This woman was named Hao Yulan, the village chief’s daughter-in-law. She was always warm-hearted, and seeing Lin Yue’s expression, a profound sense of responsibility welled up within her. “Oh my, this young ger is so adorable. I simply must help him today.”

Hao Yulan felt her stature grow instantly. “Xiulan, let’s go. Why are we fussing over a child? If we delay any longer, we won’t finish planting the seedlings.”

“Hey, don’t pull me! Wait, I…”

Zhou Xiulan tried to protest further, but Hao Yulan had already pulled her away. Several women nearby murmured disapproval.

“Don’t nitpick over trivial matters. How could you take advantage of a child like that?”

“It’s one thing to bicker with Xunchun, but why pick a fight with the new husband? New husbands are so sensitive. Look at how harshly you’re scolding him. What if he can’t take it? You’ll ruin their marriage!”

Zhou Xiulian was furious. She shouted back, “He started it! He provoked me first! That sharp-tongued scoundrel, and now he blames me? You don’t know—Old Shen was chatting with my father the other day, saying the new husband argues with him and isn’t the least bit filial!”

She had completely forgotten that she had started the quarrel herself. Completely convinced that Lin Yue had provoked her first, she felt justified in believing she was in the right.

They had only walked a few steps when their voices grew loud again. Lin Yue, following behind, heard everything clearly and immediately retorted, “Auntie, how can you spread such nonsense and ruin my reputation? You’re even pinning the shameful label of ‘unfilial’ on me. Though I’m the younger generation, I must set the record straight today.” “

Lin Yue had long known that the argument with Old Man Shen that day was a potential trouble spot. Speaking up now was for the best, sparing him the lingering worry. With Grandma Shen present and his image as a new husband, he wasn’t completely certain, but he was at least seventy or eighty percent confident that the rumor of his disobedience wouldn’t spread.

Sure enough, Hao Yulan spoke up, her voice tinged with doubt, ”Really? Auntie Shen praised him just the other day when she saw us out walking. She said her grandson-in-law was sweet-talking and filial, and that Xiao Huai was a lucky boy. Would Auntie really make something like that up?”

Hearing this, Zhou Xiulian froze. Wait, how could the elderly couple still be talking past each other?

Lin Yue relaxed upon hearing this, his face clouding with sorrow. “Grandfather didn’t like me when I went to pay my respects that day. I don’t know what upset him. It’s all my fault. Sigh.”

Lin Yue said no more, but Hao Yulan and the others immediately filled in the blanks. Old Uncle Shen must still be holding a grudge over Zhengchu’s family division years ago. Instead of confronting the real culprit, he was picking on the grandson-in-law. How inconsiderate!

“Xiulian, perhaps you’re mistaken. Besides, a little banter is only natural. Every family has its moments of quarreling. How could anyone call that disrespectful? Don’t speak of it again.”

Song Xunchun stepped forward, her tone firm. “Zhou Xiulian, how we bicker and grind our teeth is our own business. If you keep gossiping about the younger generation, we won’t let it slide. A good ger like Yue can’t endure your sharp tongue.”

Zhou Xiulian began to doubt herself. Could she really have misremembered? Auntie Shen didn’t seem like the type to make things up. But she couldn’t back down now. Her voice grew sharp and harsh: “Who knows what’s true or false? Look at him, sharp-tongued and quick-witted. Who would believe him?”

Lin Yue remained perfectly composed. “Auntie Xie flatters me. I wouldn’t dare call myself sharp-tongued—I just speak up to avoid being bullied. As for elders, of course, I’m respectful and considerate. It’s different when I’m with you, Auntie.”

Zhou Xiulian couldn’t think of a rebuttal in time. Lost in thought, she was pulled away by Hao Yulan and the others.

“Enough already. We’re all neighbors here. It wouldn’t do to make enemies over a verbal spat.”

“I don’t think Huai’s husband is that kind of person. And you too—how could you speak so recklessly? It only hurts feelings.”

Once they were out of earshot, Lin Yue sighed. Though he’d won the argument, he wasn’t particularly pleased. He resolved to be more careful in the future.

While quarrels and spats were common among villagers, he had only recently married into the Lin family. He had to maintain a gentle demeanor, lest it tarnish the Lin family’s reputation.

Song Xunchun, standing nearby, noticed his silence and spoke up: “Brother Yue, don’t burden yourself with this. Our two families argue often—the villagers are used to it. It’s no big deal.”

