Pinching the increasingly swollen flesh around her waist, Lin Siqi decisively refused the request to continue sharing meals.

However, there are ways to avoid partnering.

Shen Mu Ning could simply use other supplies or money instead.

They continued to live a leisurely life, indulging in lavish meals and delicious food.

Seeing this, everyone at Qingdian was filled with envy, jealousy, and hatred. Even Zhang Jiayang's eyes would light up when he occasionally saw her.

A few days later, early in the morning, Shen Mu Ning opened the door and saw the tall man she hadn't seen in a long time.

Hearing the door open, the person who was about to push it open turned around.

With a smile in her eyes, she said, "Long time no see, Chen Zhiqing."

Shen Mu Ning looked at him with surprise, "Hmm? You're back. Did you finish what you were doing?"

"It's still not very clear, but there's always hope."

Chu Mingxu did hear some rumors when he went back this time.

The Chu family's rival has made a grave mistake and seems to be on the verge of collapse.

That's why he was in a hurry to go back and see if he could collect evidence of how they framed his family.

This trip back confirmed what I had heard before.

Several families are under control and investigation, and even when the patriarch of their family intervened, the authorities were unable to stop them.

Once these people step down, the matter of exonerating the Chu family can be put on the agenda very soon.

Thinking of this, Chu Mingxu felt a sense of relief. Finally... he could finally get closer to the girl he liked.

Shen Mu Ning nodded and didn't say anything more.

Well, it's a little awkward to be around people you haven't seen in a long time.

Chu Mingxu also knew that Shen Mu Ning's personality was aloof.

If you want things to go more smoothly in the future, you need to take the initiative and get to know her better.

Using the cowshed incident as an excuse, he wanted to invite her to dinner.

"Oh right, I haven't thanked you for your help yet... Shall I treat you to dinner later?"

There are other people at the educated youth settlement. Although they haven't come out yet, they're probably hiding somewhere, watching the drama unfold.

So Chu Mingxu didn't explain it too clearly, but both of them knew what it was about.

Shen Mu Ning felt she hadn't done anything wrong and waved her hands repeatedly in refusal.

"No, I really didn't do anything, you don't need to treat me to a meal."

She gave Gu Chengde a slight reminder that the Chu family would be exonerated later.

Given their family traditions, they will definitely remember his kindness and are destined to repay him in kind.

She felt somewhat obligated to accept the invitation to dinner.

But this time Chu Mingxu unexpectedly insisted, "Alright, if you don't help, there will always be a safety hazard."

It would be really inexcusable not to treat you to a meal!

"Yes, Shen Zhiqing, you've helped my brother Xu so much. It would be a shame to treat you to a meal to thank you. Please don't be shy."

Seeing the two continuing to pull at each other, Zhang Jiayang also stepped in to help.

He was speaking the truth, without a trace of exaggeration.

After all, family is the most important thing to Xu Ge.

If it weren't for Shen Mu Ning reminding the captain, and given her slightly special status, the captain wouldn't have taken her seriously.

We don't know what kind of accident might happen to Grandpa Chu and the others living in a house with safety hazards.

Treating her to a meal isn't enough to repay her kindness.

"Well... okay then, I'll shamelessly mooch a meal off you guys."

With Zhang Jiayang's support and noticing the subtle gazes from the shadows, Shen Mu Ning quickly agreed.

However, she wasn't just waiting to eat.

He went straight into his house and took out a slaughtered chicken.

She dragged him to Chu Mingxu's door and asked, "Um, Chu Mingxu, I want to eat chicken today. Do you know how to cook it?"

He waved the chicken in his hand, his eyes filled with doubt.