Ah Qiu's noodles are ready. Mr. Kobayashi helps by setting up a large round table in Mr. Cao's room.

"Go ask Miss Feng if she wants to come along. A new neighbor has arrived, and we can all get to know each other."

Mr. Cao said to A Qiu, who was carrying a large porcelain basin and putting it inside.

A Qiu frowned, glanced at the bowl in her hand, but quickly said, "Okay, I'll go and have Yuanbao's mom serve the noodles over later."

Xu Keke instinctively looked at Mr. Kobayashi; what a perfect opportunity to get close to the beautiful man. Unexpectedly, Mr. Kobayashi offered, "I can help serve the noodles too."

He looked back at Xu Keke with some confusion at her gaze. Xu Keke quickly smiled at him and joked, "Then let's cooperate sincerely this time."

Xu Keke served the noodles, and the two young men and Mr. Lin soon brought over all the bowls of noodles.

Just then, A-Qiu returned. "Miss Feng said she hadn't gotten up yet and wouldn't be coming over. I saw Mr. Chen was here, so I called him over."

Hearing that Miss Feng hadn't gotten up, Xu Keke deliberately controlled herself and didn't look at Mr. Kobayashi again.

Following behind A Qiu was a tall, thin man with long hair and round glasses.

"This is Mr. Chen Da, a watch repairman at the South Street Watch Shop. He also lives in your courtyard," Mr. Cao introduced to Xu Keke.

This Mr. Chen seemed like the kind of person who wasn't very sociable. He gave Xu Keke a distant smile and didn't say much. Then he sat down next to Mr. Cao.

"Mr. Chen, it's unusual that you didn't go to work today."

When Mr. Cao asked, Xu Keke saw Mr. Lin and followed him over. She had a smile on her face, seemingly unconcerned that Miss Feng hadn't come.

"On my way back yesterday, the streetlight at the intersection ahead was broken, and I twisted my ankle."

Mr. Kobayashi glanced at his foot and offered, “Is the injury serious? I know a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner who is quite skilled. Would you like me to introduce you to him?”

Mr. Chen hurriedly waved his hand, "No need, no need, it's just a minor injury, a minor injury."

He seemed to have a habit of repeating himself at the end of his sentences. Yuanbao noticed this and wanted to laugh, but before Xu Keke could, Mr. Xiaolin glanced at Yuanbao first, making her suppress her laughter.

Fortunately, Mr. Chen was busy responding to Mr. Cao's concerns and didn't notice their little actions.

A-Qiu's braised noodles featured generous portions of dark red, marbled pork slices, seemingly knowing the kids would love it. The broth was infused with the unique flavors of daylily and shiitake mushrooms. Black fungus and yellow eggs added to the color and texture of the braising sauce. Paired with perfectly springy noodles, it was beyond simply being described as delicious.

The noodles were served in a large porcelain bowl with pomegranate blossoms, and even Yuanbao asked for an extra half bowl. Fortunately, A Qiu seemed to have come prepared, as she had prepared plenty of noodles and gravy. After everyone finished eating, there was still a small bowl of noodles and gravy left. If Miss Feng were here, it would probably be just right.

After lunch, Mr. Lin had classes in the afternoon and had to leave in a hurry. Mr. Chen sat on the sofa and kept Mr. Cao company while he drank tea. After Xu Keke and Da Cui finished helping A Qiu tidy up, they told Mr. Cao that they had to go home first.

The two gentlemen stood up and offered to escort them to the door. Xu Keke dared not let Mr. Cao come out any further and quickly stopped him.

Back in the house, since they hadn't brought much with them, Xu Keke asked Da Cui and Yuan Bao to help her make the bedding. Then she took the two siblings out the door.

When they arrived at the station and boarded the tram, Xu Keke suddenly felt someone staring at them. She didn't turn around immediately, but pretended nothing was wrong, boarded the tram, and stood in the carriage, casually glancing out the window as if observing the scenery outside.

It was just past noon, and there weren't many people on the street. A shoe repairman was fiddling with a woman's high heel. There were people inside the shop behind him, but as the car drove off, and with the reflection in the shop window, Xu Keke only saw a figure rush out of the shop. The car immediately turned, and she could see nothing more. Even so, she wasn't sure if the person who rushed out was the one who had been watching them.

Because of this incident, Xu Ke became somewhat cautious. However, Da Cui and Yuan Bao were incredibly excited when they entered the department store again. Looking at the dazzling array of goods, their initial excitement had faded. This allowed them to calmly examine each item carefully.

This shopping trip was much slower than the last one. Often, after Xu Keke and Da Cui walked out, they would look back and see Yuanbao still stuck to the counter, staring intently.

Xu Keke led the two of them to the clothing counter and bought them new clothes.

The sales clerk initially assessed their attire, offering them only ordinary clothes. However, upon seeing Xu Keke's generous spending, they brought out clothes from the display case that were made of better materials and had more stylish designs.

"The little girl is so pretty, she'll definitely look good in this outfit. That's how girls in the city dress these days."

"Mom!" Upon hearing the price, Da Cui gasped and pulled Xu Keke to leave.

Yuanbao was also worried that Xu Keke didn't have enough money, so he looked at her nervously.

Xu Keke smiled and reached out to pull Da Cui along. "Mom has money, but let's buy these for now. We're staying in the city anyway, so we can come back and buy more another day if needed."

Xu Keke smiled and declined the salesperson's recommendation before leaving with the two of them.

Although she wasn't short of money, she didn't intend for the three of them to dress too conspicuously. In particular, she wanted to cherish and protect her two children's frugal and thrifty qualities, and not let them lose them.

Xu Keke had quite a lot to buy today. Towels, toothbrush, toothpaste, washbasin, and various other odds and ends she needed—she bought everything she could think of that the department store had. Luckily, the department store had everything. Xu Keke bought a large canvas bag and filled it with everything.

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