The reborn of paranoid boss cannon fodder wife(291-295) (Patreon)

Chapter 291: Pleasant Surprise


Zhou Jiayi was still in a state of shock after reading the banner clearly, unable to process what was happening in her mind.


The buzzing in her ears was filled with congratulatory cheers, cheers of joy, words of praise, and constant admiration.


It wasn't until Li Shuixian's astonished voice sounded beside her: "Impossible!"


"Before Bai Lu dropped out, her grades were even worse than mine. How could she possibly rank first with full marks in all subjects? It must be fake. Bai Lu must have cheated in the college entrance examination!"


When Zhou Jiayi heard this, her brain, unable to process the blow, subconsciously accepted it as the reason.


Immediately, she ordered Liu Qing, "Go to a shop with a phone and call the school to verify Bai Lu's grades."


Liu Qing also didn't believe that Bai Lu could achieve such unbelievable results, but she remembered, "Doesn't Li Shuixian's shop have a phone? I'll go there to make the call."


Before Li Shuixian could speak, Yu Xiaoling, who had come to watch the excitement with a gong and drum, spoke up first: "How could someone delude themselves to this extent? They even say such brainless things as cheating."


"The invigilators in the exam room are not blind. Can't they see someone cheating? Even if one teacher doesn't see it, do all the teachers of so many subjects not see it?"


"How many pounds of water must one's brain contain to believe that Bai Lu could cheat in an exam room under comprehensive supervision!"


Not only did Yu Xiaoling think that Li Shuixian and Zhou Jiayi were out of their minds, but Yang Sisi also had the same thoughts.


"Bai Lu's score isn't just above Zhou Jiayi's barely making it into Tier One, nor is it just above Tier One. It's full marks in all subjects! Do you know what full marks in all subjects mean? There's no chance to cheat!"


"Throughout the country, Bai Lu is the only one who achieved full marks in all subjects. Who could she cheat off of? Would each person in the exam room copy one question? Or would she hold a book and treat the invigilators as blind, searching for answers one by one, and must find the answers that won't deduct points?"


"The people who think Bai Lu cheated not only have water in their brains, but I think they've been filled with concrete."


Yuxiaoling wholeheartedly agreed: "It would take a stroke of genius to come up with such an excuse without a decade of cerebral thrombosis!"


Zhou Jiayi's face turned ashen.


But she still couldn't believe that Bai Lu, who ranked last in the class, could become a top student in just a few months.


Bai Lu wasn't like the academic genius Lin Jinfan.


Moreover, Bai Lu had not attended school from dropping out until the college entrance examination. How could she achieve full marks in all subjects?


This was unreasonable. There were no self-taught geniuses in the world, and even if there were, it wouldn't be Bai Lu!


This irrationality, placed on an ordinary person, was indeed impossible. But happening to Bai Lu seemed reasonable and should be the case.


Because Bai Lu wasn't achieving full marks in all subjects for the first time; in future college exams, she would also achieve full marks in all subjects.


She was the provincial top scorer, the national top scorer.


As long as she didn't make any mistakes in her state of mind during the college exam, achieving full marks again was normal.


So, Bai Lu's heart was very calm at the moment, and she didn't need to prove anything to Zhou Jiayi. With a casual glance, it was already a blow to lower dimensions.


Zhou Jiayi's face changed drastically, not just pale, but flushed as if she had been slapped ten times over.


Not only red but also burning with pain.


Even through the crowd of congratulatory figures, she could feel the gazes directed at her as if she were an idiot in front of Bai Lu.


Her score, which just barely made it into Tier One, was nothing compared to Bai Lu's full marks in all subjects.


There were more students in G Province who made it into Tier One, and even more nationwide.


But achieving full marks in all subjects, there was only one national top scorer — Bai Lu.


Zhou Jiayi was almost suffocating with anger.


Bai Lu at this moment seemed to be standing on a high podium at school, looking down at her with mockery for her ignorance.


Laughing at her ignorance, laughing at her overestimation, laughing at her boasting of her achievements just now, it was all just a complete joke.


Just before Zhou Jiayi's psychological defense collapsed, Yang Qingsong, leading a lion dance team, arrived at Xiaocheng's door and said, "Congratulations to Bai Lu on her success in the college entrance examination!"


"The principal of Pingcheng High School personally called to report the good news. There's absolutely no mistake in achieving full marks in all subjects."


"You've brought honor to our Xinzhen, to Pingcheng, and to our entire province. You're a good child. You're the second provincial top scorer after Lin Jinfan, the national top scorer, the first female top scorer..."


Whatever Yang Qingsong said afterwards, Zhou Jiayi couldn't hear, only hearing mocking laughter coming from all directions.


She felt utterly embarrassed, and in the end, she was dragged away dispiritedly by Li Shuixian and the others.


If they didn't leave, the neighbors who had just seen them come to Bai Lu with arrogance could drown them in spittle, and the sarcastic laughter would deafen them.


