CHAPTER 9

Zhou Cheng’an glanced around outside, then headed to the neighboring Li family.

Li Zhiqiang was lying inside the house when he heard his son call out that Uncle Zhou was here. He peeked outside, then swallowed hard.

Inside the room.

Li Zhiqiang hurriedly poured a glass of boiled water for Zhou Cheng’an. Zhou Cheng’an took it but didn’t drink.

His heart was uneasy, nervous.

Li Zhiqiang said, “Brother Cheng’an, listen, I really didn’t know back then that you’d end up marrying Lu Zhi. If I’d known, I definitely wouldn’t have bullied her or pulled her braids.”

Besides, didn’t he already get beaten up for that?

Why was Zhou Cheng’an here?

Could it be… Lu Zhi remembered that incident?

Back then, he had just thought Lu Zhi was cute and couldn’t resist tugging her braids. When she didn’t want to play with him, he bullied her on purpose just to get her attention.

Zhou Cheng’an asked, “Do you often go to the county town?”

Chen Zhiqiang thought for a moment, then said, “Yeah, I go pretty often. But it’s always for proper reasons—sometimes I run errands for our production team, and sometimes I visit my in-laws.”

“I think I saw Lu Zhi once when I went to the county town too, but we didn’t speak!”

Chen Zhiqiang was still racking his brain. What had he done recently? He hadn’t done anything!

Zhou Cheng’an mentioned the meal he’d had with Lu Zhi at the state-owned restaurant. “Do you know when they serve dumplings?”

Chen Zhiqiang: “……”

Wait—Zhou Cheng’an just got married today, and instead of being lovey-dovey with his new wife, he came over to ask when the county’s state-owned restaurant serves dumplings???

Zhou Cheng’an: “Do you know or not?”

Chen Zhiqiang: “I know, I know, let me check what day of the week it is today.”

After checking the calendar, Chen Zhiqiang said, “It just so happens that the day your wife returns to visit her parents, the state-owned restaurant serves dumplings.”

Zhou Cheng’an nodded. “Okay, thanks.”

Chen Zhiqiang followed Zhou Cheng’an out. Trailing behind, he said, “Lu Zhi and I have technically known each other since we were kids. I’ll go over and say hello. Things were hectic with your wedding today—I didn’t get a chance to talk to her.”

Not many people had spoken to Lu Zhi either, but he had called her “sister-in-law,” and Lu Zhi had responded.

….

Zhou Cheng’an brought Chen Zhiqiang back. When Lu Zhi saw him, she paused for a moment and asked, “You’re the one who called me sister-in-law, right?”

Chen Zhiqiang: “Congratulations, sister-in-law. Wishing you and Brother Cheng’an a happy marriage and a long life together.”

Lu Zhi: “Thank you.”

Chen Zhiqiang sighed, “The last time you came to our Hongxing Commune was years ago. I was still young and foolish and once bullied you. Brother Cheng’an beat me up for it. You two really are a perfect match.”

Lu Zhi was momentarily stunned.

Chen Zhiqiang continued, “Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten? Back then, I just wanted to play with you, so I pulled your braids and even pushed you down.”

Hongxing Commune, being bullied, the male lead beating up the bully—she’d always thought that was the moment she began to fall for the male lead, that it was the reason she started liking him and wanting to play only with him.

Lu Zhi asked, “I was very young back then. I don’t remember much. Did I come to the Hongxing Commune again later?”

Chen Zhiqiang went over all his past misdeeds again in his mind. He was the type who overthinks everything.

He racked his brain, trying to recall every childhood memory, but all he remembered was seeing Lu Zhi once at the Hongxing Commune.

What was this situation now?

What did Lu Zhi want to know? What was she trying to say?

Chen Zhiqiang: “I’ve only seen you that one time at the Hongxing Commune.”

Lu Zhi: “So you only bullied me that one time?”

