Year 1983: I was a carpenter in Northeast China

Zhou Qingwan already knew that Xu Bei and the others were currently staying not far from her aunt's house.

It's just that it's not a newly built red brick house, but an old house that hasn't been demolished.

However, it is unclear which alley and which household it is in.

Therefore, hearing Xu Bei say that did indeed lessen her guilt considerably.

Xu Bei first straddled the bicycle, then put one foot on the ground and laughed, "Get on. Don't worry, I'm a very steady rider."

"Okay, Brother Xu, I have no worries."

Zhou Qingwan smiled and said something, then grabbed the spring under the seat and sat down sideways.

Her movements were very light, like a sparrow afraid of disturbing the snow.

Xu Bei could feel a slight slump behind him, and a faint, familiar fragrance wafted into his nostrils, mixed with the crisp air.

A smile crept across his lips, and without turning his head, he asked, "Are you seated securely?"

Zhou Qingwan quickly replied from behind, "Hold on tight."

"Alright, let's go then."

Xu Bei straightened the handlebars, then pushed off hard, and the bike moved forward.

The wheels crunched over the compacted snow on the road, making a crisp, clear sound that was particularly distinct in the winter.

It was already past three o'clock, and the afternoon sun was no longer as warm as before. A cold, harsh wind blew in, stinging one's face.

Xu Bei hunched his back slightly and rode very steadily, trying his best to avoid slippery spots on the road that had been run over by the wheels of timber trucks, making sure that no one would fall off the vehicle.

Zhou Qingwan silently gazed at the broad back in front of her, and for some reason, the feeling was completely different from when she sat on the back of her cousin's bicycle at her aunt's house.

Not only do I feel safer, but my heart also races.

Xu Bei, naturally, wouldn't be like a clueless newbie who just blindly rides his bike. After passing the movie theater where there were still some people outside, he coughed lightly and spoke.

"The radio you helped me pick out is really great. My mom, my sister, and my younger sister all love it."

"That's good. I didn't really help much; at most, I accompanied you to the radio counter, Brother Xu. And compared to all the help you've given me, it's nothing."

Zhou Qingwan was very grateful to Zhao Fengying and Xu Bei, and of course she wanted to do something for them in return.

Although I bought some things worth a few dozen yuan on the opening day as a way of repaying them, it still felt a bit lacking. Now that I've contributed a little, I'm especially happy.

Xu Bei laughed confidently, "Accompanying you counts, and you even gave very valuable advice, so how can you say I wasn't helpful?"

"Hey Zhou, I think we're definitely friends now, so let's not be so polite and keep bringing up those little favors we did in the past, okay?"

"Brother Xu, what you and Auntie might consider a small favor is certainly not in my eyes," Zhou Qingwan quickly added. "However, you're right, we're friends, so let's not dwell on that."

Xu Bei was very satisfied with the girl's progress and continued to tease her, "That's right. It's perfectly normal for friends to help each other out. To be honest, if it weren't for the fact that it's almost Chinese New Year and the weather is so cold that it's inconvenient to go out, I would have asked you to tutor my sister."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Qingwan, who was sitting in the back, immediately sat up straighter, her voice filled with joy, "Brother Xu, I'm fine with it. I can find time to tutor your sister. As long as she doesn't mind that I didn't get into university and am still in a repeat class, I might not be able to teach her well."

Even if Xu Bei didn't have eyes in the back of his head, he could still sense the girl's feelings and immediately smiled and said, "My sister just started high school and her studies are still just average. How could she care about these things?"

Besides, I heard you were doing very well in your studies, but you got sick with a cold and fever during the college entrance exam, which affected your performance... As long as you don't mind that she's a bit slow-witted and has difficulty learning, that's fine.

"Of course I wouldn't mind, and I don't think your sister is like what you described." Zhou Qingwan had a good impression of Xu Juan and couldn't help but speak up for her. "Anyway, encouragement and encouragement from family members are very important. If you keep discouraging someone's enthusiasm, they won't have the confidence to study hard, even if they want to."

Xu Bei was well aware of these things, which is why he kept brainwashing his sister and mother from the very beginning of his rebirth.

Hearing the girl he likes speak boldly in defense of his younger sister, whom he doesn't even know well, makes his heart feel like it's soaking in sugar water.

"That makes sense. We family members have done a terrible job. We'll have to trouble you for help from now on, Zhou. By the way, when are you usually available and convenient to come out?"

Zhou Qingwan thought about it seriously for a moment, "I usually have time during the day, but your sister needs to work at the store, right?"

Xu Bei immediately said seriously, "Selling goods is just a temporary help since the store has just opened. If it's tutoring, let her stay at home. I'll take care of the store, so we don't need her."

So, on their way back, the two finalized the tutoring arrangements.

Later that evening, Xu Juan learned that she had become a tool for her brother to pursue his future sister-in-law, but she showed no resentment or objection whatsoever.

On the contrary, they were particularly excited and happy.

"Brother, don't worry, I will definitely cherish this rare opportunity and praise your good points in front of Sister Xiaowan."

Xu Bei patted his sister's shoulder with amusement, "Look at what you're saying, as if your brother doesn't have any merits and I have to rely on you to praise me."

"I'm doing this so I can kill two birds with one stone: you'll have someone to tutor you and improve your grades, and we'll also have more opportunities to interact with Xiao Zhou."

Upon hearing this, not only did Xu Juan burst out laughing, but Zhao Fengying and Xu Li also laughed out loud.

"My dear daughter, you know what, your brother has a plan that benefits everyone."

"That's right. I've said it before, my little brother has become so cunning now. If he hadn't grown taller and looked the same, I would have suspected that someone had switched him with another man."

Xu Bei joked without the slightest hint of guilt, "That's not impossible. Maybe I was switched by God, only my appearance is the same, but my soul has changed."

Zhao Fengying couldn't help but punch her son on the back, laughing and scolding, "Stop it already, you don't have to do this when you're just joking around."

Xu Li pinched Xu Bei's arm and complained, "Who says it isn't? You've even got a soul to it."

Xu Juan also covered her mouth and laughed non-stop, even laughing until tears streamed down her face.

Xu Bei shrugged and laughed.

Although you shouldn't speak the truth carelessly, sometimes even if you do, no one will believe you.

Later, when Zhu Wenliang came to the store to pick him up after get off work, he received the digital watch that Xu Bei had bought for him. He was so moved that he almost hugged his brother-in-law and kissed him on the cheek.

Xu Bei was not about to give the other party such an opportunity and dodged away with obvious disgust.

"Brother-in-law, if you're too touched, treat us to a nice meal when you get paid."

Zhu Wenliang stroked the digital watch with obvious delight and laughed, "No problem, no need to pay me a salary, the allowance my sister gives me is enough to pay you."

So, that evening, Xu Bei and his friends didn't go home for dinner, but instead went to a state-run restaurant again...