After this little interlude, Xiao Anlan introduced Yu Wanru, Su Xiaoman, Yang Shidong, and Zhou Sheng to each other.

The Xiao sisters, who were familiar with the place, led the way, taking Yu Wanru and Su Xiaoman along.

The men fell behind, and Yang Shidong glanced at the ladies in front, elbowing Xiao Anlan and muttering through gritted teeth, “Anlan, you did that on purpose, didn’t you? Every time you bring girls along, I end up looking like a fool!”

Xiao Anlan shrugged. “If you make a fool of yourself, how’s that my fault?”

Yang Shidong shook his fist at him and put his arm around Zhou Sheng’s shoulders. “Old Zhou, you’re looking as wilted as cabbage in the field. Want me to splash some water on you to perk you up?”

Zhou Sheng smiled modestly. “The ladies are glancing back at you.”

Yang Shidong tensed, looking up quickly, and only relaxed when he saw the ladies hadn’t turned around. He shook Zhou Sheng’s shoulder, “You’re as sly as Anlan.”

Zhou Sheng responded humbly, “You flatter me.”

Yang Shidong felt stifled, turning to Xiao Anlan with a sly grin. “Is Miss Su a friend of your fiancée’s? How old is she? Is she married?”

Xiao Anlan glanced at him and asked, “Why do you ask?”

Yang Shidong chuckled. “My mother said that if I don’t bring home a wife soon, she’ll kick me out. I’m in a bit of a rush here! You two seem settled and comfortable, but don’t forget about me. If Miss Su is single, how about an introduction?”

Xiao Anlan said, “She’s currently single, but she’s divorced because her ex-husband couldn’t stay faithful. If you’re interested, make sure your family is okay with it; otherwise, don’t get involved. I’d have a hard time explaining it to my Wanru.”

Yang Shidong frowned, touching his chin thoughtfully. “Don’t worry, I may run my mouth sometimes, but I’m not a reckless person.”

He turned to Zhou Sheng with a grin. “Since you returned from the capital, you’ve been living like a monk. How do you find the taste of simple food after the indulgences?”

Zhou Sheng replied calmly, “Rich food is good, but too much can hurt the stomach. Simple food is nice too.”

Yang Shidong snorted. “Pretentious! Why do girls all fall for men like you?”

Xiao Anlan patted his shoulder with a smile. “Well, I wish you find someone with clear sight, and let the blind ones fall for Zhou.”

Ahead, Anhui noticed they were lagging and yelled, “Ge, are you laying eggs as you walk?!”

The three men quickened their pace.

Inside the wooden lodge, they set out the meats, water, and seasonings, heading into the grove.

Since they were out for a picnic, they insisted on doing everything themselves. The men carried barbecue items, while the ladies carried snacks and soft mats, chatting as they walked.

Though it was summer, the grove’s shade kept it cool. A breeze rustled through the trees, carrying the fresh scent of wood.

They cleared an area, laying out the mats.

Yang Shidong took a hatchet and went to gather deadwood for the fire, while Xiao Anlan collected stones for the makeshift stove.

Zhou Sheng set up a table and began chopping the meat into small pieces. The ladies gathered around to skewer the meat or prepare seasonings.

Everyone was busy, except for Xiao Anqi, who wandered aimlessly around the grove.

Worried she might stray, Yu Wanru waved her over, offering her a snack.

Xiao Anqi pouted, “Sister-in-law, I want to help too.”

Yu Wanru laughed, “Then take this handkerchief and go wipe your brother’s sweat, okay?”

“Okay!” Xiao Anqi eagerly agreed.

Yu Wanru dampened the handkerchief for her, and Xiao Anqi skipped off to find Xiao Anlan.

Xiao Anya laughed, “Wanru, you’re clever! The little trumpet settled down just like that.”

“Little trumpet?” Yu Wanru chuckled. “Is that her nickname?”

Xiao Anhui chimed in, “Ge came up with that! He calls me ‘big trumpet’ too. Wanru, keep an eye on him!”

Yu Wanru smiled bashfully.

Anhui added, “Forget it; don’t worry about controlling him. Just make sure he doesn’t control you.”

