Gu Xingzhao chuckled as she watched Du Hangwu, noticing his awkward reaction. Worried the hotpot might be too much for him, she had brought him a new box of medicine, thinking he might have used up the last one by now.
It’s just a box of hemorrhoid cream, she thought. Why such a big reaction?
Du Hangwu, a man who could face danger without flinching, was now blushing furiously. Why did the Lu family’s deity choose this moment, while he was in the middle of eating, to send him this? What if his subordinates found out that every day, he had to apply this to his… private area? How would he maintain his authority?
He quickly stuffed the box into his pocket, trying to keep eating as if nothing had happened. Seeing no one paying attention to him, he finally relaxed.
How did the deity know? he wondered. He had just run out of the cream yesterday and hadn’t even mentioned it to Lu Qing yet. Could the deity be keeping track of his condition?
The thought made his hand holding the chopsticks freeze mid-air. No way.
Gu Xingzhao, watching this play out, wanted to laugh out loud. Seriously?! Who would keep track of your hemorrhoids?
She shook her head, making a mental note to remind him to focus on more important things than his behind.
After walking around for a bit and checking in on the Lu family, Gu Xingzhao was pleased to see them enjoying their meal. It gave her an idea: maybe she could partner with Mo Li and arrange a daily vegetable delivery. She could sell the produce in her new supermarket and provide fresh food to the Lu family.
And why stop at vegetables? She could source pre-made meals from suppliers, so the Lu family wouldn’t have to live off instant noodles and dry rations anymore.
Unsure how much longer the Lu family had to travel, she asked Lu Qing, “How much longer will it take you to reach the northern lands?”
Lu Qing estimated, “Honorable ancestor, we’ve been delayed due to injuries and illness. If we proceed without further setbacks, it should take another month and a half. But if there are more delays, it might take two months.”
Gu Xingzhao was shocked. “Two more months?!”
She looked around at the exhausted prisoners, many of whom had already perished along the way. It was no wonder the history books recorded that most people exiled to the northern lands never made it. The journey was grueling.
Lu Qing explained, “This is the pace for prisoners. If we were traveling on horseback, it would take only a month.”
Gu Xingzhao sighed, “It’s so tough for all of you.”
If only she could bring her car, she thought. She’d pack up Lu Qing and a few others and drive them straight to the north. But with so many people, that wasn’t an option.
After collecting the e-reader and the portable charger from Lu Qing to recharge them for the night, she reflected on how difficult life in ancient times must be. I’m so glad I live in the modern world. If I were sent back in time with my modern memories, I’d probably fall into despair.
Later that evening, Gu Xingzhao brought two large bags of vegetables to the Lu family. When she arrived, she noticed Lu Suo still busy in the kitchen, and she immediately offered to help.
Holding a spatula, Lu Suo smiled and waved her away. “The kitchen is smoky. You’re a young lady—don’t trouble yourself. Just come in when it’s time to eat.”
Gu Xingzhao returned to the living room, looking around. Everything seemed the same, except for the teapot on the middle shelf, which had been moved to the bottom. In its place was the inkstone dropper she had recently had repaired.
She remembered that Lu Suo had always liked that teapot, keeping it on display. Now that the inkstone dropper had taken center stage, it was clear he cherished it even more.
Gu Xingzhao smiled. Seeing how much he liked it, she decided to ask He Zhen to help her find an even better one for him.
Just then, Lu Lu Suo’s voice called from the kitchen, “Xiaozhao, come grab the dishes. Dinner’s ready.”
She stood up and went to the kitchen.
Lu Suo was a fantastic cook, and he had prepared three dishes and a soup, all of Gu Xingzhao’s favorites.
Using serving chopsticks, he filled her plate with food, “Xiaozhao, have you thought about what you want to do in the future?”
Gu Xingzhao looked at him, puzzled. “What do you mean?”
Lu Suo clarified, “Would you consider working at a major hospital in the city? I could help arrange that for you.”
Gu Xingzhao shook her head. “I haven’t thought about it. Why are you asking?”
She had already spent three years in the town, and her supermarket was doing well. Plus, she had just invested in a new, larger supermarket. Going back to work at a hospital wasn’t even on her radar, especially with the Lu family’s needs taking up much of her time.
She looked at him, still confused. Lu Suo had never asked her about her career before. Why now?
Avoiding her gaze, Lu Suo explained, “I just thought you’re still young and could take the opportunity to go out into the world… But, you know, the city can be stressful. Staying in the town is good, too. Everyone knows each other, and it’s easier to help each other out.”
He had originally hoped to set her up for the future, ensuring her path was secure while he was still around. But he realized now that it was her choice to make.
From her response, it seemed she wasn’t interested in exploring the outside world.
Gu Xingzhao didn’t overthink it. She assumed Lu Suo was just asking casually.
“I like it here in town. I can have meals with you, see Aunt Wang and the others. It’s nice.”
She didn’t have grand ambitions. Being content with the people around her was enough.
Lu Suo was momentarily taken aback, but his tight expression softened. He poured her a bowl of soup. “Then stay here in the town.”
At least if she stayed, he could rest assured that there would still be people in the station to help her in case of any future troubles, even after he was gone.
After dinner, they played chess in the living room. That was when Lu Suo mentioned something surprising. “By the way, Xiaozhao, I’ve decided to retire early. I’m planning to travel and see the world.”
Gu Xingzhao was shocked. He still had a year before retirement, and he’d always been such a workaholic. Now he was retiring early?
“Early retirement sounds good. But are you going to travel alone?”
Lu Suo nodded. “I’ve made plans with two friends who’ve already retired. We’ll set off next month and probably won’t be back for a while.”
Knowing he wouldn’t be traveling alone, Gu Xingzhao felt more at ease. “Make sure to send me lots of pictures. I want to see everything!”
“Of course.” Lu Suo fidgeted with a chess piece in his hand and, in a teasing tone, added, “Make sure you visit me often this month. Otherwise, you won’t get to have dinner with me anymore.”
Gu Xingzhao laughed, “I will!”
It was close to 9 PM when she finally left the Lu household.
Standing on the balcony, Lu Suo covered his mouth with a tissue as he coughed. He waited until Gu Xingzhao had left the neighborhood before pulling out his phone and making a call.
When the line connected, he spoke softly, “Lawyer You, are you available to come by tomorrow? I’d like to draft a will.”
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