The next day was a clear one. April was known for its little showers, and the weather was usually misty when people went off to work in the morning. But today, the sun had risen early and brought a hint of summer's heat.

Lately, Shen Qiao had been wearing two layers, a jacket and a short-sleeved shirt. However, after breakfast today, she swapped them for a thin long-sleeve shirt. The deep blue one, which was usually worn as an underlayer, looked much newer compared to her other clothes.

She tugged at the hem, but unfortunately, there was no full-length mirror for her to check how she looked. All she had was a small mirror about the size of a palm, just enough to see her face clearly. If the light were any dimmer, she’d only be able to make out her eyes.

It was a bit of a pity—she wanted to check how her outfit turned out, especially since she’d carefully picked this one from five different sets.

Of course, there wasn’t much difference in color or style. At least, Shen Qiao thought that Zheng Zhong wouldn’t notice. When they met, he handed her two boiled eggs.

She thought to herself that eating both might invite a bad omen, but she sighed and said, “It’s too much.”

Zheng Zhong looked at her and thought she hadn’t eaten much, but still said, “Take your time, eat slowly.”

Bit by bit, like a little chick pecking at grains, she would eventually finish them.

Shen Qiao was actually concerned because eggs were quite expensive in this era when meat was hard to come by. Having them was already a luxury. Eating them without a reason made her uneasy, and she realized yesterday she had been a little dazed.

She hesitated, then said, “I’ll just have one.”

Five cents... she’d have to figure out what to repay with later.

Zheng Zhong had boiled two, and naturally, he wanted to give them both to her. After thinking for a moment, he asked, “Don’t you want boiled eggs?”

He preferred fried eggs, but they took more oil and were a hassle.

Shen Qiao wasn’t picky and replied, “I’m fine with boiled eggs.”

Then she added, “But it’s really too much.”

Zheng Zhong understood her concern and said, “For the pants.”

Even if it was for the pants, the gesture already felt like it exceeded the price.

Shen Qiao thought for a moment, then cracked the egg against the wall. “Then I’ll just eat the last one.”

How could it be the last one? Zheng Zhong still had a whole basket of eggs. He had even fed the hens some rice bran this morning, hoping to get more eggs.

He said, “There are plenty more.”

In the commune, having many eggs was a sign of wealth. Shen Qiao knew he was a hardworking man, strong by nature, and it wasn’t surprising that he had so many. She couldn’t help but envy him and said, “That’s really nice.”

Who wouldn’t want to have an abundance of eggs? Ideally, one every day.

She had never lived such a life; right now, she was just happy enough to have a meal.

Zheng Zhong shared her feelings. He was most satisfied when he saw the results of his hard work, knowing it would be enough to last through the year without fear of hunger. As long as there was food at home, he felt content.

After all, they had all lived through a period of famine. There was always that urge to hide away good things, not to eat them too soon. But now, he wanted to give everything he had to Shen Qiao, just to see her cheeks puff up in happiness.

He said, “I’ll give you all of them.”

Shen Qiao thought he was really quite stubborn. That fleeting thought from earlier crossed her mind again, and she asked, “Why are you giving them to me?”

Zheng Zhong didn’t really think it through. He always acted on instinct, so when she asked, he froze for a moment and said, “Why?”

It almost sounded like a question in return. Shen Qiao smiled and said, “I’m asking you.”