Free Web NovelChapter 169: Chapter 169: I Will Only Marry Him
Lin Shan watched Gu’er for a long moment.
"Gu’er, how do you feel about Jia Ming? If you were to stay in the city and get married, would you be willing?"
Since Gu’er had returned, Lin Shan hadn’t asked her about Sun Jiaming. He had promised to let her decide who she would marry. As long as the man she chose wasn’t evil and would be good to Gu’er, he wouldn’t stand in her way. But recently, Chen Fengjiao had been bringing the matter up constantly. She was clearly dissatisfied with Sun Jiaming and didn’t want Gu’er to marry back into a village.
True, if his daughter married into the village, seeing her wouldn’t be as convenient as if she were in the city. But as long as she was happy and living a good life, it didn’t matter where she married. He wouldn’t force the issue.
He had also noticed today that Chen Fengjiao had her sights set on Li Zhi again. He suspected she wanted to set Gu’er up with him, which was why he wanted to talk to Gu’er and find out her true feelings.
"Dad, maybe a lot of people think Brother Jia Ming isn’t good enough for me now. I’ve moved to the city, I have a good father, and I can get a good job. I’m not ugly, so it wouldn’t be hard to find a good family to marry into—someone like Li Zhi, whose family is well-off and who is a good catch himself. Maybe that’s who I’m supposed to look for. But Dad, back when I was still in the village, when I was still known as Zhou Mazi’s daughter, who among them would have given me a second glance? I was beaten, cursed, and went hungry. I was utterly alone and helpless. Besides my adoptive mother, only Brother Jia Ming and Brother Liu Yuan were kind to me. They helped me when I was at my lowest, never expecting anything in return. That’s why I value them so deeply."
Gu’er paused, looking at Lin Shan’s serious expression before continuing, "After that incident, when I attacked that man, nobody knew how I felt. The entire village just stood there, pointing fingers at me. Some might have pitied me, but no one dared to question the decision of the village chief and those other old men. I was so desperate I thought about just cutting myself a few times—I would have done anything, as long as I could get away from the Zhou family. My heart was cold, I was miserable, and I was so alone. But then there was Brother Jia Ming. He stood by my side. He helped me. The moment he showed up, he was my entire world. He shielded me from the storm, made me feel strong, and reminded me I wasn’t alone. He let me stay with the Sun Family. He and Grandma Sun gave me warmth, showing me there were still people in this world who cared for me and would treat me well. They were good to me without expecting anything back, because I had nothing to give. They just felt sorry for me and wanted to help."
"Back then, I swore an oath to myself that if I ever had the ability, I would repay their kindness. Later, when Brother Jia Ming confessed his feelings and asked me to marry him, I hesitated. I didn’t hesitate because I didn’t like him, but because I was afraid I wouldn’t be a good wife, that I couldn’t make him happy. But I eventually agreed, and I truly meant it. It wasn’t out of gratitude—it was because I had fallen in love with Brother Jia Ming. The moment I nodded, I knew. For the rest of my life, if it’s not Sun Jiaming, I won’t marry anyone. No matter who comes along, no matter where I am, he’s the only one I will follow."
Gu’er’s voice wasn’t loud, but it was incredibly firm. If marrying Sun Jiaming meant losing this family, she would still choose Sun Jiaming.
"Good. Well said. I’m very happy that you think and feel this way, Gu’er. You must remember. Remember what you said today. No matter what happens in the future, no matter what your status becomes, you must remember to stay true to yourself."
A flash of admiration crossed Lin Shan’s eyes. If Gu’er could stay true to herself, her life ahead would not be too hard. No matter where she was or what her status became, she wouldn’t be dazzled by wealth and prestige.
"I will."
Gu’er nodded. After living through her entire last life, she knew that what she wanted in this life was actually very simple. Compared to wealth and status, she was far more eager to find love.
Lin Shan nodded at Gu’er, feeling relieved. After hearing her speak, he had gained an even deeper understanding of his daughter.
Lin Shan didn’t leave right away. He continued to make small talk with Gu’er, and eventually, he started talking about the village, about the years he had spent living there.
Lin Shan’s gaze grew distant with reminiscence. When he first arrived in the village, he couldn’t bear it. All he thought about was how to get away. He felt the village was like a man-eating beast that made him want to escape every second of the day.
But after being away for so many years, whenever he had time to think back on his life in the village, he would feel a sense of nostalgia. It was as if those days were no longer about being devoured, but had become unforgettable.
Gu’er enjoyed talking with Lin Shan. She felt relaxed and at ease. Looking at his expression, she was suddenly reminded of the middle-aged man she had run into earlier that day. His expression had been very similar to Lin Shan’s. ’They must have both been sent down, or exiled, from the city to the villages, right?’ she thought. ’First they couldn’t adapt at all, but later they grew nostalgic. They’ve been through so much, their ways of thinking have changed, and that’s given them a different outlook on life.’ freewebnσvel.cѳm
But Gu’er also knew that for Lin Shan and the other man, it was just nostalgia. If they were actually asked to go back and live in the village, they wouldn’t be willing. They wouldn’t be able to adjust to that life again.
The days passed quickly. In the blink of an eye, the Kitchen God Festival was over, and it was the twenty-sixth day of the twelfth lunar month. On this day, Gu’er put on a hat and wrapped a scarf around her face, leaving only her eyes exposed. She was going out to find Liu Yuan.
"It’s so cold, and you’re still going out? Haven’t all the shops closed already?"
Chen Fengjiao asked Gu’er. She didn’t understand why this daughter of hers never wanted to stay home.
"Mom, why do you bother with her? She just loves to run wild outside. She’s not afraid of the cold, so just let her go. It’s not like she’ll freeze to death."
Lin Sui’er shot Gu’er a sidelong glance from where she was.
Chen Fengjiao frowned. She didn’t like hearing Sui’er talk about Gu’er that way, but she was also unhappy that Gu’er never wanted to stay home. She also felt that Gu’er wasn’t open with her. She had brought up Li Zhi several times, but Gu’er always fell silent and refused to take the bait. It made her angry just thinking about it. ’I’m only doing this for her own good. Why can’t this daughter of mine understand me? Why is she so difficult? She’s not nearly as considerate as Sui’er.’
"I’m going out to find someone. I’m not sure when I’ll be back. I’ll return as soon as I find them. Mom, you don’t need to wait up for me."
Gu’er explained.
"Big Sis, be careful. Don’t slip. Come back early, it’s cold outside."
Lin Zheng, however, walked Gu’er to the door to see her off.
Gu’er patted Lin Zheng’s head.
After closing the door, Gu’er heard a voice from inside. "Honestly, why is she running around outside in this freezing weather? Who knows who she’s even going to see."
It was Chen Fengjiao’s complaining voice.
"Mom, see? I’m the good one. I’m staying home to keep you company. She might be my big sister, but she wasn’t raised in our house. She’s not one of us."
Lin Sui’er’s instigating voice could be faintly heard as well.
Gu’er paused for a moment but chose not to dwell on it. ’To be honest, I’m also partly responsible for the state of my relationship with Chen Fengjiao. I want a mother’s love from her, but I haven’t really given anything back. I just can’t bring myself to be overly affectionate, to cling to her and act spoiled like Lin Sui’er does. In my last life, I lived to be older than Chen Fengjiao is now. I just can’t bring myself to act all cutesy and spoiled.’
