Jicheng finished packing up and ate the reheated buns, then drank a large bowl of water before stepping outside. Chunfu had already packed everything into a woven basket, wrapping each food item carefully with clean cloths. Though he didn’t know what she was up to, seeing the person he’d spend his life with so clever and capable made even her stern, glaring expression seem adorable to him.
Today, it was just the two of them heading to town. Third Uncle, unusually not smoking, stood up and dusted off his pants, his weathered face creasing into deep furrows as he smiled. “No need to wait for anyone else today. Let’s get going.”
The cart only started moving once Jicheng and Chunfu were seated. Jicheng cradled the basket protectively against his chest, careful not to spill the mung bean soup inside the clay jar during the bumpy ride. He pulled Chunfu firmly into his reach, gripping her delicate hand tightly without any intention of letting go.
Chunfu struggled briefly but soon gave up, straightening herself as she thought of something. In a sweet voice, she asked Third Uncle, “Third Uncle, do you always return at the same time every day?”
That morning, after washing her face, she had applied ointment again. The swelling had subsided, though some residual pain remained, but at least she could speak clearly now. Hearing her soft voice, Jicheng felt a flutter in his heart and a sense of relief. Despite her aloofness toward him, he never imagined a grown man like himself could be so utterly smitten by a little girl.
Third Uncle nodded. “Yes, at my age, I just want to go home when it’s time.”
The cart hit a rough patch, and Chunfu instinctively grabbed Jicheng, accidentally bumping into his chest with too much force. Seeing his smug grin, she blushed and shot him an annoyed glare. Once the ride smoothed out, she said, “Could you please wait a little longer for Jicheng, Third Uncle? He always finishes work half an hour later, and the road is long. After a hard day’s work, I worry about him walking back alone.”
Third Uncle chuckled, glancing back at Jicheng, whose lips curled into a pleased smile. Teasingly, he said, “Jicheng, you’re truly blessed. She cares for you so much—look at you, grinning like a fool. Fine, I’ll wait for you from now on.”
Jicheng’s heart melted like a pool of water. She was like a treasure from Qingshui Mountain, full of surprises and delights, making it impossible for him not to cherish her. Axiu, four years older than Chunfu, wasn’t half as considerate, and he found himself adoring Chunfu’s little quirks. Unable to resist, he subtly pulled her closer, though with Third Uncle present, he restrained himself from further affection.
The dark clouds in Jicheng’s heart dissipated, and everything around him seemed beautiful. Even time felt like it was passing faster.
Chunfu, however, wasn’t as comfortable. The constant jostling made her dizzy, and though she was still a bit annoyed with Jicheng, she had no choice but to cling to him.
By the time they reached town, the shops had just opened. Jicheng dropped her off at Manager Jin’s place as usual. Jin Liuer, unusually up early, was delighted to see Chunfu and eagerly pulled her to the backyard to chat. Chunfu smiled, unpacking the food she’d prepared and reminding Jicheng to store it in a cool place to prevent spoilage.
Jicheng acknowledged her words, exchanged pleasantries with Manager Jin, and hurried off to work, feeling invigorated.
Chunfu and Jin Liuer sat in a pavilion in the backyard. Chunfu quite liked this unpretentious young lady—others wouldn’t bother speaking to a countrywoman like her, let alone serve her decent Biluochun tea. Without hesitation, Chunfu opened her cloth bundle and said softly, “Thanks to Manager Jin’s kindness, my husband found such satisfying work. And you’ve treated me with such sincerity—I’m truly grateful. I made a few snacks this time, though I’m not sure if they’ll suit your taste.”
Jin Liuer looked over and saw pastries, thin pancakes, and small, fragrant buns. She couldn’t help but praise, “I knew I wasn’t wrong about you. How could you be foolish? You’re so skilled!” She picked up a pancake and took a bite. Expecting the usual, she was surprised by a burst of sweet fruit flavor mingled with crispiness. Another bite intensified the taste—simple yet unexpectedly delicious.
