Chapter 200 Winter is Coming
Two weeks later, the criminal investigation team.
Commissar Guo's office.
Guo Daye held a small meeting with the criminal investigation team leaders, earnestly saying, "We forbid others from using oranges as a means of transaction. We're here to help farmers and serve the people, how did you turn this into an orange plague? You're asking for oranges as tolls when you enter or leave, and oranges as handling fees when you coordinate business. You're even hiding uneaten oranges in the corners of flowerpots. This is a huge waste..."
Shen Zhenzhu, Park Heung-sung, Tian Yongfeng, and others yawned as they waited for him to speak; their pockets were all bulging.
"Alright, I know everyone's busy, go ahead and get busy." After the meeting, Guo Daye sat down to drink tea.
"Goodbye, Political Commissar Guo."
"Thank you for your criticism, Political Commissar Guo."
The team leaders left the political commissar's office in an orderly manner.
Guo Daye sighed, wondering if he had been meddling too much. Suddenly, he noticed a few oranges hidden behind a folder on his desk. Standing up, he also discovered oranges behind the curtains on the windowsill...
The criminal investigation team leaders came in for a meeting with their pockets bulging, but returned to their offices with their pockets empty.
However, with everyone gone, Guo Daye faced the empty corridor, and his blood pressure immediately spiked: "Let's continue the meeting next week!"
Shen Zhenzhu returned to her office first. There weren't many oranges left in the basket by the door, and she was satisfied.
Seeing that the faces of the four teams were all yellow from eating, Chen Zhenzhu clapped her hands and said, "I have good news for everyone! Sixth Sister's milk tea shop has opened! It's a seasonal limited edition—Caramel Orange Black Tea. Do you want a coupon? You can't get one outside."
Xiao Bai raised her hand: "Caramel-colored beauties are better than burnt-yellow beauties, give me a few pictures."
Zhao Qiqi also said, "I also want candied oranges."
Shen Zhenzhu was overjoyed: "Arrange it!"
Lu Ye returned from a meeting at the Municipal Bureau, holding his notebook, and said, "Team Leader Chen, is it a donation drive or an agricultural assistance activity?"
"Again?" Shen Zhenzhu was taken aback. Xiaobai and the others ran over and surrounded Lu Ye, seeing that he wasn't joking.
Shen Zhenzhu asked, "Donating money is fine, but where should it be donated to?" She phrased it rather subtly.
The single, sallow-skinned young woman, without any official position, spoke even more brazenly: "What's the local specialty over there? Is it yellow or not?"
Lu Ye waved his hand and said, "Don't worry, everyone. This time it's nothing but cabbage. Sixth Sister's restaurant can help us with that."
That was reassuring, and Chen Zhenzhu pulled out a drawer to get her wallet, satisfied. Suddenly, she saw a brand-new red scarf in the drawer, with a small card attached: "Celebrating Team Leader Chen's Second-Class Hero Award. Gu Yanzheng."
The case involving the "Cosmic Energy Pill," for which she was nominated for "Second-Class Heroic Model," has now been awarded. Shen Zhenzhu was delighted; the award was three thousand yuan, and she had already decided how to handle it.
Chen Zhenzhu touched the red scarf.
Wow, it's so soft! My complexion looks even better after wearing it.
She picked up the landline and left a page for Director Gu, informing him to go to Sixth Sister's Restaurant tonight to "gain some weight for winter."
The afternoon was unusually quiet, but a case came up unexpectedly just as it was time to leave work. Lu Ye took Xiao Bai and Zhao Qiqi with him. Wu Zhongguo handed a bag of clothes to Chen Zhenzhu: "I'll go to Xiao Chuan's place first, then to Sixth Sister's shop."
"OK."
Gu Yanzheng arrived right on time after get off work to wait for Shen Zhenzhu, and accompanied her downstairs, supporting her left arm: "Why are you in such a hurry?"
“They just happened to be busy.” Shen Zhenzhu opened the passenger door for Gu Yanzheng and said, “I’ll go to the bank first to make an appointment to pay off the mortgage today. Then I’ll buy some things to take to Hu Xiaolei, and finally go back for dinner.”
"I'll do as you say." Gu Yanzheng readily agreed and sat in the passenger seat. The "Mantou No. 2" made him bend his long legs, but he liked the feeling of being alone with Shen Zhenzhu.
Shen Zhenzhu rushed to the bank and successfully paid off her mortgage ahead of schedule. Feeling relieved, she even started to walk with a smug gait.
