CHAPTER 21

Sister-in-law Lu rushed out and immediately saw Jiang Dong standing at the entrance of the shared courtyard.

The Lu family members also came out one after another, all quickly and with purpose.

They all remembered Jiang Dong!

When Lu Zhi and Zhou Cheng’an had gone to the island, it was Jiang Dong who had driven them there—they remembered that clearly. Even if they happened to run into Jiang Dong on the road later on, and even if Jiang Dong hadn’t been coming specifically to see them, they would still recognize him.

Lu Zhi made over thirty jin of marinated crabs. Besides her own family, some were meant to be sent to Grandpa Zhou and Grandma Zhou.

Jiang Dong delivered the crabs to them. “These are marinated crabs our sister-in-law made.”

Wuwuwuwu…

Because he helped deliver the marinated crabs, Jiang Dong also got to eat some. They were so delicious. He’d been on the island for quite a while now, but this was the first time he’d eaten such tasty marinated crab.

Lu Xiangde reached out to take the container. “How’s our Lu Zhi doing on the island?”

Jiang Dong replied, “Uncle Lu, don’t worry—sister-in-law is doing great on the island!”

Lu Xiangde nodded. Even though both Lu Zhi and Lu Yue had called home and said things were going well, he still wanted to ask again—it made him feel more at ease.

Lu Xiangde said, “Have you eaten? Come in and eat something before heading back.”

Jiang Dong waved his hand, “Uncle Lu, really, there’s no need—no need to be so polite.”

But despite his attempt to decline, the Lu family warmly ushered him into the house almost ceremoniously.

“Marinated crab, wow.”

“Those two sisters from the Lu family really think of home.”

“They sure found good husbands.”

“Last time Lu Yue came back, she brought a bunch of dried seaweed, dried shrimp, dried scallops—even dried oysters, and fresh seafood too.”

He Li’s expression turned very unpleasant. She was already feeling off these days from trying to butter up Chu Tong, and now she felt even worse!

Some of the others glanced at He Li and Chu Tong, mother- and daughter-in-law, only to think the two of them were practically digging their own grave.

In a shared courtyard like this, it was impossible not to know how everyone was doing.

No matter how good your act was, it was still just an act.

Just wait, the way things were going, their family was bound to have a fight soon.

Chu Tong had been secretly taking plenty of things back to her own family.

And now watching Lu Zhi bring home marinated crabs—how could they not be envious?

Inside the house, Lu Da-sao had just opened a container of the marinated crabs and couldn’t help exclaiming, “These are amazing!”

Sitting on the side, Jiang Dong swallowed hard—again.

Yes, the crabs were amazing!

Tender meat, fragrant crab roe, and a rich, savory taste. He had never had such delicious marinated crabs in his life.

….

Little by little, Zhou Jun was getting used to life on the island.

Now it was time to talk about school.

When Zhou Cheng’an brought up taking Zhou Jun to register for kindergarten, Zhou Jun slumped against the tea table, shoulders drooping.

He didn’t want to go. Really didn’t want to go.

Why couldn’t he just be a grown-up already?

Lu Zhi was in the kitchen making spicy gluten strips (latiao). She made quite a large batch this time, mixing in all sorts of seasonings before pouring hot oil over the top.

Once it was all mixed together, it was done.

She brought a plate out and set it on the tea table. Zhou Jun, who had been excited just moments ago because of the spicy snacks, now looked like a wilted eggplant.

Lu Zhi asked, “What’s wrong?”

Her tone was soft and gentle—clearly filled with care.

Zhou Jun stood up and put his hands on his hips. “Sister-in-law! I’m going to kindergarten! I’m going to study hard and grow up strong, so I can take care of you in the future!”

Zhou Cheng’an: “……”

The two brothers exchanged looks. Zhou Jun puffed his chest out even more.

Who said he didn’t want to go to school!

Lu Zhi clapped her hands. “Wow, Xiao Jun is amazing!”

Zhou Cheng’an sipped his water and looked at Lu Zhi. She thought she saw a hint of…grievance in his eyes?

No way. That couldn’t be. That wasn’t Zhou Cheng’an’s style!

….

Zhou Jun’s school enrollment had been arranged by Zhou Cheng’an long ago.

There was only one kindergarten on the island, so it wasn’t like they had many options. They just needed to bring Zhou Jun there.

Lu Zhi got up early.

After washing up, she went to check on Zhou Jun. He was already dressed in a clean blue-and-white striped T-shirt and shorts, with the crossbody bag she’d bought him slung over his shoulder.

Zhou Jun: “I packed my pencils, eraser, and notebook!”

Lu Zhi: “Wow, our Xiao Jun is amazing!”

He had packed everything himself!

In addition to that, Lu Zhi filled a thermos with cooled boiled water, packed a lunchbox and chopsticks, and tucked them into his school bag.

The three of them set out for kindergarten.

The area outside the school was bustling.

Little kids were chattering away.

Lu Zhi was a little worried about Zhou Jun—even though he’d gone to kindergarten before, this was his first time going to one on the island.

Zhou Jun called out, “Sister-in-law.”

Lu Zhi tensed up, already running through all the comforting words she could say.

Study hard, and she’d come pick him up after school.

She’d make him something tasty for dinner—maybe a spicy squid rice bowl with a bottle of soda. Perfect.

But Zhou Jun said, seriously, “Sister-in-law, I’m going to school now. You have to eat well at lunch. If there’s anything that needs doing, wait for my big brother or me to come home—we’ll do it.”

Lu Zhi nodded slowly.

Wait a second—Zhou Xiao Jun, something feels off about you.

Zhou Jun looked a little concerned. “Sister-in-law, I have weekends off, and summer and winter vacations too!”

For a moment, Lu Zhi felt like everyone nearby was watching her—and she could even sense a bit of envy in their eyes.

