I went there with Qin Mi before. She knows someone at the furniture factory, so buying a few pieces of furniture shouldn't be a problem.

Just as Wen Xi was about to turn around, He Chen'an suddenly grabbed her arm, pulled her in front of him, and stared intently at Wen Xi with his head down.

Wen Xi felt a chill run down her spine under He Chen'an's gaze. "What are you doing? You're not thinking of killing me to cover your tracks, are you?"

He Chen'an couldn't help but reach out and tap Wen Xi's forehead. "You really are a master of ruining the atmosphere. You've ruined such a good atmosphere."

Wen Xi raised an eyebrow. "What kind of atmosphere?"

He Chen'an pulled Wen Xi into his arms, holding her tightly, his chin resting on her shoulder. She was already eighteen years old. If it weren't for that incident, they should have met each other's parents during the Chinese New Year, and the wedding would probably have been on the agenda.

And now...

Let alone marriage, everything seems a long way off.

Wen Xi pushed He Chen'an somewhat embarrassedly, "He Chen'an, let go of me, the buttons on your clothes are making me uncomfortable."

He Chen'an quickly released Wen Xi and checked her face apologetically. There were indeed button marks. He Chen'an asked embarrassedly, "How are you? Does it hurt?"

Wen Xi shook her head. "Since there's nothing else, let's go!"

"Okay, I'll take care of the painting."

Afterwards, the two went out. It was almost noon, so they went directly to a state-run restaurant for lunch. Looking at the familiar streets, they both felt as if they had been in another world. It had been a long time since they had gone shopping, watched a movie, and eaten together.

As soon as Wen Xi reached the entrance of the state-run restaurant, she saw Yang Liling and Gu Ningzhi walking out side by side. It seemed that Yang Liling had decided to seize the opportunity with Gu Ningzhi, a potential stock, since she realized that there was no chance with Qin Mi.

Gu Ningzhi works in a transportation team, travels around a lot, and earns a high salary, making him a hot commodity in the matchmaking market.

After ordering their food, the two found a seat and waited for the staff to call their order. He Chen'an got up and brought the lunch over. The two picked up their chopsticks and began to eat.

"Yang Liling, it's still early, let's go for a walk in the park!" There isn't even a movie theater in this town, so Gu Ningzhi can't even invite Yang Liling to watch a movie.

Yang Liling doesn't like going to parks; she prefers shopping at supply and marketing cooperatives and department stores because that way Gu Ningzhi will buy her things. However, she never gives him any treats, so Gu Ningzhi certainly won't waste his time on her. After all, Gu Ningzhi is very well-off, and countless women want to marry him, so he has plenty of options.

Besides, Gu Ningzhi doesn't need her, so why would he waste his time and energy on her?

It's fair to say that men are realistic. If they don't see any hope with you, they'll turn around and leave. Who would really spend three or five years being good to someone just to win their heart?

So in the end, Yang Liling agreed to Gu Ningzhi's suggestion, and the two walked towards the park. In the middle of winter, there were very few people in the park. When they arrived, Gu Ningzhi pulled Yang Liling to a corner where they could be perfectly hidden.

Afterwards, Gu Ningzhi pinned Yang Liling against the wall and moved closer to her. He had spent money, time, and gifts, so surely there must have been some progress!

Otherwise, what would a man gain from being nice to a woman?

Just like when a woman and a man are together, there must be something they want in mind. The woman wants a better life, and the man wants to enjoy himself. In fact, it's all for a better life.

Yang Liling initially pretended to refuse, but later accepted it with a mix of reluctance and welcome. In order to get Gu Ningzhi to invest more, she had to set a trap.

So Yang Liling put her hand on Gu Ningzhi's shoulder and awkwardly responded to his kiss. Actually, she wasn't awkward at all, since she had already been involved with men before she went to the countryside.

If her previous husband's wife hadn't found out and wanted to punish her, she wouldn't have been forced to slink away to the countryside.

Since Gu Ningzhi doesn't have a boyfriend, she doesn't have this problem. She can focus on dealing with him, and once she's gotten enough benefits, she can leave. In any case, she would never allow herself to live a life that her in-laws and husband dislike.

Her mother told her from her own experience that a woman can be anything, except being someone's wife.

After a while, Gu Ningzhi released Yang Liling. Both of them were slightly out of breath. Yang Liling shyly leaned into Gu Ningzhi's arms, trying not to let him see her face. "Gu Ningzhi..."

"Yang Liling, I think you're great. Can we date and settle down?" Gu Ningzhi asked, putting his arm around Yang Liling.

Yang Liling looked up at Gu Ningzhi and said, "Gu Ningzhi, I actually like you too, but I still need to tell my family about this. I'll give you an answer after I've spoken to them, okay?"

The letters took about a month to go back and forth, which gave her another month to delay.

"Really?" Gu Ningzhi asked.

Yang Liling nodded.

Gu Ningzhi asked worriedly, "What if your family doesn't approve of us dating?"

“It’s their business if they disagree. I like you, that’s enough. I’m just informing them, not discussing it with them.” Yang Liling looked at Gu Ningzhi with bright eyes and said seriously, “Because I know how outstanding and wonderful you are, no matter what others say, I won’t listen.”

Overjoyed at being recognized, Gu Ningzhi picked Yang Liling up in his arms.

Yang Liling hurriedly slapped his arm, "Gu Ningzhi, what are you doing? If someone sees us, we're doomed."

Gu Ningzhi quickly put Yang Liling down. "It's okay, this place is very secluded, no one will see us."

Yang Liling shyly punched him lightly, "Let's go, I want to go back and rest early."

Gu Ningzhi put on a pitiful look, "I'll drive you back; we'll be in the village soon."

"Thank you so much..."

After finishing their lunch, Wen Xi and He Chen'an arrived at the oxcart about ten minutes apart. Since there were no cars in the countryside, only oxcarts, bicycles, and walking, they had no choice but to take the oxcart.

Upon arriving in the village, Wen Xi went straight home without saying much to He Chen'an.

Yang Liling didn't return to the educated youth settlement until dark. Wang Xinru noticed that her walking posture was a little strange. After all, they were roommates, so Wang Xinru asked with concern, "Yang Liling, what's wrong? Are you hurt?"

Yang Liling shook her head shyly, "No, it's just that my legs went numb from sitting in the car for so long. They'll be fine in a bit."

Sitting on the edge of the large communal bed, Yang Liling pretended to pat her legs, trying to relieve the soreness in them.