Chapter 108 – A Knock from Next Door

Ye Mianmian’s words made Jiang Yuan feel a little embarrassed.

“Let’s go to my place instead. I really appreciate everyone’s help today.”

“It’s fine, Sister Yuan. Let’s just go downstairs. My grandma needs someone by her side,” Ye Mianmian insisted kindly.

Jiang Yuan remembered her thoughtfulness.

“Yeah, Brother Song, Sister Yuan, you both should come down tonight,” Zhang Kaiyang added.

Song Yi nodded in agreement.

“Alright then. I’ll go check what food I have and bring some over tonight.”

It was noon now. After everything that happened with Unit 1501, she didn’t feel like eating.

Just thinking about it made her queasy. She figured she’d wait until dinner to eat with everyone.

When she got home, Qin Yue rushed over.

“Sweetie, are you hungry? Mom will make you something to eat.”

“It’s alright, Mom. I’m really not hungry.”

“That won’t do! You need energy to keep going!”

But Jiang Yuan really had no appetite. Even though it was cold, the mess earlier still made her feel nauseated.

“Let her be. Don’t force her. Let’s wait until tonight,” Jiang Xingzhi added. He wasn’t feeling great either, though he could handle it a bit better.

“By the way, Mom, Dad, we’ve planned to eat downstairs tonight.

So don’t make anything for me. Also, there are some frozen vegetables at home. I’ll bring them down later—we’re doing hot pot.”

“Alright. I’ll get some out for you in a bit. Thank goodness for those kids today.”

Qin Yue had seen what happened outside. Though she couldn’t leave the apartment, she was still worried.

Luckily, they had security cameras at home.

Jiang Yuan took Xiao Nuan back to her room. The little girl needed her afternoon nap, and it was about time.

After telling her two stories, the child was almost asleep.

Jiang Yuan had things to do in her space. Clothes and such were stored there.

There were also vegetables to handle—too bad she hadn’t bought more crop seeds earlier.

She turned over some soil and planted large Chinese cabbages.

On the attic level, there were some sprouting potatoes. She planted those too.

Along the trellises in her corridor space, she planted loofah and bottle gourd, letting them climb the posts.

She planted straight from seed since she didn’t have time to grow seedlings.

The water came from the space’s well—hopefully the plants would grow quickly.

That evening, Jiang Yuan got ready to head out with Xiao Nuan.

The girl had been cooped up for too long. Yesterday, seeing so many people had made her very happy.

It was safe to go downstairs, so she brought her along.

She carried a bag full of food and a woven sack with clothes for everyone.

When she left, she first went to Unit 2102 to get Song Yi.

As soon as the door opened, he saw one tall and one small figure standing at the door.

Xiao Nuan sweetly greeted him, “Hello, Uncle!”

“Hello. Come in, give me just a second.”

“No need. We’ll just wait at the door.

Oh, by the way, I brought you some clothes. See if any of them fit. They’re all new.”

Jiang Yuan started pulling out clothes to show him.

“It’s not convenient here—come inside first.”

Huh?

He was right—it wasn’t convenient at the door. So she stepped inside. No harm done.

In the living room, the little dog came over to greet them warmly.

Xiao Nuan was delighted and ran over to pet its head.

Jiang Yuan put the bags on the floor and pulled out three pieces of clothing.

A lightweight down jacket, a lamb-lined cotton jacket, and a thick winter windbreaker.

All in his size. Song Yi didn’t look bulky but had muscle—he filled clothes out well.

“Try them on. Don’t wear that thin old thing anymore.”

“Okay!”

Song Yi didn’t hesitate. He started taking off the thick quilted pajamas he’d been wearing—the ones Jiang Yuan had given him earlier.

“Wait a second.”

She took a thermal set from the bag and handed it to him.

“Take this too. It’s super warm.”

Song Yi looked at the unopened thermal wear and swallowed hard.

“Alright.”

He returned to his bedroom with all three jackets.

When he came back, he was wearing the black lamb-lined jacket.

Damn—those long legs were going to be the end of many girls.

Before Jiang Yuan could even comment, Xiao Nuan timidly walked up.

“Uncle, you look so handsome…”

Then she gave him a big thumbs-up, making Jiang Yuan feel awkward.

Song Yi looked pleased, even smiling a little. He took a chocolate bar from his pocket.

“Good girl, here. You can have this.”

Xiao Nuan looked at Jiang Yuan, eyes wide. “Mom, can I?”

“Uncle Song gave it to you, so take it. But don’t eat it tonight—watch your teeth.”

“Got it! Thank you, Uncle Song!”

Song Yi stood up, glanced at Jiang Yuan, and asked casually:

“You have that many men’s clothes at home?”

“Yeah… My ex-husband was really into appearances. There are a few pieces he never even wore. I just haven’t gotten around to throwing them out…”

She looked off into the distance, pretending to be sad.

After all, she was supposed to be a helpless woman hurt by a scumbag ex.

That should end the topic. Sure enough, Song Yi didn’t ask any further. The three of them got ready to go downstairs.

…

On the 20th floor, it was just past 5 PM—still early.

Ye Mianmian and Zhang Kaiyang were already getting things ready. When they saw the three arrive, they quickly welcomed them and opened a can of yellow peaches for Xiao Nuan.

“I brought some frozen greens. They were blanched and frozen when they were fresh.

And these mushrooms and bean sprouts—my mom grew them herself.”

“Wow, this is amazing. You really brought so much!”

Zhang Kaiyang beamed. The frozen veggies had been flash-blanched and then stored.

You didn’t even need to thaw them to cook—they were still fresh and tasty.

Leafy greens didn’t freeze well, so most people only stored things like green beans.

These came from her space stash.

“These mushrooms are really fresh—my mom grew them from spore sticks. Make sure you all eat plenty.

Oh right, Mianmian, I also brought a scarf and hat. I originally bought them for my mom.

They’re new. She hasn’t worn them. Give them to your grandma.”

She had picked a maroon set, lined with cotton—perfect for the elderly.

“This is great! Thank you, Sister Yuan. But what about your mom?”

“It’s fine—my mom has others. Give these to your grandma.”

“Alright, alright. Let’s get started—I’ve been waiting forever!”

The pot was placed on the table. Everyone eagerly picked up their chopsticks, waiting for it to boil.

The cold weather made hot pot the perfect choice.

They could eat and chat at the same time—just like a friendly gathering.

Around 6:30 PM, there was a knock at the door.

Everyone tensed.

Jiang Yuan thought it might be her parents and went to check.

But when she looked through the peephole, she saw a man outside.

If she remembered correctly, he was from the unit next door.