Resolving "forced marriage"

“When will your novel be finished? When it’s published, you must send me a few autographed copies!”

“Uncle Tian, this book is only just started; it’s a long way from being published yet!” Zhao Dongchuan said, scratching his head.

“Oh, by the way, come home with me. We’ll have dinner at my place tonight. We didn’t drink enough last time, so tonight we can have a good long chat!” Tian Fujun stared at Zhao Dongchuan, as if afraid the young man would run off.

Ever since he listened to Zhao Dongchuan last time, he went back and mulled it over, feeling that it contained profound insight.

Tian Fujun guessed that this young man had a lot hidden inside, but he was a bit slippery and unwilling to show it.

Just now, he saw a familiar figure and, with the thought of taking a shot whether there was a target or not, he didn't expect it to actually be Zhao Dongchuan.

Since he had encountered him today, he certainly wouldn't let him go easily.

Zhao Dongchuan saw Tian Fujun’s determined stance and feared that refusing was not an option. He couldn’t just run away, and he couldn’t outrun four wheels. He did want to chat with Tian Fujun, but he was afraid of saying too much and making a mistake, which would be bad.

In the end, Zhao Dongchuan was still pulled into the car. What could he do? A big leader from the County Revolutionary Committee invites you for a drink; how could you refuse?

Half-heartedly, he got into the car. Zhao Dongchuan and Tian Fujun sat in the back.

“How long do you plan to stay this time?”

“Uncle Tian, I might need to stay for a month. I’ve already informed my workplace.”

“Don’t laugh at me, but I truly envy you literary workers. You have flexible hours and not so many twists and turns. It’s just that my writing skills aren’t good; I can’t write good articles,” Tian Fujun said, lighting another cigarette.

“Uncle Tian, your work affects the lives of all the people in the county. Most people don’t have that ability.”

“What you told me last time, I’ve kept it in my heart. It gave me a lot of confidence in my work. Few young people today have such insight as you!”

“Uncle Tian, actually, many people know this deep down; they just don’t dare to speak up.”

“Yes, this kind of turmoil cannot continue.”

With a screech of brakes, they had arrived at Tian Fujun’s home in the Revolutionary Committee compound.

Tian Fujun and Zhao Dongchuan got out of the car one after another.

“Aiyun, stir-fry a few dishes and get some wine. We have a guest!” Tian Fujun called into the inner room.

“Fujun, you’re back!” Xu Guoqiang, who was bent over tending to his potted plants in the courtyard, stood up and greeted him.

“Dad, watch your back. Let Xiaoxia help you with these plants.”

“Oh, you’re that young poet. What brings you to our house?” Xu Guoqiang looked at Zhao Dongchuan with a hint of surprise.

“Dad, I invited him to be our guest; he’s not one of ‘those people’!” Tian Fujun said, fearing Xu Guoqiang would misunderstand.

“Oh, good, welcome, welcome.” He said, picking up the black cat at his feet and entering the house.

It seems many people usually come to “seek official positions” or ask for favors, Zhao Dongchuan mused inwardly.

Tian Fujun’s wife, Xu Aiyun, knew a bit about it; Tian Fujun highly valued this young man.

So, she immediately added a few substantial dishes to entertain the guest.

Not long after, Tian Runye and Tian Xiaoxia also returned, both looking at Zhao Dongchuan with curiosity.

“Little Zhao, why are you back? Aren’t you working in Huangyuan?” Tian Runye asked.

Tian Runye’s initial impression of Zhao Dongchuan was just average, thinking he was merely an ambitious young literary enthusiast. Unexpectedly, she suddenly saw his poem in a periodical. The moment she read it, she was deeply moved, and it gave her a lot of encouragement in her current situation.

She couldn't help but develop a sense of warm affection for the poet.

“I’m writing a novel and came back to gather inspiration and material. I ran into Uncle Tian on the way, so I came!” Zhao Dongchuan explained simply.

“You have a new work?” Tian Xiaoxia asked, a little expectantly.

