The ingredients for the fermented black bean fish were all ready. Song Nianchu cut the smoked fish into pieces, placed them in a bowl, and scooped two spoonfuls of fermented black beans on top.
Just then, Mu Shi'an had the pot heated and ready, while Mu Haoxuan and Mu Yongnian had already lit the fire.
Song Nianchu placed the bowl directly into the pot and covered it with the lid.
"Steaming for twenty minutes is enough. I’ll go take a bath first," Song Nianchu said, glancing at Mu Shi'an.
"Alright," Mu Shi'an replied.
Song Nianchu turned back to her room to fetch her clothes. Just as she was about to head to the kitchen to fetch water, Mu Shi'an stepped out.
"I’ve already brought the water in for you. Go ahead and wash up."
"So thoughtful?" Song Nianchu raised an eyebrow.
"Isn’t that what I should do?" Mu Shi'an blinked, slightly taken aback.
Song Nianchu adored this side of him. She peeked into the kitchen to make sure Mu Haoxuan and Mu Yongnian weren’t paying attention, then stood on her tiptoes and planted a quick kiss on Mu Shi'an’s cheek before pulling away.
Mu Shi'an’s eyes widened in surprise as he stared at her.
"I like it," Song Nianchu mouthed at him, her eyes sparkling.
Mu Shi'an felt his throat tighten at the sight of her bright, playful expression.
"Go take your bath," he urged, afraid that if she stayed any longer, he might lose control and do something reckless.
"Fine," Song Nianchu chuckled before turning and heading to the washroom.
Mu Shi'an’s gaze lingered on her retreating figure until the washroom door closed behind her. Only then did he slowly look away, taking several deep breaths to suppress the restless emotions surging in his chest.
Song Nianchu had no idea just how much her actions tested the self-control of a man who had only recently tasted desire.
"……"
By the time Song Nianchu finished her bath, the fermented black bean fish was perfectly steamed.
She lifted the lid, and a rich aroma filled the air, making Mu Haoxuan swallow hard in anticipation.
As Song Nianchu moved to carry the dish to the table, Mu Shi'an caught her hand.
"Go sit down. I’ll bring it," he said, grabbing a cloth. The bowl was scalding hot—even through the cloth, the heat stung his fingertips.
But after tasting the savory fermented black bean fish, Mu Shi'an decided the pain was worth enduring a few more times.
Since they already had steamed sweet potatoes, Song Nianchu didn’t bother making rice. The fish paired surprisingly well with the sweet potatoes.
"Big sis, this fish is amazing!" Mu Haoxuan exclaimed after a bite, then took a big chomp of his sweet potato.
The combination made even the humble sweet potato taste extraordinary.
"If you like it, we’ll make more smoked fish this winter," Song Nianchu said with a smile.
"I think this dish would also work well as a canned product," Mu Shi'an remarked.
"It would, but we’ve been too busy lately to develop it. Once things settle down, I’ll tweak the recipe," Song Nianchu explained.
"Mm," Mu Shi'an nodded.
"Oh, by the way, were all the net-weaving machines assembled today?" Song Nianchu suddenly remembered.
"Yes, all done," Mu Shi'an confirmed.
"Good. The village head went to the meeting, so he’ll probably come by soon to collect them," Song Nianchu said, relieved that Mu Shi'an had finished in time.
"No problem," Mu Shi'an replied. He had planned to tell her about it as soon as she returned.
"Eat up," Song Nianchu said, adding another piece of fish—one with fewer bones—to Mu Shi'an’s bowl.
A warmth flickered in Mu Shi'an’s eyes.
They had just finished eating when Wu Zhenggui’s voice called from outside the courtyard.
"Nianchu, are you done with dinner?"
"Yes!" Song Nianchu answered loudly before getting up to open the door.
As soon as the door swung open, Wu Zhenggui and five other villagers stood eagerly outside.
"Come in. The machines are all ready," Song Nianchu said, stepping aside.
The five men hurried in, their eyes lighting up brighter than the moon when they saw the five net-weaving machines in the courtyard.
They had secretly visited the homes of the first batch of recipients to see the machines in action and marvel at their efficiency. Now that it was their turn, excitement was bubbling over.
Mu Shi'an emerged from the kitchen.
"Do you all know how to use them?" Song Nianchu asked.
"Not really. We’ve only watched before—they were stingy about letting us touch them," one of the men joked.
It wasn’t a real complaint—they understood that those who received the machines had signed agreements with Song Nianchu. If anything broke, they’d be fined.
In their shoes, they wouldn’t let strangers handle the machines either.
"Shi'an, could you teach them?" Song Nianchu glanced at Mu Shi'an.
"Sure," Mu Shi'an agreed and began explaining how to operate the machines.
The men gathered around him, listening more attentively than students in a classroom.
Only after ensuring everyone had grasped the basics did Mu Shi'an let them carry the machines away—each signing an agreement first.
"Nianchu, we’ll head off now. You two rest well," Wu Zhenggui said once business was settled, not wanting to intrude on the young couple’s evening.
After all, nighttime was when married couples had their own affairs to attend to.
"Alright," Song Nianchu saw Wu Zhenggui to the gate, watching them leave before closing the courtyard door.
"Teacher Mu, another big order today," Song Nianchu waved the contracts at Mu Shi'an playfully.
"Happy?" Mu Shi'an looked down at her.
"Of course! The more nets the villagers weave, the more rent we collect. Who wouldn’t be happy with extra money?" Her expression was lively.
"As long as you’re happy, I’ll work even harder," Mu Shi'an murmured, his voice low.
Staring at his handsome face so close to hers, Song Nianchu felt her thoughts wandering. She tugged his hand, ready to head back inside.
"I… haven’t bathed yet," Mu Shi'an whispered, sensing her intentions.
"Then hurry up. I’ll be waiting," Song Nianchu suppressed her impatience.
"Okay," Mu Shi'an turned toward the kitchen.
Mu Yongnian was scooping water into a bucket, preparing to take Mu Haoxuan for their bath.
"Big brother," Mu Yongnian paused when he saw Mu Shi'an enter.
"I’ll go first today," Mu Shi'an took the ladle from him.
"Huh? Oh, sure," Mu Yongnan blinked but nodded.
Mu Shi'an filled the bucket, set the ladle aside, and carried it to the washroom—his steps noticeably quicker than usual.
Mu Haoxuan watched his retreating figure in confusion.
"Third brother, why does big brother seem in such a hurry?" he muttered.
"Maybe he’s tired and wants to rest early. Let’s heat another pot of water," Mu Yongnian said calmly.
"Okay," Mu Haoxuan nodded obediently.
