They were not the hands of someone used to doing housework.
They didn’t quite match what the neighbors said—that Wen Wan was bullied at home and spent her days doing laundry and cooking.
He had checked the trunk last night and questioned her. Combined with the spy’s confession, there was nothing suspicious about her.
He had even investigated three generations of both the Wen and Lu families. The Wen family had been poor farmers for three generations, while the Lu family were “red capitalists,” a family of loyal martyrs. The old man’s younger brother and nephews had all died in the war of resistance.
In the Lu family, only Wen Wan’s mother remained as the sole daughter. Later, she had also died while fighting a fire. Her background was politically spotless.
Was he being overly suspicious?
Wen Wan felt a little uneasy under his scrutinizing gaze.
Even though she hadn’t done anything wrong, the eyes of a public security officer were truly sharp.
Scary.
“Is it not tasty?” Wen Wan asked softly.
“No.”
“You suddenly looked at me so seriously—it’s frightening,” she said in a delicate, slightly aggrieved tone.
Xu Cheng’an coughed lightly. “I was thinking about something else. Let’s go.”
Wen Wan responded with a soft “oh,” thinking she really had delayed him for too long.
The bicycle twisted and turned through the alleys, and soon a stretch of housing belonging to the textile factory came into view.
It looked similar to the steel factory housing compound—a crowded courtyard-style setup.
Although the Lu family’s house was already the best there—with its own small courtyard and five rooms—it was still far from the living conditions she had in modern times. She couldn’t help but feel a bit of a gap.
The house had already been cleaned. There was furniture inside, and Director Liu had asked the neighbors to temporarily move it into an unused room so she could arrange it later.
Inside, it looked much better than from the outside—quaint and full of antique charm.
It had just been unoccupied for too long. The windows needed to be opened for ventilation, and the corners would need gradual cleaning.
At a glance, Wen Wan could tell the furniture was made of huanghuali wood, and each table and chair was crafted with care.
If this were in her era, this entire set would easily auction for tens of millions.
No wonder Lin Zhenzhen had prospered not long after moving in.
“Thank you, Uncle Liu. I bought some pastries—please have some,” Wen Wan said, handing out candies to the children watching nearby.
“You’ve spent too much, child. We’re all neighbors here. Who hasn’t benefited from the old factory director before?” Director Liu said.
This was meant both for Wen Wan and for the neighbors to hear.
Since she would be living alone, she would need their help in the future.
The neighbors happily took the pastries and candies before dispersing. Just lending a hand and getting something in return—truly, the old director’s granddaughter was generous.
Director Liu’s gaze fell on Xu Cheng’an beside Wen Wan. It was thanks to him that she had successfully cut ties with her family and established her own household.
Standing together, the two of them looked perfectly matched—talented and beautiful.
He wondered how they had met.
Wen Wan even seemed bolder when she was with him.
The things she said today—she would never have dared to say before.
If…
Director Liu suddenly thought of something, his smile growing warmer as he took the initiative to shake hands. “Officer Xu, thank you for bringing Wanwan back.”
“You’re too polite, Director Liu. It was nothing,” Xu Cheng’an replied.
Director Liu asked about Wen Qingfeng’s case, but Xu Cheng’an’s responses were airtight—strictly professional.
Director Liu couldn’t read his intentions anymore. Had he misunderstood?
Well, Wen Wan was still young and beautiful—she wouldn’t have trouble finding a partner.
Though finding someone as tall, handsome, and well-employed as Officer Xu wouldn’t be easy.
Using an excuse about urgent matters at the factory, Director Liu left first.
Wen Wan would be living here from now on, and there were many things to prepare. Better to give the two of them some time alone—feelings grew through interaction.
He didn’t believe Officer Xu could remain unmoved by such a delicate beauty.
Heh.
As a man, he understood men.
The previously lively room was now left with just the two of them.
Wen Wan stood there, at a loss. Although the house was livable now, there were no bedding or essentials.
There were many daily necessities she still needed, though she couldn’t think of everything at the moment—and she couldn’t carry them all back alone.
“Officer Xu…” Wen Wan looked at him with trust, hesitating.
She didn’t want to trouble him again, but she didn’t know who else to ask.
Uncle Liu had left too suddenly.
Xu Cheng’an’s heart softened. Fine—might as well see it through to the end.
“Let’s go. I’ll accompany you to buy whatever you need.”
Wen Wan’s face lit up. “Officer Xu, once my home is ready, I’ll invite you over for a meal.”
Today’s meal didn’t count since he had paid.
During the pandemic, she had learned quite a few dishes online. She wasn’t a master chef, but with the spiritual spring essence, the taste turned out quite good.
Xu Cheng’an had never been to the textile factory before, but out of habit, he had already memorized the nearby routes.
There was a general store at the alley entrance—should be enough to get everything.
Quilts, covers, bedsheets, a thermos, a washbasin, and towels… Wen Wan bought everything she could think of.
Fortunately, Xu Cheng’an was there. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have been able to carry it all back.
Xu Cheng’an found a rag, fetched some water, and wiped the bed clean. Wen Wan had planned to wash the sheets and covers first, but without a washing machine, they wouldn’t dry today. She had no choice but to make do for one night.
Oh right—she suddenly remembered they still needed a clothesline in the courtyard.
Xu Cheng’an bought nails and rope from the shop, borrowed a hammer from a neighbor, and set up the clothesline.
He also reinforced the damaged parts of the windows to make sure they could open and close easily.
The coal stove in the kitchen was too rusty to use, so Xu Cheng’an bought a new one.
He first bought twenty honeycomb coal briquettes from a neighbor, lit the fire, and got the stove going. Otherwise, she wouldn’t even have hot water tonight.
After tidying up the room, Wen Wan was exhausted. When she stepped into the courtyard, she realized Xu Cheng’an was gone.
She pouted slightly. Officer Xu had left without even saying goodbye—it made her feel a little abandoned.
He was the first friend she had made here, and being a public security officer, she trusted him unconditionally.
Just as she was feeling down, footsteps came from the doorway, making her instantly alert.
When she saw it was Xu Cheng’an, she immediately relaxed and ran toward him, her eyes filled with joy. “Officer Xu, so you didn’t leave.”
Xu Cheng’an was holding a large enamel mug typical of the era. “I got you some wontons. Make do with this tonight.”
She hadn’t liked the cafeteria buns in the morning, and she barely ate at the state-run restaurant—quite picky.
These wontons might not suit her taste either, but it was the only option nearby.
“I can’t finish that much. Let’s eat together,” Wen Wan said expectantly.
In this unfamiliar time and place, she was honestly a bit afraid to be alone and wanted him to stay with her a while longer.
Xu Cheng’an had only bought a single portion, intending to leave after dropping it off. But seeing her like this, he found himself reluctant.
Lately, he seemed to soften too easily.
Fine. There was still some time before dark—he would leave after they finished the wontons.