A husband found in the village? I bought a regent for a penny!

Mu Nanzhao laughed self-deprecatingly, muttering to himself, "Surveillance? Knowing what you hate most, what reason would I have to do that?"

Mu Nanzhao did indeed make arrangements in Huachidu Village.

Master Liu's arrival was for two reasons: first, to bring people to protect Gu Xixi, and even the entire village.

These things were already made clear to Liu Fuzi on the night he met Gu Xixi.

Secondly, there were the children in the village school.

To be honest, even Mu Nanzhao himself didn't believe it.

In the past few months, he has not only gradually adapted to Mr. Chen's position, but has even developed a real sense of responsibility as a teacher.

Perhaps it was the children's thirst for knowledge, perhaps it was the innocent "Teacher" they called out, or perhaps it was the simple and pure school life, free from scheming and intrigue...

When Mu Nanzhao was at the border, he regretted the choice he had made for the first time.

He shouldn't have agreed to be a teacher on some whim! Now he's leaving with a heavy heart.

So Mu Nanzhao brought out "Master Liu".

Master Liu's knowledge and talent were no less than those of Mu Nanzhao.

More importantly, Master Liu was gentle and patient, making him more suitable than Mu Nanzhao to teach in the village school.

The reason Mu Nanzhao didn't defend himself earlier was because Gu Xixi was largely right.

Mu Nanzhao originally had no intention of returning to Huachidu Village.

There are too many people and too many things waiting for him outside.

However, at the end of his confidential reply to Master Liu, out of personal friendship, he added a casual remark.

He said he saw a blue-eyed Hu man at Boss Gu's house that night, whose behavior was absurd and ridiculous.

Master Liu, however, retained the integrity of a scholar, only writing about what he saw and not making gossipy or rambling accounts.

After all, when Mu Nanzhao assigned him the task, he specifically instructed him not to monitor or record the Gu family's every move, and not to disturb anyone in the Gu family's daily life.

Mu Nanzhao burned new paper with a dark face and cursed, "Meddlesome."

He certainly knew who the letter was describing.

From the first time he met An Qinghe, that kid's feelings for Gu Xixi were obvious.

Then, a full-scale war broke out with Beili.

As General Huo's hidden strategist, Mu Nanzhao devoted himself wholeheartedly to the task and won several battles.

He seemed to have completely forgotten Gu Xixi and everything about Huachidu Village.

Just as the final battle ended and everyone returned to camp in triumph, about to take stock and celebrate, Mu Nanzhao left a note for Huo Jiang and rode off on horseback overnight.

……

Aunt Zhang returned humming a song, carrying a vegetable basket, with an old doctor carrying a medicine box beside her.

The old doctor was returning from treating patients when the two met on the road in front of his house.

Before Mu Nanzhao could retreat back into the house, Aunt Zhang called him back.

"Xiao Chen! Why are you standing there all alone? Where's Xixi?"

"She went out with An Qinghe." For the first time, Mu Nanzhao's mouth moved faster than his brain, and he unconsciously emphasized the word "together."

But he quickly realized something was wrong; why did it sound like he was jealous?

To avoid making things worse, Mu Nanzhao remained silent with a blank expression.

Aunt Zhang was stunned and subconsciously glanced at the old doctor.

The old doctor was blind, which made his senses more acute than those of ordinary people.

“Xiao An is a hardworking kid. He and I are both staying at our house, so it’s natural that he wants to do more.”

"Before Xixi came back this time, Xiao An had been helping people all over the village and had become familiar with everyone in the village."

Aunt Zhang quickly chimed in, "Yes, yes, it must be Xiao An who wanted to help Xi Xi and insisted on going along."

Mu Nanzhao said quietly, "He certainly knows how to win people's hearts."

Aunt Zhang was stunned again.

The courtyard was eerily quiet.

The old doctor smiled and said, "I've been taking care of your health for a long time. It's been a while since we last met, so I should take your pulse and see how your recovery is going."

Mu Nanzhao did not object, "Then I'll trouble Elder Jiang."

The old doctor walked towards the backyard. "What trouble? You used to come to my room every day for medicine and acupuncture. Why have you become so distant after just one trip out?"

Mu Nanzhao followed the old doctor, took the medicine box off his shoulder, and carried it himself.

"Old Jiang, you're joking. You saved my life, how could I possibly be distant from you?"

The old doctor nodded with a smile.

Aunt Zhang breathed a sigh of relief as she watched the two walk toward the backyard.

She turned and glanced outside the gate, muttering to herself, "No matter how good the child's relationship is with Xiao An, there is still a difference between men and women. I think Xiao Chen seems to care about this."

"How can this be good?"

Aunt Zhang moved a small stool and sat in the yard, basking in the sun while picking vegetables.

She was counting down the days until school was about to end, and as she worked facing the main gate, she would occasionally look up and glance around.

There are some things that elders shouldn't say outright, but fortunately, Miss He is in the family now.

It would be much easier for the two young women to have a private chat.

He Jinglan and Xiao Shitou returned together, chatting and laughing, seemingly having had a good day at the village school.

Aunt Zhang quickly stood up, first sending Shi Tou to wash his hands, then pulling He Jinglan aside.

That's what they said.

A sharp glint flashed in He Jinglan's eyes. "You mean Xixi and An Qinghe went out hand in hand in front of Chen Fang?"

Aunt Zhang exclaimed, "They weren't holding hands! Xixi had already gone out when I got back!"

He Jinglan said, "Anyway, that's roughly the idea."

Aunt Zhang corrected her earnestly, "Men and women should not touch each other; this kind of thing cannot be taken lightly."

He Jinglan hummed in agreement, her eyes unfocused, a smile playing on her lips, her thoughts seemingly wandering elsewhere.

Aunt Zhang continued to plead, "Judging from Xiao Chen's expression, she seems a little bothered. Since you're close to Xi Xi, you should talk to her privately and ask her to keep a proper distance from Xiao An in the future."

"Especially in front of Xiao Chen."

"It's not a situation where things seem suspicious, but doing this is better for everyone."

He Jinglan's smile vanished, and she solemnly agreed to Aunt Zhang, "Okay, leave this to me, you don't need to worry about it."

Aunt Zhang sat back down on the stool, then remembered something and looked up, saying, "You don't know Xiao Chen yet."

"When we have lunch later, I'll have Xixi introduce you to her. You can see what kind of husband Xixi is."

“Okay.” He Jinglan said seriously. “Xixi and I are as close as sisters. It’s only right that I help her choose a partner for such an important life event.”

She turned her back, finally unable to suppress a mischievous laugh, and quickly covered her mouth with her hand.

It was past noon when Gu Xixi and An Qinghe finally returned home.

I washed my hands and followed the aroma of the food into the house; the whole family was there.

Anqing was still excited and started talking about Gu Xixi's tea trees as soon as he entered the door.

"The tea leaves have already grown, from several different kinds of trees. Xixi said we still need to select them. That's amazing!"

He held up a small cloth bag and said proudly, "Xixi and I have tried this tea, and it has the most fragrant and sweet aftertaste."

Gu Xixi remained silent, staring at the kang (a heated brick bed) as if she had seen a ghost.