Chapter 86 – Educated Youth Who Abandoned His Wife and Child (17)

After the betrothal gifts were delivered, Shen Xiuyan’s wedding date was naturally set without a hitch.

It was scheduled for the third day of the next month—a day deemed auspicious for marriage.

The news swept through the entire village like a gust of wind, naturally reaching the Educated Youth Station as well.

At the moment, a Ten-Person Meeting was taking place inside the Educated Youth Station.

Among this batch of educated youth, Comrade Li was the oldest. He treated everyone like younger siblings and, of course, offered a few words of advice on such a major life decision.

He carefully chose his words so as not to offend anyone. “Xiuyan, have you truly thought this through? You’re really going to settle down in this village, get married, and have children?”

“Exactly. What’s going through your mind? You’re clearly the most outstanding among us, yet you’re the first to get married. There’s been no news about returning to the city yet, but you’re still young. Don’t give up so soon.”

“What Old Second said is true—do you really want to spend your whole life in this village?”

Once Comrade Li spoke, several others chimed in with their own advice.

After all, in their minds, only those who had given up would consider marrying and settling down in the countryside.

Once you’ve seen the splendor of the city, how could you content yourself with a rural corner?

Even the oldest among them, Comrade Li, had never considered romantic entanglements—everyone was focused on returning to the city.

Shen Xiuyan understood their good intentions and could only patiently explain, “You’re overthinking it. Getting married and returning to the city aren’t mutually exclusive. If there’s a chance to go back, then of course I’ll go.”

One hot-tempered youth blurted out, “But if you marry a countryside girl and take her back, aren’t you worried your parents will look down on her?”

Shen Xiuyan shook his head. “Your wife is yours to cherish—what does that have to do with your parents? Besides, if your attitude is right, they won’t give you trouble. And if they do, then maybe you haven’t done enough yourself.”

“But, but…” That person hesitated and didn’t continue. His earlier outburst had clearly crossed the line.

Luckily, Shen Xiuyan had a good temper. If he were the short-tempered type, there would’ve been a fight by now.

Shen Xiuyan knew what they were really thinking: rural wives were somehow “embarrassing.”

Indeed, in this era, there was a stark divide between rural and urban life. Compared to city girls, rural women did seem to fall short in many ways.

But he firmly believed: there’s no such thing as a wife who can’t be presented—only a husband who hasn’t tried hard enough.

Women are born to love beauty. With money, they naturally dress well. All the excuses they were using only proved their own incompetence. But Shen Xiuyan wasn’t about to say that aloud.

Instead, he deflected tactfully, “I know you all mean well, but to me, this is the best path.”

Seeing Shen Xiuyan had made up his mind, Comrade Li sighed. “So, when’s the wedding?”

“Third of next month.”

“So soon?” Comrade Li drew in a sharp breath. “Not even taking more time to get to know each other?”

What if, given a little more time, he changed his mind? Once they were married, there’d be no turning back.

Shen Xiuyan smiled. “No need to wait.”

After all, he’d searched for a wife for so long—he was practically ready to marry her on the spot.

“Alright then.” Comrade Li swallowed all the things he wanted to say and turned them into a simple, “Congratulations. I’ll definitely come and get a cup of wedding wine.”

“You’re more than welcome.” Shen Xiuyan stood up with joy written all over his face. “All of you are welcome!”

The others, seeing even Comrade Li had given up persuading him, had no choice but to smile and offer their congratulations too.

After everyone had left, Shen Xiuyan let out a sigh.

Truly a product of the times—he couldn’t relate to any of the things they said. What’s wrong with rural people? Getting married means you can’t return to the city?

They just wanted excuses to avoid responsibility.

Men—don’t I know what you’re thinking?

Shen Xiuyan curled his lip in his heart.
In the vast wheat fields, everyone was working with high spirits.

Since Shen Xiuyan and Su Mingyue were on the verge of getting married, he didn’t shy away from public displays of affection at all.

The two of them helped each other here and there, working together joyfully.

Wiping the sweat from his forehead and tugging at his collar for some air, Shen Xiuyan felt genuinely happy—even farming was enjoyable when done with his future wife.

Su Mingyue, while working, kept a close eye on him. Seeing his sweat pouring down and his handsome face reddened from the sun, she called out with concern, “Brother Shen, maybe take a break? I’m worried the heat might be too much for you.”

“I’m fine, just hot, not tired. A quick cooldown and I’ll be good.”

Saying that, Shen Xiuyan took off his hat, walked over to Su Mingyue, squatted beside her, and started fanning them both vigorously.

A refreshing breeze wafted over them. Su Mingyue closed her eyes, enjoying it with a smile.

Shen Xiuyan gave her a grin. “Feels nice, huh?”

“Mhm! Super refreshing.”

Someone nearby, catching their break, couldn’t help nudging the Brigade Leader’s shoulder.

The Brigade Leader looked up, confused. “What?”

That person motioned with his chin. “Look. Your future son-in-law really is something. He’s even fanning Mingyue.”

The Brigade Leader chuckled proudly. “Oh, it’s nothing special.”

“Tsk tsk, listen to yourself—talking like a man with confidence.”

The man glanced back over to Shen Xiuyan, who had already gone back to work.

Suddenly, he slapped his thigh. “Hey! Now that I think about it, ever since that Shen Educated Youth got engaged to Mingyue, he hasn’t fainted once!”

The Brigade Leader paused his movements. “Now that you mention it—he’s been working for nearly half a month straight. Still clumsy, but he’s gritting his teeth and sticking with it.”

“Hahaha! Isn’t there an old saying about driving away bad luck with a joyous occasion? Looks like that’s what happened with him. Otherwise, why hasn’t anything happened lately? I’m telling you, your daughter’s his lucky star.”

The Brigade Leader beamed. “From your lips to God’s ears. If he keeps this up, I’ll have nothing to worry about.”

“Exactly. He’s even earning Work Points in the fields now. Your son-in-law’s practically flawless.”

On the other side, Shen Xiuyan was hard at work digging into the soil. It was exhausting, but still bearable.

He had clear plans for his future. There was no way he’d follow in the original host’s lazy footsteps.

The original host had no one to care for but himself, so he could afford to slack off.

But Shen Xiuyan was different—he had a family to support. In this era, earning Work Points was the only way for an educated youth to make money.

He didn’t dare slack off. Still, things would improve next year. Once the National College Entrance Examination resumed, policies would loosen too.

He had plenty of ways to make money, and as for the mission he needed to complete—that would all begin next year.

For now, no use overthinking. Just keep working hard and earning those Work Points.

Shen “Diligent Little Squirrel” Xiuyan: officially online.