Although Bai Lu was emotionally low, the courtesy ingrained in her bones did not forget. She raised a suitable arc at the corner of her lips, revealing a gracious and dignified smile, inviting Yang Qingsong and the others inside.


Offering the best tea, listening attentively to the encouragement, inspiration, and encouragement from the leaders and elders to the juniors.


Accepting the provincial top scorer award graciously.


After completing the necessary procedures and etiquette, and seeing off Yang Qingsong and the others, Bai Lu returned to the main house and resumed her seat to continue slicing eggplants.


Xiao Cheng, Luo Shiliu, Wang Hao, Xiao Dazhuang, and Xiao Wei were completely ignored from start to finish.


"Although my sister-in-law was smiling just now, it seems she wasn't very happy." Even Xiao Wei could see it.


How could Xiao Cheng and Luo Shiliu not see it? Even achieving full marks in all subjects couldn't make Bai Lu happy.


To make Bai Lu happy, they felt it was a bit difficult, even harder than reaching the sky.


The barbecue plan had been decided.


Luo Shiliu volunteered to go to the southern market to buy things, mainly those miscellaneous seasonings.


As well as the dishes that Bai Lu liked but were not available in Xiao Cheng and Pingcheng.


After instructing Xiao Dazhuang and Wang Hao to prepare other things, Xiao Cheng returned to Xiao Village.


Bai Lu didn't know anything. When Xiao Cheng returned home at sunset, she only knew that Xiao Cheng had gone out today.


The next afternoon, Bai Lu didn't prepare dinner, intending to go out to buy groceries, but he said there was no need.


When she went to the vegetable garden to pick vegetables, he also said there was no need. She only realized that something seemed wrong with him.


"Shall we go out for dinner tonight?" Bai Lu's brain, which was completely devoid of thoughts, could only come up with this reason for now.


Xiao Cheng looked at the girl's dim and lifeless eyes, asked without any curiosity, and lightly nodded, "Let's go out for dumplings."


Bai Lu thought dumplings were delicious, suitable for breakfast and late-night snacks, but it seemed that they couldn't be eaten as a main meal.


But she had no appetite these days. After eating a small bowl, she was full and didn't want to waste food, so she didn't say much.


However.


When they arrived at the dumpling shop, the enthusiastic boss gave her a big bowl of dumplings, full of steaming good intentions.


Bai Lu couldn't finish them, so Xiao Cheng shared half of them.


After finishing the dumplings, they didn't go home. Xiao Cheng wanted to take her to the riverside, and Xiao Wei also said he wanted to go to the riverside.


The three of them went for a walk by the river.


The more Bai Lu walked, the more she found that the streets of the town seemed livelier tonight, with many more people than usual.












Chapter 292: Good Times


At this time in the past, the neighbors would already be at home cooking, eating, and admiring the stars and moon.


Tonight, those neighbors who had business dealings with Bai Lu in the candied chestnut business, or those who were on good terms with her on weekdays, all walked together to the riverside. When they saw her from afar, they greeted her.


They still held melon seeds, freshly roasted pumpkin seeds, salty peanuts, and other homemade snacks, and they shared them with her.


Bai Lu thanked the other neighbors for their kindness and accepted a small handful of salted pumpkin seeds given to her by Zhang Sao.


She had never eaten this kind of snack before. Smelling the salty and fragrant aroma, she suddenly felt hungry and wanted to taste it.


Just as she was about to peel one, a big and a small pair of eyes beside her were staring at her hand intently, as if they also wanted to taste it.


"Big Sister-in-law, you said that good things should be shared among family members." Xiao Wei looked earnestly at the food.


Bai Lu paused for a moment and sighed softly as she handed over a small portion to the little one. "Why didn't you ask for it from Zhang Sao just now?"


"I want the one Big Sister-in-law gave me." Xiao Wei said confidently.


"Zhang Sao is your family." Bai Lu smiled.


As she handed the other small portion of pumpkin seeds to Xiao Cheng, she hesitated for a moment. The broad hand in front of her gradually became clear, revealing calluses formed from holding a gun at the base of the fingers. It was the most complete expression of strength and safety from not long ago. She let go, and the pumpkin seeds fell into his palm one by one.


When their hands accidentally touched, the scorching temperature penetrated through their palms, piercing their souls and focusing their scattered thoughts.


Bai Lu subconsciously looked up.


Xiao Cheng didn't meet her gaze. His eyes stayed on his palm, and he withdrew his hand as if nothing had happened.


He leisurely peeled the pumpkin seeds.


Hearing Xiao Wei's words, Zhang Sao laughed and said, "That's right, you're Big Sister-in-law's family. Before, you never liked to talk or go out, like a little hermit. If it weren't for being interested in hatching chicks with the old hen, I'm afraid I wouldn't have been able to talk to you in my entire life."


