Reborn in the 1980s: I became a stepmother in the 1980s

Part 194 I haven't thought of a title yet, please give me one.(❁'◡'❁)

Zhou Yue Shen's expression remained cold. "Next time. I have something to do tomorrow."

"What's that? Having dinner with your wife and kids?" Yu Dong rolled his eyes and added, "You can eat and then join us. You've got a motorcycle; it only takes a bit over an hour. We can all go together."

Zhou Yue Shen didn't respond, "We'll talk later."

Yu Dong asked, "Can I borrow your motorcycle then?"

Zhou Yue Shen finally lifted his gaze and glanced at him. "Not tomorrow."

Yu Dong was puzzled, "You're not going, but you can't even lend me the motorcycle?"

Zhou Yue Shen stood up, his tone cold. "I need it to haul something."

---

The next day, Si Nian woke up early. Since the kids wanted dumplings and sweet rice balls, she got up early to prepare the filling.

There was no shortage of meat at home, so she prepared a pork and cabbage filling. But since too much pork could be overwhelming, she also made a leek and egg filling.

The meat needed to be chopped and marinated to be flavorful. With the house full of men who loved meat, Si Nian cut a large piece of fatty pork belly. After cutting it, she mixed it with seasoning—scallions, ginger, and garlic—and then added in the stir-fried cabbage, mixing everything thoroughly.

Making the egg filling was much simpler. Si Nian kneaded the dough and, remembering that little Zhou Ze Han also wanted sweet rice balls, she added glutinous rice flour to make some small rice balls.

Since there was no sesame, she couldn't make sesame rice balls, but she did have rice wine, so she decided to make sweet rice balls in rice wine.

Zhou Yue Shen hadn't returned yet, so Si Nian planned to cook the rice balls for the kids as breakfast and wait for Zhou Yue Shen to come back before making the dumplings.

Zhou Ze Han and Zhou Ze Dong had woken up early and said they wanted to gather firewood. Although there was still some firewood at home, it was running low. Si Nian didn't stop them; she served them two bowls of sweet rice balls and also boiled two sweet wine eggs for them.

Kids of their age loved sweet things, so they devoured the rice balls quickly, finishing a bowl in no time.

Yao Yao was still asleep, so Si Nian didn't go with the two boys. The kids, eager for the dumplings, hurriedly set off.

Si Nian tidied up the kitchen and divided the dough into small pieces. Just as she called Yao Yao to wake up and have breakfast, she heard the sound of a motorcycle outside.

Si Nian walked outside and saw Zhou Yue Shen's motorcycle parked at the door with thick wooden planks strapped to the back.

She approached him with curiosity, asking, "What's this for?"

Zhou Yue Shen began to untie the ropes and remove the wooden planks, tossing them casually onto the yard. "I'm installing a bath tub for you."

Earlier, Si Nian had mentioned wanting a bath tub, as using a basin was inconvenient. Zhou Yue Shen had found a carpenter, and now he only needed to install it.

Si Nian's eyes widened in surprise and excitement. "You remembered about the bath tub! I almost forgot about it."

She had mentioned the bath tub to Zhou Yue Shen casually before, but then forgot about it, thinking that bathing luxuriously was a bit extravagant in the countryside. Plus, Zhou Yue Shen had been so busy that she hadn't brought it up again.

Zhou Yue Shen glanced at the materials in his hands and, noticing her reaction, his eyes settled on her. "The carpenter was ill and delayed the work. I'm sorry you had to wait so long."

Si Nian quickly shook her head. "Not at all, it's no trouble. I feel bad asking you to do all these things when you're so busy."

Zhou Yue Shen raised an eyebrow, looking at her.

"Are you being polite with me?"

Si Nian lowered her gaze. Today, her complexion was great, and her cheeks were slightly flushed with excitement, her eyes sparkling with tiny flecks of light. She looked very beautiful.

When she met Zhou Yue Shen's dark, intense eyes, her cheeks grew warmer, and she felt a rare sense of shyness. "How could I be polite with you?"

Zhou Yue Shen studied her slightly reddened face for a moment, and a hint of tenderness flickered in his eyes. Then, he averted his gaze and picked up a wrench to start the installation.

"I'll help you," Si Nian offered eagerly.

She was thrilled at the thought of finally having the freedom to take baths, which was a luxury she could now enjoy even in the countryside. For someone who loves to indulge, this was undoubtedly a great happiness.

Moreover, with the arrival of winter, Si Nian was particularly sensitive to the cold, often having icy hands and feet. Being able to take a bath was a significant comfort for her.

Si Nian hurried to crouch down and assist him. The wooden pieces were heavy and oddly shaped, their quality apparent in their smooth texture and beautiful patterns. It was clear that only a skilled craftsman could have made them.

This man, even when buying a bath tub, had gone to such lengths to ensure it was exquisite?

She raised an eyebrow. Though she didn't understand all the details, handing over tools and materials was certainly helpful. Zhou Yue Shen didn't stop her, and the two of them continued working in silence.

Before long, Yao Yao, who hadn't seen them come inside, padded out in her cute cotton slippers. Seeing them busy, she wanted to help as well. With her chubby little hands, she struggled to carry a piece of wood and handed it to Zhou Yue Shen, puffing out, "Hoo~"

Zhou Yue Shen glanced at his wobbly daughter with gentle eyes, taking the wood from her small hands. "Yao Yao, you're doing great."

Encouraged by the praise, Yao Yao beamed with energy, moving the wood with more enthusiasm. She ran back and forth, not quite aware of how much help she was providing.

Si Nian smiled as she watched the scene, the sight of the big and little ones working together was quite heartwarming.

Da Huang stood to the side, watching the family work and clearly wanting to join in. His tail wagged furiously, and he hopped with his front legs, eager to get involved. This only made the kids more anxious.

Seeing the dog's pitiful expression, Si Nian walked over, patted Da Huang's head, and unhooked his chain.

Da Huang immediately came over, sniffing around the wooden boards with his nose as if he'd caught a whiff of something interesting.

Zhou Yue Shen worked quickly. Despite not having a blueprint, he seemed unfazed, effortlessly assembling the bath barrel. Si Nian watched in amazement, realizing that there were indeed tasks suited for men.

After the assembly was complete, she moved to the kitchen to start preparing the dumplings.

Eventually, Zhou Ze Dong and Zhou Ze Han returned, each carrying a large basket of firewood and a pile of wild vegetables. Seeing the smoke rising from the chimney and Zhou Yue Shen's motorcycle parked outside, Zhou Ze Han's eyes lit up with excitement. "Great! Dad's back! We can finally make dumplings!"

Zhou Ze Han dashed inside, exclaiming, "Mom, Mom, wait for me!" Zhou Ze Dong, though silent, also quickened his pace.

Upon entering the house and seeing a large portion of meat filling and the aroma of eggs wafting from the table, Zhou Ze Han's mouth watered. He rushed over, saying, "I'm going to wash my hands right away, Mom. Wait for me, I want to help with the dumplings."

He hurried into the kitchen to wash his hands.

Zhou Yue Shen, just coming out of the kitchen, frowned as he watched Zhou Ze Han's frantic movements and said, "Slow down."