Disaster Apocalypse: Farming, Family, and My Hidden Secret Space-Chapter 519: Bittersweet

The next day, Jin’er walked home after finishing her practice as usual, a suspicious smile lingering at the corners of her mouth under Luo Song’s fiery gaze.

Luo Song wanted to follow her, but unfortunately, he was entangled by the brothers Hua Yunao, who had become irregular in their practice since having children. The two looked at him with a mischievous gleam, and Luo Song immediately understood their intent; he wanted to follow but was helpless.

As Jin’er turned toward her home, she saw Qin Shu standing there, and she paused, her gaze not avoiding his as she lightly smiled and greeted him, "Brother Qin Shu."

Greeting him as usual, she nodded and prepared to leave, but Qin Shu took a step forward and called her to stop.

"Sister Jin’er, ... can I talk to you?"

Stopping her steps, she stood with her back to Qin Shu, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath.

As expected, her premonition was right; Brother Qin Shu was specifically waiting for her here.

Sighing gently, she turned with a slight smile at the corners of her mouth, "Of course, let’s go to my house," she said softly, noticing the passing villagers.

"Okay," Qin Shu replied, deeply looking at Jin’er, speaking just one word, and moved his feet.

As soon as they entered the courtyard, they saw the village chief and Hua family’s grandma alongside Uncle and Aunt Hua playing with the children. Their entrance seemed to press a pause button in the yard; everyone froze, even the children stopped playing and curiously looked at them.

"Grandpa Hua, Grandma Hua, Uncle and Aunt Hua," Qin Shu greeted them calmly, not as flustered as Jin’er imagined.

"Young Qin..." Old Hua nodded, "Here to see Yun Ao, right..."

"Yes..." Qin Shu glanced at Jin’er, nodding.

But Granny Hua, Qi Shi, glanced between Qin Shu and Jin’er several times, sensing it wasn’t that simple, especially since the Qin family was one of those seeking matrimonial alliances.

Moreover, the look the young man gave Jin’er was quite significant.

"Grandpa, Grandma, I’ll take Brother Qin Shu to the study; I have some matters to consult with him as well."

"Ah... alright," Old Hua nodded, and now he could see something was amiss; the house was full, no need for the dear granddaughter to entertain guests.

"Brother Qin Shu, please," she said, facing her grandparents’ gaze, encouraged, invited Qin Shu into the study.

Facing the family’s gaze was better than facing the strange looks of the villagers, who were numerous after practice. Being sized up after saying just a few words, who knows what rumors might spread if she left with Qin Shu.

Jin’er invited Qin Shu to sit in the study, but before they were seated, Qi Shi and her mother-in-law brought in tea.

"Qin Shu, have some water."

"Qin Shu, you haven’t had breakfast yet, have some snacks to settle your stomach."

Qi Shi placed the tea, and her mother-in-law set the snacks on the table, dawdling without leaving.

Jin’er: "..."

Gently holding her forehead, this was too obvious.

"Grandma, Mom, I want to eat the chive-filled boxes you make."

Grandma Hua glanced at her granddaughter, knowing well she wanted them out, yet she indulgently said, "Alright, Grandma will go make some, you both chat."

Saying this, she and her daughter-in-law left the room, though not too far, stretching their ears.

"Brother Qin Shu, don’t mind, my mom and grandma are just too hospitable and enthusiastic," Hua Jing awkwardly broke the silence.

Qin Shu shook his head, "No, Grandma Hua and Aunt are wonderful people."

Jin’er moved the tea toward Qin Shu, "That’s true... here, Brother Qin Shu, have some water!"

Qin Shu held the cup, nodding, looking at the person before him. After practice, Sister Jin’er seemed to glow with a pale pink hue, her eyes shimmering like rippling water, drawing one to sink deeply into them. Though impulsively, Qin Shu’s previously complex gaze now turned more steadfast as he looked directly at Jin’er, saying, "Sister Jin’er is choosing a husband."

"Yeah, Brother Qin Shu heard about it," Jin’er laughed softly, embarrassed.

Previously uncertain, this moment made Jin’er fully realize it.

Brother Qin Shu truly had feelings for her; although she knew the Qin family was among those proposing, she believed it was only Qin Uncle and Aunt’s intent.

Alright, Jin’er admitted she was a bit slow in these matters, mainly focused on other things, never considering her own situation.

Even in her past life, she only thought about making money, thinking men would only slow her down, politely declining them, only here she had a loving family, warming her cold heart, giving her people to protect.

Qin Shu nodded, "Yes, I came... to confirm something."

Jin’er: "..."

Facing his direct gaze, the momentary brilliance in his eyes and the deeply suppressed emotions almost made Jin’er look away.

No one expected the usually reserved Qin Shu to reveal such intense emotions, and truthfully, Jin’er was touched for a moment.

But he came too late, if... if so, she might still make the same choice; Luo Song was indeed more suitable for her.

Thinking this, Jin’er’s slight emotion quickly faded. Although somewhat apologetic, time was a good solution, and she believed Brother Qin Shu’s character would soon recover.

Jin’er, seemingly unaware, slowly smiled, "What’s the matter, Brother Qin Shu, please ask."

Speaking, she picked a piece of osmanthus cake from the table, gently biting it while bowing her gaze.

Qin Shu’s gaze followed Jin’er’s actions, knowing well in that moment Sister Jin’er understood his implication, but only for a moment, then naturally asked if he’d had water just like a neighbor, his previously gathered courage instantly collapsed like a breached river.

Qin Shu bitterly smiled, seeing Sister Jin’er really had no feelings for him.

Jin’er perceived it too, a trace of apology in her eyes, but in such matters, quick action was essential, the best outcome for both her and others.

Feigning ignorance to Qin Shu’s bitterness, Jin’er continued to smile lightly, waiting for him to proceed, even urging him as she raised her gaze again.

Then, his inner bitterness deepened, Qin Shu seriously looked at Jin’er, a difficult smile faintly appearing on his lips, "Just feeling a bit sudden, didn’t expect Sister Jin’er to reach the age for betrothal, our Qin family’s current prosperity heavily owes to Sister Jin’er, so I want to ask if there’s anything I can help with, Sister Jin’er, please don’t hesitate."

At the last, Qin Shu’s smile couldn’t hold but didn’t reveal hurt, just... as usual.

Jin’er breathed a sigh of relief, her face showing understanding, genuinely thinking so.

A promising youth like Qin Shu, though from a farm household, his years soaked in books exuded a graceful demeanor akin to a clear breeze and bright moon, possessing his pride and dignity. This was best, preventing awkwardness for anyone, retaining final dignity.

Jin’er shyly smiled, "Of course, with Brother Qin Shu’s friendship with my brother, Brother Qin Shu’s help will indeed be necessary."

"Then I’m relieved," Qin Shu responded opaquely.