Going home for the New Year during the winter break, I encountered a cool school girl on the high-sp

Chen Yuanyuan said with great interest:

Everyone is praising how good-looking you two are, saying you look perfect together! They say my brother is handsome and stylish, and my sister-in-law is beautiful and elegant; you're practically the protagonists of a real-life idol drama.

And your interaction that day was also captured on camera. Some people said the atmosphere between you two was incredibly sweet, full of love, and many classmates were extremely envious.

Upon hearing this, Lin Muxi's cheeks flushed slightly, and she shook her head, feigning helplessness.
"Students these days like to focus on these things. It's just ordinary daily life, nothing as wonderful as you all make it out to be."

Chen Yuanyuan quickly walked to Chen Yuanyuan's side and took her arm:
"Sister-in-law, don't be modest! At our school, you and my brother are the star duo in everyone's eyes."

Some people even made bets, saying they'd love to see when you two will have a super romantic wedding!

"Wedding?" Lin Muxi was stunned for a moment. The image of her and Chen Chen walking hand in hand into the hall of marriage involuntarily flashed through her mind, and a wave of sweetness and shyness welled up in her heart.

"Kids just stir up trouble; you can't just make bets on things like this."

Chen Yuanyuan chuckled and said, "I think it's great, sister-in-law. You and my brother love each other so much, it's bound to happen sooner or later."

I want to be one of your bridesmaids and witness your happiest moment.

And let me tell you, when you get married, I'm sure a lot of our classmates will want to come and attend the ceremony.

Lin Muxi gently tapped Chen Yuanyuan's nose:

"Look at your little head, what are you thinking about all day long? Putting aside the fact that the wedding is still a long way off, we need to focus on more important things right now. How's your studying going lately?"

Chen Yuanyuan stuck out her tongue:

"Sister-in-law, why did you suddenly change the subject to my studies? I've been doing quite well lately, and my grades even improved in the last exam."

Lin Muxi smiled and nodded:
"That's good. Don't let anything else interfere with your studies. If you don't understand anything, just ask me. Your brother and I will help you."

Chen Yuanyuan nodded obediently: "I know, sister-in-law. With you and my brother here, I will definitely study hard."

Just then, a sudden commotion outside broke the tranquility of the room.

Chen Yuanyuan's ears twitched, and she immediately said, "It must be my brother and the others who are back."

Upon hearing this, Lin Muxi didn't even put down the vegetables in her hands before rushing out of the kitchen.

Upon seeing Chen Chen, her face instantly lit up with a joyful smile, and her voice was clear and melodious:
"Seniors, you're back! How did you get covered in mud?"

As she spoke, Lin Muxi casually pulled a tissue from the table next to her, stood on tiptoe, and gently wiped away the grime mixed with sweat and dirt from Chen Chen's face.

Chen Chen rummaged through his bulging pockets while responding with a smile:

"I'm back! This trip was really fruitful. I brought back a lot of good ingredients for making soup, as well as some delicious wild fruits."

"What ingredients are used to make this soup?" Lin Muxi asked with wide, curious eyes and an expectant look.

Chen Chen placed the bag he was carrying on the table and said:

"Five-finger peach, and this tea, you should try it, it tastes very good."

Upon hearing this, Chen Yuanyuan, who had just come out of the kitchen, immediately came over, her face showing a hint of surprise:

"It really is five-finger peach! It makes the soup taste the most delicious. We're in for a treat today."

And this tea brew, I haven't had it in ages.

As she spoke, she took the teacup Chen Chen offered, took a small bite, and a satisfied expression appeared on her face.

"It still tastes familiar, sweet and refreshing. Sister-in-law, you should try it."

Lin Muxi nodded and quickly took a small bite. Her eyes instantly lit up like twinkling stars: "Wow, it's so delicious! It's sweet with a hint of fruity aroma. Senior, where did you find so many good things?"

Chen Chen patted the dirt off his clothes and began to speak with great enthusiasm:

"I found it near my grandfather's house. Every year when I go to pay my respects at the mountain, I can find all kinds of wild fruits and vegetables. This five-finger peach grows in the woods by the stream, and the tea was found on an old tea tree."

However, the road was difficult to travel; it involved climbing hills and crossing streams, which is why we were covered in mud.

As he spoke, Chen Chen pulled a handful of small, red wild berries that looked like tiny strawberries from his coat.
"This is a wild strawberry. Try it; it might be a little sour."

Lin Muxi reached out and took the wild strawberries from Chen Chen's hand, picked one up and put it in her mouth, saying:

"That sounds really interesting! Can I come along next year?"

She blinked her beautiful eyes, looking at Chen Chen with anticipation.

Chen Yuanyuan gently tapped Lin Muxi's nose and said with a smile:
"You're just too curious. Life in the mountains isn't as easy as you imagine. The roads are difficult to walk, and there are all sorts of mosquitoes. I'm afraid you won't be able to endure the hardship."

Lin Muxi quickly shook her head, her tone firm:

"I'm not afraid! I promise I won't hold anyone back, so let me go with you."

Chen Chen couldn't help but laugh when he saw Lin Muxi's serious expression:
"Okay, I'll definitely take you next year if I have the chance. But you'd better be prepared before you go, so you don't complain about being tired."

"Yay! Thank you, senior!"

Lin Muxi jumped up excitedly, then, remembering something, quickly asked,

"How do we prepare these soup ingredients? Let me help."

Chen Yuanyuan gently picked up the few five-finger peach plants, examined them carefully, and slowly said:
"This five-finger peach needs to be washed very carefully first, and then cut into small pieces."

Look, there's so much! It must be meant to be shared. The adults will take care of these tasks; we don't need to worry about it.

"Okay!" Lin Muxi's eyes sparkled as she nodded happily, like a lively little deer.

Chen Chen looked down at his mud-covered body and said with a look of disgust, "I'm filthy, I'm going to take a shower first."

Lin Muxi waved her hand with a smile and said, "Go ahead, Yuanyuan and I will continue to help in the kitchen. The food will be on the table soon."

"Okay, I'm starving." Chen Chen rubbed his stomach, looking helpless.

Lin Muxi urged, "Then go take a shower quickly."

Chen Chen nodded and turned to walk upstairs.

"Brother, take off your shoes, don't get the floor dirty."

Chen Yuanyuan offered a reminder.

Chen Chen pulled his shoes aside, rolled up his trousers, and went upstairs barefoot.

Lin Muxi and Chen Yuanyuan returned to the kitchen.

In Chen Chen's family, the annual ancestral worship ceremony is an important moment when the entire extended family gathers together. Following traditional customs, several families will chip in to have a meal together.

At this moment, the kitchen was bustling yet orderly.

The smoke from the stove had died down, and all sorts of dishes had been carefully prepared and were neatly arranged on the kitchen counter. (End of Chapter)