The villagers' hope for their arduous river work rekindled with the money in hand. Of course, we couldn't miss the afternoon boat journey. I suggested to Xu Chen that we visit the riverside to witness this firsthand. Though I knew the song "Love of the" (Rower's Love), I'd never seen real river hauling.

Xu Chen offered no objections. The two of us followed villagers out of town, walking over two li until we reached a vast southern river unlike northern ones—deep from abundant rainfall, it surged toward a granite peak before sharply turning right into an expansive channel where water slowed dramatically.

Xu Chen explained: coal barges descending from upstream required dual hauling efforts. First, crews had to anchor them from behind near the granite peak to prevent collisions during the sharp bend, then immediately pull again after passing the rock to avoid running aground—a far more intense process than regular river work with constant surges and pulls.

The path along the granite ridge was treacherously rugged. We reached upstream where within half an hour a coal barge arrived. With a long pole, ropes were thrown over the vessel. Uncle Li shouted instructions as villagers secured their harnesses against the current to powerfully drag it backward—the granite peak loomed dangerously nearby.

Whether due to post-money euphoria or excessive speed from upstream, the barge refused to decelerate normally and charged straight toward the granite formation!

Uncle Li's years of experience warned him instantly. "Work hard, you slackers!" he roared. "Don't act like underfed women! If we lose this deal, all our side incomes vanish!"

Several men's flimsy shoes split at the soles, yet their combined strength still failed to halt the oncoming collision as the barge accelerated toward disaster. Just before impact, a sudden rope tension caused a splintering snap as I yanked with superhuman force—stopping the vessel mere meters from the granite cliff!

"Ah!" Gasps erupted. Dozens of eyes widened at me gripping the hemp ropes against the cliff face.

Fortunately, the high-strength fiber rope prevented disaster. My effortless strength astounded them all—Xu Chen, though knowing my abilities including flying, hadn't expected such brute force and remained speechless in shock.

"Uncle Li," I said, "I'll slowly release the rope while they steer downriver."

"Aye!" he agreed as villagers signaled to safely maneuver the barge into calmer waters. Four youths jumped aboard dragging the inebriated helmsman from his post.

Leaping into the water, Uncle Li hauled up the driver: "Explain! Why this recklessness today?"

The man's confusion cleared somewhat in the cool river. "N-nothing serious—forgot to slow and overfilled. The mine raised bonuses for coal production; we needed more hauls to earn."

Uncle Li caught strong alcohol on his breath. "Idiot! Overloading while drunk? I won't care if you're related to Li Kui's niece—beat him!"

"Let's go home," Xu Chen pulled me as villagers crowded around, some attempting to strip my shirt for inspection.

Back in town she released my arm. "Mr. Zhao, don't mind the neighbors—they couldn't believe one man could possess such strength."

"I should've let it sink anyway," I replied. "Like driving drunk—best feed him to turtles."

"But if he dies sinking with his cargo, we'll lose evidence! The mine owner might blame our rope crew," she cautioned.

"Needn't be so formal," I smiled.

Xu Chen's mood brightened equally. "Of course—with you as Su Xue and Qian Qing's husband, we three sisters need no pretense."

"Chenchen," I asked seriously, "how do you view my... relationships?"

"What?" she blinked.

"I mean, in your eyes does having multiple partners make me seem promiscuous or unrespectable?"

Xu Chen shook her head. "Take Su Xue and Qian Qing—I've seen their happiness since meeting you. Your care for them is equal, never showing favoritism. Both admire you greatly."

"But what about others?"

"Should we concern ourselves with others' opinions? That would be exhausting." Her words carried profound wisdom.

Outside, Xu Cong played firecrackers with friends while Xu Chen warned him twice before ascending to her father's rest room. After checking on Uncle Xu in his chamber, she led me upstairs and closed the door behind us.

"Mr. Zhao," she offered, "let me sketch you."

Happily agreeing as I'd never had a portrait made: "Fine! Must I sit like a statue?"

She guided me to her bed where she seated me against cushions. Her drawing skills had improved dramatically—she needed merely approximate proportions now.

Drunk on wine and drowsy, I fell into a dream of marrying Xu Chen in our town. We'd live simple farmer lives with her working fields while I hauled boats until eventually we had daughter identical to Su Xue!

"Mr. Zhao!" she gently shook me awake. "Did you sleep? See my sketch?"

Eyes fluttering open, I examined the portrait—my heroic self anchoring a coal barge on cliffsides with Schwarzenegger-like muscles.

"You're... this handsome and muscular?" I laughed.

She smiled. "You truly are handsome! And strength requires those muscles."

Undressing to show her otherwise: "Not necessarily. See these—firm but not exaggerated."

Her curious gaze followed my movements as villagers had also wanted to inspect me earlier. Performing an arm curl, I demonstrated: "Solid yet far less intense than your artwork."

Shyly she pressed a finger against my bicep before suggesting revisions—"Exaggeration better expresses how you appear in my mind."

Xu Chen's delicate form in front of me caused loss of self-control as I placed hands on her shoulders—just like midday at the kitchen. Her body shivered without resistance, head bowed helplessly.

"Chenchen," I murmured softly.

"Mmm?" she responded equally quiet.

"Draw another portrait."

Puzzled but obedient: "Of what?"

"This time draw me hauling a small boat with you seated ahead. Add four characters to the corner."

She understood instantly though less shy about painting than secret flirtations. "Love of the (Rower's Love)?"

I sang teasingly: *"You sit at ship's stern while I walk on shore..."* If Su Xue were here she'd surely strike me with a *"oh my head" comment,* but Xu Chen blushed furiously, likely diving into mouse holes if available.