"Now that Bai Lu is here, you're back to being a child. It's great to have older brother and sister-in-law at home. You know you have family behind you, and you're fearless no matter what you do..."


Xiao Wei earnestly agreed, "Big Brother protects Big Sister-in-law, Big Sister-in-law protects me, and I protect the old hen!"


As he finished speaking, he suddenly realized he forgot something and hurriedly added, "And the little chicks."


Zhang Sao exclaimed, "Oh my! How long has it been since they hatched? How many little chicks are there now?"


"It's been over two months..." Xiao Wei started.


Bai Lu listened to Xiao Wei and Zhang Sao chatting, eating the pumpkin seeds that Xiao Cheng peeled for her. The accumulation of frustration in her heart over the past few days quietly broke open a gap.


The scorching summer day was so hot that people didn't want to go out during the day, but it was slightly better at night. Occasionally, a breeze would blow, bringing a cool feeling. Walking step by step was particularly comfortable.


The night sky was also beautiful, with stars twinkling and reflecting on the river surface, like a Milky Way stretching for thousands of miles, until suddenly, flames shot up.


"Fire!"


"Fire, put it out quickly!"


There was chaos by the riverside, and by the time Bai Lu and Xiao Cheng arrived, the fire had already been extinguished.


There were no casualties, no significant property damage, and it was the fastest fire extinguishing speed in history, with everyone grabbing handfuls of river water to put out the flames.


The cause of the fire—was the barbecue grill.


The scenery was pleasant, the moonlight was bright, and oil lamps were inserted into bamboo poles, illuminating the grass by the river, where a group of men were gathered around the barbecue grill, discussing.


"The food hasn't been roasted yet. It's just been brushed with oil, but the wire mesh is catching fire. It's so strange."


"This must be a fake!"


"I told you to buy the barbecue grill from the stall owner, but you didn't listen. Now, look what happened. You built the barbecue grill with bricks yourselves, and it's strange if the wire mesh doesn't catch fire."


"What's wrong with your brain? How can you blame the wire mesh catching fire on the barbecue grill? There are obviously two reasons. The owner's barbecue grill has so little charcoal capacity that it takes forever to roast something. Do you want Sister-in-law to wait hungry? Obviously, this kind of large barbecue grill built with bricks is the most practical. You need to put more charcoal on it to roast things faster!"


"Alright, alright, you're amazing, you're right. So, why did the wire mesh catch fire?"


"Yeah, what are we going to barbecue if it catches fire?"


"After putting out the fire, we can start barbecuing."


"Okay, you're right. Big brother and sister-in-law are here. Let's see what you're going to barbecue."


Bai Lu and Xiao Cheng had just walked up to the barbecue grill when Luo Shiliu took out a charred and broken thing from a large cardboard box on the ground and offered it to Bai Lu. "Sister-in-law, have a crab."


"Is this... a crab?" Bai Lu carefully looked at the black charcoal in front of her and indeed saw eight legs.


Luo Shiliu thought Bai Lu didn't believe him, so he explained immediately, "I just rescued it from the fire. Even pearls aren't roasted this authentically!"


"Their barbecued food was all burned by the fire, but my skills are the best. I roasted it successfully and rescued it smoothly, although Brother Cheng's skewers weren't rescued."


The barbecue time had already been decided. It was planned that Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu would come over, and they would be able to eat the first delicious skewers.


However...


Xiao Cheng glanced at the eight charred legs in front of him, directly refusing the "poisonous crab" for Bai Lu.


"Eat what you grill yourself."


As he spoke, he took Bai Lu's hand and walked past Luo Shiliu, ignoring Wang Hao and Xiao Dazhuang, who were sitting in front of the barbecue grill, making fresh stools out of bamboo poles.


He personally picked up a skewer of chicken wings and a skewer of shrimp from the large bamboo basket on the table next to the barbecue grill.


Start grilling.


Xiao Wei also took a skewer of shrimp and a skewer that looked like pork, probably lean meat from pork, and sat down next to Bai Lu, rolling up his sleeves to learn how to barbecue with his big brother.


Luo Shiliu looked heartbroken as he took a bite of the grilled crab and immediately spat it out, rushing to the river to rinse his mouth.


Bai Lu felt sorry for him for three seconds, then saw the barbecue grill stretching along the riverside for a hundred meters, and was a little shocked, "What day is it today? Why is everyone barbecuing by the river?"


Xiao Cheng flipped the skewers while saying, "Good times."


It had been a long time since Bai Lu had been so profoundly shocked by Xiao Cheng's simple and sincere answer. She twitched her lips slightly, "Is this long barbecue grill all built by Luo Shiliu, Wang Hao, and the others? I just heard the neighbors mention it just now."


Xiao Cheng held a small knife and cut open the chicken wings while nodding, "They built it together with some neighbors."


Bai Lu suddenly understood.


