Chapter 130

Jianshe’s mother was also working in the field. When she saw the car arriving, she immediately put down her hoe and ran home.

At this point, no one said anything, as everyone knew about Jianshe’s situation from the night before.

As soon as the car stopped at Jianshe’s house, his mother arrived.

Seeing Lu Jianshe step out of the car, she finally breathed a sigh of relief. Relieved, she angrily went up to him and gave him a couple of light punches.

“You troublemaker! What would I do if something happened to you?”

Lu Jianshe, still weak, started coughing after being lightly hit by his mother.

Lu Quanshui quickly pulled his wife away, “Enough, you can scold him once he’s better.”

He then turned to Lu Weiguo and his wife, saying to his own wife, “We have to properly thank Weiguo and his wife this time.”

At this moment, Shi Tingyu stayed silent, letting Lu Weiguo handle the situation.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Lu Weiguo mentioned that they were worried about their own home and needed to return.

Lu Quanshui and his family of three watched the car leave before heading back inside.

After settling Lu Jianshe in bed, Lu Quanshui wanted to find the old man to watch over Jianshe so he could return to work.

Jianshe’s mother, feeling sorry for her husband who hadn’t rested well all night, persuaded him to take a nap in the morning and go to work in the afternoon.

Realizing that they couldn’t afford anyone else getting sick, Lu Quanshui finally agreed and went to rest.

When Lu Weiguo and Shi Tingyu returned home, they saw their dog Lijian frolicking in the yard.

Noticing that Lijian’s food bowl was still full, Shi Tingyu worriedly checked on him.

“Why aren’t you eating?”

Lijian wagged his tail excitedly and ran around them.

Lu Weiguo also patted Lijian’s head.

Seeing that the food in the bowl was cold, Shi Tingyu warmed it up for him.

This time, Lijian obediently finished his meal.

Shi Tingyu realized that Lijian hadn’t eaten because they weren’t home.

Watching him eat while looking up at them occasionally, Shi Tingyu sighed internally, realizing they had neglected Lijian a bit lately.

Just as she had to adjust to a new environment, so did Lijian.

She had Lu Weiguo with her all the time, but Lijian didn’t.

After Lijian finished eating, Shi Tingyu held him and talked to him for a long time.

She believed in the effectiveness of her spiritual spring water and that Lijian could understand her.

Sure enough, after their talk, Lijian seemed much more lively.

The previous night’s sudden incident meant that Lu Weiguo and Shi Tingyu hadn’t had a chance to deliver the items they brought for their second uncle’s family. Taking advantage of the lunch break, when Lu’s second aunt was home, they brought the items over.

Seeing the large bags they carried, Lu’s second aunt chided them with a glance, “We’re just happy that you two come to see us. Why bring so many things? Money doesn’t grow on trees, you know.”

Knowing his second aunt’s temperament, Lu Weiguo didn’t argue, instead, he brought the items into the house.

“Second aunt, these are just a little something from Tingyu and me. Please keep them and eat well.”

Lu’s second aunt wanted to say more, but Lu Weiguo interrupted, “We’re family, no need to be so formal. We don’t want outsiders to gossip behind our backs.”

Hearing this, Lu’s second aunt didn’t insist.

She understood that this gift was more generous than usual, likely due to Professor Shi and his family.

Well, they would just accept it.

If they made a fuss, it might become the subject of village gossip.

People wouldn’t say much else but would certainly talk about how well-off Weiguo was, which wasn’t ideal.

When Lu’s second aunt invited them for lunch, Lu Weiguo declined.

“We’ve already cooked at home. We’ll join you another time.”

Lu’s second aunt didn’t press further and told them to take whatever vegetables they needed from the cellar.

This time, Lu Weiguo didn’t refuse.

This was an unspoken understanding between their two families.

Lu Weiguo and Shi Tingyu didn’t have to work that afternoon, so they spent the time cozily resting on the heated kang bed.

Sitting on the warm kang, looking at the harsh winter outside, brought a special sense of happiness.

In the evening, while Shi Tingyu was preparing dinner, there was a knock on the door.

“Is anyone home?”

Shi Tingyu heard a woman’s voice, but it sounded unfamiliar.

Lu Weiguo put down the vegetables he was picking and went to open the door.

Standing there was an unfamiliar young woman, about twenty years old, with two braids and a smile on her face. However, the moment she saw him, her smile froze, and she involuntarily took a couple of steps back.

“Who are you looking for?” Lu Weiguo frowned, not recognizing her as anyone from the village.

“I, I…” Bai Qiuyue stammered, unsure whether to advance or retreat.

At that moment, Shi Tingyu also came out.

“Weiguo, who is it?”

Seeing the woman, Bai Qiuyue quickly looked up. She felt as if she had lost her senses.

She prided herself on being from the city and having seen many beautiful girls, but this one was the most stunning she had ever encountered. Could this be the woman who drove the car?

“Who is this…?” Shi Tingyu clearly didn’t recognize her.

“No idea,” Lu Weiguo replied.

With Shi Tingyu by her side, Bai Qiuyue felt a bit braver. Her desire to live alone overcame her initial fear.

“Are you the owners of this house?” Bai Qiuyue asked.

“Do you need something?” Lu Weiguo asked.

Bai Qiuyue glanced at Shi Tingyu and then said to Lu Weiguo, “Can I speak with her?”

She felt it would be easier to talk to Shi Tingyu. Although she looked like an ice queen, her unintentional smile earlier had made her seem approachable.

She also knew that Shi Tingyu was the daughter-in-law of the house and probably made money. She was likely to agree to rent the house out since it was just sitting there unused. If Shi Tingyu agreed, she could get the money, and when discussing it with her in-laws, she could decide how much to share.

Shi Tingyu, seeing Bai Qiuyue’s attire, guessed she was a “zhishi qingnian,” a young intellectual sent to the countryside. It wasn’t ideal to keep her standing at the door late at night, so she asked, “What do you want to talk about?”

Bai Qiuyue swallowed nervously and said, “I’ve noticed this house is empty. How about renting it to me? I’ll pay you five yuan a month.”

Shi Tingyu glanced at Lu Weiguo, who shook his head.

Shi Tingyu immediately refused, “Sorry, we’re not looking to rent it out.”

Bai Qiuyue became anxious, “Are you serious? You’re passing up easy money?”

Her face then darkened, “You’re not trying to raise the price because I’m alone, are you? That’s just too much!”

Shi Tingyu was left speechless.

“Rest assured, we have no intention of renting out the house. This way, you don’t have to spend any money.”