The game of power begins with the police officers at the local police station.

When Li Fugui arrived at Chen Shi's house and saw Wang Xiufen's cousin, his heart raced, his face turned bright red, and he felt his face burning.

I glanced at my cousin a few times, then lowered my head, not daring to look at her. She was chubby, which was my type.

It seems like I like all types, as long as they are women, under thirty, and I don't care about their weight.

Wang Xiufen looked at Li Fugui: "Fugui, your face turns red as soon as you see a beautiful woman, just like a monkey's bottom."

Li Fugui quickly explained, "I had a little to drink; my face turns red when I drink." Feeling awkward and unable to find a topic of conversation, he pretended to ask, "Isn't Chen Shi home?"

Wang Xiufen got angry at the mention of Chen Shi and snorted coldly, "I wonder where he's gone. Go and find him for me."

Li Fugui said "oh" and turned to find Chen Shi.

Throughout the entire ordeal, my cousin never once looked at Li Fugui.

My cousin said with a displeased look, "Sis, I'm going back. Someone's looking for me."

"Why go back? Stay one night and then go back."

"There's no need. I have plenty of suitors. Who does he think he is? He didn't like me, and I haven't liked him yet."

In Yizhou, you can find any kind of person you want. This country bumpkin is just a deputy director; how much does he earn in a month? It's not even enough for me to buy cosmetics.

Wang Xiufen sighed, "I'll take you back."

"No need, I'll have someone pick me up, I'll be there in no time."

More than ten minutes later, a blond-haired man arrived at Chen Shi's house on a motorcycle.

My cousin waved to the blond-haired guy, walked over, got on the motorcycle, and called out, "Sister, I'm off! We're going to the county town to play."

Wang Xiufen shouted, "Don't go back! Call and tell my uncles!"

"knew"

The blond-haired man revved the engine, and the motorcycle sped off. He then deliberately braked suddenly, and his cousin's entire body pressed against his back.

Huang Mao felt his cousin's soft chest and grinned mischievously, "Hold on tight, the road is rough, don't fall."

My cousin clung tightly to the blond-haired man's waist as the motorcycle sped away.

…………

Chen spent three days of the New Year at home. After the three days, he returned to the police station and discovered a problem: he couldn't get too close to the villagers, otherwise they would ask him for help. Once he helped them, they would ask him for help countless times. If he refused to help them even once, they would hold a grudge against him.

Now I can understand why officials who come from rural areas almost never go back to their hometowns for the Spring Festival, and when they do go home, they keep people at arm's length, inspiring awe and making people afraid to ask for help.

Chen Shi returned to town, feeling bored all by himself, and called Wang Yanhong to come and pick her up.

Early on the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, Chen Shi drove to Gaipai Village to pick up Wang Yanhong.

I brought the old man two packs of cigarettes and four bottles of liquor.

When I arrived at Wang Yanhong's house, the food was already prepared and waiting for me.

The old man was very satisfied with what Chen Shi was carrying; this son-in-law was very generous.

Wang Yanhong's mother pulled Chen Shi down to eat, constantly putting food on his plate. The more she looked at Chen Shi, the more she liked him.

Wang Yanhong called out, "Mom, don't put food on his plate. He'll get what he likes himself."

If you want to serve him food, get a new pair of chopsticks first. Don't use the chopsticks you've already used.

Wang Yanhong's mother said with a smile, "Oh dear, you're not even married yet, and you're already talking about your mother's faults."

My chopsticks are clean. Besides, your mother isn't sick, so why is she acting like a city person, all pretentious?

Wang Yanhong was speechless and gave Chen Shi a wry smile.

Chen Shi smiled and said, "Auntie, I'll serve myself. If I take too much food, I won't be able to finish it and it will be a waste."

"Don't call me 'Auntie' anymore, start calling me 'Mom'. I'll give you a red envelope later as a 'change of address fee'."

The old man was displeased, took a sip of wine, and his face darkened.

"Are our daughters unable to get married? They're so eager to have someone call them 'Mom,' and they want a son so badly, why don't they have one themselves?"

"You old man, if you're so capable, go find someone who can give you a son. A son-in-law as outstanding as you is hard to find. It's better to marry him off than to marry a good-for-nothing."

The old man was furious. His wife was right; Chen Shi and his daughter did seem more and more well-matched. But he always harbored hostility towards Chen Shi. His daughter was so beautiful, and it felt like it wasn't worth it for this guy to get her.

Wang Yanhong called out, "You two old people, hurry up and eat. Don't worry about my affairs."

Wang Yanhong's mother became anxious upon hearing this: "If we don't worry about it, who will? After the New Year, you'll be twenty-seven, almost an old maid. If you don't get married and have children, you won't be able to have them when you're too old."

Wang Yanhong was speechless for a moment, then exclaimed, "I'm only twenty-five, not twenty-seven!"

"You're twenty-seven, or twenty-five."

In rural areas, elderly people use the traditional Chinese age system (虚岁) to indicate their age. Even if you were born in the twelfth lunar month, you will be two years old after the New Year. The traditional age system adds two years to your age.

Wang Yanhong didn't want to argue with her mother about age, so she lowered her head and ate her food.

Wang Yanhong's mother was very excited and had no appetite at all. She looked at Chen Shi and asked, "Chen Shi, when are you planning to get married?"

Why are you pressuring me to get married again? Chen Shi didn't know how to answer, and looked at Wang Yanhong with pleading eyes.

Wang Yanhong slammed her chopsticks down on the table: "Mom, are you trying to stop me from eating in peace? Our affairs are none of your business. We'll take care of everything and let you know in advance."

Wang Yanhong's mother clicked her tongue twice: "You brat, you're still giving your mother attitude. I'm telling you, you must get married this year. If you don't, I'll pretend I don't have a daughter."

The old man's face was flushed from drinking, and he put down his wine glass.

"Xiaohong, I think your mother is right. You two are not young anymore, it's time to get married."

"Getting older isn't a big deal for men, but it's not good for women."

The old man looked at Chen Shi and said, "Just give us a straight answer: can we get married this year? We're not a wealthy family, but we have enough to eat and drink. We don't need any dowry. Just set a date, and we'll take you away."

Wang Yanhong was displeased and shouted, "What are you doing? Is it because I can't get married that you're all so anxious?"

I have a job, and even if I never get married, I can support you all.

Chen Shi smiled and said, "Uncle, we still need to give the bride price. It's a matter of respect for you. As for the marriage, let us discuss it privately first, and we'll let you know once we've decided."

Wang Yanhong's mother chimed in: "What's there to discuss about marriage? I've heard that you two live together, what's the difference between that and marriage?"

The old man immediately became anxious upon hearing this and asked loudly, "You really live together?"

Chen Shi took a sip of wine, feeling guilty.

Wang Yanhong said confidently, "No, don't listen to what outsiders are saying. Who has seen us living together?"

"I knew it. My daughter is virtuous and doesn't live like that. It's all the villagers spreading rumors and making things up. If I hear anyone say that to my face, I'll tear their mouths apart."

Chen Shi really wanted to say, "That's just the kind of person your daughter is."

Chen Shi ate the meal with trepidation. After finishing, Wang Yanhong didn't even bother to clean up the dishes. She pulled Chen Shi away, unable to communicate with his parents. Staying any longer would only lead to an argument.