LAVW – Chapter 127 Come, Raise a Toast

When Chen Niu asked that question, Sister Wang became energetic.

She glanced toward the living room and then smiled at him. “Young man, listen to yourself. With Teacher Lin’s conditions—good family background, good looks, strong abilities—do you know how many people are fighting to introduce partners to her?”

Chen Niu completely agreed. He nodded seriously, staring at Sister Wang, waiting for her to go on.

“But Teacher Lin is busy with work. She couldn’t even go home for New Year. These few days she managed to carve out some time just to come back and keep her family company.”

“I’ve heard. I guess I’m lucky to have caught her at the right time.”

“That’s right,” Sister Wang confirmed. “If you’re unlucky, you wouldn’t even get to see Teacher Lin.”

“It’s just that she’s always busy. That’s how her life matters got delayed.”

Chen Niu quickly asked, “Sister Wang, then do you think… I have hope?”

Shi Qian: … Moo moo moo.

Straightforward people may always do unexpected things, but their efficiency is indeed impressive.

Sister Wang was quite amused. She felt this young man was very proactive, though she still kept a bit of restraint in her words. “How would I know? This is my first time meeting you. How could I tell whether you have hope?

I don’t know anything about you. Like—how many siblings in your family? Are you diligent? Can you cook or do laundry? You live far away—can you transfer your job here? Who will manage the money in the house? Also, Teacher Lin doesn’t like noisy children…”

Chen Niu answered each point seriously, “I’m very diligent. I can cook and do everything. I’ve already considered transferring my job here—anytime is fine.”

Sister Wang was only casually chatting, never imagining that the young man in front of her would be this… earnest.

Her eyes widened, stunned.

Then Chen Niu continued answering the next point: “Children? Well, it’s fine not to have them.”

When he said that, he looked at Shi Qian and reached out a hand, trying to touch the cow’s head.

Shi Qian: ?

Shi Qian quickly dodged.

Don’t you dare try to take advantage of me.

When you usually call me “ancestor” begging for help, you’re not like this!

Sister Wang coughed lightly to clear her throat. “I was just saying. Besides, you can’t make such big statements. Saying you won’t have kids sounds nice, but would your parents even agree—”

“Sister Wang!”

Lin Nanyin’s voice appeared from behind the door, slightly raised.

As her voice landed, she stepped out of the house.

Sister Wang immediately realized the situation and apologized to Chen Niu, “I’m sorry, I didn’t know.”

“It’s fine, it’s fine.” Chen Niu shook his head, not minding at all. “My parents passed away long ago. It’s just me and him at home.”

He tried to pat Qian Niuhua the cow.

But as soon as he reached out, he didn’t touch anything—

Because Shi Qian had dodged far away.

The handsome yellow cow looked at Chen Niu and nodded awkwardly, confirming he wasn’t lying.

Lin Nanyin had overheard a bit earlier and felt awkward herself. But she still had business to handle, so she said, “Sister Wang, the institute called me over. A car will pick me up later. I’ll go ahead first. You stay home and rest for a few days—I can manage over there.”

“That won’t do.” Sister Wang refused. “I must take good care of you.”

“Just think of it as spending time at home with the kids.”

Her voice was gentle, but with the way she put it—all arranged in advance—there was no way Sister Wang could refuse. She could only happily agree with an “Alright.”

Chen Niu stood up and asked, “Are you leaving soon?”

Lin Nanyin nodded.

“Do you need to pack anything?” He was used to sudden bursts of busyness.

When something important came up, there was no such thing as being free or resting. You had to deal with the problem first, even if everything else had to be put aside.

“No need, everything’s there.” Lin Nanyin joked, “I spend the whole year there anyway. Honestly, that place is more like home.”

Shi Qian could hear that she was emphasizing how busy she was.

But the hint was completely useless—Chen Niu replied, “I understand. I used to be busy too.”

Shi Qian thought: … I don’t think you understand.

Lin Nanyin smiled. “Then you must understand why I, as the host, won’t be able to accompany you and Qian Niuhua today.”

“No problem, you can leave them to me,” Sister Wang said enthusiastically. “Later I’ll take young Chen around. And Teacher Lin—you should take a few things with you. I’ll go pack!”

After saying so, she hurried inside to prepare.

Leaving Lin Nanyin, Chen Niu, and the nearby Shi Qian, who didn’t know what to do.

Shi Qian looked at one, then at the other.

Coincidentally, both were looking at him. Shi Qian stared back with his big eyes—completely justified.

Thinking Qian Niuhua was unreliable, Chen Niu spoke first: “Nanyin, how much did you hear just now?”

“Just a sentence or two.”

“Then… what do you think?”

His mouth almost stumbled over the words, but his eyes stayed fixed on her, trying to catch every detail of her expression.

But Lin Nanyin only smiled lightly. “Don’t joke around. We haven’t seen each other in years—”

“I’m not joking. Especially not about something like this—you know that.”

Chen Niu spoke honestly, his tone open: “Just now, Sister Wang asked me, ‘We’ve known each other for so many years, why have I never seen you?’ I told her I had gone to look at Peking University’s gate.”

