country bumpkin

The Mid-Autumn Festival has passed, and Kong Xiufang is about to return to the city.

She spent three days at home: the day before the holiday, the day of the holiday, and today is the last day. She's going back to the city this afternoon.

On the last day, as she was about to leave, she remembered her relationship status and realized she needed to tell her mother something about it.

She blushed and said, "Mother, I have something to tell you. Don't be surprised or angry, okay?"

Mu Shuyun became a little nervous after hearing what she said. Looking at her, she asked, "What's wrong, girl? Tell me quickly."

Kong Xiufang said, "I met someone at the factory."

Mu Shuyun gaped in surprise. "When did this happen? How long have you known each other? What's his character like? How far have things progressed between you two?"

The barrage of questions left Kong Xiufang's head spinning.

She said anxiously, "Mother, you don't need to worry about this person's character. My eldest sister and brother-in-law both know him, and they both say he's a good person. When I first came to the city, my eldest sister and brother-in-law even wanted to act as matchmakers to bring us together!"

Mu Shuyun felt a little relieved after hearing this. As long as her eldest daughter also thought he was a good person, there wouldn't be any problem.

After all, they've been through it all, so they naturally know more. They can tell by a person's character, family background, the character of their parents, and so on.

The most important point is that the eldest son-in-law is honest and kind. If he says someone is a good person, he should be right.

Mu Shuyun then asked, "How long have you been talking?"

Kong Xiufang calmed down and said, "It seems like it's been three months!"

Mu Shuyun then asked, "How far has it progressed?"

Kong Xiufang said, "I have met his mother, and he invited me to his home for dinner."

Before Mu Shuyun could speak, Kong Xiufang added, "His father passed away from illness several years ago."

Mu Shuyun frowned: "Oh! So you're a child with a hard life! I don't object, but you must remember, you absolutely cannot live at his house until you get married. Otherwise, he will look down on you."

Kong Xiufang nodded and said, "Mother, don't worry, I will definitely remember."

The mother and daughter talked for a long time. Kong Xiufang then told her mother about the major events that had recently happened in her eldest, second, and third elder sisters' families.

Hearing that her daughters were doing well, Mu Shuyun felt at ease, and her mood improved somewhat.

After lunch, Mu Shuyun walked Kong Xiufang to the station. Yunya followed behind, bouncing like a little bell always on her body.

After waiting a while, the bus to the city arrived, and Kong Xiufang waved goodbye and got on the bus.

Mu Shuyun led Yunya back to pack her youngest son's luggage. Tomorrow, her youngest son, Kong Xiangyao, would also be returning to the city.

Why didn't he leave today? It's because Kong Xiangyao went to a friend's house for a gathering. Kong Xiangyao has several childhood friends he grew up with.

Among them was a bright young man named Li Fugui. He had contracted renovation projects for several new residential communities in a major city in another province.

Kong Xiangyao studied house renovation, and now that he has completed his studies, he can handle things on his own.

A group of childhood friends got together for a meal, and the main topic of conversation was how to make money and get rich together.

In life, you don't need many friends, but you must have a few close confidants. Especially avoid fair-weather friends; they are the most precious. The most valuable friends are those who will lend a helping hand in your most difficult times.

Kong Xiangyao arrived at his friend's house, where everyone was enthusiastically discussing the details of the project.

The childhood friend who was contracting the project was named Li Fugui. He spread the blueprints out on the table and pointed to each area as he explained.

"Let's start with small apartments and proceed steadily." Everyone nodded in agreement.

At this point, someone suggested that there might be some financial strain.

After thinking for a moment, Kong Xiangyao said, "We can get an advance on some of the wages to buy the materials first, and then I'll find some cheap but reliable suppliers." Everyone thought this was a feasible idea.

The group chatted until dark before parting ways and going home.

Back home, Kong Xiangyao shared his thoughts with his parents.

Kong Tongming nodded in agreement, "Great idea! And with so many young men we know in our villages, you're sure to succeed."

On the other side, Kong Xiufang sat in the car, her heart filled with anticipation for the future.

Thinking of her boyfriend, the corners of her mouth unconsciously turned up. She was happy at the thought of seeing him as soon as she got off the bus.

She couldn't wait to share every detail of her trip home and her mother's attitude.

Meanwhile, at home, Mu Shuyun was tidying up her youngest son's things while reminding Yunya to be obedient and study hard.

She gazed at the path outside the window, silently wishing her children all the best in the city, hoping they would live a good life through their own efforts, her eyes filled with expectation and love.

After Kong Xiufang got off the bus, she indeed saw her boyfriend, Lin Junhui.

She rushed over and said with a smile, "Junhui, when did you get here? Have you been waiting long?"

Lin Junhui smiled and looked at her, saying, "Well, I've been here for almost an hour. I'm afraid I'll miss your car."

Kong Xiufang patted the puppy's head: "Hehe, thank you for your hard work!"

After saying that, she looked around to make sure no one was watching, and quickly kissed his cheek.

Lin Junhui's aggrieved face immediately brightened, and he looked at Kong Xiufang with a smile.

The intense gaze made Kong Xiufang's cheeks flush red.

Lin Junhui helped her put the several cloth bags she had brought onto the bicycle. With the bags on the front and Kong Xiufang on the back, they went to her older sister's house.

Upon entering Kong Xiujuan's home, they were warmly greeted by her older sister.

Kong Xiufang pulled her older sister aside and quietly told her about how her mother had agreed to her relationship with Lin Junhui.

Upon hearing this, the eldest sister's face lit up with a relieved smile. She patted Kong Xiufang's hand and said, "That's good. We can rest assured now that Mother has agreed."

Lin Junhui and his brother-in-law Sun Zitao were talking about work, occasionally bursting into hearty laughter.

Although they no longer work together, they still have a lot in common.

At this moment, Kong Xiufang's niece, Sun Limei, ran over and pestered Kong Xiufang to tell her a story.

Kong Xiufang then sat down and began to vividly recount the interesting stories of her hometown.

After a while, the food was served, a feast of dishes with the flavors of my hometown.

Kong Xiufang said, "Big sister, I'm not hungry yet. When I came back, Mom made a lot of delicious food for me."

Kong Xiujuan pouted and affectionately tapped her forehead: "You silly girl, can't you eat a few more bites if you're not hungry? Is the food at your older sister's house poisoned?"

Kong Xiufang reluctantly compromised, "Alright! Alright! I'll eat a few more bites. If I get fat, blame it on your older sister."

The group laughed heartily, sat together, and ate and chatted.

Lin Junhui politely praised his brother-in-law's cooking skills, and the atmosphere at the dinner table was harmonious.

After the meal, Kong Xiufang and Lin Junhui helped their eldest sister clear the dishes. Once everything was tidied up, Kong Xiufang and Lin Junhui prepared to say goodbye and go home.

As usual, Lin Junhui first took Kong Xiufang back to her dormitory before going home himself.

Before leaving, Kong Xiufang left the local dried goods she had brought with her eldest sister, asking her to deliver them to her second and third sisters' families when she had time.

The older sister stood at the door and told them to be careful on the road and to come back for a visit when they had time.

Kong Xiufang agreed, and with longing for a better future, she and Lin Junhui gradually walked away.