Chapter 93

Cheng Jieguo was now lying on the earthen bed at home, his mind filled with thoughts of Tian Hua. He thought about the gentle hands of this beloved person, which quietly soothed his anxious heart. The more he thought, the more his heart ached as if pierced by needles. He had indeed agreed to the marriage arranged by his father, but only he knew that the flame of his fantasies about the future had never been extinguished.

In recent years, although he was tied to the land, Tian Hua's love had made his life much richer. This warm current of love was like a tremendous energy that overflowed his frozen spiritual land. After he lost faith in life, his spirit and vitality shone brightly again, and new life sprang forth.

But how could it be like this? He felt an indescribable melancholy in his heart.

Cheng Jiemin sized up Tian Jiaxing, the capable man of the village, who was dressed much more fashionably than his father. Even in the county town, one could hardly tell he was a farmer.

Tian Jiaxing was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and said, "Jiemin, you finally managed to escape the farming life, so why did you go back to the countryside?"

Tian Jiaxing's smile was full of meaning. Cheng Jiemin, of course, knew the intention behind this small trick and replied with a smile, "Yes, I'm serving as the deputy township head."

Deputy township head? The people present were already feeling sorry for Cheng Jiemin for going to the countryside, and this one sentence left them speechless. To ordinary people, a village cadre was already a leader, let alone a deputy township head.

Cheng Jiemin had just graduated and was already a deputy township head? This made several people who had not planned to let their children continue their education reconsider and think about making their children study hard.

Tian Jiaxing also noticed the looks on everyone's faces and felt annoyed. He laughed and loudly said, "Xiao Yu, come and add some water! Girl, can't you see that your Uncle's cup is empty?"

Tian Yu responded and ran in, carrying a large water pot to refill everyone's cups. She glanced at Cheng Jiemin and his father from the corner of her eye, secretly worrying about the Cheng family's brother.

Why is Dad like this? Sister likes Cheng Big Brother so much, why doesn't he agree?

"Second Uncle, my brother is coming back today. He's been so busy this year that he hasn't had time to come back and see you. He arranged for me to invite you over early," Tian Jiaxing said, immediately drawing everyone's attention back to him.

Those who had been speaking softly stopped talking and listened to Tian Jiaxing with respect as he talked about his brother.

The old man called Second Uncle touched his thin lips and smiled, "Your brother is a government official, always busy with work, unlike us farmers. I'm still strong, so there's nothing to worry about. It's rare for him to think of me, and when he comes back, I'll have a few drinks with him!"

Tian Jiaxing chuckled, "Second Uncle, you're right. No one should leave today; let's all drink well and have a good time. I won't be happy if anyone doesn't enjoy themselves."

As soon as he said this, someone said, "Uncle Jiaxing, I caught a wild chicken in the forest a few days ago. I'll have Xiao Hua bring it over and make a pot of wild chicken soup. Uncle Jun has eaten everything, but this wild chicken will be a novelty for him."

"I caught a fish weighing over ten pounds a few days ago and haven't had the heart to kill it yet. It's best for braised fish, so I'll make a big dish."

...

The continuous flattery made Cheng Jiemin feel a sense of envy for Tian Jiajun, whom he had only met a few times. Tian Jiajun was the only person from the village who worked outside and was now a deputy director in a county bureau. However, in the entire Cheng Tianzhai, he was a remarkable figure.

Whenever there was something in the village, people would go to the county and trouble him. When he returned to Cheng Tianzhai, he would be warmly welcomed by the entire village. It was because of this brother that the Tian family was so prominent in the village. Although Tian Jiaxing's character was often criticized, his position as village chief was secure.

This is my role model!

As he was thinking, Tian Jiaxing smiled and said, "Everyone, there's no need to fuss. I've already prepared the dishes. Our only task today is to eat and drink well!"

Regaining control, Tian Jiaxing felt the timing was right. He looked at Cheng Xigui, who was sitting on the side and not saying much, and said, "Xigui, you can't hold back today!"

How could Cheng Xigui have the mood to drink? In recent days, he had been thinking about one thing: how to make up for his eldest son! When his second son came back, every gesture and movement pleased him, and he felt even more guilty towards his eldest son. He shouldn't have left him at home all those years ago. In recent years, his eldest son had overcome his troubles, worked the land with him, and settled down to farming. He was already in his twilight years, but his eldest son was in his prime. If he could marry a suitable woman, he would die in peace. Otherwise, the Cheng family would be letting him down!

