Country Love: Xie Dajiao, 37, is pregnant!

After chatting for a while, Wang Xiangxiu remembered the key question and couldn't help but ask:

"Brother Lin Chen, how long do you plan to stay in Ivory Mountain this time? You're not going to stay for two or three days and then go back to Shenzhen, are you?"

"I'm not leaving. This time I'm coming back to stay permanently, at least for five years. My elders are all buried in these mountains. I'm coming back to observe filial piety and take care of them. I'll also rest and recuperate in the village for a while and won't go out anymore."

The three of them were stunned at the same time, their faces full of surprise.

"Five years? That's that long?"

Lin Chen nodded slightly:

"Well, maybe I'll settle down in Ivory Mountain from now on. I've made enough money, and I'll never have to worry about food or drink for the rest of my life."

Wang Xiangxiu was secretly overjoyed, wishing Lin Chen would stay in the village forever. How could someone like Lin Chen live in the village forever? He would definitely have to buy an apartment in the city. However, she deliberately pretended to be calm and casual, and said without revealing her true feelings:

"That's great. If you stay in the village, we childhood friends can see each other more often, and the village will be much more lively."

As she spoke, she got out of the car and moved closer to Lin Chen, unable to resist adding a few more words:

"You're used to living in the city, it must be boring living in the village. From now on, come to the clinic to chat with me whenever you have free time. I'll be there every day."

Zhao Yutian chimed in from the side, saying in a very casual tone:

"That's right, Yongqiang is back too. Let's get together more often. You used to play with us when we were kids, it's been so long."

"Yongqiang came home today and this happened, the house is definitely a mess. Xie Guangkun is so stubborn, he's probably arguing with Yongqiang at home too."

Liu Ying nodded slightly and echoed softly:

"Yes, Xiao Meng left crying, and Yongqiang was also quite sad to see it."

Lin Chen smiled faintly upon hearing this, knowing full well that the Xie family would certainly not have a peaceful night, and did not respond further.

As darkness fell and the sun completely disappeared behind the mountains, Lin Chen glanced at his watch. It was almost six o'clock. He immediately said:

"Alright, enough nagging. I'll come over to your house tomorrow if I have time. It's getting late, I need to go to Uncle Qi's for dinner, it's all arranged in advance."

Upon hearing that Lin Chen was going to Wang Laoqi's house, Wang Xiangxiu subconsciously frowned. She wanted to spend more time with Lin Chen, but she couldn't very well stop him.

Zhao Yutian immediately said:

"Then we won't go with you. The three of us are planning to go to Yongqiang's house. Yongqiang just got home and encountered such a terrible thing, and his marriage proposal fell through. He must be feeling really down. We'll go over and chat with him."

Although Wang Xiangxiu was reluctant, she nodded in agreement. With such good qualities, she should cast a wide net. If she didn't have a chance with Lin Chen, Xie Yongqiang would also work. At least he was a college student, and college students were easy to fool. They would be easily fooled if they showed a little skin. But her first choice was still Lin Chen.

"Yeah, let's go visit Yongqiang. Lin Chen, we'll come find you another day. Remember to take me for a ride when you're free!"

Liu Ying didn't think much of it; her mind was only on Zhao Yutian. She clutched the woven bag in her hand and followed them out the door.

Lin Chen locked the door and turned to walk out with them.

Wang Xiangxiu and Liu Ying walked ahead, with the two men following behind. Along the way, Xiangxiu frequently looked back at Lin Chen, and her pace slowed down considerably.

Lin Chen remained calm, pretending not to notice her deliberate turning around and the previous physical contact.

Lin Chen has seen all sorts of people outside, but Wang Xiangxiu's initiative was too obvious. Her intentions were obvious, and he could see right through her. Her level of skill was still too low.

He could occasionally have casual flings to pass the time, after all, he had been in this place for five years, and he would die of boredom if he didn't touch women. He wasn't opposed to marriage, but he absolutely couldn't get emotionally involved with someone like Xiangxiu, let alone have a real relationship with her.

