Chapter 15.1

Upon seeing Luo Lan, Zhou Qingshan’s eyes lit up, and a smile softened his otherwise stern features. They exchanged greetings and sat down. Soon after, his two younger sisters came home together.

One of them had a school bag on her back and still looked quite young. When she saw a guest, she instinctively hid behind the other sister, who frowned slightly at the sight of the meal.

“Mom, this rice was sent to you by Second Aunt specifically for you. We have white flour at home. It’s fine to serve that to guests.”

The woman glanced back at her daughter, slightly annoyed. “I can eat whatever I want. Can’t you see we have a guest? Come over and greet her.”

The woman was skillful. She didn’t mention their relationship but introduced Luo Lan by name, showing respect to her as she hadn’t yet agreed to date Zhou Qingshan. However, she made a proper introduction, encouraging her daughters to greet Luo Lan warmly.

Afraid that Luo Lan might misunderstand, she quickly explained, “Ever since I got sick, my daughter has been very protective. She didn’t mean anything by it, please don’t mind her.”

The girl relaxed her frown and politely nodded to Luo Lan. “Hello, I didn’t mean anything by it. I just want my mom to take care of her health.”

“I understand.”

Earlier, when helping in the kitchen, Luo Lan had noticed that there wasn’t much rice left. She had suggested using white flour, but Zhou Qingshan’s mother had insisted on using the rice, saying it was special. In their northern region, rice was rare while flour was common. The woman wanted Luo Lan to taste the rice.

It was understandable that Zhou Junhui wanted to save the precious food for her sick mother. That she said this directly showed she was straightforward. Luo Lan didn’t mind.

Straightforward people were often easier to get along with, and being filial was something Luo Lan respected. Even if she married into the family, she didn’t intend to compete with her sister-in-law for her mother-in-law’s affection. After her mother scolded her, Zhou Junhui quickly adjusted her attitude, showing she was well-raised and not arrogant.

The meal was somewhat quiet, with Luo Lan silently observing. She noticed that Zhou Junhui spoke quickly but was very attentive to her mother, frequently serving her food and water, and keeping an eye on her.

After the meal, Zhou Junhui promptly cleared the table and washed the dishes, with her younger sister, Zhou Junfang, following her. Luo Lan stayed in the living room, drinking tea and chatting with the old lady. She believed that spending more time together was the best way to understand someone.

“Auntie, I noticed that the shoe sole you were stitching is quite large. Is it for a man?”

“Yes, it’s for Qingshan. He wears out his shoes quickly. No matter how sturdy I make them, he still manages to wear them out. He walks so heavily.”

“That’s normal for men.”

“Dear, you’ve graduated from junior high school, and I saw you cook very efficiently. I’m just speaking casually, so don’t let this discourage you. I’ll continue making his shoe soles, you won’t have to worry about that.”

Zhou Qingshan entered from outside. “What shoe soles? My shoes are fine, there’s no need for new ones.”

His mother smiled and teased him, “Look at him, so clueless. Shoes need to be made before they wear out completely. Otherwise, it’ll be too late.”

Zhou Qingshan sighed, “Mom, is it really okay to talk about your son like this in front of others?”

Everyone laughed, and his mother playfully scolded him, “Oh, now you’re embarrassed? That’s rare!”

After chatting for a while, the two sisters finished their work in the kitchen. Zhou Junhui took off her apron and joined them. She had overheard their conversation and eagerly chimed in.

“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of my mom with Junfang. My brother is a good man, responsible and reliable. Marrying him would be a great choice.”

Luo Lan didn’t know how to respond, so she remained silent. Her mother scolded her, “You shouldn’t speak so bluntly.”

“Why not? It’s best to be straightforward.”

Zhou Junfang laughed quietly beside her sister. This girl was indeed shy and didn’t interact much with guests. Today, such a behavior would be seen as extreme social anxiety, but it wasn’t a big deal. If she didn’t like socializing, she didn’t have to.

After sitting for a while, Luo Lan got up to leave. The old lady asked Zhou Qingshan to see her off. He grabbed his bicycle and offered to take her back to the brigade.

“Wouldn’t that be too much trouble for you?”

“Not at all. I’m free this afternoon. It’s fine if I go back a bit later.”

Since she intended to date him, she agreed to let him take her home. Riding on his bicycle, she felt delighted. People were more reserved at that time, expressing their feelings subtly. The fact that she brought gifts and accepted his offer to take her home showed her interest in dating him.

The road was easy to travel without rain, and they soon reached her brigade. When Zhou Qingshan saw her small shed, his eyes showed clear concern. He hesitated but finally spoke up.

“If you agree, I think we should get married as soon as possible. We can settle the household registration and job this year.”

Luo Lan understood why he said this. Although he hadn’t been overly sweet, seeing her living conditions made him want to help her escape this hardship. His practical concern meant more to her than any sweet words.

“How about getting married on National Day in October?”

Was she agreeing? Zhou Qingshan was momentarily stunned but quickly nodded, letting his joy show on his face. His comrade had taught him to express his happiness appropriately.

“Great. I’ll listen to you. Do you have any requests? I’ll do my best to meet them.”

“Not much. Just find time to meet my brother. I have two brothers and a sister.”

“Of course, I should. Next week, I’ll take a day off to visit them.”

“Alright.”

With that, their plans were set. Zhou Qingshan returned, happily humming a tune. He went straight to his unit, as he was on duty this week. When he returned home in the evening, his mother was anxiously waiting at the gate. She grabbed him as soon as she saw him.

“Why didn’t you come home earlier to tell me? I’ve been worried sick all afternoon and almost went to your unit to find you.”

“Sorry, sorry.”

“Don’t apologize, just tell me how it went.”

“We’re getting married on National Day.”