Chapter 36 The Deceived Girl in the 1970s: Fake vs. Real Daughter Story (36)

Everyone at the educated youth spot was present, including the returning senior educated youth—they were all waiting for Wang Xiuxiu’s update, only to find her in a daze.

Wang Meiling nudged her. “What are you spacing out for? Everyone’s waiting on your news.”

Wang Xiuxiu came back to herself and said, “Ye Xiaoxiao said that was her boyfriend. He works in town.”

Wang Meiling asked, “What does he do?”

“She didn’t say.”

Wang Meiling curled her lips. “Tch, then it’s probably not a decent job. That’s why she didn’t want to say. Whatever, I’m going to bed. We have to work tomorrow.”

Hearing that, the others also dispersed.

—

Late at night, when everything was quiet, Xiaoxiao finally started to feel like she might’ve been a little impulsive. It was just a bit of attraction—normally, she would’ve taken her time, especially to learn more about the guy’s family.

Yeah… the holiday atmosphere had gotten to her. Seeing everyone else happily paired up while she was alone probably made her emotional.

So, right at that moment, a man appeared, they had mutual affection, and she said yes.

Still, she didn’t regret it.

Since she’d made the choice, she would invest in the relationship. And if it didn’t work out? So what? Life wasn’t just about romance. She wasn’t one of those brainless romantics who couldn’t live without love.

Once she sorted it out in her head, she remembered that she’d have help working tomorrow—with no guilt about it. That thought made her very happy, and she fell asleep with a smile.

—

Back at Chen Zhibin’s house, he was immediately interrogated when he got home.

Especially by his sister, who asked bluntly, “Judging by how happy you look, the girl said yes, didn’t she?”

Chen Zhibin nodded smugly.

His sister said, “Huh, didn’t expect you to be so good at this. But are you sure you didn’t trick her? Is the girl even of age?”

Chen Zhibin looked sheepish. “Xiaoxiao should be an adult… I think?”

He wasn’t sure. She looked really young, especially with those dimples. They made her seem even younger.

Their parents exchanged helpless glances. They had no words for their clueless son.

Already dating someone, and he didn’t even know her age. Which meant he probably knew even less about her family background.

“…I’ll ask her tomorrow,” Chen Zhibin muttered.

Father Chen patted his son’s shoulder and suddenly asked, “Son, she must be really pretty, huh?”

“Yeah! Xiaoxiao’s so pretty, and she has these cute dimples. When she smiles, it’s just sweet and makes me happy.” Chen Zhibin answered without thinking, smiling from ear to ear.

Father Chen: …I knew it.

Like father, like son. Attracted at first sight by a pretty face, then immediately making a move.

Mother Chen rolled her eyes at both of them.

Back in the day, she had been naive and didn’t know any better; hence, she got swept up by Father Chen’s pursuit and agreed to marry him too quickly. If it were now, she’d have made him chase her for months at least.

She turned serious and said to her son, “You’d better treat that girl right. Don’t think you can slack off just because she agreed. If I hear you’re neglecting her, I’ll break your legs. Also, get to know her properly. Invite her over for dinner one day so she can meet our family.”

Chen Zhibin nodded eagerly. He was already planning on it. “Xiaoxiao starts work again tomorrow. I’ll go help her and ask about things while I’m at it.”

They all nodded. His mother added, “Don’t forget to bring her some nice food, especially snacks she likes.”

They all chatted a while longer before finally heading to bed.

—

The next morning, Xiaoxiao woke up feeling like she’d had a sweet dream but couldn’t remember what it was.

She cheerfully started making breakfast: vegetable porridge and pork buns—perfect.

The buns were ones she had bought from a state-run restaurant earlier. Whenever she saw them, she bought a lot and stored them in her space. She could heat them up whenever she wanted—super convenient.

In moments like this, Xiaoxiao didn’t envy people who had super strength or magical pills. At least she had her space. Be grateful, right? It was better than having nothing.

She had just started steaming the buns when someone knocked at the door. Opening it, she was surprised to see Chen Zhibin.

“You’re here so early?” she asked.

“I always get up early. “It’s a habit,” he said. The truth was he’d been so happy he could barely sleep and figured he might as well get up early.

He carried everything into the house and shut the door.

“Look, this is what my mom and sister prepared for you. See if you like it. Or if you prefer something else, just tell me—I’ll bring it next time.”

Xiaoxiao asked, “Do you have the time?” If you’re busy, you don’t have to come every day.”

“I have a week off. There’s no work at home too, so I can come help every day.”

Xiaoxiao was pleased. She didn’t want to separate so soon after confirming their relationship either, so her face lit up with a smile.

Seeing her smile, Chen Zhibin couldn’t help walking over and pulling her into a hug. She smelled so good that he didn’t want to let go.

Thinking about how he’d be back to work soon and only be able to visit once every two weeks or a month, he said, “Xiaoxiao, let’s get married. You can move to the county town with me. The company apartment is a bit small—just a single room—but after we marry, I can apply for a bigger place. You won’t have to do farm work anymore. I can support you; I really can.”

Xiaoxiao gave him a light push. “Let’s talk about that later. I’m still young. And we just started dating—we barely know each other yet. Let’s eat first. We still have to work today. I don’t even know if you can keep up.”

Ugh, this guy really didn’t hold back. Already talking about marriage?

“How do we not know each other? Ask me anything, and I’ll tell you! And don’t underestimate me—I’m great at farm work.”

Chen Zhibin reluctantly let go, started serving food, and asked, “By the way, Xiaoxiao, you are an adult, right?”

Xiaoxiao: …She hadn’t really thought about that.

After mentally calculating the original host’s age, she said, “I’ll be in one month.”

Chen Zhibin: …So she really isn’t an adult yet. His family was totally going to tease him for “robbing the cradle.”

Especially his sister—she’d married a soldier last year who was younger than her, and he’d teased her about it. Now karma had come knocking.

Chen Zhibin started to regret ever teasing his sister.

Xiaoxiao noticed his silence and teased, “What? Regretting I’m too young? Should I grow up a bit more before we talk again?”

He quickly denied it. “No, Xiaoxiao, don’t misunderstand! I just remembered how I told my parents and sister you were already an adult. Now I’ll be eating my words.”

Xiaoxiao said, “You guys must be really close.”

Chen Zhibin nodded, then turned serious. “Xiaoxiao, there’s something I need to be honest with you about.”

“You didn’t lie to me, did you?” she asked.

He shook his head. “No, it’s about my sister. She got married last year. Her husband is in the military, but he’s an orphan with no family. We didn’t feel comfortable letting her live alone, so she’s staying with us until her job and living arrangements are settled. Then she’ll go join him.”

Xiaoxiao nodded. “That’s nice.”

“You don’t mind?”

Chen Zhibin was surprised. Previously, some girls had outright rejected him upon hearing his sister lived at home, demanding she move out.

Xiaoxiao shook her head. “As long as your sister is easy to get along with, I don’t mind even if she lives with us permanently.”

Chen Zhibin was touched. “Xiaoxiao, you’re amazing.”

Xiaoxiao looked at him and said, “Don’t get ahead of yourself—I have something to tell you too.”