Reborn in 2006, I met Mr. Zhou from the past.

After listening to Principal Dong's words, Su Fengnan couldn't bear to say anything more, only leaving a word of comfort: "You are the children's guiding light, and the children will get better and better in the future."

Principal Dong smiled gently: "It's also because of you all."

The two exchanged a smile and said nothing more. Su Fengnan, however, was filled with emotion: In truth, there are many good teachers like Principal Dong on this vast land, but most of them quietly persevere, rarely known to the public. Their generation has ingrained a sense of responsibility and mission into their very bones; this silent dedication and perseverance deserves everyone's respect.

After breakfast, the group rested briefly at the village secretary's house. Su Fengnan and Zhang Xinrui finished their meal at Principal Dong's house and then joined them. The group then drove away from Hope Primary School.

On the way back, everyone's mood was much lighter. They enjoyed the scenery and stopped frequently. Zhou Chenyu had brought a camera, and the lens would "inadvertently" point at Su Fengnan, secretly capturing many of her profile shots; Zhang Xinrui also took many photos with Su Fengnan.

Su Zile leaned over, wanting to take a photo with Su Fengnan, but Zhou Chenyu directly blocked her. Sun Zile, unconvinced, retorted angrily, "Who are you to her anyway? Why are you so nosy?"

Zhou Chenyu smiled slightly, making no attempt to hide his feelings, and stretched out his long arm to put his arm around Su Fengnan's shoulder, solemnly introducing her: "Let me introduce you, this is my girlfriend, Su Fengnan."

A flash of coldness crossed Sun Zile's eyes, but he maintained a composed expression, turning to Su Fengnan with unwavering certainty and asking, "Su Fengnan, is this true?"

Su Fengnan was so embarrassed she wanted to disappear into the ground, but she couldn't let her beloved Zhou Gege lose face at a time like this. She nodded with a flushed face and replied softly, "Yes."

Sun Zile's face instantly turned extremely ugly, and he turned and walked away without saying a word. Zhang Wenhao and his sister watched the show from the sidelines, not finding it too surprising. After all, they had vaguely suspected the relationship between the two before, and now that the two had personally confirmed it, it was considered settled.

But Sun Zile has only met Su Fengnan two or three times, is his reaction really that big? Zhang Xinrui looked at Su Fengnan and the others, then glanced at Sun Zile walking away, and curiously tugged at her brother beside her: "Brother, do you think Zhou Chenyu is more handsome, or Sun Zile?"

Zhang Wenhao flicked her forehead: "Why are you asking this, little girl? Aren't you handsome?"

Zhang Xinrui rubbed her forehead in pain and pouted, "Brother, I've seen your face for over ten years, I'm immune to it by now." She rested her chin on her hand and commented, "Zhou Chenyu is handsome, but too cold. Sun Zile is much better, sunny and cheerful."

Zhang Wenhao's alarm bells went off instantly. He lowered his voice and warned, "Don't be fooled by his appearance. He's a womanizer, a typical playboy. He's never short of women."

"Brother, how can you talk about your own brother behind his back like that?" Zhang Xinrui's face fell, and she couldn't be bothered to pay him any more attention.

Sun Zile was still immersed in his disappointment, completely unaware that his good friend had labeled him a playboy. If he knew, who knows how he would retaliate.

Halfway there, Su Fengnan and his group parted ways with Zhang Wenhao and his group, since they had different destinations: one was going back to Zijiang, and the other was going back to Zhucheng.

By the time Zhou Chenyu and Su Fengnan returned to Zijiang, the city lights were already on. As they neared their house, Zhou Chenyu hesitated before speaking softly, "Nan'er, I want to eat noodles. Can you make some for me?"

"Okay! I'll make it for you when we get home." Su Fengnan agreed very readily.

As soon as she entered the house, Su Fengnan rushed into the kitchen to get busy. Zhou Chenyu leaned against the door, quietly watching her busy figure. Tomatoes, scallions, and minced meat were prepared, water was boiled in a pot, noodles were added, and in no time, a steaming bowl of tomato and minced meat noodles was ready.

Su Fengnan handed the larger bowl to Zhou Chenyu, her eyes crinkling with a smile: "Here, Brother Zhou, this big bowl is for you."

The two sat facing each other at the dining table. Zhou Chenyu looked at the bowl of noodles in front of him, took a bite, but hesitated to pick up his chopsticks again.

Seeing this, Su Fengnan leaned closer, puzzled, and asked, "What's wrong, Brother Zhou? Is it not to your liking?"

"No," Zhou Chenyu looked up, her gaze gentle, "it's just too delicious, I can't bear to finish it."

"What's the big deal?" Su Fengnan chuckled. "I'll make it for you whenever you want to eat it."

"Really?"

Su Fengnan nodded vigorously: "Of course."

"Actually, today is my birthday..." Zhou Chenyu said softly, her voice not loud, but it clearly reached Su Fengnan's ears.

Su Fengnan froze, nearly dropping her chopsticks. She hurriedly put down her bowl and chopsticks, rushing to leave, exclaiming, "Why didn't you say so sooner!"

"Where are you going?" Zhou Chenyu reacted quickly, reaching out to gently block her path.

"Let's go buy a cake!"

"No need." He took her hand in his, his eyes filled with warmth. "This bowl of noodles you made is the best birthday present for me."

Su Fengnan stubbornly shook her head: "You wait for me obediently for a while..."

Having said that, she turned and went back to her room. With a thought, she slipped into her personal space. Just as she reached the spirit spring to wash, she noticed tiny lights swirling around the water's edge—a large swarm of tiny insects resembling fireflies. Curious, she picked one up and examined it closely, finding that while they resembled fireflies, they also possessed a certain indescribable peculiarity. However, she didn't have time to delve deeper at the moment; she was just worried about not having a suitable gift, and these little creatures had come at the perfect time.

She casually picked up a cloth bag, carefully filled it with a small amount, tied it tightly, and stored it in her spatial storage for later use. Afterward, she quickly washed herself with the cool, refreshing spring water, changed her clothes, put on a thick coat, and then returned to the living room.

As soon as they came out, she grabbed Zhou Chenyu's wrist and eagerly pulled him outside.

During the time Su Fengnan was inside, Zhou Chenyu had already quietly finished the bowl of noodles and even washed and put away the bowl and chopsticks.

At this moment, he let the little girl lead him into the night, a indulgent smile playing on his lips. He was quite curious to see what kind of surprise his thoughtful little girl had in store for him.

The night breeze was slightly cool as the two walked side by side down the bustling street. The town's nightlife was just beginning, with neon lights flashing and a vibrant atmosphere of human life filling the air.

Su Fengnan stopped at a roadside stall and bought several colorful glow sticks. She took Zhou Chenyu's wrist and walked briskly towards the TV tower not far away. Zhou Chenyu naturally intertwined his hand with hers, and for the ten-minute walk, their steps were remarkably synchronized.

Once they finally stood on the viewing platform, the dazzling lights of most of the county town were spread out before them. On any other day, Su Fengnan would have been amazed by the bustling night scene, but at this moment, her heart and eyes were filled with the man beside her, and she had no mind to appreciate the scenery.