Gu Zhouye looked at Shen Qiuqiu, who was clearly happy now, and for some reason, let out a quiet sigh of relief. When Ding Rui had told him that Shen Qiuqiu had fought with Xiao Yi, he had felt a distinct sense of panic.
He didn’t even know why he was panicking — just that instinctively, he wanted Shen Qiuqiu to stay by his side.
Early the next morning, Shen Qiuqiu bundled up thickly and followed Gu Zhouye to work.
The sun was brilliant that day. The entire forest was blanketed in snow, like a giant carpet spread from the horizon all the way to their feet.
Shen Qiuqiu and Gu Zhouye were paired together. Gu Zhouye’s marksmanship was extremely accurate — the old hunting rifle in his hands seemed to have eyes of its own.
But their luck was poor that morning; they didn’t catch much. By midday, they were both hungry and cold. They found a spot and ate their lunch.
Seeing Shen Qiuqiu shivering uncontrollably, Gu Zhouye pulled a small glass bottle from inside his coat and handed it to her.
Shen Qiuqiu’s eyes lit up. She took it and had a sip.
“Where did you get liquor?”
Gu Zhouye muttered a reply.
“Traded for it.”
Gu Zhouye was wearing a military-green hat. His eyes and brows, exposed to the cold, were exceptionally handsome.
“Shen Qiu, once you return to the city with me, you can do whatever you want.”
Shen Qiuqiu glanced at him. She didn’t need to think hard to know that this guy definitely had something else on his mind. She shook her head, leaned close to Gu Zhouye, and reached out to rub his face.
“What is wrong with you? Why do you overthink everything so much? Just enjoy having a wife and live a good life. We’ll deal with the future when it comes.”
Gu Zhouye looked at Shen Qiuqiu. A flicker of a smile appeared in his eyes.
“Okay.”
In the afternoon, they finally caught something good. After delivering the prey to the production brigade, they ate and returned to Qingshantun.
As soon as they arrived, they heard loud arguing coming from the village.
A crowd of educated youths and villagers had gathered outside the village clinic. Shen Qiuqiu quickly dragged Gu Zhouye over to see the commotion.
Bai Xueying’s mother was lying on the ground, groaning. Production Brigade Captain Lin Dazhi was tirelessly trying to persuade Xiao Yi. Beside them, Bai Xueying was sobbing miserably.
Shen Qiuqiu couldn’t help but ask Ding Rui, who was watching the spectacle.
“What’s going on?”
Ding Rui patted Shen Qiuqiu on the shoulder.
“Bai Xueying’s mother threatened to kill herself if Xiao Yi didn’t marry her daughter. Even the captain came, but Xiao Yi absolutely refuses to budge.”
Shen Qiuqiu looked at Bai Xueying’s tear-streaked face. She was genuinely surprised.
Why hadn’t Bai Xueying just threatened Xiao Yi directly? Could it be that she still had feelings for that bastard?
Gu Zhouye tugged Shen Qiuqiu’s arm.
“Let’s go back. I don’t like watching this kind of drama.”
Shen Qiuqiu nodded. Just as she was about to leave, Bai Xueying suddenly stood up and lunged toward a wall. Lin Dazhi took a quick step and managed to shield her.
Shen Qiuqiu noticed that there were a few unfamiliar faces in the crowd. She followed Gu Zhouye home, feeling puzzled.
As soon as they got inside, Gu Zhouye shut the door tightly. He spoke.
“People from the county are here. Xiao Yi is in trouble.”
Shen Qiuqiu was taken aback. She had thought Bai Xueying would show some mercy, but instead, she had gone straight for the kill.
Shen Qiuqiu almost admired Bai Xueying.
Gu Zhouye walked over to Shen Qiuqiu. For the first time, he took her hand of his own accord, a trace of reproach in his eyes.
“Seeing Xiao Yi in trouble — aren’t you happy?”
Shen Qiuqiu looked up at the man whose voice unconsciously carried a hint of jealousy and decided to tease him.
“Of course I’m not happy.”