The reborn of paranoid boss cannon fodder wife(201-205)

Chapter 201 - Xiao Family Village

Wang Cuihua ran away with a heart full of sorrow.

All eight brick trucks were ready, passengers filled the front seats, leaving only empty space in Chen Dafu's truck.

The two argued incessantly throughout the journey, irritating the driver to no end.

If not for Xiao Cheng's sake, the driver would have kicked them out minutes ago.

Every visit to Xiao Family Village offered Bai Lu different experiences.

The first time was ancestral worship with Xiao Cheng, the second time resolved the forced confiscation of chestnuts.

Different purposes, but the scenery remained the same: blue sea, blue sky, lush mountains, and a gentle breeze.

Nature's precious gifts were everywhere: water buffalo grazing in green meadows at the foot of the mountain, young shepherds lying on their backs, chewing on green grass, and holding large green leaves to shield their faces from the sun.

Simple-dressed adults lifted their pant legs, took off wooden sandals, and stepped into the fields to pull out weeds.

Some stood by the creek, vigorously shaking the water wheel to irrigate distant fields.

Under the blue sky and white clouds, conversations revolved around the growth of early-season crops, the duration since the last rain, and how many more irrigations were needed before flowering and grain formation.

"As the red glow appears in the morning, rain falls in the evening. As the red glow appears in the evening, the sun shines for a thousand miles... I don't think it will rain in the next few days."

"Exactly, yesterday when the sun set, the sky was as red as burning clouds. No chance of rain. Better stick to the water wheel."

"No need to worry too much. In the past two years, there has always been rain before the grain is harvested. The season is coming soon."

"Hope there won't be rice planthoppers this year..."

Rice planthoppers are the primary pests of rice, sucking nutrients and moisture, causing yellowing, wilting, and even death. Having them could result in reduced yields or no harvest at all.

Bai Lu's grandmother was an agricultural academic, passionate about farming. Even after her research in the scientific institute, she continued working in the vegetable garden, often with results that defied expectations.

But each visit showcased a deeper understanding of the agriculture portrayed in the poetic verses.

From seedling cultivation to planting, harvesting, and serving on the dining table, the journey was indeed challenging.

"Lulu?"

A soft call from behind interrupted Bai Lu's thoughts immersed in memories of another era.

Turning around to meet Xiao Cheng's concerned gaze, she asked, puzzled: "What's wrong?"

Xiao Cheng glanced at her deeply, confirming, then retrieved the white blanket that had fallen under the seat.

"We've arrived."

Bai Lu realized only when she saw everyone else had disembarked. They all stood by the road, eagerly awaiting.

She didn't know how long they had been waiting.

The road didn't lead into Xiao Family Village; the cars stopped at the foot of the mountain. Everyone walked into the village.

Bai Lu and Xiao Cheng led the way, Wang Cuihua followed, chatting incessantly about Xiao Cheng's older brother.

Initially, Xiao Cheng responded with "Hmm," but after two times, he reverted to silence. The driver, irritated by the constant bickering, almost kicked them off the car, saved only by Xiao Cheng's face.

Every visit left Bai Lu with a refreshed perspective.


"Ah Cheng, the village head's wife will bring chestnuts for inspection later. Feel free to examine them until you're satisfied. You can also check the villagers' homes for any issues before purchasing."

Bai Lu nodded lightly: "Let's meet at the small square. Ten potential buyers have come for a long-term partnership. It's the first time they're taking chestnuts, and the quantity is substantial. Bring some chestnuts for the buyers to see, and the villagers can join for a chat."

Li Hongying caught the important information, nodded, and promptly headed towards the village with a basket of vegetables.

Walking halfway, she realized she had ignored Xiao Cheng, focusing only on Bai Lu.

Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu were a couple, handling business together. It made sense to consult both for opinions.

But upon reflection, with Bai Lu present, Xiao Cheng usually had no objections.

He didn't speak much, almost avoiding conversations with others. If there were any issues, he only discussed them with Bai Lu, completely disregarding others.