"The mortgage is paid off. What are your plans for the next step?" Gu Yanzheng asked while helping Chen Zhenzhu watch the road.
Chen Zhenzhu said, "Let's buy another set!"
"..." Gu Yanzheng looked at the mortgage slave silently, speechless.
Shen Zhenzhu began to envision: "When I get old, I'll own two houses, living in one and renting out the other, and I can travel around with my pension. When I'm even older, I'll sell the rented house and live by the sea, facing the ocean with spring flowers blooming. When I'm even older still, the government will pay for all my medical expenses when I get sick, and I'll use imported, expensive medicines. Ah~ what a wonderful future, I deserve it."
"...You deserve better." Gu Yanzheng was trying to secure a place in Section Chief Shen's (aging) life plan; he couldn't let his finally glimmering romantic prospects turn into darkness: "What if, you find someone—"
Shen Zhenzhu thought for a moment and said, "That's right! I need to work hard to solve the case, just in case there's even more reward money!" Hehe.
"Great." Gu Yanzheng remained silent.
He had originally intended to say, "What if you find a wealthy partner who doesn't require you to work so hard solving cases or wait until you're old to travel around?" but he suddenly felt powerless...
Section Chief Shen remains as stubborn as ever.
Shen Zhenzhu was very happy today. Although the mortgage was only 10,000 yuan, it was all money she had worked hard to earn.
"By the way, Director Liu told me to drive around the streets and alleys more often. He wanted me to memorize every ditch, alley, and sewer pipe to make it easier to solve cases later. Did you do that back then?"
Gu Yanzheng countered, "Then can you remember it?"
Chen Zhenzhu said, "I can't remember. What about you?"
Gu Yanzheng also laughed and said, "I can't remember either."
When the car arrived at the Municipal Social Welfare Institute for Children, Chen Zhenzhu opened the trunk and took out a small suitcase.
There were Xiao Chuan's old clothes inside, all from head to toe. Chen Zhenzhu also bought a dark-colored men's down jacket.
Gu Yanzheng got out of the car to help Shen Zhenzhu carry the things, but Shen Zhenzhu said, "No, I'll carry them myself."
There is a small playground in front of the welfare home, where many children play football.
Shen Zhenzhu saw the back of the waiting child through the railing and called out, "Hu Xiaolei."
Sitting on the steps, staring blankly at Hu Xiaolei, she paused for a moment, then ran up to Chen Zhenzhu and said, "You really came."
Shen Zhenzhu noticed that the redness in his eyes hadn't faded yet, indicating that he must have been secretly crying somewhere where no one was around.
"I said I'd come to see you." Chen Zhenzhu pretended not to notice, pointed to the clothes and said, "I'll leave the clothes with the gatekeeper later, you can take them in yourself."
Hu Xiaolei hesitated before asking, "Are they...are they all alright?"
Shen Zhenzhu said, "Alright, let them all be buried."
Hu Xiaolei said softly, "I will go to sweep their graves during my vacation."
He had learned the truth and found it hard to believe he had lived in such an environment for fifteen years. And the perpetrators of this horrific crime were none other than his own family members.
Chen Zhenzhu asked, "Are you getting used to living here?"
Hu Xiaolei had her hair cut into a buzz cut and was wearing a men's tracksuit. She subconsciously wanted to tie her hair up, but then awkwardly touched her neck after remembering: "Sometimes they call me effeminate, but it's okay, it's better than pretending to be a woman."
Shen Zhenzhu smiled and said, "Habits can be changed gradually, and they will eventually change."
Hu Xiaolei said in a muffled voice, "I really will go to visit them. It was Shi Lin and Tian Bin who wronged them. I will never forget the hurt I caused them."
Shen Zhenzhu grabbed his wrist and said, "Hu Xiaolei, you have to live for yourself. Remember that?"
Hu Xiaolei slowly raised her head, looked at Chen Zhenzhu's face, and nodded slightly: "I've remembered."
In the distance, a boy holding a soccer ball shouted, "Dang Lei, we're just waiting for you!"
Hu Xiaolei turned around sharply and said loudly, "They're here."
The boy, whose voice was changing, did not hide his tone this time. He looked at Chen Zhenzhu again and said seriously, "I will remember everything you have talked to me about. Moreover, I am no longer called Hu Xiaolei, and I will not change my name to Tian Lei as Tian Bin suggested. My name is Dang Lei now. I am a child of the country!"
