Chapter 103: Don’t Eat It All Yourself

Once she tasted it, it was hard to stop.

The peach flesh was soft and tender, the syrup thick and lusciously sweet, yet the natural tang of the cling peach balanced it all out. The sweet and sour combination was indescribably delicious.

Aunt Cai ate half a peach in one go. If not for the fact that she’d vomited earlier and had nothing left in her stomach, she might have wanted another one.

Gao Xiulan helped her mother-in-law lie down. “Mom, are you feeling better?”

“Much better. This peach preserves from Yinuo is really delicious.”

“Mom, should I get you some warm water?”

Aunt Cai waved her hand. “After eating that half a peach, I actually feel a bit hungry now. You might as well get me some food instead!”

Hearing that she wanted to eat, both Gao Xiulan and her sister-in-law were overjoyed. They immediately rushed to the kitchen.

“Dad, you stay here and take care of Mom. Xiulan and I will go cook something light for her,” her daughter said.

Once they left, Cai Zhong sat beside his wife and tucked the blanket around her. “Look at how filial our daughter and daughter-in-law are.”

Say what you will, Aunt Cai was truly satisfied with how united and harmonious her family was.

“They both have good hearts. And you know, that peach preserves Yinuo sent really is tasty. Bring me another piece.”

“If you eat more now, you might not have room for dinner.”

“I just want a taste. More importantly, something this good isn’t even sold at your supply and marketing cooperative. Next time you see Yinuo, why don’t you ask her where she got it from?”

Cai Zhong was skeptical. “Is it really that good?”

He scooped out a piece for himself, took a bite of the peach, and said, “It’s soft and juicy! Definitely tastier than hawthorn or apples.”

Cai Zhong frowned, speaking with a tone of regret. “If we had this at our supply and marketing cooperative, it would be sold out immediately. Too bad I’ve never heard of any peach preserves being available here.”

“Good things are always so scarce.”

“Should I ask around? Maybe I can find out where Yinuo bought it?”

“Sure, this peach preserves is so soft, even the kids at home could eat it. We should buy a few more jars to keep, and we could even gift it during the New Year. It’d be impressive.”

“Alright, I’ll write to ask her tonight.”

Aunt Cai lightly inhaled the sweet scent of rice in the air, and her stomach, betraying her, rumbled. She smiled embarrassedly at her husband. “This peach preserves really whets the appetite; I’m hungry now.”

Cai Zhong smiled back warmly. “If you’re hungry, eat a bit more. That’s how you get strong.”

Meanwhile, Zhou Ting was delivering Qiu Yinuo’s items to a scientific research institute in the capital city.

The military vehicle stopped at the reception to register, and then proceeded into the important area. At the entrance, a soldier stood guard, checking the items Zhou Ting brought. Once everything was confirmed, they were allowed to proceed.

There were many checkpoints along the way, which clearly showed just how tightly guarded this place was.

Finally, they arrived at an office building, where a tall, thin man was waiting at the entrance.

Zhou Ting excitedly called out, “Big brother!”

Tan Jianian was one of the first group of scientists to return to the country. After enduring many hardships, he had finally made it back to the embrace of his homeland, thanks to the cooperation of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

It was during this mission that Zhou Ting had met Tan Jianian and Shao Chengyuan. The three hit it off immediately and became sworn brothers, despite not sharing the same surname.

Though the three of them were very busy with work, they had always kept in touch.

“So, have you cleared up the matter with Ah Yuan?”

Zhou Ting’s expression darkened slightly. “The situation is complicated. It’s only because Ah Yuan has no power or influence that he’s been taking the fall for others. But now that he’s figured out where the enemy’s main base is, it’s impossible to bring him back.”

Tan Jianian sighed deeply. “He’s the youngest among us, but also the most stubborn. Some things you just can’t talk him out of.”

Tan Jianian clenched his fists tightly, filled with regret that he wasn’t skilled enough or powerful enough to stand up for their third brother.

“I heard this has angered your grandfather?”

Zhou Ting froze for a moment. “Grandfather is just upset that I used his connections. It’s not that he has an issue with Ah Yuan.”

Tan Jianian patted his shoulder. “Big brother will work hard to become someone you and Ah Yuan can rely on, someone with connections.”

Both of them were not good with words, and suddenly saying something so emotional caught them off guard.

Zhou Ting remembered the purpose of his visit. “By the way, last time, I sent some children’s clothes and shoes to Ah Yuan’s wife under someone else’s name. She sent me a gift in return, and I’ve brought some for you, big brother.”

Getting anything out of someone as stingy as Zhou Anbang was no easy feat.

Tan Jianian glanced at the items and took only one jar of peach preserves. “The rest is of no use to me. I eat at the canteen here anyway.”

He seemed to remember something and added, “Wait for me for a moment.”

“Sure!”

Tan Jianian hurried back to his office and came out with three handcrafted toys: a miniature car, an airplane, and a ship.

“I made these when I had some spare time for my nephews. Since you’re using someone else’s name to mail things, send these to our sister-in-law too. Little boys would probably love toys like these.”

After leaving Tan Jianian, Zhou Ting headed to a nearby department store.

Thinking of his two adorable nephews, even his usually cold face softened a little.

He couldn’t help himself and ended up buying more than he intended.

The issue was that he bought so many random things. If he saw something he liked, he didn’t care whether it was for a three-year-old or a seven-year-old. He just bought it.

When he saw a pretty dress for a little girl, he felt a pang of regret that Ah Yuan didn’t have a daughter.

But if he did have a niece, she’d definitely be the prettiest little girl in the world wearing that dress.

Even though no one knew when that hypothetical niece would appear, Zhou Ting was already rooted in front of the display, unable to tear himself away.

He made up his mind. Once Ah Yuan came back, he had to talk them into having a cute daughter.

He waved at the salesperson. “Wrap up that dress for me.”

“Okay.”

Zhou Ting only stopped when he could no longer carry everything. He then went to the post office to mail everything.

On the way, he called Zhou Anbang. “I bought some things and sent them to Ah Yuan’s wife. Just tell her they’re from your business trip. Don’t let it slip.”

“Okay, what did you buy?”

“Clothes, shoes, pencil cases, backpacks, toys… everything.”

On the other end, Zhou Anbang couldn’t help but twitch his mouth. “Did you forget that Ah Yuan’s child isn’t even one yet? Why are you buying pencil cases and backpacks so early?”

“Stop meddling in the affairs of the older generation.”

Zhou Anbang: “…”

He hadn’t just bought clothes for his two young nephews—he’d also bought a floral dress for a future niece no one had seen yet. And no one could say a word about it.

“Alright, I understand.” When he realized Zhou Ting wasn’t hanging up, Zhou Anbang cautiously asked, “Uncle, is there anything else?”

Zhou Ting cleared his throat and casually said, “If Ah Yuan’s wife sent a return gift. Don’t be greedy and keep it all for yourself!”

Zhou Anbang: “???”