Not long after the village chief left, news of Gu Jiaojiao’s telegram had already spread throughout the entire village.

Everyone knew that Gu Jiaojiao’s family had sent her a telegram telling her to come home to get married, and that they had even arranged a job for her.

For anyone, this was an absolute dream come true.

Leng Yuan might be a decent man, but he was still a country boy with mud on his legs. How could he possibly compare to a worker from the County Town, especially with a stable job involved?

In this day and age, farm work was grueling and exhausting. No one would choose to be a farmer if they had any other choice.

"Do you think Gu Jiaojiao will dump Leng Yuan and go back to the city to get married?"

"She’s already married. If she goes back, would anyone really want a divorced woman?"

"Why not? Just look at Gu Jiaojiao’s face! What man wouldn’t be completely smitten? They might be willing just for a face like that. Besides, Gu Jiaojiao’s father is a factory director. Her family is incredibly well-off."

Even as a divorcée, the daughter of a factory director would have men lining up for her!

「At the village entrance.」

The village gossip circle had gathered under the old locust tree, discussing whether Gu Jiaojiao would dump Leng Yuan.

After debating for a long time, they all concluded that Gu Jiaojiao would choose to return to the city.

But the question was, would Leng Yuan be willing to let her go?

"Leng Yuan seems really devoted to his wife. If Gu Jiaojiao tries to divorce him, do you think he’ll go crazy and hit her?"

Leng Yuan was incredibly strong; a single punch could take Gu Jiaojiao’s life.

Everyone agreed it was a real possibility.

Just then, someone played devil’s advocate. "Have you all forgotten about Leng Yuan’s uncle? He’s a high-ranking official! Would Gu Jiaojiao really give up Leng Yuan?"

"What good is an uncle? He came for a visit and left. There was no talk of him taking Leng Yuan with him. Besides, Xia Qiuming is married and has his own children now. Why would he spare any thought for his nephew?"

Everyone thought that made sense.

It might have been different if Xia Qiuming didn’t have children, but since he had his own, he couldn’t possibly have the energy to look after Leng Yuan.

It seemed Leng Yuan was about to lose his wife.

The moment Chen Beiguo walked through his door, his wife pulled him aside.

"I heard Gu Jiaojiao’s family sent a telegram telling her to come home and get married. They say her new match is a high-ranking official, that they’ve already set her up with a job, and that they’re even promising her a full set of luxury wedding gifts. Is it true?"

Chen Beiguo was baffled. The first part of the rumor was believable, but where had she heard about the high-ranking official and the luxury gifts?

"Where did you hear all that from?"

"So it’s true then?"

The chief’s wife muttered to herself, then suddenly spoke up. "What do you think of my sister’s daughter? She’s twenty this year and still not married. How about we introduce her to Leng Yuan?"

Chen Beiguo was so startled he nearly jumped out of his skin.

Seeing the serious, calculating look on his wife’s face, he quickly interjected.

"What nonsense are you spouting! Leng Yuan and Gu Jiaojiao are married, and they’re getting along great! Don’t you go making trouble with your crazy ideas."

He was on good terms with Leng Yuan, and by now, he’d come to a realization.

The man truly treasured Gu Jiaojiao.

If his wife dared to play matchmaker and offended Gu Jiaojiao, his friendship with Leng Yuan would be over.

For years, whenever something came up in the village, he would go to Leng Yuan for help.

Besides, Leng Yuan clearly had connections higher up. Every time there were benefits to be had, their village always got the best treatment. Chen Beiguo knew what was what.

Those officials were all giving face to Leng Yuan.

If his wife really went through with this, he would be in deep trouble.

"You foolish woman! Instead of staying home and watching the children, you’re out here trying to get me into trouble."