“At the time… I didn’t dare go in,” Chen Niu admitted a little sheepishly. “Don’t laugh at me—I was immature and timid back then, and I chose a path that wasn’t easy to take.”

Lin Nanyin’s expression froze slightly, and following the thread of the conversation, she asked, “So what made you suddenly brave?”

“I figured it out. You can’t go through life being timid all the time.”

Lin Nanyin thought for a moment and asked, “Did something happen?”

To be honest, she found Chen Niu’s appearance today surprising. In her view, whatever caused Chen Niu to change couldn’t have been a small matter.

Shi Qian nodded: “Moo moo.”

You guessed right—there’s a reason!

Chen Niu didn’t bother with Qian Niuhua’s antics and lowered his head to explain: “I realized it. That reply I received was written by you.”

“Not all of it should count on me. Qian Niuhua told you, right?” Lin Nanyin glanced at Shi Qian.

Shi Qian blinked and stayed silent, trying to bluff his way out.

Chen Niu, clever as ever, corrected: “I discovered it myself.”

Although Shi Qian had inspired him, it was still Chen Niu who made the discovery. He felt saying so wasn’t lying.

Lin Nanyin didn’t reply.

Chen Niu persisted, “Was it that I came too late?”

Lin Nanyin smiled and shook her head. “It doesn’t really matter. I’m just too busy right now—really busy. I don’t have time to think about these things.”

Chen Niu hesitated. He never could tell the true meaning behind someone’s words, so he didn’t know if Lin Nanyin was just saying she was busy or subtly rejecting him.

In the end, he chose to pretend he didn’t understand and smiled: “Then perfect timing—I’m done being busy. You go handle your things, and I’ll wait until you’re free.”

Outside the courtyard, the sound of a car approaching made Sister Wang poke her head out and remind them, “The car’s coming.”

Lin Nanyin nodded and said to Chen Niu, “I’ll go first. If you want to explore Beijing and can’t find anyone to guide you, you can ask Sister Wang to help.”

After speaking, she turned to take the small wicker box from Sister Wang.

But it had already ended up in Chen Niu’s hands.

He was quick and efficient, eyes lively: “I’ll take it with Qian Niuhua.”

Shi Qian stepped forward two paces, standing by Lin Nanyin as a convenient “tool cow.”

Lin Nanyin looked at Shi Qian, reached out to touch him, and walked out together with him.

After sending Lin Nanyin to the car, Chen Niu watched the door close and the vehicle start moving.

Even as the car drove off, Lin Nanyin turned her head back, smiling and waving at them.

Shi Qian noticed the car moving slowly and an idea popped into his mind.

But after thinking for a moment, he decided not to tell Chen Niu.

Next second, Chen Niu leapt forward, landing neatly on Shi Qian’s back.

Shi Qian felt a little gratified—was this enlightenment?

They actually thought alike for once!

“Qian Niuhua, help me out!”

“Moo moo.”

Charge!

You came up with the idea yourself; it doesn’t count as cheating. In Shi Qian’s simple understanding, pursuing someone still requires initiative—thinking for yourself is important, because in life, both sides must contribute.

Shi Qian’s hooves pounded the ground as he chased the car.

The tall Chen Niu wasn’t heavy on his back. Shi Qian was more agile and stronger than a horse; their antlers, large like deer’s, accentuated their heroic build. They looked like a giant beast descending from snow-capped mountains, infused with the essence of heaven and earth.

Chen Niu, sitting on his back, had wheat-colored skin and features sharp with the wild wind’s chill—a fitting sight.

One man and one cow pursued the car, standing out from the bustling alleys around them, like rare creatures stepping into a crowded street, yet somehow vivid and striking.

Lin Nanyin called out, “Stop the car! Stop!”

Sss—

The vehicle halted.

Shi Qian braked sharply; Chen Niu leaned forward.

He lifted his head, eyes fixed on the car, spotting Lin Nanyin stepping out immediately.

She walked slowly toward them.

Feeling too tall, Chen Niu jumped down and approached her.

“What are you chasing? It’s dangerous to chase a car.”

“Nanyin, I’m escorting you. Don’t worry—it’s safe. Qian Niuhua’s smart; he knows not to get too close to a moving car. He’s ridden in many vehicles over the year.”

“Even so, I’ve never been escorted like this,” Lin Nanyin laughed.

“There aren’t many cows in the city. In other places, this might be common,” Chen Niu replied.

Lin Nanyin looked at him knowingly: “Cows and sheep… can’t really adapt to city life, right?”

“Qian Niuhua can!” Chen Niu answered sincerely.

Shi Qian understood the reference to cows and sheep but suspected Chen Niu still didn’t fully get it.

But he had a uniquely independent cow, so misunderstanding didn’t lead to mistakes.

Besides, Chen Niu was truly carefree now and had grown up.

His dreams were fulfilled, past wounds healed, and with knowledge in hand, he could earn a living anywhere. To call him in demand would be modest—he deserved extra points.

He had broken free from past insecurities, building confidence through study and work.

