Then Let’s Just Get Started.
Qin Shi returned home to find Gu Qinghai teaching Pingping and An’an how to read using comic books. However, the two younger ones weren’t fully engaged—Pingping’s attention was glued to the colourful illustrations, while An’an kept interrupting, asking about what happened next in the story.
Before Qin Shi could say anything, the kids noticed her. Their heads shot up simultaneously, and An’an immediately sprang to her feet, running toward her while shouting, “Qin Shi! Did you buy something yummy?”
Qin Shi set her bags on the table and pushed three still-warm bottles of milk toward them. “I’ve subscribed to milk deliveries for you. From now on, you’ll have a bottle every morning—it’s good for your health.”
An’an’s eyes lit up. “Wow! Thank you, Qin Shi!”
Without hesitation, she grabbed a bottle and trotted back to Gu Qinghai and Pingping. “Here, big brother, Pingping.” She handed the bottles to them.
Pingping accepted his obediently, but Gu Qinghai refused, saying, “I don’t drink this stuff.”
Qin Shi explained, “Milk is very nutritious and rich in calcium. It’ll help you grow taller.”
The mention of “growing taller” captured everyone’s attention. The twins’ eyes widened with anticipation as they looked at the milk bottles, clearly hoping to grow as tall as Lu Zetian.
Without further protest, An’an shoved a bottle into Gu Qinghai’s hands and eagerly went to grab her own. However, she couldn’t open the cap.
An’an looked up at Qin Shi and unhesitatingly handed her the bottle, asking for help. “Qin Shi, can you open this for me?”
Qin Shi smiled, putting down what she was holding to twist off the cap. “Of course.”
An’an thanked her and immediately took a sip. The rich, creamy taste filled her mouth, and despite the lack of sugar, she closed her eyes with satisfaction.
Pingping enjoyed the milk just as much and quickly finished his. He handed the empty bottle back to Qin Shi with a shy smile. “Thank you. The milk was delicious.”
Qin Shi couldn’t resist ruffling Pingping’s hair. “Go play now.”
Gu Qinghai, on the other hand, was annoyed. Watching his siblings happily interact with Qin Shi, he thought, That little rascal An’an doesn’t treat her as a stranger at all. How can she be so fearless after just one day?
She couldn’t have asked me to open the bottle? Walking a few extra steps wouldn’t have hurt!
Grumbling internally, Gu Qinghai opened his bottle, gulped down the milk, and placed the empty bottle firmly on the table.
Qin Shi glanced at him. “Do we have any small boxes or crates at home? The milk will be delivered daily, so we’ll need a milk box.”
Gu Qinghai thought for a moment and replied, “We don’t have a wooden box. Cardboard will just fall apart.”
Qin Shi nodded. “Then I’ll ask your dad to make one later.”
Gu Qinghai shot her a look and said, “My dad’s really busy. I’ll make it myself.”
Qin Shi was about to object, worried about him handling nails and tools, but she remembered that children in this era often grew up quickly. At nine years old, Gu Qinghai was practically considered half an adult in rural areas. So, she simply reminded him to be careful not to hurt himself.
With his chin slightly raised, Gu Qinghai thought, As if I’d hurt myself doing something this simple.
He turned and left, and Qin Shi, after quickly putting away her purchases, grabbed some vegetables and a small stool to sit outside and prep.
She didn’t stop him but decided to keep an eye on him, just in case.
Gu Qinghai proved to be quite skilled. Before long, he had nailed together a small wooden box and even wrote “Milk Box” on it in large characters. Seeing that he was fine, Qin Shi carried the vegetables inside to start cooking, leaving him to attach the box to the gate.
After securing the box tightly, Gu Qinghai tugged on it to ensure it was sturdy. Satisfied, he allowed himself a small smile. However, upon noticing that the milk bottles inside were dirty, he hesitated before taking them out to wash. Only after cleaning them did he place them back neatly.
Qin Shi caught a glimpse of this and couldn’t help but smile faintly as she began stir-frying vegetables.
It’s a good thing we’re in the military district with relatively better resources. In other places, getting milk like this would be impossible.
But meat… that was scarce everywhere.
Qin Shi glanced at the pot on the stove, where a batch of bones was simmering. To get meat, you have to be up early. If you’re late, all that’s left are bones and soup stock. Life sure is tough.
—
Lunch was ready in no time. Qin Shi brought out a large bowl of steamed rice, and the kids, who had already washed their hands, looked eagerly at the dishes on the table.
“That’s a lot of rice!” Pingping exclaimed, wide-eyed.
Gu Qinghai paused and asked, “Is Dad coming home for lunch?”
Qin Shi nodded, handing Pingping and An’an their bowls of rice, receiving soft “thank yous” in return.
Gu Qinghai glanced toward the gate. “Should we wait for him?”
“No need, start eating,” Qin Shi replied.
Just as she said this, the gate creaked open, and Lu Zetian stepped inside. His gaze immediately landed on the milk box hanging by the gate, and his brows rose in slight surprise. So meticulous, he thought.
The scent of freshly cooked food wafted over, making him quicken his pace.
“Daddy!”
“You really came back!”
Pingping and An’an stared at Lu Zetian, their eyes wide with surprise and delight. It was rare for them to see him during the day.