Unless Xiao Cheng came alone, transactions were swift—calculating chestnut prices, settling the bill, and leaving.

He clearly disliked unnecessary conversations with outsiders.

Having understood everything, Li Hongying briskly walked back to the village. Xiao Cheng was left for Bai Lu to handle.

"Big Brother Xiao Cheng, earlier you brought chestnuts back several times. You must know which family's chestnuts are the best, right?" Wang Cuihua attempted to engage Xiao Cheng again.

Xiao Cheng responded with two words: "All good."

Bai Lu supported him, saying, "Exactly. If you're concerned, when the village head's wife brings chestnuts later, you can inspect them thoroughly until you're satisfied. Check the villagers' homes for any issues. That should be sufficient."

These words were for Wang Cuihua and others, reassuring them that Xiao Family Village's chestnuts could withstand scrutiny.

Wang Cuihua fell silent, and the others also relaxed.

Since they knew they would be purchasing chestnuts from Xiao Family Village, which was also Xiao Cheng's hometown, they were initially apprehensive.

They were afraid that stringent inspections would displease the big shot and that lenient checks would compromise chestnut quality. The situation was stressful, and they couldn't express it openly.

Fortunately, Bai Lu was the bridge sent from heaven to facilitate communication with the big shot, resolving a thousand worries with just a few words.

Li Hongying's efficiency was high. Bai Lu and Xiao Cheng, along with their group, arrived at the square, and everything was already prepared.

In the center of the square were ten large bamboo baskets filled with chestnuts, brightly lit under the sunlight.






















Chapter 202: Benefactors

Xiao Village's chestnuts were well-preserved, passing inspection without a single shriveled or damaged nut, whether on the upper or lower side of the baskets.

After understanding the samples, Yu Fugui and others, led by Li Hongying, went to villagers' homes to purchase orders.

Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu were invited to Xiao Guofu's house.

Awaiting them inside were the elderly grandparents, and upon seeing Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu, smiles blossomed on their faces.

"Da Zhuang brought his wife back, come, have a seat quickly."

Xiao Cheng felt speechless every time he heard this address, while Bai Lu, seemingly carefree, happily pulled him to sit down, behaving exceptionally well.

She responded cheerfully to Grandma's words and returned a warm greeting, "Grandpa and Grandma, how are the piglets at home?"

"They are doing well, chubby!"

As soon as the piglets were mentioned, Grandma's eyes lit up, "Your grandpa and I go to the mountain every day, bring back pigweed to feed the piglets. Now they are much bigger than when Da Zhuang brought them here, chubby and adorable! They'll be ready to eat soon. When you and Da Zhuang come back, remember to join us for a meal!"

From cuteness to eating, the transition caught Bai Lu off guard. Smiling, she said, "The piglets will take a few more months to grow, no rush."

She wouldn't be around when that time came...

Grandma, unaware of Bai Lu and Xiao Cheng's situation, sincerely invited them to visit, "Before the New Year, you'll surely be able to eat. I'll have Afu notify you, and when you come back, enjoy the meal and take some cured meats and local specialties from the mountain back with you whenever you want, as long as you don't mind."

"Grandma, what you're saying is wonderful. The flavors from the mountains are the most natural and delicious. We love them and won't mind at all."

Bai Lu, having witnessed a food crisis in the future, could easily distinguish between good and bad.

"Let's settle it then." Grandma concluded decisively, "When you and Da Zhuang come back, be sure to have some meat!"

Grandpa added, "Come back for a meal soon."

Not wanting to commit to uncertain promises, Bai Lu tightened her grip on the tea cup handed by Xiao Guofu.

Suddenly, Xiao Cheng held Bai Lu's hand and affirmed Grandma's invitation, "We will come back for the meal."

Bai Lu looked at him in surprise, feeling like she had plunged into a deep sea where her emotions and his unspoken persistence coexisted.

Is the big shot acting like a child in a tantrum?

