However, Xue Fu quite likes He Rui's personality; she's straightforward, cheerful, easy to get along with, and also very cute.
"Do you want to take some paper and write it down so you can remember it when you get back, in case you forget it after I leave?"
"Okay! I brought paper and pen, I'll write right away."
He Rui pulled a crumpled piece of paper from her pocket and carefully wrote down Xue Fu's words, one by one.
He Rui is a bit impatient, and her handwriting reflects that. She writes in a hurried, flowing style, and Xue Fu is worried that she might not be able to recognize what she has written.
"Can you recognize it clearly?"
"Of course, I wrote it myself, so I definitely recognize it."
Xue Fu understood. It was like a doctor writing a prescription, as if it were coded, only those close to him could understand it.
"If you don't understand something these days, just ask me directly."
Xue Fu watched as He Rui looked on with a cheerful and enthusiastic expression, her innocent little face upturned, as if she had never experienced any setbacks.
Fearing she might not be able to handle unexpected situations later, Xue Fu added, "If there are any problems with the fishpond after I leave, you can go to Gu Chong. He's experienced and very capable."
Xue Fu regarded Gu Chong as a contingency plan.
When He Rui heard Gu Chong mentioned, her bright almond-shaped eyes immediately lit up, filled with curiosity.
"Sister Xue Fu, what's it like to be in a relationship? I see my cousin and my sister-in-law are always so lovey-dovey."
The little girl asked without any shame; she was at the age where she was curious about these things.
“I overheard my cousins whispering that you and Gu Chong have a great relationship, and they’re all so envious.”
"I don't even know who I'll date in the future. The boys in the village are all so annoying, there isn't a single one I like, and I don't want to get married."
"......"
He Rui was indeed a chatterbox; Xue Fu didn't get a word in edgewise as she listened to He Rui talk about her troubles.
Xue Fu rarely acted as a confidante.
"You're still young, there's no need to rush these things. If you don't like any of them, then don't choose any of them."
"I don't think it's too late to play for another seven or eight years. Don't you still have so many things you want to do?"
"And your parents, uncles and aunts will definitely keep their eyes open and won't let you meet the wrong people. Your family loves you very much."
"......"
In one morning, He Rui eagerly became her little follower, following her around with unwavering admiration.
After Xue Fu finished teaching her about raising and feeding fish, she went to the cabin to study as usual.
She glanced at He Rui, who had followed her in and was sitting next to her. Her eyes darted around, and thinking of the worries of He Rui's parents and Secretary He, she spoke up and gave the young girl a few more words of advice about the benefits of studying.
Do you really dislike reading and studying? Or are you afraid you won't do well in your studies?
"If you really think it over carefully and find that you don't like studying, then I understand. Everyone has a different way of living. What others suggest, even if it's for your own good, may not be suitable for you."
“But studying is indeed a shortcut. Just like your parents said, you can get a degree and then go to the city to earn more money than farming.”
"It's mainly about money. If you had your own money, wouldn't you be able to make your own decisions? If you don't want to do something, wouldn't your parents be able to stop you?"
"......"
Xue Fu patiently talked to her for a long time.
She thought that if He Rui wasn't truly averse to school, she would have hoped she could return to school.
He Rui seemed to understand but not quite; her clear almond-shaped eyes were moist, and she looked very bewildered.
Xue Fu stroked her fluffy braids, not urging her to figure it out immediately, but telling her to think it over slowly and carefully, because this was a big matter concerning the future and she needed to make a serious decision.
The several large, bulging bags of luggage that Xue Fu had packed were transported to the county town by Gu Chong a few days ago and sent by the post office.
Xue Fu's return date has been set for April 2nd.
She reminded Gu Chong not to forget to buy her a train ticket back to Haicheng when he went into the city.
She squeezed the back of his hand, bit her lip, and after a few seconds added her own request.
"I want to sleep in a sleeper berth."
She didn't hide her spoiled and picky nature in front of Gu Chong.
Gu Chong said, "Yes, I know."
When Gu Chong returned from the county town, he took out two sleeper train tickets from his pocket.
One card has her name on it, and the other card has Gu Chong's name on it.
Xue Fu belatedly remembered the promise she had made to him.
Gu Chong had previously said that he would accompany her back to Haicheng this time.
Xue Fu's fair face gradually flushed pink, as if she had thought of something.
She gave a barely audible "Mmm": "I'll take you around Haicheng then, it's a lot of fun there."
"good."
Gu Chong's smile was unmistakable at that moment. Xue Fu looked away and reached for the two tickets he had bought.
Look down at the departure time, carriage information, and seat details.
After she finished reading, she remembered, "By the way, can I get time off? It'll take four days round trip. And what about Xiao Fei?"
"We can get them."
Gu Chong swallowed hard: "Xiao Fei will stay in Zhouzhi for a couple of days."
Xue Fu slowly uttered an "Oh".
Xue Fu couldn't help but start thinking and imagining what would happen after Gu Chong went to Haicheng.
He definitely wants to meet her parents.
She stole a glance at the man.
Although Gu Chong never showed any eagerness to get married in front of her, Xue Fu still sensed his underlying desire during their occasional tender moments after a passionate encounter.
Gu Chong is a very hypocritical conservative.
They hugged, touched, and kissed, but that was all.
Gu Chong couldn't bring himself to do anything further.
Sometimes, when Xue Fu saw that he was really suffering, she also considered whether she should help him with her hands.
As soon as she said those words, she wasn't even embarrassed, but he, a grown man, blushed bright red and started stammering.
Gu Chong was startled by her audacity and grabbed her mischievous hand.
He said seriously, "Afu, this is something that can only be done after marriage."
He wanted to take responsibility for her. This momentary desire wasn't too hard to resist.
Seeing that he was unwilling, he frowned, looking as if she had forcibly taken a man from the common people, like a vixen sucking away people's life force. Xue Fu snorted angrily and did not force him.
Anyway, she's not the one who's suffering.
If he's willing to endure it, then let him endure it himself.
Anyway, she really didn't plan to get married before she turned 22.
Although the legal marriage age in that era was only eighteen.
A quick calculation shows that Gu Chong will have to endure at least three more years.
Xue Fu was afraid that he wouldn't be able to resist and would shamelessly go back on his word with her.
At that time, Xue Fu would definitely teach him a lesson, and then refuse to agree, making him continue to endure it.
She was amused by her own imaginary thought and chuckled to herself.
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