Chapter 48.2

When he saw Lu Nong coming down, he grabbed the child chasing after the little white dog and seriously advised, “Women are really troublesome. Make sure to stay away from them in the future.”

Lu Nong responded with a sarcastic “…Heh.” Why not say that in front of your wife someday?

“What about Xiao Bai?” Lu Nong asked.

“Don’t worry, I called Jiang Yu long ago to take care of the dog for a couple of days. He should be arriving soon.”

Pei Zheng had specific reasons for choosing Jiang Yu. The Zhang family relied solely on Uncle Zhang’s salary to support themselves, so they wouldn’t take good care of a dog. The Shen family’s mother was allergic to animal fur, making them unsuitable too. Only Jiang Yu’s family was ideal, as Jiang Yu was meticulous and his mother had a kind heart. Xiao Bai would be well cared for at Jiang Yu’s home.

Just as they discussed Jiang Yu, he appeared at the door, whistling toward Pei Zheng but hesitating to enter.

“…” Pei Zheng was speechless as he picked up Xiao Bai and walked out. “What are you doing?”

“Hey,” Jiang Yu exclaimed, hugging the little white dog from Pei Zheng’s arms. “You’re getting bold now, huh? Aren’t you afraid of your dad or your stepmother? I’m scared, alright?”

“Alright, say hi to Uncle Pei, Sister Lu Nong, and Grandma Wu for me. I won’t go in. You go ahead with your work.” He said this as he ruffled the little white dog affectionately, wearing a silly grin as he walked away.

Pei Zheng: “…” It’s a day of discovering a new side of my brother.

After loading all the luggage into the car, the family set off together.

Lu Nong couldn’t believe that returning to the 1960s would allow her to go on a road trip.

As they headed north, the scenery became increasingly lush. Autumn had just begun, with golden leaves mingling with patches of grass, fields of wildflowers in full bloom, and butterflies dancing in the air. Occasionally, a small animal would dart out from the grass before quickly disappearing again.

In the evening, they stopped near a farm. After Pei Ji’an gave his name, the man managing the area made a quick phone call and promptly let them through, even chatting amiably with Pei Ji’an.

Once inside the farm, they drove a little further down the wide path until they encountered a… tractor.

Pei Ji’an couldn’t help but smile as he parked the car by the roadside and chatted with the person who had jumped off the tractor.

Lu Nong remained in the car and couldn’t quite hear what they were saying, but the man seemed to glance inside, his expression playful.

After a moment, Pei Ji’an returned to the car, ignoring the tractor and speeding away.

After about ten minutes, the jeep finally stopped beside a small wooden cabin. Pei Ji’an pulled out the car key and said, “Let’s get out. We’ll rest here tonight.”

In front of the cabin was a clear, bubbling stream, and behind it was a grove of white birch trees with golden leaves covering the ground. The evening sun cast a melancholic glow on the fallen leaves, making the scene look like a painting.

Lu Nong was captivated by the striking scenery.

“Good job, Pei Ji’an! You said you’d follow behind the tractor for me to bring you in, but you just left without a second thought, leaving me to eat your dust. What’s the point of showing off your four wheels if they can outrun my three?”

The sound of the tractor grew louder, and a man jumped down, swearing as he approached.

“Hey, is this the sister-in-law? I’m Old Wang, this kid’s old squad leader. I retired in ’55.” Old Wang was momentarily stunned by Lu Nong’s presence and turned to Pei Ji’an, exclaiming, “Wow, you really married a fairy!”

Lu Nong smiled, pretending to be shy from the compliment.

At that moment, Pei Zheng was coming down from the backseat with the child in his arms. He caught a glimpse of Lu Nong’s shy smile and felt goosebumps all over, quietly asking the child, “Is your mom okay?”

“Is this… Pei Zheng and your youngest son?”

Pei Ji’an did not deny it.

“Hello, Uncle Wang,” Pei Zheng greeted with a grin, clearly recognizing Old Wang.

Old Wang scrutinized Pei Zheng’s features, saying, “Look at you, grown up already! I remember when you first came at eight, you were just this small. You’ve really turned out well, though you’re still not quite as handsome as your dad when he was young.”

He gestured to his waist and then looked at Xiao Huai, “This little one looks good too. He resembles his mother. I must say, you and your wife are both stunning, so it’s no surprise your child is beautiful…”

Pei Ji’an pondered thoughtfully as he looked at Xiao Huai.

Perhaps it was the excitement of reuniting with an old comrade, but Old Wang kept Pei Ji’an engaged in stories from the past. He eventually insisted on taking him out for drinks. Pei Ji’an couldn’t bear to refuse and instructed Pei Zheng to unpack the luggage in the cabin, letting Lu Nong know everything inside was usable before following Old Wang.

