country bumpkin

On Laba Festival, the department store in the city center of Yi was packed with people.

It turns out that a unique Laba Festival porridge-drinking competition is being held here.

A long table was set up on the scene, filled with bowls of steaming Laba porridge.

The contestants stood around the table, all eager to try.

Among them, an elderly man with gray hair but a sprightly spirit was the most eye-catching. This man was none other than Master Han from the garment factory.

He rubbed his hands together, his eyes fixed on the bowl of porridge in front of him, his gaze filled with determination.

There was also a young man next to him, dressed in sportswear, who looked like he had decided to participate in the competition on a whim, with a curious and excited expression on his face.

With the sound of a whistle, everyone picked up their spoons and began to drink the porridge in large gulps.

Master Han proved to be highly experienced, methodically scooping spoonful after spoonful into his mouth with incredible speed without spilling a drop.

The young man was a bit flustered, first grimacing from the burn, before regaining his composure and speeding up.

The cheers and shouts of encouragement from the surrounding audience filled the mall with a joyful and peaceful atmosphere.

After several rounds of competition, three champions were finally selected. Each winner received a box of eight-treasure porridge and shopping coupons.

Among the champions was Su Ze. He didn't recognize Master Han, but he felt that he looked familiar, though he couldn't remember where he had seen him before.

At this moment, Su Ze held up a coupon and asked Tian Yanyan, who was waiting beside him.

"Yanyan, is there anything you want to buy? I don't need any clothes right now, so you can use this ticket!"

Tian Yanyan happily accepted it, "Great! I was just thinking of buying a ready-made cotton-padded jacket."

He put the ticket in his pocket and said with a smile, "Thank you, Brother Ze, you're so kind to me."

After saying that, she kissed his cheek. Su Qing and Qian Ningning happened to see it.

Qian Ningning gritted her teeth; the jealousy in her heart had driven her crazy.

Su Qing was afraid that her colleagues would get into a fight over a man and lose face, so she quietly tugged at Qian Ningning, signaling her not to act impulsively.

Qian Ningning shook off Su Qing's hand and strode forward.

"Hmph, Tian Yanyan, how can you be so shameless, seducing a man in public and even kissing him!" Qian Ningning shouted angrily, her face flushed.

Tian Yanyan was startled and deliberately hid behind Su Ze, saying in a wronged tone, "Brother Ze, I didn't."

Su Ze frowned and said, "Qian Ningning, are you misunderstanding something? We're just friends. You don't need to be so nosy! Besides, she's my girlfriend. We can do whatever we want, and it's none of your business."

Then he said to Su Qing, "Sister, can you please be more discerning when making friends in the future? Can just anyone become a friend?"

Su Qing rolled her eyes, thinking to herself, "What does your love triangle after your argument have to do with me? I'm so innocent!"

Qian Ningning sneered, "Girlfriend? That doesn't mean you can kiss her on the cheek in public. Do you think we're blind? Don't you know the impact this behavior has on society?"

Su Ze no longer spared her any face and said bluntly, "Oh! Qian Ningning, are you an old-fashioned woman from the 60s or the head of the Women's Federation? I hope you never date or get married in your life."

By this time, a crowd had gathered around, pointing and whispering about them. Su Ze felt embarrassed and was about to explain.

Suddenly a voice came from inside, “Oh my, isn’t this Su Ze? Long time no see!”

Everyone turned to look and saw that it was Li Gang, Su Ze's old classmate.

Li Gang glanced at the situation and roughly guessed what was going on. He joked, "Su Ze, your ability to seduce women is getting better and better."

Su Ze shook his head helplessly and took the opportunity to pull Tian Yanyan out of the crowd. Qian Ningning wanted to chase after them to argue.

Holding Su Qing back tightly, Qian Ningning could only watch them leave, stomping her feet in anger.

Su Qing was also very angry. On one side was her own younger brother and on the other side was her best friend. She was caught in the middle and felt very awkward.

But today's incident was caused by Qian Ningning deliberately picking a fight, so she decided to confront Qian Ningning and find out what she really meant.

Su Qing pulled her to a secluded corner and asked, "Ningning, tell me the truth, do you like my brother?"

Qian Ningning didn't speak, but nodded a little shyly. Su Qing wasn't surprised that she had already figured it out.

Su Qing advised her, "Ningning, Xiaoze is not right for you. You should forget about him! Besides, he and Tian Yanyan are already engaged, and they've even chosen a date."

Upon hearing this, Qian Ningning felt as if struck by lightning; she trembled and nearly collapsed. Su Qing quickly supported her and continued to comfort her.

"Ningning, let's find someone who's right for us! You can't force a relationship. You can't force things when it comes to feelings."

Qian Ningning stared at Su Qing in disbelief, saying, "Qingqing, you don't agree to me pursuing your brother either? We're best friends! How can you side with Tian Yanyan?"

Su Qing was speechless. She looked at the frantic Qian Ningning with disappointment and said, "I'm doing this for your own good! I don't want you to get any more involved. My brother already has someone else in his heart. What's the point of you chasing after him? It's all in vain. In the end, you'll only hurt yourself."

Su Qing said again, "Ningning, can't you wake up?"

Qian Ningning looked at Su Qing in anguish, tears streaming down her face. She shook her head and said, "No... I won't... I won't give up." Then she turned and ran away.

Su Qing watched her retreating figure, feeling a pang of sadness in her heart. She wondered if Qian Ningning would still be her friend in the future; perhaps their friendship had already ended.

She couldn't break up her younger brother and Tian Yanyan, a loving young couple. Nor could she help Qian Ningning's stubborn and fruitless relationship.

She felt it was better to be alone, with nothing holding her free.

When you reach marriageable age, just go on blind dates and marry anyone you like. It's so much easier.

My own brother and sister-in-law met and got married through a blind date, and they're living a great life.

My sister-in-law is hardworking and virtuous, my brother is down-to-earth and family-oriented, my nephew is healthy and adorable, and my niece is lively and cheerful.

The more Su Qing thought about it, the more she felt she was right. She should just go to work and pass the time peacefully!

Love is something you can't force; if you can't find the right person, don't make trouble for yourself.

Just let things take their course. If it's not meant to be, there's no point in thinking about it. You'll just end up like Qian Ningning, who only brought trouble upon herself.

Having thought it all through, Su Qing turned and went home. She was no longer in the mood for shopping; she decided to go home, sleep, and recharge.

Su Ze took Tian Yanyan's hand and led her to another clothing counter. He helped Tian Yanyan choose clothes, as if the unpleasant incident from earlier had never happened.

Tian Yanyan didn't take it to heart. No matter how many women were after Su Ze, as long as he was on her side and had her in his heart, that was enough.

Tian Yanyan walked over, smiling as she took the clothes from Su Ze's hands, and went to the fitting room.

After Tian Yanyan tried on several outfits, she finally chose two of her favorites. As Tian Yanyan went to pay, Su Ze stopped her and paid for her.

Tian Yanyan felt a sweet, delighted feeling inside. She thought to herself that a man would only be so willing to spend money on a woman he liked.

The two strolled around for another afternoon, and finally, holding her hand, they went to a restaurant for dinner.