As Big Tiger walked, he occasionally introduced Xin'er to the surroundings.
"Ha ha, Xin'er, just feel at home here! The people in this village may not be wealthy, but they are all very friendly. Everyone cares for one another and helps each other out. Life here is simple yet stable..."
As Big Tiger spoke, a satisfied smile spread across his face, showing just how much he loved this village.
Hearing this, Xin'er gently surveyed her surroundings with beautiful eyes.
This village was called Peach Blossom Village.
As the name suggested, the village was surrounded by many peach trees, and each household had a few peach trees planted in front of their doors.
Every year, when the peaches ripened, everyone would pick some to sell in the town.
Many people also brewed peach blossom wine.
Once the wine was ready, many inns and restaurants would come to buy it directly from the villagers.
Thus, although no household in this village was particularly wealthy, no one went hungry.
In front of the village flowed a long river where many people fished. Those who caught plenty would also take their catch to the town to sell.
While introducing the village, Big Tiger pointed to a lush green mountain and said, "There are many animals in that mountain. I hunt there every day. When winter approaches, I’ll catch a few foxes and get some fox fur for you to wear. How does that sound?"
At this point, Big Tiger's face showed a shy yet earnest expression.
"Uh..."
Upon hearing this, Xin'er was taken aback for a moment before shaking her head and replying, "No need, thank you, Big Tiger."
Hearing Xin'er’s words, Big Tiger just laughed heartily and said,
“It’s nothing. I’m quite good at hunting! By the way, it’s getting late. My mother has probably finished cooking. Let’s head back for dinner!”
Xin'er nodded in agreement. Following Big Tiger's lead, the two of them walked towards Big Tiger's Home.
…
Xin'er had thought that she would spend the rest of her life here.
After all, in this picturesque place, Xuan would never find her, and no one here would recognize her.
Here, she lived a very quiet life every day.
She also knew how to weave and embroider, so during her free time, she would help Big Tiger's Mother with embroidery. Big Tiger's Mother often praised her work, saying that the handkerchiefs and sachets she made would sell out almost immediately.
When it came to these topics, Big Tiger's Mother spoke highly of Xin'er.
She treated Xin'er exceptionally well.
At first, Xin'er thought that Big Tiger's Mother was simply warm-hearted and kind to everyone.
But later, she realized that it wasn’t as she had initially thought.
After staying at Big Tiger's Home for half a month, one morning after washing clothes in the river, Xin'er took the clean clothes back home with the intention of hanging them up to dry before picking vegetables to cook.
However, under a large tree, she came across Big Tiger's Mother and their neighbor Aunt Wang.
Perhaps due to being widowed as well, Aunt Wang was very friendly with Big Tiger's Mother. The two families would inform each other about any matters that arose.
Seeing this, Xin'er decided to go over and say hello.
However, at that moment, Aunt Wang suddenly spoke in a mysterious tone.
"Big Tiger's Mother, your Xin'er is truly a wonderful girl. She's hardworking and good-looking. Now that she's living in your house, when are you going to hold a wedding? You must be the first to tell me!"
"Hehe, look at what you're saying. If they really get married, I will definitely be the first to let you know. But who knows if they even like each other? Actually, I really like this girl! You see, she helps us with laundry and chores every day, and she's great at embroidery. She can even earn money! I wonder if our Big Tiger has the fortune to marry her!"
"What? From what you're saying, does that girl not want to marry your Big Tiger? Your Big Tiger is a good guy! He's honest, and isn't he getting older? He's already nineteen, right?"
"Yes, he's nineteen now. Our family is poor, and there aren't many girls who would look at our Big Tiger. This girl is beautiful; when she first came to our house, she was dressed in fine fabric! But I don't know how she feels about it. I suspect she wants to stay here; I just don't know if she likes our Big Tiger."
"Have you asked your Big Tiger how he feels about her?"
"Hehe, who knows him better than his mother? I know his thoughts! The moment he saw this girl, he liked her. Over these days of getting to know her, every time he sees Xin'er, his eyes never leave her. Hehe..."
Hearing Big Tiger's Mother's words, Xin'er couldn't help but feel startled.
At that moment, she realized that Big Tiger's Mother actually had such intentions for her and that Big Tiger... liked her!?
Oh my! She only just found out about this!
However, she only regarded Big Tiger as an older brother. She never expected that others had such feelings for her. What should she do now!?
It seemed that she needed to find a time to explain things clearly to them.
