Chapter 7: Sowing Discord

Sheng Zexi placed the glass of water in front of him but never took a sip. His gaze kept drifting toward the room not far away, as if he were waiting for something.

His face was slightly tense, lips pressed into a straight line, his heart in his throat.

To be honest, this was one of the rare moments in Sheng Zexi’s twenty-some years when he felt truly nervous and uneasy. Yesterday’s matchmaking was one such moment, and now, here he was again.

He knew all too well how serious his health problem was in this day and age.

He could have hidden it, waited until after marriage to tell the truth.

But Sheng Zexi didn’t do that.

During the meeting, he told the truth, even though it meant risking rejection. Still, he didn’t want to deceive Gu Jianing or her family.

He knew that even if Gu Jianing agreed, he would still owe her.

In fact, half a year ago, even though he was moved by her, he left without saying anything, precisely because of this concern.

He tried to let go, but as time passed, his feelings and longing for Gu Jianing only grew deeper. In the end, he simply couldn’t let go.

So, he came, and asked a matchmaker to propose on his behalf.

In the end, he was selfish for once, treating this as both his first and last chance.

Footsteps interrupted Sheng Zexi’s thoughts. He looked up abruptly, meeting Gu Jianing’s face as she walked out of the room. She gave him a sweet, gentle smile, her almond-shaped eyes shining. Seeing that smile, Sheng Zexi’s anxious heart inexplicably settled.

The outcome is good, isn’t it?

“Zexi, you should pick a time to come and propose,” Yao Chunhua said after pulling Gu Jianing down to sit beside her.

The Gu family looked at Yao Chunhua and Gu Jianing in surprise. They opened their mouths as if to say something, but in the end, said nothing.

Yao Chunhua was the matriarch, and Gu Jianing didn’t object, so they couldn’t say much either.

Sheng Zexi was overjoyed. The tension in his face finally melted into a bright smile, his phoenix eyes sparkling. “Alright, Auntie, I’ll pick a time as soon as possible to come propose. I’ll submit the marriage application to the organization as soon as I get back.”

His voice was low and resolute. “Uncle, Auntie, please rest assured. I, Sheng Zexi, swear on my life and faith that I will never let Ningning down.”

Seeing both families reach an agreement, the matchmaker beamed with delight. Yao Chunhua asked Gu Jianing to take Sheng Zexi out for a walk, so the future couple could have a chance to talk.

The two of them walked one after the other, keeping a meter apart. Even though they were to be married, it wouldn’t look good for others to see them walking too close.

Sheng Zexi gazed at the graceful figure ahead. Ever since his mother passed away, the emptiness in his heart had been filled with honeyed sweetness.

He moved a little closer, his eyes falling on the girl’s delicate, fair hand hanging by her side. Sheng Zexi’s fingertips trembled, restraining the urge to reach out and hold her hand, never letting go.

“Ningning, does this mean we’re officially dating now?” Sheng Zexi asked.

Gu Jianing turned her head to look at him and nodded. “That’s right.”

Sheng Zexi’s eyes lit up. “Then I’ll go back and submit the marriage application today?”

“You can.”

Sheng Zexi quietly clenched his fist, joy rippling through his heart like water.

He talked to Gu Jianing about the betrothal gifts and invited her to visit the county supply and marketing cooperative with him. Gu Jianing agreed to everything.

As they walked along the road, they attracted quite a bit of attention.

Especially since just yesterday, Gu Jianing had caused a stir by jumping into the river, and now today she was chatting and laughing with a handsome man in military uniform. Everyone was curious. Even those working in the fields whispered to each other.

Zhao Weihong, whose hands ached from shelling corn, heard the gossip and saw Gu Jianing in her camel-colored coat, looking radiant and beautiful. A flash of jealousy crossed her eyes as she gripped the corn tightly.

She glanced at the tall officer beside Gu Jianing, a hint of confusion in her expression.

“I heard Gu Jianing agreed to a matchmaking meeting yesterday. Could this officer be the one she met?” Li Juan, who was also shelling corn nearby, glanced over and speculated softly.

“But didn’t Gu Jianing like Comrade Wen, the educated youth? Looks like this officer doesn’t know she jumped into the river for him yesterday. Maybe he’s being fooled by Gu Jianing.” Li Juan frowned slightly, as if feeling a bit sorry for the unsuspecting officer.

“Of course! That shameless vixen, Gu Jianing—just watch how I expose her!” Zhao Weihong threw down the corn in her hand in anger and stormed off.

Li Juan watched Zhao Weihong’s retreating figure, her eyes darkening. She tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear and lowered her head to shell more corn, but kept a sidelong eye on what was happening nearby.

Zhao Weihong liked Wen Zhuqing, and she’d always disapproved of Gu Jianing clinging to him. Now that she had a chance, she was sure to make the most of it.

As for Li Juan…

She liked Wen Zhuqing too, and was also annoyed by Gu Jianing’s constant pestering.

She didn’t know why Gu Jianing was meeting that officer.

But even if Gu Jianing gave up on Wen Zhuqing, Li Juan didn’t want to see her marry such a good officer.

Her gaze fell on Gu Jianing’s stunning, peach-blossom-like face. Li Juan lowered her eyes, hiding the jealousy within.

How could such a beautiful face belong to a country girl, when none of the city girls or the other female educated youths could compare?

Li Juan also liked Wen Zhuqing’s refined looks.

She knew that Gu Jianing’s beauty attracted many men, and she’d even accidentally witnessed Wen Zhuqing sweet-talking Gu Jianing a few times.

She knew that Wen Zhuqing wasn’t really the gentle, refined gentleman he appeared to be—that was just a mask.

Realizing this had excited Li Juan.

She believed that someone like Wen Zhuqing, who was just like her, would end up with her in the end.

Zhao Weihong stormed up to Gu Jianing, startling her. She lost her balance and leaned backward to avoid her.

Sheng Zexi reacted quickly, steadying her with a hand on her back. “Are you alright?”

He looked up at the woman who’d suddenly appeared, his eyes darkening.

Gu Jianing regained her balance and looked up to see Zhao Weihong’s angry face. After studying her for a moment, she remembered: this was the educated youth who liked Wen Zhuqing. Unfortunately, she was all brawn and no brains, easily used by both Wen Zhuqing and another female educated youth.

“Zhao Weihong, what’s your problem?” Gu Jianing shot back directly.

Zhao Weihong glanced at the tall, proud-looking officer, who seemed a bit unfriendly toward her, and hesitated, but still mustered her courage. “Comrade Officer, are you here to meet Gu Jianing for matchmaking?”

“You probably don’t know, but yesterday Gu Jianing confessed her feelings for our educated youth Wen and even jumped into the river for him.”

“And now she’s meeting you? She’s just a fickle woman.”

She glared angrily at Gu Jianing, pointing at her. “Gu Jianing, you already have Wen Zhuqing, and now you’re meeting other men. What are you up to? Trying to be a loose woman? Wen Zhuqing got beaten up by your third brother because of you, and you haven’t even apologized!”

Gu Jianing frowned and slapped Zhao Weihong’s pointing finger away. Her delicate face turned cold. “I hate it when people point at me like that.”"