From Zero to Farm Hero: A New Life in the Alps

When the year-end reviews came in, Qin Li missed out on the deputy section chief promotion. The office buzzed with congratulations, but all the cheers were for someone else. Her desk sat in stark silence, a stark contrast to the celebration across the room.

After work, her colleagues planned a celebratory outing, even inviting her along. But Qin Li declined, excusing herself with a polite smile that didn't reach her eyes.

Once the office cleared out, the quiet was almost suffocating. She sank into her chair, staring blankly at her desk. Years of effort had gone up in smoke. Between her career and her love life, it seemed like bad luck clung to her like a shadow, leaving her questioning everything.

Her phone lit up with an incoming call—it was her mother. Again. No doubt to hound her about another blind date. Qin Li ignored it.

Since the last big blow-up at work, her mother had begrudgingly accepted her divorce. But rather than offering her daughter support, she redirected her energy into finding Qin Li a second husband, bombarding her with blind dates.

Unfortunately, the good prospects disappeared the moment they heard the word "divorced." Those who did agree to meet were often bizarre or outright unbearable. One of them, a man named Wang Xiao, turned out to be gay. Forced into the date by his parents, he candidly admitted he was only looking for a marriage of convenience. They could live separate lives and never share a bed. He even openly stated that her inability to have children was a bonus.

Qin Li wasn't against same-sex relationships, but she drew the line at being part of a sham. Without hesitation, she blocked him.

"Li, why didn't you pick up your phone?" her mother's sharp voice demanded.

"I'm working late, Mom. I'm busy," Qin Li replied, rubbing her temples.

"Don't use work as an excuse. What did you think of Wang Xiao? Isn't he a good match?"

The question made Qin Li bristle with anger. "Good match? Mom, he's gay! As soon as you left, he came clean about everything."

"What exactly did he say?"

Qin Li repeated Wang Xiao's words verbatim. Her mother listened, then shrugged it off. "But his family is well-off."

"Mom, did you even hear what I said? He's gay. He's into men."

"I know."

Qin Li blinked in disbelief. "You knew, and you still sent me to meet him? Are you trying to ruin my life?"

Her mother's response was maddeningly indifferent. "Do you think you're still a hot commodity? You should be grateful anyone is willing to marry you. You can't have children, so who are you hurting by going along with it? His family has money—you'll live comfortably. What more do you want? True love?"

"I'm not asking for true love, but at least give me someone I can have a conversation with!"

"That's what getting to know each other is for. Spend time together, and you'll have plenty to talk about."

"Mom, he's gay. If people find out, won't they laugh at me? You're practically selling me off!"

Her mother paused for a moment before conceding. "Fine, forget Wang Xiao. But you're going to the next one."

Qin Li clenched her fists. "Am I that much of a burden to you? Is this really how little you think of me?"

Her mother's voice softened, but her words stung just as much. "I'm doing this for your own good. You're almost thirty. If you don't grab what's left of your youth, you'll regret it. Do you want to grow old alone, with no children and no one to send you off when the time comes?"

"You keep saying I'm still young. Can't I just take my time? Why can't you let me figure things out on my own?"

"Because you'll waste time chasing fantasies. Tomorrow at 7 PM, you're meeting your third aunt's nephew at the Hengshan Hotel. Make an effort this time."

"Mom—"

"If you don't go, I'll kill myself!" Her mother slammed the phone down, cutting off any protest.

Qin Li stared at her phone, frustration bubbling up until she grabbed her hair with both hands, nearly yanking. Her mother was going to drive her insane.

She wanted to run away. But where?

Desperation clawed at her, and she thought of Qu Dani. Maybe leaving the country was her way out.

Without overthinking it, she dialed Dani's number. As soon as her friend picked up, she blurted out, "How quickly can I get out of the country?"

"Li? What's going on? Why do you want to leave?" Dani sounded alarmed.

"My mom is driving me up the wall. She's pushing blind dates on me every day, and if I don't comply, she threatens to kill herself. I can't take it anymore."

"Are the dates really that bad?" Dani asked.

"They're a parade of lunatics!"

Dani sighed sympathetically. "I guess we're in the same boat."

"Last time, you mentioned studying abroad. Is it possible for me to get into a school? How fast can I get a visa?" Qin Li asked, her words spilling out in a rush.

"Are you serious this time?" Dani's voice shifted to something more serious.

"Yes," Qin Li replied without hesitation.