The boy holding the soccer ball tossed it in his hand and shouted again, "Dang Lei!"
"I'm here!" Dang Lei waved and ran a few steps to Shen Zhenzhu, saying, "See you next time."
Then she turned around and tried her best to correct her effeminate posture. Among a group of passionate teenagers, she ran hard towards the red sun, unrestrained and carefree.
Shen Zhenzhu said softly, "See you next time."
Gu Yanzheng said in a low voice, "That's not bad either."
Back in the car, Chen Zhenzhu and Gu Yanzheng were quiet for a while, then started chatting again.
The two talked about whatever came to mind. They were still twenty or thirty meters away from the bakery when a rich aroma of eggs and milk wafted through the cracks in the window.
Shen Zhenzhu pulled the car over to the side of the road and told Gu Yanzheng, "Call me if any traffic police officers come."
Gu Yanzheng nodded, arms crossed: "Okay."
After queuing for more than twenty minutes, Chen Zhenzhu returned to the car with a large bag of her spoils. Gu Yanzheng took it and placed it on his lap, noticing that it was all pineapple buns.
Chen Zhenzhu started the car and said happily, "I bought six in one go!"
Gu Yanzheng knew she liked this, and said with a smile, "Why haven't I seen you buy so much before?"
Shen Zhenzhu said shyly, "I didn't have this ability before."
She had no idea how she appeared in Gu Yanzheng's eyes, so she "threatened" him: "Hold on tight, if it deflates, you're finished."
Gu Yanzheng carefully held the pineapple bun: "I understand, your pineapple bun must be fluffy."
Shen Zhenzhu was happy.
Gu Yanzheng added, "Anyway, you're so young, you're not afraid of sugar metabolism."
As Chen Zhenzhu drove, she chuckled, "Why are you so vengeful?"
Gu Yanzheng said, "You're the only one who can criticize me?"
Shen Zhenzhu was unreasonable: "Yes, what's wrong with saying a few words to you?"
Gu Yanzheng said, "I love to hear it. Say a few more words."
Shen Zhenzhu remained silent.
She felt the atmosphere in the cramped car was somewhat unusual.
As the car drove along, Chen Zhenzhu noticed that his arm was still in a cast and asked, trying to make conversation, "How did you get hurt? Can you tell me?"
Gu Yanzheng noticed that Shen Zhenzhu had been driving much more steadily lately. Holding the pineapple bun with his right hand, he said, "There's nothing I can't say... it's just that during a mission, I jumped off a building while holding the victim..."
Shen Zhenzhu glanced at him sideways: "Was the victim male or female?"
Gu Yanzheng chuckled: "Does that matter? I've already jumped off a building."
Shen Zhenzhu chuckled and, holding the steering wheel, turned towards the Fourth Railway District: "I just asked casually."
“It was an old man,” Gu Yanzheng said. “He had already gone into shock, but he suddenly woke up when he jumped from the third floor. I had to brace my elbow on the ground to try and catch him.”
Chen Zhenzhu asked, "And then?"
Gu Yanzheng said, "Then I went into shock."
"It's really heartbreaking." Shen Zhenzhu knew this wasn't the time to laugh, so she forced back her smile, which was mixed with heartache for her brother Zheng.
She asked softly, "Is everything else alright?"
Gu Yanzheng laughed in exasperation: "It's been two months already, is it appropriate for you to ask now?"
That's definitely not appropriate.
Chen Zhenzhu changed the subject: "My mom cooked all the meals today."
As they were talking, they arrived at the intersection of Xin'er Street.
"Then I'm in for a treat." Gu Yanzheng glanced at the fluffy pineapple bun, patted it reassuringly, and said, "Since you love pineapple buns so much, does that mean opening a pineapple bun shop would... give me the chance to pursue you?"
Shen Zhenzhu looked at her brother Zheng as if he were a lunatic: "What nonsense are you talking about? Am I that shallow?"
Gu Yanzheng sighed, "Yeah, I was overthinking it."
Shen Zhenzhu glared at him: "Whether I open a shop or not is not important, what's important is whether I like it or not."
Gu Yanzheng nodded: "Section Chief Shen is right."
He opened the car door and got out of the car himself. Shen Zhenzhu, who was a little angry, saw him standing by the roadside with his handsome face, strong waist and long legs, and she couldn't stay angry anymore.
“Men who are good-looking have an advantage,” Chen Zhenzhu muttered. “It’s okay if there’s no pineapple bun shop.”
