Chapter 39: Late-Night Conversations in the Dormitory

It was late at night in the female educated youth dormitory.

Tang Xue and Zhang Xinyao lay side by side on the earthen kang, but neither of them was asleep. Suddenly, Zhang Xinyao sat up and whispered, "Xiao Xue, have you noticed? Li Yi seems to have changed."

"Has he?"

"Yes, quite a bit. He used to be so arrogant and lacked any manners. But look at him now—he greets everyone he sees, and besides..."

"Besides what?" Tang Xue asked immediately.

"Besides, he seems to be very attentive to you!"

"Is he?"

"Heh, don't tell me you can't feel it, Xiao Xue. Not to mention the fortune he spent on the betrothal gifts, just look at how many things he’s been bringing you lately. Don't you have any idea?" Zhang Xinyao said with a smile.

How could Tang Xue not feel it? On the contrary, she was a very sensitive girl. She would remember even the slightest kindness from others for a long time, let alone the fact that Li Yi was expressing his feelings so directly. How could she remain indifferent? The problem was that Tang Xue did not know how to respond to him; her feelings were incredibly complicated.

Seeing Tang Xue suddenly fall silent, Zhang Xinyao sighed and asked, "Xiao Xue, you aren't still thinking about that Tan Cheng, are you?"

Zhang Xinyao knew that Tang Xue had always held a place in her heart for Tan Cheng, the "big brother" she had grown up with. She also knew that Tang Xue had been waiting for him all these years, but Zhang Xinyao truly had no fondness for the man.

"No... it's not that..."

"Xiao Xue, we've been together for three or four years. Do you think I don't know what you're thinking?" Zhang Xinyao continued, "It’s not for me to say, but that childhood friend of yours might not be the right match. Think about it—in all these years you've been sent to the countryside, has he ever come to visit you even once?"

"We've been writing letters..."

"Hmph, you’ve been corresponding, but I seem to recall he only replied to one of your letters!"

"That..."

"Xiao Xue, I know you grew up together and he did take care of you before. But from my perspective, he either sees you as a little sister or he simply doesn't care for you at all."

"You... how do you know all this?"

"Because when you like someone, you can't hide it!"

"What do you mean?"

"Take Li Yi, for example. He knows our living conditions here are poor, so he brings you delicious food every few days. He knows we girls like to look pretty, so he buys you vanishing cream, floral dresses, and sandals. It may seem ordinary, but he truly has you in his heart."

Hearing this, Tang Xue fell silent again. Reflecting on Li Yi's recent behavior, she could feel that his actions were not just out of a sense of forced responsibility; he genuinely wanted to marry her.

"Xinyao, you're right. He has changed a lot, and he has been very good to me. I’ve decided to give him a chance."

"What kind of chance?"

"A chance to pursue me," Tang Xue said earnestly.

"What? Girl, you’re almost married! You want him to pursue you? What are you thinking?" Zhang Xinyao asked, stunned.

"We haven't held the wedding banquet yet, have we? Besides, when I agreed to marry him before, it was only because I had no choice. I never planned on truly living a life with him."

"And now? Are you planning to settle down with him?"

"Yes. As long as he continues to show me he's sincere, I will live a quiet, happy life with him. I wouldn't regret being a village wife for the rest of my life," Tang Xue said firmly.

Zhang Xinyao smiled. "Xiao Xue, I’m so happy to hear you say that. It’s not easy for us women to find someone who truly cares for us. I hope you cherish Li Yi."

"I’m just worried he’s only having a moment of enthusiasm," Tang Xue said, looking worried.

"I don't think so. If he didn't like you, he wouldn't need to go to such lengths." Zhang Xinyao paused before adding, "Xiao Xue, you know about Li Yi leading the village children to forage for mountain goods and mushrooms, right?"

"I know, Sister Na told me."

"Do you know how much he pays those kids per day?"

"I don't know. I didn't ask. Why?"

"I was paired with Gou Sheng’s mother today. She said Gou Sheng has been picking mushrooms with Li Yi for five days, and he’s bringing home two yuan every single day now!"

"Two yuan? That much?" Even though Tang Xue knew Li Yi had been earning money, she hadn't asked for specifics, fearing that it would look like she was overstepping before they were officially married.

"Gou Sheng’s mother said that’s not even the most of it. Apparently, for the older boys like Dongzi, Shitou, and Qiangzi, Li Yi is paying them five yuan a day!"

As she spoke, there was no hiding the envy in Zhang Xinyao’s voice. They worked themselves to the bone every day only to earn eight to ten work points, which amounted to a few cents. A daily income of five yuan was incredibly tempting.

"Then I’ll ask him to let you join in the future," Tang Xue said.

"Xiao Xue, that’s not why I’m telling you this. I want to remind you that the Li Yi of today is no longer the man he used to be." Zhang Xinyao continued, "Everyone in the village is talking about his capability. I heard from Gou Sheng’s mother that even the wealthiest family in the village, the Li family, has quietly put out word that they want to arrange a marriage with his household."

"If you keep acting like you're just 'making do,' I'm afraid you’ll lose him one day. And there won't be anywhere to cry when you end up regretting it!"

Tang Xue was startled. "Xinyao, is the Li family girl you're talking about the one named Li Meiqin?"

"Yes, you've seen her. Not only is she pretty, but I heard she's only seventeen and has been educated in the city. She’s no less capable than us educated youths."

"Then... Xinyao... what should I do?" Tang Xue felt overwhelmed.

"Don't panic. It's clear Li Yi still likes you. As long as you give him a little encouragement, and since you’re already engaged, no one can take him away from you!"

"If he dares to change his heart," Tang Xue said, raising her small fist, "I'll have Sister Na beat him up!"

"Hahaha, exactly! I heard Li Yi is quite afraid of his third sister."

"He sure is! I’ve seen how Sister Na treats him—she’ll wallop him with a fire poker, and he wouldn't even dare to fight back. It’s quite a sight!" Tang Xue laughed.

"Then you better hold onto your future sister-in-law's favor. If Li Yi ever bullies you, just have her deal with him!"

"Yes!"