As soon as Pei Ji’an left, Pei Zheng, like a wild horse set free, unloaded the luggage into the cabin before grabbing a gun hanging on the wall and running into the woods.

“…”

Lu Nong also wanted to go out and explore. The beautiful white birch forest was too tempting, but she suppressed her curiosity and decided to help Aunt Wu tidy up the cabin instead.

The cabin seemed to be frequently inhabited, as it was clean and free of dust. A kettle was boiling on the stove, the steam occasionally lifting the lid and creating a soft “puffing” sound.

Although it was a wooden cabin, it was fully furnished, and the food was well stocked. By the window was a heated bed, covered with bedding, next to a large pot and a stove for boiling water, with rice, flour, and vegetables neatly arranged on a small table.

The bed was quite spacious. Even five large men could sleep comfortably, which was more than enough for the five of them.

Lu Nong helped Aunt Wu prepare the meal. After a bumpy journey, Gu Huai was already tired out. Aunt Wu fed him a little food, but he fell asleep while eating. Lu Nong carried him to the bed and let him lie down to sleep.

Once she tidied up the house, finished cooking, and got the child to sleep, she finally had time to go out and have some fun.

Lu Nong happily walked out of the small cabin. She cupped her hands to drink from a stream, and the water tasted sweet and refreshing.

Like a child who had never seen the world, Lu Nong played by the stream for quite a while. Then she ventured into the birch forest she had been thinking about. She stepped on the golden leaves, which rustled softly under her feet.

After walking for a while, Lu Nong discovered a hammock strung between two trees. She wasn’t sure if it had been set up by the owner of the wooden cabin, but it looked like the perfect spot to relax.

It seemed that the people living here were trying to escape the world.

Lu Nong decided not to wander deeper into the forest. She lay down in the hammock, shielding her eyes from the bright sunlight, and closed her eyes, letting her mind drift.

It was only when a figure blocked the sunlight above her that she opened her eyes. “Weren’t you going to drink with the old squad leader?”

Pei Ji’an helped her up. “He had something come up.”

Lu Nong replied with an “oh,” then jumped off the hammock, twirling in her skirt. Knowing they were going on a trip and wanting to avoid any gossip, she had specifically worn a red dress today.

The red dress blossomed amid the golden leaves like a beautiful flower in the forest. With her red dress, snow-white skin, and clear smile, she created a scene that could be remembered for a lifetime.

“Shall I dance for you?” Lu Nong said with a mysterious smile.

Pei Ji’an pulled her up but then sat down in the hammock, saying softly, “Sure.”

Lu Nong stretched out her arms, made a “yay” gesture, then expressionlessly began to dance… the crab dance.

Pei Ji’an: “…”

After finishing, Lu Nong looked at him with eager anticipation. “What do you think?”

This was the most popular dance online before her transmigration, especially since the essence was all in the expression—emotional detachment was key.

Pei Ji’an rubbed his brow, unable to honestly say it was beautiful. He could only say, “… Well, it’s very unique.”

“Hahahahahahahaha indeed.” Lu Nong laughed, making a sound like a goose. Sometimes she just wanted to tease the serious Pei Ji’an.

“Okay, the dance is over. Now it’s your turn. Sing for me.”

Lu Nong said this as if it were the most natural thing.

Pei Ji’an, feeling helpless but knowing she was just being playful, didn’t refuse. Instead, he asked her, “What should I sing? I only know military songs. Do you want to hear one?”

Lu Nong thought for a moment. “Since we’re in the birch forest, why not sing ‘Birch Forest’?”

As a Soviet folk song that entered China in the 1950s, Pei Ji’an should know it.

“Okay,” Pei Ji’an cleared his throat. “ОтчеготаквРоссииберёзышумят…”

When ‘Birch Forest’ first came to China, it didn’t have Chinese lyrics. People who studied in the 1950s and 1960s learned the song in Russian, so Pei Ji’an sang it in Russian.

His deep voice blended with the low, melodious tune of the song, and Lu Nong found herself slightly entranced.

She plopped down beside Pei Ji’an in the hammock and began to hum along with him.

After finishing ‘Birch Forest,’ and at Lu Nong’s strong insistence, Pei Ji’an continued to sing ‘Moscow Nights’ and ‘Hawthorn Tree’ until Pei Zheng quietly walked past them with a gun and Pei Ji’an stopped singing. Lu Nong still felt a bit unsatisfied.

? Wait, Pei Zheng walked past with a gun…

“What are you doing?” Lu Nong called out to Pei Zheng ominously, like a ghost behind him. She was deeply upset that he had gone out to have fun without them and decided she wouldn’t let him off the hook easily.

Pei Zheng: “…” Didn’t you agree to have a love affair with the old man? How come you still noticed him! ?

This shouldn’t be happening!