Chapter 140: Chapter 130: The Scumbag Appears

Xiao Man began visiting the commission shop twice a day. She already liked to stop by on her way to and from school to chat with Lin Liuping, so it didn’t seem strange for her to visit without buying anything.

Lin Liuping smilingly brought up Xiao Zhao, telling Xiao Man that the soldier was amusing. "Every time he comes to buy salt and soy sauce, he just stands quietly to the side and waits for everyone else to finish before stepping up," she said. "He’s a grown man, but he still blushes when he asks a question."

Xiao Man said, "Xiao Zhao is a squad leader. He’s hardworking and decent, and he’s pretty handsome, right? He’s a local, too, you know. His hometown is in Anyang County, and his parents have jobs with the government. How about I tell him Sister Liu Ping likes him, and you two can get together?"

Lin Liuping reached out and tapped her lightly. "You’re impossible! You’re just a kid, how can you blurt something like that out? Have you no shame?"

"It’s not me who’s getting a boyfriend, it’s you. What do I have to be ashamed of?" Xiao Man retorted cheekily.

A blush instantly spread across Lin Liuping’s fair face, and she lowered her gaze. "I already have a boyfriend."

"What? How did I not know? Who is it?"

’That was fast! And she kept it completely under wraps.’

Lin Liuping said, amused, "Who do you think you are, the village party secretary? Do you have to know everything?"

"I just want to know! I think of you as my own sister. Is it so wrong to ask?"

Lin Liuping’s gaze softened as she looked at Xiao Man, and she nodded. "Alright, I’ll tell you. His name is Huang Hongliang, and he’s from the county seat. His dad is the director of the county’s Water Resources Bureau, and his mom works for the Commerce Bureau. He’s a driver for the county committee. Last month, I went to the commune’s supply co-op on an errand and happened to run into him while he was visiting the countryside with his boss. As soon as he saw me, he found someone to introduce us... We’re still just writing letters, and he calls me sometimes—I can take the calls at the brigade headquarters. When he comes down with his boss, he’ll let me know so we can meet at the commune... Just don’t tell anyone yet. Wait until... until we’ve been together a while and things are more stable. Then I’ll have him visit. You know what my family is like. If Huang Hongliang comes to visit too soon, they’ll just ruin everything for me!"

Xiao Man sighed inwardly. ’Stable? Is that all it takes? In my past life, he’d already delivered the betrothal gifts and you were wearing his engagement token, but it was all ruined just the same. They destroyed your reputation and married you off to some faraway place without even giving you a chance to defend yourself!’

After a moment of thought, Xiao Man said, "Let me meet him, okay?"

Lin Liuping eyed her suspiciously. "What are you up to?"

"If he wants to be my brother-in-law and marry the village belle of Gongdao Village, he has to get past me first!"

Lin Liuping burst out laughing. "Say ’village belle’ one more time and I’ll smack you!"

One Sunday in April, Lin Liuping’s boyfriend drove a jeep into Gongdao Village and parked at the gate of Xiao Man’s family courtyard.

In her past life, the first time his car entered the village, it had parked in front of the Lin Family’s home and caused quite a stir. But in this life, with Zheng Shaolian and his friends driving over so often, the novelty had worn off for the people of Gongdao Village. They barely gave it a second glance.

Xiao Man had explained to Grandpa and Grandma beforehand that Lin Liuping wanted to meet her boyfriend here because of her delicate family situation. The two elders were understanding. Grandpa told Mo Chengfu to slaughter a chicken and prepare a fine meal to welcome Huang Hongliang warmly.

Huang Hongliang was a fine-looking man, probably around 1.75 meters tall. He wore black trousers and a brown sweater under a military-style jacket. With his handsome features and hearty laugh, he seemed to get along splendidly while chatting with Grandma. ’Why was a person like this such a scumbag in my past life?’

’Just because Lin Liuping was abducted into the mountains for a night, he assumed she’d lost her virtue. He could have at least talked to her face-to-face! Instead, he let her search for him like a madwoman, refusing to even see her. And if that wasn’t bad enough, it wasn’t long before news spread that he had married Lin Liuping’s stepmother’s niece!’

’This niece, Lu Meiye, used to visit Lin Liuping often. They seemed to have a good relationship. When Huang Hongliang was around, the three of them would laugh and joke together.’

