CHAPTER 1641: CHAPTER 1463: EPILOGUE

Tao Shanding paused, then looked at Long Jiaxi.

Long Aixi smiled politely at him and then seriously resumed transplanting seedlings.

After a while, Tao Shanding said, "Actually, you have your strengths, and I have mine, don’t I? Dabao isn’t the vain type; she doesn’t care about looks. As long as I treat her well, she will gradually come to like me."

"Right, it’s good to have that spirit, but letting go early is easier; don’t sink deeper and deeper," Long Aixi said.

Tao Shanding didn’t say anything more and buried his head in his work again.

Over at Xia Dabao’s place, without knowing when, Tian Xiaobei had already switched places with Axian. She looked up and saw Tian Xiaobei next to her.

She thought about moving but felt it would appear petty, so she simply said to Tian Xiaobei, "Xiaobei, there are enough people here already. Why don’t you go back first? You don’t like this kind of work anyway."

Tian Xiaobei couldn’t help but say, "By enough people, do you mean Long Aixi and Tao Shanding? Long Aixi doesn’t seem to know how to transplant well, and he even went to talk to Tao Shanding, obviously trying to get Tao to leave first. Frankly, if Tao can’t stand up to Long Aixi, he might not come back this afternoon. Besides, I came here not only to help you but also Aunt Nan Feng, considering Aunt Nan Feng and Uncle Ye once helped me too."

"Suit yourself," Xia Dabao continued transplanting.

By noon, the sun grew harsher, and the farmers in the field gradually went home. Nan Feng also came over to call them, "Kids, let’s all head back, the sun is too harsh, and it’s time to go eat lunch."

Xia Dabao took Axian with her to the edge of the field. Just then, Uncle Wang from the bank passed by, launching into a joke about Nan Feng, "Nan Feng lady, so many people came to help today? Are they all after your daughter? Why not take all three?"

"Uncle Wang, stop joking. They just came to help a bit; with you saying that, they might not dare to come back in the afternoon."

"Dabao is really lucky these days. People were still discussing who she would marry, and now three showed up all at once. Dabao must be in a difficult place now," Uncle Wang said with a laugh as he looked at Xia Dabao.

Xia Dabao did not want to entertain the topic, pretending she hadn’t heard it and washing her feet by the creek. After washing hers, she helped Axian wash his, then picked up their shoes and headed back.

Nan Feng watched Tian Xiaobei and Tao Shanding, "You both helped all morning; why not come to our place and rest a bit? I’ve made rice porridge. With this weather and after working so long, everyone’s throat must be dry. I’m too lazy to cook now; let’s make a good meal in the evening."

Tian Xiaobei hadn’t dared to visit Xia Dabao’s home all this time, but now that he had the chance, he wouldn’t let it pass. He wiped his sweat and said, "Aunt Nan Feng, I was just thinking about having some porridge. Let’s go to your place and rest."

Tao Shanding nodded in agreement and began washing his feet.

...

At Nan Feng’s home, Xia Dabao took a bowl of porridge and started eating in her room, while Tao Shanding, Tian Xiaobei, and Long Aixi ate at a table. After eating, they even suggested Nan Feng and Uncle Ye go back to their room to rest, saying the three of them would just sit in the yard to pass the hottest part of the day and then return to work in the afternoon.

Nan Feng brought out two straw mats, suggesting they lie down for a while if they were tired, primarily speaking to Tian Xiaobei and Tao Shanding because Long Aixi had a room there.