“I’ll go get the paper and pen.”

The two quickly signed the agreement.

Zhao Rencheng’s expression changed in an instant. “Work hard. If you don’t, no money for you!”

“Your attitude, tsk tsk.” Zhang Yunxi shook her head. “I’ll come back tomorrow. That food I brought was meant to thank you and check up on you.”

Zhao Rencheng glanced at the food box, then shifted his gaze to her face.

The young girl had a small, round face with full, delicate features. Her large, round eyes were bright and lively, exuding a sense of warmth and approachability. Paired with her finely arched eyebrows, she carried an air of elegance, her eyes particularly spirited, giving her an almost ethereal quality.

Zhao Rencheng suddenly realized that she was actually quite good-looking. “Don’t go to a man’s house alone in the future. It’s not safe.”

“I know. I’ve always seen you as a respected elder. I didn’t think much of it,” Zhang Yunxi said honestly.

Zhao Rencheng: “…”

Am I that old?

“No need to treat me as an elder. Just call me big brother.”

“Alright.”

After all, she had called him “big brother” from the start. “Big Brother Zhao, take your time eating. I’ll head out now and come see you tomorrow.”

The girl’s voice was clear and lively, with a hint of lingering sweetness. Zhao Rencheng’s heart was once again stirred by her calling him “Big Brother Zhao.” “Alright, head down the mountain early. Think of a way to explain how you came up here.”

“Okay.”

Before leaving, Zhang Yunxi closed the door for him, praising herself, “I’m so thoughtful.”

Zhao Rencheng: “I need light. Open it.”

Zhang Yunxi, pouting, opened the door wide for him. “Happy now?”

Zhao Rencheng nodded. “Acceptable.”

“Hmph.”

Zhang Yunxi lifted her chin and left with a proud air.

A faint smile appeared in Zhao Rencheng’s deep eyes as he approached the food box. Opening the lid, the aroma of the food wafted out. The bone broth was rich, the minced meat eggplant was perfect with rice, and the stir-fried sweet potato vines were just right. It was a satisfaction he hadn’t felt in a long time.

He devoured the meal, and his fatigue and stress seemed to melt away.

He wondered where she had bought the meat. She must have put in some effort.

Once he finished making the shoes, he’d go hunting in the mountains and cook a good meal to reward this little fox.

After eating his fill, Zhao Rencheng washed the dishes and didn’t dwell on her any longer, returning to his task of making shoes.

After descending the mountain.

Zhang Yunxi thought for a moment and decided to stay up late!

Her usual work hours were from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

She usually slept around 7 p.m. and woke up at 5 a.m.

That gave her ten hours of rest each day.

Now, she planned to stay up until midnight and sleep until 7 a.m., then go straight to work.

She’d pretend she was on her period and feeling tired. After all, everyone already knew she was lazy, so it wouldn’t matter if she slacked off a bit more. If anyone asked, she’d just say it was her period.

Why would her period last ten days?

Because she felt unwell before it started too.

Dealing with the villagers, Zhang Yunxi felt it wouldn’t be a problem, but she’d need to be more careful around Deng Damei and He Xiaoxiao.

She’d have to think of a way.

Even though she noticed both of them slept deeply. It would be over if they found out.

After all, secretly earning money was risky, but for a lighter workload, she was willing to take the chance.

Zhao Rencheng earned a lot, probably around one or two thousand. He looked so upright, but appearances could be deceiving.

If it weren’t for the fact that, in the original story, he remained single until Zhao Mo grew up, Zhang Yunxi would have been a bit scared.

Thinking of Zhao Mo, Zhang Yunxi came up with an idea.

Arriving at Zhao Mo’s house, she saw Zhao Hongqiang drinking and Yuan Guixiang quietly weeping. Zhang Yunxi called out to Zhao Mo.

Yuan Dabao and a few other children stared at her.

Everyone knew that since Zhao Mo got her aunt, she had new clothes, a new bag, had been to the state-run restaurant, and occasionally got to eat candy.

She was practically the most envied child in the village.

Especially Yuan Dabao, who was missing a tooth, glared at Zhao Mo with jealousy, longing for an aunt like Zhang Yunxi.

What he envied most was that whenever Zhao Hongqiang tried to hit Zhao Mo, her aunt would step in without hesitation to protect her.

His own mother couldn’t even protect him.

Why couldn’t his mother be Zhang Yunxi? If she were, he could eat delicious food and have new clothes, instead of living such a miserable life!

Afraid of being mocked, he didn’t even dare to go out.

How could Zhao Mo live so well!!!

Hatred burned in Yuan Dabao’s eyes.

Zhao Mo happily responded, “Coming!”

Zhang Yunxi took her hand and walked a distance before telling her, “We’re having meat tonight.”

“Really?”

“Yes~” Zhang Yunxi swung her little hand as they walked. “Eat more later.”

“Okay.”

With her aunt by her side, Zhao Mo became much livelier. She tucked her right hand behind her back and smiled at her aunt, “Auntie, guess what’s in my right hand?”

“Wild berries?”

“No, I’ll tell you. It’s a flower crown. Squat down, and I’ll put it on you.”

Zhao Mo took out the flower crown.

The flowers on the crown were pink and orange, paired with green leaves, making a beautiful combination.

Zhang Yunxi squatted down as told, smiling with a hint of pride. “Do I look like a super pretty girl with this on?”

“Auntie, you’re super pretty even without it.” Zhao Mo helped her put it on, then clasped her hands together, her eyes filled with joy as she softly exclaimed, “So beautiful.”

Zhang Yunxi burst into laughter and ruffled her hair. “Our Zhao Mo is pretty too.”

“It doesn’t matter. As long as Auntie is the prettiest.”

Taking her aunt’s hand again, Zhao Mo led her to He Xiaoxiao and Deng Damei. “Isn’t my aunt beautiful?”

Deng Damei nodded dumbfounded.

Mom, I’ve seen a fairy.

How can someone look so good even in plain cloth? Ugh, life’s so unfair.

He Xiaoxiao nodded gracefully. “It suits you.”

Fresh, sweet, and lively.

Someone so beautiful would look good in anything.

Being praised by everyone, Zhang Yunxi felt a bit embarrassed. “Since you’re all complimenting me, I’ll treat you to some meat.”

Deng Damei: “Thank you, our most generous and beautiful Zhang Zhiqing.”

He Xiaoxiao: “Thank you, our pretty little roommate.”

Zhao Mo: “Thank you, my bestest auntie.”

“Gosh, you guys are so cheesy. You always say I’m the corny one.” Zhang Yunxi covered her face, feeling shy.

She hurried to the kitchen to bring out the dishes.

Half a pound of pork stir-fried with eggplant was quite a lot.

It was enough for the four of them.

With the sweet potato vines, everyone could eat their fill.

The aroma of meat was hard to hide, and the male dormitory nearby naturally caught a whiff. Wu Donglin was furious!

If he hadn’t given Zhang Yunxi money, he could be living lavishly now. But after giving it to her, he was struggling.

Walnut cookies, biscuits, White Rabbit candies, and beef jerky were all gone.

No!

He had to get Zhang Yunxi to return the money.

For the money, he’d even have to sacrifice his dignity. Damn woman, so ignorant!