Chapter 176 seemed to have become a joke.
And so he was left suspended in mid-air.
He was captivated by Bai Linlin's pure and wholehearted affection, yet he couldn't bear to part with the tangible benefits Yao Xueru could offer and the strange allure of a "predetermined future."
He skillfully oscillated between the two, appeasing them on both sides, believing he had the whole situation under his control. In reality, he had long since become the male lead in a long and tedious love triangle in the eyes of others, without even realizing it.
Bai Linlin keenly sensed the subtle attraction between Lu Yanchen and Yao Xueru, which made her increasingly insecure, leading to repeated misunderstandings, arguments, and tears.
And what about Lu Yanchen?
Every time he was softened and made guilty by Bai Linlin's tears and questioning, he would solemnly say, "I only see her as a comrade" and "Don't overthink it." But as soon as he turned around, Yao Xueru only needed a hesitant look and a soft "Brother Yanchen" to easily lure him back.
Yao Xueru, on the other hand, was clearly enjoying herself. Relying on her "prophecy," she could always accurately create various small accidents and opportunities, pressing forward step by step, enjoying the fun of the competition and Bai Linlin's exasperated appearance.
Xu Zhili exhaled softly, as if trying to expel the greasy feeling she had just inhaled.
She jumped down from the tree, bent down, and patted the grass clippings and dust off her trousers, her movements unhurried and deliberate.
She didn't envy anyone in this farce at all.
It felt as if they were wasting their precious springtime and energy in this endless, sticky, and unclear emotional tug-of-war.
The distant green mountains are silent, the nearby field ridges are quiet, only in this corner is an overly noisy drama unfolding.
She looked up at the sky; the sun was already beginning to set. She silently calculated how many work points she could earn from the work she had to do that afternoon, and what kind of food she should make for her young and tender younger brother, An'an, that evening.
Should we try to get some eggs instead, or just make some new dishes with the vegetables and grains we already have?
Let those three people continue their performance to the fullest.
Xu Zhili was just an audience member who was occasionally drawn in by the noise and glanced at the screen unintentionally.
Furthermore, they had already decided not to linger and to leave quietly ahead of time.
Xie Yunze caught a glimpse of Xu Zhili turning and leaving. His gaze, which had been drawn by the commotion, instantly returned, and the interest on his face faded.
He didn't glance at the crowd again, turned around and walked towards home, his steps unhurried, as if the commotion he had just witnessed was nothing more than an insignificant interlude.
"My God, have these three educated youths gone mad? What are they talking about in broad daylight?" Someone standing on the outskirts of the crowd exclaimed in astonishment.
"That's right. And that educated youth Lu is really fickle. He was being pulled around by two female educated youths and couldn't make up his mind."
The people around them joined in the discussion, their tone full of disapproval.
"In the end, it's because he lacks backbone. No wonder he caused this mess."
Another woman shook her head, clearly disapproving of the farce unfolding before her.
The surrounding area was filled with chatter, some curious, some disdainful, and some just enjoying the drama, making the small space increasingly noisy.
Lu Yanchen, Bai Linlin, and Yao Xueru only belatedly realized that a large crowd had already gathered behind them, all watching their spectacle with great interest.
Bai Linlin turned pale instantly, filled with shame and indignation. She covered her face and turned to run away.
"Bai Zhiqing, don't go."
Lu Yanchen hurriedly called out, but Bai Linlin didn't turn around. He awkwardly scratched the back of his head and grinned sheepishly, trying to smooth things over: "Everyone's here, hehe..."
An older woman in the crowd, always eager for drama, called out, "Lu Zhiqing, which one have you taken a fancy to? If you can't decide, how about I play matchmaker for you?"
"Okay, okay! Thank you, Auntie."
Upon hearing this, Yao Xueru was overjoyed and immediately agreed, her eyes filled with anticipation.
But Lu Yanchen immediately waved his hand, refusing the aunt's suggestion: "Auntie, thank you for your kindness. I am an educated youth from the capital, and my family has long told me that I cannot marry a country girl. I will return to the city sooner or later."
These words immediately caused an uproar among those around them.
"My God, is this person really from the city? Their thinking is just too..."
Some people couldn't help but whisper among themselves, their tone full of disapproval, and their gazes toward Lu Yanchen became somewhat strange.
“So what if they’re from the city? What’s wrong with country girls? They’re hardworking, capable, and honest. They’re no worse than those delicate city girls!” Aunt Wang said, hands on her hips, her voice booming and her face full of indignation.
Aunt Li, standing nearby, nodded in agreement, "That's right. This young man looks so refined, how come he's so shrewd? He hasn't even done anything yet, and he's already making such definitive statements. Does he really think that we country girls aren't good enough for him?"
"Go back to the city? Who knows when we'll be able to go back? If we want to settle down and make a living here, we'll still have to rely on us country girls for help."
Aunt Zhang curled her lip, her tone full of disdain, "I think she's just too arrogant, she'll get her comeuppance sooner or later."
Grandpa Li cleared his throat in the crowd and slowly said, "What you're saying isn't right either. With educated youth Lu by his side, there are two girls from the city, educated youth Bai and educated youth Yao. They are all educated youth, with similar family backgrounds and experiences, so naturally they would look at these city girls. How could it be our country girls?"
His words seemed to be trying to smooth things over for Lu Yanchen, but everyone present could clearly hear the hint of disdain in his tone.
Many people looked at Lu Yanchen with more complicated expressions—some were dissatisfied with his words, while others felt sorry for the entanglements among these educated youth.
Xie Jianguo strode over, his brows furrowed, and shouted in a deep voice to the huddled crowd, "Everyone, disperse."
"Do you still want your work points? All of you gossiping here, who's going to take responsibility if you delay the work? Let me tell you, anyone who dares to chat here again will have 30 work points deducted!"
These words immediately caused an uproar in the crowd.
"Oh dear, Captain Xie's method of deducting work points is too harsh."
Some people gasped in disbelief, their faces contorted with pain.
"That's right, stop talking now. If we stay here any longer, we might really lose all the work points we've earned these past few days."
The other person quickly tugged at the person next to him, and started moving, afraid of being caught by Xie Jianguo.
The once lively crowd scattered like a hornet's nest that had been poked, leaving only Lu Yanchen and Yao Xueru standing there, looking embarrassed.
Xie Jianguo glared at Lu Yanchen and said in a harsh tone, "Educated youths from the city should know the rules better. In the team, you have to abide by the team's rules, avoid causing trouble, and don't pull or shove each other. What kind of behavior is that?"
"What are you standing there for? Get to work, don't just stand there."
Xie Jianguo left with his hands behind his back.
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