"What do you mean?"
The serious tone caught her off guard.
Another steamed bun was picked up, torn open, and stuffed with chili sauce. The focus was clearly on the sauce rather than the sea cucumber.
"It means the smell of what you made spread too far. I guarantee people will come asking for it."
No sooner had the words fallen than the courtyard filled with soldiers.
They had just finished training nearby, and the aroma had already drawn them over. Now, seeing someone eating it, their restraint completely vanished.
"Sister-in-law!"
"Sister-in-law!"
"Sister-in-law!!!"
They crowded around, each one looking more pitiful than the last, completely ignoring the intimidating presence beside them.
It was both amusing and helpless.
Luckily, a large batch had been prepared. After setting aside portions for Tang Xiuyuan and Bai Xu, the rest was brought out.
"There are no steamed buns left. You'll have to get those yourselves from the canteen."
No one cared. They thanked her enthusiastically, grabbed their bamboo tubes of chili sauce, and ran off.
"Don't forget to return the favor after eating my wife's cooking!"
A chorus of voices answered, "Got it!"
The group scattered, full of energy.
Watching them leave, there was a faint worry—what if the chili was too strong for them? But since it had already been given, there was no point dwelling on it.
Meanwhile, a whole plate of chili sauce had already been wiped out.
Water was gulped down straight from a teacup.
Too spicy.
Even someone like him couldn't handle it completely.
His lips were bright red and slightly swollen.
It was hard not to laugh.
"Laugh if you want. I'm not stopping you."
The irritated tone only made it harder to hold back—but in the end, the laughter never came out.
Instead, the question was asked about going to see Tang Xiuyuan.
"Let's go. I'm free right now—I'll take you."
The bamboo containers were picked up. After eating so much, it didn't feel right to sit idle.
A glance was cast at them. "You made all these?"
A nod.
There was no further questioning.
At the technicians' area, both Tang Xiuyuan and Bai Xu were still busy. The moment they appeared, Tang Xiuyuan immediately guessed food had been brought.
"Sis, wait for me!"
The bamboo tubes were shoved into Bai Xu's arms before he ran back to the dormitory.
Left standing there, a casual conversation started.
"He's impulsive. I'll have to trouble you to keep an eye on him."
"No need to be polite. He's like a brother to me."
Nearby, an uncomfortable gaze lingered.
There was no interruption—only silent watching.
Then suddenly:
"There's news about Tang Chunlan. She's here too, somewhere among the educated youths."
That name brought a brief pause.
But there was no real reaction.
"It has nothing to do with me. She's an educated youth, and I'm on the island. We won't cross paths."
A nod followed.
A glance shifted sideways.
"If anything happens because of her, come find me."
The meaning behind those words was clear.
A response was given, calm and simple.
Not far away, the expression darkened slightly.
If it were any other day, that tone would have earned a fight—but not now.
Not after eating that chili sauce.
At that moment, Tang Xiuyuan came running back with a small wooden box.
"Sis, I don't need this. I'm studying here, and I even get a monthly allowance. You take it."
The contents were obvious.
Originally, it had been meant as a safeguard for him and their mother. But now, it was no longer necessary.
"Alright. If you need anything, come find me. He can go out and buy things for you."
There was no refusal.
The money was more useful in her hands.
Since it was mealtime, there was no reason to stay longer.
The two left together.
A glance was cast at the wooden box.
"Your brother is quite something."
"This is money I took from our father. Why would I keep it all for myself?"
A pause.
The expression darkened instantly.
Was that what he looked like? Someone who would take his wife's money?
"I've already given you all my money. Why would you need to hand over your own?"
The tone wasn't gentle.
But strangely, it brought relief instead.
There had never been any intention to give it away. Times were unstable, and holding onto money was the safest option.
Besides, with the system, money wasn't even that necessary anymore.
"…Do you have anything else to do? I need to go back and eat."
Only then did hunger make itself known.
Everything had been given away earlier.
Originally, there had been work to do.
But hearing that she hadn't eaten changed things.
"I'll take you back."
At the door:
"Should I get something from the canteen for you?"
There was hesitation.
"No need. I left some food."
A step forward.
The door was pushed open.
Inside, the door was closed again.
An arm wrapped around her waist.
"Can't you behave properly for once? It's still daytime."
A struggle followed.
But the grip only tightened.