Lin Yue felt Song Xunchun had missed the point entirely. Their repeated quarrels already revealed his fiery temper. Even if it was for the Shen family’s sake, didn’t she worry about future conflicts between them?

The thought flashed through his mind before being swiftly dismissed. Better not to dwell on it—harmony was the priority.

“Mother, I saw water in that ditch earlier. Let’s fill the field first—we can’t delay planting rice this afternoon.”

Song Xunchun slapped her forehead. “Oh dear, I nearly forgot! Thank goodness you remembered. Come on, let’s hurry and finish so we can head home for lunch.”

They dug a channel to divert the ditch water into the field, then circled the plot, filling in the low spots before heading home.

Shen Zhengchu and his two sons were still busy in the fields. Lin Yue didn’t delay. She and Song Xunchun prepared the meal, filled the kettle with hot water, and hurried to the fields with their baskets.

The family ate lunch seated on the field ridge, then each shouldered a basket of seedlings to return to the paddies.

As Lin Yue filled his basket, Shen Huaizhi approached and whispered, “The seedlings are heavy. Take less—there aren’t many left.”

Lin Yue didn’t refuse, as his strength was indeed limited. “I’ll fill half the basket first. If I can’t carry it all, I’ll come back for more later.”

Shen Huaizhi also gave Lin Yue his own straw raincoat. “Wear this. It’s larger, so your pants won’t get wet.”

There were four straw cloaks at home—two large and two small—usually sufficient. But when the whole family worked together, one was always short. Lin Yue had delicate skin; carrying heavy loads made his shoulders redden. Shen Huaizhi had only noticed this issue when he saw him rubbing his shoulders earlier.

Lin Yue paused his work. “Your basket is so full—how could you manage without a raincoat? My load isn’t heavy; I don’t need this.”

Shen Huaizhi simply helped him put it on. “My skin is thicker and tougher—I need it even less. You wear it. Enough said. I’m off to pack the seedlings.” With that, he strode away.

Lin Yue’s face softened into a smile. This guy really was considerate.

Today, the ditch held a lot of water, and few people were draining it. By lunchtime, the Shen’s fields were already flooded. Lin Yue plugged the gaps, rolled up his trouser legs and sleeves, put on his conical hat, and prepared to head into the fields.

At noon, the sun blazed fiercely, yet the field water remained cool. Barefoot, the mud felt chilly against his feet. Loaches and leeches lurked in the water—who knew whether he or they would feast that day.

Shen Huaizhi and Shen Zhengchu each pulled one end of a string line, stretching it taut. They then drove the line stakes firmly into the edge of the field ridge. After that, the two began planting rice seedlings from the ridge inward.

Lin Yue and the other two spread out from the center, bending low. With seedlings in their left hands and two or three stalks in their right, they swiftly planted them into the field. As they moved, orderly rows of seedlings took shape.

Planting rice required precision: planting too deep caused hand pain and hindered seedling growth, while planting too shallow prevented rooting, causing seedlings to float in the water. But the experienced workers moved swiftly, planting at nearly uniform depths for a perfectly neat row.

Lin Yue stood beside Shen Huaizhi and caught him murmuring to himself. Curious, he leaned closer and asked, “What are you reciting?”

Shen Huaizhi turned his head and lowered his voice. “I’m memorizing scripture. Reciting helps me catch any gaps in my knowledge when my hands are too busy to focus properly.”

Lin Yue nodded in understanding and silently moved back a bit, deciding it best not to disturb his recitation.

━━ 🐈‍⬛ ━━

The family worked all afternoon, finally finishing planting the field as dusk fell. Lin Yue and the others gathered their tools, stacking the bamboo baskets. Shen Zhengchu and Shen Huaizhi, father and son, shouldered the baskets and the remaining seedlings, heading back.

Rice planting seemed effortless, but after a full day, Lin Yue felt his back was no longer his own—aching intensely. He rubbed his waist the entire way home.

Shen Lingzhi walked beside him on the left, mimicking the same motion. “Brother, let’s give each other back massages later. My back hurts so much.”

Lin Yue glanced at Shen Huaizhi and said, “Alright, we’ll do it after dinner. We can soak our feet then, too. Let’s turn in early tonight—we’ve got more work tomorrow.”

