Do Not Approach

74

Grandma's hands trembled. "I can still go to school?"

For someone like her, who couldn't even recognize a single character, school was a place for "cultured people."

The village chief patted her hand. "Isn't Teacher Mu thoughtful? She figured that you and Xiaohua worry about each other too much. As for meals at the school, she noticed you weave some nice baskets. Later, Teacher Zhang will help you sell them through livestreaming."

Mu Xiaoxiao had experienced poverty and hardship firsthand, so she understood both Grandma's and Xiaohua's feelings perfectly.

Zhang Qiao grinned. "Exactly! Grandma, even though we don't have a big following now, with my beautiful face, one day I'll make it big! I'll take your baskets to the world!"

Mu Xiaoxiao coughed and gently patted Zhang Qiao's head. "How many drinks have you had?"

With Mu Xiaoxiao and Zhang Qiao around, there was never a dull moment. Even Xiaolu, the chief's son, felt at ease and joined their banter. Xiaoxiao, always quick to spot talent, began flattering him. "Hey, Xiaolu, I see you've been working out a lot!"

Xiaolu flexed his arm proudly. "Haha, you bet! Rock solid!" He was always on the move, with a passion for fitness.

Zhang Qiao gave his biceps a feel and gasped in disbelief. "Whoa! Xiaoxiao, you gotta try this!"

The young miss glanced at Xiaoxiao with an amused look, holding her teacup.

In the past, Xiaoxiao wouldn't have hesitated to squeeze his arm. But now, she sat stiffly with her legs together, muttering, "I'm not touching it. What's there to touch? Don't talk nonsense."

She only wanted to touch her wife.

Zhang Qiao: ...

Look at this whipped, obedient little wife.

Although the young miss hadn't eaten or drunk much, her mood seemed pleasant. She wore a faint smile, occasionally glancing at Xiaoxiao, and that tender gaze filled Xiaoxiao's heart with warmth and joy.

Xiaohua still hesitated to accept the new clothes. It all felt like a dream to her, too good to be true.

Zhang Qiao playfully hooked an arm around her neck. "What's the big deal? Take it! Our little Xiaohua is already so pretty-dress up a bit, and you'll be a real beauty!"

Though Xiaohua is still young, her delicate features and natural presence hinted at great potential. With the right guidance, she could become someone extraordinary in the future.

Xiaoxiao nodded in agreement, but Xiaohua shook her head. "I don't need it... I already have clothes."

It had been years since Xiaohua had worn new clothes. Everything she owned had been hand-me-downs from the older girls next door, and even those were scarce-sometimes not enough to rotate and wash properly. She spent her days working hard, chopping wood in the mountains, her clothes often dirty and worn. Though she loved looking nice like any girl, the burden of survival left little room for such desires.

Zhang Qiao had no choice but to tug on Xiaoxiao's sleeve, both of them turning toward the young miss for help.

Qin Yi gave Xiaohua a calm look. "Not used to new clothes?"

Xiaohua gave a small nod.

The young miss nodded back, showing no intention of forcing her. Instead, she turned to Xiaoxiao and said, "Take off what you're wearing. I'll sew her an 'old' piece."

Mu Xiaoxiao: ...

Xiaohua: ...

Zhang Qiao: ............