After the Scholar Rejected Me, I Married the Rogue and Got Rich - Chapter 35

The Lin family’s stall was already surrounded by people. Two large pots were bubbling with milky white mutton soup, and the rich aroma mingled with the smoky fragrance of the baked flatbread, creating an irresistible temptation.

“Madam, a bowl of soup and two flatbreads!”

“Okay, extra chili, right? Coming right away!”

“Young boss, could you please refill my soup?”

“They’re here! They’re here!”

Wearing a clean apron, Lin Sang busied herself at the small stall like a butterfly flitting among flowers, serving soup, adding ingredients, and collecting money with quick movements and a bright smile. Fine beads of sweat appeared on her forehead, condensing into a light mist in the chill of the winter morning.

Just as she raised her hand to wipe her forehead with her sleeve and looked up at the queue, her gaze suddenly froze.

In the dim light of dawn, Zhou Han was standing not far away in a less crowded area, quietly watching her.

The golden morning light outlined his tall and upright figure, gilding his rugged features with a soft glow. He seemed to have dressed up specially today, wearing a clean, dark short jacket. The scar on his brow bone, which usually looked fierce, now seemed to add a touch of rugged and untamed charm under the light, like a beast that had folded its claws and was quietly guarding its prey.

In Zhou Han’s eyes, Lin Sang, who was busy at the moment, seemed to be shining.

A few strands of her dark hair, damp with sweat, playfully clung to her smooth forehead and cheeks, making her skin appear even whiter. Her cheeks, slightly flushed from her busy work, her bright and focused eyes, and her neat yet graceful movements all captivated him.

The surrounding noise seemed to fade away instantly, leaving only her vivid figure in his world.

Their eyes met, and an invisible thread seemed to intertwine in the air, carrying a subtle current and an unspoken warmth.

“Sangsang! What are you standing there for? The soup is almost gone!” Wang’s shout broke the brief silence.

Lin Sang snapped back to reality, her cheeks flushed slightly, and quickly replied, “Yes! Mother is here!” She quickly told Wang Shi, “Brother Zhou is here, I’ll go over for a bit,” then put down the spoon in her hand, wiped her hands on her apron, and jogged over to Zhou Han.

Zhou Han watched her run closer, a stray strand of hair on his forehead swaying gently with her movements.

He naturally reached out and gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear with his fingertips, a gesture so gentle it was completely different from his fierce appearance.

His fingertips inadvertently touched her slightly warm and delicate earlobe, and both of them felt as if they were struck by a subtle electric current, their hearts trembling.

“My mother got up early this morning to make braised rabbit meat. She insisted that I bring it for you to try.” Zhou Han handed over the earthenware pot, which was wrapped tightly in thick cloth, and said in a low voice, “She said to tell you not to work too hard. There are many younger siblings in your family, and you have a hard life. Don’t be stingy with the food. She will make it often in the future.”

Lin Sang took the still-warm earthenware pot, her heart feeling full and warm. “Thank you for my trouble, Auntie,” she said, looking up and asking with concern, “Brother Zhou, have you eaten?”

“I’ve eaten. Mother made meat-filled pancakes,” Zhou Han said, looking at her with deep eyes. “I wasn’t at the dock yesterday, so I have to hurry over there today to keep an eye on things. The work here is expected to be finished in another two or three days.”

He paused, lowered his voice even further, and solemnly promised, “Once I’m done with this busy period, I’ll go home to prepare, and then… I’ll formally propose marriage.”

Lin Sang’s face flushed bright red, as if it were dyed with the most beautiful sunrise on the horizon. Her heart pounded like a drum. She lowered her eyelashes and softly hummed in agreement, her voice as faint as a mosquito’s buzz yet clearly audible: “…Okay.”

Looking at her shy yet determined expression, Zhou Han couldn’t help but smile. “Then I’ll go to work now.”

“Okay, you should go now,” Lin Sang nodded.

Zhou Han gave her a deep look before turning around and striding into the busy crowd at the dock.

Lin Sang stood there for a moment, holding the earthenware pot, stunned, until Wang called her again. She then snapped out of her daze and quickly ran back to her stall to continue her work.

The winter morning was chilly, but amidst the bustling activity and lively chatter, she was slightly sweaty from her busy work, and her heart was filled with warmth and sweetness.

———

Lin Sang was busy until the crowds at the morning market gradually dispersed and the stall finally quieted down, at which point she had time to open the earthenware pot that Zhou Han had brought.

The moment the ceramic lid was lifted, an even richer and more overpowering aroma of meat wafted out, mixed with the fragrance of soy sauce and a hint of spices, instantly overpowering the lingering taste of the mutton soup.

Inside the jar, chunks of dark red rabbit meat were piled high, the broth thick and glossy, and a few dried mushrooms soaked in the broth were sprinkled on top, making it look incredibly appetizing.

“Wow! It smells so good!” The youngest, Lin Miao, was the first to come over, staring longingly at the jar, her mouth practically watering.

Lin Song sniffed and exclaimed exaggeratedly, “Sister, what kind of meat is this? It smells even better than our family’s mutton soup!”

Even the usually composed Lin Bai couldn’t help but take a few more glances, his Adam’s apple bobbing.

Lin Sang smiled and took out the prepared bowls and chopsticks: “This is braised rabbit meat specially made by Aunt Zhou. Please have a taste.”

She picked up a piece; the meat was stewed until tender, almost falling off the bone. She put it in her mouth, and it was savory, slightly sweet, and rich in sauce. It was indeed very delicious. The meat was kept warm in a well-insulated earthenware pot!

Everyone gathered around, taking turns to eat, savoring the delicious food and praising it highly.

“Aunt Zhou’s cooking is really good!”

“This meat is so flavorful!”

“Sister, will Brother Zhou bring us delicious food often in the future?” Lin Miao asked innocently, looking up at her.

Lin Sang blushed slightly at her sister’s question. Taking advantage of everyone’s good mood, she whispered to Wang Shi, “Mother, Brother Zhou just said that his work at the dock will be finished in two or three days. After that… he plans to formally come to propose marriage.”

Wang was picking up a piece of mushroom when she heard this. Her hand paused, and her expression became complicated. But seeing her daughter’s undisguised expectation and shyness, and thinking of Zhou Han’s reliable performance recently and the sincere gift his mother had sent, she finally sighed softly. Her tone was tinged with helplessness, but also contained a resigned ease: “…Since he is so kind, then…let’s follow the rules. As long as he is truly good to you, your mother…I have nothing more to say.”

Upon hearing this, Lin Bai said earnestly, “Brother Zhou is honest, strong, and can protect my sister.”

Lin Song then joined in the fun with a grin: “So, does that mean I’ll be able to call him brother-in-law soon?”

Lin Miao blinked her big eyes and asked, “Will my brother-in-law buy me candy?”

The children’s innocent words dispelled the last vestige of the delicate atmosphere.

Looking at the children’s joyful expressions and the sparkling happiness in her daughter’s eyes, Wang’s last bit of lingering reluctance gradually dissipated. She picked up a large piece of rabbit meat and placed it in Lin Sang’s bowl: “Eat up, you’ve been busy all morning, eat more.”

Under the warm winter sun, the small stall was filled with the aroma of meat and laughter, brimming with anticipation for the future.