The security guard watched the well-matched young couple leave and couldn’t help but sigh, “What a perfect pair!”
Jiang Zao wasn’t made of iron. After finishing a full day’s work at the factory and kneading dough for hours more, her hands were sore and her body exhausted.
But the moment she saw Xiao Shuisheng, all her fatigue seemed to be blown away, and she instantly felt refreshed.
“Why are you here?”
They walked side by side, keeping about three meters between them. Jiang Zao stayed closer to the inside of the road, while Xiao Shuisheng walked on the outside.
To match her pace, Xiao Shuisheng slowed his steps. “I missed you.”
His voice was low and rich, his words clearly enunciated. The slight lift at the corner of his eyes carried an unmistakable intensity.
A blush spread across Jiang Zao’s porcelain-like face. “Don’t say things like that on the street.”
She quietly loosened her hand, letting the breeze dry the sweat in her palm.
Even when competing with Wang Meili, her heart hadn’t wavered.
Yet just walking beside him made her heartbeat quicken uncontrollably.
It was a quiet era. At dusk, the streets grew calm and plain. The crowd gradually thinned, with only the occasional bicycle passing by.
Perhaps because it was so quiet, Jiang Zao could hear her own heartbeat—louder and louder, as if it might deafen her.
After a few steps, the sky darkened further. Ahead was a long alley, the shade beneath the trees pitch black.
Suddenly, Xiao Shuisheng stepped closer and pulled her into his arms.
Jiang Zao caught the faint scent of soap from him. Through his thin shirt, the heat of his chest seeped into her body, making her feel weak all over.
Her legs softened, her breathing grew uneven, and she nervously glanced around, afraid someone might see them.
Holding her soft, warm body, Xiao Shuisheng’s Adam’s apple bobbed.
“Zao’er…”
When he spoke again, his voice was hoarse.
“I really missed you. Let me hold you for a moment, alright? Just a moment.”
He was so tall that he had to bend down to fully embrace her.
Jiang Zao lifted her hands as if to push him away, but instead, they wrapped around his strong back.
“…Okay.”
A flicker of satisfaction crossed Xiao Shuisheng’s eyes. He knew she would always soften for him.
The Zao’er he longed for day and night was even softer and sweeter than he had imagined.
“I keep dreaming about you lately,” he said gently, his tone lingering with tenderness.
At night, in his dreams—and every morning after, he had to wash the sheets.
Hearing the faint grievance in his voice, Jiang Zao’s heart stirred.
She suddenly recalled lying on her deathbed in her previous life. Though she couldn’t see his face clearly, she had heard regret, guilt, and sorrow in his voice.
They had missed each other for thirty years.
One never married.
One never wed.
The restraints that had bound Jiang Zao suddenly broke.
She turned slightly toward him, lifted her face, and brushed her lips against his cheek before kissing the corner of his lips.
Her soft, warm lips grazed his. The tension in Xiao Shuisheng snapped.
In the next instant, his hand cupped her head, deepening the kiss.
His hands were hot, his lips cool. His embrace tightened, as if he wanted to merge her into his very being.
It was a long, lingering kiss.
When they parted, Jiang Zao was breathing rapidly, her face flushed red, her head spinning.
“It’s late… I should go home.”
Xiao Shuisheng’s slender fingers caught her wrist.
A cool sensation brushed her skin—there was now a Longines ladies’ watch on her wrist.
He leaned down and quickly kissed her lips again. “Don’t be late for work. Wear a watch to keep track of time.”
Holding her hand, he walked her forward, carefully timing their steps until they reached her home.
When they parted at the gate, Jiang Zao couldn’t help but turn back.
In the dark alley, he stood there, unmoving. “Go in first. I’ll leave after.”
Jiang Zao felt something indescribable—whenever he was there, her gaze never fell into emptiness.
“Be careful on your way back. And… when I learn pastry-making, I’ll cook for you.”
She hurried inside and closed the courtyard gate.
Xiao Shuisheng licked his lips, still tasting her. Looking up at the sky, he sighed helplessly.
“When will I finally get a proper status?”
Delayed a little on the road, Jiang Zao arrived home at eight.
To save money, the Jiang household kept most rooms dark at night. Only Jiang Jun, who needed to study, was allowed a kerosene lamp.
But tonight, even his room was dark—he thought his job was secured and hadn’t been studying.
As Jiang Zao was about to enter, Liu Chunhua stepped out, suspicion in her voice.
“Why are you back so late?”
Jiang Zao walked over and handed her a paper-wrapped package, speaking calmly despite the lie.
“A batch of dough at the factory didn’t ferment properly. After finishing work, we baked it, and the assistant supervisor gave me a bag.”
“Mom, you always save everything for the family and never treat yourself. I didn’t eat any—I brought it back for you to have when you’re hungry at night.”
In a household of many, Jiang Zao’s words only expressed concern for Liu Chunhua.
Liu Chunhua had fought her way through life like a hardened hen—calculating and sharp—but that didn’t mean she didn’t crave care.
Especially care that was rare and directed solely at her.
She had been in a bad mood all day.
After a night’s rest, the eldest daughter had suddenly calmed down—not targeting Jiang Zao anymore, but turning around to demand her dowry again.
That morning, after breakfast, she had come crying, asking why her mother wanted to push her to death.
Liu Chunhua had retorted—who was pushing whom?
Jiang Xing cried and overturned the table, accusing her of withholding the dowry to ruin her marriage. She even threatened not to marry and stay single forever.
Though Liu Chunhua had said she wouldn’t give a dowry, she never truly intended to withhold it.
Her plan had been to keep the eldest cold for a while, then secretly prepare a modest dowry: some cash, a thermos, a large towel blanket, and a few pairs of shoes.
Not too much, not too little.
The eldest would think there was nothing, then be pleasantly surprised at the wedding.
Between disappointment and joy, she wouldn’t have time to calculate whether it was enough.
By the time she realized, it would be too late.
She planned to do the same with Jiang Zao—if anyone objected, she would insist on equal treatment.
This way, she would save money and still marry off both daughters, while ensuring her sons could marry well and bring in good brides.
Everything had been carefully calculated.
The eldest had believed it too.
So why had she suddenly come to her senses?