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Akiko seemed to really like the flowers in front of her. She watered them all first. "I've been a bit busy these past few days and have neglected them. If I don't water them soon, they'll get thirsty."

Tang Yue nodded in agreement, and the two began chatting about the flowers and plants in front of them. During their conversation, Tang Yue sensed that Qiu Zi was very knowledgeable about various flowers and plants, and her eyes sparkled with a unique light.

Tang Yue's heart skipped a beat; she felt this was a great starting point. She said enthusiastically, "I've always loved all kinds of plants in nature; I think they're full of life and mystery."

I've seen a special plant elsewhere called the mimosa; its leaves close immediately when you touch it lightly—it's quite interesting. Have you seen it here?

Akiko's face showed interest as she said, "Mimosa pudica? I've heard of it, but it's not very common here."

We have many other interesting plants here, such as plantain, which can not only be used in medicine, but its young shoots are also edible.

As she spoke, Qiu Zi introduced some common local plants to Tang Yue, sharing their uses and characteristics.

Tang Yue listened with great interest, occasionally asking questions and sharing her knowledge about plants. The two chatted back and forth, finding themselves getting along very well and sharing more and more common topics. Their relationship gradually became closer without them even realizing it.

"By the way, have you ever seen a golden camellia? The flowers are golden yellow, they look sparkling and glossy, and the surface of the flowers seems to be coated with a layer of wax, which makes them look especially beautiful."

"Golden camellias, ah, very beautiful." A hint of longing flashed across Qiu Zi's face. But then she seemed to remember something and immediately straightened her expression. She turned her head sharply to look at Tang Yue, her eyes scrutinizing her.

Have you ever seen a golden camellia?

Akiko didn't want to continue this topic, but it was too dangerous, and she had to find out the truth.

Tang Yue already had an idea in mind. She had initially thought this was no ordinary woman, but she hadn't connected Qiu Zi with China. Now, looking at it again, perhaps this woman had also been to China, and might even have spent a considerable amount of time there.

"Yes, I've seen it. I think it's the most beautiful flower I've ever seen. My neighbor has one. She treasures it. Usually, when we visit her, she won't let us see it."

Akiko frowned. "Then how did you know?"

"Hehe, Big Bear and I are friends. When his mother isn't home, he invites us to his house to play, and he'll bring out flowers for us to admire, but we can never touch them."

The doubt in Qiu Zi's eyes faded considerably, but Tang Yue wasn't sure if she truly believed Tang Yue. However, she soon found out.

"Oh dear, we've been chatting for so long, I completely forgot to make dinner. I'll go make some now."

Tang Yue stood up. "Do you need my help?"

Qiu Zi smiled and said, "No need. Our family eats simply, please don't mind."

Tang Yue quickly waved her hand, "You're too kind. I already feel bad for bothering you, and it's really embarrassing for you to say such things."

Qiu Zi nodded, and Tang Yue continued, "Can I stay here and look at these lovely flowers and plants a little longer? I really like them, but my mother isn't very good at taking care of them."

Akiko was naturally happy to oblige. "Okay, then you'll have to play by yourself for a while."

"Okay, you can go ahead and get busy. Thank you for your hard work."

Qiu Zi turned and left, while Tang Yue sat alone on a small stool in the yard, looking at the flowers and plants in front of her. Her consciousness followed Qiu Zi to the kitchen.

She went in first, took out a piece of pork, sliced ​​it thinly, poured some water into the pot, and went to the backyard to get firewood to start a fire. Just as she stepped out of the backyard, Qiu Zi peeked out from the west side of the house, around the front yard wall, to spy on Tang Yue.

Seeing that Tang Yue was indeed sitting on the small stool, he seemed relieved and went to the backyard to get firewood. The fire in the stove had just been lit when the man named Zheping entered the yard. When he saw Tang Yue, he instinctively frowned slightly. Then he walked over as if nothing had happened.

"Who are you?"

Tang Yue had already stood up. She looked a little flustered and quickly bowed politely, "Hello, I am Du Kong. I just met the aunt in the house on the way."

My aunt knew I was a little hungry, so she invited me to her house for dinner.

Zheping's complexion visibly improved. He nodded slightly and walked past Tang Yue to go inside. Tang Yue asked softly from behind him, "Excuse me, may I eat here?"

Zheping paused for a moment, then turned and smiled gently at Tang Yue, "Sure. Do as you please." He then went inside.

Akiko must have known that Teppei was back. She walked into the living room and said, "You're back."

"Hmm, who is that little kid outside?"

Qiu Zi walked to the doorway and saw that Tang Yue was not looking back into the house, but was sitting on the stool obediently looking at the flowers and plants, so she came in again.

"I met her on the way home. She looked very hungry, so I brought her home."

Teppei seemed quite displeased with her actions. "Don't bring strangers home." Akiko nodded. "Okay! I know. But..."

Akiko didn't say the rest, and Teppei seemed to remember something. He stepped forward and grasped Akiko's shoulders, "Akiko, there will be more children in the future."

Akiko took a step back, her face expressionless. "I'm fine. I just couldn't help myself because of the child's age and... She'll leave after she finishes eating. I'm going to cook."

Teppei then realized he had said the wrong thing. He quickly grabbed Akiko's hand, "Akiko, I... I didn't mean to."

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