Lin the blacksmith and Twenty-Three left Gu An'an's house.
But Jiang Cuicui rushed in, the young girl's face full of terror, "Third Aunt, who exactly is that person? Why does he insist on taking Brother Lin away?"
She and Lin the blacksmith had been married for a short time, and they got along quite well under the same roof.
Jiang Cuicui then realized that Lin the blacksmith, who seemed to be illiterate, actually had a large collection of books at home, and she could even read and learn to read with him in her spare time.
When Lin San gets busy, Jiang Cuicui will also help out.
She doesn't have to be scolded by her grandmother for being a good-for-nothing, she doesn't have to see her mother's calculating face, and she doesn't have to coax her younger brother every day for fear that the little devil might complain to their parents about something he's unhappy about.
Life was easier than ever before, making Jiang Cuicui feel that living like this for the rest of her life wouldn't be bad.
However, everything ended before half a cup of tea was finished.
She heard that Gu An'an's family had guests, so she came to take a look. Who would have thought that these guests were related to Lin San?
Jiang Cuicui hurriedly went home, wanting to hide Lin San.
However, the man who was hiding many secrets soon realized something.
Jiang Cuicui followed again and heard the argument. She didn't know why this stranger insisted on finding Lin San.
Just as she didn't know why she still needed her third aunt's help.
The young woman felt her mind was not working properly. She frantically grabbed Gu An'an's arm, "Third Aunt, Third Brother Lin will be alright, right?"
She had only enjoyed a few good days, so why was God so against her?
Gu An'an looked at the panicked, tearful young girl, sighed softly, and wiped away her tears. "Don't be afraid, don't be afraid."
She was just a girl in her early teens, and hadn't experienced much in life.
Hearing the gentle words of comfort, Jiang Cuicui's pounding heart calmed down a bit, but she was still very nervous. She wanted to go out and see what was going on, but she was also afraid that if she really heard those words, she wouldn't know how to react.
Gu An'an was unaware of the gentleman's agreement between the two young people; she simply hadn't expected that the blacksmith Lin would have such a distinguished background.
If he wants to leave, what will happen to Jiang Cuicui?
If she were left behind, the young girl would likely become a laughingstock. Her marriage to Lin the blacksmith without parental consent or a matchmaker was already the subject of gossip in the village. If she were abandoned, the Jiang family's old residence would lose face, and they would likely direct their anger towards Jiang Cuicui.
But if she were taken away, life wouldn't be easy. The Lin family has produced an emperor's favorite concubine; they're now a very prominent family. How could a country girl like her possibly manage in that grand mansion?
Gu An'an didn't care about Lin the blacksmith's situation, but Jiang Cuicui was, after all, just a young girl of about ten years old...
As she was thinking, Jiang Mingzhu brought out a cup of tea. "Have some water, don't worry."
There wasn't much good tea at home; this was barley tea that Gu An'an had bought before.
The aroma of barley, lingering in the tea fragrance, is like being embraced by a mother, bringing a sense of peace.
Gu An'an smiled at Jiang Mingzhu. This child was incredibly considerate and understanding.
"Thank you." Jiang Cuicui's hands were trembling as she held the teacup, causing some warm tea to spill out.
She herself was completely unaware.
Lin the blacksmith returned quickly, and looking at the three women in the courtyard, he hesitated slightly.
Can I talk to you?
These words were spoken to Gu An'an.
Jiang Cuicui couldn't help but bite her lower lip, her face almost losing all color.
She looked at Gu An'an for help, her fear and unease growing stronger with each passing moment.
Gu An'an smiled at the young girl, a smile that carried a reassuring quality, putting Jiang Cuicui at ease.
Her aunt should help her, right?
Gu An'an followed Lin the blacksmith outside, where the Twenty-Three Stations were still standing in the distance.
The man, who always had a stern face, remained expressionless, though his movements were slightly more relaxed, suggesting that he had already reached an agreement with Lin the blacksmith.
"I want to go back to the Lin family."
The news that Lin the blacksmith, or more accurately Lin Yan, had spoken up seemed to be of no surprise at all. Gu An'an's expression remained remarkably calm, without any fluctuation.
“My future is uncertain when I go back this time. I am the only one left in the Lin family. If I can survive and avenge my parents and brothers, that would be the best thing. If I can’t hold on, I just feel sorry for Cui Cui. Originally, I promised her that I would not let her live that kind of life again.”
Gu An'an didn't know what was going on with the Lin family, but this person insisted on telling her, so how could she not understand?
"You should tell her about this. Since that child chose you in the first place, she must have been prepared to follow her husband wherever he goes."
Lin Yan chuckled upon hearing this, "Yes, but we are not a real couple."
These words made Gu An'an suddenly look at Lin Yan, "What...?"
What else could it mean?
Are there few novels featuring domineering CEOs and contract marriages?
Gu An'an never expected that Jiang Cuicui would have such an experience.
The key question is, why are you telling me this, brother?
“Cui Cui is still young, it’s fine for you two to consummate your marriage in a couple of years.” Gu An’an pretended not to understand. “It’s fine, no wonder she chose you back then.”
Lin Yan looked at the person pretending to be confused. He didn't believe Gu An'an couldn't understand. "I'm just worried that going back this time will be like entering a dangerous den, where it's hard to guard against hidden attacks, and that it will affect Cuicui."
Gu An'an realized that pretending not to understand wouldn't work.
"But have you considered that if you abandon Cuicui, the harm she will suffer will be no less?"
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