"Um... ah." He was preoccupied with his thoughts and responded to Tian Jiaxing's words in a perfunctory manner.

Seeing Cheng Xigui's state, Tian Jiaxing felt even more pleased and confident. Looking at the people present, he thought this was a good opportunity and that he shouldn't be blamed for being straightforward.

"Xigui, do you have any objections to what I talked to you about yesterday? If not, let's proceed as I suggested yesterday," Tian Jiaxing said, tapping the ash off his cigarette. "After the New Year, the weather will be warmer, which is a good time to build a house."

When Cheng Xigui heard the words "build a house after the New Year," he felt a sudden pain in his heart. He knew Tian Jiaxing was forcing him to say no. Feeling a deep sorrow, he knew he had no way out and gritted his teeth, "This... this..."

The old man Cheng, holding a cigarette, found it impossible to speak.

Tian Jiaxing sneered inwardly. He knew the harder it was for Cheng Xigui to speak, the more determined he was about this matter. The thought that he could resolve this thorny issue without a fight made him feel incredibly satisfied.

Xigui, this isn't my fault; it's your son who has designs on my daughter. For my daughter's future happiness, I can't be blamed!

"Uncle Jiaxing, I've always thought my brother and Sister Tian Hua are a good match. I didn't expect you to see it too. This is such a good thing that our Cheng family wholeheartedly agrees. Look, my father is so happy he can't even speak!" Cheng Jiemin looked at Tian Jiaxing with a half-smile, his voice full of joy.

Tian Jiaxing was stunned, as was Cheng Xigui, and everyone present. Although they were all villagers, they were not lacking in intelligence. From the moment Tian Jiaxing brought up the matter, they already knew what the village chief was planning. They also had a good idea of how things would turn out.

Villagers spent their entire lives working the thin land, and building a house in Cheng Tianzhai was already a big deal. Building a house in the county was beyond the means of most families, let alone Cheng Xigui's.

Many people who were close to Cheng Xigui felt sorry for him when they heard Tian Jiaxing speak, but they knew they couldn't say anything at this moment. However, just as they felt uncomfortable, Cheng Jiemin spoke up.

Can the Cheng family really afford to build a house?

Tian Jiaxing couldn't believe his ears. He looked at Cheng Jiemin, who had a faint smile on his face, and felt an urge to open the head of the Cheng family's second son and see what was inside.

However, Tian Jiaxing, being a man who had seen the world, stiffened for a moment before laughing, "Great! We should drink more today. By the way, Xigui, when do you plan to start building the house? I have a friend in the county who has a construction team. Why don't we meet him after the New Year and plan what to buy?"

The meaning was clear: you need to prepare the money. Some things can't be achieved just by talking.

"Uncle Tian, I think we should take our time with building the house," Cheng Jiemin said with a light smile, not waiting for his father to respond.

Tian Jiaxing felt even more confident. This kid is trying to play games with me? Ha, you're making a mistake! However, he maintained a calm expression and asked, "Xigui, what do you mean? Do you plan to have my daughter Xiao Hua rent a house in the county?"

He glanced at Second Uncle and said, "Second Uncle, Xiao Hua grew up under your watch. Although she grew up in the countryside, I've never let her suffer. Tell me, how can it be right for her to move to the county and have no place to live?"

"Um, that's true," Second Uncle was not confused. On the contrary, he knew exactly what Tian Jiaxing was up to. Moreover, before coming, he had already taken a stance on this matter, and now Tian Jiaxing was in the right.

"Xigui, there's an old saying in the countryside: eat according to the size of your bowl. You're not young anymore; you should understand this."

"Father, I won't move to the county. I'll stay in our village. I want to be a farmer, and I want to marry Cheng Jieguo!" At this moment, Tian Hua suddenly ran in and said loudly.

Tian Jiaxing never expected his daughter to come out and say such a thing. He turned red with anger and shouted at her, "Adults are talking; what right do you have to speak?"

He couldn't hold back anymore and said bluntly, "Xigui, as the saying goes, gold flowers match silver flowers, and cucumbers match pumpkins. Xiao Hua grew up under your watch. Everyone says that raising a daughter is for a better match. You can't let her go downhill, can you?"

At this moment, everyone in the room focused their attention on Cheng Xigui.

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