Watching her daughter go upstairs, Xu Wenfang smiled gently.“Don’t worry, little girl won’t mind.”
Su Fu nodded.“I know.”
They talked about everything from the first time Su Fu met Li Mingyu, sharing many funny moments and her hard work in the countryside.
Xu Wenfang’s eyes welled up.“Thankfully we have you, or else…”
She truly didn’t dare imagine what life would have been like if her daughter had really married in the countryside.
Su Fu was straightforward.“Auntie, Li Li gave me money.”
There was no need to hide it. For a family like theirs, money was more practical than other gifts.
She didn’t think pretending to be noble would fool someone with life experience.Better to be upfront, which also left a straightforward impression.
Xu Wenfang didn’t mind that Su Fu accepted the money — money can be earned again, but safety can’t be bought back once lost.“Don’t worry about money — it’s normal between friends.”
Su Fu playfully blinked.“You’re right, Auntie.”
In the kitchen, Li Zhengshan perked up his ears — he wanted to hear about his daughter in the countryside too.
Unfortunately, all he could hear were faint laughs, which made him impatient.
Once Li Mingyu finished her shower, the meal was ready.
Li Zhengshan even brewed chrysanthemum tea and poured a cup for everyone.“Welcome to this little girl’s friend…”
Li Mingyu quickly introduced.“She’s Su Fu. Dad, you can call her Su Su, or Fu Fu if you like.”
Li Zhengshan, a man with some small formalities, asked:“Comfortable?”
Su Fu explained with a smile.“Su, like Su Shi. Fu, like a lotus from clear water.”
Li Zhengshan nodded.“Welcome, Little Su. Today is just ordinary home-style food — not sure if you’ll be used to it.”
Su Fu glanced at the table: ribs, steamed egg custard, and a dish that looked like bamboo shoot braised pork.
Tears involuntarily ran down her cheeks.
The Li family had no rule of “don’t comment on food,” and Li Mingyu kept praising Su Fu.“All the sacks in the yard are mine. Su Su carried them back alone. Not to mention the three-hour journey from the train station — Su Su is amazing, right?”
Li Zhengshan and Xu Wenfang were surprised.“Really? I thought you took a bus back.”
Su Fu smiled and nodded.“I’ve been strong since I was little. Plus, I was paid for it.”
She winked at Li Mingyu, and they exchanged a knowing smile.
Li Mingyu continued:“Su Su is also an amazing cook — maybe she can show you her skills another day.”
Usually, Xiao Zhang cooked at the Li house, or Li Zhengshan would if Xiao Zhang was busy.
Xu Wenfang could cook, but rarely had the chance.
The laughter at the dining table slowly ended as the dishes disappeared.
Su Fu originally intended to go upstairs — after all, she was just a guest.
Just as she was about to speak, Li Zhengshan, having finished washing the dishes, called her over.“Little Su, want to arm wrestle with me?”
At the small table, both rolled up their sleeves, ready.
Su Fu asked:“Uncle Li, is this serious or just for fun?”
Li Zhengshan replied:“Of course, full effort.”
Li Mingyu laughed at the scene.“Dad, you’re definitely going to lose.”
Li Zhengshan didn’t care about winning or losing. He’d seen naturally strong people before, but it had been rare in recent years.“Go ahead, Little Su.”
Su Fu really gave her all and instantly pinned Li Zhengshan’s hand down.“Thank you, Uncle Li.”
Li Zhengshan gave her a thumbs-up.“She’s capable.”
A smart, capable, honest girl — and she didn’t flatter others for gain.
Xu Wenfang wanted to try next. Su Fu winked playfully.“Auntie Xu, come on!”
Three seconds later, Xu Wenfang’s hand was pinned.
Li Mingyu was delighted watching this. She saw her parents wanted to chat with Su Fu, so she quickly pulled her upstairs.
One small step at a time is better — knowing everything at once would be boring.
Li Mingyu had her own plan: she definitely wanted Su Fu to stay in the city.“Su Su, let’s sleep together. I don’t snore.”
Su Fu had no objection.“Okay.”
The bed was soft, the quilt carried the scent of soap — another new experience for Su Fu.
Listening to the steady breathing beside her, she looked out at the terrace through the glass window.
If she relied solely on her own efforts, she would never live in a room like this.
So what ways could she find to live this kind of life?
Su Fu thought for a long time and finally propped her pillow a bit higher.
The next day, after breakfast and packing the sacks, it was already noon.
Li Mingyu clapped her hands.“Let’s go eat out, then watch a movie. Later I’ll take you to the lake…”
Su Fu also wanted to see more — such opportunities weren’t common.
“When will we handle the serious matter?”
She hadn’t forgotten why she came — sightseeing couldn’t delay the main business.
Li Mingyu said:“Tomorrow. Today I’ll have someone help arrange to meet him. Not sure if he’s in Shanghai.”
She ran upstairs and brought down a dress and shoes.“Su Su, wear this. That way, people will know we’re best friends.”
A beautiful dark red dress with white pleated trim at the collar, brown leather shoes, and a new pair of white socks.
Su Fu changed in the bathroom. When she came out, Li Mingyu was stunned.“Su Su, this color suits you perfectly. Let me fix your hair too.”
She rediscovered the joy of dressing up dolls from her childhood.
Su Fu yawned and let her fuss. After a while, Li Mingyu finally finished.“I’ll go get a mirror!”
Su Fu pulled her hand back, taking out a small mirror from her bag.“I look… like someone easy to bully.”
Li Mingyu looped her arm around Su Fu.“Super beautiful. Let’s go eat.”
They went to the same state-run restaurant. The cuisine here differed from their hometown.
Li Mingyu ordered “Yanduxian” (pork belly and bamboo shoot soup) and sweet-and-sour shrimp balls.
Su Fu: …finally understood why the handmaidens in shadow puppetry are so loyal.
After eating and drinking their fill, they took the bus to the cinema.
Li Mingyu bought two tickets for a new movie and two small sodas.
Su Fu’s stomach hurt slightly.“Li Li, you go in first, I need the restroom.”
Li Mingyu nodded.“Okay.”
Once seated in the theater, a few girls came in. Seeing Li Mingyu, their expressions instantly darkened.“Li Mingyu? You’re back in the city?”
Li Mingyu ignored them.“What’s it to you, ungrateful wolves?”
Su Fu came out of the restroom, only to see her “big sister” surrounded by several girls.
Li Mingyu said:“I told you, I have a really strong friend. She’ll be here soon…”
Su Fu immediately ran over, standing on a seat and lifted one girl effortlessly.“Want to feel like you’re flying?”
The two girls screamed. Chen Jingyuan, resting at the back, was woken up.He lazily looked over.“Huh, strong too.”
From his angle, only a back view was visible.
He sipped his soda, planning to continue watching, but the commotion had already ended.
The girl jumped down and turned around. Sunlight streamed through the glass, illuminating her obedient, bright smile.
Against the red dress, she looked lively and charming.
Chen Jingyuan’s heart raced slightly. He finished his soda before calming the sudden flutter in his chest.