Zhou Yueshen's Adam's apple bobbed slightly as he gazed at her.
She cradled the bowl delicately in her slender hands, lowering her head slightly as she sipped the porridge. The ribbon at her chest remained untied, revealing glimpses of the delicate skin beneath her neck.
Her smooth skin was dotted with faint love bites, and further down, the pronounced curve of her chest hinted that the marks likely extended even there.
Not an inch of her skin had been spared.
The memories of the previous night tightened his throat, forcing him to avert his gaze—though his dark eyes only grew deeper with restraint.
"Would you like anything else to eat?"
Si Nian paused her porridge and shook her head lightly. "No, I'm full."
Before Zhou Yueshen could say more, the door handle turned with a soft click, pulled by tiny hands.
The door nudged Yaoyao’s small frame as she wobbled in, clutching the handle with wide, expectant eyes.
"Mommy, mommy~" Rubbing her sleepy eyes, her hair sticking up in adorable tufts, she toddled straight toward Si Nian, arms outstretched for a hug.
The little one had been somewhat neglected these past few days, with the family busy preparing for the wedding. Her two older brothers had been looking after her.
Now that they were off to school, she had no one to play with—so she naturally found her way to Si Nian’s room.
Si Nian wanted to scoop her up, but even the slightest movement sent a dull ache through her body.
Zhou Yueshen stood and lifted their daughter, settling her onto the bed.
Yaoyao immediately scrambled into Si Nian’s embrace, her big, bright eyes brimming with affection.
In that moment, Si Nian felt as though this tiny child truly was her own.
The tenderness of the sensation melted her heart completely.
She had indeed been too preoccupied lately, unintentionally overlooking the little one.
After moving in with Zhou Yueshen, Yaoyao had been sleeping with her brothers.
She hadn’t expected the girl to seek her out on her own.
Gently patting the child’s back, she murmured, "Does Yaoyao want to nap with Mommy?"
Yaoyao clung to her, nodding sleepily with drooping eyelids.
Children always needed more rest, and Si Nian had made it a habit to nap with her when she had free time.
The routine had stuck—the little one would usually doze off instantly, but today, she had stubbornly fought sleep just to find her.
Si Nian’s heart swelled with warmth. All that doting hadn’t gone to waste.
Seeing this, Zhou Yueshen rose.
"Then rest a little longer. I’ll go tidy up downstairs."
Si Nian nodded. She was still exhausted, so she curled back under the soft covers with Yaoyao nestled against her.
Honestly, the wool blankets from this era were far superior to the ones in the future—so plush and comfortable.
Her eyes fluttered shut, and she drifted back to sleep.
Zhou Yueshen watched the pair for a moment, adjusting the blanket over them before quietly leaving with the empty bowl.
When Si Nian woke again, it was already afternoon.
Yaoyao, ever independent, had woken earlier and was now amusing herself downstairs.
Peering out the window, Si Nian spotted the little girl feeding a rabbit with a leaf of cabbage.
Over time, the bunny had grown plump and fluffy, its twitching nose making it even more endearing as it nibbled.
Yaoyao could watch it for hours, never tiring of the sight.
Zhou Yueshen was nowhere in sight—likely out on errands.
She had half-expected the house to be in disarray when she woke, given how things had been left half-cleaned the night before.
But to her surprise, the courtyard had been washed down, leaving only the fresh scent of damp earth.
Inside, everything had been neatly straightened up.
Now, she found herself with nothing to do.
The weather had turned cooler, the wind carrying a biting chill.
Just as she was about to call Yaoyao inside, a knock sounded at the iron gate.
Turning, she saw one of the women who had helped with the wedding yesterday—Sister-in-law Zhu, a child strapped to her back.
Si Nian approached. "Sister-in-law Zhu, did you need something?"
The woman fidgeted, looking sheepish. "Si Nian, I was hoping to buy something from you."
"Buy something?" Si Nian blinked in surprise.
Sister-in-law Zhu nodded. "My little one brought home some of your mung bean cakes yesterday, and now all the other kids are clamoring for a taste. I don’t know how to make them, and they’re making such a fuss… So I thought I’d come ask if I could buy some from you."
Even she couldn’t help swallowing at the memory of the sweet, soft cakes.
They weren’t just for kids—even adults like her couldn’t resist.
With so many children at home, the moment her eldest had shared the treat, the younger ones had burst into tears, demanding their share.
Left with no choice, she had come to Si Nian, hoping to purchase a small portion.
The village had a small grocery, but it only stocked cheap snacks.
She’d rather spend money on Si Nian’s homemade cakes than on junk food.
Si Nian smiled. "Oh, is that all? Let me check—I think I still have some left."
She had made plenty for the wedding, knowing there’d be many children around.
The cakes were rich, so she hadn’t served too many at once.
Sure enough, she still had a stash.
She returned with a small newspaper-wrapped bundle and handed it over.
Despite its modest size, the package was surprisingly heavy.
Sister-in-law Zhu flustered, waving her hands. "No, no, this is too much! I only need a couple of pieces!"
Such a quantity would cost a fortune—store-bought pastries in the city were exorbitantly priced, something they could rarely afford.
She had only come because Si Nian made them herself.
A small taste for the kids would’ve been enough.
How could she possibly take so much?
It wasn’t that she didn’t want it—she simply couldn’t afford it.
In the village, every family pinched pennies just to get by.
Extravagance like this was unthinkable.
Si Nian chuckled. "It’s really not much. Take it—I still have plenty."
"But I don’t have enough money! Si Nian, just give me fifty cents’ worth. I… I didn’t bring much with me…" Sister-in-law Zhu’s face flushed with embarrassment.
Si Nian shook her head. "I won’t take your money. You all helped so much yesterday—I’d feel bad accepting payment. These cakes are nothing."
"That’s too kind of you. I can’t possibly—"
"Don’t be so formal, Sister-in-law. If you really feel awkward, just bring me some mung beans next time. If the kids like them, I’ll make more for you."
At this, Sister-in-law Zhu finally relented, thanking her profusely.
The encounter gave Si Nian an idea—perhaps she could start selling her homemade pastries while she had free time at home.
