Flirting—how tiresome, as if one could be bored to death.

Not far away, several young men in work uniforms were jostling each other, their expressions somewhat evasive, and their faces tinged with a faint blush.

“You go!”

“No, you go!”

“It should be you!”

“Hurry up, stop dawdling, or the girl will leave.”

In the end, it was unclear who convinced whom, but the three young men clustered around one, pushing him forward with his head held high and chest out, striding toward the entrance of the supply and marketing cooperative—exactly where Jing Qingxin was standing.

“Um...” The young man in the lead spoke, his demeanor shy and hesitant.

Jing Qingxin had been standing by the door, feeling rather bored by being there alone. She had to maintain a calm expression while enduring the curious gazes of passersby. She thought, let them stare; it wouldn’t hurt her. At least she sensed their gazes were pure and kind, without malice. She knew it was her outfit today that drew so much attention.

Even Gao Shen had been stunned when she finished dressing that morning, holding her tightly and childishly muttering that he didn’t want her to go out! She had been both amused and exasperated, needing to coax him with a few gentle words before he finally let her go. She found his childish side utterly adorable.

A shadow fell over her, and Jing Qingxin collected her thoughts, glancing up at the four men standing before her, her eyes questioning, waiting for their next words.

The four men, seeing Jing Qingxin look up at them, became even more flustered. The one who spoke was immediately at a loss, and the three behind him seemed awkward as well.

“Is there something you need?” Jing Qingxin couldn’t help but ask. She couldn’t stand it any longer—several grown men standing in front of a woman, acting so bashful, as if she’d bullied them!

“Uh... Comrade, do you need any help?” the young man in the lead stammered.

Jing Qingxin was momentarily taken aback—did she look like someone who needed help?

Without hesitation, Jing Qingxin replied, “No, thank you!”

“But, we saw you bought so many things—are you able to carry them all? We can help! We’re official workers from the ‘August First’ Factory, you can trust us, we’re not bad people.”

The young man, worried the girl was shy or wary of them, hurriedly explained their identities. Being a formal worker at a factory was something to be admired everywhere, and many girls vied to marry such men. He thought that by mentioning this, the fairy-like girl before him would surely look at him with admiration, perhaps even esteem him a little more—after all, he was the most handsome and scholarly of their group.

He unconsciously straightened his back, his eyes bright as he looked at Jing Qingxin, awaiting her praise. She was the most beautiful girl he’d ever seen. No wonder he hadn’t found the right person before; could it be fate was saving this moment for him?

Jing Qingxin read his expression and words and couldn’t help but be amused. Was he seeking validation from her? With his fragile look, what was he showing off for?

“Thank you, but I don’t need any help,” Jing Qingxin replied calmly, not wanting to engage further and hoping they would leave on their own accord.

“Comrade! There’s no need to be polite. As the saying goes, comrades from all corners of the country are like family! My surname is Zhao, given name Guoqiang. May I ask yours?” The young man smiled politely, displaying good manners and refinement.

Instantly, Jing Qingxin was both annoyed and amused, replying with a cold smile, “Comrade, since you possess such a noble spirit of helping others, why not assist the elderly and children suffering on the streets? I truly don’t need help. My husband’s family name is Gao.”

“Husband’s family?” Zhao Guoqiang exclaimed in disbelief. The fairy-like girl before him looked only seventeen or eighteen—how could she already be married? He refused to believe it, convinced she was lying.

“Yes, I’m waiting here for my husband. You’d best go about your business and not let me delay your good deeds,” Jing Qingxin said coolly.

He looked like a dandy, his health seemed frail, and his personality rather narcissistic—utterly unimpressive! He couldn’t hold a candle to her Gao Shen. Worse yet, his posture suggested he expected her to flatter him. Unbearable! Even Jing Qingxin, who had never flaunted any sense of superiority, was striving to keep a low profile.

Zhao Guoqiang, unwilling to give up, was about to press further when a deep, resonant male voice sounded from behind.

“What’s going on here?”

Everyone turned to look. Approaching them was a tall man in a military uniform, his expression stern, radiating an intimidating aura.

Jing Qingxin heard the familiar voice and immediately looked toward the imposing figure coming toward her. She couldn’t help but inwardly marvel—now this was a real man! Like a true hero! Especially when her own husband wore his military uniform, his masculine charm was overwhelming.

If only the time and place were right, she’d have loved to throw herself into his arms and call out sweetly, “Honey, you’re here~!” Just to make those men green with envy.

Alas, given the situation, she could only beam a sweet smile and wait in place for Gao Shen to approach.

Gao Shen, having finished his errands, hurried to the supply and marketing cooperative, knowing they would be buying many things today and worried she’d be tired. Nearing the store, he saw four men surrounding Jing Qingxin, speaking to her. His gaze darkened as he strode over, questioning them, his aura chilling the air as he swept his eyes over the group.

He then turned his gaze to Jing Qingxin, who stood quietly, her lips curved in a sweet smile, her bright eyes fixed on him, her expression filled with deep affection.

Instantly, Gao Shen’s eyes softened, his icy demeanor melting as he walked gently up to Jing Qingxin. “Are you alright?” he asked in a caring, quiet voice.

Jing Qingxin smiled, “I’m fine, but these comrades seem quite devoted to helping others! I’ve already said I don’t need help, but they’re still so enthusiastic.”

“Oh? I didn’t expect such high moral standards from you all—something for the masses to learn from. As it happens, I know a place nearby where the villagers urgently need assistance. Perhaps I could take you there?” Gao Shen replied, a cold smile on his lips.

“Uh... no need for that!” Zhao Guoqiang replied with an awkward laugh. “Ah, it’s time—we should be heading back to the factory, right?” he said, turning to his colleagues.

This novel was first published by Xiangxi Academy. Please do not reprint.