The neighbors who came to barbecue all brought their own charcoal and ingredients. Everyone was barbecuing for the first time. If they didn't know how, they would learn from Xiao Cheng, and if they failed to learn, they would continue to learn.


In the barbecue team, there were also couples who were affectionate and polite, earnestly learning how to barbecue together.


There were also Luo Shiliu's grandfather and Xiao Dazhuang's mother, who came to barbecue. Wang Hao's mother had to take care of Wang Hao's father, who was sick at home, so she didn't have time to come over. Wang Hao would barbecue something later and take it back for them to taste fresh.


The young people grilled while chatting about life and ideals, while the elders chatted about family affairs, each forming a group, and the atmosphere was harmonious and joyful.


Obviously, the small accident just now not only didn't extinguish everyone's enthusiasm, but also ignited it even more.


Bai Lu and Xiao Cheng sat in the middle of the hundred-meter-long barbecue grill, with Xiao Wei on the right and familiar neighbors below.


Except for Luo Shiliu, Wang Hao, and Xiao Dazhuang on the left, there was a large empty space with no one.


"Is there anyone else who hasn't arrived yet?" Bai Lu had a hunch that the empty barbecue grill on the left was waiting for someone.


Sure enough, Xiao Cheng answered with a single word, "Yes."


Bai Lu was a little curious, but not too much. Her attention was immediately diverted by the grilled shrimp skewer handed over by Xiao Cheng.


"Try it."


Bai Lu took the bright red shrimp skewer in front of her. "It seems like it hasn't been seasoned yet."


Xiao Cheng said, "Isn't seasoning added after it's grilled?"













Chapter 293: Touching Hearts


This was the first time that the big shots had ever grilled anything in their past and present lives. Grilling shrimp was already quite an achievement, considering it didn't turn into charcoal like Luo Shiliu's, so there was no need to expect too much!


It was just that they hadn't marinated it before grilling, and they forgot to add seasoning, that's all. No big deal.


Bai Lu felt it was nothing at all. Her emotions, which had not fluctuated much to begin with, instantly calmed down.


She began peeling the shrimp shells one by one, picked up a small brush from the side table, dipped it in seasoning, and brushed it onto the shrimp.


After brushing the seasoning, she sprinkled some cumin and chili powder on top before putting it back on the grill to cook.


Soon, delicious grilled shrimp skewers would be ready to eat.


Under Xiao Cheng's silent gaze, Bai Lu completed a series of actions. While waiting, another skewer of slightly burnt red shrimp suddenly appeared in her peripheral vision.


"Sister-in-law, this is for you."


To avoid Bai Lu misunderstanding and thinking that he wanted her to help with the seasoning, Xiao Wei specially explained, "It's for you to eat."


Bai Lu's hands paused as she looked at the earnest little one with slight surprise. "Aren't you going to eat?"


Xiao Wei shook his head. "You eat first, Sister-in-law."


Just as Bai Lu was about to refuse, three skewers of bright red shrimp were handed over from the left by Luo Shiliu, Xiao Dazhuang, and Wang Hao.


"Sister-in-law, eat the shrimp!" 


Seeing Xiao Cheng's darkening face, Bai Lu immediately accepted the skewers from Luo Shiliu, Xiao Dazhuang, and Wang Hao.


"Thank you, you can eat the ones you grilled yourselves, no need to give me grilled ones..."


"Sister-in-law, you eat first!" The three of them said in unison.


Bai Lu finally realized that something was not quite right with Xiao Cheng, Xiao Wei, Luo Shiliu, Wang Hao, Xiao Dazhuang, and the others tonight. They organized a barbecue for no reason.


They grilled shrimp for no reason.


Although, except for Xiao Cheng's perfectly grilled ones, the others were all slightly burnt, it didn't matter. This sudden sense of closeness was obvious.


Before Bai Lu could ponder further, another batch of freshly grilled meat skewers appeared in front of her.


Although not perfect, slightly burnt, and lacking seasoning, they were all fully cooked and healthy.


The neighbors also said, "Let the top scholar take the first bite; this is the fruit of victory belonging to her."


"It's your own glory, you are the best role model in the hearts of the children, you are the best!"


Yu Xiaoling also said, "You are the pride of our Xinzhen. You must take the first bite to bring glory to our province. This is the first time my brother and I have grilled pork belly. Try it quickly!"


Wang Cuihua also emerged from the crowd and, feeling guilty, glanced at Xiao Cheng before holding out a slightly burnt chicken leg to Bai Lu, weakly explaining, "I did my best."


Yang Sisi grilled a skewer of chicken meat. After seeing Xiao Cheng grilling chicken wings for Bai Lu and then looking at Bai Lu, she was convinced: "You're better than me."


"Look at what I grilled..."


"Look at mine, mine is more fragrant and tastier..."


The boys all came out afterward. After all, the complex feelings of both admiring Big Brother Cheng and fearing his jealousy were incomprehensible to anyone, so even giving a skewer of barbecue required a lot of explanation.


