Worse than a scoundrel?

If men were judged solely by their careers, Tang Hong En, in his forties, had reached heights that most government officials couldn’t achieve in a lifetime.

Under such a halo, even if he were a terrible person, female comrades would still flock to him—a character meant little when compared to practical benefits!

Moreover, Tang Hong En wasn’t a terrible person at all.

Liu Yong couldn’t find words to argue. He had beaten up Third Brother Tian because the man was shameless.

But could he beat up Tang Hong En?

Tang Hong En had rushed from Peng City to Qi Jing Village and solved their problems—how could Liu Yong be so ungrateful as to drive him away? He couldn’t do such a thing, especially since Tang Hong En had come at his niece’s invitation—Liu Yong was infinitely indulgent toward Xia Xiao Lan, making it impossible for him to blame her.

Liu Yong was speechless, losing the first round in his confrontation with Tang Hong En.

“I need to speak with Comrade Liu Fen. I think she’s quite frightened.”

Tang Hong En was even making demands of Liu Yong now, who could only reluctantly leave the room.

Liu Fen and Li Feng Mei were cooking in the kitchen, with Xia Xiao Lan and Grandmother Yu also present. Liu Yong rushed in asking: “Fen, what do you think about this?”

What did she think? It was impossible.

She and Mayor Tang?

Liu Fen couldn’t believe it herself.

She had met Ji Ya once—an arrogant woman who spoke her mind, but undeniably beautiful. Liu Fen couldn’t quite describe it, but Ji Ya gave her the impression of being from a completely different level than ordinary folk.

This feeling was subtle. Although Ji Ya and Tang Hong En had been divorced for years, Liu Fen felt that if Mayor Tang were to remarry, he surely couldn’t choose someone inferior to his ex-wife Ji Ya. It wasn’t that Liu Fen lacked confidence, but the gap between her and Ji Ya was so obvious that no amount of self-confidence could ignore it.

“Tang and I… it’s impossible.”

That was all Liu Fen could say.

Liu Yong had initially resented Tang Hong En’s bold confession, making it awkward for Fen to refuse. But hearing Liu Fen’s response, he grew angry: “Why is it impossible?”

Although they were from a rural family, they didn’t need to seek favors from Tang Hong En. If their Peng City business affected Liu Fen’s confidence in front of Tang Hong En, Liu Yong would end Yuan Hui’s business.

They could make money in Yang City just as well as Peng City—they could simply switch industries!

Liu Fen had said “impossible,” not “I don’t like him.”

She simply hadn’t considered personal relationships before, but when Tang Hong En suddenly confessed, Liu Fen felt only panic, not disgust toward him.

This made Liu Yong both distressed and angry.

The kitchen fell into silence. Liu Fen couldn’t explain why it was impossible, but everyone understood it was impossible in every way.

Everyone except Xia Xiao Lan and Grandmother Yu.

“Whether it’s possible isn’t just up to you alone. Have dinner first, then have a good talk with Little Tang. He’s shown his sincerity—you can’t keep avoiding it forever, can you?”

Grandmother Yu was Liu Fen’s “life mentor,” giving her advice on many matters.

Liu Fen nodded.

Xia Xiao Lan hadn’t even confronted Grandmother Yu yet, but after calming down, she understood the old woman’s reasoning—Grandmother Yu believed that a woman’s marriage was like being reborn. Liu Fen’s first “rebirth” hadn’t gone well, but now she had a third chance. Why reject someone like Tang Hong En only to be harassed by village scoundrels?

The Tian family incident had provoked Grandmother Yu.

“But why didn’t you tell me anything…”

Even if others weren’t told, shouldn’t she have been? Xia Xiao Lan had thought she and Grandmother Yu were on the same side, but the old lady had her plans!

“If I’d told you, how could we have achieved such good results? You’ve already won most battles for your mother’s dignity—comparing children, she’s outshone everyone around here! But what makes her most insecure? Isn’t it her failed marriage? You young girl, what do you understand?”

Grandmother Yu was expressing mainstream social thinking.

Xia Xiao Lan couldn’t deny it. Even thirty years later, society’s attitudes hadn’t changed. In her previous life, Xia Xiao Lan had been considered successful career-wise, establishing herself in a big city with an annual salary and bonuses, easily affording houses and cars. Yet what happened? Even a new female assistant would gossip behind her back about being unable to marry.

Social attitudes were too unfriendly toward women. Xia Xiao Lan had worked in a major company with high educational requirements for entry.

In such an environment, she still faced gossip—how could people around Liu Fen, not gossip?

Seeing her silence, Grandmother Yu thought Xia Xiao Lan was angry.

Previously, Grandmother Yu wouldn’t have cared if Xia Xiao Lan was angry. But now she hoped for Xia Xiao Lan’s help, and their relationship had grown closer—she regarded Xia Xiao Lan as half a granddaughter. So she explained further:

“Rise from where you were struck down. If your mother knows that an excellent man values her, and likes her—even if it doesn’t work out, won’t her standards for future relationships be higher? Once others know about this man, how could they casually introduce her to inferior matches?”

The insecurity from a failed marriage couldn’t be completely erased by Xia Xiao Lan’s achievements, no matter how outstanding.

It had to be a new relationship. Liu Fen needed to realize she could find someone better than Xia Da Jun, better than the worthless matches those village gossip introduced. Then she could gradually view herself correctly.

Grandmother Yu had initially been surprised at how Tang Hong En became interested in Liu Fen, but then she thought—if even someone like herself couldn’t help but consider Liu Fen’s interests, what was strange about Tang Hong En finding Liu Fen pleasant to be around?

Xia Xiao Lan was thoroughly convinced—the old ginger was indeed spicier. Grandmother Yu had no kind intentions toward Tang Hong En; he was just a display sign, showing everyone what level Liu Fen was at now… From this perspective, Uncle Tang was quite pitiful.

The kitchen hadn’t finished preparing dinner when Little Wang returned with two television sets and installation workers.

Comrade Little Wang was thoughtful—with Tang Hong En staying in the village for several days, how else could he keep up with news and current affairs? A television would be very convenient.

“Can we catch tonight’s Spring Festival Gala?”

Tang Hong En came out of the room.

“Yes, sir, don’t worry!”

The workers Little Wang brought only knew Tang Hong En was a leader—otherwise, how could they buy large color TVs on New Year’s Eve? These weren’t even purchased but borrowed from the county government—they’d have to be returned later.

Liu Yong took a knife to cut some bamboo poles for antennas, but others said wet bamboo would bend, so he had to search the village for dry poles.

With his departure, the whole village soon learned that Liu Fen’s leader suitor had brought two large color TVs for the Liu family—what’s that? Liu Fen hasn’t agreed yet? They didn’t consider such details, all assuming Liu Fen would immediately accept.

Who would push away such good fortune?

Yet someone was trying to push away this good fortune—that person was Liu Fen.

While the TVs were still being tuned, Liu Fen felt anxious. Gathering her courage, she approached Tang Hong En:

“Mr. Tang, could I speak with you…”