Si's Father took a deep breath and forced a loving smile.
"You're welcome."
No one had it worse than him—not only did he have to give red envelopes to his adopted daughter, but now he had to give them to two unfamiliar children as well!
But surely this was almost over, right?
Just then, Si Nian spoke up: "Dad, you can just give Yaoyao's red envelope to me. She's too young and might lose the money. I'll save it for her, and she’ll thank you when she grows up."
"Oh, and these are my biological siblings, Little Feng and Little Yu," she added, pointing to Lin Feng and Lin Yu, who were looking on with envy.
Lin Feng and Lin Yu exchanged shocked glances: We get some too?
Si's Father: "......"
"Ah, Shitou, come here quickly..."
Shitou was stunned: I get one too?
Si's Father: "I have some matters to attend to..."
With that, he grabbed his wife and daughter and hurriedly left the Si household.
If he stayed any longer, he’d truly be left penniless.
Si Nian cheerfully called after them, "Mom, Dad, come visit often! The kids really like you."
Si's Father stumbled, nearly tripping.
The onlookers nodded in satisfaction, giving the Si family a rating: "They might not be the best people, but they’re certainly generous with money."
Si the Generous Father: "......" as if his soul had been drained.
Once everyone had dispersed, Si Nian finally couldn’t hold back her laughter.
Fu Qianqian narrowed her eyes and snapped, "You used me."
Si Nian: "Took you long enough to realize?"
Fu Qianqian: "......"
As satisfying as it was to see the Si family humiliated, why did she feel so irritated now?
Fu Qianqian glared at Si Nian resentfully. "Hmph, since it’s your wedding day, I’ll let it slide. I brought you some gifts—but don’t get the wrong idea! It was my parents who made me buy them, not me. They said you gave up your city life for me, which is just pitiful. Since it’s hard to buy nice clothes in the countryside, they told me to get you two new outfits and some skincare products. All imported from Hong Kong. Hmph~ Lucky you."
Si Nian knew Fu Qianqian was the classic case of a sharp tongue but a soft heart. The Fu family wasn’t particularly close to her, and they certainly wouldn’t spend so much on her out of kindness.
This woman was the type who would repay three parts of kindness with ten, yet refused to admit it.
Oh well—if she acknowledged it, she’d probably be too embarrassed.
"Ah yes, I’m so lucky. Thank you for bringing me all these things from so far away."
"Tch~ It’s not like I wanted to. It was all my parents..."
"Right, right. Then please thank your parents for me."
Fu Qianqian huffed again.
"You should go eat. The second round of dishes should be starting soon," Si Nian reminded her.
Fu Qianqian, eager to dig in, immediately straightened up—though she felt a little awkward. Yu Dong stepped forward. "Come on, I’ll take you."
Si Nian glanced at him. "Thanks for looking after her."
Yu Dong grinned, flashing a row of white teeth. "No trouble at all. None whatsoever."
Fu Qianqian had always been bold and unrestrained. After a few drinks, she was already chatting animatedly with everyone at the table.
From her, the guests learned more about Si Nian’s past—how she had been the top student in the military compound. Everyone was amazed, growing even fonder of Si Nian.
Such an outstanding woman, willingly marrying into their village without a hint of disdain, even managing the Zhou household so efficiently—where else could they find someone like her?
Fu Qianqian, now drunk, was helped to rest by Yu Dong.
She kept mumbling about going home, insisting her father would "break her dog legs" if she didn’t return.
So Yu Dong borrowed Zhou Yueshen’s motorcycle to take her back.
Si Nian knew the Fu family was strict—they’d never allow their daughter to stay out overnight. Yu Dong was reliable and familiar with the city, so she entrusted him with the task.
The wedding feast lasted well into the night.
By the time the festivities ended, it was already dark. Aside from the drinkers and the kitchen crew cleaning up, everyone had gone home.
With so many guests, the floor was a mess—strewn with candy wrappers and melon seed shells. The tables were in disarray too.
With so many children around, rural banquets were always like this. Si Nian had braced herself for it.
Still, she’d had a relatively easy day, mostly resting while Zhou Yueshen handled the guests. He hadn’t even let her drink.
Now, she was the most clear-headed one left.
As she stepped out to grab a broom, she spotted Zhou Zedong’s small, slightly hunched figure sweeping in the dim light.
He worked quietly, almost unnoticeable.
It was late—all the other children had long gone to bed. Yet here he was, still sweeping.
And he had school tomorrow.
A bittersweet feeling welled up in Si Nian’s chest.
Zhou Zedong seemed to sense her gaze and paused, looking up.
Seeing her standing there watching him, he straightened nervously.
"Mom... do you need something?"
Si Nian shook her head and walked over. "Let me handle it. You should sleep—you have class tomorrow."
The boy had been busy all day.
Zhou Zedong quickly shook his head. "I’m not tired. I’ll sweep. You... you should rest."
With that, he turned away and resumed sweeping faster.
Si Nian sighed.
Zhou Yueshen returned to the room reeking of alcohol—who knew how much he’d drunk.
Si Nian had just stepped out of the bathroom in fresh sleepwear when the strong scent hit her.
She met his dark gaze. His expression was calm, not like a drunkard’s.
But his eyes were deep, almost magnetic.
Her pulse skipped. She adjusted the thin ribbon of her nightgown, tying it into a bow.
She had changed into her pajamas but hadn’t removed her makeup yet. For the wedding, she’d worn red lipstick—her lips now lush and inviting. Her small nose was delicate, her lashes long and fluttering with every blink.
The silk nightgown clung lightly to her skin, the pale fabric accentuating the fairness of her neck.
A string of pristine pearls rested against her collarbone. Her hair was loosely pinned up, slightly disheveled—giving her an elegant yet softly disarrayed allure.
Zhou Yueshen watched her for a few silent seconds.
Si Nian finished tying the bow and met his gaze. "Do you want some sobering soup?"
From upstairs, she’d seen him single-handedly outdrink several tables of guests.
Zhou Yueshen shook his head.
He pressed his fingers to his temples, rubbing lightly as if tired. Then he stepped closer, gently removing the hairpins from her updo. His fingers massaged her scalp, easing the tension, before settling at the nape of her neck.
He leaned in, lips brushing her throat.
His hair was short and coarse, prickling her delicate skin—both painful and ticklish.
"Zhou Yueshen."
Her voice made him pause. He sucked lightly at her neck before lifting his head. "Hm?"
Si Nian held his gaze. "Go shower."
His voice was low. "Alright."
He kissed her neck once more, leaving a faint mark, then straightened.