Afraid that Bai Lu would misunderstand and also afraid that Bai Lu wouldn't feel their sincerity, it was really difficult.


Facing these friendly and kind smiles and the goodwill of their own hands-on grilling, Bai Lu couldn't pretend to be untouched. 


However, before her response could manifest, the sound of a car stopping was heard from the entrance by the river.


It's no wonder all eyes simultaneously shifted there; the sound of the car stopping was too loud, and it was no surprise that it was two large trucks.


The people who came down from the rear compartment were all villagers from the Xiao family village, as expected.


Dozens of ordinary and simple figures, with kind and friendly smiles on their faces, escorted two elderly people, taking steps toward Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu.


Before the people arrived, the proud and proud voice of the elders came first: "Finally, we've seen the top scholar of our Xiao family, the only female top scholar in the national college entrance examination, the number one talent, all of them are our good daughter-in-law Bai Lu, our good son and daughter Bai Lu!


"Our ancestors in heaven are all smiling. Bai Lu, who shines for the glory of the family, has brought back the glory of the Xiao family's family tree. You are our Xiao family's eternal good son and daughter."


Bai Lu's heart shook, and she was already stunned. Bai Lu, the daughter-in-law of the Xiao family, is also... a member of the Xiao family?


The grandma held Bai Lu's hand, her face full of wrinkles showing concern: "Our Lu Lu must have been working hard. You have to do business to make money, to open up new paths for the Xiao family's chestnuts.


"And you have to study hard for the college entrance examination, it must be tiring, seeing you slim down in just a few days of not seeing you.


"Grandpa and I went up the mountain to pick pigweed a few days ago and caught a mountain chicken. Knowing that we were coming to town to see you today, we specially stewed it to replenish your body. It's been stewing for several hours, you must drink more, and take good care of yourself."


Grandma finished speaking and shouted, "Hongying."


"Alright, alright."


Li Hongying held the bowl given by Xiao Cheng in one hand and a spoon in the other, scooping chicken soup from the clay pot held by Xiao Guofu. When she responded, she had already scooped a full bowl of chicken soup.


Giving it to Bai Lu, she said, "Although this clay pot has a lid to keep it warm, it's been a while since we came from the countryside to town, and it's not as hot as it was when we first arrived. Drink it while it's hot. It won't taste good when it gets cold later."


Bai Lu took the soup bowl with both hands. The temperature was not too hot to handle, but it had already penetrated her palms and into her heart, scalding her eyes, making them sore, swollen, and instantly filled with tears.


Li Hongying and Xiao Guofu took off the baskets on their backs and placed them in front of Bai Lu.


"The lychees and mangoes on the mountain are ripe, and there's also corn. We picked some and brought them to you. They were all picked this morning, fresh enough to last several days."


Li Hongying picked up several bunches of freshly ripe lychees and smiled at Bai Lu. "These lychees need to be eaten fresh. Fresh lychees are the most fragrant, sweetest, and most delicious.


"If you have time, come back to the Xiao family often and have whatever you want to eat. We have everything on the mountain. Whether you're happy or not, come back with Xiao Cheng more often and enjoy the scenery."


"Your seven aunts and eight aunts at home miss you a lot."


Bai Lu was amused by the last sentence, and tears welled up in her eyes, breaking into laughter.


"Sister Bai Lu, this is a bouquet of rapeseed flowers Uncle Mu Gen asked me to bring to you." A boy who looked seven or eight years old, with a thin figure and dark skin, held a large bunch of rapeseed flowers that blocked his entire upper body and handed them to Bai Lu.


In a shy tone, he explained, "It rained a few days ago, and Aunt Mu Gen twisted her foot while picking mushrooms on the mountain. Uncle Mu Gen had to stay at home to take care of her. Uncle Mu Gen said he wishes you to be the top scholar in high school, and you will definitely like this rapeseed flower."


Seeing Xiao Cheng staring at the little boy, Xiao Guofu thought he wanted to recognize him and explained, "He's the third child."


"Last time, the family that Xiao Zhenwei had a deal with but didn't buy, finally bought the chestnuts you brought. The third child's family has money to send him to school now. He'll be able to go to school with other kids starting in September."


The third child looked at Bai Lu, gratitude and admiration in his eyes. "Thank you, Sister Bai Lu."


"Don't be polite. Study hard and make a name for yourself when you grow up. Don't forget to help the elders and fellow villagers who have helped you."


Bai Lu smiled lightly and reached out her hand, but the bouquet of rapeseed flowers was suddenly taken away by a big hand that reached out from beside her.












Chapter 294: Love Confirmed


The third child dared not utter a word.


Ever since he came out holding the rapeseed flowers, Xiao Cheng had been staring at him. Although his gaze wasn't particularly fierce, it definitely wasn't friendly either. It seemed like he wanted to tear the rapeseed flowers apart.