Or... is he reluctant to part with her?

"This time, bringing so many people to purchase chestnuts, do you plan to sell the method of candied chestnuts?" Xiao Guofu inserted his comment without much foresight.

As the village head, his duty was to secure benefits for the villagers, striving for a better life. Bai Lu understood his straightforward question, "We've already started selling."

"The ten bosses who came this time have all been our business partners before. The next ones will be strangers. You also need to be cautious. When weighing, find someone who can read the scale to check."

Xiao Guofu was momentarily stunned before realizing that this time, Xiao Village wasn't gradually improving the lives of individual households; instead, the overall living standards were beginning to improve.

Touched with excitement, tears filled his eyes, "You... you're truly amazing. Running such a big business and still caring for illiterate villagers. Worrying that they might be deceived, personally bringing people back to inspect the goods, giving outsiders a show of strength, letting them know that Xiao Village is under your protection. No shortchanging, no pressuring prices, no bullying."

"And you've explained the precautions so clearly. You're truly great. I don't know what to say, only the villagers of Xiao can thank you... You are the great benefactors of Xiao Village."

Xiao Guofu could discern the key point, and Grandpa was gratified, "Thank you, express it through practical actions."

Xiao Guofu nodded repeatedly, "Of course."

Grandma's face became even more benevolent, looking at Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu, her old eyes brimming with light.

"Good children with prospects, wonderful. May our ancestors bless your business to grow bigger, life becoming better and better. Kind-hearted people will have good fortunes."

Having grown up in a happy and warm family, Bai Lu could more easily feel the sincere affection from family bonds.

Touched deep within, she unintentionally blurted out, "We are also part of the Xiao family."

Xiao Cheng nodded in satisfaction, "Well said."

Bai Lu doubted if she was having a momentary lapse of reason. Despite studying psychology for so long, she couldn't control her shaken heart.

Xiao Guofu was about to invite Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu to have lunch when suddenly, loud and noisy voices came from outside. A figure rushed in, his voice thundering, "Xiao Guofu!"

"How could you do such an immoral thing! We are all Xiao family members, if not close relatives, at least of the same clan. Aren't you afraid of divine retribution?"

Mysteriously cursed, Xiao Guofu, ignited by the good news brought by Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu, was inflamed with anger. "Xiao Zhenwei, mind your language!"

Grandpa, rarely angered, scolded, "Disrespectful!"

Xiao Zhenwei thought only Xiao Guofu was at home, never expecting both grandparents to be present. His overbearing demeanor halved upon realizing Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu seated in important positions, but doubled again when he caught sight of them.

"Without my consent, you sold the chestnuts I ordered to someone else. Xiao Guofu, what do you mean by this? Are Grandpa and Grandma unaware, or are they intentionally shielding you?"

Xiao Zhenwei's ancestors were Xiao family members who had moved out of Long City, belonging to the same lineage as Xiao family Village. They would return during Qingming Festival for ancestral worship.

The reputation of candied chestnuts had reached him, and hearing that friends brought chestnuts for him to taste, he set his eyes on this business. Wanting to partner with a friend, he planned to open a stall on the street selling candied chestnuts.

However, lacking the secret recipe, he had to ask his friend to buy authentic candied chestnuts from Pingcheng. He paid a deposit and ordered chestnuts during Qingming Festival, planning to repay villagers once the chestnuts were sold.

His candied chestnuts, though not authentic, tasted decent, and people still bought them.

However, when he didn't return for a while to collect the chestnuts, Xiao Guofu had them sold to others. Xiao Zhenwei was furious, glaring at Bai Lu with resentment.

Bai Lu furrowed her brows, and Xiao Cheng glanced coldly, "Get lost."

Xiao Zhenwei froze, feeling as if enveloped in a chilling aura. His breath stopped, and his furious gaze turned

towards Xiao Guofu.