As soon as they entered the house, Song Xunchun waved her hand, beckoning Lin Yue and Shen Lingzhi over. “You two rest. I’ll cook tonight, but I won’t have time to boil water. Scoop some water from the cistern to wash up first. The water from the fields isn’t clean—don’t catch a cold. We’ll boil water for a bath later tonight.”

Shen Lingzhi happily agreed, pulling Lin Yue toward the other side.

When Shen Huaizhi returned from the rice paddies outside, he saw Lin Yue and Shen Lingzhi squatting in the courtyard washing their faces. Before he could speak, Lin Yue spotted him first, tilting his head up to smile at him, his face still wet.

Shen Huaizhi’s mind went blank for a moment. He stood there, his lips curving into a dazed smile.

“Come wash up quickly. Why are you standing there holding that basket?”

Shen Huaizhi watched Lin Yue intently. “You two go ahead. I’ll be right there. Did you get cut anywhere? I picked up two stones from the field.”

Lin Yue glanced at Shen Huaizhi’s calf but saw no visible wounds. “No cuts. Are you okay?”

“Fine. Just a few small stones. Nothing that could cut me.”

Shen Lingzhi looked left and right, finally concluding, Ha! They hadn’t even noticed he was still standing there. He’d been too clueless. If he’d known his brother was coming in, he would’ve slipped away earlier.

Outside, three—no, two—people chattered animatedly. Inside, Song Xunchun bustled about feverishly. It was getting late today; if they didn’t hurry, they’d have to eat by lamplight.

After the sun had fully set, the room grew dim. Having worked all day, the family was famished. Song Xunchun hadn’t prepared any elaborate dishes—just hearty portions that would fill them up quickly.

Looking at the two dishes on the table, Song Xunchun felt a bit embarrassed. “Once these next couple of days are over, we’ll have a proper feast.”

Lin Yue shook his head. “Mother, this is perfectly fine. It’s delicious.”

“Stop flattering me. I know my own limitations. Finish eating, then hurry up and wash up for bed. I’ll make extra for breakfast tomorrow. If we finish early, we’ll have a few more days off.”

━━ 🐈‍⬛ ━━

The fieldwork took three or four days straight. By the end, even the seedling beds had been re-plowed and replanted. Yet the farming season wasn’t over—weeding and fertilizing still awaited.

It wasn’t until late April that the busiest farming period finally concluded, leaving only scattered tasks. Shen Huaizhi was due to return to the private school for lessons. By then, Xiaoman had passed, and Mangzhong was approaching.

That evening, lying in bed, Shen Huaizhi mentioned the upcoming start of classes and asked specifically, “Will you come with me tomorrow? I’ll come get you when school lets out, and we can head back together.”

Lin Yue looked surprised. “Really? But wouldn’t that be a bit much?”

Shen Huaizhi’s eyes sparkled with amusement as he reassured him, “Father and Mother won’t say anything. Don’t worry.”

Lin Yue pondered deeply for a long while before finally declining, “The chores at home aren’t finished yet, and no one goes back home just ten days after getting married. Let’s wait until the Dragon Boat Festival in a few days. We’ll make some zongzi to send to your teacher, and then bring some back to my house. I can stay for half a day then.“

Seeing Lin Yue had made up his mind, Shen Huaizhi didn’t press further. He simply suggested, ”Then, before I come back tomorrow, I’ll stop by to see Father and Mother. The loquats at home are ripe. The harvest isn’t bountiful this year, but it’s large. I’ll pick some early tomorrow morning to bring over.“

A flicker of emotion crossed Lin Yue’s eyes. The quantity mattered little; what truly counted was the thoughtfulness behind the gesture. ”Then I’ll rise with you. I’ll pick some to keep for home and prepare breakfast. I saw a bag of mung beans in the kitchen last time. Would you like mung bean cakes?”

Shen Huaizhi hesitated. ”I’ve never had mung bean cakes. Mother only ever made mung bean porridge. If you’d like them, I’ll make some.”

Lin Yue almost felt sorry for Shen Huaizhi. Mung bean cakes were one of the most common desserts, and he’d never had them? “Then I’ll make them tomorrow morning. I can make lots of other desserts too—red bean cakes, chestnut cakes, osmanthus cakes. I know how to make all of them. I’ll make them for you later.”

“Alright, then I’ll help you. I know how to tend the fire.”

Lin Yue suddenly burst into laughter, burying his face in the quilt and giggling uncontrollably.

Shen Huaizhi was utterly baffled by his laughter, having no clue what was so funny. He could only reach out and pull back the quilt slightly. “Don’t suffocate yourself.”

