Chapter 136: Dividends

"I'll walk out with you; I'll carry these." Zhong Yuxiu smiled, dismissing their suggestion that she didn't need to see them off.

One cannot be heartless when dealing with people; when something is owed, it should be given. Hao Nan and Tian Shangguo had been by her side, consistently diligent and reliable through thick and thin. She truly appreciated their devotion.

"No, no, we really don't need these New Year goods. We’ll be gone for half a month, and it’s not safe for you to go out alone. It’s certainly inconvenient for you to shop, so you should keep them for yourself. We already have plenty to take home; any more would be unnecessary," Hao Nan said, shaking his head in refusal.

She looked to Tian Shangguo, who also shook his head, but Zhong Yuxiu ignored their protests and began walking out with the items.

"With so many benefits and New Year supplies, I would have packed even more for you if I weren't worried you couldn't carry them. How much can I possibly eat alone at home? Hurry up, don't dawdle."

Unable to outtalk her and unable to push the items back, Hao Nan and Tian Shangguo had no choice but to accept. They made a mental note to bring back local specialties from their hometown; even if Comrade Zhong didn't lack anything, it would be a gesture of their sincerity.

The north wind howled and snowflakes danced, coating the compound in a layer of silver frost.

Walking on the snow with a crunching sound, Zhong Yuxiu felt lucky she was wearing snow boots, which kept her from slipping.

Stepping out of the compound, the streets were also veiled in a thin layer of frost; even with constant daily sweeping, it was no match for the persistent light snow. Everywhere she looked was a landscape of pristine white, imbuing the winter with a sense of purity.

A truck drove slowly from the distance and soon arrived before them. The driver's door opened, and a man jumped out, bundled up like a ball, wearing a fur hat with a scarf covering his face.

"Old Hao, Old Tian, have you been waiting long? The roads are full of snow, so I didn't dare drive too fast. Sorry for being late."

His voice was crisp and energetic, leaving a good first impression.

Hao Nan shook his head. "We just came out a moment ago. Old Lin, sorry to trouble you; it's so cold, and we made you come out."

"Don't be so formal. Your train is at nine-thirty, and it's past eight now, right? You should have just enough time to get to the station. The only problem is that with so many things, it might be a bit of a struggle to get them onto the train. It shouldn't be a big deal, though—I'll help you get them on before I head back." Old Lin’s face was almost entirely obscured, save for his eyes, and puffs of white mist escaped his lips with every word.

The three of them worked together to load the items onto the truck. Hao Nan and Tian Shangguo turned back. "Comrade Zhong, thank you for the New Year gifts. Please, go back inside; it's cold out, and you don't want to catch a chill. While we're away, please take care of yourself, and if you feel unwell, contact Comrade Yan Rushan immediately."

"I know, travel safely," Zhong Yuxiu waved, watching them leave before turning back toward her home.

The truck was a four-seater, with a passenger seat in front and room for three in the back. Inside, the enclosed space kept the cold at bay, and the men instantly began to warm up.

Old Lin asked, "Was that the person you're protecting? She looks like such a fragile girl. What does she do?"

"She's a student."

"A student?" Old Lin chuckled, clearly unconvinced. "Fine, if you can't say, then don't. She’s quite a looker; since she came out to see you off personally, she must be a good person."

Hao Nan glanced at him. "Cut it out. No matter how nice she is, we shouldn't be discussing her."

"Got it, got it," Old Lin mused. "Does she have a partner?"

"She does, so stop thinking about it," Tian Shangguo gave him a side-eye.

Hao Nan laughed. "She really does, and he's from the same compound. And let me tell you, Old Lin, you didn't fall in love at first sight, did you?"

"Is that forbidden?" Old Lin took off his scarf, revealing a stern, square-jawed face.

Hao Nan couldn't help but chuckle. "How superficial, just because Comrade Zhong is pretty!"

"What's wrong with being superficial? It’s not bothering anyone." Old Lin didn't care.

"You, oh you! Forget it. Comrade Zhong is spoken for. The guy is from the compound—he’s talented, smart, and handsome." Hao Nan dismissed his infatuation. "You’ve been retired for two years, haven't your parents found you a partner yet?"

Old Lin shook his head. "They are trying, alright. I'm on blind dates every single day. I can't even enjoy the New Year; it's so annoying."

"Getting pressured to marry, eh? Hahaha." The schadenfreude was quite evident.

"Sigh, don't talk about it. Every family has its own troubles, and I don't even know how to handle mine."

Marriage pressure was a tale as old as time. Hao Nan laughed heartily. "Wouldn't it be easier if you just found someone and settled down?"

"I haven't met the right one yet."

They chatted and laughed in the car, with Tian Shangguo occasionally chiming in. The atmosphere was harmonious, casting a warm glow over the cold winter day.

...

Zhong Yuxiu returned home to a cold, quiet house, which felt even more serene once she closed the door.

Goudan brought over hot water. "Master, please drink some water to warm up. I will prepare hot water for you to soak your hands and feet."

"Good," Zhong Yuxiu nodded. "Are there any pomelo peels left?"

"Yes, there are."

"Boil the pomelo peels with some old ginger and Sichuan peppercorns, then bring it to me for a foot soak."

"Very well, Master. No problem, Master. Goudan will go right away."

Goudan headed to the kitchen, placed the peels in a pot, and added enough water to cover them. He smashed two pieces of old ginger and a pinch of Sichuan peppercorns, tossing them into the pot. Once the water boiled, he fetched a foot basin from the bathroom, poured in half the boiling water, and mixed in cold water to reach a comfortable temperature.

Only then did he bring it out to Zhong Yuxiu.

"Master, please soak your feet. There is still half a pot left in the kitchen. If the water cools down, just call me, and I will bring you more hot water."

"Alright. Go wash the new clothes in the bathroom and hang them up." She went upstairs to fetch a medical book and then sat down to soak her feet.

Goudan acknowledged the order and headed to the bathroom, where the sound of water running soon followed.

Zhong Yuxiu soaked her feet comfortably while reading. The house was deathly quiet, but that was its charm—it was peaceful and undisturbed.

"Goudan, the water is getting a bit cool."

"Coming!" Goudan stepped out of the bathroom, went to the kitchen to fetch hot water, and poured it into the basin. "Master, is the temperature alright?"

The water was a bit hot, but for a foot soak, it was just right. "It's perfect. How many clothes have you finished washing?"

"Just one piece left. I'll be done in a moment."

"Go ahead then."

Goudan returned to his chores. After a while, he emerged, his mechanical hands carrying a large basin of clothes. In the winter, clothes couldn't be hung outside immediately or they would freeze solid; they had to drip-dry indoors first.

"Master, the winter in the capital is too cold. Why don't we build a dryer?" Goudan asked after hanging the clothes.

Zhong Yuxiu smiled. "That's a great idea! Go ahead and build it. Tell me what you need, and I'll have someone deliver it."

"Understood, Master." Goudan estimated the time and handed her a towel to dry her feet. "Master, it is time for you to rest."

"I know." Yuxiu wiped her feet, took the deposit slips from the table, and went upstairs.

Goudan took the basin away, cleaned it, and after finishing his chores, turned off the lights and went upstairs. Zhong Yuxiu was already tucked into her warm bed. As for the deposit slips, she tucked them under her pillow; she wasn't in the mood to look at them now, and besides, she knew the money would be there.