Country Love: Xie Dajiao, 37, is pregnant!

When Wang Xiaomeng arrived, Xie Xiaomei warmly took her hand and led her inside. After closing the door, the inside and outside were completely separated, and everything was quiet.

On the kang table were peanuts, melon seeds, candy, an opened can of yellow peaches, and some fruit.

Xie Dajiao sat cross-legged on the kang (a heated brick bed), while Wang Xiaomeng sat on the edge of the kang next to her.

Xie Xiaomei first poured Wang Xiaomeng a glass of water, handed it to her, then sat down next to her and got straight to the point:

"Xiao Meng, I'm not going to say anything polite today. Let's have a heart-to-heart talk. If you have any grievances or concerns, just say it. Don't keep them bottled up inside."

Xie Dajiao followed up with a humble tone, tinged with a self-deprecating bitterness, as if afraid of holding the two young people back:

"Xiao Meng, your aunt understands, and knows you're feeling conflicted right now."

"Logically speaking, at my age, divorced and pregnant, it's really inappropriate and undignified for me to be sandwiched between you young people. Anyone would feel uncomfortable in my shoes."

"But to tell you the truth, this is my first child in this life, and most likely my last. If I abort this child, I may never be able to be a mother again. I really can't bear to do that."

She looked up at Wang Xiaomeng, her eyes sincere and earnest:

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing and I know what I'm doing. From now on, you and Xiaomei are the ones who are truly living a proper life with Xiaochen. I won't fight for anything or grab anything. I don't want any titles or anything like that."

"Once the baby is born, I will live a peaceful life with the baby and will never interfere in your affairs. I will be content as long as the three of you are doing well. I don't ask for anything else."

Wang Xiaomeng initially felt a tightness in her chest, but seeing Xie Dajiao's cautious and guilty expression, her initial awkwardness instantly softened.

She quickly shook her head and whispered words of comfort:

"Auntie, I really don't blame you. I just can't accept it right now, and my mind is in turmoil. You're pregnant, how can I let you accommodate me like this?"

Seeing this, Xie Xiaomei immediately reached out and tightly grasped Wang Xiaomeng's hand. Her hand was warm, and her eyes were open and honest, without any petty jealousy.

"Xiao Meng, let me tell you the most honest thing. I know what you're afraid of. You're afraid of the villagers pointing fingers and gossiping, afraid of being wronged and losing face in the future, and afraid that your family won't understand."

"I'm really not the kind of petty, sharp-tongued woman. From now on, let's call each other sisters and get along well. I'll take care of all the dirty and tiring chores and trivial matters at home. You don't need to worry about anything. Just focus on managing your tofu shop and make the business bigger and stronger."

"Brother Chen will definitely not be able to stay this relaxed forever. He'll be busy with business and social engagements in the future, so you can lend a hand. We're all family and of one mind, which is better than any empty titles. If you trust me, don't treat me like an outsider."

The aunt and niece, one humbled herself to understand her difficulties, and the other treated her with sincerity to dispel her concerns.

Wang Xiaomeng lowered her head, her fingers constantly picking at the texture of the kang mat. Her mind was in turmoil; it was truly warm, but her concerns were also very real.

She hesitated for a long time before whispering her biggest problem, and sighed as she said:

"I know you're all sincere, and I like Brother Chen too, but my dad values ​​his reputation the most. These people in the village love to gossip and spread rumors. If this gets out, I won't be able to face anyone, and I won't be able to explain it to my dad either."

Seeing the girl's troubled, conflicted, and anxious expression, Xie Dajiao smiled gently, patted the back of her hand lightly, and said in a firm tone:

"Silly girl, your aunt has already thought this through for you. I guarantee no one can find fault with it."

"Tomorrow I'll go to your father Wang Laoqi's house and tell him openly that I've just gotten divorced and am pregnant, and Xiaomei is busy with work. I've seen how sensible, considerate, kind and righteous you are lately, and I really like you. I want to adopt you as my goddaughter."

"Your father, Wang Laoqi, is known throughout the village to be kind-hearted and compassionate. He can't bear to see others suffer. If I were to ask him for help in my situation, he would definitely agree without hesitation."

"Once we're officially recognized as godparents, you'll be my rightful goddaughter. From now on, you can come and chat with me often, even stay overnight—it's perfectly natural. Even if the villagers want to gossip, they won't have a chance to criticize you; they'll only praise you for being filial and sensible!"

Xie Xiaomei immediately chimed in, completely dispelling her last remaining concerns:

"Yes, this method is too safe. Once we're officially family, you'll be my sister, and Lin Chen will be my boyfriend, your brother-in-law. It'll be perfectly normal for our family to visit each other. Everyone will see that we're harmonious, and no one will suspect anything!"

Brother-in-law? Why are you acting so strangely?

But these words really helped to resolve Wang Xiaomeng's inner conflict.

After thinking it over carefully, she felt that this method was really good. It not only preserved her face and reputation, but also gave her the opportunity to stay by Lin Chen's side.

Her fingers nervously twisted the hem of her dress. After hesitating for a long time, she finally nodded gently, her voice tinged with girlish shyness:

"Hmm... then thank you for your trouble, Auntie. I agree."