At that, Chen Zhiqiang started sweating. “I just wanted to play with you, but I was too immature… Brother Cheng’an beat me up afterward, and I got scolded again when I got home. I never did anything like that again. I didn’t mean to push you, really.”

Lu Zhi had been far, far too cute when she was a child.

Chen Zhiqiang explained until his mouth went dry, still thinking: she really is too good-looking—adorable as a child, and now stunning as an adult.

Lu Zhi wasn’t in the mood to talk to him. She was starting to suspect that the person who had stood up for her back then wasn’t the male lead Li Yu, but Zhou Cheng’an.

But if that was true, why had it been misunderstood?

Lu Zhi: “Do you remember exactly what happened back then?”

Chen Zhiqiang regretted everything. He shouldn’t have come over—he should’ve waited until Lu Zhi and Zhou Cheng’an were about to leave before showing up.

Maybe it was because of how clear and sincere Lu Zhi looked—someone like Chen Zhiqiang, who always had a hundred thoughts spinning in his head, actually felt that Lu Zhi really didn’t have any hidden intentions. She just genuinely wanted to understand what had happened.

Chen Zhiqiang tried to recall the memory carefully.

Chen Zhiqiang: “That day when you came over, you were wearing a little dress and leather shoes, with your hair in two braids.”

Zhou Cheng’an glanced over at him, and Chen Zhiqiang immediately broke into a cold sweat.

He hadn’t expected Zhou Cheng’an to be so easily jealous.

Chen Zhiqiang continued, “We were playing outside my house. I pulled your braid and accidentally pushed you over. You cried, and I went home and got beaten up by Brother Cheng’an. I even apologized to you afterward.”

The childhood memory gradually became clearer.

Lu Zhi remembered Chen Zhiqiang apologizing, and both Chen Zhiqiang and Li Yu looking dirty and messy, like they had just been in a fight. That was why she had misunderstood—it must’ve been Li Yu who fought for her.

Chen Zhiqiang basically ran home after that.

….

That evening, everyone ate the leftovers from lunch—just reheated, and they were good to go.

There would be enough left for breakfast the next morning, and maybe even lunch.

Everyone sat around the table. As Lu Zhi listened to Grandpa Zhou and Grandma Zhou talking about their neighbor Chen Zhiqiang, she couldn’t help but laugh.

Chen Zhiqiang really had been taught a lesson.

Apparently, he’d had his hair braided like a girl’s—though it wasn’t very long. His parents had pulled on the braids and asked if it hurt.

Chen Zhiqiang, being a grown man, probably felt embarrassed and didn’t say a word.

Grandma Zhou commented, “Zhiqiang’s pretty decent these days. A bit too scheming, maybe, but he doesn’t do bad things. He’s a good kid.”

Zhou Cheng’an picked up some food for Lu Zhi.

Grandma Zhou added, “Now you understand why your grandpa insisted on setting you two up, right? Cheng’an has always been steady and reliable. Never got into fights or played around like other boys. But when he saw you getting bullied that day, he went out there without hesitation.”

Lu Zhi picked up a piece of braised pork and put it in Zhou Cheng’an’s bowl. “Eat.”

Then she served a piece to Grandma Zhou, Grandpa Zhou, and even Zhou Jun.

Master of pouring water and distributing food. Very impressive!

After the meal, Grandpa and Grandma Zhou went out for a walk, and Zhou Jun ran off with them.

It was a warm evening—perfect weather for cooling off outside.

Lu Zhi didn’t feel like moving. It was their wedding night, and if she went out, a lot of people would definitely come up to greet her.

After washing up, Lu Zhi returned to the room.

Tonight, she was going to share a room with Zhou Cheng’an.

Hearing the sound of Zhou Cheng’an washing up outside, Lu Zhi’s fingers curled slightly. Then she turned to the kang bed and started laying out the bedding.

This was the first time Lu Zhi had slept on a kang bed since she’d grown up.

It was a bit hard. There was a quilt laid on top, which made it a little softer. Lu Zhi simply laid down another layer, and that felt better.

