Wu Lanshu worked efficiently, organizing various items in the storage room and keeping the courtyard clean and tidy. A table and small stools were set on one side of the yard. On warmer days, they would sit there to enjoy the sunshine and tea, sometimes even dining outdoors, a truly relaxing time.

With the colder weather now, Shen Qingzhu, whose health was delicate, avoided sitting outside for too long to prevent falling ill. But today was fair, with no wind, so he decided to sit outside for a while, bringing Zhou Song along with him.

“What do you have for me?” Shen Qingzhu asked directly once they were seated, his eyes meeting Zhou Song’s.

Zhou Song paused, reaching into his chest pocket and pulling out a long, flat box, which he set on the table, sliding it towards Kun Ze with his ears slightly reddening. “I saw it by chance in town before… I don’t know if… you’ll like it.”

Shen Qingzhu picked up the box, gave Zhou Song a quick glance, then lowered his gaze to open it. Inside was a jade hairpin, shaped like an orchid and tastefully elegant. He gently ran his fingers over it; the jade wasn’t the finest quality compared to what he’d owned before, but it was still smooth and well-made. Such a hairpin would likely cost a few taels of silver.

Though the price was not much for someone like Shen Qingzhu, who had seen many luxurious things, it was significant for a man from the village. After all, a fertile plot of land in the village cost around four or five taels of silver. Who in the village would spend so much on an ornamental hairpin?

He held the hairpin without mentioning its price and simply asked, “When did you buy it?”

Zhou Song hesitated, mumbling awkwardly, “The last time… after I hurt my hand.”

That had been a while ago. Thinking about how Zhou Song had spent a large sum on a hairpin and kept it hidden all this time without the courage to give it to him, Shen Qingzhu chuckled softly, “You bought it then? Why give it to me only now?”

Zhou Song didn’t understand what was amusing, thinking Shen Qingzhu might be laughing at his foolishness. He nervously clenched his hands resting on his knees. “I was afraid it might offend you.”

After all, a Qian Yuan giving a Kun Ze a gift unprompted was bound to have intentions, and he didn’t want to trouble him.

So cautious, not wanting to disturb him in the slightest and afraid of causing him any discomfort—if it hadn’t been for that rainy night incident, Zhou Song would probably have quietly cherished his feelings alone for who knows how long.

Shen Qingzhu didn’t say anything further. He put the hairpin back in the box and pushed it towards Zhou Song again.

Zhou Song was taken aback, thinking perhaps Shen Qingzhu didn’t like it, and his expression fell, his brows drooping in disappointment.

“What are you just sitting there for? Put it on me,” Shen Qingzhu said playfully, tapping the table with a mischievous smile.

Zhou Song’s head shot up, and when he saw Kun Ze gesture towards the hairpin with his chin, he quickly replied, “Alright, alright.”

He wiped his sweaty palms on his pants, took out the hairpin, stood up, and carefully leaned over, inserting the jade pin into Kun Ze’s orchid-scented black hair.

When his hand withdrew, Shen Qingzhu looked up, his smile bright. “How does it look?”

For a moment, Zhou Song was so captivated that he couldn’t even respond, staring at him with an utterly entranced expression.

Shen Qingzhu wasn’t upset at the lack of reply, but rather delighted by Zhou Song’s reaction. He lowered his gaze with a soft chuckle. “Idiot.”

Coming to his senses, Zhou Song felt a little embarrassed, clearing his throat as he looked away, though he still snuck glances at Shen Qingzhu. Seeing him wearing the hairpin he’d chosen filled him with a deep joy.

Clenching the fingers that had just touched Kun Ze’s hair, he finally gathered the courage to speak plainly, “It’s beautiful… the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen.”

Shen Qingzhu had heard endless compliments on his looks before, with far more flowery words, but none of them felt as sincere and pure as Zhou Song’s.

He beckoned to Zhou Song. “Lean down.”

Though confused, Zhou Song instinctively obeyed, bending closer.

He assumed Kun Ze had something to say, but instead, a soft warmth brushed his cheek and was gone in an instant.

Zhou Song froze, still bent over and unmoving, his gaze stunned and his face heating up as a flush spread from where he’d been touched, radiating through his whole body.

Shen Qingzhu stood up, turning to head back to the hall, but halfway there, he paused. “By the way…”

Zhou Song snapped back to reality, standing up straight as a pine tree.

Shen Qingzhu chuckled softly. “I really like the hairpin.”

Zhou Song blinked, watching as Kun Ze walked back inside. Only then did a wide smile spread across his face, and he reached up to touch the cheek that had been kissed, unable to hold back a chuckle, radiating an almost foolish joy.

The news spread fast in the village: Zhou Song, the man everyone thought would never settle down, was engaged! And to none other than that Shen Xiaolang, who had recently moved to the village. His looks and presence were unmatched, not only in Qi Shan Village but for miles around.

Now the villagers understood why Zhou Song had rejected every other proposal, even the daughter of Li Yuanwai from the neighboring village. People had assumed he simply wasn’t interested in marriage, but now they saw he just had high standards!

And Zhou Song was putting his whole heart into this engagement. Rumor had it he’d given ten taels as a betrothal gift, along with fine fabrics, jewelry, and even a stack of fox pelts—all high-quality items. This kind of lavishness was rare in the village.

Though there was some chatter, most of it was envious and congratulatory. After all, Zhou Song was known as a hardworking and capable man, with a good temperament. While he was quiet, he was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need.

