Country Love: Xie Dajiao, 37, is pregnant!

She finally understood that Lin Chen's public scolding of her that afternoon, which seemed harsh and hurtful, was actually a wake-up call for her. His patient guidance tonight was also a genuine attempt to help her find a way out.

"And Xie Yongqiang..."

Lin Chen added, "He has a very clear-headed way of looking at people."

"If he remains cowardly and submissive, always obeying Xie Guangkun and daring not to protect you, then this man is not worthy of your trust. You are strong enough that you don't need to depend on anyone."

Wang Laoqi slapped his thigh on the spot, suddenly enlightened, and was quite excited:

"Xiao Chen's words have enlightened us! Xiao Meng, go for it! We'll pave the way with all our savings!"

Although Xiao Meng's mother had concerns, she expressed her full support.

Wang Xiaomeng nodded, deeply moved, knowing that family is always the best for her.

With the misunderstanding dissipated, the atmosphere at the dinner table improved considerably.

Wang Xiaomeng frequently served food to Lin Chen, and the embarrassment of their previous public argument vanished completely.

The two drank and chatted until very late. Lin Chen drank almost a pound of baijiu (Chinese liquor), his face was slightly flushed, and his whole body was flushed with the effects of the alcohol, just the right amount of tipsiness.

He rose to take his leave:

"Seventh Uncle, Seventh Aunt, it's getting dark, I should go back now."

"Don't leave. We'll make up a bed for you in the west room. Stay here," Old Wang said, trying to persuade him to stay.

Lin Chen smiled and waved his hand in refusal:

"It's alright, this little bit of wine won't affect anything. Xiao Meng isn't married yet, what would it look like if I stayed here? It wouldn't sound good if word got out. I'll come over for a visit again tomorrow if I have time."

As soon as she finished speaking, Wang Xiaomeng stood up on her own initiative:

"It's dark and the road is hard to walk on, Brother Lin Chen, I'll take you there."

As they approached the main gate of the courtyard, Wang Xiaomeng lowered her head and spoke earnestly:

"Brother Lin Chen, I was wrong this afternoon. I blamed you without even knowing the facts. I really thank you for your guidance tonight and for showing me the right path."

"It's okay, I was just too impulsive."

Lin Chen smiled faintly:

"Think more carefully when you encounter problems in the future. You can come to me anytime if you have any difficulties. Go inside and rest early."

After saying that, Lin Chen turned and walked into the night. Wang Xiaomeng stood at the courtyard gate, looking in his direction, seemingly lost in thought.

The rural dirt roads are pitch black, so don't even think about streetlights; just walk in the dark.

Lin Chen reeked of alcohol, and the evening breeze, instead of cooling him down, made him feel even hotter.

He passed by the village entrance on his way and saw that the lights in front of Big Foot Grocery Store were still on. The mosquitoes had almost covered the light bulbs. Lin Chen then remembered that the mosquitoes here were quite fierce, and he hadn't slept well last night. He decided to go in and buy some mosquito coils.

The grocery store was closed, but the lights were on inside. There were no other customers, only Xie Dajiao was there to watch the store. She checked the time and was about to close it after a while when Lin Chen gently pushed the door open. The wind chimes tinkled as he stepped inside.

Xie Dajiao was calculating accounts at the counter when she heard the noise and looked up. She saw Lin Chen, who was slightly drunk and whose features were even more handsome than before. Her eyes lit up instantly, and she immediately straightened up, her gaze falling directly on him with undisguised admiration.

She was known throughout the village for her cheerful and generous nature, but despite being alone for so long, she had never had an affair.

Married women from Northeast China are known for their straightforwardness and boldness, especially Xie Dajiao. She is never shy or bashful when she is around people she likes, and her thoughts are always written on her face.

"Hey, Xiao Chen, still up so late? Your face's all red, you've had quite a bit to drink, haven't you?"

