pair of braying donkeys." But seeing Secretary Liu come to apologize, she couldn’t bear her husband’s relentless attitude.

"He said, 'Who doesn’t need who between East and West Villages?’ Doesn’t that imply that East Village depends on West Village? Sister-in-law, be fair—do East Village’s honors fall short compared to West Village?"

"Peili, it's not becoming for a village head to be so petty. Oh, Yanzi and Le’er called, saying they’ll be home for the holidays."

"Then I’ll go pick them up. Just don’t tell the Old Man; promise you won’t fight me on this, okay, Sister-in-law?" Seeing Secretary Liu’s earnest face, Secretary Fu’s wife could only shake her head and smile wryly at the childish rivalry.

"Alright! I’ll betray my village and keep it a secret for you, okay?"

"Thanks, Sister-in-law," said Secretary Liu, gratefully bidding her farewell.

"Secretary Liu, people from the county are here," said East Village’s messenger, Liu Mingshan.

"Good, I’ll head to the village office right away," replied Secretary Liu, rolling up his pants as he ran towards the East Village office with Liu Mingshan.

By the shores of Qianquan Lake, a slender figure sat quietly on a stone by the water, her white dress fluttering in the breeze, making her look like a water fairy.

"Sister Yanzi!" Holding two ice cream cones, Fu Le emerged from behind a pavilion.

“Thanks, Brother Le,” Liu Xiaoyan took a cone, unwrapped it, and took a small bite, her gaze lingering on the serene lake.

"What’s wrong? You seem troubled."

"Yeah," Liu Xiaoyan nodded slightly.

"Brother Le, I feel like I’ve been struck by Cupid’s arrow," she confessed with a sigh.

"That’s wonderful, Sister Yanzi! Tell me, who’s the lucky guy? I need to check him out for you, see if he meets the standards!" Fu Le was thrilled, as though it was his own romantic success.

"Not tall, not handsome, not rich."

"Oh, a 'three no’s' guy," Fu Le deflated. "But love is about compatibility. I trust your judgment, Sister Yanzi, and I believe whoever you choose must be special!" Fu Le was both comforting himself and encouraging Liu Xiaoyan. She shook her head.

"There must be something about him that moved you!" Fu Le probed.

"I just feel sorry for him."

“Yanzi, you’ve always been kind and compassionate, but sympathy isn’t love. A boyfriend isn’t a pet; it's a lifetime commitment. Love should be about romance and joy, not pity. You understand that, right, Sister Yanzi?"

"I can't explain it. I just feel he’s very pitiable and makes me want to protect him," Liu Xiaoyan said. Although they were in different departments, her and Fu Le's classes were on the same floor. Deep down, Fu Le despised effeminate men who lived off women; he believed real men should stand strong and provide a safe, happy life for their loved ones. D

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