“How did you think of this? What’s inside? I’ve never had anything like it,” Jin Liuer said, popping a small bun into her mouth. Though familiar, it was different—indescribably tasty. Even after finishing a couple, she still couldn’t guess the secret ingredient.
Chunfu had never felt so excited and happy. If Jin Liuer hadn’t tasted these before, her creations had potential.
“Dear Chunfu, tell me, how did you make these? I’ve never had anything like them.”
“Miss, these are made with wild fruit jam from the mountains. The flavor is quite special. If you like them, I’ll bring more next time,” Chunfu replied calmly, her demeanor poised and graceful.
Jin Liuer wiped her hands with a napkin, sipped her tea, and said coolly, “Go on, what’s your plan? I doubt you brought these just for me to taste.”
Chunfu looked up with a bright smile. Jin Liuer’s perceptiveness saved her much effort. Softly, she said, “When we first met, I could tell you loved all kinds of delicacies and had a broad palate. I’d like to ask for your help. Do you think these snacks are presentable?”
Jin Liuer laughed behind her hand. “Oh, Chunfu, you’re quite the schemer. These are indeed rare in town—probably even in the county. Relying on me for business isn’t impossible, but even as sisters, I can’t help for free. Besides, there are seasoned pastry shop owners here who could reverse-engineer your recipes with one bite. What then?”
Chunfu shook her head. “I only want to ease my husband’s burdens. If others copy my recipes, so be it—I’ll find another way. That’s why I need your help. You have connections, influence, and status. No one would dare cause trouble under your name. If I sold these alone, I’d face endless harassment. Don’t worry—I won’t let you work for nothing. I’ll give you half the profits, but you’ll need to clear out that unused room next door for this venture. What do you think?”
Unfazed by potential mockery, Chunfu added, “If we’re going into business, I won’t stop at just these few items. You needn’t worry.”
Jin Liuer studied Chunfu intently. The woman in coarse clothing showed no timidity, meeting her gaze with warm confidence. Smiling, Jin Liuer said, “No one turns down money. Fine, I’ll agree. There’s a flower-viewing party soon with many young ladies attending. Bring more then. If they like your treats, I’ll front the costs. If not, you’ll bear the loss—don’t blame me for being harsh.”
For Chunfu, this was her second gamble. She accepted without hesitation, though she’d have to apologize to Jicheng later. She hoped he wouldn’t be too angry—her own temper hadn’t cooled, yet she had to mind his.
They agreed to discuss details after the party. Jin Liuer, treating her as an equal, shared town gossip. By midday, the heat grew unbearable. Chunfu asked about Jicheng’s whereabouts and headed out.
Outside, she noticed the market in full swing, stalls lining the streets with ripe fruits glistening under the sun. As she walked, she pondered: for the flower-viewing party, she couldn’t rely solely on raspberry-based treats. Variety was key—seasonal fruits made into jams would keep the ladies interested. Confident in her skills, she knew her balanced sweetness—never overbearing—would leave a lasting impression.
Her thoughts were interrupted by commotion near a gambling den—the same place where Jicheng’s cousin Jikun had been beaten for debts. The bloodied man being surrounded was none other than Jikun again, with Second Uncle and Jiliang trying to intervene. Chunfu scoffed inwardly—some people never learned.
Soon, she reached a construction site where Jicheng stood out among the workers—tall and handsome. As the foreman called for a break, Jicheng dusted off his hands and wiped his brow, spotting Chunfu in the shade. His heart swelled with joy, even if she still refused to smile at him.
As he approached, his friend Zhou Jing clapped his shoulder. “Eating alone in the corner again? Spend a little, won’t you? Or will your wife starve? Such a blockhead.”
Jicheng grinned, pointing ahead. “Unlike you, I’ve got someone waiting.”
Zhou Jing spotted Chunfu and whistled. “A pretty wife indeed. I’ll leave you to it. Once I’ve saved enough, I’ll propose to my lady—can’t let you show me up.”
As Zhou Jing dashed off, Jicheng shook his head and hurried to Chunfu’s side.
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