Seeing that no one was around, Xie Dajiao took a half step forward, staring intently at his face, her tone alluring and bold, her words direct and daring:

"After drinking, he looks even more masculine than during the day."

Lin Chen nodded slightly, his voice becoming deeper due to the alcohol:

"I had a couple of drinks with Uncle Qi and stopped by to buy some mosquito coils."

"Then you should buy some, otherwise the mosquitoes in these mountains are fierce at night."

Just as she bent down to grab the mosquito coil, a large, fat black rat suddenly darted out from under the corner shelf, squeaked, and ran straight past Xie Dajiao's feet.

Caught off guard, Xie Dajiao trembled and screamed instinctively. She lunged forward uncontrollably and crashed into Lin Chen's arms.

Her full, soft body pressed firmly against Lin Chen's, his hot breath washing over her, making her feel weak all over.

Lin Chen was flushed from the alcohol, and when he was bumped into, his body stiffened instantly. He instinctively put one hand on her lower back, and the two were pressed together so close that time seemed to slow down.

The mouse darted into the corner and disappeared without a trace.

If it were a shy woman, she would have already hurriedly retreated, blushing and trying to dodge.

But Xie Dajiao wasn't shy at all. After recovering from the shock, instead of pushing Lin Chen away, she leaned even closer into his broad arms, her body softly pressed against him, feeling the man's hot and firm chest.

Lin Chen, already feeling hot and bothered from the alcohol, momentarily lost his composure when her soft body pressed against him. Taking advantage of the movement of supporting her waist, he casually touched the soft flesh of her lower back with his fingertips. He didn't let go immediately, but held her there for several seconds, blatantly taking advantage of her.

A full half minute passed before Lin Chen slowly released his grip, took a half step back, and his eyes still held the restlessness of alcohol. His gaze swept directly over her entire body, completely devoid of his previous restraint.

Xie Dajiao's eyes were full of affection as she stared directly into Lin Chen's eyes without flinching. A smile played on her lips as she completely let go of her inhibitions.

"I was so scared just now that I jumped into your arms. My heart is still pounding. You're so strong, it feels so reassuring to hold you."

She took another step forward, bringing them very close. Her voice was extremely low, with a seductive nasal tone:

"Young men like you are really strong. I felt weak all over when you hugged me just now."

Lin Chen's Adam's apple bobbed violently as he looked down at the red lips so close to his own. The alcohol was taking effect, and he leaned in slightly, his hot breath brushing against her ear, deliberately teasing her without trying to avoid the intimate moment.

"My aunt is still so blunt."

Xie Dajiao felt a chill run down her spine from his teasing, and her courage completely swelled. She raised her hand and gently placed it on his chest, her fingertips lightly tracing his firm skin. Her eyes darted over his entire body without any attempt at concealment, openly provoking him.

"That's just how I am. I say what I think and don't hide anything. After you drank, you were all hot and your masculinity was almost overflowing. Who wouldn't be tempted? To be honest, when you hugged me just now, I didn't want to let go at all."

She looked up at the dark, deserted village road outside the door, her eyes blatantly suggestive, and then leaned slightly closer to him:

"I'm the only one in the shop, and no one passes by. If you're not in a hurry to go home, could you sit with me a little longer? It's quiet in the shop, but I feel at ease with you here."

As she spoke, her hand gently traced his burning neck, even deliberately giving it a light pinch:

"You're so hot-tempered, you seem really feverish. Shall I get you some iced soda to cool you down?"

In the cramped general store, the lights were dim and the atmosphere was thick with ambiguity. Lin Chen was tempted by the tenderness and unrestrained intimacy before him, yet he remained clear-headed and guarded his last line of defense. In the end, he slightly turned his head to avoid close eye contact and took a small step back.

A lingering amusement remained in Lin Chen's eyes:

"You really can't do it here. You'd be dumbfounded if anyone walked in. If you've got the guts, come to my place tonight."