Reborn in the Great Northern Wilderness in 1982, I farmed and hunted to support my whole family.

While the family was having dinner, Li Mu glanced at Jiang Xuefen and asked, "Mom, how's Uncle Tao's health lately?"

Jiang Xuefen picked up a pork and sauerkraut dumpling, took a bite, and mumbled, "I saw him at the village entrance yesterday, sunbathing there. Why are you asking about him? What do you want to ask him?"

"It's nothing, just...asking about how I was able to contract that land because Uncle Tao got in there. I was thinking of bringing some gifts to pay him a visit."

"You should go. How long has it been since you last went?"

“It’s been about a month, and we see each other quite often. I want to buy something for Aunt Zeng too, it wouldn’t be good if she didn’t. Mom, what do you think I should buy? How about some supplements?”

Jiang Xuefen thought for a moment and said, "Supplements are fine, but don't make them too expensive. If they're too expensive, he might not accept them. I think it's better to buy some good quality cigarettes, alcohol, or tea. They're affordable and practical."

Li Mu nodded: "Okay, then I'll buy this one."

Li Qianjin suddenly interjected, "Is Mu Zi twenty-two this year?"

"Yeah, so what about twenty-two?"

Sister-in-law Zeng Xiangnan swallowed a mouthful of cabbage, smiled, and pointed at Li Mu with her chopsticks.

"It's time to find a wife, isn't it? I think Mu Zi should find a wife to manage the household. It's no good if you make money but don't have someone caring about you. Look at all the people in the village who are about Mu Zi's age, they all got married early and now their kids are old enough to run errands."

Li Mu was a little embarrassed by what was said, and scratched his head: "Sister-in-law, this can't be rushed, the time isn't right yet."

"Fate, fate. Fate is determined by heaven, but destiny depends on human effort. If you don't pay attention, how can fate deliver itself to your door?"

Li Qianjin chimed in, "Your sister-in-law is right. Now that you've achieved success in your career, it's time to consider your personal life."

Jiang Xuefen placed another piece of food into Li Mu's bowl: "Look at you, you've gotten so thin. You're always busy with business and never take care of yourself. If you find a wife, someone can help you manage your life, and we'll feel at ease."

"I haven't decided yet, have I?"

He spoke softly, so softly that you couldn't hear him unless you listened carefully.

Li Guozhang, who was standing to the side, put down his chopsticks and took a sip of wine: "Your sister-in-law is right. Now that your wallet is full, it's time to find a wife. In our village, people your age already have children who can run around. If you really like someone, hurry up and propose. Don't let someone snatch her away."

"Any girls you like? If so, sister-in-law, let's arrange it for you. We'll ask a matchmaker to put in a good word."

Li Mu was surrounded by the family and was struggling to defend himself, so he stammered.

"Yes, there are, but I'm afraid the girls won't be interested in us, who come from humble backgrounds."

Upon hearing this, Zeng Xiangnan, the eldest sister-in-law, was displeased: "What are you saying? Although we came from the village, we are now successful people. What girl wouldn't want us? As long as you like someone, I'll help you put in a good word. We'll use our sincerity to win her over. There's no reason why it shouldn't work out."

Li Mu was somewhat tempted by his sister-in-law's words. He had never been in a relationship before and didn't even know what kissing tasted like. People around his age in the village had already started families and careers, and some even had children in elementary school.

Although his career had improved a bit, he still didn't have anyone to keep him warm in bed. Looking at Li Jianjun and Tian Xiaohu, they had both found partners and were inseparable, very loving. They even worried about what to buy to please each other on Valentine's Day and birthdays. He was actually quite envious.

He thought for a moment, then realized there was nothing to hide and spoke frankly: "Actually, I do have someone in mind, but I've never dared to confess."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Xuefen's eyes lit up immediately: "Whose daughter is she? Tell Mom quickly."

Li Mu lowered his head somewhat embarrassedly: "It's Yi Mei from our village."

"Yi Mei?"

"That girl, Tao Shu's Yi Mei?"

"Is it the Yi Mei we know?"

These words caused an uproar among the crowd.

Jiang Xuefen slapped her thigh: "Yimei is a good girl, beautiful and capable, she's a good match for you."

She had long admired Tao Yimei. Putting aside the fact that the girl was kind-hearted and hardworking, she was happy to know that Tao Yimei was close to her son. Now, after hearing Li Mu's words, she felt even more confident that the matter had a chance.

If she could become my daughter-in-law, that would be double the joy.

Sister-in-law Zeng Xiangnan clapped her hands and laughed, "I knew it! You must have taken a fancy to some girl. I didn't expect it to be Sister Yimei. Mu Zi has high standards! He only picks the best girls in our village. I'll help you with this. We'll go talk to the matchmaker right now and let Uncle Tao and Aunt Tao know how you feel. Let's try to settle this matter as soon as possible."

Li Mu felt a little embarrassed by his sister-in-law's enthusiasm, but his heart was still warmed.

"I haven't told Yimei about this yet, because I'm afraid she won't agree."

Tao Yimei is shy and easily embarrassed when it comes to matters of the heart. She was like that back in school; whenever someone confessed their feelings to her, she would blush and refuse to speak, stubbornly shaking her head.

Li Mu was also unsure whether she felt the same way about him.

Zeng Xiangnan said, "Don't worry, leave this to me. I guarantee I'll handle it perfectly. Our village is so small, everyone knows each other. Yi Mei is also interested in you, so just wait for good news."

After hearing his sister-in-law's words, Li Mu felt a little more at ease, but he was still somewhat uneasy.

After all, this is a major life event, and it cannot be taken lightly.

Once I'm done with this busy period, I'll find an opportunity to have a good talk with Yimei and see what her true feelings are.

Meanwhile, Tao Yimei was absent-minded at home, and Tao Qingshan called her several times but she didn't respond.

She was sitting in the courtyard, lost in thought, holding a needle and thread, but hadn't moved a stitch for a long time.

"Yimei, what's wrong with you? You've lost your mind."

Tao Yimei was brought back to her senses by her father's words and quickly shook her head: "No, nothing, I was just thinking about something."

"Thinking about something? What are you thinking about? Tell Dad."

"It's nothing, I'll go check on Mom." Tao Yimei put down her needlework, got up and walked into the house.

She felt uneasy. Ever since she went for a walk with Li Mu, she had been feeling anxious and unsure of what Li Mu really thought of her.

Every time she talks to Li Mu, she glances at him and stares at him. She always takes care of her roasted hazelnuts, buying them all at once, as if the young man has a crush on her.

But Li Mu didn't take the initiative to talk to her, as if she was just imagining things.

Recently, a matchmaker came to her door to propose marriage to a young man from a neighboring village. He was from a well-off family and was also quite good-looking, but Tao Yimei seemed somewhat distracted.

She didn't know what her feelings for Li Mu were—whether it was gratitude or romantic love.

The thought of Li Mu made her face flush, and her heart pounded like a rabbit's.

That evening, Tao Yimei was doing needlework on the kang (a heated brick bed) when she suddenly heard someone knocking on the door.

Tao Qingshan went to speak and heard someone call out "Li Mu".

Before I knew it, the needle had pricked my finger, and a drop of bright red blood oozed out.

She quickly pulled her hands back under the covers, her heart pounding like a drum.