After returning to the educated youth settlement, Ye Nian'an and the others started making dumplings again.

Fine flour, seasonings, pork... they just throw it in like it's free.

Although we need to be frugal, we made dumplings, which is a rare treat, just for the sake of our little steamed buns, so we wanted to do our best.

When the dumplings were put into the pot to cook, a rich aroma filled the entire educated youth settlement.

The dumplings smell delicious!

Although every household would splurge a little to celebrate after receiving their share of grain, it was practically unheard of for Ye Nian'an's family to make dumplings without any regard for the ingredients.

However, everyone had already gotten used to the Chu family's extravagance.

This family just received a share of pork as a reward from the brigade leader himself, and they probably also got a certificate of honor and a thank-you gift from the little bun's family. They can certainly splurge a little.

It's tough on them; they can only smell the aroma from afar and satisfy their cravings.

Jiang Nuan and the others also gathered at the educated youth settlement, planning to splurge a bit to celebrate the distribution of grain.

Leng Zhaodi had already broken ties with them, so she simply made herself something to eat.

Seeing Leng Zhaodi like this, one of the male educated youths sneered, "What? Leng Zhaodi, didn't the Chu family invite you to eat dumplings with them this time? You have to eat alone in a corner."

"I told you long ago, what's the point of getting along with the Chu family and falling out with us? They don't even care about you anymore, they didn't even invite you when we had dumplings."

"We came here together and have a deep bond. You've made such a scene with us for an outsider. You must be regretting it now!"

"..."

Leng Zhaodi gave the group a speechless look.

I honestly never thought these people were so shameless before.

Only now, after awakening to my own truth, have I seen their true colors.

We're not on the same path, so we shouldn't be walking together in the first place!

Ye Nian'an had actually called Leng Zhaodi by her name, but she felt unworthy of it and was too embarrassed to go and freeload off her dumplings again.

This is not about dignity. Anyone with a sense of shame would not repeatedly take advantage of others for free.

Leng Zhaodi was too lazy to explain, so she simply took her bowl and chopsticks and went back to her room, closing the door behind her.

"Hehe~ She got angry after I said a few words to her. Isn't what I said true? You all agree, right, Jiang Nuan, Lijuan?"

"Ah...oh."

Jiang Nuan and Yang Lijuan each had their own worries.

After being reprimanded by the male educated youth, they snapped out of their daze and casually responded.

They all saw Ye Nian'an invite Leng Zhaodi to their house for dinner.

Leng Zhaodi herself felt embarrassed and refused.

The aroma of dumplings in the air suddenly vanished when I smelled them again, and I thought about what they were eating.

They all regretted not trying to please the Chu family instead of going against them.

Now look what's happened. They completely ignore me, and I've lost everything. I can't mooch meals like Leng Zhaodi used to.

Another male educated youth noticed that the atmosphere was a bit strange with the female educated youth, so he quickly spoke up to smooth things over: "Alright, let's not talk about these unhappy things with the Chu family. Let's just live our lives well."

"Yes, the best is yet to come. No matter how much glory or reward the Chu family receives, what does it have to do with us? They won't be giving us any more of their share anyway."

"In my opinion, isn't this a collective system, a system of eating from the same pot? Where did the Chu family get so much meat? They should take it out and distribute it to everyone."

"Yes, the brigade leader spoke so eloquently, calling himself an outstanding youth of the new era and a role model for the people, while he himself lives a life of luxury and doesn't care about others at all. What kind of Lei Feng spirit is that!"

The male educated youth began to use moral blackmail, complaining one after another.

However, they only dared to discuss it in private.

If any member of the Chu family heard even a whisper of it, they would slap him across the face.

Over there, the dumplings were already freshly steamed.

Ye Nian'an served it with satay sauce, chili sauce, and garlic oil sauce.

The chili sauce wasn't suitable for the little one, but the little boy smelled the aroma of the garlic oil sauce and his mouth watered. He pointed at the small dish and said, "Sister, I want to eat this."

"Alright, alright, come on, try our cooking."

The little steamed buns were so delicious after being dipped in garlic oil sauce that they were practically drooling with delight.

Chu Xin'er and the others enjoyed their meal very much.

With our little dumpling around, the atmosphere in our home has improved considerably.

That night, Chu Zhenyuan and Chi Xinyao, unusually, decided to take care of the baby and coaxed the little bun to sleep with them.

After spending this time together, Xiao Baozi has grown to like Chu Zhenyuan and Chi Xinyao and is no longer as wary as before.

"Grandpa~ Grandma~ Grandpa~ Grandma~"

"Mmm, mmm, mmm, that sounds nice. Little Baozi, say it a few more times."

Listening to the little dumpling's sweet, childlike voice, Chu Zhenyuan and Chi Xinyao were completely smitten, clapping and coaxing the little dumpling with adoring smiles on their faces.

"Dad, Mom, it's too crowded for you to have another baby sleeping there. Why don't you let the baby come and sleep with me? It's more comfortable for the baby to sleep alone."

"Go away, you wish! Little Baozi is going to sleep with his grandparents, right? He doesn't want this bad sister."

The little boy snuggled into Chi Xinyao's arms and said in a soft, sweet voice, "I want to sleep with Grandma."

"Oh my, little dumpling is so good, no wonder he is Grandma's darling."

As she spoke, Chi Xinyao hugged the little bun and gave it a big kiss, looking at Chu Xin'er provocatively.

Chu Xin'er: "..."

Why is my own mother such a childish woman?

How come I never noticed this before? And now she's even provoking her own daughter over the issue of fighting over the child.

I'm speechless!

Family status -1.

Moonlight streamed through the window, casting a silvery halo along the edge of the bed.

Ye Nian'an curled up in Chu Yan's arms, a tingling sensation spreading through her as her hair brushed against his Adam's apple. When she looked up, a mischievous smile played in her eyes: "Brother Yan, I'm sorry you've had to sleep on the floor these past few days."

His warm breath brushed against her neck, and Chu Yan's Adam's apple bobbed as he pulled her closer: "As long as you and the little bun are sleeping soundly, I'm fine."

"When we're on missions in the military, we often have to sleep on the grass. What's a little sleeping on the floor compared to that?"

"The little bun is like a glutinous rice ball when you hug it, soft and fluffy with a milky aroma."

Ye Nian'an deliberately dragged out the last syllable, her fingertips unconsciously caressing his chest: "Tonight, without that little heater, the bed suddenly feels empty."

Chu Yan finally couldn't help but feel a little jealous. He ran his fingertips through her cascading black hair, gently kneading the roots. His low, husky voice held a hint of restraint: "Then forget it, my wife. I'll be with you."

"Hehe~ Big wolfhound, you've finally decided to show your true colors? You were speaking so righteously just now, but little did I know you'd already smelled the sourness emanating from you."

Ye Nian'an spoke with a grin.

"However, Little Baozi is indeed lovable. Brother Yan, how wonderful it would be if our future children were as sensible, cute, and endearing as Little Baozi."