While trying to catch his breath, Xu Wenhua nodded absentmindedly and replied, "Yes, Uncle Chen, I couldn't find them."
At this moment, his mind was in complete turmoil, and the words he had just said to Shen Junqi and the image of her crying kept echoing in his mind.
Thinking of this, he wished he could escape this place immediately.
He looked up at Shen Zishan, forced a smile, and said, "Then, Uncle Shen, I'll head back now."
Upon hearing this, Shen Zishan quickly reached out to stop Xu Wenhua, who was about to rush out, and warmly urged him to stay, saying, "What's the rush? Since you're already here, have a meal here before you leave."
Xu Wenhua was determined to leave, and he waved his hand repeatedly to decline, saying, "No need, thank you, Uncle. I left in a hurry today and didn't even tell my mother. I was afraid she would worry, so it's better to go home early. I'll come to visit you and Auntie again when I have time next time."
Before he finished speaking, he hurriedly walked out the door.
"Take care on your way." Shen Zishan saw the person to the door with a concerned expression, and only after watching the other person's receding figure disappear from sight did he turn around and slowly walk into the room.
Shen Xiaoxiao and Shen Xiaochuan had a very fruitful trip. Before long, their baskets were already bulging with fruit.
Taking advantage of the fact that no one was around, Shen Xiaoxiao quickly seized the opportunity and secretly put all the items into her space.
Immediately afterwards, the brother and sister picked up their empty baskets again and continued digging.
Time flew by and it was noon. Just as the two were busy at work, they suddenly heard a clear and melodious rooster crowing from not far away.
Looking in the direction of the sound, one could see a plump and robust pheasant striding out of the grass with its head held high.
In the blink of an eye, Shen Xiaochuan, quick-witted and agile, rushed forward and grabbed the pheasant's wing with lightning speed.
Afterwards, the brother and sister happily found an open space, lit a campfire, and began to roast this hard-won delicacy.
Before long, an enticing aroma filled the air, making one's mouth water.
After the chicken was cooked, the hungry brother and sister devoured it and enjoyed a delicious meal.
Meanwhile, Xu Wenhua, like a wild horse, galloped home along the winding mountain road.
As soon as he stepped into his home, he collapsed onto a stool, panting and sweating profusely, his hands supporting his knees as he gasped for breath, as if he had just been through a life-or-death chase.
Seeing her son in such a disheveled state, Xu's mother couldn't help but feel a little worried. She quickly stepped forward and asked him in a soft voice.
"Son, what happened? Why are you in such a panic?" Xu Wenhua just shook his head helplessly, seemingly unwilling to talk about the matter further.
In stark contrast to the tense atmosphere on this side, Shen Xiaoxiao and Shen Xiaochuan embarked on their journey home with great joy.
The brother and sister chatted and laughed all the way, in a particularly pleasant mood.
As night fell and the family sat together for dinner, Shen Xiaoxiao's face was always beaming with an undisguised joy, and she would even occasionally chuckle to herself.
Seeing this, Ma Aning, who was dining at the same table, finally couldn't contain her curiosity and jokingly said, "Oh ho, look at you, all smiles. Did you find some money on the street? Why are you smiling so happily?"
Faced with Ma Aning's teasing, Shen Xiaoxiao winked playfully, then blurted out, "Hehe, it's even more exciting than finding money!"
"My brother and I went out and dug up lots and lots of precious medicinal herbs today. We'll process them all tomorrow. In a few days, Dad will take them to the market to sell, and we're sure we'll make a fortune!"
After saying that, Shen Xiaoxiao burst into laughter again.
"You must be very careful up in the mountains! This weather is perfect for snakes, insects, and rodents. If you get bitten by one, it's no laughing matter!"
Shen Zishan said with a worried expression, his eyes revealing deep concern.
He paused for a moment, then added, "Oh, by the way, Xu Wenhua from the Xu family came to our house again today."
"In my opinion, he's probably got his eye on our little one."
"I heard you were on the mountain, so I said hello and ran up the mountain. I couldn't find you, and I came back feeling very disappointed and disheartened."
"He rushed back without even having time to eat. I tried to persuade him to stay for a meal at my house, but he refused."
"They said they came here without informing their families, and they need to go home quickly, otherwise their parents will worry." At this point, Shen Zishan couldn't help but shake his head slightly.
Actually, Shen Zishan was quite satisfied with Xu Wenhua. The young man was handsome and honest.
If it weren't for his daughter mentioning some things about the future, he would have been eager to have Xu Wenhua become his son-in-law.
Sitting to the side, Shen Xiaoxiao frowned and said resolutely, "Dad, if he dares to come again next time, please just turn him away for me! I don't want to have any contact with him at all!"
Although she had no specific memories of marrying Xu Wenhua in her previous life, for some reason, every time she thought of him, a strange sense of aversion would well up inside her, and she would have no desire to see him at all.
"Alright, let's not talk about him anymore. Let's not bring up people who are not involved."
After a pause, Shen Zishan said firmly, "He definitely doesn't have much leave and will be returning to his unit soon. When he comes to see you again, I will definitely refuse him without hesitation and keep him far away from you!"
When he said this, Shen Zishan's eyes were filled with determination.
“Okay,” Shen Xiaoxiao nodded, then added, “Now is the peak season for medicinal herbs to grow. In the coming days, my brother and I will often go up the mountain to pick herbs.”
"Sometimes I might come back a little late, but that's how it is every year, so don't worry too much!"
As she spoke, she gently shook her arm, as if trying to calm everyone down.
Hearing this, Ma Aning looked at her daughter's slightly tired face with heartache, especially when she saw the faint dark circles under her eyes, her heart ached even more.
She said softly, "I understand, my dear. But you must be extra careful when you go up the mountain to gather herbs! Go and rest early, because you'll have to get up early again tomorrow morning."
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