"What did you say?" Gu Yanzheng didn't hear him and carefully hid the pineapple bun in his jacket.
"It's nothing." Upon entering Sixth Sister's restaurant, Section Chief Xiao Shen stingily set aside two pineapple buns, hiding the remaining four, intending to secretly devour them himself.
After hiding the pineapple buns, they leisurely walked outside the shop and waited for Xiaobai and the others to come over.
It rained recently; it might be the last rain of 1993.
Uncle Lu and Brother Leng were squatting on the curb. When they saw Gu Yanzheng coming, they waved for him to come over.
Uncle Lu praised Gu Yanzheng, saying, "Your construction team is really good. The road surface is smooth and beautiful. There is no damage even with cars coming and going. The new road on the old street ahead is not as good as ours."
Brother Leng used a wooden stick to brush away the fallen leaves on the ground, and the water gurgled and flowed freely.
He exclaimed, "In the past, the roadside would flood every time it rained, especially when walking on bricks. You never knew which brick would flip up and splash dirty water all over your trouser legs. Now it's so much better. There's no water at all, and everyone loves to walk this way, which has made our business better."
Uncle Lu said, "What's flowing isn't water, it's a breathtaking, captivating, and dazzling landscape!"
“And you call that ‘landscape’? A sewer has blinded you all.” Yuan Jiangxue wrung out a rag and wiped the fogged-up shop window.
Shen Zhenzhu knows that people are not blinded by a sewer; it is precisely because they love this street that they cherish every little detail that makes it better.
In the distance, Xiaobai and the others came over and waved to Chen Zhenzhu: "Fortunately, it was a small case, and it's already been dealt with."
Zhao Qiqi and Lu Ye, dressed in casual clothes, stood arm in arm: "Mom—!" "Mom—!"
Gu Yanzheng glanced back at the spot where Chen Zhenzhu had hidden the pineapple buns, but Chen Zhenzhu waved her hand to block his view: "Don't look!" Who are these people? If you look any longer, you'll be discovered.
Gu Yanzheng stopped looking and turned his gaze to Shen Zhenzhu's face, saying softly, "You spent a lot of time thinking about the last case, so eat more today. I'll pick some food for you."
Chen Zhenzhu avoided eye contact and said, "I didn't put too much thought into it, but I just feel that love needs to be taken seriously."
Gu Yanzheng was taken aback and followed her into the restaurant, saying, "I can't be any more cautious."
Chen Zhenzhu stopped and turned around: "What do you mean?"
Gu Yanzheng paused and said, "How else can I put it? I just feel that I've been cautious enough."
“Men need to be cautious, and you’re right to be cautious.” Chen Zhenzhu thought for a moment, and after giving Gu Yanzheng a fake “reminder,” she tried to explain herself: “Not only should men be careful when choosing a partner, women should be even more careful. There are quite a few cases involving relationships. Some people, you know, have more than one pea in their pod.”
Gu Yanzheng seemed to be thinking, and followed behind Shen Zhenzhu: "There must be only one bean in my pod."
Little White came in from the doorway and sniffed: "What kind of beans?"
Lu Ye sniffed: "Soybeans, it must be soybean pig's trotters!"
Zhao Qiqi clapped her hands, looked at Gu Yanzheng's arm and said, "Yes, it must be a big pig's trotter!"
Gu Yanzheng: "......"
As they were talking, Hu Die walked in with two middle-aged couples.
Her simple face was filled with shyness and happiness. She changed her usual low-key attire and tied a bright red scarf around her neck.
The two middle-aged couples politely took their seats, and soon Xiao Li came out of the kitchen with tea and fruit, saying, "Uncle, Aunt, please eat. I'll serve the dishes in a bit."
The waitresses were all long-time employees. One of the older women walked up to Chen Zhenzhu and whispered, "There's a happy occasion today. Chef Li and Hu Die are very stylish. They've thrown an engagement party."
"Oh, what a joyous occasion!" Shen Zhenzhu exclaimed, seeing Xiao Li's beaming face as if he were about to cook for his future in-laws himself.
Both sets of parents were from nearby rural areas, their villages close together, and they usually managed the government-run orchards. Because of the hard work exposed to the sun and rain, they looked older than their peers, but the wrinkles around their eyes spoke of gentle kindness and compassion, making them a very good match.
They were quite satisfied with each other, as the distance was not far and they had heard that each other was known for their kindness and generosity.
