"This is just to hope the manager will introduce more business to us in the future," Song Nianchu said with a smile in her eyes.
"Haha, don’t worry! With craftsmanship and prices like yours, I’ll definitely spread the word!" the market manager readily agreed.
"Then I’ll thank you in advance, Manager," Song Nianchu replied, her smile genuine.
"No need for formalities. Come with me to the finance office—we’ll sign the contract, and I’ll arrange the deposit for you," the manager said.
Though he held a managerial position, he was still an employee, and payments had to follow procedure.
"Alright." Song Nianchu followed the manager to the market office.
With the manager personally escorting her, the entire process went smoothly.
After signing the contract, the manager instructed finance to release the payment to Song Nianchu.
She had arrived empty-handed, but now, her pocket held fifteen yuan and a signed, stamped contract.
As she walked back to find Wu Gang and the others, she hummed a cheerful tune.
"Sister Nianchu, what’s got you in such a good mood?" Wu Chunsheng sidled up to her.
He was determined to stick close to Song Nianchu, eager to learn more from her.
He admired how she could remain composed and unflustered even when dealing with someone like the manager.
And more than anything, he wanted to be like her—helping to build up the village and leading everyone toward a better life.
"You’ve got sharp eyes," she teased. "Did you get all the ingredients?" She didn’t mention the handcart deal yet.
"All bought, and I picked the freshest ones!" Wu Chunsheng lifted his chin, clearly fishing for praise.
Song Nianchu glanced into the basket—the ingredients were indeed of good quality.
"Good job. Keep it up," she said, not withholding her approval.
"Of course!" Wu Chunsheng beamed.
But the next moment, his head met the palm of Wu Gang’s hand.
"What’s there to be proud of? You didn’t pick them alone. Hurry up and help load the cart—we need to get back."
"Oh." The swat from his brother brought Wu Chunsheng back down to earth, and he quickly moved to help carry the basket.
Song Nianchu couldn’t help but laugh at the scene.
The journey back was uneventful. Once they reached the village, Song Nianchu asked Wu Gang to take the ingredients to the village office while she headed home first.
Wu Gang agreed readily and led Wu Chunsheng and the others away.
They had returned later than usual, and the afternoon work shift had already begun. When Song Nianchu arrived home, the courtyard was filled with helpers.
"Nianchu," they greeted her warmly.
She returned their greetings one by one. As she passed Mu Shi'an, she lowered her voice.
"Come inside with me."
Mu Shi'an looked puzzled but set down his work and followed her into the house.
The others exchanged knowing smiles. Newlyweds were always like this—barely able to stay apart even after a short trip.
They had all been there themselves. In those early days of marriage, you wanted your wife by your side every moment.
Besides, Song Nianchu was the only one left in her family. The villagers hoped she would soon have a child—it would make her home feel complete.
Inside the house, Song Nianchu immediately drew the curtains and shut the door.
Then, she began taking off her clothes.
Mu Shi'an froze at the sight, his ears growing warm.
"Ah-Chu, it’s still daytime…" His voice was rough.
Just this morning, she had seemed exhausted. How was she so energetic now after just a trip outside?
He had read books advising moderation—especially since Song Nianchu was still adjusting to such intimacies. Too much too soon could strain her body.
"That’s why I closed the curtains," she said, already shrugging off her outer garment.
Mu Shi'an stiffened, his breathing growing uneven.
"But there are people outside…" His gaze darkened.
"I drew the curtains, didn’t I?" She didn’t understand why he was making such a fuss and kept unbuttoning her clothes.
"I’m not refusing. If you want to, I can…" Thinking she might be upset, he stepped forward, reaching to pull her close.
But at that moment, Song Nianchu finally pulled out the twenty yuan from her inner pocket, holding it up excitedly.
"Look! What’s this?" Her eyes sparkled.
Mu Shi'an stared blankly, his gaze shifting from her face to her hand.
"That’s… money?"
"Exactly! Twenty whole yuan!" She grinned, her eyes crinkling with joy.
"And this is just the deposit. Once we deliver the goods, there’s a whole lot more coming!" The thought made her even happier.
Mu Shi'an’s expression flickered as realization dawned.
"You closed the door and drew the curtains… just to show me this?" His voice was hesitant.
"Of course! This is money you earned. I didn’t want others gossiping, so I had to be careful," she explained.
After all, Mu Shi'an’s status was still precarious.
Mu Shi'an: "…"
He slowly retracted his hand, his ears burning even hotter now.
"What’s wrong? Your face looks a little red," she asked, puzzled.
Her scrutiny only flustered him further. He took a step back, putting distance between them.
"It’s nothing. Probably just tired from working earlier," he muttered.
"Oh no… I already promised four handcarts and took the deposit. Can you still manage?" Worry creased her brow.
"Don’t worry. A short rest is all I need. I won’t miss the deadline," he assured her, regaining his composure.
"Alright, but don’t push yourself too hard. Do what you can," she urged.
"Mm." He nodded.
"Then put the money away." She held it out to him again.
"Me?" He was surprised.
"Yes, it’s your earnings," she said.
Mu Shi'an studied her for a moment before smiling and pushing the money back toward her.
"You keep it."
"You’re giving it to me?" She blinked.
"You’re my wife now. The money I earn belongs to you." He didn’t understand why she seemed so shocked.
