As the time drew near, several classmates gradually gathered around, holding flyers, but they were still observing, not yet showing any intention to join.
Chen Li Shu kicked the stool beneath Li Zhi Wei's seat, signaling him to begin his performance.
Li Zhi Wei was not one to hesitate. He stood up straight and delivered his self-introduction in English at the top of his voice. At the end, with a hint of pride, he winked at a few girls opposite them, causing their hearts to flutter.
As the sky darkened, someone finally mustered the courage to approach. Chen Li Shu greeted him with a smile in English. The other person initially replied with broken English, but Chen Li Shu immediately offered affirmation and encouragement, gradually putting him at ease.
The atmosphere began to open up, and more observers joined in. These were young people with aspirations and ambitions. Once they found common ground, everyone soon started gesturing and talking, and the mood grew livelier.
"What nonsense are they all spouting? It's like a donkey's lips meeting a horse's mouth. Look at them, acting like clowns, having the nerve to make a spectacle of themselves," Sun Ling said, watching the group chatting and laughing across the way, her face almost contorted with anger.
"Some people are just eager to curry favor. What can we do about it?" Jiang Yu Wei remarked, then turned and left directly.
"Teacher, I told you Junior Sister would be fine. You still made a special trip here," the counselor said to Chen Yin Chu, glancing at the students chatting in small groups not far away.
"Youth is truly wonderful," Chen Yin Chu said, nodding with satisfaction as he looked at the vibrant students.
The first campus English corner was a great success. Chen Li Shu, true to her promise, treated Zhang Xue and Li Zhi Wei to a meal at a restaurant during lunch.
After eating, Chen Li Shu informed everyone and then took a bus to Wang Ai Xiang's house.
"Sister, I've already cleaned up that house. Let me take you to see it now."
Chen Li Shu had come specifically to see how the house was being prepared, so she agreed.
Wang Ai Xiang had been efficient. The house was cleaned very neatly. The trash was gone, a bamboo mat was laid on the kang, and the cement floor seemed to have been washed. The broken glass in the window had been replaced with a good one.
"I know you're going to store things in it, so the house definitely can't leak. I've replaced the aging felt paper on the roof to guarantee there are no leaks."
Chen Li Shu nodded, "Thank you for your hard work."
"It's all my duty," Wang Ai Xiang said with a shy smile. Thinking of something, she asked, "Sister, when are we going to get this item?"
Chen Li Shu thought for a moment, "Tomorrow. Wait for me here tomorrow, and I'll come to find you."
After making arrangements with Wang Ai Xiang, Chen Li Shu first went to a nearby grocery store to buy some food. As she was leaving, her peripheral vision suddenly caught sight of milk powder being sold at the counter. Thinking of Lin Xiao Yue, who was in her confinement period, she bought two bags.
At the Wu family home, Lin Xiao Yue was trying to persuade Lin Xiao Hui.
"Li Wei Min is a good person. His family is simple. His two older sisters are already married, and your brother-in-law has already sounded him out. He's naturally agreed, it all depends on your decision," Lin Xiao Yue said.
Lin Xiao Hui was reluctant, "He's only a company commander."
"What's wrong with being a company commander? He's only in his early twenties and will definitely get promoted in the future. Besides, even if he retires, the country will arrange a job for him. When choosing a spouse, you have to consider the family. Look at your brother-in-law; his family is simple, which is why I have so little to worry about."
"He's so dark, and he's not tall either."
"What does a man need to be fair for? Besides, I've met Li Wei Min. He's over 1.70 meters tall, not short at all."
Lin Xiao Hui stubbornly pursed her lips and said nothing more.
Lin Xiao Yue's expression darkened slightly, "If you look down on someone like Li Wei Min, then who do you want to find?"
Lin Xiao Hui mumbled softly, "The person I wanted has already been snatched away. What's there to look for?"
Lin Xiao Yue's face showed displeasure, "What did you say?"
Lin Xiao Hui shook her head, "Then when you found your husband, he was a battalion commander. I still have a job. At the very least, I should aim for a battalion commander level, right?"
Afraid of upsetting her further, Lin Xiao Yue suppressed her anger and lowered her voice, "Li Wei Min is already the best in all aspects that your brother-in-law can find for you. If you don't agree, then fine. After all, it's a lifelong matter. If you don't agree after dating for a while, it will be difficult for your brother-in-law too."
When Chen Li Shu entered, she sensed that the atmosphere between the sisters was not good, but she didn't ask further. Instead, she smiled and took out the milk powder she had bought, "This stuff is hard to come by. I happened to see it sold today, so I bought two bags for you, sister-in-law. You're in confinement now and need nutrition. This is perfect for you."
The malted milk contained oats, and Chen Li Shu, fearing it might affect her milk supply, had not bought malted milk.
"Sister-in-law, you're spending too much," Lin Xiao Yue said, feeling a bit embarrassed when she saw her bringing milk powder.
"What's spending too much? Anyway, the nutrition will eventually be for our little Wu Yan. I really like this little guy."
As Chen Li Shu spoke, her gaze fell on the infant sleeping soundly on the bed. Babies change day by day. After not seeing him for a week, he had changed even more. His features were already becoming discernible. Wu Yan was very good-looking, combining the best features of Lin Xiao Yue and Wu Zheng. He was sturdy and lovable.
"Sister-in-law, since you like children so much, why don't you have one of your own?" Lin Xiao Hui said, unable to resist a jab, knowing that Chen Li Shu and her husband had been married for a long time without children.
The smile on Chen Li Shu's face faded slightly. She glanced at Lin Xiao Hui and said, "It's not hard to have a child. The person is right there."
Lin Xiao Hui was momentarily speechless.
"Xiao Hui, I'm hungry. Go and make dinner," Lin Xiao Yue said with a somber expression.
Lin Xiao Hui reluctantly turned and went out.
Seeing her leave, Lin Xiao Yue smiled apologetically at Chen Li Shu before asking with concern, "Sister-in-law, why don't you have any news yet?"
Mentioning this, Chen Li Shu also felt a bit frustrated, "I don't know either. Maybe the time just hasn't come yet." After all, she had given birth in her previous life, but this time there had been nothing. She could only attribute it to fate not having arrived yet.
"That's true. You and Commander Gu are still young. Perhaps in a few days, there will be good news."
Chen Li Shu smiled, "I'll take your good wishes, sister-in-law."
After leaving the Wu family, Chen Li Shu returned home to start cooking. For dinner, she steamed buns, stir-fried eggs with onions, and she also bought some radishes and lamb to make soup.
When Gu Xing Dong and 'Da Wang' returned in the evening, Chen Li Shu noticed a subtle atmosphere between the two and couldn't help but ask curiously, "What happened?"
"Meow," Da Wang, hearing her question, looked up and let out a wronged meow.
"You still have the nerve to complain," Gu Xing Dong said, looking at it with disdain. "This one is a bully at home. He can't even keep his own girlfriend, and she was snatched away by another cat."
Chen Li Shu was surprised, "Da Wang has a girlfriend?"
"Meow," as if to confirm, Da Wang meowed again.
Gu Xing Dong scoffed, "Not anymore."
'Da Wang' drooped its head and stopped meowing.