Zhou Yue gestured towards the kitchen, and the two boys were about to step into the kitchen to say hello, but Zhou Yue stopped them again.

"The young couple is all lovey-dovey inside, why are you two being third wheels and helping me pick mushrooms?"

The two stopped in their tracks at the same time. "Xiaoyue, what do you mean?"

"Loving each other? An'an and Deputy Regiment Commander Xiao?"

Under the inquisitive gazes of the two, Zhou Yue slowly nodded, "That's right, the two of them are together today. Deputy Regiment Commander Xiao is showing off his cooking skills to An An right now. You two can say hello later."

Zhou Yue had never seen a peacock before, otherwise what she just said wouldn't have been showing off her cooking skills, but rather Xiao Yuheng displaying his peacock tail feathers.

Chen Jianguo and Zhao Hu immediately stopped and sat down next to Zhou Yue, pretending to pick mushrooms, but actually listening to the whispers in the kitchen.

It has to be said that real couples are truly sweet, especially those who have just started dating.

"How did they get together so quickly? What happened?"

Who says boys aren't gossipy? They're just less obvious about it.

"How would I know? I found out that An'an had a new watch as soon as I got back. When I asked her, I found out that it was a love token from Deputy Regiment Commander Xiao."

"I'm really unlucky. I was just thinking that An'an and Deputy Commander Xiao hadn't actually known each other for very long, so I wanted her to think it over some more. But as soon as I finished speaking, Deputy Commander Xiao came into the courtyard with his things. I guess he heard what I said. Sigh..."

She doesn't have any feelings for her boyfriend yet, but she feels melancholy when her friends are dating.

Deputy Regiment Commander Xiao is of a rank that allows him to accompany his unit. If they're dating so quickly, will they get married just as soon? If so, won't she have to live alone in the small courtyard?

Zhao Hu knew, of course, that his girlfriend was reluctant to part with her best friend, so he could only comfort her, "You can't think like that. With An'an's abilities, besides Brother Xiao, can you find another person who is worthy of her?"

Whether it's Gu An'an or Xiao Yuheng, they are both Zhao Hu's idols.

Zhou Yue thought for a moment and shook her head, saying, "Forget it, most people really can't handle An'an."

"That's settled then. An'an knows best whether it's good or not. Let's just make sure Vice Regiment Commander Xiao doesn't bully An'an."

Although both of them were his idols, there were still differences in their closeness, and it was clear that Gu An'an was more favored.

"Yes, I'll definitely keep an eye on him. If he dares to treat Sister An'an badly, I'll break them up immediately."

As she spoke, Zhou Yue's voice couldn't help but rise again. Unfortunately, Xiao Yuheng had just left the kitchen and was about to go to the backyard to pick some side dishes when he heard such a bold statement.

“Zhou Zhiqing, I will definitely not give you that kind of opportunity.”

Xiao Yuheng spoke cautiously, without a hint of anger. On the contrary, he was happy for Gu An'an, thinking that the girl's kindness hadn't been in vain.

"Ahem, Deputy Regiment Commander Xiao, I was just joking."

She said that, but in her heart she was cursing herself for being unlucky. No wonder her mother said you shouldn't talk about people behind their backs.

"Honestly, it's okay. Anyway, I won't bully An'an."

This was the first time he had ever liked someone, and he had gone to great lengths to bring that person to his home. How could he let go so easily?

“Fine, we all heard that. From now on, we’re An’an’s family. If anyone dares to bully her…” Zhou Yue nudged her boyfriend, “show him your arms.”

Zhao Hu: "...He has more muscle than me, so he should be just as strong."

The subtext is clear: you can't win without using your special ability.

Zhou Yue rolled her eyes at him, but didn't insist any further.

They're right, we really can't beat them.

Gu An'an knew Zhou Yue was cute, but she didn't expect her to be this cute. She was starting to resemble a cat she had rescued in the apocalypse, and she really wanted to pet her.

"If you think about it, just do it," Gu An'an said, pinching his cheek. "Don't worry, if he dares to treat me badly, I have a million ways to make him regret it."

Xiao Yuheng: ...There's really hope for the future.

Snake soup, Sichuan-style snake segments, cucumber-filled dumplings, pheasant stew with mushrooms, plus seasonal vegetables from the backyard—this was a dish so delicious that even during the Lunar New Year in the 1970s, people couldn't afford to eat it like this.

The people present were all used to it and ate with great enjoyment. Paired with homemade rice wine, it was a meal that even the gods wouldn't trade.

The meal lasted for more than two hours before they parted, and Xiao Yuheng was reluctant to leave.

As soon as he stepped out of the courtyard, Xiao Yuheng said in a spoiled tone, "An'an, I drank too much."

"Keep making things up, keep making things up."

Gu An'an didn't believe he could only drink so little.

"Honestly, I don't know if it's the alcohol that's making me drunk, or the person who's making me drunk."

Gu An'an: ...

Sure enough, this guy is even more adorable when he's had a few drinks. Normally, Xiao Yuheng would never say such frivolous things.

"Am I the one who's intoxicated, or are you?"

"You're intoxicating."

"So this is how Deputy Regiment Commander Xiao is when he's in a relationship. What do you think your comrades would say if they knew you were like this?"

How so? He's definitely mocking himself.

Knowing that his tricks wouldn't fool Gu An'an, Xiao Yuheng didn't seem bothered at all. Instead, he pressed his advantage and asked, "Shall I take you to the commune tomorrow?"

"Where are you going? I'd like to go for a walk in the mountains."

"I'd like to take you to a photo studio this morning when we go to the commune. We're going back the day after tomorrow, and I'd like to take a photo back with me. Is that okay?"

When he gets back, the team leader and the others will definitely ask about the progress. If they don't believe him, he can just show them the group photo to keep them from bringing up his relationship.

It's just about finding a partner. He just hadn't met anyone he liked before. It's not that he's arrogant or lacks charm.

An'an walked ahead, and Xiao Yuheng chased after her, asking as he went, "Is it okay, An'an?"

What if I say no?

Xiao Yuheng said aggrievedly, "Then it must be something I did wrong. I will keep trying and take you to the photo studio next time."

Yes, he was emotionally stable and didn't lose his temper.

good.

"Since you're so sincere, then go ahead."

Xiao Yuheng was overjoyed, unaware that Gu An'an, who was carrying him, was smiling just as brightly as he was.

Instead of going directly back to the village chief's house, the two took a detour to the cowshed.

"Uncle Chen and Aunt Chen."

As soon as the two arrived at the cowshed, they saw a couple still busy in the yard.

"Gu Zhiqing, what brings you here so late?"

Upon hearing the name Gu Zhiqing, three more people came out of the house. Besides Old Mo, there was an elderly couple who smiled when they saw Gu An'an.

"My little benefactor, you've come."