Chapter 15: A Formal Proposal Arrives

"Xiaosheng, come out quickly! Something serious has happened!"

Li Aimei’s voice carried a mix of urgency and helplessness, piercing the tranquility of the early morning.

It struck straight into Lin Junsheng’s heart, who was deeply engrossed in his writing.

He was bent over a simple wooden desk, the tip of his pencil dancing across yellowed stationery, carefully outlining the story of "The Tree King."

He had lit the kerosene lamp last night and started writing.

In his memory, he still hadn’t chosen anyone else’s work.

He had seized the opportunity with Acheng alone, intending to write and submit "The Tree King."

Last night, thunder roared and rain fell like beads, tapping on the window and disrupting Lin Junsheng’s thoughts.

He reluctantly put down his pencil, blew out the lamp, and let his mind drift with the sound of the rain.

This morning, as the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, he eagerly picked up his pencil again to continue writing.

However, Li Aimei’s hurried call shattered the silence.

"Mom, what’s wrong? It’s so early—what happened?"

Lin Junsheng asked as he stepped out of his room.

Li Aimei stood at the threshold, her brows furrowed, anxiety written all over her face.

"Your... your sister and Li Yonggang... they’ve done something disgraceful!"

Lin Junsheng was taken aback, silently murmuring to himself.

Hadn’t it been said yesterday that they hadn’t even gone into the little grove? How could there be anything disgraceful?

"Mom, please explain clearly—what exactly happened?"

"Sigh, the whole village says they sneaked into the haystack yesterday!" His mother stomped anxiously, as if the matter was already settled fact.

Lin Junsheng couldn’t help but smile faintly.

He understood now that he had misunderstood his mother’s meaning.

That seemingly dull Li Yonggang had finally mustered the courage to take that step.

At the thought, a sense of relief washed over him.

"Mom, don’t worry. Maybe it’s not as bad as you think," Lin Junsheng tried to soothe her. "Look, your sister and Li Yonggang are mutually fond of each other. Why not go with the flow?"

"Go with the flow? You say that so easily!" His mother’s eyes widened, anger surging. "This countryside may not have the same strict rules as the city, but it’s not something to be taken lightly! They’re not even married yet... what will the villagers think of our family?"

Lin Junsheng wiped away his smile and took a serious tone: "Mom, we need to deal with this quickly but carefully. We should understand the situation first and then make plans. You stay home; I’ll go find them. Also, you should visit Li Yonggang’s family to discuss the betrothal gifts. Once that’s settled, our families will be joined, and the villagers won’t have anything to say."

Though reluctant, Li Aimei knew this was the best course of action for now.

She sighed and nodded, "That’s all we can do."

Last night, Li Aimei had even tried to persuade Lin Junwan to change the match.

She had been scheming all sorts of small plots, never expecting her daughter to be utterly unreliable.

At the time, it seemed Lin Junwan was willing!

But today, everything had changed—the match was off.

Li Aimei sighed helplessly.

She knew she had to grit her teeth and shamelessly go to Li Yonggang’s house to propose the marriage.

Having lived most of her life, she had rarely felt so humiliated.

Her frustration was like biting into an unripe persimmon—bitter and choking.

Yet, for her daughter’s reputation, she had no choice but to go.

Just as she resolved, Li Aimei stepped out, only to find two people standing at the gate.

Looking closely, it was none other than Li Yonggang’s parents—Li Changgen and Yang Yuhuan!

Li Changgen wore a faded blue work jacket stained with mud at the hem, clearly just returned from the fields.

His weathered face bore the marks of years, but his gaze was honest and simple.

Yang Yuhuan was dressed in a clean, neat floral blouse, her hair neatly pinned with a black hairpin, radiating modesty.

She carried a bamboo basket filled to the brim—with a small bucket of golden cooking oil, dozens of round eggs, and several packets of snacks wrapped in red paper—clearly prepared for a formal proposal visit.

Their family must have just learned the news too; those two youngsters were truly a handful.

"Ah, mother-in-law, where are you off to?"

Yang Yuhuan immediately noticed Li Aimei’s surprised expression and smiled warmly, greeting her enthusiastically.

Li Aimei’s heart was a complex mix of emotions, tears welling in her eyes.

Moments ago, she felt unbearable grievance; now, an unprecedented happiness surged within her.

It was like parched land finally receiving sweet rain—her dry heart nourished at last.

The grievance remained, but the happiness came too suddenly.

After all, it was Li Yonggang’s family coming to propose; her dignity was intact.

"Oh, we were just about to come find you! Please, come inside, let’s have a proper talk."

Li Aimei hurriedly wiped away her tears, replaced them with a smile, and warmly welcomed them.

Her joy felt as sweet as honey.

"Mother-in-law, how can it be you coming to us? It must be us proposing. We just came a bit hastily; we’ll bring the betrothal gifts properly in a few days."

...

On the way, Lin Junsheng happened upon Li Yonggang’s parents, who were beaming with joy, clearly on their way to propose.

He realized that everything around him was quietly changing, as if the wheel of fate had gently turned.

His sister, Lin Junwan, had escaped the fate of changing matches, and he himself avoided the path that led to reuniting with his past life’s wife.

This sudden turn of events filled him with hope for the future.

After speaking with Li Yonggang’s parents, he learned when Li Yonggang and Lin Junwan had been at their house.

Lin Junsheng took his time, leisurely making his way to Li Yonggang’s home.

Villagers, with their thick accents, occasionally pointed fingers and whispered as he passed.

When he stepped over the threshold, he saw Li Yonggang and Lin Junwan sitting side by side on a bench.

Both kept their heads lowered, silent.

"What are you two doing? Your wedding’s right around the corner, and you act like strangers," Lin Junsheng joked, trying to break the silence.

Lin Junwan looked up, a flicker of panic in her eyes, her voice barely audible: "Brother, I... I really didn’t do anything with him."

Li Yonggang quickly nodded in agreement: "Brother Junsheng, we really just... just sat here. Nothing happened!"

Lin Junsheng had his suspicions.

He smiled gently, signaling them not to be nervous: "Then tell me, what exactly happened?"

Lin Junwan and Li Yonggang exchanged a glance, reaching an unspoken understanding.

Li Yonggang spoke slowly: "Actually, that day by the haystack... we only lightly kissed. Didn’t expect the whole village to make such a fuss."

Lin Junsheng suddenly understood.

It was all a misunderstanding.

He couldn’t help but laugh; Li Yonggang was truly endearingly simple.

But none of that mattered—as long as he treated his sister well, everything else was insignificant.

He wiped off his smile and spoke seriously: "Li Yonggang, I have a question for you."

Li Yonggang sat up straight immediately: "Brother Junsheng, ask away. I promise to be honest."

"Do you truly love my sister?" Lin Junsheng’s gaze was sharp, fixed intently on Li Yonggang’s eyes.

Li Yonggang became slightly uncomfortable under the stare but firmly nodded: "Truly, really truly. If you don’t believe me... if you don’t..."

He blushed deeply, momentarily lost for words.

Lin Junsheng quickly interrupted: "Alright, alright, don’t get worked up. I believe you."

He turned to Lin Junwan: "Xiaowan, what about you? You like Xiaogang, don’t you?"

Lin Junwan’s cheeks flushed instantly.

She shyly nodded, her eyes sparkling with happiness.

"That’s good." Lin Junsheng smiled in satisfaction. "Since you both like each other, set the wedding date quickly. That way, Mom won’t pressure you to change matches anymore."