Dani's voice was steady yet amused over the phone. "Alright, leave it to me. I've got a friend in the study abroad business. She's got the whole process down. I'll send you a list of the documents you need in a few days."

Qin Li exhaled sharply, her chest tightening with impatience. "I can't wait that long. Honestly, if I could leave tomorrow, I would."

Dani chuckled, her laugh light but tinged with concern. "You've really hit your limit, huh? Okay, I'll get back to you tomorrow."

When the call ended, Qin Li opened her laptop. The screen's glow illuminated her weary face as she typed the first words of her resignation letter. She'd barely written "To Whom It May Concern" when footsteps broke her concentration.

"Li? You're still here?" Zhang Fen appeared in the doorway, her brow furrowed in surprise. "Didn't you finish ages ago?"

Qin Li smiled faintly. "Just wrapping up a few things."

Zhang Fen leaned against the doorframe, guilt washing over her expression. "I feel awful about you missing out on the promotion. If it wasn't for my mistakes—"

"It wasn't your fault," Qin Li interrupted gently but firmly. "These things happen. Don't worry about me."

With a lingering glance of concern, Zhang Fen nodded. "Well, don't stay too late, okay?"

As her colleague left, Qin Li's resolve solidified. It took ten minutes to finish the resignation letter and print it. She placed it squarely on her manager's desk and felt a wave of relief wash over her.

This job? Done.

This city? Almost done.

This life? She was ready to leave it all behind.

Dani called the next day with good news. "My friend can fast-track your visa and get you into a program at Munich University, but there's a service fee. It's about ten thousand yuan. That okay?"

"Yes," Qin Li replied without hesitation. "Whatever it takes."

"And your job?" Dani asked.

"I've already quit. Lin Guodong called to ask why I wasn't at work today, but I didn't pick up. I've put up with that man for years. I don't owe him an explanation."

Dani let out an impressed whistle. "You're bold. What if the visa doesn't go through?"

Qin Li shrugged, her voice calm despite the storm inside. "If Germany doesn't work out, there are plenty of other countries. I'll figure it out. Besides, I have fifty grand from Sun Yi to thank for my newfound freedom."

"That scumbag actually left you something? Well, at least you're making good use of it," Dani remarked. "By the way, have you checked his WeChat lately?"

The mention of his name tightened Qin Li's throat. She hadn't looked at his profile since the divorce. It was too much.

"He's been parading his new life like a show dog," Dani said bluntly. "Diamonds for the mistress, vacations abroad, and—oh, here's a kicker—posting photos from her prenatal appointments in Hong Kong. Disgusting."

Qin Li's silence was answer enough. Dani sighed, realizing she'd said too much. "Forget him," she added quickly. "Focus on packing and send me your documents."

The process moved swiftly after that. Dani's friend was efficient, securing Qin Li both a language program and a spot at Munich University. Within weeks, Qin Li had her visa and plane ticket in hand.

Selling her car added another twenty thousand yuan to her savings. With a total of sixty thousand yuan—or eight thousand euros—Qin Li felt cautiously optimistic. It wasn't a fortune, but it was enough to start fresh.

She notified Sun Yi that she'd vacate the house by month's end. Surprisingly, he agreed without issue.

But nothing could have prepared her for what happened next.

The knock came mid-morning. Qin Li opened the door to find Xu Jing standing there. She was three months pregnant, her barely-there bump emphasized by an unnecessarily elaborate maternity blouse.

"Sun Yi wanted me to deliver a message," Xu Jing began, stepping inside without invitation. "We'd like the house back soon. We're renovating it for our wedding."

Qin Li blinked at the audacity. Yesterday, Sun Yi had assured her she could take her time. Clearly, his fiancée had other plans.

"I'll hand over the keys by the weekend," Qin Li replied, her voice flat.

Xu Jing's smug smile faltered, but only for a moment. "Oh, good. And by the way, we're getting married next month. You should come. As Sun Yi's ex-wife, it's only right that you give us your blessing. And don't worry about a gift," she added with a saccharine grin.

Qin Li said nothing. Her silence seemed to embolden Xu Jing, who raised her hand to flaunt a glittering diamond ring.

"This," Xu Jing cooed, "is from Cartier. He flew me to Hong Kong to pick it out. After the baby's born, he's taking me to Europe for our honeymoon. Isn't he sweet?"

It took every ounce of willpower for Qin Li not to slap her. Instead, she forced a smile. "Congratulations. I hope you two stay together forever."