Facing the furious Xiao Zhenwei, Xiao Guofu, fueled by the excitement of good news brought by Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu, retorted with a righteous tone:

"You paid a deposit, but how much was it? You spent it all on your first visit. Not only did you not continue paying the deposit, you also left no message. You didn't return for over two months to collect the chestnuts, and I had no idea if you still wanted them."

"Uncle Dashan's third son reached school age last year but couldn't afford education. Thinking of selling chestnuts to you and using the money to send the child to school, I let Uncle Dashan sell the chestnuts to Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu. It helps the child go to school, can you do that?"
























Chapter 203: Teacher LuLu

Xiao Zhenwei's face turned red and blue, "You didn't even inform me before giving my reserved chestnuts to someone else. This is an untrustworthy act!"

"No contact information was left. How could I inform you?" Xiao Guofu retorted.

"No phones in the village? You could have left an address. Longcheng is so big; you didn't even provide a specific address. How am I supposed to notify you? Vanish into thin air?" Xiao Zhenwei admitted guilt with a half-hearted roar, "You can decide when I come back."

"Wait for you to come back? Does that mean the third child doesn't need to go to school?" Xiao Guofu retorted.

"Do you still have the face to talk about trust? Your trust is promising to buy all chestnuts from Uncle Dashan's house, taking a deposit for 300 kilograms, and not returning for over two months to collect the remaining 3,000 kilograms? Your trust is leaving without a word, hindering the third child's education?" Xiao Zhenwei was left speechless.

He remembered when Xiao Guofu used to respect those doing business outside, treating them as honored guests. Now, the situation had changed drastically.

Xiao Zhenwei squinted, recalling the scene in the square and the rumors he heard, suddenly understanding.

He decided not to dwell on the lost chestnuts and taunted in a certain direction, "Clearly part of the Xiao family, yet turning your back on us to help outsiders make money. You claim to care about the difficult lives of the villagers, but instead of teaching them, you teach outsiders how to make sugar-coated chestnuts. You don't even know what you're up to."

Xiao Cheng furrowed his brow, about to speak, but Bai Lu stopped him with a gentle squeeze, hinting that she wanted to test Xiao Guofu.

Xiao Guofu, with his strong principles, would either agree or disagree, making the cooperation clear.

Xiao Cheng agreed with Bai Lu's suggestion, holding her hand in approval while sipping tea.

Seeing Bai Lu's subtle move, Grandma knew Xiao Guofu was being tested and felt uneasy.

Xiao Guofu, despite his good intentions, tended to be too responsible, trying to improve the villagers' lives but sometimes mistaking villains for saints.

Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu were good people but not fools, not easily angered.

Xiao Village had joined forces with Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu, and this spat might jeopardize the collaboration.

Grandpa wisely refrained from interfering, hoping Xiao Guofu would show resilience.

Xiao Guofu, unaware of the test and the significant implications for Xiao Village's future, saw Xiao Zhenwei attempting to break their unity and accused Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu strangely.

Disagreeing, Xiao Guofu said, "Stop with your insinuations. You're trying to sow discord and can't stand others' success. You blame the villagers for your own inability, attempting to divide the unity of the Xiao family. Your intentions are sinister."

"Don't talk about Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu not teaching us how to make sugar-coated chestnuts. Even if they did, we wouldn't be able to sell them. The nearest town is over four hours away on foot. Who would buy them after spending a whole day traveling? And besides, the sugar-coated chestnut recipe is their secret; it's their choice whom to teach, and it has nothing to do with us."

Seeing Xiao Zhenwei's increasingly unpleasant expression, Xiao Guofu continued, "We have no connection with you whatsoever."

Xiao Zhenwei gritted his teeth, and when Xiao Guofu decisively severed the external business opportunities for Xiao Village, Grandma and Grandpa didn't scold but sighed in relief, feeling vindicated.

"If your vision is so short-sighted, only seeing immediate benefits and not the future development of Xiao Village, then there's nothing more to say," Xiao Guofu declared.

"When you're cheated by unscrupulous businessmen, don't come to Longcheng looking for me."