“I’m just writing to try it out; I don’t even know if it can be published yet!” Zhao Dongchuan laughed.

…………

With the food on the table, Tian Fujun pulled Zhao Dongchuan to sit beside him, continuously pouring wine for him.

“Hey, Teacher Jia said you can drink a thousand cups without getting drunk, so you must drink more!”

Zhao Dongchuan couldn't refuse and could only drink along.

Of course, since he was here today and had met Tian Runye, he naturally couldn't waste this excellent opportunity.

He had to find an opportunity to help Tian Runye escape the situation of “forced marriage.”

He discussed the current situation with Tian Fujun, offering some pertinent advice that made Tian Fujun nod frequently, while also looking for an opportunity.

“What you said is exactly what I think. Farmers’ affairs should be managed by farmers themselves. We should interfere less. Developing the economy and ensuring the common people are well-fed and clothed is what truly matters, but there are always some people causing trouble,” Tian Fujun said, slightly tipsy.

The others listened silently, not daring to speak. Xu Aiyun even tugged at Tian Fujun, reminding him to be mindful of his words.

“Sigh!” Tian Fujun couldn't help but let out a long sigh.

“Uncle, difficulties are only temporary. In less than two years, the higher-ups will surely realize the problem. Those people don’t have many good days left. I have high hopes for Comrade Deng.

At that time, Uncle, you will definitely be given important responsibilities,” Zhao Dongchuan said slowly, in a low voice.

Tian Fujun’s eyes lit up, and he stared intently at Zhao Dongchuan, as if trying to see through him.

“You young man, you dare to say anything!” Tian Fujun happily patted Zhao Dongchuan’s shoulder.

Xu Aiyun, being nearby, naturally heard some of it. Although she was just a doctor, she knew a bit about the current situation and understood what Zhao Dongchuan was saying. On one hand, she felt Zhao Dongchuan was boasting, but on the other hand, she couldn't quite grasp Tian Fujun’s attitude. She knew Tian Fujun rarely praised people.

It seemed this “Little Zhao” indeed had some capability. Thinking this, Xu Aiyun’s mood slowly grew excited. If that were true, then the future…

Zhao Dongchuan said these things not to show off, but genuinely to alleviate pressure on Tian Runye.

While Li Xiangqian’s “persistence” put great pressure on Runye, Xu Aiyun’s relentless efforts to facilitate the match were what truly troubled Tian Runye. Xu Aiyun was so active because she hoped Li Xiangqian’s father, Li Dengyun, could speak up for Tian Fujun, making it a “political marriage.”

Zhao Dongchuan’s words, though whispered, were heard by everyone present as they were not far apart.

Xu Guoqiang, the retired old leader, also looked intently at Zhao Dongchuan, and for a moment, he held him in higher regard. Regardless of whether the future situation would unfold exactly as he predicted, to have one’s own unique insights and bravely express them in the current climate was not something an ordinary person could do.

“Little Zhao has had a bit too much to drink and said some drunken things. Don’t take them seriously, and don’t spread them around outside, alright?” Tian Fujun cautioned everyone.

These words were mainly directed at Tian Runye and Tian Xiaoxia. Xu Guoqiang and Xu Aiyun were experienced adults and naturally understood that such words should not be spread, as they could harm oneself and others.

“Dad, Brother Zhao didn’t say anything. I just saw you two drinking,” Tian Xiaoxia said with a sly smile.

“Second Aunt’s cooking smells so good, Dongchuan, you must eat more. Second Aunt made it especially for you!” Runye also took the opportunity to put a piece of meat in Zhao Dongchuan’s bowl. Although Tian Runye didn’t understand the underlying purpose of Zhao Dongchuan’s words, it didn’t prevent her from approving of him.

…………

Afterward, everyone naturally moved past the topic and began discussing Zhao Dongchuan’s new work, asking about his progress. Zhao Dongchuan naturally shared some of his ideas and story plot.

“Did Cuiqiao and Gu Qing end up together in the end?” Tian Runye and Tian Xiaoxia asked expectantly.

“To know what happens next, please wait for the next installment!”