After a long while, Lin Yue finally stopped laughing. He sat up abruptly on the bed, ready to get up, but Shen Huaizhi grabbed his arm.

“What are you going to do? It’s too dark outside. I’m worried you’ll trip. Light a lamp first.”

Lin Yue turned back. “If we’re making mung bean cakes tomorrow morning, we need to soak the beans now. Otherwise, they won’t cook through.”

Shen Huaizhi frowned slightly. “Why not make them another day? It’s too late now.”

“It’s fine. The moon is so bright tonight—look, light is streaming through the window. Just soak them in water. It won’t take long.”

Shen Huaizhi rose as well, murmuring softly, “Then I’ll go with you.”

The village was silent under the night sky, with no light in sight. Lin Yue and Shen Huaizhi tiptoed carefully to avoid waking others, quietly pushing open the door to the kitchen.

After all these days, Lin Yue was quite familiar with the kitchen. She didn’t ask Shen Huaizhi to light a lamp; instead, she felt her way in the dark to pull the mung beans from the cupboard. She measured out a small basinful, waited for Shen Huaizhi to fetch water to soak them, then tiptoed back to their room.

The next morning, Lin Yue awoke in Shen Huaizhi’s embrace. Back home, he’d always woken up in whatever position he’d fallen asleep in. But now, no matter how he’d drifted off, he always found himself in Shen Huaizhi’s arms upon waking. He’d long since moved past surprise and could now slip away without blushing or flinching.

After Shen Huaizhi rose and washed up, the two headed to the kitchen.

The mung beans, soaked overnight, had swollen, though their skins remained somewhat tough. To make porridge, they needed to remove the skins. Lin Yue pulled up a stool and sat at the table, picking through the beans, discarding the bad ones, and peeling the rest. The skinned beans had a pale yellow hue. After washing them thoroughly, he placed them in a pot to steam until tender.

While Lin Yue sorted the beans, Shen Huaizhi had already started the porridge and added two more logs to the stove. Then, carrying a bamboo basket, they headed to the backyard to pick loquats.

Beside the loquat tree stood an apricot tree, its branches lush and leafy. Yellow-green apricots peeked through the foliage. The moment Lin Yue saw them, her mouth watered, and she could already sense their tartness before tasting them.

Both trees had been planted only a few years ago and weren’t very tall. Shen Huaizhi could reach the lower ones easily, but the upper branches held more fruit, larger and riper. He found an upside-down bamboo basket to stand on and carefully selected nearly half a basketful.

When Lin Yue reached up to take the basket, his hand paused in surprise. “These loquats are really huge! I’ve never seen ones this big before.”

Shen Huaizhi thought for a moment before replying, “This tree is a good variety. We applied plenty of fertilizer this year and pruned some branches during flowering, so the harvest turned out well.”

Lin Yue wore a look that said, “I’ve learned something.”

After picking the loquats, Shen Huaizhi took another lap around the vegetable patch, selecting a few plump greens and several cucumbers. He suggested, “Let’s pack a few of those mung bean cakes too. I’ll bring them along for Father and Mother to try. With the vegetables and fruit, it’ll fill a basket nicely.”

Lin Yue nodded. “Alright, I’ll get started now. Rest a bit, and I’ll call you for breakfast.”

Shen Huaizhi followed Lin Yue back to the kitchen, deliberately choosing a newer bamboo basket for the vegetables before returning to his room to gather his books and writing implements.

It took them about fifteen minutes to pick the melons and fruits. By then, the mung beans in the pot had changed color. Lin Yue took a spoon from the cupboard to test them—they crushed easily. He quickly removed the pot from the heat, mashed the beans into a paste with the spoon, and transferred them to a bowl. He added oil and sugar, mixed it thoroughly, then returned the mixture to the pot to stir-fry before scooping it out to cool.

The Shen household had scarcely ever made pastries before, so naturally, they possessed no molds. Lin Yue shaped the paste into a round form, then found several clean wooden boards. He pressed the paste firmly into them before cutting it into small pieces with a knife. Thus, a simple version of mung bean cakes was completed.

However, the wooden boards proved inconvenient. Lin Yue planned to buy a proper mold from the town in a few days. Many pastries required molds, and buying one sooner would save time later.

When the Shen parents rose, they saw the couple busy and didn’t enter the kitchen. Each went to gather their things—they still had fields to tend today and couldn’t dawdle.