Qin Shi glanced at Lu Zetian with a meaningful smile. Lu Zetian understood immediately and explained, “Things aren’t too busy right now, so I have a bit of free time. When things pick up again, I won’t be able to come home for lunch.”
Qin Shi didn’t respond, merely smiling. Meanwhile, Gu Qinghai mentally scoffed.
He just wants to eat Qin Shi’s cooking. Coming home for lunch and finding excuses—it’s so obvious.
Gu Qinghai felt a twinge of jealousy. He glanced at Qin Shi, then at Lu Zetian, who was eating heartily, and pursed his lips as he picked up some vinegar-glazed cabbage with his chopsticks.
Crisp, tender, and refreshing, with just the right amount of sourness—it was perfectly seasoned.
Gu Qinghai felt even worse. He wanted to criticize Qin Shi’s cooking, but it was so good he couldn’t find a reason to. Now he even understood why his father was behaving this way.
The food at the canteen was something they were all used to—not bad, but far from exceptional. For delicious meals, they’d have to go to the more expensive small canteens. Yet Qin Shi, with her affordable, flavourful cooking, was a no-brainer choice.
Sulking, Gu Qinghai focused on eating, trying to suppress his frustration. Well, at least this way we’ll get to see Dad more often.
After the meal, Lu Zetian didn’t rush back to the base, and Qin Shi naturally assigned him the task of washing the dishes.
Pingping and An’an didn’t react much, but Gu Qinghai’s eyes widened as if he’d seen something unbelievable.
Once Lu Zetian had left, Gu Qinghai couldn’t hold back any longer. He found Qin Shi, who was tidying up the house, and asked why she had made Lu Zetian wash the dishes.
Qin Shi looked at him and asked, “Do you think housework and washing dishes are only for women, and men shouldn’t touch them?”
Gu Qinghai didn’t answer, but his expression made it clear that’s exactly what he thought.
Qin Shi chuckled and said, “That might’ve been true in the old feudal days, but now it’s a new society. Women can take on men’s roles, and men can certainly take on women’s tasks.”
Gu Qinghai felt this was nonsense, but he couldn’t find a rebuttal. He frowned.
“Men doing housework helps their wives and contributes to the family—it’s not shameful at all,” Qin Shi continued. “When you get married someday, would you rather help your wife so she can relax a bit or sit on the couch doing nothing while she struggles alone?”
Gu Qinghai thought for a moment and replied firmly, “Of course, I’d help her! It’s lazy not to.”
“There you go,” Qin Shi said with a satisfied smile. “When your dad washes dishes, it lets me work on something else. I can finish tidying the house earlier, and tonight I’ll have time to make a feast, right?”
She then added, “By the way, I need to move some cabinets and tables. Want to help me?”
Gu Qinghai, who had been seriously considering her words, froze. His expression shifted instantly, and he accused her, “You’re just trying to make people do your work!”
Qin Shi laughed. “Not at all—I’m asking for help.”
Gu Qinghai stared at her, but Qin Shi kept smiling cheerfully. After a long pause, Gu Qinghai finally looked away and muttered, “I’m just a kid. I can’t move heavy stuff.”
“That’s okay. Just give me a hand,” Qin Shi said.
“Call me when you need me,” Gu Qinghai grumbled, then turned and ran off.
Qin Shi watched his retreating figure and chuckled softly. “Little rascal, you’re no match for me.”
She wasn’t truly trying to make them work—this was her way of bonding with them, fostering familiarity, and cultivating a sense of responsibility and practical skills.
That afternoon, Qin Shi did most of the work herself. Gu Qinghai helped here and there, while the twins playfully wiped surfaces with cloths. Though their efforts weren’t particularly effective, their enthusiasm earned them lots of praise from Qin Shi, making Pingping and An’an beam with pride.
After dinner, which featured Qin Shi’s caramelized apples and sweet potatoes, the twins became even more eager to help around the house. They followed Qin Shi everywhere, offering to assist in exchange for delicious treats. Qin Shi found their determination both amusing and endearing.
Later that evening, Lu Zetian handed Qin Shi a few books. “The military wants to start an elementary English class to spark the kids’ interest in learning English. They’re considering you as the teacher. Are you interested? Or would you rather go back to university?”
Qin Shi didn’t want to return to university. She’d spent years studying in her past life, and it had been enough. Besides, who would look after the kids if she left? What if the system punished her again?
In her previous life, Qin Shi had worked tirelessly to climb the corporate ladder, securing a high-paying job with great benefits, all to escape the gruelling 9-to-9, six-day workweeks. Now, she just wanted to enjoy the life she hadn’t had before. University wasn’t part of that plan.
Taking the books from Lu Zetian, she explained that she’d rather self-study, gather some materials, and aim for a certification later.
Lu Zetian respected her choice. “There’s an interview in a week. If you pass, you’ll start teaching.”
School would begin in half a month.
Back in her room, Qin Shi glanced at the English books and clicked her tongue. She had originally planned to start a small business, but Lu Zetian had just handed her a “golden opportunity.”
In this era, teachers were highly respected. The pay was decent, the benefits were good, and the students weren’t nearly as difficult to manage as in the future.
Thinking it over, Qin Shi decided this wasn’t a bad path after all. I’ll take the job for now, save up some money, and figure out the rest later.
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