Xu Xinghe turned around and found another flowerpot, added some soil to it, then plucked an unknown wild grass from the ground in her space, shook off the soil from the roots, neatly planted it in the pot, and placed it next to the stove, very close to the medicinal herb, so that it could absorb some of its scent.

As soon as it was placed, the tin kettle on the stove started to hiss, with white steam billowing out from the spout.

He picked up the water bottle, poured half of it into the flowerpot of weeds, and then used the remaining water to wash himself and wipe his body down.

Only after she had done all this did she pull down the light cord.

Snap.

The room was plunged into darkness in an instant.

Xu Xinghe woke up just as dawn was breaking the next day.

As soon as she opened her eyes, she went outside and looked towards the fireplace.

The medicinal herbs are still growing well, but that weed is indeed dying.

Pouring boiling water on someone is basically a death sentence.

Xu Xinghe ignored it and slowly began to prepare the malted milk powder.

When she went out again after eating and drinking her fill, she indeed sensed that faint feeling of being watched.

She sneered, put on her scarf, put the medicinal herbs into her spatial storage, and uprooted the weeds. As she left, she casually tossed them under the old tree by the door.

She hurried towards Hongxing Village.

When she reached the fork in the road, she immediately turned back and, taking advantage of the fact that no one was paying attention, turned into the empty house next door.

The courtyard wall here isn't high, so you can see the old tree right away.

About ten minutes later, Li Xingzhou appeared under the tree.

He was wearing a cotton coat, with half his face hidden under a scarf, but you could tell who he was just by looking at his glasses.

Li Xingzhou walked very lightly, glanced around, then picked up the withered weed and smelled it carefully.

Although it has a medicinal fragrance, it is very faint.

What's going on?

Moreover, judging from the leaves, they don't seem to be the same as what I saw last night.

Well, since it smells like medicine, I should take it back and have a look.

Li Xingzhou opened the bag and carefully put the wild grass inside, as if afraid of damaging it.

Xu Xinghe stared intently at his departing figure.

Ha, he smelled it, stared at it, and carefully put it in his bag. It's absolutely impossible for him not to know what was in his room!

So it really was him who was spying on me!

A hint of coldness flashed in Xu Xinghe's eyes as she turned and left.

She should go to Hongxing Village.

Starting today, she will still leave a medicinal herb in her room every day.

However, it is definitely not the ingredient used in frostbite ointment.

She would leave behind another herb with a similar scent, but with different medicinal effects.

If Li Xingzhou dares to touch it, then he can expect to suffer the consequences!

Entrance to Hongxing Village.

As soon as Xu Xinghe stepped inside, he was surrounded by the waiting villagers.

The children, in particular, ran over excitedly and carefully tugged at her dangling red scarf with their little hands.

"Comrade Xu, you've arrived!"

"Comrade Xu, have you had breakfast? I have some eggs at home, I'll go get them for you."

"Comrade Xu, I have some corn porridge at home, it was just made this morning, let me get you a bowl!"

Xu Xinghe was filled with confusion. What... what's going on?

The village chief's wife pushed through the crowd and grabbed her wrist. "Alright, everyone stop crowding around here. Go do what you're supposed to do. I'll take Comrade Xu to warm up a bit."

Without a word, she pulled Xu Xinghe into the house, handed her a hot water bottle, and brought her a stool, placing it next to the stove. She even dug a roasted sweet potato out of the ashes, saying, "Eat quickly, I saved this especially for you. Stay warm by the stove, don't get too cold. I'm not so busy now, you don't have to go."

Xu Xinghe stared blankly at the roasted sweet potato, "Auntie, what... what's going on?"

Without realizing it, her speech also picked up a bit of a Northeastern accent.

Although it sounded strange and incongruous, it actually blended in surprisingly well with her soft, southern accent, making her even more adorable.

The village chief's wife smiled kindly, looking at her as if she were looking at her own daughter, "You are now the lucky star of our village!"

She counted on her fingers, "Look, you reminded us in advance that frost was coming, which saved so much of our crops. Now that there's a snow disaster, you're donating grain and providing frostbite ointment, solving our biggest problem. Aren't you a lucky star sent by the military?"

This was said by someone in the village yesterday.

After he finished speaking, everyone agreed with him.

So today, every household is having their children touch Xu Xinghe, hoping to share in the good fortune.

Xu Xinghe's cheeks flushed slightly. "Don't say that."

The village chief's wife patted her hand. "Silly child, what's there to be embarrassed about? What you've done has really been a great help. In Northeast China, the best people are the blessed ones. You're sure to have a lot of good fortune in the future!"

Xu Xinghe tightened her grip on the roasted sweet potato, feeling a warm glow in her heart, as if she were being roasted by a stove.

She looked at the familiar faces outside the door, and her eyes suddenly felt hot.

During her time in Heilongjiang Province, she had been focused on Jiang Linchuan. Although she was prepared to stay here, she didn't actually feel much for him.

But hearing these words now, she understood for the first time what a sense of belonging meant.

I belong here.

Everyone remembers what she did.

The ointment and food she took out were seen by everyone.

These things she did without expecting anything in return unexpectedly enveloped her and warmed her heart.

Xu Xinghe lowered her head and took a bite of the roasted sweet potato.

Mmm, so sweet!

This is truly a delightful surprise!

The village chief's wife smiled and reached out to wipe the corner of her mouth, "Look at what you're eating, you look like a little kitten."

Xu Xinghe grinned as the stove crackled and popped. It turned out that winter in Heilongjiang Province wasn't really that cold.

"Thump thump thump—!"

A knock came at the door.

"Comrade Xu, I brought you some corn porridge, come and have a taste!"

Xu Xinghe immediately stood up, a genuine smile on her face, "Auntie, I'm here!"

She took the large, rough porcelain bowl. The golden corn porridge was topped with a thin layer of rice oil, and the aroma of corn wafted into her nostrils.

Xu Xinghe immediately took a sip, "Delicious! This sip warmed my stomach, it's even more effective than a stove!"

The old lady blushed at the compliment and shyly adjusted her headscarf. "If you like it, drink more. If you don't mind, I'll bring you more next time!"

Xu Xinghe was about to speak when her gaze suddenly froze.

Not far away, Li Xingzhou was standing there, looking at her with a deep gaze.

Xu Xinghe raised an eyebrow and called out, "Auntie, how could I trouble you to deliver it every day?"

"Don't be embarrassed, your frostbite cream has been a huge help to my son. I feel like I can't get enough of bringing it to you every day!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Li Xingzhou looked away.