Yan Jianzhang was a little surprised to hear Xu Suining’s voice. “Xiao Xu came to pick you up, Chunhua? Did you bring her any food?”

Feng Chunhua slapped her thigh and exclaimed, “Oh no, I forgot! I was worried you’d all be hungry, so as soon as the food was ready, I rushed to bring it in. I completely forgot to take some over to Xiao Xu. I’ll go pack a pancake now…”

Huo Qingshan stood up and stopped her. “No need. I asked the clerk to bring her some. You all go ahead and eat, I’m heading back.”

Since he said no, Feng Chunhua didn’t insist. There wasn’t much scallion pancake to begin with, and her three sons hadn’t even sat down yet. She wasn’t sure there’d be enough.

Besides, Xu Suining wouldn’t care for their food anyway. Giving it to her would just be a waste.

Yan Jianzhang got up to walk Huo Qingshan out. Seeing Xu Suining standing prettily just outside the courtyard, he greeted her warmly. “Xiao Xu, why don’t you come in? Have a bite to eat?”

Xu Suining smiled brightly, her eyes curved. “No need, Commissar Yan. I just had lunch. I was out for a walk and happened to pass by, so I thought I’d stop and bring Qingshan home.”

Even Yan Jianzhang felt a bit thrown off by her sudden politeness and laughed. “Alright then, go get some rest.”

Huo Qingshan couldn’t figure out what Xu Suining was up to. After saying goodbye to Yan Jianzhang, he walked over to her.

Xu Suining waved at Yan Jianzhang. “Commissar Yan, we’ll head back now.”

Yan Jianzhang was even more confused and replied almost mechanically, “Alright. Take care.”

Watching her walk lightly beside Huo Qingshan, he felt puzzled. When he turned around, he saw both Feng Chunhua and Feng Shunhua standing at the door, muttering under their breath.

“What’s gotten into Xiao Xu?” Yan muttered. “She’s suddenly so polite. It’s like she’s a different person.”

Feng Chunhua snorted. “She probably had a rough time these past three days and finally realized how good Commander Huo is. People like her…”

Yan Jianzhang quickly cut her off. “Enough, don’t gossip. We all live in the same compound. Don’t cause trouble.”

He glanced at Feng Shunhua, deciding it would be better to observe her for a while. Asking directly wouldn’t guarantee the truth anyway.

…

After resting for a while after lunch, Xu Suining felt energetic again and quickened her pace to keep up with Huo Qingshan. “Slow down a bit, I can’t catch up. Walking too fast makes my stomach hurt.”

Her voice was soft and sweet, almost like she was speaking through a mouthful of candy.

As expected, Huo Qingshan slowed his steps, though he still said nothing.

Xu Suining felt secretly pleased. Turns out men were the same no matter the era—they all responded to this kind of sweetness. She slowed her pace to match his and took a few deep breaths before speaking quickly.

“Huo Qingshan, I finished reading the letters and diary. I realized how awful I used to be. I’ll definitely change from now on. Please keep an eye on me.”

He glanced at her. “Focus on getting better first.”

He still didn’t believe her.

Xu Suining wasn’t discouraged. There was plenty of time, and she had confidence.

“Qingshan, bring your things home tonight and stay here. Didn’t Feng Shunhua say you’re hurt? If you stay home, I can take care of you.”

Huo Qingshan frowned and declined. “No need. I’m on duty tonight.”

Xu Suining let out a soft “Oh,” her tone was a little disappointing. “Then take care of yourself. Also, I want to tidy up the yard tomorrow and build a small kitchen.”

Huo Qingshan couldn’t understand how someone’s personality could change so much after losing their memory.

The things she used to dislike—did she now like them?

He didn’t react much to her suggestion. Maybe it was just a whim. “Do what you want.”

He walked her back home, glanced at the fire in the stove, added a piece of coal, and left without saying a word.

Xu Suining thought, the fact that he was willing to do even this much already showed a lot of tolerance. If it had been another man, he probably would’ve left her to fend for herself or had her family take her back.

The unfamiliar setting and sudden new identity made it hard for her to fall asleep. But when she thought about how she no longer had to put up with demanding clients, work from nine to ten, or be on call all year like a beast of burden, she felt hopeful about her new life.

Her mind wandered until she dozed off.

When she woke up, she stared at the newspaper-covered ceiling in confusion before remembering that she now lived in the 1970s.

Sunlight streamed through the curtains onto the floor, and the sound of birds chirping made the air feel warm and peaceful.

Without a watch or a clock in the room, she had no idea what time it was.

She could hear voices outside and the sounds of children playing. Remembering that she had planned to clean up the yard and build a kitchen today, she quickly sat up.

Maybe she moved too fast, because her lower abdomen tensed with a sharp pain, making her gasp. She still wasn’t used to having a child in her belly.

After taking a deep breath, she got out of bed and found a pair of black trousers and a white shirt to wear. She added a thin green sweater over it, flipped the collar neatly, and braided her hair into a thick twist over her shoulder, giving her a tidy, refreshed look.

She ran her fingers through her bangs in the mirror when she heard the door open.

She went out and saw Huo Qingshan coming in with a lunch box.

The fire in the stove was burning strong. At some point, he had already come by and lit it.

Xu Suining smiled at him. “You’re back? No need to bring lunch later. I’ll go out and buy some groceries and cook here at home.”

Huo Qingshan set the lunch box on the table and asked, “You really want to build a kitchen in the yard?”

Xu Suining nodded with a smile. “Yes. It’s getting warmer. Everyone’s cooking in the yard. If we do it too, the house will stay cleaner.”

She went off to wash up, not noticing the thoughtful look Huo Qingshan gave her again.

In the past, she always wore her hair loose, draped softly over her shoulders. But today, she had it tied up in a slightly messy braid that made her look energetic and full of life.

As she stood there talking, she looked lively and upright, like a young poplar tree full of vitality.

Suppressing the questions in his heart, Huo Qingshan turned his gaze away.

Xu Suining carried the washbasin out to the yard. As soon as she stepped outside, the women who had been chatting together turned away and stopped talking.

Xu Suining gave a faint smile and returned inside after washing up.

For breakfast, Huo Qingshan had brought her a steamed bun, some pickled vegetables, and an egg.

As she sat down, he took out some malted milk powder and set it on the table in front of her. “The rice porridge in the canteen was too watery this morning. You should drink this instead.”

Then he added, “The hot water in the thermos was just boiled this morning. It’s still very hot. Let it cool a bit before you mix the milk powder.”

Xu Suining bit into the bun and looked up at him. How could the original host not want such a considerate and thoughtful man?

She was just about to swallow and thank him when someone outside suddenly shouted, crying and panicked, “Somebody help! Please… help!”