Chapter 313: The Old Man's Purpose Mister Liu had long been pursued by the Education Commission Director—this dead-pan old man—who never managed to succeed, though she always felt the pressure. Still, Lu Yun was hiding in the inner room, fully aware of her standing in his eyes. If the Director pressed any further, and began to say things that were simply unbearable, she wasn’t sure whether, with Lu Yun’s fearless nature, she wouldn’t burst out in a fit of rage and give him a solid whack. This content is the text of Chapter 313 of "Rural Beauty 313." (paohu8) "Director, I'm really tired today and would like to rest early," Liu said, already setting the tone for a polite dismissal. The Director furrowed his brows, took the cigarette offered by Liu, lit it slowly, and took a steady draw. Smiling, he said, "Why rush? Isn’t it better if we all take our time? I’m free this evening, so why not spend some time together chatting?" Li Guo-fu gave him a disapproving glance, yet she knew well that if her small store was to continue operating, she absolutely could not offend this handsome, persistent old man. With patience, she said, "Very well, Director, please sit down." She indicated the recliner by the counter. "Has the business been going well lately?" The director, round and plump, settled into the recliner, his smoke swirling as he spoke. Li Guo-fu nodded. "It's been going well, though I've been handling everything myself and have been a bit tired. Still, as a woman, earning enough to feed myself is more than satisfactory." The director's bright eyes, hidden behind the smoke, fixed steadily on Li Guo-fu's attractive figure, while he continued, "Indeed, women often find it difficult. Have you ever thought about finding a man to share life with?" "Li, the widow, chuckled, saying, 'Director, you're well aware of our village customs—once a woman marries, she never remarries after her husband's death. That's the content of Chapter 313 of the village tale of the beautiful widow.' The education director's eyes darted restlessly, then glanced at the gradually darkening sky outside. Finally, he revealed his fox-like nature, sitting up straight with one leg slightly raised and saying, 'I know that. However, I've heard that your reputation wasn't so good in the past—there were many whispers about you among the school staff...' Li calmly interrupted him, her expression composed yet slightly weary, saying, 'Yes, I did make some unseemly mistakes in the past, but there were reasons. Now, I've completely changed. Director, if there's nothing else, I'd like to go to bed.' The director's face turned pale. In her mind, she thought: "What's so special about a plain woman? How can she possibly be so proud and self-respecting? If it weren't for her good looks, I'd have kicked her out of the school long ago. This small convenience store is quite profitable—yet you've turned cold as ice the moment you've made money. She sighed, coldly remarked, "Xiulian, don't think I didn't warn you. The convenience store here is quite lucrative—there are quite a few people outside already counting their profits." The implication was clear. Li, the widow, felt a tremor in her heart, gazing at the director's lingering, admiring gaze, and instantly grasped the meaning. With a composed smile, she replied, "Director, you've come all this way just to tell me about this, haven't you? Very well. As long as someone is willing to take over, I'll sell all the inventory at cost price. After years of hard work, I'd like to finally take a well-deserved rest." "Seeing that my efforts were falling short, the education committee director quickly waved her hand, smiling warmly. "Xiu Lian, you're overthinking it. After all, we've known each other so well—should anyone ever try to take over your small store, I’d certainly never agree to it." "What exactly did you mean by that?" Liu’s wife asked coldly. The director chuckled. "Didn’t I just say that a woman like you, so busy and dedicated, naturally ages gracefully? It would be wise to find a man to rely on—perhaps you won’t marry, but at least someone will look after you." Pausing, she pushed herself out of the armchair with a slight struggle, her ample figure shifting gracefully, and added with a suggestive smile, "Xiu Lian, I hope I’ve made myself clear. If you’re willing, then I’d like to be that man sitting behind you—someone who can shield you from the wind and rain. How does that sound?" From the earlier conversation, Liu’s wife had already guessed something, yet even though she knew this old man had always harbored unspoken ambitions toward her, it still took her aback when, despite her status as head of the Education Commission, he personally declared his intention to support and maintain her. Liu stood stunned, unable to gather her thoughts for a long time. Crap! This stubborn old man actually wants to support and take care of me? I’m telling you—don’t you see how old he is? How can he even think of such things? May as well go to hell! Lu Yun was furious. Though she had remained calm and taken no action upon hearing Miu’s earlier instructions, now that the head of the Education Commission had made such a bold declaration, she grabbed a door latch at random and stormed out, determined to give him a good dressing-down. This content is from Chapter 313 of "Rural Beauty." Xiu Lian, speak up! I’ve liked you for a long time now. All you need to do is just nod—then you’ll no longer have to work so hard. The principal, seeing Liu’s wife standing motionless, neither nodding nor shaking her head, couldn’t help walking over and grasping her hands. Liu’s wife was startled, instantly regaining her composure, and without a word, pulled free from the principal’s warm, solid grasp, hurrying toward the inner room. Lu Yun was still inside, and she would surely be furious upon hearing what had just happened. Fortunately, Liu’s wife hadn’t lingered long, and had promptly entered the inner room, blocking Lu Yun as he held the stick ready to rush out. “Little Yun, I beg you—please don’t go out. Just pretend you didn’t hear a thing,” Liu’s wife slammed the inner room door shut and firmly held onto Lu Yun. Just as Lu Yun opened her mouth to speak, Liu’s wife covered her mouth with one hand, pleading, “Little Yun, just this once, please. For once, just for me—will you agree? I don’t want to burden you because of me.” “Xiu Lian, open the door, please. We have something to talk about.” The principal director also feared that Liu’s widow would publicize the matter, so she came softly to the door of the inner room and spoke low. Worried that Lu Yun might cause some disturbance, Liu’s widow quickly replied, “Director, I’ll think it over carefully. It’s getting late now—please go back first.” As she spoke, she firmly pressed her hands over Lu Yun’s mouth. The director was taken aback and chuckled, “Very well. I’ll wait for your reply. You rest now, and I’ll go.” “Director, please take your time.” As she heard the footsteps fade into the distance, Liu’s widow finally released her grip. Lu Yun complained, “Aunt, what are you doing? You’ve been holding me like that. I really want to hit him with a stick right now.” Liu’s widow sighed, silently walked to the bedside, and kept weeping without speaking. “Aunt, what’s wrong? Did that old man take advantage of you in the outer room?” Lu Yun hurried over, asking anxiously, his arm holding the stick trembling slightly. Liu’s widow looked up at Lu Yun, choked slightly, and said, “I’m happy.” Happy! Lu Yun felt a bit confused. Could it be that Liu San also wanted a man behind the scenes to support her? Did she really intend to agree to the old man's request and become his wife! ... Rural Beauty No. 313, Main Text No. 313 – Old Man's Objectives Updated!