"Th-thank you~~~"
The young girl stammered with a tearful face before darting away.
Shen Nanchu couldn’t help but complain to her system.
"How on earth did the female lead fall for such a clueless, unromantic male lead?"
The system replied, "Maybe it’s just natural talent!"
Shen Nanchu fell silent for a moment, recalling that night...
"Yeah, I guess so."
Pei Zhengnian watched Shen Nanchu standing motionless, his temple twitching in irritation.
What was this woman doing, just standing there like an idiot?
Was she seriously waiting for him to walk over to her?
Ugh, she could just suffocate on her own theatrics.
If he waited for her to take the initiative, it’d probably be dark by the time she moved.
Frowning, Pei Zhengnian straightened up and strode toward Shen Nanchu with his long legs.
Only after he took the bicycle from her hands did Shen Nanchu finally disconnect from her system.
"I’m hungry."
"Let’s eat first."
After parking the bicycle, Pei Zhengnian led Shen Nanchu into the state-run restaurant.
It was peak dining hours, and the place was fairly crowded.
Luckily, the two managed to snag the last available table.
Shen Nanchu glanced at the menu board, her eyes lighting up with excitement.
"I want sweet and sour fish, three-cup chicken, braised pork knuckle, and scallion dumplings!"
In this day and age, what kind of girl would dare order so extravagantly?
She’d blow through a whole month’s wages in one meal!
What a spendthrift.
Dozens of eyes turned toward Shen Nanchu and Pei Zhengnian from all directions.
But when they caught sight of Shen Nanchu’s delicate, pretty face—especially the male patrons—their judgment quickly shifted.
If they had such a beautiful partner, they’d gladly spend a month’s salary on her too.
"Alright."
Without hesitation, Pei Zhengnian walked to the counter to place the order.
Meanwhile, the female diners couldn’t help but seethe with envy.
Why hadn’t they ever met such a generous man?
Soon, Pei Zhengnian returned with steaming plates of food—exactly what Shen Nanchu had asked for.
Her eyes sparkled like stars.
Wow~~~ It smelled amazing!
The first bite of sweet and sour fish sent her into pure bliss.
Crispy on the outside, tender inside, perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy—absolutely delicious.
Next, she tried the three-cup chicken...
Before long, she was eating faster and faster.
Pei Zhengnian watched her delighted expression, his brow furrowing deeply.
Life in Wang Family Village must have been truly harsh.
He’d have to find a way to get more meat for the household.
Look how starved she was—practically drooling over every bite.
And why was her mouth so tiny? How could she hold a single bite for so long?
At this rate, they’d be here till next year.
Silently, Pei Zhengnian picked up his chopsticks and reached for the sweet and sour fish.
Shen Nanchu paid no mind, happily devouring her meal—until she noticed a perfectly deboned piece of fish in her bowl.
Stunned, she looked up and saw Pei Zhengnian meticulously picking out fish bones.
She gaped as if she’d seen a ghost.
"System, has the male lead been possessed?"
After a few seconds, the system finally responded,
"Host, the male lead is still the same male lead—no internal or external replacements detected."
If that was the case, then she must really be benefiting from her child’s status.
Shen Nanchu happily ate the fish.
Bone-free fish tasted even better.
By the end, she’d polished off the entire plate.
When she finally set down her chopsticks, the table was nearly cleared.
Pei Zhengnian didn’t complain—he simply finished whatever she’d left behind.
Though neither spoke, there was an oddly harmonious atmosphere between them.
After lunch, it was barely past one.
The marriage registration office wouldn’t open until 2:30 p.m.
So Pei Zhengnian took Shen Nanchu to a photo studio.
Once again, Shen Nanchu and her system were floored.
System: "Host, look! The iron tree has bloomed! The male lead actually thought to take you for wedding photos?"
Shen Nanchu: "I’m convinced there’s a bug. Since when is he this smooth?"
But when they entered the studio, Pei Zhengnian’s next move was downright legendary.
Shen Nanchu almost wanted to wave a flag and cheer "666" for him.
Pei Zhengnian pulled out a slip of paper and handed it to the photographer.
"Comrade, I’m here to pick up photos for a friend. Here’s the receipt."
Of course. A straight man stays a straight man—no amount of miracles could change that.
The guy who’d deboned her fish earlier must’ve been possessed by some wandering spirit the system missed.
Still, since they were already here, why not take some photos?
These would be precious memories later!
"Comrade, could you take a few pictures for me?"
"Of course!"
Black-and-white vintage photos were a timeless aesthetic.
Shen Nanchu posed effortlessly in front of the camera, every frame breathtakingly beautiful.
The photographer snapped away enthusiastically.
If her solo shots were this stunning, a couple’s photo would be next-level.
The photographer’s eyes landed on Pei Zhengnian, who stood stiffly like a lamppost.
"Comrade, you and this young lady seem to share a profound revolutionary bond."
"Yes, she’s my partner," Pei Zhengnian replied awkwardly.
"My soon-to-be-wed partner."
In this era, dating without the intent to marry was considered outright hooliganism.
The photographer’s eyes gleamed.
"You two are a perfect match—handsome man, beautiful woman. How about a few couple photos?"
Pei Zhengnian glanced at Shen Nanchu, who nodded.
"Sure!"
Since she was marrying him anyway, a few photos wouldn’t hurt.
Besides, having a male model in the shots would only make them prettier!
…
"Comrade, move a little closer to the lady."
"Closer."
"Even closer."
The photographer frowned at the gap between them—wide enough to fit another person.
He stepped forward to adjust them himself.
"Comrade, this is your soon-to-be legal revolutionary comrade-in-arms! No need to be shy!"
"This is the right distance."
With that, he pushed Pei Zhengnian flush against Shen Nanchu, their arms pressed together.
Even through their clothes, Pei Zhengnian could feel the warmth of her body.
His face stiffened, his ears turning red.
Click!
The photographer captured the moment.
"Comrade, you’re marrying such a beautiful woman! At least smile a little!"
Pei Zhengnian forced the corners of his mouth up, producing a smile uglier than a grimace.
Unacceptable!
She couldn’t let him ruin her perfect photos.
Even a prop man had to do his job properly.
Shen Nanchu spun Pei Zhengnian around, turning him to face the wall—only his handsome profile visible.
Then, she leaned against his broad back, resting her weight on him.
Perfect pose!
Leaning on Each Other.
Click!
Without a second glance, she turned him back around to face her, then nestled into his chest, her back against him as she gazed into the distance.
Even better pose!
Looking Toward the Future.
Click!
…
