Fortunate Life of the Rural Beauty
Chapter 245 - 244: Unpleasant

Chapter 245: Chapter 244: Unpleasant

It was the moment when the evening glow filled the sky, and the rose-colored glow tinted Chen Afu’s bright cheeks with a layer of rouge, making them even more beautiful. However, she had lost a lot of weight.

A woman as beautiful as jade. Thinking of the little hand that he held that night, soft and smooth, Chu Lingxuan felt a ripple in his heart and quickly clenched his hand into a fist.

He smiled and said, "I’ve already discussed it with your father and mother. I will accompany you back to the countryside tomorrow. My grandfather and my third aunt left yesterday with Yan’er for Yingxue Nunnery, as my third aunt is eager to see my mother. Next year, before delivering the betrothal gifts to Mr. Chen’s family, our Chu family will first send a betrothal gift to Lu Garden. You were raised by your parents, we cannot let them suffer."

Chen Afu was grateful that he had thought of this, considering the Chen family’s daughter getting married under the Chen family’s roof, which was indeed a great humiliation to Chen Ming and Mrs. Wang. If the Chu family could show them such honor, it would make Chen Ming and Mrs. Wang feel better.

She spoke softly, "Thank you, Mr. Chu."

Chu Lingxuan shook his head and said, "Afu, are you still calling me Mr. Chu?"

Chen Afu asked, "What should I call you then?" She definitely couldn’t call him Lingxuan, Xiao Xuan, or Xuan Xuan, right? This was not modern times where nicknames like ’sweetie’ would be applicable.

"Anything but sir," Chu Lingxuan stated boldly.

Chen Afu thought for a moment, tentatively proposing, "Chu... sir?"

Chu Lingxuan laughed and said, "Drop the last name, call me that for now." He added, "You’ve lost weight. Have you been worrying about something? Don’t worry, other than after the wedding when we will stay at the Capital Marquis Mansion for a few days, you will live most of the time in Tang Garden, and occasionally in Dingzhou. In the next few years, my grandfather and I won’t let you stay in the chaotic capital, nor give others a chance to meddle with you."

Upon hearing this good news, Chen Afu was almost moved to tears. She could stay away from the Capital City, and even not have to live in Dingzhou, but still live in the countryside. While she’s going to Tang Garden, it’s just over a hundred meters away from Fu Garden. How could this be happening!

She had been thinking over the past few days about how to avoid staying in the capital, as it would mean parting from Dabao, which she couldn’t bear. Moreover, she had to find a way to prevent Dabao from coming with her. Chen Afu was hesitating whether she should tell Chu Lingxuan about Dabao’s situation. Although Chu Lingxuan seemed reliable, she was worried that Dabao’s complex background might cause trouble for the Chu family.

After all, if she moved to the Marquis’ Mansion, she would likely be taken to the Princess Mansion under the pretext of serving her mother-in-law, which would make her life even more miserable.

Now, hearing Chu Lingxuan’s promise, she was absolutely overjoyed.

She laughed and said, "Really, that’s great!"

Seeing her radiant smile, Chu Lingxuan’s smile deepened. He said, "Of course, I won’t let you suffer. Some things..." He glanced at Dabao and continued, "Some things I’ll explain to you later."

When Dabao saw Chu Lingxuan looking at him, he felt like rolling his eyes at him. However, considering that he might have to rely on Chu Lingxuan in the future, he didn’t dare to show his contempt, he just pouted even more.

These past few days, Dabao had been irritable towards Chu Lingxuan, even the mention of his name irritated him. Upon hearing that his mother was to marry him and that he would be calling him ’father’ in the future, he felt utterly disheartened.

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Dabao was living in hell these days. He was upset about not seeing his mother, and saddened by the prospect of having another father.

Although he was happy that Yan’er was going to be his sister, he didn’t like the man who was going to be his father.

His presence here to say goodbye was brought about by his mother’s persistence. He pouted, not even giving Chu Lingxuan a smile, showing him clearly that he was not happy.

Chu Lingxuan stretched out his hand to pat Dabao’s head but thought better of it. He smiled and said, "After we return to the countryside, Dabao will pledge me as his godfather. Since he will be my godson, he can’t continue attending the private school in Shangshui Village. I have already hired a good teacher, who will instruct him in Tang Garden."

Chen Afu nodded, knowing that Dabao would be safer in Tang Garden. She asked, "The Second Prince and the Seventh Prince, have they left? They won’t trouble us again, will they?"

Chu Lingxuan answered, "The Second Prince went on an inspection tour in Jiaodong a few days ago, and the Seventh Prince seemed to have gone to Honglin Mountain for fun." Seeing Chen Afu’s tension, he added, "Don’t worry, the Seventh Prince knows you are mine and won’t dare to think otherwise."

After sending Chu Lingxuan away, Chen Afu got into a talk with Zeng Shuang, who had arrived a while ago, about the business of Fuyunlai Shop. She was a bit scared and might not want to return to Dingzhou for a long time, so she had to let Zeng Shuang take full control of many things.

That night, lying in bed, Chen Afu noticed that Dabao was tossing and turning, unable to sleep. She had already seen that Dabao was not happy with Chu Lingxuan, so she asked, "Dabao, do you have something on your mind?"

"Hmm," Dabao didn’t deny it.

"Is it because you don’t like Uncle Chu? You seemed to like him before." Chen Afu prompted.

Dabao swiftly sat up and responded, "I liked him before because he was Yan’er’s dad, I only called him Uncle. But now, he’s going to be my dad." His lips trembled as he gloomily added, "I thought grandma should have let me become mom’s son-in-law when I was a kid. This way, no man could be my dad and no one could take mom away."

In the vague light, she saw a glint of tears in his eyes, causing him distress.

Chen Afu was both amused and exasperated. She sat up and took him into her arms, whispering, "Nonsense! Didn’t mom tell you before that the relationship of older wife and younger husband wouldn’t be happy or long-lasting? Look at grandma and Grandpa Chen, didn’t they separate? Isn’t it good for you to be my son? We will never separate. Don’t talk nonsense about being my son-in-law anymore, people will laugh at you and me if they hear it. And, I’m not being taken away. Since mom will marry Uncle Chu, not only is there an extra person liking mom, but there are also extra people who will like and take care of Dabao with mom. Oh no, there are two more people who like us, Yan’er too. Isn’t that better?"

Dabao choked up and said, "What mom said makes sense. I like Yan’er too. But I just don’t like the idea of you marrying, no matter who it is, I don’t feel good about it."

Chen Afu gently patted his back, comforting him, "It’s better for us to live in Tang Garden. You’re familiar with the place and it’s close to grandma and grandpa’s home. You can always go play in Lu Garden, and you can also play with your friends in the village. Moreover, Mr. Chu won’t be home every day..."

Upon hearing that there were so many benefits of his mother marrying Chu Lingxuan, and knowing this was way better than her marrying someone else, Dabao felt a bit relieved. They both lay down to rest.

The next day, everyone rose early. After breakfast, Chu Lingxuan arrived with more than a dozen people and several carriages to pick them up.