Zhou Qiqi kept an eye on the stalls as she spoke.
"Don't just leave things like that in the future. Bring something warm when you go out in the morning, even just a couple of boiled eggs!"
"Okay, I understand, Qiqi."
Deng Cuixiang swallowed the food in her mouth and nodded vigorously.
"I'll listen to you! I won't be so careless anymore. I'll spend some of the money I earn on myself!"
Seeing that Deng Cuixiang was enjoying her meal, Zhou Qiqi helped serve a few other customers.
After Deng Cuixiang finished eating and packed up her lunchbox, the two chatted for a few more minutes about the stall's business before Zhou Qiqi got on her bike and left.
However, she was still busy, so she went to the production line of the First Garment Factory to deal with a few backlogged minor issues.
By the time she slowly rode her bicycle home, it was already five o'clock.
Zhou Qiqi put the picture frame away and went next door to call Zhu Yingying over.
While rinsing the rice to prepare the meal, he lowered his voice and recounted the dramatic disciplinary incident that morning to Zhu Yingying, omitting the beginning and end.
Zhu Yingying's eyes widened, her fists clenched, and she stomped her feet in anger: "My God! That heartless Lin Yao! And Director Zhou too..."
As they were talking, the half-closed courtyard gate creaked open.
The two turned their heads at the same time and saw Shen Huaichuan, looking travel-worn, stride in, carrying a bulging net bag containing several aluminum lunch boxes.
Why are you back so early today?
Zhou Qiqi put down the basin in her hand and went to greet her.
Shen Huaichuan handed her the net, his gaze quickly sweeping across her face:
"Yeah, there wasn't much to do today, so we finished early."
His voice was a little hoarse, carrying a hint of barely perceptible fatigue.
"I had Qin Lei make a trip to the military region's canteen to buy your favorite pickled fish and Zhouzhou's sweet and sour pork."
Seeing this, Zhu Yingying immediately waved her hand tactfully and slipped away with a grin.
"Qiqi, I'll head back now! We'll talk again later!"
Only the couple remained in the house.
Zhou Qiqi took the still-warm lunchbox, but instead of opening it immediately, she stood on tiptoe, gently brushed her hand away from the faint dark circles under Shen Huaichuan's eyes, and feigned anger, saying:
"Shen Huaichuan, tell the truth! 'Nothing to do'? I bet you didn't rest at noon and were rushing to finish the work, didn't you?"
Shen Huaichuan, exposed by her, didn't argue. He took her slightly cool hand and placed it on the collar of his sweaty military uniform, whispering:
"I know you were frightened this morning and ran around all day, you must be tired. The report... was rushed out and finished."
His eyes betrayed his unconcealed heartache.
"Have you eaten yet?" Zhou Qiqi pressed, her brows furrowing even more.
Shen Huaichuan's eyes flickered for a moment: "...I ate it. I ate a steamed bun while I was writing the report."
"Sink Huaichuan!"
Zhou Qiqi was genuinely angry and pulled her hand back.
"You! Humph! I'm ignoring you! Didn't you promise me you'd eat properly? Your injuries haven't even fully healed yet! And now..."
Before he could finish speaking, Shen Huaichuan's tall body suddenly swayed, his brows furrowed, and he raised his hand to support his forehead, as if he were about to fall down.
"Huaichuan!"
Zhou Qiqi was startled and quickly rushed over to support his arm. "What's wrong?"
Just as she approached, Shen Huaichuan swiftly turned his head, gently pressing his warm lips to her smooth forehead with a triumphant smile: "Don't be angry..."
"Well, you've learned to lie now!"
Zhou Qiqi was both angry and embarrassed, and punched his arm. "Who said they would never lie to me?"
Shen Huaichuan leaned against her, his voice indeed a little weak and hoarse: "I'm not lying to you... I really am a little dizzy right now..."
Zhou Qiqi's heart tightened. He did look a little pale, which didn't seem like he was faking it.
"Are you experiencing low blood sugar? That's what happens when you don't eat properly!"
She quickly helped him to sit down on the sofa. "Wait, I'll go get the candy!"
She quickly rummaged through the snack cabinet and pulled out two fruit candies, unwrapped one, and popped it into Shen Huaichuan's mouth.
The cool, sweet taste melted on his tongue. Shen Huaichuan closed his eyes and rested for a while before the dizziness slowly subsided.
Are you feeling better?
Zhou Qiqi looked at him nervously and handed him another candy.
"No need, one is enough."
Shen Huaichuan shook his head, refusing the candy. Instead, he looked up at her intently, his gaze complex, tinged with a bittersweet realization.
"...Now I know why you always say I don't like fruit candies."
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