Bai Lu smirked, making a hand gesture towards Xiao Cheng, indicating to collect some 'tuition' from Xiao Guofu.

Xiao Cheng agreed, whispering, "Good idea."

In a low voice, he asked, "Teacher Lu thinks, how much tuition is appropriate?"

Bai Lu, enchanted by the somewhat magnetic phrase 'LuLu Teacher', blushed. Without much thought, she said, "Five... thousand... yuan."

Xiao Cheng nodded approvingly.

Just before Xiao Zhenwei left in a huff, Xiao Cheng calmly stated, "Grandpa and Grandma, don't worry. LuLu and I have started teaching classes, charging fees to teach sugar-coated chestnuts. In the future, there will be more cooperative merchants coming to Xiao Village to buy chestnuts."

"No matter how many chestnuts Xiao Village has, the merchants will buy them. The sugar-coated chestnut business is thriving."

The phrase 'sugar-coated chestnut business is thriving' completely halted Xiao Zhenwei.

He had witnessed the success of sugar-coated chestnut businesses, particularly Yu fugui's booming trade in Pingcheng. Every day, customers lined up, afraid they would miss out.

The statement 'LuLu and I have started teaching classes, charging fees to teach sugar-coated chestnuts' lingered in Xiao Zhenwei's mind, taking root and growing instantly.

Branches blocked his path, preventing him from leaving. He wanted to go, but he couldn't. He wanted to ask, but he couldn't bring himself to.

Xiao Guofu, not very perceptive, directly ignored Xiao Zhenwei and asked, "You are starting classes. Won't many bosses learn how to make sugar-coated chestnuts? Then there will be so many stalls in the market; how will you sell them?"

Xiao Cheng sipped his tea and calmly replied, "Survival of the fittest. We will control the teaching slots in each town, preventing the over-saturation of sugar-coated chestnut vendors. The business will only become more prosperous."

Bai Lu chimed in, "Delicious sugar-coated chestnuts naturally do well. If the chestnuts aren't good, no one will buy them. We will manage the teaching slots to avoid flooding the market. The business will only get more popular."






















Chapter 204: Harvesting Corn Together

Xiao Guofu no longer worries about the purchase price of chestnuts being depressed due to the proliferation of sugar-fried chestnuts.

As the conversation became livelier, Xiao Zhenwei unconsciously perked up his ears.

Bai Lu's lips slightly curved. "Teach anyone who pays tuition, regardless of distance. First come, first served."

Xiao Zhenwei continued to wait for Xiao Guofu to inquire about the tuition.

Xiao Guofu indeed asked, "How much is the tuition?"

Xiao Cheng casually glanced at the figure in the room and calmly replied, "Eight thousand yuan."

Bai Lu almost sprayed tea but managed to cover her mouth in time.

Xiao Guofu, after initial shock, remained calm. "The tuition for a business that can make big profits is indeed reasonably high. With the chestnut business booming, eight thousand is justified."

He even agreed!

Does he really know the value of eight thousand yuan?

Xiao Zhenwei, after a moment of confusion, felt the price wasn't quite reasonable but hesitated to negotiate.

He just stood there, waiting for Xiao Guofu to ask more questions and learn more before deciding.

As Xiao Guofu was about to ask something else, Grandma suddenly said, "Afú, look at the time. It's lunchtime. Let's make lunch."

The midday sun was shining.

Xiao Guofu immediately stood up, saying, "I'll prepare lunch. You all can chat with Grandpa and Grandma, have some tea. Lunch will be ready soon."

"No need for trouble; we'll eat later when we return." Bai Lu and Xiao Cheng still had important matters.

Xiao Guofu insisted, "It won't take long to make lunch. You can sit for a while; it'll be a while before you return to town. You can't go hungry all the way back. Xiao Village has plenty of food; I won't let you leave on empty stomachs."

Xiao Zhenwei, feeling left out, walked away.

