Jiang Ruyu's gossip instincts had already exploded between the two of them. Based on her years of experience listening to love and hate dramas in the alley and at work, she was certain that there was something going on between them.

Han Ling seemed to flee in panic under Jiang Ruyu's blatant gaze. Jiang Hui was pushed by his sister before he went out to see Han Ling off, amidst her teasing expression.

"Well, my sister just loves to stir up trouble, don't mind her," Jiang Hui explained somewhat incoherently.

Two more blushes appeared on Han Ling's face. She glanced at Jiang Hui and noticed that his ears were bright red. She couldn't help but laugh: "I know, Comrade Jiang means no harm. You can go back now. I'm leaving."

Jiang Hui's ears turned even redder: "Okay, you can go back now. Um, the sea bass needs to be marinated before steaming to remove the fishy smell, otherwise it will be very fishy."

Han Ling laughed even more happily: "I'm not someone who never lifts a finger. We can have a competition another day to see who cooks better."

Jiang Hui wasn't stupid; his eyes lit up. "Sure, I'll go fishing sometime. If you're interested, we can go together."

"Okay." The two seemed to have made a promise, or perhaps there was a hazy veil separating them. Jiang Hui watched Han Ling walk away with a silly grin. When Jiang Ruyu saw that he hadn't returned, she came out to check and then discovered that her brother had gone mad.

As Han Ling returned to her place carrying the sea bass, Fang Pingping exclaimed, "Oh, our Teacher Han is back! That's really something, she doesn't even come home to cook lunch. Oh, and she's carrying a fish too? Who's been so kind to you by giving her this?"

Han Ling first frowned, then smiled and said, "I'm so sorry to have troubled you. We had lunch at Jiang Zhiqing's house. Oh, I didn't want to go, but Jiang Zhiqing's sister was so enthusiastic and insisted on taking me. Let me tell you, Jiang Zhiqing's cooking is excellent. He made all the dishes for lunch today."

Fang Pingping was first shocked, then her face contorted with jealousy: "Heh, I'm not trying to be mean, Han Ling, but we women should be more reserved. Food is so precious these days, how can you just go to other people's places for meals and cause them trouble?"

"Really? But they didn't find it troublesome at all, and even told me to go again next time. You know, people can't be too outstanding. It would be a burden for me if I were to find someone who is too popular."

Han Ling was deliberately trying to provoke her; Fang Pingping's mouth was like a fly buzzing in a latrine, extremely annoying.

"Oh, by the way, I just wanted to let you know that I've already applied to the Party Secretary and I'll be moving out soon. I'm not comfortable living with you anymore, so I won't be sharing a room with you."

"What? Where are you going to live? Why don't you live with me anymore? How can you be like this? Do you think you can cover up your background just by getting involved with Jiang Zhiqing? If Jiang Zhiqing's sister knew that you have a father who was sent down to the countryside, humph, she would definitely make sure Jiang Zhiqing stays far away from you." Fang Pingping said viciously, venting her jealousy.

Han Ling sneered, "Fang Pingping, you really have no self-awareness at all. Where I live is none of your business. I've really had enough of living with you for so long. I hope you stay far away from me in the future."

Jiang Hui was unaware of the conflict between Han Ling and Fang Pingping. He accompanied his sister on a tour of the island, and Jiang Ruyu once again witnessed her brother's treatment. She spent a lot of money to exchange for a lot of dried abalone, dried shrimp, and dried fish.

These people were unwilling to charge too much money, saying that Jiang Zhiqing's sister was one of their own and they couldn't cheat her.

With nothing to do, Jiang Ruyu and Jiang Hui went to the mountains and forests on the island to collect a lot of firewood for Jiang Hui. They also found out all of Jiang Hui's worn-out clothes and mended them. In the evening, they cooked a home-style meal for Jiang Hui, steamed buns with stir-fried vegetables. Jiang Hui finally tasted the flavors of home after being away from home for almost a year.

The next day, Jiang Hui got up early to make breakfast for his sister before reluctantly seeing her off at the dock.

Unexpectedly, she ran into Han Ling, who was waiting at the intersection. Han Ling was holding a brown paper bag and walked over with a smile after seeing Jiang Ruyu.

"Comrade Jiang, thank you for your warm hospitality yesterday. These are local specialties from our hometown. Take them and eat them on the way. I won't see you off."

Jiang Ruyu was somewhat surprised that she would make a special trip. She smiled and was very happy. It seemed that her sister-in-law was not going to escape her.

"Comrade Han, you're too kind. Well then, I won't refuse. Jiang Hui has some local specialties from Yanjing. I'll go and try them some later. You're both educated youth, so you'll get along well. In the future, let's help each other out more."

"Okay, then you two be careful on your journey." Han Ling understood Jiang Ruyu's meaning and said with a generous smile.

Jiang Ruyu smiled: "We'll meet again. Take care."

Jiang Hui stood at the dock, watching his sister who had already gone far away. Suppressing the reluctance in his heart, he turned and walked back. On the way, he ran into Fang Pingping again. He paused, but did not say anything and walked straight ahead.

Fang Pingping awkwardly lowered her hand as she was about to greet him, then thought of Han Ling, who had already moved away. She bit her lip, feeling resentful. She was the one who had taken a liking to Jiang Hui first, so why should Han Ling, a woman with a bad class background, have the right to compete with her?

Jiang Ruyu left, and Jiang Hui still had to continue his life. After more than five days on the train, Jiang Ruyu and the others finally returned to the tenement.

As soon as they entered the alley, someone saw them: "Oh, Ruyu, where have you been? We haven't seen you for so long."

"Hello, aunties. I'm just going to check on Jiang Lin and Jiang Hui. I've been gone for so long, I was worried about them."

Jiang Ruyu handed the things to Zheng Yang, indicating that he should go back first.

Zheng Yang smiled, nodded to them, and then carried his things back home.

The women started teasing Jiang Ruyu: "Look, look, she's not even married yet, and Yangzi is already well-trained by you. He can hit anything you want."

Jiang Ruyu waved her hand: "Auntie, please don't say that. Zheng Yang is just smart and perceptive. We always discuss things together."

"Hey, you two aren't even married yet and you've been out together for so long. Are you sure we'll be eating wedding candy soon?" A sharp, shrill voice rang out, its words anything but polite.

Jiang Ruyu's smile froze. She looked at the speaker and recognized her as the woman from next door who had once come to propose marriage: "Isn't this Aunt He? How come your lazy son has gotten married? Are you going to invite us for wedding candy? That's really good news. I hope your son will grow up to be successful soon and stop ruining our alley's reputation by stealing chickens and dogs."

The woman, her face exposed, angrily cursed, "You little rascal! My son has never stolen chickens or dogs! If you keep talking nonsense, I'll tear your mouth apart! As for you, a young lady who isn't even married yet, you've been out with a man for so long. I bet you've already slept in the same bed with someone."

Jiang Ruyu knew she couldn't say anything nice. As soon as she finished speaking, Jiang Ruyu grabbed her head and shoved her to the ground without any mercy: "You old hag who can't say anything nice, your own house stinks and you still have to come out and disgust people. Do you think I'm easy to bully? Today I'll teach you a lesson. If I ever hear anyone gossiping about me again, I'll go to your house and smash your pots and pans."