’So once Lin Liuping’s reputation was ruined, making her "unworthy," he just married Lu Meiye. Regardless of whether they had been fooling around behind her back all along, that move alone proved Huang Hongliang was a total scumbag!’

’No matter what, they had been in a relationship. Was it really necessary to hurt her so completely?’

’Lin Liuping was a clerk at the commission shop, while Lu Meiye was just a substitute teacher at another village’s elementary school. In terms of looks, she couldn’t compare to Lin Liuping. However, Xiao Man vaguely recalled the woman had a slender, willowy waist, was always fashionably dressed, and had seductive eyes and a bewitching smile. She had the air of a femme fatale spy from the movies.’

’Xiao Man had only seen her once or twice at the commission shop in her past life. Standing next to Lin Liuping, they were a study in contrasts, two completely different styles of beauty.’

’Lin Liuping’s abduction happened in late autumn. Xiao Man had school and couldn’t possibly watch over her all the time. But she wouldn’t let history repeat itself. Her only hope now was that Huang Hongliang and Lu Meiye would get together while she was still in the village, allowing Lin Liuping to see them for what they were and dump the man who had hurt her so badly in her past life.’

The meal was ready, and Huang Hongliang was eager to go to the commission shop to get Lin Liuping. But before he could even reach the courtyard gate, Lin Liuping arrived. And entering with her was another young woman. Xiao Man’s eyes lit up the moment she saw her: ’It’s Lu Meiye!’

’Excellent. I was waiting for you!’

Lin Liuping had visited Xiao Man’s home a few times before. Grandma had asked Xiao Man to invite her for a meal as a thank-you for helping them knit so many sweaters and wool pants. Plus, with Lin Liuping’s peaceful, gentle, and considerate nature, Grandma was very fond of her.

Because she was already familiar with the family, when Lu Meiye suggested coming along, Lin Liuping agreed to bring her. After all, Lu Meiye had a rare Sunday off and had made the effort to come and visit.

As expected, Lu Meiye was a real social butterfly, much sharper than Lin Liuping. The moment she arrived, the courtyard filled with her laughter. One second she was praising the beautiful flowers, the next she was exclaiming, "Grandma, your skin is amazing, you’re a true beauty!" She didn’t neglect Grandpa either, fawning over him, "Grandpa, there’s no way you’re in your fifties! You look younger than my father..."

When Lin Liuping shyly told Lu Meiye that Huang Hongliang was her boyfriend, Lu Meiye’s mouth simply fell open in surprise. She then sized Huang Hongliang up carefully, but showed no other particular reaction and even promised Lin Liuping she would keep it a secret for now.

At the dinner table, Lu Meiye completely took over, acting as if she were the hostess. She served food onto everyone’s plates, urged them to eat and drink more, and charmed them with her sweet smiles and warm words. If anyone needed more rice, she was the first to jump up and get it for them. Her movements were quick and nimble, the sway of her waist undeniably alluring. For now, however, Huang Hongliang only had eyes for Lin Liuping, so it was only Mo Chengfu who spared Lu Meiye a few extra glances.

Grandma smiled and said to Lin Liuping, "Little Huang seems to like this vegetable soup. City folk are more particular, not like us country folk who just take food and soup from the same serving dishes. There’s still plenty in the pot, why don’t you ladle a separate bowl for him? We can’t have Xiao Lu doing everything. Let her sit and eat in peace."

Blushing, Lin Liuping agreed, picked up Huang Hongliang’s soup bowl, and went to the kitchen.

Lu Meiye placed a piece of chicken breast in Grandma’s bowl and spoke in a soft, delicate voice. Grandma praised her, "So you’re a teacher? No wonder you’re so eloquent and well-mannered. Your speaking skills are excellent, and you handle everything so well... Hmm, a teacher. That’s wonderful. I don’t think Liu Ping can compare to you."

At these words, Huang Hongliang looked up at Lu Meiye. Her face was a picture of coy bashfulness, her eyes full of seductive charm as she shot a quick glance his way. Their gazes met, and they both broke into a slightly embarrassed smile.

Xiao Man was speechless.

’Grandma, what are you playing at? Couldn’t you have given me a heads-up?’

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