That one quiet promise was enough to solidify their feelings for each other.

The three of them chatted around the kang table for a long time, and their relationship grew even closer.

Just as the three women were talking about what it felt like for Xie Dajiao to be pregnant, they heard the sound of a car outside the courtyard. It was Lin Chen returning.

Hearing the sound, Wang Xiaomeng's heart raced. She eagerly left the house and walked to the pavilion in the courtyard. She waved to Lin Chen, signaling him to come over.

"Brother Chen, come here for a second, I have something to tell you."

Lin Chen was stunned for a moment, but quickly guessed that it must have been Xiao Mei who called the person over, so he walked over quickly.

The pavilion provided ample shade, and the autumn wind rustled through the treetops, causing the leaves to fall incessantly.

She had her back to Lin Chen, and was so nervous that she didn't dare to turn around for a long time.

"Xiao Meng, have you thought this through?" Lin Chen asked softly, softening his voice.

Wang Xiaomeng turned around and looked straight at Lin Chen, her eyes sparkling with both girlish shyness and unwavering determination.

She took a deep breath and looked at him intently:

"Brother Chen, I've made up my mind. I'm willing to be with you. I don't care about any titles or status. I just want to live a peaceful and stable life with you."

Lin Chen felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He carefully raised his hand and gently stroked her hair with a very tender gesture.

"I'm sorry to have troubled you."

Lin Chen's voice was very sincere:

"Don't worry, I, Lin Chen, keep my word. I will never let you suffer any injustice in this life. Even if the sky falls, I will hold it up. You don't need to worry about anything."

Wang Xiaomeng nodded gently, a smile quietly appearing on her lips. All the grievances and anxieties in her heart vanished, leaving only a sense of security and warmth. The air was filled with the sweet, pungent smell of love.

Lin Chen pulled Wang Xiaomeng into his arms, and the two embraced quietly. With just a few simple and heartfelt words, they completely sealed their hearts to each other.

Xie Xiaomei, peeking through the window from inside the house, couldn't help but whisper excitedly upon seeing what was happening:

"Auntie! Auntie, look! They're hugging! It's official!"

Xie Dajiao also looked outside and said with a smile:

"I saw it! I saw it! Only you are so heartless, getting so excited when you see your man hugging someone else."

"Hmph, I'm just happy for Brother Chen, I'm not excited at all..." Xie Xiaomei said stubbornly, but there was something genuinely a little excited about it.

Not long after, Wang Xiaomeng, blushing, hurriedly said goodbye and went home. She was afraid that Wang Laoqi would worry, so she had to hurry back to make an appearance.

Lin Chen stood at the gate of the courtyard, looked back at the aunt and niece who were secretly laughing behind the window, shook his head helplessly but affectionately, and gave them a thumbs up. They did a great job. Women really understand women. A big matter that had been weighing on his mind was finally resolved smoothly.

The next morning, Xie Dajiao made a special effort to tidy herself up, combing her hair neatly. Carrying two boxes of packaged tea and a basket of salted duck eggs she had pickled herself, she strolled slowly toward Wang Laoqi's house, swaying her hips. And you have to admit, she had become even more charming since becoming pregnant.

"Seventh Brother and Seventh Sister-in-law, are you home yet?"

When Wang Xiaomeng heard that Xie Dajiao had come, she immediately became a little nervous. She knew why Xie Dajiao had come and was afraid that her father would not agree, and then the plan would fall through.

Wang Laoqi and Xiao Meng's mother wiped their hands and came out, smiling as they said:

"Oh dear, Big Foot is here! Come in and sit down!"

After entering and taking a seat, Xie Dajiao placed her things on the table. She didn't mince words, her tone carrying just the right amount of bitterness and earnestness, her posture very humble:

"Seventh Brother, Seventh Sister-in-law, I've come here today because there's something I'd like to discuss with you both."

Wang Laoqi looked at the things on the table and quickly waved his hand:

"Big Foot, don't say anymore, it's definitely not going to work. My family listens to Xiao Meng now. I can't do anything if she doesn't agree to the blind date. You should tell her over there."

Xie Dajiao immediately realized that Wang Laoqi had misunderstood, and quickly explained:

"Seventh Brother, I didn't come here to help Xiaomeng find a partner!"

"Then what's this?" Old Wang asked, a little confused.

Xie Dajiao sighed:

"You all know my situation. I'm divorced from that bastard Li Fu, pregnant, and all alone. Besides Xiao Mei, I don't even have anyone to talk to or lend a hand."

"Xiao Meng often comes over to chat with me, help me tidy up the house, and run errands during this time. She spent so much time with me yesterday. This child is kind-hearted, sensible and considerate. I really like her from the bottom of my heart."

"I've come here today with no shame because I want to ask you two if I can adopt Xiaomeng as my goddaughter. I'd like her to come and keep me company and take care of me. That way, I'll have something to look forward to and someone to confide in, and I won't be so lonely."

Wang Laoqi and his wife exchanged a glance, both looking surprised, but they didn't feel much resentment. This was mainly because Dajiao was usually warm-hearted, kind to everyone in the village, and a good-natured person.