He decided to inquire outside about the tuition for candied chestnuts from the suppliers. Is it really eight thousand yuan?

When Li Hongying returned, she encountered a stern face. Intrigued, she entered the house. Upon hearing that Xiao Guofu invited Bai Lu and Xiao Cheng for lunch, she quickened her pace.

"Skip lunch; no need to eat."

Everyone in the room was stunned.

Xiao Guofu, puzzled, asked Li Hongying, "Are you here to cook?"

Li Hongying gave him a look. "You're overthinking. Why cook when the bosses and drivers outside are loading chestnuts onto trucks? How can you cook for so many people? Just eat corn."

"I checked the field yesterday; quite a bit of corn is ready to eat."

Xiao Guofu disagreed, "Corn doesn't have the aroma of a proper meal."

Li Hongying knew corn lacked that flavor but pointed out, "We don't have much cured meat at home. Treating the bosses to vegetables? Corn is for everyone, and the specialty is for Bai Lu to take home. Understand?"

Xiao Guofu understood, immediately fetching sacks. "Let's go pick some corn. Pick extra for Bai Lu."

Li Hongying nodded. "Smart move."

The couple grabbed sacks and baskets and left.

Halfway there, Li Hongying returned, asking Bai Lu and Xiao Cheng, "Do you want to join us in picking corn? It's not far, on the opposite side of the small hill. The scenery is nice, and there are many fruit trees nearby. Fruits are ripe; you can pick whatever you want."

In the mountain village, simplicity prevailed. There was no abundance of meat; whatever they had, they used to entertain guests.

Hesitant, Bai Lu, with a basket handed by Grandma, was already being led by Xiao Cheng.

"Let's go pick corn."

Watching the young couple leave, Grandma smiled at Grandpa. "Look how considerate Dazhuang is to his wife."

"Sensing her low spirits, he seizes the opportunity to take her out for a change of scenery and relaxation."

Grandpa nodded with a smile. "They are good kids."

On the square, Wang Cuihua saw Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu leave with Li Hongying, carrying baskets of vegetables. She wanted to follow but was blocked by a figure.

The figure turned around—a young man with a neutral expression.

"Have you loaded your chestnuts onto the truck?"

Wang Cuihua wanted to catch up with Xiao Cheng and had no time for him. "I didn't buy any."

Xiao Zhenwei, curious, asked, "Aren't you here to buy chestnuts to make sugar-fried chestnuts? Everyone bought chestnuts; why didn't you?"

Wang Cuihua, gazing at the receding figures, absentmindedly replied, "I have some at home, no need to buy."

Xiao Zhenwei raised an eyebrow. "Did you and the others learn how to make sugar-fried chestnuts from Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu?"

Having seen the man exit Xiao Guofu's house, Wang Cuihua figured he knew them before Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu came out. She nodded.

Xiao Zhenwei's lips curled into a satisfied smile.

After observing for a while, he found this woman in the entire chestnut purchasing team seemed a bit clueless—answering questions without much thought.

Perfect for gathering information about sugar-fried chestnuts.

With a grin, Xiao Zhenwei spoke again, "I won't hide it from you; I also want to sell sugar-fried chestnuts. I'd like to understand, how much is the tuition for learning to make sugar-fried chestnuts?"

Wang Cuihua looked puzzled. "Didn't you talk to Big Brother Xiao Cheng at the village chief's house?"

"I asked everything but forgot to ask about tuition fees." Xiao Zhenwei sounded sincere.

Wang Cuihua wanted to quickly answer and catch up with Xiao Cheng, so without much thought, she replied, "The tuition for sugar-fried chestnuts is..." "Fried chicken!"

A sudden tenor voice interrupted Wang Cuihua's response, completely cutting her off.

Because Wang Cuihua didn't continue her unfinished sentence, she turned and angrily shouted, "Ugly duckling!"

Chen Dafu glanced at the unfriendly Xiao Zhenwei and sneered, "The fried chicken is in heat."

Wang Cuihua wanted to hit him. "You're the one in heat!"

