Bai Yichen glanced at the lunchbox and thermos in his hands, a strange warmth stirring within him. But he didn’t dwell on the feeling; his mind was preoccupied with An Xin’s mention of going to the city for supplies. Now that he had a family, his responsibilities had grown, and the home couldn’t remain as barren as it was during his bachelor days.

He carefully placed the lunchbox and thermos into his mountaineering backpack, then turned to An Xin.
“Wait here for a moment.”

Bai Yichen walked to the wardrobe, retrieved a wallet, and pulled out a wad of cash along with various ration and supply tickets. Without hesitation, he handed them to An Xin.
“Take this money and these tickets. Use them to buy whatever we need for the house when you’re in the city. There’s nothing here, so it’s up to you to decide what’s necessary.”

As a man, Bai Yichen admitted he wasn’t skilled at managing a household. Beyond the obvious cookware and food staples like rice, oil, and vinegar, he had little idea what else was needed.

An Xin looked at the money and tickets he offered. By her estimation, it was a considerable sum. She waved her hands in refusal.
“There’s no need. I still have money left from last time. It’s more than enough.”

The last time Bai Yichen had given her 200 yuan for her dowry, she hadn’t even touched it. Now he was offering more, and she felt embarrassed to take it.

Bai Yichen frowned slightly at her hesitation. Without another word, he pressed the cash and tickets firmly into her hands.
“You’re my wife now. Providing for the family is my responsibility. There’s no need to feel uncomfortable about it.”

An Xin tried to push the money back, her tone earnest.
“Really, I don’t need it. I can manage just fine…”

Before she could finish, Bai Yichen grabbed her hand, stuffed the money into her pocket, and said firmly,
“Enough. I’m the man of the house, and it’s my duty to support my family. Keep the money. Use it to buy what we need for the house. Also, don’t forget to look out for your mother and siblings—see what they need and get it for them.”

He had no intention of letting An Xin shoulder the burden of her family alone. As her husband, he felt it was only right to step in and help where he could.

This money wasn’t much—it was part of his advanced wages from work, but it was enough to support two families.

The rest of the money was all put into his business. Huzi was right about something he said. His private trade had been particularly successful recently, with goods moving faster than ever. Coincidentally, the entire stock had sold out on the very day of his wedding. Bai Yichen couldn’t help but think that An Xin was a lucky charm.

An Xin felt the weight of the money and tickets in her pocket, making her coat bulge. Bai Yichen’s words stirred a sense of recognition in her heart. His steady, thoughtful nature was reassuring. Not only had he considered the needs of their household, but he’d also taken her family into account.

With a small nod, An Xin relented.
“Alright, I’ll keep it for now and use it to get what we need for the house.”

As she spoke, she reached into her pocket and pulled out 20 yuan, handing it to Bai Yichen.

Surprised, he looked at the bill in her hand. An Xin smiled.
“Your entire salary can’t go to me. You should keep some for yourself as pocket money. Consider this your allowance for the month.”

Bai Yichen stared at her, momentarily stunned. He hadn’t expected her to think of this. Slowly, he took the money, his gaze softening.
“Thank you. And when you go to the city, try to leave early and come back before it gets dark. The mountain roads aren’t safe for a woman alone at night.”

An Xin nodded.
“I’ll be back early, don’t worry.”

Bai Yichen studied her for a moment, his deep eyes seeming to hold something unspoken, but he said nothing more.

After Bai Yichen left to lead the geological exploration team, An Xin quickly cleaned up, and set off for the city. She moved briskly, knowing she’d already lost some time that morning preparing breakfast. She needed to reach the city in time to catch the first wave of passengers disembarking from the train and get to work.

Her primary goal was to earn money—enough to pay for her mother’s treatment and ensure her siblings could attend good schools. Once her family was secure, she could focus on building her own future.

Meanwhile, Bai Yichen led the exploration team up winding mountain paths. They eventually reached a high ridge with a clear view of the surrounding peaks. Suddenly, Bai Yichen paused, his gaze fixed on a distant, quiet stretch of road. There was no one there, but he couldn’t help staring as if expecting something—or someone—to appear.

A team member noticed his distraction and asked,
“Captain, is something wrong?”

Bai Yichen snapped out of his thoughts. He reached into his pocket, pulling out a cigarette.
“No, nothing. Let’s take a quick smoke break before we move on.”

He struck a match, lighting the cigarette with practiced ease. In the hazy smoke, his sharp features seemed even more enigmatic.