country bumpkin

On Saturday, the third day of the twelfth lunar month, the chill was biting, but it couldn't dampen the burning passion in Song Ke and Bai Linlin's hearts.

Today, Song Ke took Bai Linlin back to Xingfu Village. After a bumpy journey, the two finally arrived at Song Ke's hometown.

The old locust tree at the village entrance still stands tall, like a loyal guardian.

Song Ke held Bai Linlin's hand tightly, his eyes full of anticipation and tenderness: "Linlin, you'll see my mother soon, don't be nervous."

Bai Linlin nodded gently, a sweet smile appearing on her lips.

Despite her heart pounding, she was filled with curiosity and anticipation for meeting her future mother-in-law.

As you walk along the winding path, a simple courtyard comes into view in the distance.

At the entrance of the courtyard, a woman dressed in simple cotton clothes was eagerly waiting.

Song Ke quickened his pace and called out, "Mom, we're back!"

The woman's face instantly lit up with a bright smile, and she quickly came to greet her.

"This must be Linlin, right? Let Auntie take a look."

Aunt Du took Bai Linlin's hand, looked her up and down, her eyes full of affection.

Bai Linlin blushed slightly and called out softly, "Hello, Auntie."

Aunt Du smiled so much her eyes narrowed into slits. "Alright, alright, come inside quickly, it's cold outside."

Stepping inside, a warm feeling washes over you. The table is laden with all sorts of snacks and fruits, clearly prepared with care.

Aunt Du bustled around, pouring tea for Bai Linlin and pulling her to sit beside her, like a mother and daughter who hadn't seen each other for many years.

Song Ke asked in confusion, "Mother, why don't I see Jiaojiao?"

Aunt Du said, "Oh, a few days ago Xiao Zhe took her to the city, saying it was for a medical check-up or something."

Song Ke responded with an "Oh."

I thought to myself that my brother-in-law really cares about my sister, and he even takes her for prenatal checkups regularly. It seems my sister is very happy now, and he's relieved.

"Linlin, my Ke'er is stubborn, but kind-hearted. If he does anything wrong, please be lenient with him," Aunt Du said kindly.

Bai Linlin quickly replied, "Auntie, Brother Ke is so good to me, we are very happy together."

As she spoke, she secretly glanced at Song Ke, who was also gazing at her affectionately. The two smiled at each other, and a sweet atmosphere filled the air.

When Aunt Du heard her daughter-in-law call her son "brother," she thought it was a very intimate way of addressing him, and it seemed that her son's good news was coming soon.

My son wrote a few days ago saying he'd bring his girlfriend, Bai Linlin, over for a visit this weekend. It seems their relationship is progressing quite quickly.

At lunchtime, Aunt Du served up a series of steaming hot farm dishes, all of which were Song Ke's favorites and authentic delicacies that Bai Linlin had never tasted before.

Aunt Du kept putting food on Bai Linlin's plate, saying, "Try this, these are vegetables we grew ourselves, they're so fresh."

Bai Linlin ate with great relish, every bite filled with the taste of home.

After the meal, Aunt Du took Bai Linlin for a walk around the village.

The village is peaceful and serene in winter, with distant mountains covered in snow, resembling a traditional Chinese ink painting.

As they walked, Aunt Du told Bai Linlin funny stories about Song Ke's childhood. Bai Linlin listened intently, occasionally letting out a silvery laugh.

Looking at the lively, cheerful, gentle, and virtuous young girl, Aunt Du was overjoyed and very satisfied with her daughter-in-law.

When they got home, night had already fallen. Aunt Du had already made up a warm bed for the two of them.

Lying in bed, Bai Linlin said with deep emotion, "Brother Ke, do you know what? When I saw Auntie today, I felt so warm and familiar, just like I was at home."

Song Ke embraced Bai Linlin and whispered, "I knew you two would get along well. From now on, we'll work together to make this family even happier."

The two embraced and fell into a deep sleep.

Aunt Du was so happy she couldn't sleep. She waited for a long time but didn't hear any sound from her son's room.

He thought to himself, "Are they still not together? When will I be able to hold my grandson?"

Later, I realized that I was being too hasty. We weren't engaged or married yet, and if we got together, it would be irresponsible of me to Linlin.

I gave myself a good dressing down; I was way too eager to have a grandson. Luckily, my son wasn't senile.

The next day, Aunt Du got up early, prepared the meal, and waited for her son and Linlin to get up and eat.

It wasn't until after 7 a.m. that it was fully light. Bai Linlin woke up groggily and looked at Song Ke lying opposite her. Her happiness outweighed her embarrassment.

Yesterday, when she saw Aunt Du making up a bed for her and Song Ke, preparing for them to sleep in the same bed, she felt embarrassed.

But she didn't refuse. She knew that Brother Ke was a gentleman and wouldn't do anything to her.

Whenever their emotions ran high, Song Ke would restrain himself. The first time he kissed her, he even asked for her consent. He would only kiss her if she agreed.

His house didn't have many rooms. Besides Aunt Du's room, there was one empty room and the rest was a storage room. There were no beds or bedding.

So the only option was for the two of them to live together. She didn't want to live with Aunt Du, so this was the only way.

While she was carefully observing Song Ke, Song Ke actually woke up.

The two stared at each other for a while before Song Ke finally asked in a hoarse voice, "Linbao, how long have you been awake?"

Bai Linlin's heart pounded wildly as she heard the magnetic voice call her "baby".

Her face was burning hot, and she answered softly, "It wasn't long, just a few minutes."

Song Ke pulled her close, kissed her forehead, and slowly said, "How about we get engaged when we get back?"

Bai Linlin smiled, her eyes crinkling, "Okay, whatever you say."

Song Ke cuddled with her for a while longer before getting up to take her to wash up. After washing up, they went to the main room for dinner.

Aunt Du boiled eggs, made noodles with shredded pork, a plate of steamed cured sausage, and a plate of tangy shredded potatoes.

Bai Linlin ate happily, her face full of a satisfied smile.

Since my son started working outside, our family's living conditions have improved a lot.

Her goddaughter Zhang Qingjiao often gave her living expenses, and her son-in-law Xiao Zhe would bring meat and grain home every time he came.

Aunt Du was thinking that she would have a cute little grandson after her son got married next year.

When my daughter gives birth to a grandson, my good days will begin, and only then will my life be complete.

The two days in Xingfu Village were filled with warmth and joy every moment.

Aunt Du and Bai Linlin were as close as mother and daughter, cooking, chatting, and doing needlework together.

Seeing the two so close together, Song Ke felt a surge of satisfaction.

Before they knew it, the holiday was coming to an end, and they had to go back to the city.

Aunt Du stood at the village entrance, her eyes glistening with tears of reluctance.

Bai Linlin hugged Aunt Du tightly: "Auntie, don't be sad, we will come back to see you often."

Aunt Du nodded and told the two of them to take good care of themselves in the city.

The car slowly started moving, and Bai Linlin watched her future mother-in-law's figure grow smaller and smaller through the car window, but that warmth and love would remain forever in her heart.

She knew that in this happy village, a deep sense of family awaited her, and that her love with Song Ke would grow stronger and more steadfast under the nourishment of this family bond.