It's unclear what offense the rapeseed flowers had committed.


What the third child didn't know, nobody knew, but everyone knew that Xiao Cheng didn't like that bunch of rapeseed flowers, to the point of seeming insanely obsessed.


Because, after Xiao Cheng took the rapeseed flowers for Bai Lu, he had a gentle expression on his face as he said to Bai Lu, "Let's grill these to eat."


Bai Lu: "???"


Everyone else: "???"


Grill, rapeseed flowers?!


Rapeseed flowers, grilled to eat?!!!


What kind of earth-shattering, astonishing, unparalleled delicacy was this?


Such wise and decisive decision-making, only Xiao Cheng could come up with it.


Probably only Bai Lu understood why Xiao Cheng wanted to grill the rapeseed flowers.


Looking into the depths of his gentle expression, amidst the slight coldness and pride, filled with vinegar and a bit of unfulfilled retaliatory emotion, Bai Lu smiled, pushed the rapeseed flowers in front of her aside, and threw herself into his arms.


She tightly wrapped her arms around his strong waist, her voice trembling from the depths of her heart.


"Thank you."


Thank you for stepping into my rainy world, full of wind and rain, and leading me away.


Thank you for seeing through my vulnerability but not exposing it.


Thank you for not ignoring my collapsing world, not allowing it to deteriorate further, giving me a remedy to timely stop all collapse.


In another way, filling the void in my world, rebuilding a warmer and better new world.


Thank you for sheltering me from the storm, giving me the courage to continue, giving me the courage to set sail again.


Feeling the warmth in his embrace, Xiao Cheng tossed the rapeseed flowers to Xiao Wei and reached out to comfort Bai Lu with one hand while holding her tightly with the other.


Xiao Wei was nearly knocked out by the flowers. Fortunately, the third child supported his back, barely stabilizing himself.


Otherwise, he would have been crushed by the sudden love from his big brother with rapeseed flowers.


Indeed, only his big sister-in-law could withstand his big brother's love; his fragile little body couldn't bear it.


When Bai Lu lifted her head again, the dim eyes had returned to clarity, looking at the familiar and kind faces around her, feeling the warmth brought by Xiao Cheng, all her confusion in her heart had firm answers now.


Her aspirations and he, both had new directions.


No matter how stormy the road ahead, they would walk side by side, overcome difficulties together, and face all challenges head-on.


As for family, let her accompany and coexist with them in another way in this world.


Grandma was right, nothing in this world remains unchanged; only "change" is eternal.


When fate gathers, it will unite; when fate disperses, it will separate; when fate arises, it will live; when fate falls, it will die. If there is a connection, there will naturally be intersections.


People must move forward, born in the sun.


"Now is a good time, right?"


Luo Shiliu, Xiao Dazhuang, Wang Hao, and Zhang San and Li Si, who had just returned from the Xiao family village with people, were standing by the riverbank near a low bush, discussing important matters.


"Brother Cheng asked us to act accordingly. Sister-in-law must have opened up by now. I think it's the best time." Wang Hao agreed with Luo Shiliu's timing.


Xiao Dazhuang didn't understand, but seeing his big brother and sister-in-law hugging each other, it should be a good time.


Echoing his agreement: "Ignite it."


Zhang San and Li Si also agreed: "Ignite it."


After sending Bai Lu the rapeseed flowers, Li Hongying helped her hold the chicken soup bowl first. Bai Lu had just taken a sip, and now she was being arranged by her grandparents again.


Bai Lu had just finished a bowl of chicken soup.


In the tranquil and peaceful night, suddenly there was a "boom, boom, boom!" sound, and the sky burst with dazzling light.


Colorful fireworks, like pearls in the night sky, accompanied by the bright moon and stars, illuminated the world with their brilliance, illuminating the lush green river, the surprised and amazed smiles on people's faces, and the joyful atmosphere of laughter and cheers.


The beauty of the fireworks amazed the world, even though beauty is fleeting, the awe remains eternal in people's hearts.


"Wow, such beautiful fireworks!"


"So this is called fireworks, it's our first time seeing them, didn't expect our town to have such beautiful flowers. Fireworks are truly the most beautiful flowers in the world!"


"This is our first time seeing them too. There are no fireworks sold in town, nor in the city. Xiao Cheng must have had someone bring them from the provincial capital, Nan City, which is very far away."


"Bai Lu scored full marks in all subjects, Xiao Cheng specially bought fireworks from such a distant place, it must be to celebrate Bai Lu's status as the top scholar in high school."


"When Hong Kong returned to China on July 1st, fireworks were set off in Tiananmen Square to celebrate. It was very beautiful. I was shocked when I saw it on TV. I didn't expect to have the chance to see a fireworks show in person. So lucky!"


"So that's how it is... using fireworks to celebrate good things, it really honors our country!"


