Delivered at midnight! I'll give myself a little red flower in self-respect!

Zhang Shouyi silently looked at Zhang Hongmei. This girl was twelve years old, and he was twenty-two. Time really flies.

I haven't seen him change much in the past year. He's grown taller, probably over 1.6 meters now, and he's become much more cheerful.

"Brother Zhang, the sticky rice cakes will be ready soon, you can continue tending the fire."

Zhang Hongmei was about to move the drawer when Zhang Shouyi stopped her. "I'll do it. Just tell me if you need anything, and I'll get to work."

"Okay, just put the steamer on the table. I'll take the rice out of the pot in a bit. I'll scoop it out as soon as the water boils."

The two chatted idly, while Zhang Hongmei kept working until she scooped out the rice, put it back in the steamer, and then added the rice, fish, and meat. Only then did she have a moment to rest.

Then take out the sticky rice cakes. Since each sticky rice cake has a corn husk underneath, there is no worry about them sticking together. But still, take them out and put them on a bamboo mat to cool.

Zhang Shouyi's eyes followed Zhang Hongmei's every move.

Watching her bustling around in the kitchen, I felt a special sense of peace.

Seeing that she was about to move the drawers, I took them from her and carried them to the storeroom.

Zhang Hongmei finally finished preparing all the dishes, even scrambling the eggs. She carried the bowl out of the kitchen and let out a deep breath, feeling uncomfortable under Zhang Shouyi's unwavering gaze.

Why is this person staring at people like that?

He took the ribs out of the large vat, put them in a basin, and carried them into the kitchen. He planned to thaw them and stew them in the afternoon. Not wanting to stay in the same room as Zhang Shouyi, he went outside again.

After thinking for a moment, he took out another piece of meat and said he would find Zhang Shouyi some work to do later, such as chopping meat.

"Brother Zhang, I'll leave the mincing to you. We'll have pork and scallion dumplings for dinner tonight."

Zhang Shouyi placed the cutting board on the table, went outside to wash his hands, and began chopping the pork that Zhang Hongmei had prepared.

Zhang Hongmei scooped the chicken out and put it into the steamer, then cleaned the pot and waited.

After chopping the meat, Zhang Shouyi washed his hands and sat down on a bench with Zhang Hongmei.

“Hongmei, you can stay at home when you go to university. My home is not far from the school.”

"No, I have money and want to buy a house near the school. I don't want to live on campus."

"The deed I gave you includes a house near the school; you can live there."

"A big house? Forget it, I just want to buy a small yard, where I can live freely."

Zhang Shouyi was at a loss for words, unsure how to respond. In truth, he had always been a quiet and reserved person, only becoming worldly and sophisticated after starting work. His memories of his past life also allowed him to navigate social situations with ease; essentially, he remained a silent individual.

Zhang Hongmei also felt awkward, so she tried to make conversation, "Brother Zhang, we've added politics to our curriculum this year. Brother Jingze told me to read more newspapers and listen to the radio more."

"That's how it should be. I'll help you summarize it, don't worry."

How will you summarize it?

"Don't worry, I'm in the secretariat now, so I have access to a lot of information."

"Won't that affect your work?"

"Of course I won't show you the secrets, don't worry, it's okay." Zhang Shouyi felt a warmth in his heart; at least he knew to think of him.

The two sat together, eating roasted pine nuts and chatting. Zhang Shouyi felt very comfortable.

Zhang Hongmei, however, didn't think so. She felt uncomfortable chatting with him, and she didn't know why, but she felt less relaxed than when she was with others.

"Hongmei, did you put these pine nuts here?"

"Yes, I picked up a lot. You can take some with you when you go back."

Aren't you afraid to go up the mountain alone?

"What's there to be afraid of? I can even take down a wild boar."

"You? You'd better shut up. That wild boar probably fell into a trap and that's how you caught it. You were just lucky. Don't let your guard down; it's no joke."

Zhang Hongmei did not refute, saying that if she didn't have space, she wouldn't be able to catch wild boars, let alone grasshoppers.

Did you remember what I said?

"I understand, I'll be more careful next time."

Zhang Shouyi sensed that Zhang Hongmei was in low spirits, so he reached out and patted her head, saying, "This is for your own good."

Zhang Hongmei dodged Zhang Shouyi's clutches, saying, "Don't touch my head, I know right from wrong."

Seeing that Zhang Hongmei was trying to avoid him, Zhang Shouyi, taking advantage of his long body and arms, rubbed her several more times, and Zhang Hongmei couldn't dodge him.

"That's enough, or I'll retaliate!"

Zhang Shouyi didn't respond at all and became even more aggressive.

This angered Zhang Hongmei, who turned around, stood up, and lunged at Zhang Shouyi. Coincidentally, because she didn't control her strength properly, she ended up falling into Zhang Shouyi's arms.

Zhang Shouyi subconsciously tightened his arms. He realized how soft a girl's body was, and her warm breath tickled his neck.

Zhang Hongmei was stunned, but she instinctively struggled. However, I pinched her arm, and even through the cotton coat, she could still feel the pain.

Zhang Shouyi also sensed Zhang Hongmei's struggle and reluctantly let go of the control.

Zhang Hongmei jumped away, but didn't forget to give Zhang Shouyi's head a hard shove.

Zhang Shouyi laughed in exasperation. "Are you satisfied now? Have you gotten your revenge?" he said, then ruffled his hair.

"Wasn't it you who provoked me first? I'm all grown up now, don't touch my head." Zhang Hongmei grumbled unhappily.

"I'm sorry, I was wrong. Please forgive me, okay?"

"Hmph! I'll forgive you this time. You should have some gentlemanly manners. You shouldn't be touching girls inappropriately. No wonder you don't have a wife yet!"

Zhang Shouyi smiled helplessly, "What does this have to do with my wife?"

“You should cherish your future wife, hold her dear, and respect and love her. How can someone your age bully a girl like you?” Zhang Hongmei said shamelessly.

"Oh, so you'll be keeping an eye on me from now on?"

"I don't have time. I have my own things to do. I don't have the energy to keep an eye on you. If you don't understand something, just ask me, and I'll give you some advice."

Zhang Shouyi burst out laughing, "Alright, alright, little teacher Hongmei, please take good care of me in the future."

"We'll see how you do. If you please me, I'll help you." He raised his chin arrogantly.

Looking at her adorable expression, Zhang Shouyi's hands were itching to move again, but he ultimately restrained himself. He decided it was best not to provoke her; she might get angry soon.

"Hongmei, I'm waiting for you in the capital."

"You? Give me a break. I doubt you even have time to eat, what are you waiting for me for?"

"Wait for me to take care of you?"

"I can't count on you. I can take care of myself." Zhang Hongmei's disdain was obvious.

"Hehe, even if I don't have time, I'll still find a moment to come see you. Don't worry, with me here, no one can bully you."

"That's right! From now on, I'll stick with you like a golden thigh; you'll protect me!"

"Rest assured, I will keep my word and never go back on it." Zhang Shouyi spent the rest of his life fulfilling his promise!