Okay. Time to be proud.

Teacher Xiao Feng, standing at the kindergarten gate to greet the kids, was shocked by what she saw.

She had never seen a little one like this before.

She was practically ready to cry with envy.

At the school gate, Zhou Jun turned back and waved, “Big brother, sister-in-law—I’m going to school now!”

Lu Zhi felt a little disappointed inside.

Zhou Cheng’an asked, “Zhizhi, what do you want for dinner?”

Lu Zhi looked at him and spoke animatedly, “Spicy stir-fried squid with rice. And I want to go to the supply and marketing cooperative to buy soda.”

Seeing Lu Zhi cheer up, Zhou Cheng’an didn’t even think about the matter of his little brother going to kindergarten. He knew Zhou Jun well enough.

On their way back, Lu Zhi ran into Chen Chunni and Li Weidong.

Li Weidong asked, “Auntie, is Xiaojun going to kindergarten now?”

Lu Zhi was stunned at the sight of Li Weidong’s sausage lips.

Good grief, how much spicy sticks did you eat to end up like this?

Then she looked down at Li Weidong’s small hand—still gripping a bunch of spicy sticks tightly.

Lu Zhi replied, “Yes, Xiaojun started kindergarten today. You two are in the same class.”

Li Weidong’s steps sped up, and he dashed toward the kindergarten with a pitter-patter.

Li Weidong shouted, “Xiaojun! Xiaojun!”

And then stuffed a spicy stick into his mouth.

Chen Chunni burst out laughing. “Hahahaha.”

It’s fine, not awkward at all. Not one bit.

….

Lu Zhi and Chen Chunni headed to the market together.

It was bustling again today, and there was plenty of seafood.

Lu Zhi bought some squid, and Chen Chunni followed suit and picked up a bit as well.

Chen Chunni asked, “How are you going to make it?”

Lu Zhi explained her recipe for spicy stir-fried squid, “You can make it at home too.”

Chen Chunni nodded, clearly listening attentively, then bought some more squid.

Thinking about how she’d wow Old Li at home with Lu Zhi’s squid recipe, Chen Chunni could barely contain her smile.

Old Li, just wait to be stunned and clap for me in amazement!

There were lots of dried scallops too, and Lu Zhi picked up some more. After all, she truly loved them.

Back home, Lu Zhi dropped the groceries off in the kitchen and then had some free time.

The sun was especially nice today, so she took the blankets out into the yard to air them out.

Then she went back inside, found a book, made a cup of honey water, and lounged on the downstairs sofa—looking completely relaxed.

At noon, Zhou Cheng’an came home.

Seeing the man standing in front of her, Lu Zhi was surprised. “Old Zhou, what are you doing back?”

Zhou Cheng’an said, “Came to grab some lunch boxes. We’ll eat at the canteen.”

Ahhhh.

So Old Zhou came back because he was worried she’d be bored, and wanted to have lunch with her?

Lu Zhi’s lips curled up into a smile. “Zhou Cheng’an, come here.”

When Zhou Cheng’an stopped in front of her, Lu Zhi wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a big kiss on the cheek.

A few minutes later…

Lu Zhi kind of regretted it.

What was wrong with her lips? Maybe she’d eaten too many spicy sticks today.

….

The canteen was packed.

Lu Zhi found a seat while Zhou Cheng’an queued up for food.

She saw a few familiar faces—they looked like Zhou Cheng’an’s subordinates. They were cheerful and enthusiastic.

“Hello, sister-in-law!”

“Sister-in-law!”

“Hello, sister-in-law!”

Lu Zhi replied, “Hello to you all.”

Soon, Zhou Cheng’an returned with the food.

As expected, the canteen had lots of seafood.

More than half the dishes were seafood. Leafy greens weren’t as common—usually it was just potatoes or cabbage.

Zhou Cheng’an knew Lu Zhi liked mantis shrimp, so he brought her a plate of stir-fried mantis shrimp.

At the next table, a group of people was chatting.

“Let’s make a bet!”

“Yes, yes! I don’t buy it.”

“Me neither!”

Thinking back to last time when he’d won big, Feng Jianshe chuckled innocently.

Han Zhi declared, “Today, let’s bet on whether Deputy Commander Zhou will wash sister-in-law’s lunch box. Whoever wins doesn’t have to do dorm chores.”

Always a step behind, Feng Jianshe ended up choosing the unpopular side again—betting that Zhou Cheng’an would wash the lunch box.

He scratched his head and got busy eating.

Everyone else laughed.

They all kept sneaking glances at Lu Zhi and Zhou Cheng’an.

Zhou Cheng’an peeled shrimp for her.

Zhou Cheng’an picked out food for her.

Zhou Cheng’an tidied the table and took the lunch box to wash.

“……”

Wait a second—when Zhou Cheng’an trains them, he’s nothing like this.

Professional eater Feng Jianshe finally finished eating, only to notice everyone looking at him with deep envy.

Huh? What’s going on?

Lu Zhi suddenly remembered the wedding candies at home. She went over with a smile and said, “Hi, everyone!”

Everyone stood up immediately.

Their voices rang out loud and clear. “Hello, sister-in-law!”

Lu Zhi felt like the whole canteen was looking at her. When Zhou Cheng’an turned to look, she finally calmed down a bit.

Lu Zhi took out the candies and handed them out. “Wedding candy.”

“Thank you, sister-in-law!”

“Sister-in-law, wishing you and our deputy commander a healthy baby soon!”

“…….”

Ahhhhh!

Why were their voices even louder now?! More and more people in the canteen were turning to look—and some even joined in blessing her and Zhou Cheng’an.

Lu Zhi felt her face burning red. But Zhou Cheng’an? He looked pretty pleased.