When the sun’s heat finally eased, Shūxīn and Luò Yuè walked toward the village to return him to the zhīqīng office. This time, however, they weren’t hiding from the villagers.
Since Shūxīn had decided to be in a relationship with Luò Yuè, she naturally didn’t feel the need to conceal it. In effect, she was indirectly letting the villagers know that Luò Yuè was her boyfriend, so they could assist him if needed.
Before Shūxīn even got home, the news of their relationship had spread throughout the village. The Liú family wasn’t an exception—they knew Shūxīn’s stubborn nature. Since she dared to openly escort Luò Yuè back, no amount of talking would sway her. They planned to wait until she returned to comment further.
A few people at the zhīqīng office were also astonished. Luò Yuè was incredible! He had been there less than half a month, yet he had already won over the village’s beauty—and she was a perfect “golden phoenix.” The villagers had mentioned that Liú Shūxīn would soon start working in the city. They hadn’t even decided whether to approach her, yet Luò Yuè had already won her over.
Shūxīn didn’t pay attention to them and escorted Luò Yuè straight to the door, instructing him:
“I’ll tell the team leader later. You won’t go to the fields anymore. Help my grandmother collect pig fodder for the team. If it’s too difficult, go to my brother—I’ll explain it to him.”
“Alright, I’ll listen to you. I trust you can support me,” Luò Yuè replied in a delicate, wifely tone.
Shūxīn didn’t say more and turned to leave, thinking: tomorrow she would help him get acquainted. Since her boyfriend was frail, she planned to bring money to Liú Nǎinai in the morning to buy some eggs and have her cook them for him. Paying for them would also help reduce family disputes.
Once Luò Yuè could no longer see Shūxīn’s back, he turned to look at Zhao Lì and her companions. He didn’t speak to them, merely snorted, twisted his waist, and went back to his room.
Don’t think he didn’t understand their schemes. Zhào Péng and Zhāng Hóngliàng liked Zhao Lì, but she neither rejected nor agreed—she kept dangling them. Previously, Zhao Lì had tried to flirt with him because he was good-looking. But he saw through her act immediately; her tricks were predictable, and he was bored of them.
After all, he had grown up among countless refined young men. Like the women in this world, he could anticipate Zhao Lì’s moves. Compared to his mother’s ladies-in-waiting, her tricks were amateurish.
When Shūxīn returned to the Liú household, she saw everyone sitting neatly in the courtyard, waiting.
Her older brother asked, “Shūxīn, have you really taken a liking to that pretty boy?”
Liú Nǎinai said, “Yes, Shūxīn, that Luò Yuè looks all flesh, no substance—handsome but useless.”
Liú Māmā added, “Shūxīn, he clearly isn’t suited for hard work. Are you going to support him?”
Shūxīn calmly replied, unfazed:
“Why like him? Because he’s handsome. Supporting him isn’t a problem. I can manage it alone in the fields, not to mention I’ll soon have a salary from my job. Supporting him is no issue.”
Liú Yéyé flicked his pipe and added, “He looks like a city boy. How long can he last here? Have you thought about that?”
“Grandpa, I’ve thought about it. His frail appearance isn’t for everyone. Dating is fine, but marriage may not work. I’m different—I can accept it. I’m willing to support him. If he can’t manage in the village, I’ll take him to the city for a while.”
Shūxīn also knew everyone was concerned for her, worried she might be at a disadvantage. But she judged people well—Luò Yuè wasn’t that type. He was like a refined noblewoman from the past… ah, correction, a man. Once he chose someone, he remained devoted for life.
She had observed Zhao Lì at the zhīqīng office and had some guesses about Luò Yuè’s origin. Since there was a transmigrated woman like her, perhaps others had come too. Comparing Luò Yuè’s behavior, he resembled those noble men in matriarchal stories.
Having deduced his background, she had no intention of backing out. Instead, it strengthened her conviction—they fit the matriarchal model: the woman manages the outside, the man manages the inside. She didn’t find it strange—she was even a little curious about how it worked.
Seeing that Shūxīn had settled on the pretty boy, the Liú family didn’t say much. Don’t be fooled by Shūxīn’s gentle appearance; only the family knew how stubborn and strong-willed she could be.
Their labor force couldn’t support a free-loading man. But Shūxīn made sense—she had the ability to support him. At most, they would keep an eye to ensure he didn’t mistreat her.
The next morning, Shūxīn brought eggs to Luò Yuè. The Liú family watched silently. Even before marriage, she was already feeding him—after marriage, it would only get more intense.
At the zhīqīng office, Shūxīn hurried over and handed him the eggs.
“Eat inside. You’ll catch a cold standing outside. These are boiled eggs—I gave my grandmother money to cook one for you every day. When I’m not here, my brother will bring it to you.”
“Thank you, Xīn Xīn! I’ll eat obediently and take care of myself. Don’t worry,” Luò Yuè replied in a coquettish voice while eating.
The zhīqīng students watched as Luò Yuè ate the egg without hesitation and acted coquettishly toward Shūxīn. They were horrified. They had expected him to be frail but didn’t anticipate he’d be so… girlish. He knew exactly how to act coquettishly to a woman.
After finishing the egg, Shūxīn also gave him some candy from her pocket. The students were flabbergasted—they weren’t worthy.
Shūxīn ignored everyone else and led Luò Yuè to work. At the warehouse, she found Liú Yán, son of Team Leader Liú Shuāngquán, who was assigning work.
“Yán-ge, this is my boyfriend Luò Yuè. He’s frail and can’t work in the fields. Let him help the women collect pig fodder.” Shūxīn introduced him.
“Alright, Xīn-mei, you’re quick! Your boyfriend is now our team leader’s favorite. The village girls have all noticed—your timing’s perfect!”
“Go ahead, follow your grandmother,” Liú Yán wrote Luò Yuè’s name under the pig fodder section, teasing Shūxīn as he did.
Shūxīn smiled, teasing back. Once the task was assigned, she grabbed the basket and went to find Liú Nǎinai.
Liú Nǎinai’s expression changed repeatedly seeing Shūxīn bring the pretty boy to her. Her granddaughter had chosen him—what to do? She had to accept it, teeth gritted.
Luò Yuè understood the Liú family’s doubts and accepted it. He wasn’t the ideal son-in-law in their eyes; as long as Shūxīn liked him, it didn’t matter if they tried to interfere.