Hearing Shen Zhiyan’s words, the last trace of awkwardness in Song Yunlan’s heart completely disappeared.
She could tell that every single thing Shen Zhiyan said came from the heart.
Seeing how sincerely he treated her, Song Yunlan couldn’t help but be deeply moved.
She leaned into Shen Zhiyan’s embrace and, for the first time, took the initiative to hug him.
Resting against his chest, feeling the warmth he transmitted, her heart also grew warm.
“Thank you, Zhiyan! Thank you for treating me so well, thank you for cherishing me so much!”
Feeling the change in his wife, Shen Zhiyan smiled indulgently and pulled her tightly into his arms.
“Silly girl! You’re my wife if I don’t treat you well, who should I treat well?”
Song Yunlan nuzzled against his chest without speaking further, but the atmosphere between them became even sweeter.
Seeing that it was getting late outside, Shen Zhiyan reluctantly let her go and began cleaning up the dishes.
Song Yunlan wanted to help, but Shen Zhiyan brought over a basin of hot water.
“What is this? This isn’t the dishwashing basin!”
Looking at his occasionally silly wife, Shen Zhiyan chuckled.
“What are you thinking? This water is for you to wash up. After you’re done, go soak your feet. You’ve been busy all day relax a bit. Leave this to me.”
Following his gaze, Song Yunlan noticed a basin of steaming hot water placed beside the kang at some point.
She glanced at him helplessly and, under his insistent gaze, had no choice but to give up helping and go wash up.
After she finished washing, the foot-soaking water had also cooled to just the right temperature.
Warm water covered her feet, and she let out a comfortable sigh.
Looking up at Shen Zhiyan washing dishes by the stove, she couldn’t help but smile.
He worked quickly and efficiently, soon cleaning everything up.
Seeing her still soaking her feet, he picked up a towel and came over to dry them for her.
“Soaking your feet is good, but don’t soak too long. See? Your skin is already a bit wrinkled. Be more careful next time.”
Song Yunlan nodded.
“Got it, housekeeper husband.”
This kind of caring nagging didn’t annoy her at all; instead, it made her feel even closer to him. The two of them lingered affectionately for a while before Shen Zhiyan finally left.
Meanwhile, Liang Bo brought Bai Ruolian to the production brigade office. As soon as they entered, they saw the village head wearing a stern expression, and both of them couldn’t help but feel nervous.
“Head of the brigade, we’ve brought our documents. We were impulsive this time and admit our mistake. We guarantee it won’t happen again.”
Niu Dazhi tapped his tobacco pipe. The tobacco inside was something Shen Zhiyan had given him during last year’s New Year.
He lifted his eyelids, his sharp gaze sweeping over the two of them.
“This time, you really did act without restraint. You’re adults you should be responsible for your actions.
So many people saw what happened. I can’t just ignore it. But considering you’re about to register your marriage, I’ll deal with it more leniently.”
Hearing this, Liang Bo and Bai Ruolian slightly relaxed.
“Thank you, Head of the Brigade. We will be more careful in the future!”
Niu Dazhi waved his hand.
“No need to thank me. Just behave yourselves from now on. For the sake of the brigade’s reputation, I won’t report this to the commune, and you’ll be spared from being paraded around in public criticism.
However, a self-criticism is still necessary. In three days, I’ll hold a general meeting. You two will publicly read your self-criticisms at least 2,000 characters each!”
“What?!” Liang Bo raised his head in disbelief.
“Head of the Brigade! That’s impossible! I’m going to be a teacher. If I have to do a public self-criticism, how can I face my students in the future?”
“A teacher?” Niu Dazhi sneered. “What teacher?”
Liang Bo widened his eyes, completely stunned.
“Head of the Brigade, didn’t you say I passed the brigade exam and would be assigned to teach at the village primary school in September?”
His voice trembled toward the end as he stared desperately at Niu Dazhi, afraid to hear the answer.
Unfortunately, reality did not go as he wished.
“Yes, I almost forgot. In the previous exam, you were second place. First place was the Song Zhiqing Yunlan.
At that time, she voluntarily gave up the position to you, so I informed you. But I was busy lately and hadn’t reported it to the commune yet.
Now that you’ve broken off your engagement with her, that arrangement is naturally void.
I also asked her again, and she said she is willing to give up the opportunity.
Originally, you were second place, so the position should still be yours but considering your current situation, the brigade cadres collectively decided that someone with questionable character cannot educate the next generation.
Those are the future flowers of the motherland. If anything goes wrong, no one can bear the responsibility.
So we decided to revoke your ranking, and the teaching position will be given to the third-place candidate from the exam.”
In an instant, Liang Bo felt his mind go completely blank, almost fainting on the spot.
Everything had been settled how could it change so suddenly?
Now that he had finally broken off his engagement with Song Yunlan, without the teacher’s income, how was he supposed to survive?
Rely on farm work? Don’t joke. Even though he worked every day, he only earned five work points a day.
Without Song Yunlan’s support before, he could never have made it this far.
“Head of the Brigade, you can’t treat me like this! I know what happened between me and Ruolian caused trouble, I promise I’ll behave and won’t bring shame to the brigade!”
Liang Bo pleaded desperately.
But regardless of whether the third-place candidate was the village head’s niece or not, or because of Shen Zhiyan’s influence, he would never give the position back to him.
“It’s decided. No need to say more. I’ve already prepared your documents. Go back and prepare for your marriage registration and self-criticism.”
With that, Niu Dazhi stood up and pushed them toward the door.
“Head of the Brigade, please give me another chance!” Liang Bo begged again.
But Niu Dazhi remained unmoved.
“You only have yourselves to blame. Go back. If you keep pestering me, it won’t just be a self-criticism anymore.”
He shook off Liang Bo’s hand, locked the office door, and left.
Left standing there, Liang Bo stared blankly at his departing figure, his heart full of rage.
“Brother Liang…” Bai Ruolian tried to comfort him.
But the moment she spoke, Liang Bo slapped her across the face.
“Ah!”
Bai Ruolian covered her face in disbelief.
“Brother Liang… how could you hit me?!”