When Zhou Cheng’an came back, Lu Zhi was tugging on the bedding. She looked up and met Zhou Cheng’an’s gaze—neither of them said anything, but Lu Zhi’s ears had already turned slightly red.

From where they were, they could still hear the voices of people chatting outside in the cool air. Lu Zhi even thought she heard Grandma Zhou.

It wasn’t exactly quiet outside, which made things less awkward inside.

Lu Zhi found that a little miraculous.

It was like that time she’d been at a friend’s house and met her friend’s friend—neither of them had known what to say or do. But when the TV was on and voices were in the background, the awkwardness had disappeared.

Later, her friend had even teased her.

She’d said that the first time her husband came to her parents’ house, both her quiet husband and her quiet father had to thank the TV for getting them through it.

Lu Zhi asked, “Are you sleepy?”

Zhou Cheng’an replied, “Not yet.”

Lu Zhi nodded. “Let’s wait until Grandpa and Grandma get back before sleeping.”

She really didn’t know what else to say.

Zhou Cheng’an asked, “Is it too hard?”

Lu Zhi looked down at the two layers of quilt beneath her and nodded. “A little. But it’s alright now—it’s softer.”

Soon, Zhou Cheng’an brought out another quilt and laid it over the others.

Lu Zhi helped him.

Zhou Cheng’an said, “This should make it a bit softer.”

Lu Zhi pressed down on it and smiled. “Mm, it is a little softer now.”

….

At the Lu household.

With Lu Zhi married off, the family was still a bit worried.

Lu Zhi’s eldest brother said, “You think Zhi Zhi will have trouble getting used to it?”

His wife nodded, then added, “Probably not. They all like her, and Zhi Zhi has such a good temperament. She might not be used to the living conditions for a few days, but that’s all. It’s just that over at the Hongxing Commune, they mostly sleep on kang beds. I’m a little worried she won’t sleep well.”

Li Lan also nodded—she was indeed a bit concerned about her daughter.

If only they’d married her off nearby, they wouldn’t be so anxious.

But then again, where around here would they find someone like Zhou Cheng’an? Good-looking, well-off, and treats Lu Zhi well.

And more importantly, Lu Zhi’s second sister could help look after her on the island—otherwise, they wouldn’t have agreed to the match.

When they thought about it like that, this marriage really did tick all the boxes.

—

Grandpa and Grandma Zhou came back with Zhou Jun.

Zhou Jun called out, “Sister-in-law, good night! I’m going to sleep now!”

He’d already washed up, and the little chubby boy looked all fresh and clean. Lu Zhi smiled and wished him good night.

When it was time for bed, Lu Zhi changed into her pajamas and lay down under the covers.

Her heart was beating a little fast.

Zhou Cheng’an drew the curtains, turned off the lights, and as the room dimmed, Lu Zhi’s heartbeat quickened even more.

But then she thought about Zhou Cheng’an’s trim waist… and suddenly didn’t feel so nervous.

Zhou Cheng’an lay down beside her and took her hand. “I didn’t buy any birth control. Let’s just sleep tonight.”

Since Lu Zhi didn’t want to have a child yet, if they ended up together on their wedding night and she got pregnant, it would throw her plans off track.

Lu Zhi turned over, very close to Zhou Cheng’an. Her voice was soft. “Zhou Cheng’an.”

“Mm,” he responded.

“I think… I chose the right husband.”

Feeling more at ease, she was drawn in by Zhou Cheng’an’s scent. It was warm so close to him, but comforting too.

Before long, Lu Zhi had fallen asleep.

She reached out and wrapped her arms around Zhou Cheng’an’s waist.

Zhou Cheng’an, lying on his side, clenched and unclenched his fist, unable to sleep at all.

—

The next morning.

When Lu Zhi woke up, Zhou Cheng’an had already gotten up and gone out to help with chores.