Only when Lin Yue finished breakfast and called them did they wash their hands and enter. Song Xunchun immediately spotted the items on the table. “You made pastries? And even arranged them on a plate?”

Lin Yue smiled as he replied, “Mung bean cakes. Mother, try one and tell me if they’re good. If you like them, I’ll make them again next time.”

Shen Lingzhi poked his head over from the side, swiftly pinched one, popped it into his mouth, and mumbled, “Mother, I’ll test if it’s tasty for you first.”

Song Xunchun playfully scolded, “You’re so impatient! Your brother made them, and you’re the first to eat them before he even had a chance.”

“Delicious! Brother Lin Yue, your skills are amazing! From today on, mung bean cakes are my favorite thing to eat.”

Lin Yue chuckled, “If you like them, have a few more. Sit down and eat breakfast.”

The family ate breakfast in lively cheer. Afterward, Shen Zhengchu and his wife headed out to the fields. Before leaving, they instructed, “There’s not much work to do in the fields today. You two don’t need to come along. Rest a bit and wash the dirty clothes at home.”

Lin Yue and Shen Lingzhi exchanged a glance and replied, “Understood, Mother.”

After the Shens left, Shen Huaizhi emerged carrying his own book chest and a bamboo basket. Standing in the courtyard, he asked, “Is there anything else you need me to tell Mom and Dad?”

Lin Yue shook her head. “Just tell them I’m doing well. That’s all. You should go now—don’t be late.”

“Oh, and make sure to have lunch at their place today. It’s your first day there—they’ll be upset if you don’t stay for the meal. But I’ve packed some provisions for you too, so it’s up to you.”

Shen Huaizhi nodded to each request. “Alright, I’m off. You two take care at home.”

Seeing Shen Lingzhi seemed even more worried than he was, Lin Yue waved his hand. “Go already, go! You’ll be late for real if you don’t hurry.”

The sun rose higher in the sky. Only two people remained in the courtyard. Lin Yue and Shen Lingzhi didn’t part ways either, heading together to the kitchen to tidy up the dishes.

Lin Yue paused before speaking, “Lingzhi, go gather the dirty laundry from Father and Mother’s room. Let’s wash it early so we can do other chores.”

“Understood, Brother. I’ll go now.”

After gathering the family’s dirty laundry, they each carried a large basin full to the river outside the courtyard to wash the clothes.

Lin Yue looked at the grass by the riverbank with surprise and delight, calling out to Shen Lingzhi: ” Lingzhi, look! There are a few soapwort plants here. Let’s pick them and boil them later. Not only can we use the water to wash clothes, but it’s also good for bathing. It’s more convenient than soapberries.”

Shen Lingzhi gasped, “Wow! We rarely get to pick these. I’ll go get the sickle right now. Last time I thought I’d cut them after washing the clothes, but someone else had already taken them.”

“Really? Then hurry up. I’ll start washing and wait for you.”

Lin Yue and Shen Lingzhi hadn’t been washing long when several people gradually gathered by the riverbank. The chatter and laundry made for a lively scene. Lin Yue seized every opportunity to reinforce his persona, ensuring everyone who saw him believed he was gentle and harmless—yet not someone to be taken advantage of.

After about two hours, Lin Yue and Shen Lingzhi finished washing their clothes and bid farewell.

“Auntie, you keep washing. We’ll head back now. Come visit our place sometime when you’re free.”

Hao Yulan happened to be washing clothes there today. Being somewhat more familiar with Lin Yue, she replied, “Sure, we’ll definitely come. If you have free time, come visit our place too. Your sister-in-law is bored out of her mind at home all alone.”

“Really? We’ll definitely come when we have time.”

After exchanging pleasantries, Lin Yue and Shen Lingzhi headed home. As it was getting late, they divided the chores: Shen Lingzhi went to hang the laundry, while Lin Yue returned to the kitchen to prepare lunch.

While stoking the fire, wondering what his parents would cook for Shen Huaizhi today. He craved his mother’s spicy vegetable pancakes and resolved to ask her to make them for him next time he visited.

It was their first lunch together as a group of four, and Lin Yue still felt a bit uneasy. He kept peeking outside the door, hoping to catch a glimpse of Shen Huaizhi, which earned him a few teasing remarks from Song Xunchun.

Time flew by in a flurry of activity until dusk. Song Xunchun and the others returned early that afternoon, so she took charge of dinner preparations while Lin Yue followed behind to assist.

