Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
At Qian Shanâs great-auntâs residence, all the strenuous tasks fell solely upon his great-auntâs daughter-in-law.
The onset of winter was still some time away, and the available firewood at home proved insufficient to kindle the fires.
Qian Shanmin extended his offer to assist his Third Aunt-in-law in the task of chopping firewood up in the mountains.
This act of aid persisted over numerous days.
However, upon learning that Su Lan and her family were preparing to journey to the nearby town, Qian Shanmin hastened his return to the village.
That very evening, he openly ventured to Su Binâs household.
His intent wasnât necessarily to rekindle a relationship with Su Lan. His aspiration was more rooted in reconnecting with her, allowing thoughts to linger about the prospect of future encounters.
Desiring to present a gift to Su Lan, he discovered her absence in the room.
Abstaining from inquiring about her whereabouts, he engaged in conversation with those present for a brief interval.
Yet, his demeanor betrayed his preoccupation.
Qin Zhenzhen, having reached her threshold for his distracted disposition, nudged Su Bin, having already assessed his capabilities. What other choice remained?
Only then did Su Bin divulge to Qian Shanmin.
âBrother Shanmin, my sister is at the back. She wishes to speak with you.â
âShe has a matter to discuss with me?â
Qian Shanmin stood momentarily bewildered, before comprehending the situation. Swiftly, he made his way to the backyard.
Despite his agitation, he embraced the prospect of being teased, if it meant hastening to her presence.
That eveningâs sky featured the radiance of the moon.
On the stone table within the backyardâs pavilion, an assortment of snacks was laid out. Su Lan occupied a seat at the table, her gaze fixed upon the silvery moonlight overhead, lost in contemplation.
Outside the pavilion, Su Ning engaged in playful antics with Xiaoyu.
Deliberately slowing her pace, Su Ning provided Xiaoyu the opportunity to glimpse a chance of catching her, yet she retained a level of elusiveness.
With each playful attempt, Su Ning offered words of encouragement to Xiaoyu.
âYou can do it! Run faster, and youâll catch me!â
As they drew close during these moments, Xiaoyu couldnât resist seeking su Lanâs intervention.
âMom, please hurry, come help me catch Aunt!â âAunt promised to make yam bean candied haws for me if I catch her!â
âI really want some yam bean candied haws!â
Su Lan returned to the present moment with a smile. âSilly child, if I assist you, it wouldnât be fair!â
Xiaoyu defended herself. âOf course itâs fair! Aunt said that if I manage to catch her, itâs valid. She never mentioned anything about not enlisting help.â
âAunt, am I right?â
Su Ning chuckled. âAbsolutely, Xiaoyu is absolutely right. If you can convince your mother to join in chasing me, then Iâm ready to accept defeat!â Her intentions lay in bringing joy to her sisterâs heart.
She sensed her sister carrying a burden lately, possibly concerning her marriage and Qian Shanminâs situation.
This was the last evening, and Qian Shanmin had yet to approach her sister.
Likewise, her sister had refrained from seeking him out.
Su Ning harbored concerns that her sisterâs desires might remain unfulfilled, yet she felt powerless to assist her directly.
Third Brother had stipulated that no one should summon Brother Shanmin to their home prior to his own arrival. Furthermore, they were cautioned against hinting to Brother Shanmin about their sisterâs willingness to marry him.
Observing her auntâs willingness to aid, Xiaoyu promptly sought her motherâs presence.
Witnessing her daughterâs enjoyment, Su Lan stepped out of the pavilion, compelled to follow.
In the Wang Familyâs environment, Xiaoyuâs liveliness had been curtailed. Regrettably, she had been relegated to the role of a passive observer, learning to maintain a quiet demeanor from a tender age in an effort to minimize her presence.
As Su Lan emerged from the pavilion, her gaze fell upon Qian Shanmin in the backyard.
âLanlan..
âBrother Shanminâ¦â
Almost in perfect synchrony, their voices echoed each otherâs names..