Leng Yuan went to work, leaving Gu Jiaojiao alone at home.
She finally had time to take a good look around the courtyard.
Leng Yuan had built the courtyard himself. Since the house was at the foot of a mountain, the surrounding walls were built from stacked stones and plastered with a layer of mud. They were over two meters high, completely obscuring the view of the courtyard from the outside.
On her way through the village, she had noticed the other houses' courtyards. They were just simple yards with wicker fences, allowing anyone outside to see right in.
Compared to those wicker fences, Gu Jiaojiao much preferred this one. It offered a great deal of privacy; you could even bathe in the courtyard without anyone seeing.
She looked around gleefully. The courtyard wasn't large. To the north were the two main rooms of the house. To the west were a woodshed and a covered patio for eating outside in the summer. To the east were the kitchen and a storeroom for grain. And most importantly, in the corner, there was... a... toilet.
The more Gu Jiaojiao looked, the more satisfied she became. After admiring the courtyard, she decided to get some rest.
She had barely slept last night, only catching a short nap in the morning. Then at noon, she had gone to the County Town to get their marriage certificate. She was feeling a bit tired now, so she went into the bedroom.
She hadn't gotten a close look yesterday. Seeing it in the daylight today, she realized the room's furnishings were quite simple. The largest piece of furniture was the heated kang bed. Next to it was a storage cabinet, on top of which sat a thermos and a tea mug.
Against another wall was a larger storage cabinet, with a wardrobe next to it.
The opposite wall held a desk, with a neat row of books arranged on top. Below was a locked cabinet, which probably held some important things.
Leng Yuan was a schoolteacher, so it wasn't surprising that he had books.
'He's managed to build up all this by himself. That's really impressive.'
The room was very clean, tidied until it was spotless. It was clear that Leng Yuan was a neat person.
Gu Jiaojiao didn't need to tidy anything. She just changed the bedsheets and lay down to rest.
As for Leng Yuan, after returning the vehicle, he went straight to work.
The work had already been assigned. Leng Yuan just picked up his farm tools and went to get started.
「In the fields.」
Chen JianShe worked with all his might. He glanced at the plot of land next to his and saw no one, which he found strange.
'My Brother Leng is always the most punctual. How could he be late for work today?'
'Since Leng Yuan isn't here, I should take this chance to get more work done and try to surpass Brother Leng.'
After all, he had never once beaten Leng Yuan, ever since they were kids.
Don't be fooled by the fact that Brother Leng was an educated man. He used to have martial arts training and was an incredibly fast worker. He could lift a 220-pound brute with just one hand.
Just as Chen JianShe was working enthusiastically, he heard some people in another field gossiping about Leng Yuan. This was nothing new to him.
After all, his Brother Leng was so outstanding—he had a good job, good looks, and a good education. Many people were green with envy, and some would make a few sour remarks. It was a common occurrence.
He hadn't planned on paying them any mind, but as his work brought him closer, he heard them more and more clearly. They were saying his Brother Leng and Gu Jiaojiao had gotten their marriage certificate.
Chen JianShe was so shocked he nearly tripped over a corn stalk. Luckily, his reflexes were quick, and he managed to steady himself.
When he came to his senses, he thought it was impossible.
'Although Gu Jiaojiao often came to pester Brother Leng, he never showed the slightest interest. He always rejected her in no uncertain terms. In fact, whenever Gu Jiaojiao bothered him, Brother Leng's face would be grim for the entire day.'
'It's obvious that not only does Brother Leng dislike Gu Jiaojiao, he absolutely detests her.'
'That bastard, how dare he spread rumors about my Brother Leng.'
As Leng Yuan's good brother, Chen JianShe rushed forward, grabbed the man who was gossiping so animatedly, and warned him in a cold voice.
"Feng Ergou, have you got nothing better to do than stand here spreading rumors about my Brother Leng and Gu Jiaojiao? How could my Brother Leng possibly marry that woman! Say one more word of nonsense and I'll beat you up."
Feng Ergou was startled when Chen JianShe grabbed his collar. When he recovered, he couldn't help but yell, "Chen JianShe, what the hell is wrong with you? The brigade leader said it himself! If you don't believe me, go ask him!"
Feng Ergou was furious. While yanking his collar out of Chen JianShe's grasp, he sneered, "I'm talking about Leng Yuan, Chen JianShe, not you. What are you getting so worked up about?"
"If you ask me, with someone like Gu Jiaojiao, it won't last long with Leng Yuan. They're bound to get a divorce sooner or later."
Hearing this, Chen JianShe immediately raised his fist. "Say that again. Believe me, I'll punch you."
Seeing that Chen JianShe was serious, Feng Ergou didn't dare to taunt him further. He muttered something to himself and went back to work.
As for Chen JianShe, his mind was a complete mess.
'It's only been half a day since I last saw Brother Leng, and he's already married to Gu Jiaojiao?'
Chen JianShe didn't believe it. He decided he would ask Leng Yuan himself later. 'What on earth happened? Did Gu Jiaojiao force him into it?!'