Male Lead's Canon Fodder Wife

"Comrade Li Chenmo gave them to me, but I don't know how to cook. Help me cook them?" An Xuyuan said simply.

Thinking he was asking in return for helping her grind the wheat, Zhang Yulan agreed readily, "Okay. Leave this matter to me."

She peeked into the basket and saw strawberries. Taking them out, she said, "Brother An, you should bring these strawberries back. It can't be used for cooking dishes."

"I already ate some. These are for you," he said, placing the strawberries back in the basket.

Glancing at his watch, he added, "It's getting late. I will head back now and come again tomorrow."

Just before he left, Zhang Yulan asked, "Brother An, when do you want me to cook the vegetables?"

An Xuyuan paused, looking at her for a moment before replying, "I will be working at the office tomorrow. Could you cook lunch and bring it over?"

"No problem," she agreed with a smile.

Seeing her oblivious expression, An Xuyuan sighed inwardly. Then, gently patting her head, he said, "See you tomorrow."

After he left, Zhang Yulan brought the vegetables and fruit into the kitchen, already thinking about what dishes to prepare for him the next day, unaware that her brothers and sister-in-law had seen the entire interaction.

Meanwhile, Li Chenmo was helping the production team's staff load compost sacks onto their carts. They had brought three carts, and each was packed to the brim. Since there were no oxen, the team had to pull the carts manually.

Seeing them struggle, Li Chenmo asked, "Comrades, how about I help you pull one?"

One of the staff quickly waved his hand and replied, "Thank you for your kindness, Comrade Li, but it's getting late and we have got enough people. We will manage."

With that, two staff members began pulling one cart while another two pushed from behind. To transport all 300 sacks, a total of fifteen people had come.

Li Chenmo stood by the gate, watching them until they disappeared down the main road. Only then did he head back inside, lock the gate, wash up, and have dinner with his family. Afterward, they each returned to their rooms for the night.

Early the next morning, Song Yan arrived at Xie Village on his bicycle. Instead of going to his teacher's house, he headed straight to Su Lide's home.

By the time he arrived, the sky had only just begun to lighten and the sun had yet to rise. He parked his bicycle near the fence and stood quietly outside, watching the horizon.

While he was admiring the sunrise, Su Lanying stepped out of the house. Standing on the balcony, she noticed a familiar figure near the gate. She walked over and asked with some surprise, "Song Yan?"

Hearing her soft voice, Song Yan turned and smiled at her. Glancing at his watch, he saw it was only 5:20 in the morning. He looked at her and asked, "Lanying, why are you up so early?"

Instead of answering, Su Lanying opened the gate and walked up to him. "It's still so early, why are you here?" she asked.

Noticing the redness on his nose, she reached for his hands. The moment she felt how cold they were, her brows furrowed and asked, "How long have you been waiting?"

"I just got here. It hasn't been long," Song Yan replied with a warm smile.

Feeling a pang of heartache, Su Lanying pulled him inside while scolding softly, "You are so smart, but you didn't think to knock? Even if it warms up later, the morning air is still freezing. You will catch a cold if you are not careful."

As they entered the house, Song Yan chuckled and replied, "I'm wearing thick clothes and it's really not that cold."

Ignoring his words, Su Lanying pulled him into the kitchen, lit the stove, and said, "Sit here and warm up by the fire."

She placed a pot of water on the stove to boil, then stepped out to fetch his bicycle.

A few minutes later, she returned with washed rice, three eggs, and some vegetables. Looking at him seriously, she asked, "You came this early, did something happen?"

Feeling warmer now, Song Yan took off his jacket and rolled up his sleeves to tend the fire as he said, "Lanying, the arrangements at the hospital have been made. I came today to pick you up."

Su Lanying paused and quietly asked, "Does your mother know?"

"She knows," Song Yan answered calmly. "But regardless of what she thinks, I won't change my mind. Since I have decided to be with you, I won't let you down or let you be mistreated."

He turned to look at her directly and asked, "Lanying, you haven't changed your mind, have you?"

As she handed a cup of warm water to him, Su Lanying shook her head and said, "Song Yan, I'm a stubborn and jealous person. Once I start something, I see it through. You said you like me, and I like you too."

"Since we feel the same, I don't care about what others say. As long as you don't betray me, I will stay by your side. But if one day your heart changes, I won't cling to you. I will disappear from your life completely."

Hearing her words, the corners of Song Yan's lips lifted in a smile. Instead of feeling offended, he was deeply pleased by her strong possessiveness.

"I understand," he nodded and drank the warm water.

An hour later, breakfast was ready and the rest of the Su family had woken up. When they stepped into the front yard, they saw Song Yan washing clothes while Su Lanying was feeding the chickens.

Seeing this, Su Jian was taken aback and hurried over as he said, "Doctor Song, your hands are meant for saving lives. Leave this kind of work to me and my family."

Hearing his words, Song Yan smiled and said, "Brother, we are family. There is no need to be so polite with me."

Su Jian was momentarily stunned by his words. The word family echoed in his mind, and it took him a while to regain his senses.