“I already fetched water,” Zhou Cheng’an said. “You can wash up right away. Breakfast is being kept warm. Just call me when you’re done, and I’ll bring it out.”

Zhou Jun was also helping out.

Thinking of Grandpa and Grandma Zhou living alone, and how Second Uncle would be sending his child over too, Lu Zhi started to feel a little concerned about the elderly couple.

She asked, “Are Grandpa and Grandma usually the ones doing all the chores?”

Before Zhou Cheng’an could answer, Grandma Zhou came out, beaming at what she’d just heard.

That confirmed it—this girl was a good one.

Grandma Zhou said, “Your grandpa’s eldest son’s family lives nearby. They usually help out with some of the work.”

Right now, Grandpa Zhou was already busy—it was the peak season for harvesting.

Soon, Grandma Zhou would have to take lunch out to the fields as well.

Zhou Cheng’an had waited until Lu Zhi woke up, but he’d be going out to help too.

At the table, Lu Zhi saw there were leftovers from yesterday, but also a new steamed egg custard, and freshly cooked porridge.

“I made the egg custard just for you,” Zhou Cheng’an said. “Try it.”

Lu Zhi took a bite and nodded—delicious. The custard was soft and silky.

“I’m going out to help,” Zhou Cheng’an said. “I’ll be back later. You and Zhou Jun stay home, okay?”

“I’m fine,” Lu Zhi replied. “At noon, I’ll bring you lunch.”

Zhou Cheng’an smiled. “Alright. Let Zhou Jun know—he’ll guide you.”

So the job of delivering lunch was entrusted to Lu Zhi. Cooking, meanwhile, was Grandma Zhou’s responsibility.

Lu Zhi and little chubby Zhou Jun played inside.

When she caught a whiff of something fragrant, Lu Zhi headed to the kitchen. Since it was harvest time, they had to eat well at noon. Staples were a must. Grandma Zhou was steaming erhe dough cakes.

Lu Zhi noticed there were mung beans in the kitchen and asked, “Grandma, are you planning to make mung bean soup? Let me do it.”

Grandma Zhou beamed. “Our Zhi Zhi knows how to make mung bean soup? Amazing.”

Lu Zhi smiled. “It’s just mung bean soup.”

Grandma Zhou said, “It might seem like a small task to you, but the fact that you can do it already makes you amazing. You’ll be in charge of cooking the mung bean soup today—send it over later, let Cheng’an have some.”

The mung beans had already been pre-soaked and cleaned.

All Lu Zhi had to do was simmer them and add sugar.

Lu Zhi busied herself in the kitchen while Zhou Jun followed her around, helping out. Though he was small and chubby, he could still do a lot to help her.

By noon, Lu Zhi saw that the soup was almost done. She ladled it out and headed off with Zhou Jun to deliver lunch.

The golden wheat swayed in the breeze as Lu Zhi carried the food, holding Zhou Jun’s hand.

From a distance, Lu Zhi spotted Zhou Cheng’an.

Zhou Jun shouted, “It’s Big Brother!”

Lu Zhi replied, “Yes, that’s your big brother.”

Zhou Jun cupped his hands around his mouth and called out, “Big Brother! Big Sister-in-law is bringing lunch!”

Hearing Zhou Jun’s voice, Zhou Cheng’an straightened up. He put down the work in his hands and walked over—tall, sturdy, with long, long legs.

Grandpa Zhou was still busy, directing everyone and leading work chants. Some people had already started eating.

Zhou Cheng’an found a shady spot and sat down with Lu Zhi.

Zhou Jun said, “Big Brother, Sister-in-law made mung bean soup for you.”

Zhou Cheng’an looked over at her.

They were already officially married—registered and wed.

Just last night, they’d even slept in the same bed.

Lu Zhi didn’t feel shy about it.

She said, “It’s for you and Grandpa. Grandma soaked the mung beans yesterday.”

She took out the mung bean soup and handed it to Zhou Cheng’an, but he was still washing his hands from work.

