Li Shuchen explained everything clearly, leaving no room for misunderstanding for Qi Huan.
He pulled Qi Huan into his arms, caressed her soft, silky hair, and said deeply, "If I could, I wouldn't want to be away from you for a moment."
Qi Huan responded silently, her arms wrapped around his lean waist, her face pressed against his chest, quietly listening to his strong heartbeat.
There was still some time until next spring, so they decided to cherish the present, every day they could stick together.
*
As the end of September approached, the weather became colder day by day.
News came from the farmlands that the previously planted potatoes had a bountiful harvest. The tenant farmers kept a small portion for themselves, and the rest was all sold to Qi's Starch Factory, which brought a decent amount of silver into their hands.
With the silver, they could buy some new cotton, sew new jackets for the elders and children in their families, and replace their bedding with thicker quilts. After having enough of plain boiled vegetables, they could finally afford some fatty pork to make lard, and add a bit of oil and water to every meal. There was also the lard residue, each person having a bit, as if they were tasting the most delicious delicacy in the world.
For ordinary villagers, having enough food and clothing was their greatest desire. Thanks to Miss Qi and Young Master Li, although they were still living in poverty, their lives were much better than in previous years.
The most surprising thing for them was, after heating up the Kang bed-stove, it was warm and cozy when sleeping at night. The couples also found the mood to do other things.
Meanwhile, the System kept prompting: "Good Deed +1, Points +1."
"Good Deed +1, Points +1."
"Good Deed +1, Points +1."
......
During this period, Qi Huan fell into a sweet predicament. Her points kept increasing, but sometimes it would wake her up.
Why would the points suddenly increase at night?
She did not understand.
Hearing her confusion, the diligent System explained, "The Kang bed-stove you promoted not only brought warmth to thousands of households, but will also bring them more precious treasures."
"What?"
"Little babies."
Qi Huan immediately perked up, "Explain, what's going on?"
"Firstly, when people are warm and well-fed, they are more passionate. Secondly, in the harsh cold of Mo County, with the improvement of the heated Kang, the chances of women miscarrying will decrease. Thirdly, a countless number of babies froze to death in the past. Now, with the warm Kang bed-stove, they at least won't freeze to death."
"But they haven't been born yet, and you're already adding points?"
"But they already exist..."
Qi Huan immediately understood.
Then, she changed the topic, "So, how many points do I have now?"
"Responding to the host, your current balance is 21579.1 points."
"Planting potatoes, promoting the Kang bed-stove, and the little babies you just mentioned, all this only adds up to twenty thousand points?"
"Responding to the host, this is only temporary. As your influence expands, and more and more people benefit, the points will continue to increase."
Qi Huan nodded, "Alright, I understand. Then, I'll give you some points."
"Thank you, Fairy Host!"
"I always hear the balance ending with a 0.1, it triggers my OCD. So, I've decided to give this 0.1 point to you."
"......Thank you, host."
Qi Huan clearly felt its disappointment and chuckled, "Alright, I'll stop teasing you. I'll give you ten thousand points first."
"Thank you, host fairy!"
"I'll keep ten thousand points and exchange 1579 points for a delivery."
"Okay, host."
This time the System was particularly swift, swish swish——
A parcel dropped.
Qi Huan was stunned, how come there's only one package?
"Host, this package is worth 1579 exactly. You can open it and see. If you're not satisfied, you can return it."
"Alright."
She tore open the package, and it was a black long-sleeved shirt. As Qi Huan was about to return it, she suddenly saw the instruction manual, this shirt was called the 'Armor Invisible Stab-proof Shirt', it can resist damage from various knives.
Qi Huan widened her eyes, does TaoBao sell such things?
She pulled out a Swiss army knife and stabbed it hard. Although it left a few marks, the shirt wasn't pierced through.
Is it really that magical?
Qi Huan decided to keep it.
Early the next morning, she knocked on Li Shuchen's door, "Ah Shu, good morning. I have a gift for you."
With that, she handed over the shirt in her hand, "You try it on first, see if it fits. If it does, I'll wash it for you before you wear it."
"Okay."
Li Shuchen took the shirt and turned back into his room.
Seeing that he forgot to close the door, Qi Huan thoughtfully pulled it shut for him. When the door opened again, she was pulled into the room.
Li Shuchen was wearing the long-sleeved shirt, perfectly showcasing his broad shoulders and slim waist. He hadn't put on an overcoat yet, not wanting others to see, so he pulled Qi Huan in to look.
"How is it?"
"It looks great!"
Then, Qi Huan changed her tone and started explaining its function, "I heard it can resist blades. You can wear it underneath when it's dangerous."
After listening to her, Li Shuchen decided, "In that case, you keep it. I have martial arts skills and can protect myself."
Qi Huan shook her head, "It's too big, it doesn't fit me." Even if she changed to the smallest size, it was still too big on her.
Besides, she had her space, she could hide in it at any time. Compared to her, Li Shuchen faces more danger and needs it more.
She explained a little more and finally convinced Li Shuchen. The System added 100 points for her.
"You take it off, I'll wash it for you. After it's dry, you can wear it." It was a habit from her previous life, Qi Huan always washed new clothes before wearing them.
Li Shuchen agreed and was about to undress.
Qi Huan quickly covered her eyes, "You really don't consider me an outsider."
"Mm, consider you an insider."
By the time she understood what being an insider meant, Li Shuchen had already changed his clothes.
Qi Huan reached out her hand, "Give it to me, I'll go wash it."
"No need."
Li Shuchen took her fair, soft hand and led her out of the room to have breakfast.
When they met Yan Wu, Li Shuchen tossed the shirt in his hand to him, "Wash it clean."
Yan Wu: "Yes."
He suddenly missed Xiu Wen, when Xiu Wen was there, he did all these chores. But now, he had to do them.
After finishing his meal, Yan Wu paid a visit to the neighboring house. Seeing Xiu Wen also washing clothes, he couldn't help but think to himself: It seems there's nothing good about getting married, you just have to do more laundry.
It might be better to serve his Highness, at least there's money to be earned for doing his laundry.
Yan Wu returned home and began scrubbing the clothes with dedication.
Inside the house, Zhao Man was sitting on the kang, shaking his head and reciting words, while Yan Qing was by his side, peeling roasted peanuts to eat.
Hearing footsteps, Yan Qing hurriedly jumped off the bed and poked her little head out of the room, "Sister Qi Huan, are you going out?"
"Yes. You stay at home, today I have Li Shuchen with me."
"Okay." Yan Qing obediently nodded her head, then said to Li Shuchen, "Brother Li, protect sister Qi Huan, okay?"
Hearing her childish words, Qi Huan laughed, her eyes curving, and mimicking her, she turned to Li Shuchen and said, "Brother Li, protect me, okay?"
Li Shuchen's Adam's apple bobbed as he responded in a low voice, "Okay."
The two of them left the house and headed for the County Office.
The amnesty notice had already been issued, and it was time for Qi Huan to register her new household.