Noticing his boredom, Song Xunchun suggested, “Huaizhi should be coming back around this time. If you like, you can go out for a walk and pick him up on your way.”

Lin Yue felt a bit awkward but agreed. He wondered if Shen Huaizhi had inquired about his parents. He’d been away from home for so many days now—he didn’t know how they were doing.

“Mother, I’m off then.”

Song Xunchun smiled. “Go quickly. Do you know the way? Don’t get lost.”

“Don’t worry, Mother. I know my way.”

Lin Yue dashed out after speaking, only slowing to a walk near the crossroads. Shen Huaizhi had returned early tonight and happened to meet Lin Yue at the village entrance.

Surprised to see him approaching, Shen Huaizhi stepped forward. “Why are you out? Is something wrong?”

“Nothing. Just came to pick you up after school.”

Shen Huaizhi hadn’t expected that reason. Though pleased, he still cautioned, “Don’t come next time. It’s quite a distance from home to the village entrance. You should rest while you can. There aren’t many people outside the village, and it’s not safe.”

Lin Yue walked behind Shen Huaizhi, his foot stepping on his shadow. “I came today because I was free at home. I definitely won’t come during the busy farming season, and I won’t go beyond the village entrance. Don’t worry.”

“Alright, whatever you say. Thank you for picking me up. I’m really happy.”

Lin Yue felt a tingle in his ears. Shen Huaizhi’s voice sounded so soft it was almost dripping with emotion. Feeling slightly uncomfortable, he cleared his throat and changed the subject. “Did you go to my house?”

“Yes. During the noon break, your younger brother came to call me specifically. Mother came too. I had lunch before returning to the private school.”

Lin Yue wore a look of “I knew it” as he pressed further, “How are Father and Mother looking? Any illnesses? And my younger brother?”

Shen Huaizhi patted his shoulder reassuringly and murmured, “Don’t rush. Take your time. Father and Mother are both well, and so is your brother. They loved the mung bean cakes too. I also told them you’re doing well and not to worry. Rest assured.”

With that, he lifted the cloth covering the basket and handed Lin Yue something. ”This is the spicy vegetable pancake Mother made for you. She said you like it and asked me to bring it. She also embroidered a handkerchief for you—it has a lotus flower design.”

Lin Yue felt a pang of heartache. He longed to be home right now. Sigh.

He tucked the handkerchief into his robe and smiled softly, “My mother’s spicy vegetable cakes are delicious. We’ll have them for dinner later.”

Seeing his gloom, Shen Huaizhi pulled out another cloth bundle. “These mulberries and bramble berries I picked along the way. They’re sweet—here, have some.”

Lin Yue’s eyes lit up. He popped one into his mouth. “You find these along the road? Haven’t had them in ages. You should try one too.”

After eating three or four, he suddenly remembered to ask, “Did you save some for Lingzhi and the others?”

Shen Huaizhi: “…”

Lin Yue: “You forgot?”

“Ahem, I didn’t think to save any the first time I picked them. Next time I’ll definitely set some aside for them.”

Lin Yue shot him a glare. “Good thing I didn’t eat them all. That would’ve been so rude—it would’ve strained our relationship.”

Shen Huaizhi, feeling guilty, murmured a promise. “I’ll remember next time.”

The walk home wasn’t long. By the time they finished talking, they could already see the rooftops of the Shen residence. Lin Yue glanced at the rising smoke and urged, “Let’s hurry. The smoke is almost gone. Mother must have finished cooking.”

“Alright.”

Sure enough, upon entering the house, Song Xunchun was already serving rice.

━━ 🐈‍⬛ ━━

Before they knew it, May arrived. Shen Huaizhi continued his daily routine of leaving early and returning late, while Lin Yue followed Song Xunchun around the house, finishing up the remaining odd jobs.

By the afternoon of the fourth day, Lin Yue finally found some free time and prepared to wrap zongzi.

“Mother, let’s make extra zongzi today. I heard they symbolize ‘success in exams and official positions.’ It’s for good luck.”

Song Xunchun nodded repeatedly. “That’s the first time I’ve heard that interpretation. It certainly sounds auspicious. We’ll make extra then, so he can give some to his teacher and your parents later.”

Lin Yue replied with a smile, “Then let’s make several different flavors—both sweet and savory.”

Shen Lingzhi, who had been lost in thought nearby, suddenly spoke up, “Salty zongzi? Can that even taste good?”