Of course, there were a few sour comments, saying Shen Xiaolang seemed like the type who wouldn’t do any hard work and that his health appeared fragile. Wu Lanshu was constantly buying eggs and chickens to nourish him. Bringing home such a Kun Ze would be like worshipping an ancestor. Zhou Song must be foolish, marrying based on looks alone. They thought he would regret it, failing to see the long-term picture.

But those who made such remarks were few, and others didn’t pay them much mind. Some even retorted that it was none of their business, reminding them that how others lived had nothing to do with them.

As for Zhou Song himself, he didn’t care about any of this. His marriage to Shen Qingzhu was set for two months later, before the New Year. In the meantime, he planned to renovate his somewhat old house to make it more comfortable for his future spouse.

The house hadn’t had a proper renovation in years. Zhou Song had patched it up from time to time, fixing tiles or walls, which kept it livable but left some parts unappealing.

“If it’s just renovations, it won’t take long,” Lin Erzhu said as he discussed the plans with Zhou Song, offering advice from his own experience since he was already married. “Finding good workers could get it done in a few days, but the furniture changes might take more time.”

Aside from new furniture, Zhou Song wanted a larger bed and wardrobe in the bedroom, a vanity and washstand for Shen Qingzhu, and a dedicated study room. Shen Qingzhu enjoyed reading, writing, and painting, so a proper desk and shelves were essential.

Most village carpenters made simple farming tools and basic furniture. They wouldn’t be skilled enough for this, so Zhou Song figured he’d need to go to town to find a skilled craftsman.

Along with the study, he planned to build a bathhouse. With Shen Qingzhu’s weaker constitution, he’d need a warm place to bathe in the winter. This bathhouse would have a stove for heating water and warming the room.

After explaining all this to Lin Erzhu, his friend clicked his tongue in amazement.

“Brother Song, you’re talking about a bathhouse and study? You’ll need to add two new rooms at this rate!” Lin Erzhu wasn’t joking.

Zhou Song’s current house, excluding the kitchen, had five rooms: the main hall, the master bedroom, two side rooms, and a storage room. The master bedroom was where he lived, and one side room, which he used for crafting and storing skins, was already occupied. Only one side room was left, so it wouldn’t be enough.

Zhou Song had already considered this. Since he was planning to renovate, he might as well add two new rooms, allowing for a bit more space.

“No, even two might not be enough,” Lin Erzhu raised his eyebrows, teasing. “Qian Yuan and Kun Ze…who knows how many kids Shen Xiaolang might give you in the future?”

Zhou Song frowned. “What nonsense!”

Lin Erzhu pursed his lips and raised his hands in surrender, promising not to say anything more.

Zhou Song looked away, his ears slightly red. “Whatever the future holds, let’s get the house fixed up first.”

Finding workers wouldn’t be difficult; some villagers specialized in building and were currently free since it was the off-season. If he didn’t know what materials to buy, they could help with that too. In the village, where people knew and trusted each other, he didn’t have to worry about being overcharged.

“Alright, tomorrow I’ll go with you to find the workers. If all goes well, they can start within a few days.” Lin Erzhu had gone through this himself when he got married, so he knew who was reliable.

Zhou Song just gave his shoulder a pat instead of thanking him.

Lin Erzhu grinned, about to say something, when loud knocking came from outside.

The loud, almost aggressive knocks made it clear who it was without even opening the door. Exchanging a glance, Zhou Song motioned for Lin Erzhu to wait in the main room before he went to open the door.

As expected, it was Hu Lan standing there. She didn’t look pleased, clearly still upset that her son had suffered humiliation here. Her tone was curt as she said, “Your grandma wants you to go home.”

“Is there something specific she wants?” Zhou Song asked, unbothered by her attitude.

Scoffing, Hu Lan replied, “We’re your elders, and yet we had to hear about your engagement from the village gossip. Not informing your family is truly inappropriate. Your grandmother’s barely eaten, she’s so hurt. If she gets sick from this, you’ll be the one regretting it.”

Hu Lan folded her arms, clearly upset. She’d heard about the betrothal gifts and was fuming that Zhou Song hadn’t thought to share any of that silver with them, instead spending it all on outsiders.

Zhou Song barely acknowledged her cutting words. “Understood. Anything else?”

His indifference irked her, and she bit out bitterly, “You’re spending so much on someone who isn’t even in the family yet. Hope she’s not just a wasteful troublemaker…”

But before she could finish, Zhou Song’s icy gaze stopped her. The look was as sharp as ice, making her stumble over her words. “Anyway… don’t forget to visit,” she muttered before turning to leave.

“Just listen to her, as if it’s her money he’s spending.” Lin Erzhu, who had been eavesdropping, snickered from the doorway.

Zhou Song shut the door without commenting, instead saying, “Tomorrow, after we find the workers, come with me to town.”

Understanding that Zhou Song didn’t want to dwell on it, Lin Erzhu let it go, nodding in agreement. He could also buy some snacks for his pregnant wife, who was now heavily pregnant. She had a big appetite these days and was always hungry for something small to nibble on.

After a pause, he added, “Let’s buy the fabric for the wedding clothes and bedding too. My mother said she’d make them for you.”

Though they still had two months, wedding clothes were more intricate than regular garments, with elaborate embroidery that would take time to finish. Starting early would avoid last-minute rushes.

“Alright.” Zhou Song made a note of it. “I’ll be relying on you for a lot of things over the next few months.”

“Come on now, don’t say it like that,” Lin Erzhu clapped him on the shoulder. “When I got married, didn’t you also help me out?”

And with that, Zhou Song left the formalities aside. After all, between their two families, there was no need for that.