Hu Die is a steady and kind-hearted person, and like her mother, she is a meticulous person when it comes to daily life. She is serious and conscientious in doing things, and she can cut beautiful paper-cuts. Her oval face, eyebrows, and smile convey a shy yet hopeful outlook on the future.
Back then, the headstrong young Li played around at the ice rink for a while. Now, he has learned the skills of a famous master skating chef in the city and even bought a house there. Everyone in the village envies this marriage.
Xiao Li then served tea, fruit, and drinks to the fourth team's table, saying apologetically, "Today is my engagement day, so all the food and drinks are on me. I didn't tell you beforehand because Xiao Die was shy; I thought it would be fine if you all came."
Gu Yanzheng is a respectable person, and he said on the spot, "I will definitely attend your wedding and give you a red envelope."
Xiao Li said gratefully, "My parents said they wanted to thank you in person for buying the house. The house is really nice; everyone who has seen it says it's great."
Gu Yanzheng glanced at Chen Zhenzhu and nodded slightly: "Of course."
Chen Zhenzhu sat head to head with Xiaobaitou, not giving Zheng Ge a second glance. She was busy cracking melon seeds, glancing at the shy and awkward Hu Die and chuckling to herself.
Xiao Li sensed something, walked into the kitchen, and glanced back at Gu Yanzheng.
Shen Liuhe stayed in the kitchen. Today's engagement banquet was also a way to set an example for Xiao Li's future wedding banquet. She cooked several elaborate dishes and generously taught Xiao Li how to cook.
Their wedding will be held in the countryside, so the groom won't have to cook, but it should be pretty close to the standard to avoid losing the quality of "a good teacher produces a good student".
"This dish is called 'Flying Together'." The waiter brought the dish and placed it on Shen Zhenzhu's table. Due to the need to avoid any formalities at the engagement banquet, Shen Liuhe instructed the waiter not to distribute chopsticks to the four groups until all the dishes were served.
Lu Ye glanced at the dishes and knew the menu of Sixth Sister's restaurant well: "So it's the popular fried chicken."
The whole chicken, deep-fried to a golden-red sheen, rests proudly on the plate, its skin crispy as paper, while the meat inside is tender and juicy. "Flying Together" is not just a dish, but also a beautiful wish, hoping that Xiao Li and Hu Die, like birds flying wing to wing, will embark on a wonderful journey through life hand in hand.
"The dishes have arrived, symbolizing 'abundant wealth,' 'tender affection,' and 'eternal union.'"
The four teams craned their necks to look, and exclaimed, "So 'Golden Jade Abundance' is actually shrimp and scrambled eggs!"
The vibrant golden hue blends perfectly with the shrimp, adorned with tender green beans. The springy shrimp represents the vitality of life, while the smooth eggs symbolize a bright future. The cheerful colors of "Abundant Wealth and Prosperity" are like the promising and hopeful life that engaged lovers are about to embark on.
"'Tender Affection' is honey-glazed ham, this is delicious, the ham is amazing." Wu Zhongguo, who arrived later, sat down and saw the ham, slowly stewed with rock sugar and Shaoxing wine, turning a deep agate red before his eyes. The ham was savory, fragrant, and tender, sweet but not cloying, with a lingering sweetness in the saltiness. Just like the tenderness of life, it has blended into an inseparable harmony after the sedimentation of time.
Xiao Bai held the lotus seed, lily bulb, and red bean soup, swallowed, and said, "I really like this 'Eternal Union' dish. It's been so long since I've had Southern-style sweet soup. I can't forget the sandy and smooth taste from last time."
As the restaurant gradually filled up with customers, Xiao Li helped serve the dishes, a happy smile on his face.
Xiao Bai pointed to the "Eternal Union" sign and said, "Master Li, I wish you a long and happy marriage, and many children."
Xiao Li put down his hearty hand-grabbed lamb chop, cupped his hands in a gesture of respect, and said, "On behalf of Comrade Hu Die, I thank you for your blessings." He then handed out chopsticks to everyone, saying, "No need to wait, please enjoy."
Zhao Qiqi smacked her lips, captivated by the raw and unrestrained charm of the hand-grabbed lamb chops. A whole rack of carefully selected lamb chops, roasted to a golden brown and crispy exterior, sprinkled with cumin, sesame seeds, and chili, glistening with an enticing sheen of oil on the skin.
No chopsticks needed, Wu Zhongguo got up and began cutting the lamb chops with his hands. Everyone stared intently at him as he easily broke apart a rib, separating the meat from the bone.