After he finished, Lu Zhi held out a spoon and said, “Try it.”

Zhou Cheng’an took a sip of the soup. It was cool and refreshing.

Lu Zhi asked, “Is it good?”

Zhou Cheng’an said, “It’s delicious. Very sweet.”

Very sweet?

Lu Zhi was surprised. She hadn’t added much sugar. If it was too sweet, she thought it would lose some of that cooling freshness.

….

That night, Zhou Cheng’an came back after taking a shower.

Just like the night before, they slept together again.

Maybe it was because the weather was hotter that day, but Lu Zhi felt even warmer lying next to Zhou Cheng’an than the previous night.

“Zhou Cheng’an,” she said.

“Mm?” he replied.

“I’m feeling a little hot. I’ll take out a summer quilt.”

Before she could get up, Zhou Cheng’an had already moved. He didn’t turn on the light. He went to the cabinet and pulled out a thin summer blanket, giving her the one they had just used.

“Still hot?” he asked.

Just a bit. Lu Zhi covered herself with part of the quilt and murmured, “Not anymore. Good night.”

A moment later, Zhou Cheng’an left the room again. When he came back, he was holding a palm-leaf fan and began fanning her gently.

Lu Zhi turned to face him. She could hear both of their breaths in the quiet night.

Zhou Cheng’an said, “When we go back, let’s buy an electric fan.”

That got Lu Zhi’s interest. “Sure, let’s get a fan.”

After a while, sleepiness washed over her, and she dozed off in Zhou Cheng’an’s arms.

Zhou Cheng’an kept fanning her long after she’d fallen asleep before finally going to sleep himself.

The next morning, just like yesterday, Zhou Cheng’an woke up early. When Grandpa and Grandma Zhou got up, so did he.

Lu Zhi was still curled up in his arms, practically hugging him.

Zhou Cheng’an didn’t move. He didn’t wake her.

He waited for about half an hour. Eventually, Lu Zhi turned over and continued sleeping on her other side. Only then did Zhou Cheng’an quietly get up and leave the room.

Grandma Zhou whispered, “Keep your voice down, don’t wake Zhizhi. You and Zhizhi are both good-looking. Your kids are sure to be adorable too.”

Zhou Cheng’an lowered his gaze and didn’t say anything.

….

On the day they returned to her family, Grandpa and Grandma Zhou prepared lots of things for Lu Zhi.

There were sun-dried mushrooms, fresh wild vegetables and fruits, and pickled long beans made by Grandma Zhou herself.

The rest, they would have to buy in the county.

Lu Zhi said, “Grandpa, Grandma, we’re only staying for a day this time. After that, we’ll be heading to the island. Once Cheng’an has some time off, we’ll come back and visit.”

Grandma Zhou nodded. “Of course, of course. Come back whenever you have time. These pickled beans—take one jar back for your family, and another for you two to bring to the island. If you like them, call Grandma and I’ll have someone deliver more to the pier. You can go pick them up there.”

Lu Zhi smiled, “Thank you, Grandma.”

Grandpa Zhou looked at them, then turned to Zhou Jun and said, “You need to be well-behaved, understand? You’re a little man now. You should help look after your sister-in-law.”

Little man Zhou Jun nodded seriously. “Got it! I’m a little man now. I’ll be obedient and sensible, just like Big Brother. I’ll take care of Sister-in-law!”

Lu Zhi looked at Zhou Jun, who was still in kindergarten, and couldn’t help but smile.

….

The three of them sat in the back seats of the bus. Lu Zhi sat by the window, then Zhou Cheng’an, and finally Zhou Jun beside him.

Grandpa and Grandma Zhou didn’t come to see them off—they were busy. Grandpa Zhou was still the team leader, and it was the busy harvest season. Grandma Zhou had to cook.

When they arrived in the county, Lu Zhi, Zhou Cheng’an, and Zhou Jun got off at the state-run department store to shop for a fan.

Zhou Ang and Chen Jiaojiao had given them ration tickets, including one for an electric fan.

