Lin Erzhu instinctively raised his hand to cover his wife’s eyes.

But the arrow didn’t shoot out; Shen Qingzhu kept his stance, bow drawn, without moving. Tilting his head, he glanced from behind the bow at Qian Yuan, who also hadn’t moved a muscle. “You’re not scared?”

Zhou Song stood still. “Not scared.”

Shen Qingzhu watched him for a moment, then slowly released his grip, lowering the bow. “I’m scared.”

Zhou Song looked surprised, and Shen Qingzhu added, “It wouldn’t be good if I accidentally startled your pregnant sister-in-law.”

The arrow hadn’t actually been released, and Lin Erzhu let out a long sigh of relief. Hearing what he said, Lin Erzhu quickly nodded. “Yes, yes, my wife is easily frightened. Let’s not mess around with dangerous things.”

Liu Fang gave him a reproachful glance.

“Hey, what are you all standing around for? Why not come inside?” Aunt Qian asked, looking at them curiously as she came out of the kitchen to dump some vegetable wash water. “Are you all waiting because you’re hungry? Food will be ready soon.”

“We’re just getting some fresh air; we’ll head in soon,” Lin Erzhu called back to his mother.

“Alright, clean up the table then. We’re about to start eating.” Aunt Qian didn’t bother too much with the young folks and headed back to the kitchen after giving her instructions.

“Let’s go inside,” Lin Erzhu said, taking his mother’s cue. Supporting his wife, he led the way.

Shen Qingzhu looked over at the man still holding the leaf and raised his brows. “This bow feels good. I don’t need to test it anymore.”

With that, he followed the others toward the main room, carrying his bow.

As he loosened his fingers, the withered leaf fell. Zhou Song snapped back to reality, taking a step forward to catch up, reaching out to take the bow from Shen Qingzhu’s hands. “I’ll carry it.”

Shen Qingzhu didn’t refuse, letting go easily. Zhou Song returned the arrow to its quiver and slung the longbow over his shoulder.

Once he finished, Shen Qingzhu said, “Thanks.”

Zhou Song paused for a moment, glanced up at him, and then quickly looked away from Shen Qingzhu’s amused gaze, shaking his head lightly.

Inside the main room, Lin Erzhu helped his wife settle down, brought out a few stools, and poured some water from a clay pot.

There was still half a cup of water Shen Qingzhu hadn’t finished earlier, now cold. Lin Erzhu refilled it with some hot water. “We country folks don’t fuss much. There’s no tea here, just plain water. Forgive us for the simplicity, Shen Xiaolang.”

“Little Brother Lin, you’re too kind. This is just fine.” Shen Qingzhu held the clay cup with his hand.

When it came to Zhou Song, Lin Erzhu was much more casual. Without waiting for him to sit, he poured a cup of water and shoved it into his hands.

Zhou Song took it without fuss. He placed the bow and arrow aside and adjusted his seat, leaving a bit of space between him and Kun Ze.

Shen Qingzhu noticed this small, respectful gesture and turned away, raising his cup with a faint smile before taking a sip.

Since no elders were present and it was his own home, Liu Fang felt less restrained than last time and started a conversation with Kun Ze. “Shen Xiaolang, you’ve been in the village for a while now. I haven’t seen you much, probably because I don’t go out often. I wonder, have you adjusted well to life here?”

“Very well,” Shen Qingzhu replied, setting down his cup. “Qi Shan Village might be remote, but the mountains and rivers are beautiful, and the people here are straightforward and honest. Living here is quite comforting.”

Liu Fang nodded in agreement, smiling. “That’s so true. Although it’s not as lively as the city, it’s peaceful, and the scenery is lovely.”

“That’s right! The views here are better than any of the other nearby villages.” Lin Erzhu put down his water cup, his tone filled with pride. “Honestly, I’d rather be here with all this space than packed into the city. Isn’t that right, Brother Song?”

Zhou Song, who had been listening in silence, looked up. Seeing Lin Erzhu wink at him, he frowned slightly and replied, “Yeah.”

