Si Nian steamed the rice while also preparing some shredded potatoes and washed cabbage, planning to make a spicy and sour shredded potato dish and a simple cabbage soup.
She didn’t skimp on the oil—once the lard hit the pan with scallions and ginger, an irresistible aroma instantly filled the kitchen.
The rich fragrance even distracted Shitou and Yaoyao, who had been playing marbles in the living room.
"Auntie, your cooking smells so good! Much better than Grandma’s," Shitou blurted out.
As Si Nian stepped out of the kitchen, she spotted Shitou drooling with anticipation.
With a smile, she rummaged through the cabinet and handed him a crispy sesame biscuit. "Here, snack on this first to tide you over. I’ll cook you a proper meal later."
She had bought plenty of biscuits and candies the day before, mostly to appease Yaoyao.
With so many kids around, having some treats on hand was always useful for moments like this.
Seeing Shitou’s pitiful expression, her heart softened.
In these times, sugar was a luxury, especially in rural areas where people rarely indulged. Yet, whenever she gave Shitou candy, he always shared it with Yaoyao—such a thoughtful child.
And Si Nian adored thoughtful children.
"Auntie, you’re the best!" Shitou’s dark, bright eyes lit up like stars at the sight of the biscuit.
Si Nian patted his head. "Later, I’ll need you to watch Yaoyao for me while I take lunch to your uncle, okay?"
Shitou nodded eagerly.
Back in the kitchen, Si Nian packed the rice and side dishes into a stainless-steel lunchbox, leaving a portion for Shitou with a bowl of rice.
Overjoyed, Shitou kept thanking her.
Si Nian chuckled, then picked up Yaoyao, who was reaching out for a hug, before heading out with the lunchbox.
Just then, Aunt Zhang came by to call Shitou home for lunch. Noticing Si Nian leaving, she pointed helpfully, "Heading out already? If you’re not sure of the way, just follow this main road straight ahead. Their livestock farm is quite large—you can’t miss it."
Si Nian thanked her and set off in the direction she indicated.
The June sun was scorching, but the village breeze made the heat bearable, gently lifting the hem of her dress.
To protect her delicate skin, Si Nian wore a stylish sun hat—its design not only shielded her from the sun but also accentuated her features beautifully.
As she walked past the fields, many of the farmers taking their lunch breaks paused to stare.
No one recognized her, though some had caught a glimpse of her the day before.
Whispers spread quickly—whose relative was she?
Certainly, no one in the village had ever seen someone so striking.
Si Nian remained unfazed by the attention.
After all, she was a city girl who had married into this rural life—she saw no need to ingratiate herself to fit in.
So, when met with curious gazes, she simply smiled politely in acknowledgment.
Human connections, after all, often start with a smile.
A first nod, a second greeting, and by the third interaction, familiarity blooms.
Sure enough, her friendly demeanor caught people off guard, and some even smiled back in surprise.
Most villagers were simple and kind, with only a few exceptions.
As long as city folk didn’t look down on them, their admiration for urban life was harmless.
Walking along, Si Nian reflected on her past life—working for over a decade in the city, barely scraping together enough for a down payment on a house, dreaming of returning to the countryside for a peaceful, self-sufficient life.
But reality had been harsh—even a small fortune couldn’t guarantee true freedom.
Now, reborn into this world, she finally had the chance to live that dream.
No matter how the story unfolded in this novel, she didn’t care.
Her only goal was to live well.
Meanwhile, at the livestock farm...
After a grueling morning, the workers sat sweating as they ate their lunches.
Though the work was tough—rising early and toiling late—the pay was far better than farming.
Everyone wore expressions of weary satisfaction.
The farm had makeshift living quarters since someone always had to stay overnight in case of emergencies.
Most workers ate breakfast at home, had lunch delivered by family, and either returned home for dinner or cooked something simple if they finished late.
With such short breaks, no one bothered cooking midday meals themselves.
While the other men cozied up with their wives over lunch, the person delivering Zhou Yueshen’s meal finally arrived.
Spotting her, the workers teased, "Boss, Sister Liu is here with your lunch!"
Zhou Yueshen walked over, frowning at the sight of the bashful Liu Guifang.
She stepped forward, clutching the lunchbox, dressed in a thick floral-patterned padded jacket—despite the summer heat, rural folks often bundled up regardless of the season.
This jacket had been a wedding gift from her family, one she’d treasured and rarely worn.
Only at her mother’s insistence—to impress Zhou Yueshen—had she finally put it on.
Her hair was braided into two pigtails, her face flushed with shyness, like an unmarried maiden.
The onlookers exchanged knowing glances.
They were all experienced—it was obvious what the girl’s intentions were.
Rumors had spread that Zhou Yueshen’s previous arranged marriage with the Lin Family had fallen through, souring opinions of outsiders.
Many now thought a local girl like Liu Guifang might be a better match.
Though she’d been married before, she had no children and was still young.
Since Aunt Liu often helped deliver meals, Liu Guifang had stepped in a few times—everyone agreed she seemed like a decent girl.
"Dressed like a peacock—I knew the Liu family was up to no good," one woman muttered, elbowing her husband for staring.
"What’s wrong with looking nice? Unlike you, all frumpy after marriage," the man retorted, earning a sharp pinch from his wife.
Liu Guifang handed the lunchbox to Zhou Yueshen, her voice sugary sweet. "Brother Zhou, my mother asked me to bring you lunch. Sorry for the delay."
Since Aunt Liu usually helped with Zhou’s children and meals, no one found Liu Guifang’s presence unusual.
Zhou Yueshen accepted it indifferently. "Thanks."
Just as he took it, a collective gasp rippled through the crowd.
He glanced up and saw a woman standing at the iron gate, holding a lunchbox.
She wore a vibrant yellow dress, paired with delicate black leather shoes that revealed slender, fair ankles.
A thin belt cinched her tiny waist, and her fingers—elegant and pale—gripped the lunchbox.
Her dark hair was loosely tied in a low ponytail, the silky strands dancing in the breeze.
Her oval face, bright eyes, and pearly teeth radiated youthful charm.
The sunny yellow hue suited her perfectly, making her skin glow like snow.
