Wang Wenqi knew that if he proposed marriage to Zhong Lingling at this time, Zhong Lingling would likely agree, but Zhong Wanshan would likely have two extreme reactions.

Firstly, she was forced to accept him because of her daughter, Zhong Lingling. Secondly, she completely angered Zhong Wanshan, forcing him to fulfill the threat they made to him the night before they left: that he and her siblings would never be able to return to the city, and that he would also take action against his parents.

Although he was an elder who had watched him grow up, he always seemed kind and approachable, and always treated everyone with courtesy.

But Wang Wenqi didn't know why, he was just genuinely afraid of Zhong Wanshan.

It was precisely because of this that Zhong Wanshan's threats prevented Wang Wenqi from taking any further action against Zhong Lingling. Otherwise, he would have brought up marriage with Zhong Lingling as soon as he arrived in the countryside and she built her house.

Although the male educated youth's quarters weren't crowded, there were still seven or eight people sharing one kang (heated brick bed), and since they were all men, not everyone had good hygiene habits.

Many people would go to bed on the kang (a heated brick bed) without washing their feet after work every day. In addition, it was the hottest time of the year when Wang Wenqi first arrived, and the smell of feet and sweat filled the room, which caused him a lot of suffering.

The unexpected tragedy at home forced Wang Wenqi, who had always been under his parents' protection and focused solely on his studies, to suddenly lose that protection and take on the responsibility of caring for his younger sister.

This put a lot of psychological pressure on Wang Wenqi, who originally had no worries about food or clothing, causing him to develop insomnia.

The few days I wasn't sent to the countryside were alright; I was able to stay at home, have my own room, and get some sleep at night.

For Wang Wenqi, the first few days after arriving here were like hell. The unpleasant smell and the constant snoring made it almost impossible for him to sleep, even though he already suffered from insomnia.

It wasn't until he started working that he gradually adapted to his surroundings, when he had to carry water and collect firewood every day like the other male educated youth, and he was so tired that he lay on the kang (a heated brick bed) and didn't want to move at all.

However, Wang Wenqi's calm state of mind was shattered after Zhong Lingling's house was built.

After seeing the brick and tile house with glass windows, and then looking back at his own low, dilapidated house with its wooden windows that had been used for who knows how many years and the yellowed window paper, Wang Wenqi really wanted to just move in with Zhong Lingling without a second thought.

But he didn't dare, not because he cared about his reputation, but because he was afraid of Zhong Wanshan's threats. From the day they arrived at the commune, he knew that what Zhong Wanshan said back then was not just to scare him.

His reach is truly that far; even if he's thousands of miles away, he still has the ability to deal with him.

It was probably arranged by that person that his younger sister was assigned to that brigade. Later, when Wang Wenqi heard his sister talk about life in that brigade, he would feel a wave of fear.

If Lingling hadn't called him repeatedly, and if he hadn't agreed, his sister, who was assigned to that remote brigade, might not be living the life she was in.

It was precisely because of these reasons that he could only coax Zhong Lingling with sweet words, but dared not do anything excessive. It was also because of fear that he endured this hard life, yet he had to protect Zhong Lingling and carefully safeguard the protective umbrella that held him and his sister together.

But these days were really too hard, and he really couldn't keep going.

He couldn't help feeling sad when he returned to the educated youth settlement after persisting in the autumn harvest in the rain yesterday. The reason he was the first to rush out when he heard his sister calling in the middle of the night was not because he wasn't tired enough or hadn't slept soundly enough.

It wasn't because he hadn't slept at all. The educated youth, in order to save more firewood for the winter, would go into the mountains to collect firewood together every day after work, but they were reluctant to burn it.

On days like yesterday, when it only rained a little, they didn't heat the kang (a traditional heated brick bed). He had already gotten wet in the rain, but lying on the cold kang, he still felt cold even with both winter and summer quilts covering him.

At that moment, he thought, why can't I be selfish for once, ignore my parents and sister, and just be happy as long as I am happy?

As long as I marry Lingling, as long as I appease Lingling, and as long as I continue to treat Lingling well, even if Zhong Wanshan is very angry, he won't really disregard Lingling's happiness and target me, right?

Another reason that made Wang Wenqi decide to take the gamble was Wang Wenfang's immaturity; he felt that he had already done enough for his younger sister.

It was enough to get her out of that poor, remote village full of unruly people; it was enough to let her live in such a nice house and have enough to eat and drink every day.

He should think more about himself in the days to come, so when Wang Wenfang completely angered Zhong Lingling, Wang Wenqi decided to propose to Zhong Lingling.

Given the current situation, even if Zhong Wanshan gets angry, he still has to keep Zhong Lingling firmly by his side.

Otherwise, with his good-for-nothing sister causing trouble like this, she'll eventually ruin any feelings Lingling has for him.

You should know that if Zhong Lingling wanted to return to the city, it would be as simple as making a phone call.

Once Lingling marries him, he can move in with her legitimately and won't have to endure the stench and snoring in the house anymore.

Moreover, Zhong Wanshan, seeing that the die is cast, might be able to bring him and Lingling back to the city soon, since he has the ability to do so.

The more Wang Wenqi thought about it, the more likely it seemed, and he didn't want to wait even a day longer. Having made up his mind, Wang Wenqi's originally dull and lifeless eyes instantly filled with determination and madness. Holding Zhong Lingling's hand, he said with deep affection, "Lingling, let's get married. I know you've worked so hard for me, so can you give me a chance to take care of you? Will you marry me?"

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