Early the next morning, Shen Linchuan was still dressed in his crisp, short brown robe. His hair was neatly gathered atop his head with a ribbon as he shouldered his water-carrying pole with purpose.

His spirits were high at the crack of dawn, his steps light and brisk. He greeted fellow villagers with smiles, and they returned his cheerful hellos.

The sun hadn’t risen yet, and the sky was just turning light. The village was already bustling: some carried hoes to weed the fields, others shouldered bamboo baskets to cut grass on the back mountain, and some led children heading to town for fun. Even the water-drawing spot was crowded.

“Linchuan, come draw water.”

“Ah, Auntie, you’re up early too.”

After exchanging greetings, Shen Linchuan joined the queue to draw water. When his turn came, he scooped up two buckets, hooked the ends of the carrying pole onto the buckets, and settled into a half-squat stance, balancing the load steadily as he walked.

Having carried water for several days now, Shen Linchuan’s technique had grown increasingly proficient. He strode forward with long, confident steps.

“Look at Shen Linchuan—up bright and early to fetch water.”

“You haven’t seen it, but he comes every single day. Ever since he arrived at the Zhou household, I haven’t once seen Zhou Da or Ning-ger come to draw water.”

“He’s quite diligent. People say he’s lazy and good-for-nothing, but I think that’s just gossip.”

The well was bustling all morning. After exchanging a few words, everyone returned home to their chores. There was no shortage of work to be done: cooking, feeding the chickens and pigs, cleaning the courtyard—everywhere needed tending.

Back home, Shen Linchuan emptied the bucket into the water vat. Zhou Ning was already awake, sitting before the stove, stoking the fire. Shen Linchuan smiled at him. “Up already?”

Zhou Ning looked listless, as if he hadn’t slept well. He nodded blankly. “Shen Linchuan, what do you want to eat?”

“Anything’s fine.”

“How about tofu pudding? I’ll go buy some.”

“Sounds good.”

Zhou Ning stood up, but Shen Linchuan grabbed his arm as he passed by. “What’s wrong? Didn’t sleep well?”

“Had a dream.” Zhou Ning yawned, his eyes still a bit damp.

Shen Linchuan felt an irresistible urge, leaning in to kiss him. Startled, Zhou Ning flinched backward. What was he thinking, doing that in broad daylight! Suddenly wide awake, he hurriedly found a clay pot and rushed out. “I’m… going to buy tofu pudding.”

“Ning-ger, what dream did you have yesterday that left you so exhausted?”

Zhou Ning hurried off with the earthenware bowl, his face still flushed as he stepped out of his shop. He couldn’t very well admit he’d dreamt of Shen Linchuan holding and kissing him, which had left him tossing and turning all night.

The village tofu shop was bustling early with customers buying tofu pudding. When someone called out to him, Zhou Ning just nodded with a grunt.

“Ning-ger!”

A tap on his shoulder made Zhou Ning jump. Turning, he saw it was Zhang Xiaoyi. “Yi-ger.”

Zhang Xiaoyi grinned, revealing two tiny fangs. “Ning-ger, you’re here for tofu too?”

“Yeah, I’m buying tofu pudding.”

Zhang Xiaoyi squeezed close to Zhou Ning, looking quite pleased as he chattered away. Zhou Ning just nodded and listened.

“Ning-ger, there are plenty of elm seeds on my elm tree. Want me to pick some for you?”

Only then did Zhou Ning turn his head. “Sure, sure.”

“Perfect. There are some spots I can’t reach. Could you grab some for me while you’re at it?”

Zhou Ning nodded. “Sure.”

“Then come over after you eat.”

When it was Zhou Ning’s turn, he scooped a clay pot full of tofu pudding. The sauce was already mixed and ready to pour, so he simply ladled it over the pudding and carried the pot home.

Shen Linchuan had filled the water barrel at home. When Zhou Ning returned, Shen Linchuan was practicing his boxing routine in the courtyard, still looking a bit limp and lacking strength.

Zhou Ning glanced at him before heading into the kitchen to get busy. There was no need to cook anything this morning—the steamed buns were already warmed in the pot, ready to eat.

Zhou Da returned carrying a hoe. He didn’t need to go to town today, so he’d headed straight to the fields to weed. His back basket was still filled with some grass, which he tossed into the chicken coop for the birds to eat.

The three shared bowls of tofu pudding with steamed buns. Shen Linchuan particularly enjoyed it—the pudding was wonderfully fragrant, made with fine beans and just the right amount of water, resulting in an exceptionally rich and mellow flavor. He polished off one and a half bowls himself.

After the meal, everyone went about their tasks. Zhou Da emerged with his bag, preparing to collect pigs. “I got back early today. Some families have already brought their pigs over. Just haul them back.”

“Father, let’s buy a mule someday. It’ll make your business easier.”

Zhou Da scratched the back of his head. “Outsiders see us eating meat daily, but they don’t know we’ve been unable to afford a mule these past years. You two will have children someday, and I’m still young. We can buy one later.”

Shen Linchuan nodded. “Father, you’ve worked so hard. Once we save up enough silver, let’s buy a mule first. We’ll take things step by step.”

“Agreed.” Zhou Da consented. But such beasts weren’t easily acquired—a mule cost nearly twenty taels of silver.

Zhou Da pushed his cart out to collect pigs. Over the years, he’d grown accustomed to this life. He’d considered buying a working animal, but the silver never quite added up. His own household expenses were high, and he often had to subsidize his nephew’s education. Truly, he’d never managed to buy a working animal.

Shen Linchuan had nothing pressing to do now. He took a gourd scoop to water the pumpkin and winter melon seedlings he’d planted earlier. The vegetable plot beside it had already been tilled. Tomorrow, after buying seeds, he’d sow them. This patch of land wasn’t small—it would be more than enough to supply their daily vegetables.

