At that moment, Li Chunmei and several of her female companions, who were also heading to harvest their rice, walked over to them.

Ye Ling saw them and said, Duo Er, Chunmeis here. Im going to ask her to return our sickle. Just sit here where its cooler and away from the sun.

Great timing too. He was embarrassed and didnt know how to respond to her.

Alright, you go, Liu Duo nodded in response.

Ye Ling got up, dusted his clothes, and off he went to the foot of the hill to wait for Li Chunmei.

They were about ten meters apart when the group of girls spotted Ye Ling standing there, with his back straightened, thin but not too weak. Not to mention his handsome face, already bringing the few women to their knees.

As they approached, Ye Ling gently requested of Li Chunmei, Chunmei, could you return the sickle I lent you yesterday? I need it now.

Li Chunmei nodded and took out the sickle from her basket. She handed it to Ye Ling. Here it is, Ling. Thank you for letting me use it for so long.

He took the sickle and smiled at her. Thats alright. Im off to get busy now.

With that, he turned away and headed towards the paddy field.

The girls admired him from behind. One spoke, Lings footwork may be strange, but every time I see him hes always so gentle, like he doesnt have a temper. Also, quite good-looking.

He sure is. Much better than Mo, if you ask me. Hes handsome too, but when looking for a husband we should go for a gentle one like Ling, said another.

All of them werent in favour of Ye Mos nasty and impulsive temper.

I think Lings the best. Hes both handsome and gentle! Another girl contributed to the discussion.

The few girls chatted among themselves while Li Chunmei didnt say a word.

She looked at Ye Mo harvesting rice in the field, then glanced over at Ye Ling who had just stepped in to help. Her eyes barely shifted.

The girls also noticed Liu Duo just sitting there, instead of helping with the harvest. They felt envy, jealousy, then eventually hate.

Look at that shared wife! Ive never seen her work at all!

Me too. Shes a shared wife, but she seems to be living a better life than a regular wife could.

It must be nice being married into the Ye family, not having to do anything and just waiting to be adored, and getting to wear nice clothes too.

Lets go, we have rice to harvest. Thats all Li Chunmei said as she went to her own paddy field.

She didnt want to listen to them and their doleful complaints. Annoying!

On the other side, Liu Ran stayed at home, studying and working on his writing indoors.

Suddenly, Hei Xiaomeng began barking, which surprised him so much his hands trembled. He looked over at the entrance to find Grandmother Liu standing there, not daring to take another step.

She was already quite old, but right then she looked older than usual, and her hair another shade whiter.

Liu Ran ignored her as he continued writing. He didnt ever want to see this so-called grandmother of his!

Ran Er Grandmother Liu called to him loudly.

In regards to Liu Rans ignorance, the old woman could only continue shouting his name, Ran Er, is your sister at home?

Ran Er, your grandmother begs of you. Please help your brother. Tell your sister to withdraw the charges, could you? We promise we wont ever bother you all again

She spoke of many things, but Liu Ran chose not to respond, as he stuck to his revisions and practiced his writing with little emotion on his face.