Bai Lu looked at the beautiful fireworks lighting up the night sky, listened to everyone's amazed, praising, astonished, and envious voices, then turned to look at the sharp and cold handsome face beside her, and asked softly, "Did you have someone bring them from Nan City?"


Xiao Cheng glanced at her with a slight tilt of his eyes, looking at her bright and shining eyes, and his lips curved up slightly. "Do you like them?"


"I do."


Bai Lu didn't hide her love for them, leaning against his shoulder, and whispered, "Were they very expensive?"


Xiao Cheng gently embraced her waist, looking at the small joy in her eyes, and chuckled, "Not too expensive."


"I don't believe you. Whether here or elsewhere, fireworks aren't so common that they're sold everywhere. Not everyone can afford them, so they must be outrageously expensive. You bought so many and haven't finished setting them off yet, are they especially expensive?"


"It's okay."


"How much were they?"


Whether it was sweet words or innocent words of affection, under the cover of the fireworks' explosions, they quietly entered the girl's ears, and a blush rose on her fair and flawless cheeks.


The tinkling laughter, along with the girl's shy and lovely smiling face, wove a beautiful scene, entering his eyes.


With the bright moon above, the night was deep, the stars were numerous, and the most beautiful fireworks bloomed brilliantly.


She was smiling, and he was watching.


She was watching the fireworks, and he was watching her.


*Click!*


A picturesque scene was captured.


Li Jianfeng held up the camera with a trademark crazy smile: "I'll use this photo to blackmail Xiao Cheng in the future, ah~ such a beautiful night, wealth is rolling in~"


Wu You's face twitched.


The boss's preferences were getting weirder and weirder, we dare not say, we dare not ask, let it be.


On July 23, 1997, clear skies, under the most beautiful night, the first photo of Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu was born.















Chapter 295 Help


Under the vast night sky, people overflowing with joy danced and sang, losing themselves in a string of barbecues.


Bai Lu and Xiao Cheng were surrounded by the enthusiastic Xiao family members and neighbors from the new town, receiving blessings.


Everyone held hands, forming a large circle on the grass by the riverbank, singing beautiful folk songs and dancing characteristic ethnic dances, with smiles on their faces, spirited words, and blessings being sent to the couple in the center.


The aroma of barbecue wafted from the grill.


Xiao Wei was picking snail meat with a toothpick, skewering them onto long bamboo sticks, and placing them on the grill.


Big brother and sister-in-law had never tasted grilled snail meat before, so he wanted to grill a few skewers for them to try.


The snails were brought by the villagers of the Xiao family village. The third child was also picking snail meat and skewering them onto bamboo sticks to grill.


Not knowing what seasoning to use, hesitating for a long time, the snail meat was almost burnt before the third child gathered the courage to ask Xiao Wei.


When Xiao Wei first went to the Xiao family village, his silent and reserved personality, like Xiao Cheng's, had already become well known.


So usually, when there was something to do, people wouldn't ask the two brothers. If Bai Lu was around, they'd ask her; if she wasn't, they'd wait for her to come back.


But at this moment, Bai Lu and Xiao Cheng were receiving blessings in the dance circle, and they wouldn't be back so soon.


If the snail meat continued to grill, it would burn. The third child could only ask Xiao Wei nervously with a try-it-and-see attitude.


Fortunately, Xiao Wei wasn't as reticent as he was when he first went to the Xiao family village. Instead, he earnestly answered the third child's question about how much cumin and chili powder to use.


The third child's nervous heart finally relaxed, his restraint gradually loosened, and he happily grilled with Xiao Wei.


Hearing Chen Chunli, who had just sat down not long ago, urging Wang Hao to grill faster, the third child even gave the grilled snail meat he had just made to Chen Chunli.


"I've grilled this. You just need to brush on some seasoning, and you can eat it. You can also brush it and grill it again."


Grilling it again after brushing it was what Xiao Wei told him.


Xiao Wei grilled like this because Bai Lu taught him. Bai Lu said that grilling it again after brushing on the seasoning would make it more flavorful and delicious.


But Chen Chunli not only didn't appreciate it, but also angrily rebuked with a disgusted look, "What kind of thing did you grill? It smells terrible and fishy. Are you trying to poison me?!"


It was the first time the third child had experienced Chen Chunli's sharp tongue, and he was immediately frightened, his skewer of grilled snail meat freezing in mid-air.


Xiao Wei, who had heard about repaying kindness from Bai Lu, had almost been knocked down by rapeseed flowers just now, and it was the third child who helped him up. So he immediately retorted to Chen Chunli.


"If you're so good at grilling, why don't you do it yourself? Why do you have to ask Haozi to help you? Don't you have hands?"


Chen Chunli was about to curse, but her mouth was blocked by a skewer of grilled pork belly from Wang Hao.


"It's cooked, it's cooked. The pork belly you wanted is cooked. Hurry up and eat while it's hot."


