country bumpkin

Squeezing through the crowd, Song Ke realized Bai Linlin was nowhere to be seen, and he was utterly disappointed.

He returned dejectedly to the dormitory shed next to the new workshop. He then pulled Li Dalong aside to drink with him.

Li Dalong looked at Song Ke, who was usually full of vigor, and now looked completely different from the dejected man he was now.

He asked, "Brother Song, is there something you can't figure out? Tell me about it, and I'll help you analyze it."

Song Ke raised his bewildered eyes and looked at him, saying, "I don't know what I'm thinking either. I used to like a girl, but she already had someone else in her heart and was married to that person."

After taking a sip of his drink, he continued, "It's been a long time since then, and I've let it go. My heart has closed itself off. But recently, something's been stirring within me. I don't know what I really feel for Bai Linlin, and I'm really conflicted."

Li Dalong picked up his glass, finished his drink, and said, "What's there to agonize over? If you like someone, go for it; if you don't, forget about them. It's that simple. Why make it so complicated? Life is hard enough as it is, why make it harder on yourself?"

Li Dalong laughed and said, "Why don't you give it a try and see what she thinks of you? You can also see if you two are compatible."

Song Ke suddenly understood and said, "Okay, I'll listen to Brother Li and try asking her out first."

The two started chatting about everyday things, drinking one cup after another, and unsurprisingly, Song Ke got drunk again.

Li Dalong helped him to bed, covered him with a blanket, and then went to another bed in a different shed to sleep.

The night was silent, with clouds drifting lazily by. A gentle breeze blew, and the trees stood tall like bells.

The next day, Song Ke woke up with a jolt from his hangover, his head throbbing and him feeling a little dizzy. He'd drunk quite a bit yesterday, which explained the severe aftereffects today.

Hearing that workers had already arrived at work, Song Ke quickly got up to wash up.

The new workshop has been built, and now it's all finishing touches. After a thorough inspection of all corners, walls, and ceiling beams, there are no problems.

The project is due for completion today, so they will be leaving this afternoon.

However, the deal for the new construction site hasn't been finalized yet, and he expects to have a few days off so he can go home to see his mother.

At 9 a.m., the boss and the person in charge of the garment factory came to inspect the quality of the new workshop.

After carefully inspecting it for a long time, I didn't find any problems. I realized that these construction workers paid attention to even the smallest details. I signed for the building with great satisfaction.

The afternoon was free, so everyone packed up their things, including clothes, mattresses, blankets, straw mats, pots and pans, and other personal belongings.

Song Ke came to the workshop alone. Because he often walked around the factory, the security staff all knew him, so no one stopped him.

Seeing all the busy employees around, I felt a little anxious. Why couldn't I find Bai Linlin?

Just as Song Ke was looking around, a tall, thin girl walked over.

She looked Song Ke up and down curiously, then asked softly, "Are you looking for Bai Linlin?"

Song Ke nodded hurriedly, as if grasping at a lifeline.

The girl smiled and said, "She took the day off today. It seems like something came up at home."

Upon hearing this, Song Ke was filled with disappointment. However, not wanting to miss this opportunity, he asked the girl for Bai Linlin's address.

The girl hesitated for a moment, but eventually told him.

When Song Ke found Bai Linlin's house according to the address, he saw some clothes drying in her yard, and a warm atmosphere wafted over him.

He mustered his courage and knocked on the door. When the door opened, Bai Linlin looked at him in surprise.

Song Ke stammered as he explained his purpose, saying he wanted to visit her and have a chat.

Bai Linlin stepped aside to let him into the house. A faint floral fragrance filled the room. The two sat facing each other, the atmosphere somewhat subtle and awkward.

Song Ke took a deep breath and was about to speak when Bai Linlin spoke first: "Actually, I know why you came, but I haven't figured out my feelings yet."

Song Ke paused for a moment, then slowly nodded. The disappointment in his eyes was impossible to hide.

Bai Linlin looked at him gently and said, "You're a little late. My mother made me come back for a blind date and decided that I should get engaged to that person..."

