Chapter 35 The Deceived Girl in the 1970s: Fake vs. Real Daughter Story (35)

That day, the two of them first had lunch at the state-run restaurant. Then Chen Zhibin took Xiaoxiao to the supply and marketing cooperative, where he bought her clothes and a pile of snacks. Only after that did they go see a movie.

Chen Zhibin was so excited that, if Xiaoxiao hadn’t stopped him, he probably would have bought out the entire supply and marketing cooperative.

The movie was a classic war film. Xiaoxiao thought it was pretty interesting—it carried strong patriotic themes, and at least it wasn’t one of those ridiculous “war god” dramas.

Halfway through the movie, Xiaoxiao was deeply absorbed when she suddenly realized her hand was being held. She turned her head to find Chen Zhibin pretending nothing had happened. She couldn’t help but smile.

It was… rather cute. Especially since in her modern life, guys like this were rare. Most modern guys, after confirming a relationship, couldn’t wait to book a hotel.

Not that Xiaoxiao hadn’t dated before; she had several relationships, but they’d always ended the same way. A big part of it was because of this issue.

She’d been raised in a very traditional household and couldn’t accept casual “fast food” love.

In her mind, even if premarital cohabitation was acceptable, it should only happen after engagement.

Living together without even meeting each other’s parents? That she couldn’t accept. And many guys couldn’t accept that she wouldn’t accept it—so things often fell apart quickly.

She suddenly realized that the romantic values of this era actually aligned more closely with hers. People dated with marriage in mind, not just for fun.

With that thought, Xiaoxiao squeezed Chen Zhibin’s hand. In response, he gripped hers tighter.

After the movie, Chen Zhibin reluctantly let go of her hand and took her out for dinner again before finally sending her home.

At her doorstep, after she’d put her things away, he said, a little reluctantly, “I’ll head back now. I’ll come get you again tomorrow, okay?”

Xiaoxiao hesitated before saying, “I’m starting work again tomorrow.”

Chen Zhibin looked disappointed but quickly said, “That’s fine! I’ll come help you work, then.”

Honestly, if he could, he’d marry her immediately and bring her back to the county town. He already had a work-assigned single room—good enough for two people. Once they were married, he could apply for a bigger place.

He really didn’t want her to suffer doing farm work.

Xiaoxiao nodded. “Then come over for breakfast. I’ll make extra.”

“Okay!” Chen Zhibin was overjoyed. Did this mean Xiaoxiao was okay with going public about their relationship? That made him so happy, he didn’t even feel sad about having to leave her tonight.

After he left, as expected, people came to Xiaoxiao’s house to inquire—starting with Auntie Tan, Auntie Wang, and Auntie Cuihua. They were the village women she was closest to.

Auntie Tan smiled and said, “Xiaoxiao, who was that young man? He’s quite handsome!”

Xiaoxiao smiled. “Auntie Tan, that’s my boyfriend.”

“What? When did you start dating? You really kept it quiet,” Auntie Cuihua asked, clearly surprised.

Though people had their suspicions, they didn’t expect it to be confirmed so soon. There hadn’t been a single rumor beforehand!

Auntie Wang asked with concern, “Xiaoxiao, where’s he from? What does he do? How many people are in his family? Do you know them well? You need to be sure before making any decisions.”

Xiaoxiao felt a little warm inside. Smiling, she replied, “Don’t worry, Auntie. He works on the county’s transport team. His sister is a doctor in our town, and I’ve met her. His parents both work in town too. If he dares to trick me, I’ll drag all of you along to go beat him up.”

Auntie Tan nodded. “That’s good. He seems alright, but you should still get to know him better. Did he say when you’ll get married?”

Xiaoxiao was a little embarrassed. “We just got together, and I’m still too young—not of legal marriage age yet.”

Auntie Tan frowned. “Well, at least get engaged. What if he changes his mind?”

Auntie Wang added, “When’s he coming again? Should your uncle take a look at him?”

Auntie Cuihua chimed in, “Yeah, the village chief and party secretary know a lot of people in town—they can help check his background. If the family’s character is bad, no matter how good the conditions are, you can’t marry in.”

Xiaoxiao nodded. “Thank you all. He said he’s coming tomorrow to help with work. After work, I’ll make a nice dinner. Please bring the village chief, party secretary, and Uncle Wang to help me check him.”

Auntie Tan reminded, “Don’t forget the accountant and Aunt Nie, or they’ll feel left out.”

Xiaoxiao realized she was right. If she invited the others but left out the accountant, that wouldn’t be good. It was just a meal—adding a couple more chopsticks wouldn’t hurt.

Auntie Wang said, “Don’t worry, we’ll come help.”

And of course, they’d bring their own rations. No way were they going to eat the little girl’s food.

Xiaoxiao nodded gratefully. “Thank you so much. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to manage everything alone.”

After the aunties left, Wang Xiuxiu came by too.

“Xiaoxiao, who was that guy who came to see you today?”

“My boyfriend.”

She didn’t plan to hide it. Even if things didn’t work out and her reputation suffered, she wasn’t worried. Worst-case scenario, she’d wait until after she got into college to reconsider marriage—it wouldn’t matter much.

Wang Xiuxiu looked shocked. “When did you meet him?” What does he do?”

“Just before the New Year. Kind of fate, really—we met when I took Feng Qingqing to the hospital.”

“Oh, I see. But what does he do?”

Xiaoxiao looked at her. “Just an ordinary town worker.”

“Will you move to town after you get married?”

“Yep.”

“What about your house?”

“I already bought it. I might come back occasionally, so I’ll keep it for now. If I don’t use it anymore, I’ll just sell it.”

…

Wang Xiuxiu left in a daze. Back at the educated youth point, she was silent. Why were some people just so lucky?

She couldn’t help but feel jealous. Why, Xiaoxiao?

And Xiaoxiao was so stingy—even though she was getting married, she wouldn’t give her the house. They had come down to the countryside together! Wang Xiuxiu had even helped her at the start—they were supposed to be the closest.

But now it felt like Xiaoxiao treated her no differently than anyone else. The closeness she’d imagined had never existed; it’s like it was all in her head.

At this point, Wang Xiuxiu was simply consumed by jealousy. She had helped Xiaoxiao before, but Xiaoxiao had repaid that debt long ago.

Even when Xiaoxiao stood up for her and offended the other educated youth, she never acknowledged Xiaoxiao’s kindness. Instead, she joined the others in excluding her. Now, you’re expecting Xiaoxiao to do her a favor? Not a chance.

Whatever affection there had been—she’d cut it off herself when she chose to side with the older educated youth.