Reborn in 72, I hunt to support my family and spoil my younger sister rotten.

Sunlight streamed in obliquely through the window, illuminating Li Xiangyang's profile.

That upright figure, that composed demeanor, that gentle and refined temperament—how could he possibly resemble a coarse peasant?

The young man is good in every way, but unfortunately he comes from the countryside.

Zhang Yulan became increasingly anxious as she looked at the photos.

She inwardly groaned: What am I going to do?

If his daughter develops feelings for him, then he's really doomed.

“Comrade Li,” she tried to soften her voice, but her tone was distant, “it’s all thanks to you for bringing my father to the hospital in time. This is a small token of my appreciation; please take it and buy some New Year’s goods.”

As she spoke, she took an envelope out of her purse and handed it over, taking a half-step back as if afraid of bumping into it.

Li Xiangyang readily accepted the envelope and stuffed it into his pocket, saying, "Thank you, Sister Yulan. I'm relieved that the old Party Secretary is alright. I'll take my leave now."

Zhang Yulan breathed a sigh of relief, but the old Party Secretary wouldn't have it: "Why are you in such a hurry to leave? It's cold outside, have some hot water first."

"No, I'm glad you're alright." Li Xiangyang waved his hand. "By the way, don't worry about the warehouse. My cat has caught all the mice. I need to buy a fish and treat it properly."

Zhang Yulan was taken aback by these words. Why was this young man keeping a cat?

If the cat is good-looking, it will be even more attractive to the little girl.

Thinking of this, she moved closer to her daughter.

Feeling awkward being protected by her mother, Chu Qingxuan couldn't help but move away to the side.

She stole a glance at the young man from the countryside. Although he was dressed simply, he did not seem awkward at all. Instead, he had the air of a plum blossom braving the snow.

"Um..." Chu Qingxuan was about to speak when her mother glared at her and stopped her.

Li Xiangyang smiled and said, "Sister Yulan, Qingxuan, you two keep the old Party Secretary company for a while. I'll be going now."

After he finished speaking, he strode out of the ward.

Once the person left, Zhang Yulan finally breathed a sigh of relief and immediately turned around to berate the old Party Secretary: "Dad, what are you doing? Qingxuan is still young, you mustn't..."

"I know, I know," the old Party Secretary waved his hand weakly, "You city people are so particular about marrying someone of equal social standing, I was just saying it offhand."

Zhang Yulan was about to say something more when Chu Qingxuan suddenly spoke up: "Mom, don't worry. I know what I'm doing."

These words startled Zhang Yulan.

Count?

If this girl really knew what was going on, would she be so guarded?

Anyway, you have to listen to the opposite of what your daughter says, and Zhang Yulan became even more worried at this moment.

She glanced at her daughter and saw Chu Qingxuan looking out with great interest.

Oh no, this girl couldn't possibly be...

Zhang Yulan watched her daughter's retreating figure, her heart still heavy with worry.

“Mom,” Chu Qingxuan turned around, “please don’t worry about it. I know your concerns, but it’s too early to talk about these things now.”

Zhang Yulan opened her mouth, but swallowed the words that were about to come out.

My daughter has always been opinionated, and the more I try to persuade her now, the more stubborn she'll become.

"Let's go home first. We'll come see Grandpa another day."

Frustrated, Zhang Yulan sighed, not wanting to stay a moment longer.

Zhang Yulan was about to leave with her daughter when the old Party Secretary's voice came from inside the ward.

"Qingxuan, come visit your grandpa in the village whenever you have time," the old Party Secretary said with affection. "The village has changed so much now, and I want you to see the new look of our countryside."

Zhang Yulan's heart skipped a beat when she heard this.

She knew her father too well; she knew exactly what the old man was up to.

“Okay, Grandpa.” Before her mother could react, Chu Qingxuan readily agreed, “I’ll definitely come when you’re feeling better.”

"That's great!" The old Party Secretary smiled even more broadly. "It'll be perfect for Li Xiangyang to show you around; he knows the village best."

Zhang Yulan nearly fainted from anger when she heard this.

This old man is determined to create opportunities for Li Xiangyang.

"Father!" she couldn't help but raise her voice, "Qingxuan still has to go to school, how can she have so much time..."

"What's wrong with going to school?" the old Party Secretary said dismissively. "They can come during holidays. Besides, it's good for the children to experience rural life more."

“That’s right, Mom,” Chu Qingxuan chimed in. “I really should learn more about rural areas. Don’t you always say we shouldn’t forget our roots?”

Zhang Yulan looked at her father and then at her daughter, feeling that the two of them were playing a perfect game of cat and mouse.

She wanted to say something, but when the words reached her lips, she didn't know how to begin.

Seeing this, the old Party Secretary chuckled and said, "It's settled then. Yulan, your children and grandchildren will have their own lives. Don't worry about it."

Chu Qingxuan smiled and took her mother's arm, saying, "Mom, let's go back."

Zhang Yulan was being pulled outside by her daughter, but her mind was a jumbled mess.

She never expected that her trip to the hospital would not only fail to bring her father to the city, but would also give him the opportunity to make connections.

As she walked out of the ward, she could still hear the old Party Secretary's cheerful laughter coming from behind her. The laughter sounded even more unsettling than the howling of wolves in the mountains.

The old Party Secretary watched Zhang Yulan and Chu Qingxuan leave with a smile, his expression as if he were enjoying an interesting play.

He turned to Dr. Qian and said, "Dr. Qian, do you think my daughter is too nervous?"

Dr. Qian wiped his reading glasses and smiled without saying a word.

"Comrade Zhang," Dr. Qian began slowly, "are you trying to set Li Xiangyang up with someone?"

The old Party Secretary coughed lightly: "I just thought he was a good young man. Look at him, he's steady and responsible. If he hadn't brought me to the hospital in time..."

“But,” Dr. Qian interrupted, “I heard he already has a girlfriend?”

"Oh?" The old Party Secretary became interested. "Whose daughter is she?"

"It seems to be a female educated youth, named Li Xiaoyun."

Upon hearing this, the old Party Secretary's smile widened: "I know that girl; she's a good one. But..."

He changed the subject, "Young people, how can they be so easily judged? Besides, it's still uncertain whether the educated youth's family will agree..."

Dr. Qian understood the implication: "You're determined to bring them together, this...?"

"What are you saying?" the old Party Secretary lowered his voice, his face flushed slightly. "I just want the two kids to get to know each other."

Just acquaintances?

Dr. Qian was speechless.

I don't want to deal with this old geezer.

At the same time, Zhang Yulan pulled Chu Qingxuan along the hospital corridor, their footsteps echoing in the empty space.

“Qingxuan,” Zhang Yulan suddenly stopped, turned around, and took her daughter’s hand, “what did you mean by ‘having a good idea’ just now?”

Chu Qingxuan looked up at her mother's anxious face, a slight smile playing on her lips. "Mom, you're being too sensitive. I just think Grandpa's right; there's nothing wrong with getting to know each other."

"You!" Zhang Yulan stamped her foot in exasperation. "Why do you keep saying such infuriating things, child?"

“Mom,” Chu Qingxuan said softly, “don’t you think he’s special? He’s clearly a young man from the countryside, but his demeanor…”

"Stop!" Zhang Yulan gestured to stop him. "Don't be fooled by appearances. No matter how special he may seem, that doesn't change the fact that he's from the countryside. Think about it, what kind of life would you have if you married him?"

Chu Qingxuan looked quietly at her mother: "Mom, I just meant to get to know them. You're overthinking it."