After waiting a moment, Shen Zhenzhu received the lamb chops from Wu Zhongguo and put them in Gu Yanzheng's bowl first: "Wings... no, the broken elbows, use those first."
Lu Ye also politely said, "Yes, yes, boss, you eat first."
The four groups, caught up in the joyous atmosphere of the engagement banquet, became quite refined. After a few minutes of polite exchanges, they couldn't resist indulging in the lamb chops as they arrived.
Chen Zhenzhu also took a bite. The crispy, caramelized texture of the roasted pork skin with spices hit her mouth, followed by the tender, juicy flavor of the lamb. The aroma of lamb fat spread in her mouth, rich and mellow without any gamey taste. The crispy exterior and tender interior, along with the savory, salty, and spicy flavors, constantly alternated, allowing her to experience the ultimate bold and unrestrained taste amidst the roughness.
"The Supreme King's Pork Knuckle!" The waiter's voice rang out along with the dish's name.
Lu Ye had never tasted Shen Liuhe's "King's Knuckle" before. He stared in astonishment at a complete, enormous pork foreleg, which, after a long period of steaming and stewing, occupied the center of the table with a domineering air. The skin was reddish-brown and glossy, and the broth was thick and tempting.
"This is amazing." Lu Ye stood up, gently ran his chopsticks across the pork knuckle, separating the skin from the meat and revealing the tender, juicy inner meat.
"Wow, it's not greasy at all." Xiao Bai picked up a piece of pork knuckle skin; it was rich in collagen, soft, and sticky. The fat inside had already melted into broth, and the lean meat was tender and flavorful.
Wu Zhongguo scooped up the broth, skin and meat still attached, and poured it over the rice. One bite was an ultimate enjoyment of rich, succulent flavor.
Shen Zhenzhu silently ate a few more pieces of braised pork knuckle skin. The sticky, chewy texture of the collagen and the aroma of the meat made her eat without hesitation. When she couldn't eat anymore, there was still a large piece of meat left in her bowl, and Shen Zhenzhu frowned in worry. A white porcelain bowl was quietly pushed towards her, and Shen Zhenzhu picked up some meat and put it in it. Gu Yanzheng silently took it back and ate it slowly and deliberately.
The parents at the next table tasted the amazing dishes and reluctantly put down their chopsticks and picked up their wine glasses.
Before the formal wedding banquet even started, Hu Die's mother was already choked up: "My child has never left my side since she was little. I hope my in-laws will be more understanding of her in the future. She is young and doesn't understand things, but she will remember what she is taught."
Xiao Li's father, usually stern and unsmiling, now had a relaxed expression and tried his best to respond to her with the utmost sincerity: "My dear in-law, don't worry, we old folks won't interfere in their affairs. They'll live in the city while we stay in the countryside. What's the way it is now will be the way it is in the future. Xiao Die is a well-known good girl in the surrounding villages, and she'll always be our own daughter, just like our own flesh and blood!"
The simple promises resonated deeply, and both sets of parents shared a drink. All the trust and entrustment were woven into the precious moments exchanged between them.
The two families, initially somewhat estranged, gradually relaxed amidst the lively banquet, exchanging greetings of "in-laws" and reminiscing about the amusing childhood stories of Xiao Li and Hu Die. Laughter and the act of sharing food made them seem like long-lost family members reunited.
Xiao Li and Hu Die sat close together, quietly holding hands under the table. At that moment, all the words and dishes became background noise.
Their faces radiated a shy yet happy glow, a happiness blessed by everyone, a solid support from their families, and a warm connection extending into their future life.
......
"It seems like red scarves are all the rage this winter... Okay, I'll talk to you later, I'm almost there, see you then." The girl who was passing by Sister Liu's restaurant put away her cell phone. Seeing the lively scene inside, she also noticed the red scarves on the counter and the beautiful red scarf around Hu Die's neck.
She tugged at her red scarf and exhaled a puff of white breath.
In the distance, an elderly woman who collects recyclables was struggling to cross the road with her bag when she accidentally fell. I quickly ran over and said, "Let me help you."
At night, snowflakes drifted down from the sky.
The number of people on the commercial street dwindled, and no one knew that a girl was late for her appointment.
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Author's Note: This case is complete. Next case: [Dongbao]
***
See you tomorrow, there are 100 red envelopes! [Let me see]
This chapter references and has been modified from online sources.
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