Feng Tao, carrying an old woven basket on his back, stood at the gate of the yard.
Su Die had just woken up not long ago and was feeding the dogs when she heard Feng Tao’s voice.
“It’s you! Come on in.”
“Sister, these are for you to eat.”
Feng Tao set down the basket and took out two fat rabbits, each looking to weigh around six or seven jin (about 7–8 lbs).
Su Die looked at the boy. Not only was he covered in dirt, but his feet were in ragged cloth shoes with holes, his clothes were patched over and over, and he was so thin he was skin and bones.
“Where did you get these rabbits?”
“I went into the mountains to hunt them,” Feng Tao said cheerfully, his mood far brighter than when Su Die first met him.
Though still young, he clearly understood that it was Su Die’s efforts that had led to Xue Hu and his gang being captured.
So, after leaving the police station, he went straight into the mountains to hunt, wanting to thank this formidable sister.
Looking into Feng Tao’s bright, sparkling eyes, Su Die felt a sudden pang of pity.
What a good child living such a hard life yet still thinking of bringing her food.
“Let’s eat together. Tonight we’ll make braised rabbit.”
Su Die could never eat alone these two rabbits could fetch 2–3 yuan on the black market.
Feng Tao pressed his lips together. “Sister Su, you’re really kind… even better than my eldest sister.”
“Your eldest sister?”
Su Die realized she hadn’t yet asked about the boy’s family. “Who do you have at home?”
Feng Tao lowered his head, his voice tinged with sadness:
“I have an older sister who’s married, but she already publicly cut ties with me in the newspaper. So, it’s just me at home.”
“Why did your sister cut ties with you?” Su Die asked.
“She thought I was a burden and worried I’d hold her and my brother-in-law back from living a good life. So the day after Grandma passed away, she announced it publicly. But I don’t care I’m thirteen now, and in two years I can join the army. I can take care of myself.”
Feng Tao took a deep breath and lifted his head again, his gaze clear and determined, making Su Die’s heart tighten.
This child would definitely make something of himself facing adversity yet never giving up hope.
“Since she cut ties, you don’t need to maintain contact. People like that aren’t worth being sad over,” Su Die comforted him.
Feng Tao nodded firmly. “Yes, that’s what I think too. Heartless, ungrateful people don’t deserve to be my sister.”
“Do you know how to skin a rabbit?” Su Die asked with a smile.
“Yes, I can do any work. Sister Su, if you ever need me for anything, just tell me.”
Su Die chuckled. “Good!”
After that, she went back inside to her space.
Soon, she came out carrying a pair of new shoes and a bolt of deep-blue cotton fabric.
“Try these shoes on.”
She handed Feng Tao the new shoes she had gotten from last night’s sweep. “Tomorrow I’ll have someone make you a few outfits. It’s already the beginning of autumn; you should have a proper jacket or you’ll catch a cold.”
Feng Tao looked at the new shoes, and tears immediately welled up. “Sister Su, thank you.”
Since his grandmother’s passing, he couldn’t even remember the last time he’d worn new clothes or shoes.
Su Die smiled. “I should be the one thanking you for bringing such fat rabbits.”
She treated those who treated her well with genuine care.
Feng Tao wiped his tears, thinking he must be even better to Sister Su hunting more in the mountains for her, earning money to buy her snow cream, meat buns, pork hocks… and even helping with children in the future.
Su Die had no idea how rich this boy’s inner world was she didn’t even have to cook dinner; Feng Tao took care of everything.
Braised rabbit with rice they both ate until full.
One rabbit would be kept in the yard for a few days before eating.
After the meal, Feng Tao cleaned the kitchen and swept the yard. Before leaving, he even cooked rice water for the dogs. How diligent he was.
“Sister Su, I’ll go now.”
“Alright, take care on your way.”
Just then, a jeep stopped at the gate.
Gu Jingzhou jumped out of the car carrying his luggage.
“Wife, I’m back.”
In just a few steps, he reached Su Die and embraced her. “I’ve missed you so much.”
“There’s someone else here… we’ll talk later,” Su Die murmured softly. After a few days apart, she really had missed him.
Hearing this, Gu Jingzhou released her and looked at Feng Tao standing nearby.
Feng Tao adored soldiers. Seeing Gu Jingzhou, he straightened his small frame, head held high like a soldier at inspection.
“Hello, brother-in-law! My name is Feng Tao, Sister Su’s little brother.”
Gu Jingzhou raised an eyebrow and appraised Feng Tao from head to toe. “A good candidate for the army.”
“Brother-in-law, I’ll be fifteen in two years. I want to protect the country like you.”
Feng Tao feared neither hardship nor toil; he only feared being useless.
“Good boy. As long as you have that belief, it’s enough.”
Though it was his first meeting with Feng Tao, Gu Jingzhou was impressed by the boy’s resilient character.
“Let’s go back; it’s late,” Su Die said with a smile.
“Sister, brother-in-law, I’ll go now.”
Feng Tao ran off quickly, grinning in his new shoes.
After closing the door, Gu Jingzhou held Su Die’s waist. “When did you adopt a little brother?”
Su Die recounted the events with Xue Hu, making Gu Jingzhou’s heart pound.
“Wife, you shouldn’t go out alone anymore. It’s too dangerous,” he cautioned.
Even though his wife was skilled, her face drew too much attention he couldn’t relax.
Su Die obediently leaned against him. “Mm, I know. I’ll listen to you.”
Having missed his wife terribly, they cuddled for a while until he was burning with desire.
“You eat first, then after your bath we…”
Su Die saw the look in his eyes and knew exactly what he meant.
There was still plenty of rabbit in the pot and one bowl of rice left just enough for Gu Jingzhou.
“Our yard should be ready; I’ll check it tomorrow.”
“Mm, I’ll go with you.”
After dinner, the couple washed up and got on the kang.
Gu Jingzhou was so energetic that they barely rested the entire night…
Su Die’s hair went from wet to dry to wet again.
They drank water twice at night and only fell asleep near dawn.
After a mission, they could rest for two days.
So the next day, both slept in.
But the two little dogs were hungry, wagging their tails and running to the west room to bark.
Gu Jingzhou laughed helplessly, kissed his wife’s fair, rosy cheek, tucked her in, and got up.
First, he cooked porridge for the dogs, then started making lunch.
Su Die was awakened by the smell while still asleep.
Gu Jingzhou cooked braised pork with potatoes and stir-fried some greens.
“Wife, you’re awake?”