Lu Siyuan’s cooking skills were not particularly good, but compared to some people, they were satisfactory. He cooked five or six dishes with a mix of meat, vegetables, and a soup. Ignoring the housing, just from the food, there seemed to be little difference from the 21st century.
Everyone was used to eating this way in the city, so nobody found it odd. Grandpa Lu, although he lived in the village, wasn’t stingy. In his view, as long as no food was wasted, he didn’t mind how much was eaten.
A phrase he liked to repeat was, "You come with nothing, and you leave with nothing. Eat what should be eaten, drink what should be drunk." In the past, they were frugal in order to save money for Lu Siyuan’s education, but now Lu Siyuan earned far more than what he had saved, so he was reassured.
"Mianmian, eat more. If you’re bored in the city by yourself, stay here for a few days. Consider this your own home," Grandpa Lu said, knowing that young people liked cleanliness, so while he beckoned Shen Mianmian to eat, he didn’t actually serve her any dishes.
Hearing Grandpa Lu’s words, Lu Siyuan immediately followed with, "Brother He should be over his cold by now, right? You don’t have to go back today. Wait a few more days and we’ll visit with Dajun."
"Brother He is coming to pick me up after lunch. I’ve already promised him," Shen Mianmian said indifferently. ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭⟡𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦⟡𝘯𝘦𝘵
Lu Siyuan huffed, "Brother He’s words aren’t an imperial edict. Can’t you just tell him later that you’ve changed your mind?"
Shen Mianmian shook her head, "The snow will definitely take a few more days to melt. Once it does, the roads won’t be suitable for oxcarts. It’s better if the vegetable store reopens after the fifteenth. Everyone has worked hard for half a year. It’s good to rest more, and you should take this opportunity to spend more time with Grandpa."
Although Lu Siyuan was displeased, he knew it was true and, with another dissatisfied huff, he lowered his head and continued to eat.
Dajun listened to the conversation between the three but didn’t interject. These matters were between Shen Mianmian and Lu Siyuan, none of his business, and his input might not be welcome.
Besides, objectively speaking, it wasn’t too suitable for Shen Mianmian to stay here. After all, both she and Lu Siyuan were seventeen now and, in the eyes of others, they were nearly adults.
Some of the village women liked to gossip, and staying here wasn’t good for Shen Mianmian’s reputation.
However, he couldn’t voice these concerns because Lu Siyuan would definitely bristle.
There was a brief silence before Dajun hesitated and suddenly said, "Siyuan, Mianmian, I’m thinking of visiting Xiaocui’s home for New Year’s greetings tomorrow. What do you think?"
Dajun had been considering this for several days. He wanted to visit but was worried it might be too abrupt. Now that both of them were here, he decided to bring it up and hear their opinions.
Although they were only seventeen, both were quite mature for their age, and Dajun was keen to get their input.
"Why did you suddenly decide to visit her home for the New Year?" Lu Siyuan asked without giving it much thought.
Shen Mianmian was more perceptive. She glanced at Dajun and had a suspicion.
Dajun, feeling a bit embarrassed under Shen Mianmian’s gaze, turned red to his neck and coughed, "Well, I just wanted to make a New Year’s visit. After all, we’ve been working together for half a year, and my family doesn’t have many relatives. I just wanted some festivity."
Seeing his reaction, Shen Mianmian immediately confirmed her guess.
Dajun had his eyes on Xiaocui!
With Xiaocui being diligent, good-tempered, and attractive, she was indeed a sought-after girl in that era.