"Shen Nanchu!"
"Shut up."
Pei Zhengnian was genuinely angry, flustered and exasperated.
Shen Nanchu pouted but said nothing more.
However, her long, slender legs began to act up again, swaying back and forth like she was on a swing.
This time, not only did Pei Zhengnian’s ears turn red, but his entire face flushed crimson.
"Shen Nanchu, behave yourself."
"Oh!"
Shen Nanchu deliberately wrapped her arms around Pei Zhengnian’s neck and blew softly into the crook of his neck.
"I won’t. What are you going to do about it?"
[Dislike Points +20]
Pei Zhengnian was seething with anger but had no way to deal with her.
He couldn’t hit her.
And scolding her was even more out of the question.
Pei Zhengnian simply clamped his mouth shut and quickened his pace, eager to get home.
The entire way, Shen Nanchu didn’t stop talking, teasing Pei Zhengnian nonstop.
"Be gentler, my legs are delicate! Don’t bruise them."
"Why is your back so hard? It’s so uncomfortable."
"Ah, could it be that I’ve grown taller again recently?"
[Dislike Points +30]
[Dislike Points +40]
[Dislike Points +50]
Pei Zhengnian wished he could plug his ears and hurry home as fast as possible.
"Is it this way?"
"Yes."
"Left or right?"
"Left!"
...
When they finally returned to the familiar field path, Pei Zhengnian felt like his patience had shattered beyond repair.
"Shen Nanchu, you made me carry you around the entire village?!"
[Dislike Points +100]
The system facepalmed. It only took Shen Nanchu alone to make the male lead lose his composure.
Shen Nanchu put on an innocent, angelic expression.
"I was just helping you get familiar with Wang Family Village."
Before Pei Zhengnian could react, she hopped down from his back.
Then, under his burning gaze, she stepped onto the small bridge leading to their destination.
"See? That’s where we’re staying in Wang Family Village."
It had been right in front of them the whole time, yet Shen Nanchu had tricked Pei Zhengnian into carrying her around the entire village.
This woman was truly infuriating.
Pei Zhengnian gritted his teeth.
(╯°□°)╯︵ ┻━┻
He should’ve smacked her bottom twice earlier.
...
Inside the house.
The moment Yu Lanhua saw Shen Nanchu walk in, she rushed over as if seeing a savior.
"Nanchu, you’re finally back! Everyone’s been waiting for you!"
Two large tables were set up in the main room, laden with freshly cooked dishes—a plate of cured meat stir-fried with wild chives, a bowl of egg soup, a plate of sautéed greens, and a plate of salted duck eggs.
With just one glance, Shen Nanchu knew these ingredients had been brought from Wang Jianguo and Yu Lanhua’s own home.
The elderly couple had gone out of their way, and Shen Nanchu silently noted their kindness.
"Auntie, thank you!"
"Don’t mention it."
Yu Lanhua gave her a knowing look.
The Pei family members all gazed at Shen Nanchu with gratitude, even Pei Yunxi, who usually clashed with her, seemed uncharacteristically shy.
Earlier, Yu Lanhua had recounted everything Shen Nanchu had done for them in Wang Family Village.
"Sister-in-law, you’re back! Where’s my brother?"
Pei Yunzhou’s eyes lit up at the sight of her.
"I’m starving."
"Behind me."
As soon as Shen Nanchu spoke, Pei Zhengnian walked in.
No one cared whether Pei Yunzhou was starving—they were more interested in the dynamics between Shen Nanchu and Pei Zhengnian.
Yu Lanhua and Wang Jianguo exchanged a glance. They should’ve guessed—only a handsome soldier like Pei Zhengnian could be a match for Shen Nanchu.
The two stood side by side, a perfect pair, like a match made in heaven.
Tian Chengyi was surprised to learn Pei Zhengnian was married.
But his records stated he was single! There’d been no news of him submitting a marriage report.
Then again, given the Pei family’s circumstances, it made sense to delay formalities.
Sometimes, assumptions were a blessing—everyone had their own interpretations.
...
After dinner, Pei Zhengnian saw Tian Chengyi off—he had urgent matters back at the military base.
Pei Zhengnian would stay until the Pei family settled into Wang Family Village before reporting for duty.
Wang Jianguo and Yu Lanhua helped clean up before returning home.
Soon, only the Pei family and Shen Nanchu remained in the main room.
Pei’s Mother was the first to speak.
"Child, we arranged a safe path for you to stay in the capital. Why did you come all the way to Wang Family Village alone?"
Her question echoed the curiosity of the entire family.
"Being alone was too hard. I can’t endure suffering."
Shen Nanchu answered bluntly, without hiding anything.
To the Pei family, it sounded like an excuse.
Pei’s Mother wanted to press further, but Grandma Pei intervened.
"Since Nanchu is here now, let’s focus on living well together as a family."
"Nanchu, don’t worry. Grandma still has savings—we don’t need to work."
Shen Nanchu shook her head, serious.
"Grandma, you can’t say things like that anymore."
"Laziness reflects poorly on one’s mindset."
"We came here with a mission."
Grandma Pei’s smile deepened.
"Then, Nanchu, what do you suggest we do?"
Grandpa Pei and Father Pei also perked up to listen.
Shen Nanchu already had a plan.
"We must work—but only the easiest, most important tasks."
She pointed at herself.
"For example, I’ll handle cultural preservation in the village, helping Wang Family Village build its new image."
Grandma Pei’s eyes sparkled with amusement.
"And what can Grandma do for Wang Family Village?"
Without hesitation, Shen Nanchu replied, "Grandma, your paintings are exquisite. You can design patterns for the village—be their official artist."
Grandpa Pei chimed in, "What about me?"
Shen Nanchu answered instantly, "Grandpa, your role is even more crucial. The elders here are set in their ways. You’ll infiltrate their ranks and modernize their thinking."
It was the first time anyone had made slacking off sound so noble.
Grandpa Pei and Grandma Pei burst into laughter.
The atmosphere in the room grew light and cheerful.
"Grandpa, Grandma, there’s one more thing we must remember."
Shen Nanchu’s lips curled mischievously.
"Our family won’t earn any work points. We’re selflessly supporting Wang Family Village’s development—all for the village’s rise to greatness!"
The entire Pei family was stunned.
Father Pei was the first to recover. "Should I dig out some patched clothes to wear tomorrow?"
Pei’s Mother followed, "Maybe I’ll gather wild herbs with a basket?"
Pei Yunxi pondered, "Should I lose some weight to look underfed?"
...
