If you don't consummate the marriage for three years and then marry a successful educated youth

His eyes dimmed. "How could this happen? Did he know you were here?"

"I don't know, he doesn't know I changed my surname."

Gu Heng then remembered that the director had called his younger sister Dr. Wen earlier, so his younger sister had taken her mother's surname. That was good, since it was Gu Yao who had published the notice of severing ties in the newspaper.

Now that the younger sister has been renamed Wen Yao, it won't be so easy for that shameless scoundrel to find her.

"Hoo hoo, little sister, I'm sorry. It's all because your big brother is useless and couldn't protect you. If I hadn't introduced you two, you wouldn't have gotten entangled with him."

"That guy is a lunatic, he's sick."

Wen Yao gently grabbed her older brother's sleeve and shook it, saying coquettishly, "Big brother, it's alright. This isn't your fault. After all, that person disguised himself so well; who could easily tell he was so crazy?"

"His so-called liking for me is nothing more than wanting to get my family's property and make me his mistress so that he can use the marriage to marry the leader's daughter and climb the social ladder."

"It's disgusting. I'd rather suffer in the countryside than marry the enemy who framed my family. Actually, life here isn't bad. The atmosphere in the brigade I'm in is quite good."

Gu Heng looked at his younger sister, gently patted the top of her head, and said in a gentle voice, "I've heard that he's a very fair brigade leader. He's fair in his dealings and wouldn't bully the educated youth. He's a very good person."

"We're doing well here. Although the director is a bit of a nice guy and doesn't like to get involved, he doesn't allow anyone else to bully the people in the cowshed, which is good enough."

"Many people of our social class, after being sent to the countryside, not only had to do heavy labor, but also had to attend endless classes. The humiliation was unbearable. Director Lin is much better off."

Hearing her older brother say this, Wen Yao breathed a sigh of relief. She had always wanted to find an opportunity to visit them, but her status as an educated youth and the endless farm work kept her from leaving.

Gu Heng remembered something else and asked in confusion, "Little sister, why did you suddenly come to the forest farm?"

"The director asked me to come. I once saved a child who was almost drowning. They thought he was dead, but I brought him back to life, and that's how word got around."

"The people from your forest farm were seriously injured this time. If their wounds aren't treated, they won't make it to the town hospital. That's why the director had someone call me over."

Wen Yao briefly explained the situation, lowering her voice: "By the way, big brother, I've been trying to find a way to let people know that I can treat diseases. I can't keep working in the fields all the time; it's too restrictive."

"I need more people to know that I have medical skills, so that I can go out to collect herbs, and if I want to see you, I can do so more openly and without being targeted."

If she has the time and a suitable reason, it will be easier for her to see them, and she can also lend a hand if they need anything.

Gu Heng sighed: "The news that you know medicine has both advantages and disadvantages. Have you thought it through? You'll be going head-to-head with the local barefoot doctor. He'll be taking your livelihood away from you."

Wen Yao's eyes were bright and her gaze was firm: "Then let's rely on our own abilities. In any case, I can't waste my time in the field. I should use my skills instead of hiding them."

"I've already spoken to the director. I'll be coming to the forest farm to collect medicinal herbs more often in the future. If you need anything, just let me know and I'll try to get it for you."

"Anyway, don't worry about me. I know what I'm doing. I've already planned this out and I've just been waiting for the right opportunity."

"Okay, do it if you want, just be careful not to let anyone find out about our relationship. Even if you have a published statement of severance, people will still gossip, which won't do you any good."

After Gu Heng finished speaking, he squatted down and started digging for medicinal herbs with her.

As Wen Yao dug, she said, "Big brother, when you go back, tell our parents and second brother that I'm getting married at the beginning of next month to Jiang Lie, the only son of the brigade leader."

With a thud, the shovel in Gu Heng's hand fell to the ground, and he stared at her with wide eyes and a look of shock.

"Wait, what did you just say?"

"Shh, brother, keep your voice down. Do you want someone to hear us? I'm saying I'm getting married soon. It's to the brigade leader's son, Jiang Lie. He's a hunter, a good and reliable person, and he treats me very well."

"Are you crazy? I know you've always been independent. It's one thing to go to the countryside near our brigade, but how dare you marry someone from the countryside? Are you going to spend your whole life in the countryside?"

"Little sister, we'll have to go back to the city sooner or later. If you get married and have children here, you won't be able to go back."

Wen Yao hummed in agreement: "I know, but this is the best way. If I don't find someone to marry, that scoundrel will keep targeting me and will ruin me sooner or later."

"My face was exposed, and I was targeted and almost got into trouble. It was the captain's son who saved me, otherwise I would have been harmed long ago. I assure you, my brother, he is a really good person."

"If I don't get married, I'll have countless troubles. And if that madman finds out where I am, do you think he'll let me go? But what if I do get married?"

"He'll think I'm unclean and then he won't bother me anymore. What I want is very simple: to find someone who is sincere to me and capable of protecting me so we can live a good life together."

Gu Heng's eyes were complicated: "So, the person you were talking about, the brigade leader's son, is that the one? You really need to make sure you're not mistaken. I've heard that men in the countryside have big tempers and can beat people."

Wen Yao couldn't help but laugh: "He won't, I assure you, brother. If I wasn't certain he was someone I could rely on, I wouldn't agree to marry him. You know my personality."

"Okay, then I'll sneak a peek another day to see what he looks like. Anyone who can be a match for my sister has to be good-looking."

"...Um, that might be a bit difficult. To other people, he doesn't look like a good person. He looks fierce, but he's cold on the outside but warm on the inside. I'm not afraid of him at all."

Gu Heng glared at her again: "You don't look like a good person? Then why did you marry him? Are you out of your mind? Don't give away half your life just to save yourself some trouble for a while."

Wen Yao smiled somewhat helplessly: "Hey, big brother, do I look like such a confused person? He saved my life when I still had the birthmark on my face."

"He's not one to judge a book by its cover. The more you get to know him, the more you'll realize he's a really good man. Once the unrest in the city is over and you return to the city, I'll bring him back to see you."

"..."

"In short, whether it's repaying the debt of saving my life, getting rid of the leper, or finding a backer, he is my best choice."

"As for my parents and second brother, please ask my eldest brother to tell them, especially my second brother, not to act impulsively and cause trouble for him. On the wedding day, I will have the wedding procession take a detour, and you will be able to see it from the forest farm."

Wen Yao's eyes reddened as she spoke, and her voice choked with emotion: "I'm sorry, I can't let you all attend my wedding."

Gu Heng patted her gently, just like when they were little: "Silly girl, as long as you're happy, that's all that matters. Our current status isn't suitable for attending your wedding anyway; watching from afar is enough."