Shen Linchuan looked up and saw his Fulang heading out with a basket. He called after him, “Ning-ger, where are you going?”

“Yi-ger asked me to pick some elm seeds for him.”

Shen Linchuan perked up at once. “I’ll come with you.”

Elm seeds were a real treat—back in the big city, they were expensive and sold in stores. Steamed, they were delicious.

Zhou Ning glanced at Shen Linchuan and remarked, “Yi-ger seems to dislike you.”

Shen Linchuan’s lips twitched. He didn’t need to state it so bluntly!

“It’s fine. As long as I like him.”

Shen Linchuan still went with Zhou Ning. He had nothing better to do anyway. Together, they headed to Zhang Xiaoyi’s house. When they arrived, Zhang Xiaoyi was tying a sickle to a bamboo pole, while a middle-aged man with a beard was sifting through herbs laid out to dry.

Zhang Xiaoyi smiled as soon as he saw Zhou Ning. “Ning-ger, you’re here.”

His expression immediately soured upon spotting Shen Linchuan following behind. “Why are you here too?”

The speed of his change in demeanor was nothing short of astonishing, clearly showing how unwelcome Shen Linchuan was. Shen Linchuan offered a standard fake smile. “I came to help out.”

Doctor Zhang glanced over. Ah, this was Zhou Da’s new son-in-law. He’d never seen him before. Setting aside other matters, he was quite handsome. Master Zhou certainly knew how to pick a son-in-law.

“Right away. Have some tea. Yi-ger, you entertain our guest.”

Shen Linchuan offered a polite greeting. Doctor Zhang’s home was quite lovely, with a garden filled with colorful flowers—a pleasant sight indeed.

Zhang Xiaoyi frowned. “Father, can’t you see I’m busy? Ning-ger isn’t a stranger—why entertain him?”

Seeing Zhang Xiaoyi squatting on the ground for ages without securing the sickle, Zhou Ning walked over. “No need to tie it. I’ll just climb the tree and cut a few branches—that’ll be enough.”

“But that’s dangerous! Just use the sickle to cut some down.”

“It’s fine. I can climb trees.”

Zhou Ning tucked the sickle into his waistband. Shen Linchuan, seeing this, hurriedly protested, “Brother Ning, don’t climb! That tree is quite tall. You might get hurt.”

Zhang Xiaoyi nodded vigorously. “Exactly! Exactly! Why should a little ger climb trees? Shen Linchuan is a grown man—let him do it.”

Shen Linchuan was momentarily flustered. “I don’t know how…”

Zhang Xiaoyi rolled her eyes impatiently. “Aren’t you from the countryside? Every kid in this village could climb trees before they could walk. Don’t know how? No wonder people say you’re useless.”

Shen Linchuan raised an eyebrow. This Zhang Xiaoyi was clearly at odds with him—every word he spoke was laced with barbs, sharp as needles.

“Ning-ger, look at him!”

Zhou Ning immediately turned his head. “Don’t talk about him like that.”

Zhang Xiaoyi’s eyes nearly popped out of his head. Wait, who exactly is the man here?! Shen Linchuan was actually tattling like a little kid! He hadn’t played that game since he was three!

Zhou Ning thought he’d resolved the conflict. He didn’t know why the two couldn’t get along. He wiped his hands on his clothes twice and then climbed up the tree with ease. Shen Linchuan was afraid he’d fall. “Ning-ger, be careful!”

“Stop yelling! You’re scaring Ning-ger!” The two glared at each other, then turned away in unison, refusing to acknowledge the other. 

Zhou Ning was already perched on a branch, swinging his sickle. “Move aside.” Elm branches fell steadily from above. In no time, Zhou Ning had cut down quite a few. He’d been climbing trees since childhood. Come autumn, he’d often head alone to the back mountain with his axe to chop firewood. Climbing an elm tree? Child’s play for him. 

Shen Linchuan stood below, filled with worry, fearing Zhou Ning might slip and fall. This kid really didn’t think of himself as a ger!

“Alright, alright, Ning-ger, come down now.”

Seeing the pile on the ground, Zhou Ning slid down the trunk. As soon as he landed, Shen Linchuan rushed over, took his hand, and examined it. “Did you scrape your hands? I told you, you could’ve cut them from below. Why did you have to climb up?”

Zhou Ning froze, never having heard that climbing trees could scrape your hands. “No.”

“You say no? Look, your hands are all red. No more climbing next time, you hear me?” Zhou Ning nodded. 

“Got it.” Zhang Xiaoyi, upon hearing Zhou Ning’s hands were red, pushed past Shen Linchuan and grabbed his hands too. “Xiao Ning, you’re not hurt, are you?”

“It’s just a tree. I’m fine.”

“You really shouldn’t climb anymore. Next time, let your man do it. A young ger like you scrambling up and down—it’s so dangerous.” Shen Linchuan pulled Zhou Ning’s hand toward him. Why was he grabbing his fulang’s hand? The two shot each other a disapproving glance, neither one giving the other an inch. 

Zhou Ning took the basket and started gathering elm seeds. The other two joined him, and soon both Zhou Ning and Shen Linchuan had filled their baskets. They had enough for two meals. Taking advantage of their visit to Doctor Zhang’s, Shen Linchuan bought a good amount of star anise, Sichuan peppercorns, and other spices. His father earned some money selling pork, but adding extra income to the household would help them buy a mule sooner. That would make traveling to town for business much easier. 

Doctor Zhang was quite kind and carefully wrapped up everything Shen Linchuan requested. Shen Linchuan didn’t have any coins on him. He called out toward the door, “Ning-ger, help me pay for these.”