Once the two people are within 20 centimeters of each other and get entangled, there will be endless troubles. Maintaining distance is the safest option.

The evening breeze rustled through the willows at the village entrance, and the cicadas' chirping continued unabated.

They were almost at Xie Guangkun's house when, perhaps Xie Guangkun had seen them, he shouted at the top of his lungs, his voice carrying a powerful force:

"Yutian! Xiangxiu! Liu Ying! Come over for dinner! Yongqiang's back, come and celebrate!"

Zhao Yutian immediately stopped, turned his head to respond in the direction of the Xie family, and then looked at the two people beside him:

"Did you hear that? Uncle Guangkun is calling us. Yongqiang is back and has prepared a meal. He wants us to come and join in the fun."

Wang Xiangxiu nodded, but somewhat reluctantly.

Ever since she saw Lin Chen's appearance, abilities, and aura, she had long since looked down on the ordinary, cowardly, and indecisive Xie Yongqiang and had no intention of getting close to the Xie family. However, it seemed that Lin Chen didn't take a liking to her.

"I really can't stand Xie Guangkun's mouth. He's always showing off his son, and his words are sharp and sarcastic. If I go there, I'll definitely have to listen to him brag. It's so annoying."

"But Yongqiang just got home and his marriage was ruined by his father. He must be feeling terrible. We've all grown up together, so it wouldn't be right for us not to go."

Liu Ying, standing to the side, lowered her head and echoed softly, also out of politeness:

"My mother just specifically told me to come over and have a chat. We all grew up together in the same village, and it would be embarrassing if I didn't go to any of them."

Lin Chen looked at them and said:

"Then let's part ways here. The three of you can go over there. I already made plans with Uncle Qi and his wife. I'm definitely going to their house for dinner tonight, and I can't break my promise."

Upon hearing that Lin Chen wasn't going, Wang Xiangxiu's face instantly filled with disappointment. She immediately stepped forward, gently took Lin Chen's arm, and leaned closer, displaying a girlish, coquettish manner.

"Hey Lin Chen, let's go together! We've been friends since we were kids, Yongqiang is definitely looking forward to you coming too."

Lin Chen remained expressionless, slowly withdrew his arm, and politely declined with a smile:

"I'm really not going. This afternoon, I scolded his father like that in front of the whole village. Xie Guangkun already holds a grudge against me. If I go there now, it will only make things awkward for both sides. It's just adding insult to injury, and there's no need for that."

"Just give my regards to Yongqiang."

Zhao Yutian nodded casually, completely understanding:

"That makes sense. Uncle Guangkun lost face today, and he'll definitely be upset to see you. Okay, Brother Chen, you can go to Uncle Qi's house for dinner. The three of us will go to Yongqiang's place for a while, and we'll come to visit you again tomorrow during the day to see your car."

Wang Xiangxiu was still unwilling to give up, looking up at Lin Chen with pleading eyes, her tone reluctant:

"Alright then, I won't force you. But Brother Lin Chen, you absolutely mustn't forget what you promised me—you have to take me for a drive sometime!"

Lin Chen nodded perfunctorily:

"I won't forget, don't worry."

Zhao Yutian, Wang Xiangxiu, and Liu Ying walked together toward Old Xie's house.

Lin Chen watched the three figures walk away, secretly letting out a sigh of relief, and inwardly sighed:

I finally managed to shake off this clingy person; I couldn't stand having to stick to them like that.

Lin Chen arrived at Wang Laoqi's door on time.

The courtyard gate was ajar, and the aroma of stewed chicken wafted through the air without being pushed open, filling the small courtyard with the fragrance of food.

Lin Chen pushed open the door and called out into the courtyard:

"Seventh Uncle! Seventh Aunt!"

Old Wang was sitting on a stone bench in the courtyard sharpening his knife, preparing to cut some cold dishes. Upon hearing the sound, he immediately put down his knife, stood up with a beaming smile, and came over to greet him.

"Xiao Chen, you're finally here! Why are you so late? Come on in!"