When Si Nian finally found them, the last few pounds of mung bean cakes had also been snapped up by passing pedestrians. Mrs. Lin and Zhou Suixui stood there at the market, looking lost and disconnected.

Finally noticing Si Nian's arrival, they had been standing there for half a day, their nervous palms sweating. The glances from the surrounding passersby made them feel awkward.

Although small-scale entrepreneurs had emerged long ago, most people had never dared to consider such a venture. After seeing more and more people start doing it over the past couple of years, they had started to get used to it, albeit tentatively. But when it came to themselves, the feeling was entirely different.

Mrs. Lin hurriedly waved to her daughter. "Nian Nian, over here!"

Si Nian walked over, listening as her mother excitedly muttered to herself, "Nian Nian, you have no idea how kind Xiao Zhou is. He even arranged for someone to find us a spot to set up our stall right here, at the intersection, where there's the most foot traffic!"

"Quick, let's set up here."

With that, the two reached out to lift the foam boxes.

But in the next moment, their hands came up empty.

At first glance, it might not seem like much, but compared to rural incomes, it's quite substantial over the course of a month. After all, not many people can earn fifty yuan a month nowadays.

In reality, aside from the slightly expensive sugar and honey inputs, green beans and glutinous rice flour are negligible costs. Mrs. Lin and Zhou Suixui were ecstatic, counting it all out and then giving half to Si Nian.

"Nian Nian, this is your share. We owe you so much for helping us sell these!" Mrs. Lin exclaimed with excitement.

Si Nian waved her hand in refusal. "It's okay, Mom. I didn't do much, just helped you with the goods. You both could have sold them without me. No need to be so formal."

Even though she knew her daughter didn't really need the money, Mrs. Lin still felt embarrassed. After some back and forth, Si Nian got a bit annoyed and simply said, "Then treat me to a meal next time."

Mrs. Lin had no choice but to agree.

Si Nian also planned to visit the city soon. There was too little osmanthus in the countryside, so she intended to buy some dried osmanthus and honey. This way, they could make more next time.

Mrs. Lin agreed that it made sense, so she went with her.

At the Zhou residence,

When Zhou Yueshen returned home, his daughter was already awake. Her hair had grown quite long—previously messy, it now lay smoothly against her little face even after waking up. Si Nian had trimmed it for her, so now it reached below her ears, neatly styled with a fringe, complementing her delicate features and making her look incredibly adorable.

At this moment, little Yao Yao was sitting on the bed playing with her tiny feet. Children grow quickly, and even though Si Nian hadn't been with them for long, Zhou Yueshen felt that his little girl had plumped up noticeably.

He walked over and lifted the little bean sprout from the bed. Si Nian had taken good care of her, and she smelled sweet and soft all over. Her hair seemed shinier than before.

"Mama~ Wang Wang~" Perhaps used to being alone at home, the little girl didn't cry or fuss. Instead, when Zhou Yueshen appeared, she smiled, revealing a neat row of little teeth, very bright and pretty.

Zhou Yueshen corrected her helplessly, "It's Papa, not Mama."

"Mama~ Wang~"

"Silly girl." Zhou Yueshen pinched his daughter's cheek gently and carried her downstairs.

Si Nian had made millet porridge in the morning, and it was still warm. Zhou Yueshen fed his daughter with one hand, then dressed her in a lovely little dress. Si Nian had bought schoolbags for the two older children, and she hadn't forgotten to get one for the little girl either—a tiny one strapped to her back with some biscuits and candies inside.

Zhou Yueshen fed Xiao Huang and then, carrying the small backpack, he left the house with his daughter in his arms. Auntie Zhang's gate was open as he walked over and knocked.

Auntie Zhang immediately came out wiping her hands. "Oh, Xiao Zhou, you're bringing the child over today." She looked surprised to see Zhou Yueshen.

Zhou Yueshen nodded slightly. "Could you please watch Yao Yao for a while, Auntie?"

Auntie Zhang used to be from Linjia Village, acquainted with the Lin family, but after marriage, she hadn't interacted much. Perhaps because Si Nian and she were from the same village, they got along exceptionally well. Now, the two families often visited each other.

Before, Auntie Zhang had been friendly and lived nearby, but due to the complications in the Zhou family's situation, they hadn't been very close.

Because of Sinen's presence, now everyone in the neighborhood is getting familiar with each other. People are gradually realizing that Zhou Yueshen isn't as difficult to approach as he seems on the surface. He just appears aloof. Anyway, ever since Sinen arrived, Aunt Zhang feels that Zhou Yueshen has become kinder and more approachable. Busy taking the little girl from him now, she smiled and said, "No trouble at all, please, it's my pleasure!"

Immediately, Stone's gaze focused on the chicken coop as he ran out of the house. "Yao Yao sister, you're here! Come on, let's eat eggs!" He expertly took Yao Yao's hand and led her into the house.

Zhou Yueshen glanced at Stone, whose nose was running, and then at his daughter, who looked like a little fairy. He furrowed his brow imperceptibly. Before he could say much, Aunt Zhang suddenly pulled him aside and whispered, "Xiao Zhou, there's something I'm not sure if I should say."

Zhou Yueshen was taken aback, sensing that Aunt Zhang's gaze today was somewhat strange. He asked calmly, "What is it? Please, Aunt Zhang, go ahead."

"I'll tell you, don't think too much of it. Auntie is straightforward but genuinely cares about you and Nian Nian. Your health issue may seem serious at first glance, but there are solutions. I know an experienced Chinese doctor who could help. Go see him, take good care of yourself. You're still young, you'll definitely be fine. Don't give up!"

With that, she handed Zhou Yueshen a piece of paper. "I'll keep this matter strictly confidential for you, never letting anyone else know."

Men, after all, care about their reputation, she understood. Aunt Zhang patted Zhou Yueshen's shoulder, encouraging him.

Zhou Yueshen:。。。。