"The fried chicken doesn't look at the goods and flirts here, thinking about men like crazy!"

"You're the one thinking about men like crazy, damn ugly duckling! Stop spreading rumors; I'm not interested in this ugly guy. He's way worse than Big Brother Xiao Cheng!"

For the first time, Xiao Zhenwei was scorned as ugly, and after asking for so long, he didn't get the crucial answer. Frustrated, he yelled, "Stop arguing!"

"What's it to you!" Wang Cuihua and Chen Dafu yelled simultaneously, and the quarrel escalated.

On the hillside halfway up the mountain, layers of green terraces were covered with swaying corn leaves and brownish turning corn silk. It resembled a picturesque

scene from an ink painting.

Bai Lu, gazing at the large and plump corn in front of her, smiled faintly.

"Acheng, come here."


























Chapter 205: Ready to Eat

Xiao Cheng carried a large bamboo basket over.

In the lush cornfield, Bai Lu held a big ear of corn, smiling as she walked towards him.

"Hongying said they plant sticky corn here. Their family's crop on this small hill matures earliest. Let's pick some to take back. Corn isn't available in the market yet, so let's let Xiaowei taste it," Bai Lu suggested.

Xiao Cheng, expressionless, extended the bamboo basket to receive the corn, and with his other hand, he snapped off the corn leaves that almost touched Bai Lu's face.

After snapping off the leaves, his hand reached for the corn on the cob, seemingly intending to snap it off too.

Bai Lu quickly stopped him, holding his hand: "This one isn't ripe; we can't pick it."

Xiao Cheng glanced at the small hand holding his wrist, then looked at the corn. His large hand, accompanied by the small hand, continued reaching for it.

"It has grown." He explained firmly.

Bai Lu sighed, stopping his hand again, "Not just grown; the silk on this corn hasn't changed color, and the corn kernels inside are still small. They need to grow more, become plump, and the silk needs to turn dark brown for it to be tastier."

Xiao Cheng, having seen corn sold on the street but not how others pick it, said, "Let me peel it and check."

Apparently, he had no intention of letting go of the corn.

Bai Lu, frustrated by his stubbornness, directly held his hand and turned to another corn.

"This one is ripe; let's pick this. It's definitely better than the other one!" Bai Lu suggested.

Xiao Cheng obediently picked another ear of corn.

Bai Lu, moved by his cooperation, let go of his hand and went to pick the ones she had set her eyes on.

Expecting him to join her, she didn't hear his footsteps but a crisp "bang!"

Bai Lu instinctively turned around.

The corn stalk had turned into a bare pole.

Xiao Cheng placed the unripe corn in the bamboo basket and casually added, "I squeezed it, and there are corn kernels."

Bai Lu, exasperated, held her forehead. To avoid him rushing to snap corn again, she could only grasp his hand and turn to another corn.

"This one is ripe; let's pick this. This one is definitely tastier!"

Xiao Cheng compliantly picked another corn.

Bai Lu, touched, immediately released his hand and confidently picked the ones she had been eyeing.

Thinking he would follow, she didn't hear his steps but a clear "clang!"

Bai Lu subconsciously turned.

The corn stalk had turned into a flagpole.

Xiao Cheng placed the unripe corn in the bamboo basket and calmly added, "I asked Da Zhuang and Shiliu to pick them."

There's a place downstream by the river in the new town, and some families usually plant corn. Luo Shiliu and Xiao Zhongbiao went to steal corn, and Xiao Cheng went to catch them.

As soon as they entered, Da Zhuang and Shiliu each handed him a corn cob. They were caught red-handed by the owner of the cornfield who was out picking corn. They were chased on the spot.

The three boys ran with corn in their arms.

Thinking about that scene that overturned the image of the big brother, Bai Lu couldn't help but laugh.

"You must have known Luo Shiliu and Xiao Zhongbiao were going to pick corn; otherwise, how did you arrive so promptly?" she teased.