Tsk, Lin Erzhu looked disappointed, as if his friend’s response was hopeless. Here he was giving him a chance to chat, and he couldn’t say more than one word. At this rate, did he even want to get married someday?

Unaware of Lin Erzhu’s expression, Zhou Song looked away, letting his gaze linger on Kun Ze, who had resumed chatting with Liu Fang. Unlike them, who’d grown up roughing it in the fields, Kun Ze carried himself with a refined grace, like the distant moon, visible yet untouchable.

No matter who stood next to him, they’d feel unworthy.

Lowering his gaze, Zhou Song took a sip of water.

“Crash!”

“Aah!”

A shattering sound was followed by a startled cry from Liu Fang.

Shen Qingzhu’s cup had slipped off the edge of the table, breaking into shards in a puddle of water. Instinctively, he bent down to pick up the pieces.

Seeing this, Zhou Song worried he might cut himself, so he reached out quickly to help.

Their fingertips brushed in mid-air.

They both froze. Zhou Song stared, noting Kun Ze’s pale hand, smooth and soft, in contrast to his own rough, calloused one.

It was like putting a precious jade next to an ordinary stone, completely out of place.

He jerked his hand back, as if dodging something dangerous.

Shen Qingzhu blinked, glanced at him, but said nothing. He continued to pick up the broken pieces.

“Shen Xiaolang, don’t! You’ll cut yourself,” Liu Fang cautioned, nudging Lin Erzhu, who was rubbing her belly to comfort her. “Go grab a broom.”

“Right! I’ll go get it.” Lin Erzhu sprang up and hurried out.

Zhou Song regained his senses and, seeing Kun Ze picking up the shards, leaned forward, stopping him with his hand and saying, “Give it to me.”

Not daring to grab directly, he extended his hand, worried the sharp edges might hurt him.

Shen Qingzhu looked at him, didn’t argue, and gently placed the shards into his open hand, then turned to Liu Fang. “Apologies for startling you, Sister.”

“No need,” Liu Fang replied, shaking her head with her hand on her belly. “I’m just glad Shen Xiaolang didn’t get hurt.”

Zhou Song didn’t listen to their conversation; he carefully examined Kun Ze’s hand for cuts, only relaxing when he saw none.

Lin Erzhu soon returned with a broom, sweeping up the pieces while muttering, “Shattered into peace.”

Quietly, Zhou Song fetched another cup, poured water, and placed it before Kun Ze.

Following the hand that pushed the cup, Shen Qingzhu looked up to meet Zhou Song’s dark eyes. In that instant, Zhou Song quickly looked down, almost reflexively glancing at his own ear—sure enough, it was tinged with red.

Shen Qingzhu’s smile deepened as he took the cup and sipped.

“Come on, everyone, it’s time to eat!” Lin Erzhu announced, returning with two steaming plates of food.

After setting the plates down, Zhou Song got up to help bring in more dishes.

Seeing this, Shen Qingzhu moved to assist.

“Let the men handle it,” Liu Fang gestured for him to sit down. “It’s just a few dishes; no need for Shen Xiaolang to fuss.”

So Shen Qingzhu sat back down.

Wu Lanshu and Aunt Qian were both skilled cooks. Though they used simple country ingredients, the dishes smelled delicious, and Zhou Song had even brought some preserved meat, which they stir-fried with bamboo shoots.

Since it was only close friends, everyone sat around one table. Only Shen Qingzhu and Zhou Song, who were unmarried, had to keep a respectable distance.

It had been a while since the family had been this lively. Aunt Qian seemed delighted, urging everyone to eat heartily and assuring them she could make more if needed.

They had coarse buns as the main food. Concerned Shen Qingzhu might not be used to it, Wu Lanshu only gave him a small portion, just two or three bites, to avoid any offense if he couldn’t finish it.

Shen Qingzhu took a small bite. Compared to white flour buns, it was indeed rougher but not unpleasant. Though, accustomed to finer fare, he didn’t particularly enjoy it. He kept his expression neutral, slowly eating and picking at some vegetables.