Shi Qian nudged him forward, closer to Lin Nanyin.

Lin Nanyin smiled at Shi Qian and then asked Chen Niu: “So you can do it too?”

She still doubted he fully understood; she hadn’t heard his full conversation with Sister Wang.

“I?” Chen Niu pictured himself as the cow and nodded firmly. “Of course I can!”

He added, “Nannong University is also in the city.”

Lin Nanyin let out a soft giggle.

Chen Niu didn’t know what she was laughing at. “Nanyin, what’s so funny?”

Lin Nanyin shook her head. “I’m not laughing at anything.”

She looked up at Chen Niu and noticed a faint blush slowly spreading across his face.

She deliberately asked, “Then why are you blushing?”

“You’re looking at me,” Chen Niu answered in a quiet voice, despite being such a tall, imposing figure.

Shi Qian immediately turned his head away.

He couldn’t bear to watch.

Lin Nanyin finished laughing and, thinking of the matter at hand, glanced back and said plainly to Chen Niu, “I really have to get busy. If you want to stay in Beijing, think it through carefully—just stay a little longer at my place.”

Chen Niu’s “ah” got stuck in his throat. He swallowed it, then said with full determination, “I’ve thought it through!”

“You didn’t hear me say this to Sister Wang?”

“I didn’t, but it’s not too late.”

Hearing this, Chen Niu looked at Lin Nanyin and smiled silently, showing his bright white teeth like sunlight.

Fearing this fool still wouldn’t understand, Lin Nanyin said, “I’m leaving now; my parents will be back soon.”

Chen Niu’s smile froze on his face.

“I—”

“I’m leaving. You just see me off here.” Lin Nanyin patted Shi Qian’s horns. “Qian Niuhua, don’t carry him.”

Shi Qian obediently nodded. “Moo-moo.”

Safe travels, be careful on the way.

This time, Lin Nanyin truly left by car, leaving the now even sillier Chen Niu with Shi Qian.

Shi Qian grabbed his clothes in his mouth. “Moo-moo.”

Gone, returned.

Chen Niu said, “Qian Niuhua, you think Nanyin meant it that way, right?”

Shi Qian was practically rolling his eyes. “Moo—”

Otherwise, what else?

Please, next time bring your brain before going out!

A man in love is truly terrifying.

Returning to meet Sister Wang, Chen Niu smiled: “Nanyin asked me to stay a bit longer.”

Sister Wang: “I heard. So you’re just going to wait here?”

Sister Wang glanced at the ox. “Do you want to give your ox as a gift?”

Shi Qian: ……

With Sister Wang’s guidance, Chen Niu quickly prepared a proper gift and waited at the Lin residence.

Once the gift was ready, Lin Nanyin’s parents soon returned home.

After hearing Sister Wang explain Chen Niu’s intentions, Lin Nanyin’s parents didn’t seem surprised and looked at Chen Niu with a complex expression, making him slightly uneasy.

He asked, “Uncle, Auntie, is there something on my face?”

“No, it’s just… we’ve known about you for a long time, but this is the first time seeing you in person.”

“Knew me? Nanyin mentioned me?”

“That year your grandmother was ill; she borrowed money from the family but didn’t end up using it.”

Hearing this old story, Chen Niu froze.

Shi Qian was also shocked—he hadn’t known this, let alone Chen Niu.

“I didn’t know…” Chen Niu’s face showed regret.

“It’s not your fault. That child wouldn’t tell you; she had her reasons.”

The conversation inevitably touched on work: “Transfers are a big deal. Going back and forth isn’t easy. Think carefully, child.”

“Uncle, don’t worry. I’ve thought it through. I’m grown enough to take responsibility for my decisions.”

“But she’s so busy, she’s rarely around.”

“It’s fine. All these years, I never felt she was distant—she’s always in my heart and mind.”

Beside him, Shi Qian thought: I guess I’m no longer your most important ox.

But it’s fine.

Chen Niu’s work transfer went smoothly. There was a dispute over who would take over his previous position, but after comparing options, he chose the location closest to Lin Nanyin’s workplace. His work was flexible anyway, and the conditions weren’t too different.

For Shi Qian, it was just a change of grazing spots.

In winter, Chen Niu and Lin Nanyin got their new official documents.

Xu Guozi and Xie Guoan brought their two energetic children to attend the wedding.

Amid the lively crowd, Shi Qian stood where the groom’s parents were, looking at the excited newlyweds. “Moo-moo.”

Hurry up with the toast—I have red envelopes!

Amid laughter, Chen Niu grabbed the two largest red envelopes while Shi Qian happily bent down to drink the wedding wine.

When Chen Niu went around making the rounds, he had to stop the ox who couldn’t stop drinking. He begged, “Ancestor, stop drinking, no more!”

Shi Qian reluctantly nodded. “Moo-moo.”

Don’t worry, I am not drunk.

Chen Niu fixed the large red flower tilted on Shi Qian’s side and said seriously, “Thank you, Qian Niuhua.”

Shi Qian rubbed against him. “Moo-moo.”

You’re welcome. I also saved your wife!