As he spoke, Wang Hao sat down quickly between Chen Chunli and the third child, holding two skewers of chicken wings that weren't yet grilled.


While grilling, he explained to the third child, "She doesn't like grilled snail meat. You can eat it with Xiao Wei."


Chen Chunli, eating the fragrant grilled skewers, temporarily suppressed her anger and glared at the third child without saying another word.


Xiao Wei directly moved down two positions, letting the third child move down two positions as well.


While flipping the skewers, he said, "Ignore her. Her body was ruined from giving birth, and she's always irritable, lashing out at everyone she sees."


The third child knew that he wasn't being targeted for disdain, so he breathed a sigh of relief and lifted his head, which had been lowered to his neck.


Thinking of the gentle Bai Lu, he couldn't help but look towards the crowd dancing and singing, "Does she also scold Sister Bai Lu?"


"She wouldn't dare."


Xiao Wei's face was full of pride. "Not only is my sister-in-law reasonable and persuasive, making people convinced, she also knows martial arts. No one dares to bully her, and Chen Chunli doesn't dare to bully my sister-in-law."


"Really amazing, that's good..."


On the other side of the dancing and singing.


Wang Cuihua looked from afar at the dazzling Bai Lu in the crowd, as well as the Bai Lu in the eyes and heart of Xiao Cheng, and the last glimmer of hope in her heart was extinguished.


Bai Lu was beautiful, could earn money, and was the top scholar in the country. She was so intelligent and knowledgeable, excelling in everything. She really couldn't keep up.


If she were Big Brother Xiao Cheng, she wouldn't bear to leave Bai Lu either. Big Brother Xiao Cheng would definitely only love Bai Lu in the future, and wouldn't love anyone else.


She couldn't marry Big Brother Xiao Cheng.


Wang Cuihua felt a little sad. She and Xiao Zhongbiao had no children, and she couldn't go back to her parents' home after getting married. If she died of illness at home one day, no one would know.


By the time she was found, her body might already be decomposed, and she might become a wandering ghost in the future.


No, she had to hurry up and remarry!

Big Brother Xiao Cheng couldn't marry her, but there were other people.


Wang Cuihua set her sights on the entrance to the riverbank, where Luo Shiliu, Zhang San, Li Si, and Xiao Dazhuang were moving alcohol towards the grill, obviously planning to have a drink.


Xiao Dazhuang was a good person.


She would marry Xiao Dazhuang!


"Ah—"


Just as Wang Cuihua lifted her foot to go to the grill, she was kicked in the back by someone and flew directly into the river.


"Plunk—Ah!"


"Help... help... help!"


Wang Cuihua couldn't swim, and as soon as she fell into the water, she panicked, flailing her arms and legs. The river water flooded into her ears, eyes, and nose, choking her so that she couldn't speak clearly, and she was gagged whenever she opened her mouth.


Her eyes were forced shut by the water, and whenever she managed to open them, a large amount of river water poured into her eye sockets, causing them to sting.


When she finally managed to open her eyes a little to look towards the shore, the spot where she had been standing just now was empty.


She had no idea who kicked


 her.


"Help... help!"


"Baolu... Xiao Cheng... Big Brother, help... help!"


Wang Cuihua desperately splashed water, struggling to attract the attention of the people dancing and singing in the distance.


However, the distance was too far, and the singing was too loud, drowning out any sound from all directions.


No matter how many times Wang Cuihua shouted, no one heard her, and the river water took the opportunity to fill her throat, making her stomach heavier and heavier.


Her hands, which were flapping the water surface, gradually lost strength.


Chen Dafu was late and had a full bladder, so he ran to the bamboo forest by the river to relieve himself. On his way there, he saw a figure sinking into the river and jumped in without hesitation.


It wasn't until he pulled the person onto the shore that he realized it was Wang Cuihua.


Exhausted, he lay on the ground, rolling his eyes.


On the other side, the crowd dancing and singing finally noticed the commotion here and rushed over one after another.


The main force quickly arrived at the scene of the incident.


Looking at the unconscious Wang Cuihua, Bai Lu asked Chen Dafu if he had performed any first aid measures. Chen Dafu said no, so Bai Lu immediately performed CPR on the drowning person according to the correct method, and after checking her condition, began CPR.


After a moment, Wang Cuihua spit out the river water, but she didn't wake up, and her brain seemed to still be in a state of hypoxia.


Just as Bai Lu was about to open Wang Cuihua's mouth, Xiao Cheng pulled her back and pointed directly at Chen Dafu.


"You go."


When Chen Dafu rescued Wang Cuihua, she had already struggled far away, and he had used up all his strength to rescue her back to the shore. Fortunately, Bai Lu came soon after, but he didn't expect that Wang Cuihua wouldn't wake up even after Bai Lu saved her.


It was obvious that artificial respiration was still needed, and Chen Dafu looked desperate. "What if I'm responsible for waking her up?"