At this moment, Si Nian was no longer just a beautiful girl from the city.
She had become a kind-hearted and sensible young woman.
Who wouldn’t like a girl who was both gentle and lovely?
Everyone gathered around her, offering comfort.
"You’re such a good, understanding child—nothing like that Lin Sisi."
"That’s right. But don’t worry, even though we’re in the countryside, our boss lives just as well as those city folks."
"Exactly! Boss Zhou is a great man—hardworking, responsible, and successful. You’ll definitely be happy with him."
"Though he was once engaged, he’s still reliable. Don’t worry, we vouch for him!"
Si Nian hadn’t expected her few words to win them over so completely. They were now telling her everything, even sharing details about Zhou Yueshen’s ex-wife. She was surprised.
True, she had known Zhou Yueshen was previously married, but the specifics were unclear.
She had no idea how far their relationship had gone.
Unable to resist, Si Nian stole a glance at Zhou Yueshen—only to be caught red-handed.
Embarrassed, she averted her gaze, pretending nothing had happened. Talking about an ex in front of the current partner was awkward for anyone.
Zhou Yueshen frowned.
Si Nian wondered if mentioning his ex had upset him.
Was he still hung up on her? That wouldn’t do. She despised men who clung to their first love while moving on to someone new.
Marrying someone like that would only lead to misery.
As the saying goes, "If the ex cries, the current loses." She refused to raise his children only for them to call another woman "Mom" someday.
Si Nian decided she’d have to ask Aunt Zhang about the ex-wife later.
If she couldn’t ask Zhou Yueshen directly, she’d have to find out from others.
Just then, Zhou Yueshen spoke calmly, "Since her arrival was sudden, we haven’t finalized the timing yet. We’ll make arrangements in a few days. No need to rush."
"But the wedding will happen. I won’t let her be slighted."
The crowd erupted in applause.
"Boss, you’re the man!"
"We’ll definitely celebrate when the time comes!"
Si Nian lowered her eyes slightly, saying nothing. Truthfully, she didn’t want a wedding, but she’d discuss that privately with Zhou Yueshen later.
The excited cheers of the crowd seemed to completely disregard Liu Guifang’s feelings.
Hearing Zhou Yueshen’s words, Liu Guifang was stunned.
If Zhou Yueshen was getting married, what would happen to her?
Si Nian was bombarded with questions about city life and her family.
She answered honestly, and everyone found her warm and approachable despite her privileged background.
Their admiration for Zhou Yueshen grew.
After a while, still reluctant to let her go, they promised to visit the Zhou Family to chat more.
But Si Nian couldn’t stay longer—Yaoyao was waiting at home, and she couldn’t leave Shitou to watch her indefinitely. She soon excused herself.
Only then did the others remember Yaoyao. "Is Yaoyao home alone? Is Aunt Liu watching her?"
Si Nian smiled. "Aunt Zhang is helping out, but I shouldn’t keep her too long. Let’s talk another time."
The crowd sighed, their disdain for Aunt Liu deepening.
Knowing Si Nian had just arrived, she’d still sent her daughter to cook instead of helping the Zhou Family herself. Clearly, she was taking advantage of Zhou Yueshen’s absence to make things difficult for Si Nian.
Everyone saw through her schemes.
Thankfully, Si Nian could cook—otherwise, if no meal had been delivered today, what would Boss Zhou have thought?
What a wicked woman.
Sensing the need for privacy, the crowd dispersed.
"I still need to check on my piglets."
"I’ve got things to do at home too."
"Let’s go together."
Soon, only Zhou Yueshen and Si Nian remained.
Zhou Yueshen studied her with an unreadable expression, making Si Nian uneasy.
What was this older man staring at? Had she said something wrong?
After a long pause, Zhou Yueshen finally spoke. "I’m not sure what’s happened recently, but since you’re here, I won’t mistreat you."
Si Nian relaxed—until he added, "But there’s no need to lie. I know a bit about your situation. No need to exaggerate."
He hated dishonesty.
With that, he turned. "Come on, I’ll walk you out."
Si Nian: "…?" What lie? Everything she’d said was true!
Even if it didn’t match the original owner’s thoughts, it was close enough. Besides, the original owner’s mindset wasn’t hers—so it didn’t count as lying.
Did this man think she’d badmouthed Lin Sisi to make herself look better?
Where was the exaggeration?
Fuming, Si Nian glared at his back, itching to argue. But the original owner had indeed been reluctant to marry him—that much was true.
Zhou Yueshen probably knew, hence his words.
Her sudden change of heart would naturally raise suspicions.
Now she was suffering in silence.
Even without turning, Zhou Yueshen could feel her resentful gaze.
At the gate, he pushed open the iron door.
Si Nian strode past without a glance.
"Wait." His deep voice stopped her.
"What now?" she asked flatly.
Her disappointment in him was palpable. Handsome, wealthy, and well-housed—but his words were unbearable.
Men were overrated. She’d rely on herself.
Zhou Yueshen ignored her tone, pulling a thick wad of cash from his pocket.
Si Nian’s indifferent (￣.￣) face instantly morphed into shock Σ(OﾟдﾟOﾉ).
He handed her the money. "I don’t need much outside. Use this to buy whatever you want. If it’s not enough, come find me."
"And… thank you for lunch today."
