There was still some leftover rib soup from the day before yesterday. Si Nian washed an eggplant, cut it into small sections, and evenly sprinkled a bit of salt on the surface.
After preparing the seasonings, she fried the eggplant in hot oil until it softened and cooked through, then drained the oil and set it aside on a plate.
Next came the soul of the dish—the sauce. It was simple to make. Si Nian rummaged through the cupboard for a small bowl, adding a pinch of salt and MSG, two spoonfuls of sugar, two spoonfuls of aged vinegar, and two spoonfuls of soy sauce. She then poured in an equal amount of water, stirred everything thoroughly, and added a spoonful of starch to thicken the mixture.
She had also bought a jar of chili bean paste. The chili bean paste these days was exceptionally fragrant—just the aroma alone could make one crave rice. After stir-frying the paste over low heat until the red oil emerged, she added minced scallions, ginger, garlic, and chili for extra flavor and aroma. Then she tossed in the pre-fried eggplant, stir-fried to coat it evenly, and poured in the diluted sauce before turning up the heat for a final toss...
Finally, she garnished it with a sprinkle of scallions—the perfect finishing touch. It was downright irresistible with rice.
Knowing Zhou Yueshen had a big appetite, Si Nian cooked two large eggplants and also made a tomato and egg stir-fry.
After feeding Yaoyao, she drizzled some of the eggplant sauce over her own rice and devoured a full bowl.
All that was missing was some pickled spicy radish to cut through the richness.
Si Nian used to have a poor appetite during hot weather, so she liked making her own pickled radish as a side dish—it was especially appetizing. Whether it was spicy pickled radish or pickled radish strips, both paired perfectly with rice.
Si Nian swallowed her saliva, thinking she’d buy some radishes to try after delivering Zhou Yueshen’s meal.
No sooner said than done. Si Nian picked up the lunchbox and headed toward the Zhou family’s farm.
She arrived early today and even ran into other women delivering meals along the way. They greeted her warmly and showed concern.
Compared to Si Nian’s lunchbox, theirs were much simpler—just a large bowl piled with rice and topped with assorted dishes, along with a pair of chopsticks.
But as long as it was edible, no one was picky.
"Si Nian, what a coincidence! Here to deliver lunch for Boss Zhou too? I heard Aunt Liu stole from you and even hurt you yesterday. Are you okay? Shouldn’t you rest a bit more?"
"Yeah, that Aunt Liu is downright vicious. I’d heard rumors about her sticky fingers—always sneaking into people’s vegetable patches to steal. Who knew it was true?"
"Probably saw you were from the city and figured you had nice things, so she targeted you."
"Scary stuff. I heard the police even came."
"Back in the day, people like her would’ve been sent off for labor reform."
Si Nian smiled at their indignation. "It’s fine, just a bump. It’s almost healed already."
"You’re so easygoing. If it were me, I’d have gone straight to the Liu family to raise hell."
"We’re really sorry we couldn’t help. You’re new here, and already you’ve been bullied."
They had previously assured Si Nian that while their village was poor, the people were good.
But now, just days later, they’d been proven wrong.
City folks already thought country people were thieves, and now this just confirmed it.
"It’s alright. It’s over now, and Aunt Liu got what she deserved." Si Nian, the victim, ended up comforting them instead.
This only made them feel worse for her, though they couldn’t help but relish Aunt Liu’s comeuppance.
"My mother-in-law said she was howling in pain!"
"Heard she even wet herself from fear of your dog, Da Huang."
"Hah! Serves her right..."
Laughing and chatting, the women soon reached the farm.
A large delivery truck was parked at the entrance—Zhou Yueshen’s farm used it for transporting goods.
But since it was break time, no one was around except for a man snoring away in the driver’s seat.
Li Mingjun had been about to take a nap. He’d arrived early today for the afternoon shipment and had been idle since.
Just as he was dozing off, the cheerful voices of women snapped him awake.
At twenty-seven and freshly divorced, Li Mingjun was lonely and restless.
Spending his days driving back and forth between the countryside and the city, he hadn’t had any excitement in a long time.
The women’s laughter, light as wind chimes, jolted him upright—and what he saw made his eyes nearly pop out.
Among the group of country wives was a stunning beauty, blooming like a rare flower.
In all his time working here, he’d never seen such a knockout in Xingfu Village.
Slender waist, long legs, skin like porcelain, and a face that could launch ships.
Not the bony, malnourished type, but full and curvaceous in all the right places—yet her waist was so tiny he could span it with his hands, and her legs were straight and slender...
An absolute goddess among mortals!
Li Mingjun was from the city—the brother-in-law of Zhou Tingting, Zhou Yueshen’s sister. Since villagers didn’t know how to drive and Zhou Yueshen was swamped, he’d been recommended for the job.
He’d been reluctant at first, but now? He was over the moon.
Spotting the beauty approaching, he hastily wiped his drool, straightened up, and threw on a leather jacket.
In his youth, Li Mingjun had been decent-looking—he fancied himself the Zhu Shimao of Nancheng (a celebrity of that era).
With his slicked-back hair, leather jacket, and jeans, he’d been quite the heartthrob back in the day.
Marriage had toned it down, but soon enough, he’d cheated on his wife and ended up divorced.
Now older and a divorcee, he wasn’t as sought after.
Years of heavy drinking had given him a beer belly, and his looks had faded.
But Li Mingjun remained confident.
In his eyes, no man in the surrounding villages was as stylish as him.
Plus, he could drive a truck—a skill that guaranteed income wherever he went.
To Li Mingjun, the self-proclaimed Zhu Shimao of Nancheng, he was the epitome of charm. No woman could resist him.
Especially village women—naive, inexperienced, and easily swayed by sweet talk.
He’d already seduced a few, all without consequences.
Of course, he’d only been playing around—nothing serious.
But this woman? Others might see her beauty, but Li Mingjun saw his future.
As she drew closer, he hurriedly rolled down the window and, as the women passed, coughed in what he thought was a suave manner.
Sure enough, the sound caught their attention, and they all turned to look.
There, in the driver’s seat, sat a moderately handsome man gazing their way.
"Hello~ ladies, here to deliver lunch?" Li Mingjun greeted them in what he believed was a cool, English-accented tone, running a hand through his hair and flashing Si Nian what he considered his most dashing smile.
These women often came by to deliver meals and naturally recognized him. They greeted him with a laugh, "Li Mingjun, you're here early today!"
Li Mingjun finally tore his gaze away from Si Nian and quipped, "If I didn’t come early, how else would I get to see you lovely ladies?"
As he spoke, his eyes flicked back to Si Nian.
The greasy, overly eager look in his eyes—like a randy poodle—made Si Nian frown in distaste.
She glanced at the man again. He didn’t seem like someone from the village. Most people here didn’t even own cars; having a sturdy bicycle was already something to boast about.
Wait... Li Mingjun? The name suddenly clicked in Si Nian’s mind.
