Chapter 5

But he still held it in, even though he felt like some kind of villain—clearly, he was just trying to help.

He lowered his gaze. The age gap between them was too large. This little girl was still only thinking about love all day long—she hadn’t grown up yet. His decision was the right one.

The meal the Ye family prepared was actually quite good: scrambled eggs with chives, stewed green beans, shredded eggplant, and a few salted duck eggs.

During the meal, everyone was a bit quiet—not as cheerful as before. After all, this was just a thank-you meal.

But Ye Qianqian quietly picked out the duck egg with the most yolk and oil and placed it into Zhao Haichuan’s bowl, whispering, “Here, you eat this.”

Now that the duck egg was already in his bowl, it would be rude not to eat it. But he had never received such treatment in his life. He couldn’t help but feel a little touched. When he looked up, he saw the little girl smile sweetly at him, her round face tinged with a soft blush.

“D-Don’t get the wrong idea. I just wanted to thank you.”

“Mm.”

So it was just a thank-you? Still, she was very thoughtful.

“Oh, right! My grandpa has some liquor stashed away. I’ll go get some for you.”

Ye Qianqian suddenly remembered something from her previous life and stood up to go into the house.

Grandpa Ye’s face immediately fell—it was a bottle of liquor he’d been saving for years! And this little brat was giving it away just like that?

But with a guest around, he could only endure it.

When Ye Qianqian stood up, whether from nerves or just not paying attention, she accidentally tripped over her own stool.

With a yelp, she fell right into Zhao Haichuan’s arms.

Normally, Zhao Haichuan could have caught her easily with just one hand. But this little girl was… a bit heavier than expected. One hand wasn’t enough, so he quickly used the other.

And then—a very soft, very feminine part of her landed squarely in his palm.

He froze completely.

Thankfully, his years of training kicked in and helped him stay calm as he quickly helped her up. “Are you okay?”

“N-No problem,” the girl mumbled shyly before scampering away. She still brought the liquor and poured him a glass, but didn’t say another word.

After the meal, they agreed on what story to tell others:
Zhao Haichuan said they could tell people he smokes and drinks, so he’s not suitable to be a son-in-law. That would end the matter cleanly.

As for him, he’d simply tell people that he had a good impression of Comrade Ye Qianqian.

“That doesn’t feel right…” Ye Qianqian said a little awkwardly.

“I’m leaving soon anyway. It won’t affect me.”

“Well… thank you, truly.”

Ye Qianqian thanked him again, eyes misting as she watched Zhao Haichuan’s back as he walked away. What a good man… and I missed him in my past life.

But soon, he’ll be her boyfriend.

At that thought, she turned around—only to find her parents and grandpa all staring at her. Confused, she asked, “What’s wrong?”

“Sweetheart, if you really like him, Grandpa can go talk to him again. But… his family background is too good. I’m afraid you’ll suffer if you marry into that kind of family. When choosing a partner, it’s better to marry someone equal in status,” Grandpa Ye said patiently. If Zhao Haichuan weren’t in the picture, Ye Qianqian probably would’ve married someone local, built a life with her own two hands, and made something of herself.

But things were different now. After experiencing someone like him, she couldn’t accept anyone else.

“No need, Grandpa. I’ll handle it myself. Oh, Dad—this coat, you wear it.”
It turned out Shen Congyun hadn’t lied about being around the same size as her father—they were indeed similar in build.

Then she turned to look at her grandpa and said,
“Grandpa, I think it’s time we changed the person in charge of collecting eggs in the village. Otherwise, people might say you’re playing favorites.”