The little star from the Gobi Desert, handed over to the state, is hailed as a national treasure.

Just as Feng Dapao had promised, the aroma in the mess hall indeed became exceptionally rich.

Old Ge used five eggs specially approved by the mine, along with fresh mushrooms picked from the mountains, to stir-fry a whole big bowl of food. The aroma was so enticing that it could be smelled from far away, even through the curtain.

The miners queuing for food craned their necks, greedily inhaling the rich aroma, feeling their mouths watering.

But strangely, no one rushed to do it first.

Instead of rushing to get food, everyone tacitly made way for Xu Qiang, Liang Zhe and his daughter, as well as the heroes who had come up the mountain together for exploration that day.

After everyone had gotten their food, Lao Ge specially brought out a small, snow-white plate from the kitchen.

On the plate sits a golden-brown fried egg, crispy on the outside, tender yellow in the center, with a layer of caramelized crust around the edges, like a little sun emitting an enticing aroma.

In times of scarcity, this was a truly delicious food.

"I heard Tian Tian did something good today?" Old Ge said with a smile, handing her a plate. "This is a reward that Secretary Feng instructed me to give you."

"Wow—" Sweetie's eyes suddenly curved into crescent moons.

For a four-year-old girl, this delicious food is an irresistible temptation.

"Thank you, Grandpa Ge!"

Just then, her sweet little tummy made a "gurgling" sound, which made the adults around her laugh.

Sweetie was a little embarrassed, but the aroma was so tempting that she reached out her little hand and happily took it.

I don't know if the porcelain plate was heavier than the usual aluminum lunchbox or enamel mug, or if she was too excited and didn't hold it steady, but the moment her fingertips touched the rim of the plate, her little hand slipped—

The snow-white porcelain plate slipped through the gap in her hand and crashed to the ground with a "bang," shattering into several pieces.

That golden, honorable fried egg was suddenly covered in dirt and became filthy.

"Oh dear!" Sweetie was startled and instinctively covered her mouth with her little hand.

The little girl's eyes instantly reddened, and she sobbed, "Sweetie, Sweetie didn't mean it..."

Liang Zhe hadn't expected such an accident. Eggs at the mine were in limited supply, and each one was extremely precious. This portion of poached eggs was a reward that everyone had specially saved for their daughter, so it was a real pity to lose it.

What's more, a porcelain plate was also included.

"Master Ge, I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry." He quickly apologized to Old Ge. The broken porcelain shards were scattered all over the ground, and it was impossible to pick them up with his hands.

"The child was small and didn't hold on properly; it's our fault."

"Hey, it's nothing." Old Ge's expression was also quite regretful, but seeing that Tian Tian was about to cry, he just waved his hand.

"It's nothing serious, don't move, be careful not to prick your hands. I'll go get the broom."

"I'll do it." Liang Zhe pressed him down, turned around and walked quickly towards the kitchen, intending to take a broom to clean up the broken porcelain and eggs on the floor.

But when he came out of the kitchen with a broom, he looked up and found that Tian Tian was nowhere to be seen on the empty little stool next to him.

Liang Zhe's heart tightened instantly.

Seeing this, a miner waiting for his meal quickly pointed towards the corner of the family quarters and said with a smile, "Expert Liang, don't worry, Tian Tian said she saw Sister Xiao Yu and happily chased after her from this side!"

Sweetie was hanging her head, feeling dejected for the mistake she had just made.

A perfectly good fried egg was ruined. Not only did I not get to eat it, but it also fell on the ground and got dirty, and even a pretty plate ended up with it.

Sweetie will definitely be criticized by the adults.

Thinking this, the little girl's nose started to sting, and tears welled up in her eyes.

But just then, out of the corner of his eye, he suddenly caught a glimpse of a familiar figure.

She suddenly looked up and followed that direction—

In a shady corner of the canteen shed near the back hill, stood a small, thin figure. The child seemed to have been waiting for a long time. The twilight crept in from behind her, blurring her outline, but Tian Tian recognized her face and eyes at a glance.

It's drizzling.

She seemed to have been standing there for a long time. When she saw Tian Tian looking at her, Xiao Yu hesitated for a moment, her lips twitching slightly, as if she wanted to laugh but was also a little embarrassed.

Sweetie was stunned.

She clearly remembered that Xiaoyu had gone to town with Aunt Zhen for medical treatment, but she didn't expect her to be back so soon? And she even came to the mining area to visit her?

A surge of immense joy welled up inside her, washing away all her sadness and grievances.

The fact that Sister Xiaoyu appeared at this time shows that she also considers me a friend.

not to mention--

Sweetie secretly made up an excuse for herself. She had just made a mistake, and although her father and Grandpa Ge hadn't scolded her, she still felt a little embarrassed to stay there.

She slid off the stool, kicked off with her legs, and ran outside.

"Sweetie, where are you going?" A sharp-eyed miner saw the little girl slip through the crowd and couldn't help but call out.

Without turning her head, Tian Tian pointed ahead in her childish voice and said, "Sister Xiao Yu is here to see Tian Tian! Tian Tian, ​​go play with her!"

Before the words were even finished, that small figure had already run out of the shed and plunged into the twilight.