CHAPTER 101: CHAPTER 101: THIS IS THE LOVE SHE WANTS

Xu Qinghuan smiled and looked at him, tilting her head with some playfulness, her gaze like autumn waters, "I’m saying, if you happen to have feelings for me too, we can be together!"

With a thud, he knelt on one knee before Xu Qinghuan, clasping her wrists, trapping them against his chest, breathing the same air as her, "I like you, I’m willing to be with you!"

He was so humble, thinking he could only gaze up at her like a star in the sky, never considering the possibility of holding this star in his hands.

But at this moment, he held Xu Qinghuan’s hand, warm and soft, delicate as cream, so tender and so real.

It was undeniable, when Jiang Xingye said "I like you," Xu Qinghuan’s heart raced wildly, a bit out of control. Although she had long noticed his feelings for her, hearing him say it was so joyful, her heart filled with delight.

There’s no girl who doesn’t like hearing sweet words, but it also depends on who says them.

In her previous life, she was beautiful, wealthy, powerful, and capable, never lacking suitors, but had never encountered pure affection. She was very absolute, she wanted pure emotion without any trace of mixed thoughts, otherwise, she’d rather have none.

Those who liked her for her beauty, wealth, power, or abilities, she could scarcely bother to even glance at.

A time when carriages were slow and letters distant was only enough to love one person in a lifetime. [1]

She desired such love, in this barren rural mountain village, to have a pure romance with a rugged village man, free from worldly taints, enjoying the most sincere love, feeling treasured by someone.

In her best friend’s book, Jiang Xingye remained unmarried all his life, and when creating his character, her friend adopted all of her suggestions. The kind of feeling he had for the Xu Qinghuan in the book wasn’t elaborated, only that he gave her his remaining kindness.

Such a man, who perfectly fits her ideals and aesthetics at every turn, with noble character, truly made it hard for her to resist.

Xu Qinghuan couldn’t help but smile, pinching his cheek, the texture was addictive, especially when he turned his face, offering it to her like a well-behaved big dog.

Xu Qinghuan was thoroughly amused by him.

Jiang Xingye listened to her bell-like laughter, his heart overflowing with sweetness, even more so than any candy he’d ever tasted.

"Even if we’re together now, someday engaged, I might still not marry you, would you still be willing?" Xu Qinghuan asked with amusement.

"Willing!" Jiang Xingye looked at her devoutly, his tone firm.

If she wanted to stay, he’d stay with her; if she wanted to leave, even though he wouldn’t want to, he’d let her go. His lifelong wish was simple, just hoping for her safety and happiness.

"I should head back!" Xu Qinghuan stood up, the orange sunset casting over the vegetable garden, the lush greens vibrant and full of life.

"I’ll walk you!"

Jiang Xingye couldn’t bear to let go of her hand, holding it all the way until they exited the door, worried about the opinions of others, he finally released it.

His large hand gripping hers made her feel safe, the cool, dry palm enveloping hers was very comforting.

Jiang Xingye closed the door gently, picking some tomatoes from the garden to carry in his shirt, "Let’s eat them later."

When he looked at Xu Qinghuan, his brows and eyes relaxed, his gaze filled with a smile, just one look revealing his good mood.

He wanted to be with his love, wanting to see her constantly, even wanting to bring her home.

"Hmm." Xu Qinghuan smiled back at him.

"Oh, Xu Educator, late at night, what are you doing at Jiang Xiaowu’s house? A lone man and woman, aren’t you afraid of gossip?"

Qiu Linghua stood behind a house across the way, separated by a rice field, speaking with a strange tone.

There were a few ginkgo trees there, with the breeze between Phoenix Mountain and Yita Mountain blowing in this direction, making it a popular summer spot for villagers to cool down.

Quite a few people were gathered, and hearing Qiu Linghua, everyone turned to look at the pair.

Jiang Xingye’s heart instantly lifted with concern, unsure if Xu Qinghuan wanted people to know they were together. He was also worried that if these villagers joked about them, Xu Qinghuan would regret being with him.

His sharp gaze cut across Qiu Linghua like a knife, the latter shrinking slightly, yet defiantly stretching her neck. Jiang Xiaowu, this guy, had been rude to her several times for this newcomer educator. Shouldn’t she have her revenge?

If Jiang Xingye were smarter, he’d thank her; if she tarnished the educator’s reputation, wouldn’t she be the only one tied to Jiang Xingye?

Xu Qinghuan smiled slightly, "Auntie Linghua, are you blind? Is it late night? The sun just set."

Qiu Linghua replied, "What matter if the sun set or not, you’re a woman, going to a man’s house, what are you up to? Seducing people?"

Jiang Xingye angrily retorted, "Shut up! Want to die?"

His eyes wide open with anger, emanating such chill that those cooling off felt a shiver that rivaled a stormy gale.

Xu Qinghuan soothingly patted his big arm and said to Qiu Linghua, "He’s my boyfriend, do I need to seduce him?"

"What? He’s your boyfriend? You two are together?" Qiu Linghua’s eyes doubled in size, disbelief etched on her face.

Everyone else was equally shocked, this educator had just arrived and was already with Jiang Xiaowu, what’s she after?

Oh, right, the newcomers never want to work. Turns out the rumors recently were true, Xu Qinghuan was helped by Jiang Xiaowu while she was digging, not just idle talk.

Jiang Xingye was equally stunned, not expecting Xu Qinghuan would openly admit it. He looked at her, his gaze so gentle it almost dripped with water, his heart thoroughly content.

In the past, there were educators who formed relationships with male villagers, but they were never willing, always hiding, hesitant even while holding wedding banquets.

If they had any escape route, they’d certainly run.

But Xu Qinghuan wasn’t like that. She was open and didn’t feel dating him lowered her stature as an educator.

"Yes, he’s unmarried, and I’m unwed. What, can’t we be together?" Xu Qinghuan asked amusedly.

She understood the looks in the eyes of these people, yet didn’t think her city background made her superior to villagers.

In the future, Jiang Xingye’s achievements wouldn’t be lesser than anyone’s.

But that’s not why she chose Jiang Xingye, she has resources, exceptional medical skills, and as long as the situation improves, she can establish her own wealth.

However, if she can embrace success easily, why not?

"Huanhuan!" Jiang Xingye called softly, the affection in his eyes like the ocean where Xu Qinghuan almost drowned, "Why did you announce it?"

Xu Qinghuan paused, "Ah, don’t you want people to know we’re together?"

"No, no!" Jiang Xingye hurriedly explained, "I thought you might not want that."

"Why wouldn’t I? Is being together a disgraceful thing?" Xu Qinghuan wondered aloud.

"No." Jiang Xingye answered harshly, "If anyone says it’s disgraceful, I’ll kill them!"

Xu Qinghuan laughed, "Alright, stop saying harsh things all day. You’re not allowed to fight, not allowed to be tough. You must understand, you’re not alone anymore. If anything happens to you, I’ll have to find another partner. What if I end up with someone bad and fall into a pit?"

"No!" Jiang Xingye drooped his head, looking pitiful like a poor big dog, "You’re not allowed to find someone else!"