Qiao Zhaodi sighed. She knew her younger sister’s temperament well once she made up her mind, not even ten oxen could pull her back. And thinking about how her husband had only managed to make money this time because of her, she decided to let her do as she pleased.
“Alright then. Just be careful. If you get tired, don’t force yourself.”
“Got it.” Qiao Yuwei smiled.
On the side, Tang Tiantian’s eyes lit up the moment she heard the dumpling stall could reopen. She raised her chubby little hand and said crisply, “Auntie, I know the way to the dumpling stall! I can lead you there!”
Looking at her well-behaved and sensible expression, Qiao Yuwei’s heart melted completely. She couldn’t resist ruffling her little head. “Tiantian is so good.”
Then she turned to Song Zhinian, who had been quietly watching them from the side. Her eyes flickered as a sudden idea formed in her mind.
She walked up to him, tilted her face up, and asked cautiously, “Um… Song Zhinian, are you busy this afternoon? Can you help me with something?”
Song Zhinian lowered his gaze at her. Sunlight fell across her face, her long eyelashes fluttering like two small fans, making something stir faintly in his chest.
He was just about to say “I’m busy,” when he saw Qiao Yuwei secretly give Tang Tiantian a signal.
The little niece, though new to his life, seemed to understand instantly perhaps out of some strange family instinct. She immediately let go of Qiao Yuwei’s hand, ran over to Song Zhinian, and grabbed his big hand with her chubby little fingers.
Tilting her round face up, she said sweetly, “Handsome big brother, please help my aunt! She can’t carry things alone, and chopping filling takes a lot of strength it’s very tiring!”
Song Zhinian looked at the soft little child in his arms, then at Qiao Yuwei in front of him. His ears turned slightly red.
Before he could respond, he felt his other arm being tugged too.
Qiao Yuwei imitated Tang Tiantian and gently swayed his arm, her voice soft and coaxing. “Brother, just help me, okay?”
That “brother” made Song Zhinian freeze completely, like an electric current had shot through him. Almost against his will, he nodded.
The nearby nurses and family members couldn’t help but steal glances, openly entertained by the “eye-catching pair,” their expressions full of curiosity and amusement.
Qiao Yuwei’s eyes lit up. “Great! Thank you!”
Looking at her smile, Song Zhinian felt something warm and full inside his chest. He turned his face slightly away and said in a low voice, “Let’s go.”
The three of them made their way through the winding streets until they reached the market. The breeze carried the smell of fried dough cakes, vendors shouted loudly, and bicycle bells rang continuously lively, bustling, full of that era’s unmistakable energy.
Qiao Yuwei held Tang Tiantian’s hand while Song Zhinian walked beside them, carefully watching the crowd so they wouldn’t get bumped.
Soon, Tang Tiantian stopped and pointed ahead excitedly. “We’re here! Auntie, look, it’s this place!”
In front of them was a small, unremarkable shop of about ten square meters. The wooden door was chipped and closed, and a crooked signboard hung above it.
Inside, the space was just enough for a pushcart. A tiny kitchen was partitioned at the back, with a simple stove and coal burner.
The stall was located right at the entrance of the market high foot traffic, and outside there was enough open space to set up several low tables and benches. It was indeed a very good spot, no wonder Li Daguo had tried to take it.
Directly across was the dumpling shop Li Daguo had mentioned. Its red cloth sign hadn’t even been taken down yet. Although it was near the market exit and had decent placement, it was still clearly inferior to this location.
Song Zhinian was tall; standing inside the cramped kitchen, he nearly filled the entire space, his head almost brushing the beam overhead.
Qiao Yuwei found it amusing and was about to tease him when she suddenly tripped on something unseen. Her body tilted and she crashed straight into the pushcart.
“Careful!”
Song Zhinian reacted instantly, grabbing her wrist firmly.
But the pushcart wobbled hard from the impact. Losing balance from the momentum, Qiao Yuwei staggered and pulled him down with her.
With a soft thud, both of them fell to the ground.
Qiao Yuwei wasn’t hurt much, only feeling the cold floor against her back. Before she could react, she felt a weight pressing down on her he had fallen on top of her.
His face was extremely close. Thick eyelashes lowered, straight nose just inches away. She tilted her head up, their lips almost brushing.
Her heartbeat suddenly went wild.
Song Zhinian, on the other hand, only felt a soft, fragrant warmth beneath him. The faint scent of her filled his senses, making him freeze.
He abruptly tried to get up, but slipped again in the narrow kitchen and fell back onto her.
“You really don’t want to get off me?” Qiao Yuwei teased softly.
“I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to.” Song Zhinian tried to brace himself against the doorway.
She looked at his lips so close to hers, and almost instinctively reached up to hook her arms around his neck.
His body stiffened instantly. His Adam’s apple rolled.
The world around them seemed to vanish, leaving only their breathing.
Just as their lips were about to meet
“Mm…”
A small voice interrupted them.
They jolted back to reality and turned toward the sound.
Tang Tiantian stood at the doorway, covering her eyes with her chubby hands, though her fingers were slightly parted. Her big round eyes peeked through curiously as she giggled, “Auntie is shy-shy, kissing handsome brother~”
“Cough!”
Song Zhinian snapped back to his senses, his face instantly turning bright red as he scrambled up.
Qiao Yuwei, equally flustered, pushed him away in a panic.
Neither of them noticed the small cloth bag in the corner slipping down.
With a soft rustle
Flour spilled everywhere.
White powder fell onto Song Zhinian’s hair, then onto Qiao Yuwei’s, even dusting their lips.
In an instant, both of them were covered in white, looking messy and ridiculous.
They stared at each other for a moment and then both burst out laughing.
“You look really good when you smile.”
Qiao Yuwei said first, her voice slightly hoarse, still carrying traces of embarrassment.
It was the first time she had ever seen Song Zhinian smile.