Watching him closely, Zhou Song saw no trace of discomfort in his expression. Yet he knew Kun Ze probably didn’t enjoy such rough food.

Seeing him eat the bun, Zhou Song’s gaze softened as he watched Kun Ze’s face relax with each bite, even going so far as to pick up a piece of preserved meat, chewing faster than he had with the bun.

Zhou Song’s lips curved slightly, finding this secretly picky Kun Ze to be even more endearing.

“Hey, hey.” Someone tapped Zhou Song’s bowl with chopsticks, snapping him back to reality. He looked over to find Lin Erzhu leaning in.

“Brother Song, what are you staring at so intently?” Lin Erzhu whispered with a mischievous wink.

Zhou Song’s heart skipped, and he shoved his face away. “Nothing, just eat.”

Lin Erzhu clicked his tongue, clearly skeptical.

Seeing them, Liu Fang smiled and said to him, “Stop teasing Brother Song. If you annoy him enough to beat you up, I won’t stop him.”

Lin Erzhu clutched his chest in mock surprise. “Wife, how could you take his side?”

“Oh, stop being dramatic,” she playfully poked his forehead.

Lin Erzhu leaned over to fall onto Zhou Song, but Zhou Song pushed him back. Hurt, Lin Erzhu whined, “Brother Song, you too?”

Zhou Song ignored him, unbothered by his antics.

“Please excuse my son,” Aunt Qian said to Wu Lanshu with a smile, “He’s always this rowdy.”

“Not at all,” Wu Lanshu laughed, shaking her head. “It’s good for young folks to be lively.”

Seeing no sign of irritation from her, Aunt Qian was relieved. She turned to Kun Ze and asked, “Are these dishes to your taste, Qingzhu?”

Shen Qingzhu put down his chopsticks and swallowed before answering, “They’re delicious. Auntie, you’re very skilled.”

Aunt Qian laughed, waving it off. “You’re too kind, Qingzhu. I’m sure my cooking doesn’t hold a candle to Wu Sister’s. Just simple food here; glad you enjoy it.”

Wu Lanshu smiled sincerely. “Qian Sister, there’s no need for formality. We’re grateful for your invitation, especially on a festival day.”

Her words were heartfelt. Her young master had been rather down lately, likely troubled by old sorrows, and she hadn’t known how to comfort him. Now, surrounded by warmth, she saw him smiling again, putting her at ease.

“Wu Sister, we…”

“Mother, Aunt Wu, stop being so formal,” Lin Erzhu cut in. “We’re all neighbors; let’s not put on airs.”

The two women shared a smile.

Wu Lanshu nodded. “The young one has a point. We elders are being too rigid.”

Aunt Qian gave him a playful scolding. “This child has no filter,” she said, her eyes crinkling with a smile.

With that, any remaining awkwardness among them faded.

Shen Qingzhu smiled to himself. Lin Erzhu, with his carefree demeanor, showed a surprising wisdom. He saw things clearly yet kept his observations to himself, leaving a bit of room for everyone.

He picked up a piece of food thoughtfully. This small village indeed had remarkable people. It was just a shame that it was so isolated, with few opportunities for education. Otherwise, they could surely achieve something notable.

Pausing, Shen Qingzhu had a thought. What if he could open a school here?

He shook his head slightly. This could wait. He’d need to consult the village chief first before making any decisions.

“Qingzhu, what are you thinking about?”

Wu Lanshu’s voice broke his reverie. Realizing his chopsticks were hovering mid-air, he quickly pulled his hand back. “Oh, nothing. Just got a bit lost in thought.”

This wasn’t urgent; he’d think about it more another time.

Looking up, he found himself meeting Zhou Song’s concerned gaze. Caught off guard, Zhou Song quickly looked away, taking a large bite of his bun, his cheeks puffed out.

Shen Qingzhu’s lips curved into a smile, openly watching him, his gaze gentle. Under his steady gaze, Zhou Song’s face flushed a little more.