When Zhuang Mingcheng came in from outside, Lu Fangfang waved him over and said, "Mingcheng, let them rest and have some sugar water."

Zhuang Mingcheng nodded and called out, "Come here, everyone. Your sister-in-law made you some sugar water. Drink it before you drink. Sister-in-law, you should rest too."

Upon hearing this, the two soldiers immediately dropped what they were carrying and ran over.

In those days, sugar was a rare commodity. A pound of white sugar cost 75 cents and required sugar coupons, making it almost more expensive than pork.

The two picked up their bowls, took a sip, and exclaimed, "It's so sweet! Thank you, sister-in-law!"

"No...you're welcome."

Lu Fangfang's face turned slightly red.

She picked up another bowl of sweet soup from the table and handed it to Wang Shufen.

After finishing their water, the group picked up the load again.

After working for nearly half an hour, everyone finally managed to move all the items from the military vehicle into the house.

Seeing that the two soldiers were about to leave, Zhuang Mingcheng stopped them and gave each of them a can of oranges.

"Battalion Commander, this..."

Zhuang Mingcheng waved his hand, "Take them all, you've all had a hard day."

The two soldiers then accepted it.

Zhuang Mingcheng stood at the gate of the courtyard and watched the two men drive away in their military vehicle before he felt relieved and went home.

Inside the house, Wang Shufen was carrying her own thermos, also heading back.

As usual, Zhuang Mingcheng gave her a can of oranges and then pulled out a handful of fruit candies. "Sister-in-law, give these to the child."

"I don't want to."

"Sister-in-law, you and the political commissar have taken good care of us, please take this."

"Yes, Sister Shufen, please take it."

After much persuasion from Zhuang Mingcheng and Lu Fangfang, Wang Shufen finally accepted it.

The two then escorted Sister-in-law Shufen to the gate of the courtyard.

After Wang Shufen left, Lu Fangfang turned her head and looked around. Not far away, a group of women were looking in their direction.

"Where does all this curiosity come from? It's so annoying."

She pulled Zhuang Mingcheng back to the courtyard, and then slammed the gate shut.