Taking her hand again:* "Long to hold your hand and walk together..."* Her heart pounded visibly as hands trembled from nervousness. Drunk on wine I pulled her close until she buried her face in my arm, unable to meet my eyes.

"Chenchen," I whispered in her ear, "marry me. Promise safe passage to love's riverbank. You'll find happiness like Xue and Qing."

She gave no verbal answer but clung tighter through my shirt—clearly accepting. "No response means consent?"

Still silent yet gripping harder as I leaned closer for a kiss. She suddenly pushed away: "Don't! Your breath stinks of wine, don't let anyone see us!"

After being encouraged to drink by her own toast now blaming me for drunkenness... typical excuses. Yet with Xu Chen's introverted nature even this bold statement was remarkable. Dark nights and closed doors might yet offer opportunities.

"Stay tonight," she pleaded when I didn't answer. Nodding since I already had her in arms—must follow through to complete what began.

"Let's draw," she suggested cheerfully. "I could make a better portrait than reality."

"What kind?"

"Illustrations of... you know..." Her face reddened as she fled back to painting, leaving me to collapse on the bed. Sleep was needed for tonight's mission—especially after that powerful midday.

Waking later under warm covers with Xu Chen gone and a sketch left behind: "Love of the" depicting my gentler side alongside a loving young woman in boat prow radiating contentment.

Lively chatter echoed through the house. Inhaling familiar yet unique feminine scents, I tested bed dimensions—could easily accommodate two.

Door creaking opened as Xu Chen peeked in: "Mr. Zhao awake? What are you doing there?"

Quickly feigning rising movements to avoid explaining testing marital sleeping arrangements (unsuitable for mention even with Xue/Qing).

"Getting up. Why so many people outside?"

"They brought gifts," she said joyfully, "for helping today."

Dread set in at the thought of appearing shirtless among villagers—especially after that youth's earlier accusation of being a gluttonous bumbling official. Would they now label me as lecherous? Though I was indeed quite lecherous...

In the living room, villagers sat on small stools smoking, instantly welcoming me with applause.

Uncle Li said: "We debated calling you by title but Chenchen mentioned disliking being flattered. Call you Xiao Zhao then—we owe much to your timely intervention!"

"I'm just an ordinary man," I replied, avoiding official titles.

Curious about my military exploits ("Participated in TW recovery battles"), I naturally recounted battle stories from years of service far more vividly than news reports.

As I spoke, Xu Chen and her mother prepared villagers' food into a feast. Only elders could sit at the main table while others gathered on floor with bowls of wine listening to my tales.

Initially refusing alcohol but pressured by even warmer hospitality than Uncle Xu's, I inevitably became inebriated again—dazed when Xu Chen pulled me toward the play.

The village square stage required no platform as crowds naturally formed. While playing with firecrackers was taken away by mother and father refused to join, Xu Chen and I found an unobstructed spot for our viewing pleasure.

"Popcorn?" she offered unexpectedly from her pockets in a magical gesture.

Adjusting my stool behind her, wrapping arms around shoulders in darkness where shyness diminished. She silently accepted this embrace peeling open bags of seeds while later transferring kernels into my palm through the shadows—touchingly sweet Chenchen.

Unable to resist with no one watching, I kissed her neck causing soft moans of resistance. "Don't let others see!" she whispered.

As crowds thickened blocking our view completely, I suggested: "That (banyan tree) up ahead offers perfect vantage point."

Silent consent meant ascending branches together where dense foliage ensured privacy while offering clear stage views through the leaves.

"Here we're safe and unseen," I murmured as night deepened. "Now I can kiss you to my heart's content."

She protested: "Who said anything about kissing? You're wicked, Mr. Zhao!"

Wrapping arms around her waist: "Where exactly am I being wicked?"

"Certainly not telling!" she declared mischievously.

"Chenchen," I spoke seriously, "you and Xue/Qing are close companions who've found happiness with me. My feelings for you must be evident by now. Be my girlfriend—join our circle of love for shared happiness."

She remained silent but body language suggested acceptance as hands began wandering more freely across her torso.

"Stop!" she giggled breathlessly at my touch to her chest, offering nuts instead: "Eat these..."

I moved lower: "Where should I sleep tonight? We'll marry eventually anyway!"

Her laughter surprised me: "Su Xue warned about your lecherous nature. Were you pretending before?"

"I only lust for those who interest me," I replied honestly.

"Bogus reasoning! Eat." She fed nuts while I enjoyed her affection watching dramatic performances begin.

Suddenly she whispered: "...I'll sleep in my room tonight..."

Excitement surged—Xu Chen's boldness unveiled—"...with an old female classmate!"

I nearly fell from the tree. No hope for romance with this twist! Since returning to Nanjing Military District I'd had no intimacy time at all and now this reserved bride-to-be needed more convincing.

More nuts arrived: "Try these—burnt."

Tasting, I proved it by kissing her lips instead of agreeing. She opened mouth instinctively under my tongue invasion, struggling briefly before yielding completely as passion ignited in both of us.

Unexpectedly, normally quiet Xu Chen matched Qing's fiery intensity, further fueling my desires until hands finally reached forbidden territory beneath clothes...

"Please!" she gasped, pulling away. "Let's wait until home—it's too dangerous here."

I refused to let go easily: "Then allow me to keep touching you while watching the play or continue descending."

Surrendering reluctantly: "You've already touched... I guess Mr. Zhao is indeed a big lecher—my small chest won't make you angry?"

"Of course it will!" I teased, admiring her plump peaches like tiny apricots more delicate than Meng Meng's.

She tried to silence me with another handful of nuts but my hands continued exploring until...