“Second Brother, I’m only saying this because I care about you,” Xu Ying said earnestly. “Sister Qiuye’s father made it clear—he won’t agree to your marriage until you’re accepted as a teacher in the county.”
She glanced at him, her eyes full of meaning. “Don’t you want to marry Sister Qiuye as soon as possible? Even if it’s not for fame, don’t you want to give her a good life?”
The moment Xu Shengcai heard those words, he shook his head with conviction. A girl like Qiuye was a blessing to any man. That she chose him—how could he ever take that lightly? He would never let her down.
Seeing he was taking her words to heart, Xu Ying gently continued, “I heard there’s a limited quota for teachers to transfer from the commune to the county. It’s rare, and now that such an outstanding Teacher Sun has joined, it’s going to be even harder for you, Second Brother. You’ll have to surpass Teacher Sun if you want a chance.”
Her voice softened, full of concern, and yet her words lit a competitive flame inside him.
“Little sister, I’ll work hard. I promise,” Xu Shengcai clenched his fists, eyes blazing with determination. He looked like a man ready to go to war.
That night, after everyone else had gone to bed, the lamp in Xu Shengcai’s room remained lit. Muttering to himself, he flipped through his textbooks and practice materials. He wouldn’t waste another moment.
In the quiet hours of the night, Mother Xu got up to use the toilet. When she saw the light spilling out from beneath his door, she rushed to his room and stood there stunned for a while. Finally, she burst out, “Xu Shengcai, you little rascal! What are you still doing up this late? Do you think lamps don’t cost money? Hmph! And what about all that pitiful money you’re earning? Marrying a wife doesn’t come cheap, you know…”
With her grumbling still echoing in his ears, Xu Shengcai reluctantly switched off the lamp and lay down, his dreams filled with a determined fire.
The next morning, he was up with the sun.
After dressing with particular care, he stood in front of the water tank and admired his reflection in the rippling surface. His neatly combed hair, his clean shirt—he looked good, and he knew it.
“Little sister, I’ll take you to work today,” he offered.
“Eh? You’re off today?” Xu Ying asked in surprise.
He chuckled, nodding. He hadn’t seen Qiuye in nearly half a month, and his heart had been aching for her.
Ah, the sweet, sour scent of first love.
“Second Brother, hurry up! I’m leaving!” Xu Ying teased as she stepped out.
Immediately, Xu Shengcai dashed into the courtyard to push out the cycle, beaming like a boy with a secret.
As they walked down the road, he leaned toward her, eyes gleaming with anticipation. “Little sister, I’m bringing Qiuye to our place for lunch later. Can you cook a little extra? Something nice?”
Xu Ying laughed. “Sure, no problem.”
Pleased with her response, he grinned so wide his cheeks nearly hurt. He had to make a good impression. He was going to take Qiuye to the cinema, then bring her over for lunch, and later they’d stroll through the garden. Not a minute would be wasted.
“Little sister, do you think Qiuye and I are a good match?” There was a trace of insecurity in his voice, a vulnerability he rarely showed.
He couldn’t help it. Qiuye’s father didn’t think much of him, and that thought gnawed at him.
But Xu Ying didn’t think anything was wrong with her second brother. In fact, in her past life, he had suffered because of her, and she couldn’t forgive herself for that.
With his looks and brains, he was one of the best.
“Second Brother, I think you and Sister Qiuye are perfect together. Since she chose you, she clearly feels the same. Don’t overthink it. Just focus on working hard and making money—she’s waiting for you to marry her.”
Those words were exactly what he needed. His confidence surged again. Yes, she chose him. That must mean something.
“Second Brother, go get Sister Qiuye now. Bring her here for breakfast before your little date,” Xu Ying added, walking into the restaurant.
Without wasting another second, Xu Shengcai jumped onto his bicycle and pedaled toward Qiuye’s house.
But just as he arrived at the gate, he was greeted with a startling sight.
Xu Qiuye came running out of the yard with red, watery eyes. Behind her, Accountant Xu followed, his face dark with annoyance.
“Qiuye, what happened?” Xu Shengcai quickly parked his bike and ran over, heart thudding.
She tried to hold back her tears, but when she saw him, they spilled down her cheeks like raindrops on glass. She quickly turned her face away, wiping them with the back of her hand. “It’s nothing,” she whispered.
“Shengcai’s here, huh?” Accountant Xu said, trying to play it cool. But the flicker of guilt in his eyes didn’t go unnoticed. “What’s the matter, Uncle Xu?” Shengcai asked cautiously.
“Oh, just a little disagreement. That girl’s too sensitive. Anyway, you two go enjoy yourselves.” With a final glance at his daughter, he got on his bike and rode off to work.
Still troubled, Xu Shengcai turned to Qiuye. “Did your dad force you to do something you didn’t want to?”
Qiuye’s eyes shimmered, but the bitterness was gone in an instant, tucked neatly behind a smile. “No, really. Just a small argument. Let’s go to the cinema, or we’ll miss the good seats.”
It was their first movie date, and she didn’t want anything to ruin it.
Seeing her reluctance to discuss it further, Xu Shengcai didn’t press her. “Alright then. Let’s grab breakfast first. You sit tight!”
He pedaled faster this time, wind brushing past them.
“Slow down!” Qiuye cried out, instinctively wrapping her arms around his waist.
“Don’t worry! I won’t let you fall,” he said with a grin, secretly enjoying the warmth of her touch.
Her face turned red, and the blush lingered until they arrived at the restaurant.
Xu Ying spotted them and couldn’t help sneaking glances. Sister Qiuye’s cheeks are so red… could it be what I think it is? Has Second Brother finally fallen deep in love?
“Second Brother, Sister Qiuye—what would you like to eat? I have buns with different fillings today.”
Qiuye pointed to the menu and gently said, “I’ll have two steamed buns.”
But Xu Shengcai ordered four buns and a bowl of porridge without hesitation. He even bought a bowl for Qiuye.
After eating, the couple headed out, leaving Xu Ying to clean up.
Before long, Gao Guihua strolled in, eyes sharp and curious. She had caught a glimpse of the girl earlier and couldn’t shake the feeling she looked familiar.
“Xu Ying, who was that girl just now?”
“That’s my second brother’s partner,” Xu Ying replied without looking up, busy planning lunch.
Gao Guihua narrowed her eyes. “She looks like someone from the county town… wait, is she?”
Xu Ying looked up, surprised. “You know Sister Qiuye?”
Gao Guihua frowned, lips pursed in thought. She paced the restaurant until breakfast was sold out. Then suddenly, she slapped her thigh.
“Ah! That’s her!”
Her expression turned odd, lips twisting with frustration.
That girl—Qiuye—was the same one the matchmaker had suggested for her own younger brother just a few days ago! They were waiting to set a meeting, but the girl’s side had delayed again and again.
Now it made sense. The girl already had someone.
And not just anyone—but Xu Ying’s second brother.
So this was why things weren’t progressing with the match. Not because of her family—but because Accountant Xu had been stringing them along!
The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. Her face darkened.
How dare they treat my family like a joke!
“Sister-in-law, what’s wrong?” asked Gao Xianghong, clearly puzzled.
“Nothing. Just remembered something unpleasant.” Gao Guihua huffed. “I’m going back to my parents’ house after work today. You tell your mother.”
As she stormed out, she was already planning what she’d say.
Accountant Xu had crossed a line—and she wasn’t going to let it slide.