Just as Xin'er was thinking this, she heard Big Tiger's Mother speak again.
"I've been looking for an opportunity these past few days to ask Xin'er how she feels about our Big Tiger. If Xin'er also has feelings for him, then we should settle this matter sooner rather than later."
"Exactly! Many young men in the village like Xin'er! After all, neither Xin'er nor your Big Tiger have held a wedding yet. Everyone is eyeing her closely; you need to wrap this up quickly. Otherwise, if Xin'er gets taken away by another man, it won't be good."
"Ha ha, I know about this. Tonight, I will tell Xin'er about it!"
Upon hearing Big Tiger's Mother's words, Xin'er was completely startled.
The wooden basin in her hands fell to the ground with a loud thud.
The noise caused the two people who were originally chatting to jump in surprise, and they immediately turned their gazes toward Xin'er.
When they saw it was Xin'er, Big Tiger's Mother and Aunt Wang exchanged glances, realizing that Xin'er must have heard what was just said.
Thus, after greeting Xin'er with a cheerful laugh, Aunt Wang found an excuse to leave.
Before departing, she made sure to exchange knowing looks with Big Tiger's Mother.
Big Tiger's Mother understood Aunt Wang's hint and turned to Xin'er with a friendly demeanor. Without beating around the bush, she spoke directly.
"Xin'er, you heard what we just said, right? So let me be straightforward. Both Big Tiger and I really like you! I hope you can become my daughter-in-law. Our Big Tiger is honest, capable, and he likes you a lot. That silly boy is just too shy to tell you himself, so as his mother, I'll say it for him! Our Big Tiger truly cares for you. So, would you be willing to marry him?"
"Uh, well..."
Hearing such direct words from Big Tiger's Mother left Xin'er momentarily speechless.
After all, her heart had always belonged to Xuan alone. Even now that she couldn't be with him, she felt she would never like anyone else again.
So upon hearing Big Tiger's Mother's words, Xin'er opened her mouth to say something but was suddenly interrupted by an anxious voice filled with frustration from behind her.
"Mom, what nonsense are you talking about!"
Hearing this, both Xin'er and Big Tiger's Mother turned to see that it was Big Tiger approaching them, leaving them momentarily stunned.
Then Big Tiger's Mother regained her composure and spoke up.
"What nonsense am I talking about!? I'm doing this for you, aren't I!? Besides, you said you're interested in Xin'er, right!? If you're interested, then you should tell her sooner! You're just too honest, that's why I'm helping you say it!"
Upon hearing his mother's words, Big Tiger's ordinary and honest face immediately turned red, resembling a monkey's bottom.
"Mom, please stop saying that!"
Seeing her son shy like this, Big Tiger's Mother couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle, her eyes narrowing into slits from laughter. She then glanced back and forth between her son and Xin'er.
Finally, she waved her hand and smiled at Big Tiger.
"Alright, alright, I won't say anything more. You go talk to Xin'er properly!"
Big Tiger's Mother's words carried a deeper meaning.
After giving one last look at both Big Tiger and Xin'er, she left with a cheerful laugh.
It seemed that the matter between Big Tiger and Xin'er was bound to happen.
Once Big Tiger's Mother had left, he slowly turned his head, his face still flushed. He stammered as he spoke to Xin'er.
"Uh, Xin'er, please don't take what my mom said to heart. Although... I really do like you..."
As he reached the end of his sentence, Big Tiger's face grew even redder.
His eyes darted around nervously as he stole glances at Xin'er.
Seeing that Xin'er only kept her head down and didn't say a word made him feel increasingly anxious.
"Xin'er, when I say this... what do you think?"
With those words, Big Tiger felt even more nervous, his speech becoming increasingly hesitant.
Upon hearing Big Tiger's words, Xin'er lightly bit her lower lip and slowly raised her head to meet the gaze of Big Tiger, who looked both nervous and expectant.
At that moment, she felt a wave of surprise and shock wash over her.
After all, she had no idea that Big Tiger actually had feelings for her.
She never expected that today Big Tiger would say something like this to her.
It seemed that she had given them too many misunderstandings in the past, leading them to think this way.
However, she did not have any feelings for Big Tiger at all.
It wasn't that she thought Big Tiger was bad; it was just that in her heart, there was only room for one person, and no one else could fit in.
So in the end, Xin'er could only apologize to Big Tiger.
"I'm sorry, Big Tiger..."
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