Country Love: Xie Dajiao, 37, is pregnant!

"Guangkun, let me tell you, don't overestimate your Yongqiang. These days, college graduates are everywhere; they're practically worthless!"

"Don't get cocky. If it weren't for my intervention, he would have been unemployed after graduation with no future. Do you know how many college graduates are waiting for jobs these days? Their schools are all better than Yongqiang's. Don't get too carried away with your achievements."

Xie Guangkun's face turned bright red after being rebuked, his smugness vanished instantly, and he was still a little unconvinced, muttering a retort under his breath:

"But he can't marry a country girl! My Yongqiang is so outstanding, he should at least marry a city girl, something respectable!"

"You don't know anything!"

Qi Santai lowered his voice, leaned forward, and whispered earnestly in his ear.

"To be honest with you, I'm only telling you this because I'm your relative, but Wang Changgui has been lobbying in town lately. He'll definitely be promoted, whether to the county or the town, it's uncertain, but he'll definitely be a proper cadre!"

"Your Yongqiang has just started working and is completely clueless about the county. He has no connections or background whatsoever. If we can establish a marriage alliance with Changgui, wouldn't Changgui help and take care of Yongqiang when he encounters difficulties at work?"

"This marriage will only bring benefits to your family and Yongqiang's future, without any harm whatsoever. Don't be short-sighted and make a hasty choice!"

"What?!"

Xie Guangkun's eyes widened instantly, and he froze, his eyes darting around as he quickly began to calculate.

"Chang Gui is getting promoted? Really... really? I haven't heard a thing!"

"Would I lie to you? It's almost certainly true."

Qi Santai nodded slightly:

"So I'm telling you, don't be picky about Xiangxiu. It's a great deal for your Xie family that she's marrying into your Yongqiang family."

Xie Guangkun stroked his chin, pondered for a long time, and the more he thought about it, the more reasonable it seemed. He was making plans in his mind.

That's right! If Wang Changgui becomes a leader, and if we establish a marriage alliance with his family, who in Ivory Mountain and the town will dare to look down on the Xie family? Yongqiang will also have someone to support him at work!

After figuring it out, Xie Guangkun slapped his thigh, his face showing a look of sudden realization.

"Oh dear! Mayor, you have such foresight! My vision was so short-sighted! Now that you mention it, I understand immediately!"

"This marriage is perfect! It has to happen!"

Qi Santai smiled helplessly at his snobbish and quick-tempered demeanor:

"That's right. You should hurry back and get things under control. Find a reliable matchmaker and go to Changgui's house to finalize the engagement for the two children. Get it done as soon as possible, lest things get complicated."

After saying this, Qi Santai changed the subject, his expression instantly becoming serious, and his tone becoming much more solemn.

"By the way, let me ask you something else. How's your relationship with Lin Chen, the new guy from the village, going?"

Xie Guangkun was stunned upon hearing this, completely bewildered and full of doubt.

"Huh? Lin Chen? Mayor, why are you asking about him? He's just a young man who built a new house in the village, nothing special."

Qi Santai leaned forward slightly, his eyes serious, and his tone exceptionally earnest:

"Don't take this lightly. Let me tell you, this Lin Chen is no ordinary person. He is an extremely important talent to our Ivory Mountain and our town."

"When you get back, make sure you get along well with him. Be friendly and respectful, and don't do anything to offend him. I know you too well; you can be friends with anyone else, just don't mess with him, understand?"

Xie Guangkun was completely bewildered. He couldn't understand how a young man from the village could be so highly regarded by the town mayor. He could only answer honestly, his tone tinged with guilt.

"Mayor, to be honest... we had a little conflict before. We had a disagreement about something in the village a while ago. Although we don't argue anymore, our relationship is just so-so."

Upon hearing this, Qi Santai's face instantly turned completely cold, his eyebrows furrowed tightly, the smile on his face vanished, and his aura instantly became oppressive.

He stared at Xie Guangkun, his tone stern and uncompromising:

"Xie Guangkun, I'm telling you this solemnly today: when you go back this time, you must clean up all the conflicts and troubles for me!"

"You are not allowed to cause Lin Chen any more trouble, nor are you allowed to cause him any problems, and you are absolutely forbidden from gossiping or stirring up trouble behind his back!"

Xie Guangkun was startled by the sudden seriousness and quickly sat up straight, not daring to breathe.

Qi Santai then said in a deep voice:

"What the town needs most right now is people who can work hard and get things done. Lin Chen is young, quick-witted, resourceful, and capable. He is a true and practical talent."

"Let me put it bluntly, Lin Chen is more important than ten Xie Yongqiangs! Your son might have a stable job, but the benefits Lin Chen brings to the village and town are beyond your imagination!"

"If you're smart, you should try to get along with him and learn some of his skills. If you dare to offend him again, not only will I be unable to help Yongqiang with his work, but your Xie family will also have a hard time in the village and town!"

These words made Xie Guangkun's scalp tingle, his heart skipped a beat, and he panicked completely, nodding and bowing repeatedly to make assurances.

"I'll remember that! I'll remember the mayor perfectly!"

Xie Guangkun immediately stood up, his face full of fear:

"I'll get back and take care of everything immediately. I absolutely won't have any conflicts with Lin Chen, and I'll try to get along with him properly! You're truly a great benefactor to our Xie family. Once Yongqiang has a stable job, I'll have him come over to thank you properly and repay your kindness!"

"Alright, alright, stop with the empty pleasantries."

Qi Santai waved his hand, both impatient and helpless:

"Go back now, don't keep me from working."

"Hey, hey, I'm leaving now, so as not to delay your work!"

Xie Guangkun quickly responded, walked to the corner of the wall, picked up the two chickens, and forced them in front of Qi Santai.

"Mayor, you must accept these two chickens. They're good for your health, so please don't be shy about taking them."

Qi Santai looked at his stubborn expression and shook his head helplessly:

"Alright, alright, just leave it here, I'll accept it."

Having received permission, Xie Guangkun was overjoyed. He turned and left the office with a smile, gently closing the door behind him.

The moment Xie Guangkun stepped out of the town government office building, he felt lightheaded, yet also a little scared. The serious look on Qi Santai's face as he gave him a lecture was still etched in his mind.

Although he was nervous, he was mostly pleased and happy, even happier than when he was an official himself, and he happily hummed a folk song.

"That's wonderful! Yongqiang's job is now secure, a real life in the county. And if he becomes related to Wang Changgui through marriage, our Xie family will be the most prestigious family in Ivory Mountain, unmatched by anyone!"

He was rapidly calculating in his mind, his steps quickening as he added another important matter to his mind.

"Go back and find Xie Dajiao to be the matchmaker, and get the marriage settled as soon as possible. Also, we must cultivate a good relationship with Lin Chen. Bah! One Lin Chen is worth ten Yongqiangs? I don't believe it at all. But for now, let's keep a low profile!"