Li Xiaohua was very upset after being beaten and hated Qiu Shi.

Originally, he intended to take this opportunity to get closer to Xia Chunmei, build a good relationship, and make money with her and her family in the future, so that he could eventually surpass Chen Jinlian. Who knew it would turn out like this?

The next day, Li Xiaohua returned to her parents' home and reported the situation to her mother-in-law.

Granny Li berated Li Xiaohua: "You can't even handle this simple matter, what good are you? You're such a big, good-for-nothing, you don't even know how to speak ill of your own mother-in-law in private, you idiot!"

"Mother, is my aunt really that kind of person?"

"That's the kind of person he is, but that's all in the past. Alright, you don't need to worry about this anymore, it's useless. You should go back now, I won't be giving you lunch."

Granny Li was afraid that Li Xiaohua would stay for lunch, so she quickly shooed her away.

As soon as Li Xiaohua left, Granny Li hurried back to her parents' home to discuss countermeasures with her brother and sister-in-law. They couldn't let such a golden goose that could lay golden eggs get away.

...

Xia Chunmei knew nothing about this.

Last night, she used her magic touch six times, just like last time, and helped the villagers catch a lot of fish. She got up very late today.

"Master, we have guests at your home, get up quickly." Xia Ping knocked on the door, waking Xia Chunmei.

When Xia Chunmei went outside, she was surprised to see it was him!

How did he find his way here? Could it be that he still harbors feelings for me?

They only slept together for one night, so there's no real connection between them.

Xia Chunmei forced a smile that looked more like a grimace: "Why did you come today, my benefactor? I've never had a chance to thank you before. You must have a simple meal at my home today."

"good."

Xia Chunmei: "..." Does this guy even know what politeness is?

"Um... I have to go into town to earn some money later, so we might have to postpone the meal. Besides, we don't have any good food or drinks at home. How about I invite you another day?"

The implication is that you should go back; there's no food for you here, so leave now.

He seemed not to understand the implied meaning and asked, "Where is your fiancé from?"

"Master, you have a fiancé again? How come I didn't know?" Xia Ping asked in surprise.

Hearing the voice, Xia Mingshi poked her head out: "Chunmei, you have a fiancé? How come I didn't know?"

Xia Chunmei: "..." Oh dear, I've been exposed.

Baili Xiao looked at Xia Chunmei with a hint of mockery in his eyes.

Xia Chunmei was certain that this guy knew she was lying to him, so he did it on purpose!

hateful!

"Grandma, if I had a fiancé, would I hide it from you? I was even planning to let you take a look." Xia Chunmei said with a smile, then secretly glared at Baili Xiao.

"My benefactor, do you enjoy fishing? There are plenty of big fish in the river behind our village. Would you like to give it a try?"

Baili Xiao knew that Xia Chunmei had invited him fishing because she wanted to have a private chat with him.

So he said, "Then please lead the way, young lady."

"Fishing? I'm going too! If I go with the master, I'll definitely have a better chance of catching big fish." Xia Ping excitedly grabbed her fishing rod and bucket.

Xia Chunmei carried a fishing rod, and Baili Xiao carried a wooden bucket. The two walked side by side toward the river.

Xia Ping followed behind and saw Xia Chunmei and Baili Xiao standing side by side. For some reason, she felt they were a perfect match.

Xia Chunmei was afraid that the villagers would see her, so she took a shortcut, but she was still seen by them.

When the villagers saw Xia Chunmei walking side by side with a strange man to go fishing, their gossipy nature was aroused, and they all rushed to Xia Mingshi to inquire about the news.

"Auntie, I just saw Chunmei going fishing with a young man. What's his relationship with Chunmei?"

"I think they're a good match."

"That young man is tall and big, he doesn't look like an ordinary peasant. He's dressed well, and he doesn't have a single pudding on him. Was he introduced to Chunmei by a nobleman from the city?"

...

The group of women crowded in front of Xia Ming's house, chattering and gossiping.

“You’re overthinking it. That young man saved Yaomei before, and Chunmei invited him to her house for dinner to thank him. This young man heard from someone that there are many big fish in our river, so he said he wanted to go fishing. That’s why Chunmei gave him a fishing rod and took him there.”

Xia Mingshi, being old and shrewd, had already noticed that something was amiss in the relationship between Xia Chunmei and Baili Xiao.

However, since Xia Chunmei didn't make it public, she wouldn't talk about it carelessly. When people asked, she would help cover for her, for fear of ruining Xia Chunmei's reputation.

"Oh, I see. I thought we were having a wedding banquet."

"I also thought there would be a wedding banquet."

"But that young man doesn't look young, he probably already has a family."

"Chunmei said she's looking for a husband. I think the young man is dressed quite well, without a single patch on his clothes. If he's willing to marry into the family, he's probably not a very normal person."

...

The somewhat eccentric Baili Xiao is now sitting on the riverbank fishing with Xia Chunmei.

Xia Ping was led away to a spot ten meters away to fish. With no one else within a ten-meter radius, Xia Chunmei lowered her voice and asked Baili Xiao, "What exactly do you want?"

I want to marry you.

Baili Xiao's bluntness startled Xia Chunmei.

He then said, "I don't even know your name, where you're from, how many parents or siblings you have, or any other basic information. It's impossible..."

"My name is Baili Xiao, and I am twenty-four years old this year. I am a bit older than you, but compared to teenagers with yellow hair, I am more mature."

I have an older sister who passed away several years ago. The girl you saw at the teahouse last time was my niece, Dandan.

My mother has also passed away, and my father remarried a long time ago. They live in Xiangzhou City, which is thousands of miles away from us. We don't live with them after the marriage, so you won't have the trouble of mother-in-law/daughter-in-law conflicts.

If you wish to live in Yijia Village after marriage, that's fine too; it's all up to you.

I have a small fortune, which you will manage entirely after we get married.

Baili Xiao immediately told Xia Chunmei about his basic situation.

But Xia Chunmei knew that he had omitted the most important point, which was his identity!