could adapt more quickly.”
“Before leaving, she specifically asked me to make sure she got registered, saying she couldn’t wait to go to the countryside and contribute her talents!”
“I believe in her. She will definitely work hard in the countryside and become an excellent worker!”
The clerks nodded repeatedly, deeply admiring Xu Jingjing’s “lofty ideals.”
The rural allowance was quickly delivered to Xu Xiangsi, along with brand-new RMB notes and some ration coupons.
Xu Xiangsi took Xu Jingjing’s “money from selling herself” and left the educated youth office with satisfaction.
She could almost picture Xu Jingjing’s dramatic expression when she learned she had been “voluntarily” sent to the countryside.
Hmph, you want to enjoy a life of luxury in Hong Kong? Maybe in your next life!
When she strolled to the dock, Long Peiye was already waiting there.
He was dressed in a neat and upright manner, standing out among the crowd.
Seeing Xu Xiangsi arrive late, Long Peiye raised an eyebrow, a faint smile playing on his lips: “I thought you changed your mind and weren’t coming.”
Xu Xiangsi rolled her eyes at him and raised her chin: “Are you kidding me? I’ve already gotten the marriage certificate with you, and my household registration is under your name. If I don’t come, do you expect me to stay single forever?”
Long Peiye was amused by her self-righteous manner.
His gaze fell on the small leather suitcase at Xu Xiangsi’s feet, somewhat surprised: “Your luggage… is that all?”
Xu Xiangsi patted the suitcase, looking mysterious: “Good things come in small packages. Don’t let its small size fool you, this suitcase is packed with stuff, more than enough for my needs.”
Long Peiye did not press the matter further.
After all, their marriage was rushed, and they are not yet very familiar with each other.
He nodded: “Let’s go, the ship will be leaving soon.”
Once aboard, the ship was bustling with noise, and a faint smell of diesel fuel filled the air.
Long Peiye led her through the crowd with practiced ease, directly to the second-class floor, to a room numbered 3086.
He pushed open the door and gestured for Xu Xiangsi to come in.
Xu Xiangsi looked around the small compartment with some surprise. Although it wasn’t big, it was like paradise compared to the third and fourth class cabins outside, which were crammed together like sardines in a can.
“Your family is… quite well-off, isn’t it?” she couldn’t help but ask, her tone tinged with inquiry.
Long Peiye leaned against the door, looking at her with a meaningful gaze: “You know absolutely nothing about me, yet you so hastily got a marriage certificate with me. Aren’t you afraid I’m a liar who will sell you out and then help you count the money?”
Xu Xiangsi pursed her lips, unconvinced: “What’s there to be afraid of?”
“The person who introduced you back then praised you to the skies, saying you were honest, hardworking, and that both your parents worked in factories, and you yourself were a team leader in a machinery factory, with a bright future ahead of you.”
She paused for a moment, then continued her analysis: “So I guessed that your family’s financial situation couldn’t be too bad.”
“However…” Xu Xiangsi stroked her chin, “I originally thought that no one in this world could resist the temptation of money.”
Long Peiye knew immediately that she still misunderstood, so he couldn’t help but shake his head and chuckle: “Alright, you’re right, my family’s conditions are indeed quite good.”
When Xu Xiangsi heard him admit it himself, her heart skipped a beat, and her brows furrowed involuntarily.
This is a bit troublesome! Didn’t the matchmaker say he was short of money? How come he’s not short of money now?
Her initial plan was that she had plenty of space, money, and resources, so she could cover all the household expenses after marriage.
In exchange, Long Peiye had to take on household chores such as laundry, cooking, and cleaning.
In exchange, Long Peiye had to take on household chores such as laundry, cooking, and cleaning.
But now it seems that if Long Peiye is not short of money, her plan to “pay for leisure” is probably a bit risky!
What should she do? She really doesn’t want to deal with all the tedious housework!
Long Peiye saw that her brows were so furrowed they could trap a fly, and raised an eyebrow: “What are you thinking about now? Your face is all scrunched up.”
Xu Xiangsi wasn’t going to hide anything from him: “Long Peiye, to be honest with you, I don’t do any housework at home.”
“I can’t do laundry, cook, sweep the floor, or wipe the table, and I don’t want to do them either.”
She sighed, her face looking even more distressed: “I originally heard from the introduction that you were short of money, so I was planning to cover the household expenses and you would be responsible for the chores.”
“But you don’t seem to be short of money right now, so my ‘funding’ plan is probably going to fall through!”
After hearing her heartfelt words, Long Peiye was slightly taken aback, then a barely perceptible smile appeared in his eyes.
He smiled and said, “It’s alright, I’ll do it. I’m used to doing these kinds of jobs.”
Upon hearing this, Xu Xiangsi’s eyes lit up instantly. “Really?”
Long Peiye chuckled at her expression and nodded, “Okay, I’ll do it.”
Xu Xiangsi’s heart, which had been hanging in suspense, suddenly settled back into her stomach, and she felt much more relaxed.
She patted Long Peiye’s shoulder generously, her tone light and cheerful.
“Brother! It’s a deal then!”
“From now on, I’ll take care of all the household chores! You can just relax at home and do the laundry, cook, and clean!”
“As for your salary, you can save it yourself and use it as your personal stash!”
Looking at her smug, “I don’t care about money” attitude, Long Peiye thought the girl was really cute.
He nodded, a smile playing on his lips: “Okay, from now on I’ll rely on you to support me.”
Xu Xiangsi was satisfied and prepared to take a good look at the cabin, but she soon discovered a big problem.
There’s only one bed here!
Although it’s more than enough for two people to sleep in, but…
Her marriage to Lung Pui-yeh was a sham.
After all, Long Peiye is a soldier, and he certainly wouldn’t have any improper intentions.
But she was afraid of herself! After all, only she knew her sleeping position at night…