Chunfu had heard from Jicheng that most of these people didn’t want to settle for less and preferred to eat well, so this slightly breezy, shaded spot was left to just the two of them.
Jicheng spread the handkerchief he used to wipe his sweat on a flat stone and smiled at Chunfu, saying, “Sit down quickly.” He then sat cross-legged on the ground. Having spent so much time together, they could often guess each other’s thoughts. He continued, “It’s fine—I’ll just wash it when we get back. Doing this kind of work, who has time to worry about staying clean?”
Chunfu took out the pancake she had made for him the night before, stuffed with an egg, and handed it to him. Watching him eat with relish, she couldn’t help but worry—what would they do when the weather turned truly hot? The pastries in the shop were taken care of by others, but Jicheng’s meals weren’t as good. And the journey to Manager Jin’s place was too long—already exhausted, he still had to travel back and forth. She couldn’t bear it and immediately said, “From now on, don’t bring food. Go eat at the noodle shop with the others. Why skimp on yourself when you’re earning money? In summer, you can still find shade, but what about winter?”
Jicheng thought for a moment and replied, “I understand. Chunfu, don’t be angry, alright? There’s really nothing between me and Axiu. Back then, we were young, and since there was no formal betrothal, it doesn’t count. I, Jicheng, have a clear conscience.”
Chunfu had only been angry in the heat of the moment, and seeing a pretty woman eyeing her man hadn’t helped. Once her temper cooled, she realized she’d been unreasonable—everyone had a past. Axiu had known Jicheng before her, after all. But no matter what, as long as this man’s heart was entirely hers, that was enough.
“Earlier, I saw Second Uncle and Jiliang. Jikun gambled again and got beaten until his face was covered in blood.”
Jicheng lowered his eyes, indifferent. “Their business has nothing to do with us. Don’t put eggs in the pancakes anymore—it’s wasteful. Save them for yourself to nourish your health. Stay away from them in the future. We don’t need their favors.”
Chunfu couldn’t help but roll her eyes. “What do you know? You must eat an egg every day. You’re the pillar of this household—only when you’re well can I live well.”
Jicheng munched on his vegetable-stuffed pancake and took a sip of mung bean soup, feeling utterly content. He mumbled, “What’s the use of me eating well? If you don’t take care of your health, when will I ever have a son?”
Chunfu was caught off guard by his words, her face flushing red with embarrassment and irritation. Every night, he lay there properly, and she knew he truly had no such intentions. Her underdeveloped figure probably made it hard for him to even consider it. Though she appreciated his consideration, she couldn’t help feeling a little sour inside.
Sitting beside him, Chunfu ate two jam buns and was full. Ignoring him, she quietly stared at the jujube tree ahead, lost in thought.
Zhou Jing came running from a distance, holding a paper package, and grinned at Jicheng and Chunfu. “Freshly baked flatbread—want some? Still warm.”
Seeing Jicheng holding a vegetable-stuffed pancake, Zhou Jing swallowed hard and said enviously, “Having a wife to dote on you really makes a difference. Your little wife is so skilled—such variety in one meal, buns and pancakes, and even soup!”
Chunfu poured him a bowl of mung bean soup from the clay pot using her own bowl and said generously, “Have some—it helps with the heat.”
Zhou Jing didn’t stand on ceremony, downing it in one go. Sitting beside Jicheng, he devoured the pancake while sharing what he’d seen. “Your eldest brother, Jikun, got one of his eyes beaten blind by Wang the Third from the gambling den. A crippled, half-blind man—how’s he supposed to live now? A few days ago, I heard your second uncle and aunt went to our village to look for a bride. Someone must’ve blabbed about Jikun’s gambling and broken leg, because the girl’s family immediately refused and even cursed them out, saying they had black hearts for painting their son as some flawless gem when he was really just a trap. What a disgrace.”
There were several small villages around Dongpo Village, and word got around easily among laborers. Zhou Jing was the only one in his family and didn’t care for gossip. Among the workers, he only liked hanging out with Jicheng. With no one to rein him in, he grew bold—he’d set his sights on the daughter of Manager An from the town’s jade shop and was saving up to propose.
Everyone thought this handsome young man had lost his mind, dreaming of marrying above his station. How could a respectable family ever accept someone like him? And Miss An was known for her spoiled temper. Rumor had it several families had already sent matchmakers to propose. Yet Zhou Jing remained unfazed, still joking around with Jicheng.
“Jikun’s older than me. Since he’s back alive, he should settle down and build a life. Who’d have thought… he’s just hopeless. As a junior, I can’t meddle in their family affairs—my own life’s barely holding together. Aren’t you worried the girl you fancy might get engaged? The gap between you is huge. If she felt the same, fine, but she… well, you’d better be careful.”
Chunfu watched Zhou Jing’s cheerful expression fade into melancholy and suddenly understood—no matter the era, unrequited feelings were always painful.
“It’s fine if she doesn’t like me. Manager An promised me that if I can retrieve the stone he wants from Cangwu Mountain, he’ll let me marry Yuning. I’m the only one in my family—there’s nothing I wouldn’t give up. I’d do anything to marry Yuning.” Zhou Jing’s face was calm, the earlier gloom already gone.
Jicheng shook his head. “You’re truly bewitched by her. Cangwu Mountain is full of wild beasts—what if…”
Zhou Jing grinned. “What’s there to fear? Haven’t I seen enough wild animals around here? I, Zhou Jing, wasn’t raised to be scared. I’ll go after this house is built—can’t show up empty-handed when proposing, right? Yuning would be even more disappointed.”
Somehow, Chunfu detected a hint of bitterness in his words and couldn’t help but sympathize. Before long, it was time to get back to work. Chunfu couldn’t stay much longer and had to return to Manager Jin’s shop. Passing by the gambling den, she saw it had quieted down, though traces of red still stained the sun-scorched ground.
She hesitated about switching to finer flour but, thinking of their circumstances, decided against it. The wealthy young ladies ate fine flour every meal, but coarse grains weren’t necessarily worse. Seeing Jicheng had made her forget everything else.
Entering the shop, she found Jin Liuer just waking up, still drowsy and sluggish.
The two sat together, and Jin Liuer chattered endlessly, listing all her well-connected lady friends and their preferences. Chunfu listened intently, especially when An Yuning was mentioned—apparently, this young lady loved pastries with floral scents.
If she got the chance, Chunfu wanted to help Zhou Jing. The rarest thing in this world was true devotion. Then again, feelings couldn’t be forced—what a torment. She’d think about it later.
Waiting was unbearable. As the sun dipped behind the treetops, Jicheng still hadn’t come for her. Jin Liuer teased her, amused by how even such simple, ordinary days could stir envy. Marrying a steady man like Jicheng was better than her own uncertain fate—wed to some rich young master she didn’t even know.
After sitting a while longer, Chunfu bid Jin Liuer farewell. Chatting with Third Uncle for a bit, she finally saw Jicheng hurrying over, drenched in sweat and smeared with mud—utterly disheveled. Chunfu took out her handkerchief and wiped his face. Seeing him grin, his white teeth flashing, she couldn’t help but laugh too.
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