Chapter 26

The sales clerk lowered her head and fell silent; she’d already been humiliated enough and was unsure how her friends would view her after this.

Apologizing? Over her dead body.

Lu Huaijin took Yu Niannian’s hand and led her downstairs. Niannian didn’t understand why he pulled her away but chose not to say anything.

The sales clerk behind them sighed in relief, feeling validated that no real action would be taken against her. They had seen similar things many times.

When they reached the first floor, Lu Huaijin stopped by the watch counter.

“Pick one,” he said. “Wait for me here.”

He walked back upstairs, leaving Yu Niannian to browse the Mei Hua watch display.

Watches were one of the three prized possessions of this era, and it felt necessary, especially since watches were harder to find outside the capital. She chose a sleek silver one with a fine chain that looked lovely on her wrist.

Lu Huaijin soon returned and, seeing that she liked the watch, pulled out twelve yuan and an industrial coupon from his pocket and handed them to the sales assistant.

Yu Niannian glanced enviously at the men’s watches beside her.

Just as they were about to leave, the sales clerk from upstairs came running down. She bowed at a 90-degree angle to Niannian, her voice trembling with fear. “I’m so sorry, it was all my fault.”

Niannian turned to Lu Huaijin. “Did you hit her?”

A flicker of surprise crossed Lu Huaijin’s face. “No.”

The sales clerk’s voice cracked as she pleaded, “Please, I can’t lose my job. Forgive me, please.”

Niannian wasn’t a saint, but she wasn’t merciless either. “Just bring your colleagues over and have them apologize with you.”

The sales clerk’s face turned pale, clearly mortified. But this punishment, though mild, was far worse than any physical confrontation to her pride.

After that, Lu Huaijin took Niannian to the local supply and marketing co-op, where he bought everything they could think of and even got a flashlight that would shine brightly in the dark.

Because she’d only be gone for a few months, he didn’t buy heavy bedding, but he did get two new sets of sheets and covers, making the sales assistants gape in amazement.

One of them recognized Niannian, recalling the candy she’d received last time. She’d mentioned it to her mom, who insisted Niannian had to be fooling her. Now, though, seeing a man in uniform by her side? That ought to prove it.

After loading up the trunk with their haul, they headed home, and on the way, Lu Huaijin gave Niannian his family’s old address, saying she could write there if she needed anything.

“I’ve already spoken with the village head there,” he added. “They’ll keep an eye on you.”

Though it sounded considerate, his detached tone made it seem like he was simply doing his duty. Anyone who married him would receive this same treatment.

After they parked, Lu Huaijin started to unload the things they’d bought. Niannian suddenly called out, “Wait.”

She glanced at him, noticing the light sheen of sweat on his face and his muscular arms. “I have a bottle of medicinal wine I’d like you to give to Uncle.”

She hurried inside and brought back a bottle she’d prepared from the herbs in her storage space. Lu Huaijin recognized the Moutai label instantly and frowned.

“This is medicinal wine,” Niannian explained, offering the bottle. “I made it with a small ginseng root I found with a friend on the mountain. Give it to your father—it’s good for his health.”

Lu Huaijin hesitated, pushing it back. “That’s too generous.”

“I’ve taken so much from you already,” Niannian insisted, “with the stun baton, clothes, and even a watch. This isn’t for you, anyway. It’s for your father. If he finds it helpful, I’ll make more.”

Hearing her reasoning, Lu Huaijin took the bottle with understanding. Perhaps she felt inadequate because she didn’t have a proper dowry.

People had started to gather around them, eager to greet him, so Niannian gently nudged his arm and said, “Drive safely.”

She sighed with slight embarrassment as she watched him leave. She wanted to give Lu’s mother something as well, but she was short on resources. She couldn’t very well gift them a couple of buns! And her crops weren’t ready yet.

Back in his car, Lu Huaijin couldn’t shake the feeling of her touch on his arm, a first for him outside of training.

At home, he handed his father the bottle. “From Niannian.”

Lu’s mother was quick to notice it was Moutai and wanted to put it away. “You shouldn’t drink so much. Let’s save this for a special occasion.”

“She said it’s medicinal,” Lu Huaijin replied. “Good for your health.”

That changed everything for Lu’s father. “My daughter-in-law gifted it to me, so I’ll have a taste right now.” He poured a small sip, savoring the flavor, and then spotted a ginseng root inside. “Not bad—it’s definitely Moutai, and there’s ginseng too.”

He felt warmth spread through his body, his aches easing, especially on the cloudy, damp day when his old ailments often flared up. “I feel much better. Even my knee is less sore.”

Lu’s mother, determined to keep the bottle safe, narrowed her eyes. “You’ll just make up any excuse to drink. That’s enough for today.”

Meanwhile, the Xu family sat in silence over dinner. Xu Ruhua had visited her prospective mother-in-law that afternoon with two pounds of egg custard, only to have it thrown to the ground. Her heart sank. Xu’s mother-in-law had even threatened to call off the engagement.

Rumors had been harsh, but now Xu’s mother-in-law was truly fed up, muttering, “This nonsense has gone on long enough. I’m calling him tonight!”