Xiao Cheng, solemn-faced, replied, "I didn't know in advance."

"How did you arrive so promptly then?"

"Xiao Dashuang told me."

Bai Lu continued to laugh, though silent. Although her mood had been gloomy, it improved a lot.

Xiao Cheng raised an eyebrow, his gaze fixed on her face, and he said seriously, "I've never stolen corn."

"Alright, I got it..." Bai Lu, holding onto the corn stalk, teased, "Do you want a certificate of commendation?"

Handing him a picked corn, she asked, "Shall I give you an award?"

Xiao Cheng took the unique "certificate of commendation" and gave an approving comment, "A commendation from Lulu, quite nice."

"Worthy of preservation."

Amused by Xiao Cheng's serious attitude, Bai Lu was helpless. She couldn't support herself on the corn stalk but on him.

"I suggest that when you go home, you should bury the certificate in the ground. Let it grow longer with more certificates..." she jokingly advised.

"That's a good suggestion."

Bai Lu laughed weakly. Unable to hold more corn, she handed him a few more, "Here, the more certificates, the better."

"Okay."

Xiao Cheng, carrying the bamboo basket, looked at the girl with a smiling face and suddenly asked, "Do you want to eat lychee?"

Bai Lu was puzzled, "There are no lychee trees here."

Surrounded by trapezoidal cornfields, there were no lychee trees, but the large mountain opposite the small hill had quite a few.

However, Bai Lu continued, "And besides, lychees aren't ripe yet."

Xiao Cheng said nothing, held Bai Lu's wrist, and started walking. They circled the small hill, traversed through one green cornfield after another, deliberately knocking down or breaking the corn leaves protruding onto the path.

All the way, snapping corn leaves.

Even though they were just a few inches long, Bai Lu couldn't help but stop him. Her way of stopping was grabbing his hand each time he tried to let go of her wrist, firmly holding onto his hand.

Five fingers into his five fingers, ten fingers tightly intertwined.

Making it impossible for him to let go.

Not long after, the view widened. Half, yes, only the path alongside the cornfield had widened.

What caught Bai Lu's eye wasn't the widened path but the slope on the side.

A lush lychee tree with abundant fruits!

Although the lychees on the tree had just started turning red and were far from being ripe, they were still edible, sour and sweet, quite delicious.

Bai Lu, amazed, eyes shining, exclaimed, "How can there be a lychee tree here, and such a big one... Is this Uncle Fu's lychee tree?"

Xiao Cheng nodded slightly, "Xiao Guofu said this lychee tree grows half on his land and half on the villagers' land. It's considered jointly owned by two families, and everyone can pick lychees. If we want to eat, we can come and pick."

Bai Lu recalled for a moment and declared, "I don't remember Uncle Fu saying such a thing."

Xiao Cheng looked deep into her eyes, "You were daydreaming at that time."

Knowing she wasn't in good shape today, having thoughts of home several times, she didn't want to make eye contact with Xiao Cheng, released his hand, and looked up at the lychee tree.

"The lychees aren't ripe yet."

Xiao Cheng squeezed the still-warm palm and put down the bamboo basket he was holding up with his other hand. He walked towards the

lychee tree on the slope, "They're ready to eat."

Bai Lu followed, "There are many lychee trees and other fruit trees on other mountains. We've been here so many times, but I've never heard Uncle Fu or the villagers say they want to sell fruits. With so many fruits, they can't finish eating them themselves."

Xiao Cheng picked a greenish-red lychee and handed it to Bai Lu, "The purchasing price is too low."

Bai Lu instantly understood. It was probably like octagonal fruit, where the price was pressed so low that they couldn't even recover the cost.

However, unlike the straight and stiff octagonal fruit tree, lychee branches were forked from the base, making them easy to climb. The villagers should pick them to sell to buyers, but maybe they weren't too eager.

Eating the sweet and sour lychee, Bai Lu couldn't help sighing, "If they could sell them to other provinces, it would be a big business."