At the fan counter, Lu Zhi asked, “Do you have electric fans?”

The shop assistant replied, “Yes.”

After buying the fan, they continued browsing.

Zhou Cheng’an picked out some pastries and candy. Then he bought pork ribs and belly cuts. Only after that did they head back.

Zhou Cheng’an carried everything himself, looking completely at ease.

Zhou Jun looked at his brother, then down at himself, and clenched his little fists. “Sister-in-law, I’ll help you carry things too when I grow up!”

Lu Zhi said, “But you’re still in kindergarten.”

Zhou Jun replied proudly, “Very soon, I’ll be in primary school!”

Lu Zhi couldn’t help but laugh. “Oh? Then soon you’ll be an elementary schooler.”

Zhou Jun puffed out his chest. “Yes, I’ll be a primary school student soon!”

Lu Zhi smiled. “Alright then, future elementary schooler.”

Zhou Jun looked even more pleased with himself.

Once he became a student, he could help his sister-in-law with chores and carry things for her.

On the way past the supply and marketing cooperative, Lu Zhi took Zhou Jun in to buy sodas. They each had one.

Then, they took the bus back.

At last, they arrived at the courtyard.

Lu Zhi’s eldest brother was already waiting outside the compound. As soon as he saw them, he hurried up to meet her. “Zhi Zhi, you’re back!”

Lu Zhi beamed. “Big Brother!”

He looked at Lu Zhi for a moment before glancing over at Zhou Cheng’an and Zhou Jun. He moved to help carry their things, but Zhou Cheng’an didn’t let him. Lu Zhi and her brother walked side by side, chatting as they went.

The neighbors in the courtyard spotted them returning and began to greet them.

“Zhi Zhi’s back?”

“Yes, I’m back.”

“Come have some watermelon! Auntie’s watermelon is really sweet.”

“Thank you, Auntie Zhou, I’ll pass. Let the kids have some. I just had a bottle of soda on the way back.”

Back home, the house instantly felt livelier.

Her sister-in-law called out, “We were just waiting for you to get back. Where’s Cheng’an?”

Zhou Cheng’an greeted, “Sister-in-law.”

Lunch was being prepared. Her sister-in-law and Li Lan came out and chatted with Lu Zhi and Zhou Cheng’an for quite a while before returning to the kitchen.

When Lu Zhi’s big brother heard they had soda, he poured them some water to drink.

“Can you stay the night at home?” he asked.

Lu Zhi replied, “Mm, we’re heading to the island tomorrow.” Then she added with a smile, “It’s not that far, Big Brother.”

Her second sister had originally planned to return for the wedding, but her brother-in-law had been sent on a mission, and her sister had to stay home with the baby, who was still too young to take the boat.

Zhou Cheng’an added, “Big Brother, I’ll bring Zhi Zhi home often. And if you have time, come stay with us too.”

Her brother didn’t stand on ceremony. “If I get the time, I’ll definitely come.” Then he added, “Don’t forget, you still have to call Second Sister from the post office. She called yesterday to check in.”

Lu Zhi replied, “I know.”

She began unpacking. “These are things Grandpa and Grandma sent. This one’s pickled long beans—don’t they look tasty?”

Her brother nodded. “They do. They look delicious.”

Then, turning to Zhou Cheng’an, he said, “We’ll visit your grandparents when we get a chance and see if there’s anything we can help with.”

It was all for their little sister’s good. And besides, Zhou Cheng’an’s grandparents were kind—they even sent over tasty food.

Zhou Cheng’an said, “Thank you, Big Brother.”

Just then, the table was being set for dinner.

Lu Zhi and the others got up to help.

She spotted one of her favorites—smoked pork.

Her sister-in-law said, “You like it, so we saved it just for you. Didn’t touch the leftovers—been waiting for you to come back.”

Lu Zhi wrapped her arms around her sister-in-law’s arm. “Thank you, Sister-in-law.”

—