This day was the 28th day of the twelfth lunar month, and every household was preparing dough.

Of course, white flour was scarce these days. Even for urban residents, the monthly grain ration consisted mostly of coarse grains and little refined grains. Ordinary families rarely used pure white flour to make dough; they mostly mixed it with cornmeal, bean flour, and other ingredients.

Early in the morning, Zhu Cuifen, the director of the neighborhood committee, came to the Feng family with two jin of flour in her hand, which was quite a generous gift.

When one gives a gift, there must be something in return.

Yu Jingqiu stopped her, saying, "Sister Zhu, it's enough that you're here. Why did you bring such a generous gift? Take it back quickly." She then turned to her daughter and instructed, "Mingshu, go to the kitchen and boil some water to make a good cup of tea for your Aunt Zhu."

Because of the winter heating, the water in the kettle on the radiator is always running and doesn't need to be boiled.

Feng Mingshu knew that her mother's order was meant to get her out of the way, but she did not refuse and went to the kitchen, keeping a close eye on the situation in the living room.

Inside the hall, Zhu Cuifen warmly took Yu Jingqiu's hand: "Little Yu, this bag of flour wasn't given to me. It's a New Year's gift from the neighborhood committee to outstanding families."

Yu Jingqiu smiled and shook her head: "Then it's even more inappropriate. If we're talking about advanced families, my family doesn't qualify. Director Zhu, please take the flour back and give it to the real advanced families."

“Why doesn’t your family count? You’re hardworking and sincere, and the department store leaders have all praised you. Your three children are all filial and sensible, and they have excellent grades. Plus, your eldest daughter is going to become a military dependent. We love and support the military, so naturally we can be recognized as an advanced worker.” Zhu Cuifen said with a smile, her eyes fixed on Yu Jingqiu’s face, observing her expression.

Yu Jingqiu's expression softened, and she pulled her hand away from Zhu Cuifen's.

Hearing this, Feng Mingshu couldn't stay any longer. He stepped out of the kitchen, intending to deal with Zhu Cuifen himself.

"Madam, look who's here!"

Just then, Wang Ma's joyful voice came from outside the living room door, along with clear, steady, and powerful footsteps.

It was clearly the sound of a man's footsteps.

Feng Mingshu felt a sudden tightness in her chest. She turned her head and met the gaze of the tall man at the door.

The man had broad shoulders and long legs, and wore a military uniform. His phoenix eyes under the brim of his hat were deep and bright. The moment their eyes met, his eyes smiled, and then he raised his right hand and saluted her: "Comrade Feng, good morning."

Then, he turned to Yu Jingqiu and bowed, saying, "Good morning, Auntie."

The man's voice was clear and loud, startling everyone in the room, even Yu Jingqiu was somewhat stunned.

Only Feng Mingshu reacted first, opening her mouth to question, "Zhou Jinshan, what brings you here?"

The man who arrived was Zhou Jinshan, who had not shown his face for several days and was the culprit behind the rumors about the Feng family in the neighborhood.

In Feng Mingshu's view, Zhou Jinshan's absence these days was an indication of his acceptance of her letter and a tacit agreement to sever all contact with her, treating each other as strangers from now on.

But his sudden appearance now is like he's playing her for a fool!

Feng Mingshu was angry. After questioning him, she didn't wait for his response and stepped over to chase him away. However, Zhou Jinshan took the opportunity to stuff the gifts he was carrying into her hands.

"I apologize, Comrade Feng. These past few days, besides recuperating, I've been busy with an important matter, and it wasn't until this morning that I got results, so I'm late. Please forgive me. By the way, these gifts were bought with the money you put in the letter last time. Aren't they too heavy? Let me get them; tell me where to put them."