Song Ke couldn't hear what was said after that; he only heard words like "blind date" and "engagement," which were unpleasant to hear.

At that moment, he felt that these words could burn his soul and destroy his will.

Bai Linlin saw sadness in his eyes, as if the sunshine of youth had disappeared, or like a fish out of water, devoid of life.

Bai Linlin's heart clenched painfully; she clutched her chest, holding her breath. She slowly slid down and slumped into the seat.

Song Ke noticed her unusual behavior, quickly went over, grabbed her arm, and anxiously asked what was wrong.

"Linlin, Linlin, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell? I'll take you to the hospital."

Bai Linlin slumped into the chair, slowly recovering, and breathed a soft sigh of relief.

He said, "It's nothing, my heart just felt uncomfortable a moment ago, like I was stabbed with a sharp knife, it hurt a lot. But I'm fine now, don't worry."

Seeing such a kind girl, Song Ke realized that she was already in a lot of pain herself, yet she was still caring for him and comforting him.

Song Ke felt that he would regret it for the rest of his life if he gave up such a good girl.

At that moment, he understood his own heart, and realized how much he cared about Bai Linlin; the feeling she gave him was more important than anyone else's.

I don't think I felt this strongly even when I liked Zhang Qingjiao. Losing Bai Linlin felt like losing everything, like the world had lost its light and was filled with darkness.

He finally mustered up the courage to grab Bai Linlin's watch and said, "Bai Linlin, I like you. Let's be together, okay?"

Bai Linlin stood there dumbfounded, unsure how to respond. Her heart, however, was pounding with excitement.

She realized how much she liked him; seeing him so sad just now had made her heart ache.

She didn't know why she liked him so much and so deeply. They had only met a few times and exchanged very few words, so how had she fallen for him?

Song Ke stared at her blankly, and his heart began to race. He had a feeling that she would reject him.

It's all my fault for realizing this too late. She's already gone on blind dates; how can she accept this belated relationship?

It felt like two little people were fighting in Song Ke's head, having a fierce internal struggle.

He shook off his chaotic thoughts, hugged Bai Linlin tightly, and said, "I will not let go, I will definitely win you over."

Bai Linlin snapped out of her daze, tears welling in her eyes, and looked at him hesitantly. Her hand unconsciously touched Song Ke's cheek.

With a trembling voice, she asked, "Really...? You really... like... me? Am I dreaming?"

Song Ke nodded firmly, "Really, I really like you."

Looking into Song Ke's loving eyes, Bai Linlin asked incredulously, "We don't seem to have said much, how can you be so sure you like me?"

Song Ke explained, "No, that's not it. I remember you, I remember clearly everything you did for me."

Bai Linlin looked at him blankly. "What happened? I don't remember anything."

Song Ke said, "Every time during lunch break, you would appear among all the girls who gave me gifts. Every day on my way home from get off work, you would take a detour for me, silently watching me with your eyes. And those few days when the weather was hot, you gave me refreshing tea. I will always remember that cheerful, quirky, short-haired girl."

Bai Linlin looked at him incredulously and said, "So you've always remembered me. I thought so many girls would come to see you and bring you gifts, how could you possibly notice a little girl like me?"

Song Ke chuckled foolishly, "Actually, I've always noticed you, but I just didn't understand my own feelings. When I heard you took leave to go home, I was very disappointed and wanted to see you right away. When I heard you were going on a blind date and getting engaged, my heart ached. Only then did I realize how much I care about you and how much I like you."

Bai Linlin was so happy when he confessed his love again that her eyebrows lifted up.

She also expressed her thoughts, saying, "Then you must be devoted to me and not have any involvement with anyone else. Otherwise, I'll make sure you can't find me and never see me again."

Looking at the bright and kind girl in front of him, Song Ke smiled and said, "Aren't you silly? Is it enough to just not let me see you? Isn't there any punishment? You're too kind, you're such a silly girl."

Bai Linlin smiled sweetly, "Hehe! I don't want to hurt you or anyone else, so I guess I'll just have to put up with it myself!"

Song Ke was deeply impressed by her words, thinking to himself that this girl was really silly.