Su Xiaoman joked, “They say appearances can be deceiving. Anhui, don’t underestimate Wanru—she might surprise us after marriage.”

Anhui laughed, “If my brother becomes a henpecked husband, I’ll treat you to a feast, Wanru!”

The girls burst into laughter, but only Yu Wanru felt embarrassed by their teasing.

Surrounded by a “band of women,” Zhou Sheng focused on his meat-cutting task, keeping his eyes down and not daring to join the conversation, worried they’d shift the topic to him.

Once the preparations were ready, Xiao Anlan had finished setting up the stove, Yang Shidong had brought back some firewood, and the meat skewers and seasonings were all ready.

The group assigned new tasks: Yang Shidong split the wood, Xiao Anlan tended the fire, and Zhou Sheng took charge of grilling the meat.

The older girls  held bowls full of sauces, brushing them onto the skewers as they grilled, while Anqi continued to run around.

As she brushed sauce on a skewer, Anhui couldn’t help but swallow, “It’s been so long since I had grilled meat—I’m practically drooling.”

Without looking up, Xiao Anlan replied, “Swallow it back down; don’t let it drip on the meat.”

Anhui stomped her foot in frustration, “Annoying brother! Always picking on me!”

The others simply laughed.

As Xiao Anlan tended to the fire, sweat dripped down his forehead, smearing into streaks of soot when he wiped it with his hand.

Yu Wanru noticed and quietly approached him, pouring some clean water into a bowl and offering it to him. “Have some water.”

With his blackened hands, Xiao Anlan took the bowl, downing it in one gulp. Grinning, he said, “Wanru still cares about me.”

Yu Wanru’s cheeks flushed—whether from the fire or the teasing was unclear. She asked him, “Would you like more?”

Xiao Anlan shook his head. Glancing at the meat on the grill, he said, “It’ll be ready soon, just a bit longer.”

Distracted, Yu Wanru nodded, and after a moment’s hesitation, she took out a fresh handkerchief and gently wiped his sweat away.

Xiao Anlan blinked and, as she dabbed near his mouth, suddenly puckered his lips, pressing a quick kiss against her hand through the handkerchief.

Yu Wanru, startled, quickly pulled her hand back.

Su Xiaoman looked over and, seeing Xiao Anlan’s smug expression and Yu Wanru’s blushing face, merely remarked, “Wanru, your meat seems done. Better check it.”

Embarrassed, Yu Wanru hastily stood up and walked away.

Su Xiaoman handed her a skewer, whispering, “What happened?”

Yu Wanru shook her head. “Nothing.”

Su Xiaoman didn’t ask further.

When the first batch of meat finished grilling, Anhui grabbed a skewer excitedly, disregarding her ladylike manners as she took a big bite, closing her eyes in bliss. “This is so good!”

Yu Wanru, influenced by her excitement, cautiously took a small bite.

The flavor of the marinade and meat filled her mouth. Though the taste wasn’t exceptionally refined, the satisfaction of making it herself made it special.

Squatting by the fire, Xiao Anlan watched her with eager eyes.

Yu Wanru glanced around, noticing no one paying attention, so she picked up a skewer, crouched beside Xiao Anlan, and offered it to him. “Here.”

Xiao Anlan showed his grimy hands. “Wanru, feed me.”

Blushing, she replied, “I didn’t say to eat it bare-handed. Hold the skewer.”

Shaking his head, he grinned. “I have to tend the fire; my hands are busy.”

“Then, you don’t have to eat.”

“Wait, wait,” Xiao Anlan quickly said, “My hands are really occupied. Come on, just one bite; I’m starving.”

Reluctantly, she glanced around and, when no one was watching, held the skewer to his mouth for a quick bite, then pulled it back.

Xiao Anlan, thoroughly satisfied, chewed loudly, as if to announce his enjoyment.

Yang Shidong rolled his eyes. “Anlan, you eat like a pig.”

Xiao Anlan proudly replied, “Food is sweeter when fed to you. You wouldn’t understand, Yang—you’ve never been fed before, have you?”

Embarrassed, Yu Wanru tugged his shirt, signaling him to stop.

Angrily, Yang Shidong wolfed down three more skewers.

^[1]Author’s Note:

Yang Shidong: Must single dogs live without dignity?!