"...You'll only wear it for a few hours."
"I need to drive." Upon hearing this, Jiang Jianhuan looked at the foot that had accidentally stepped into the creek, which happened to be the right one.
"......"
"Then you..." She really didn't want to, but she had no choice but to speak with difficulty.
"How about you come to my house and dry your shoes before you go back...?"
"Then I'll have to trouble you," Su Mo readily agreed.
Jiang Jianhuan regretted her words as soon as they were spoken. Leaving aside Jiang Xin and Yi Qingxue's reactions to Su Mo, just look at the reactions of their neighbors...
Oh, right.
Although the internet is not well-developed in the countryside, people still watch TV. No matter how low-key Su Mo is, she is still a celebrity.
Thinking of this, she immediately called Jiang Xin.
"Dad, are there any guests at home?"
"A friend of mine is coming over."
"Yeah, I accidentally stepped into the stream, and my shoes got wet."
Because they were notified in advance, Jiang Jianhuan and Su Mo arrived home to find the place already cleaned. The floor was spotless, with sunflower seed shells and trash scattered everywhere, and freshly washed fruit laid out on the table.
Only Yi Qingxue and Jiang Xin remained; the other neighbors had already gone home.
When they saw Su Mo, as expected, both of them widened their eyes.
"You are... Su Mo?"
Jiang Jianhuan pretended not to see their inquiring gazes and greeted them with a normal expression.
"Dad, Mom, do you have any clean slippers? Let's change him into them first."
"Oh, yes, there is." Yi Qingxue realized what was happening and immediately turned back into the house.
Su Mo and Jiang Xin exchanged pleasantries on the side.
"What brings you here this time?"
"I just happened to be passing by." Su Mo said without changing her expression, with a slight hint of apology.
"I'm sorry, Uncle, for coming empty-handed to bother you."
"Oh, it's nothing, it's nothing, no need to be so polite."
Jiang Jianhuan was somewhat taken aback. Jiang Xin's attitude towards Su Mo was unexpectedly kind. Compared to how he used to regard Su Mo as a "bad boy who stole his daughter," he now seemed quite polite.
Can living in the countryside for a long time really cultivate one's character and temperament?
There was heating in the living room, so Yi Qingxue found another heater and put Su Mo's shoes and socks in the corner to dry.
She went to the kitchen, cut a plate of fruit, placed it in front of the three of them, and then sat down to join Jiang Xin and Su Mo's conversation.
"Are you very busy being a celebrity? I saw you on TV last time," Yi Qingxue asked with a kind smile, and Su Mo answered obediently.
"It's alright, it depends on my own plans. But I'll be resting at home for the Spring Festival these few days."
"I really never expected... that you would become a big star." She sighed slightly, then seemed to remember something.
"By the way, Lanlan is also filming a movie, so you two should see each other often."
Su Mo thought for a moment before realizing who it was, and Jiang Jianhuan, who hadn't said a word the whole time, showed a change in expression.
Her gaze involuntarily turned to Su Mo.
"No, we don't interact much at work. I've only met Chi Lan a few times over the years," Su Mo replied with a gentle and polite smile, a very ordinary answer.
"Oh..." Yi Qingxue sighed.
"They've probably all grown up and are busy with their own lives, and Huanhuan has lost contact with her."
Su Mo was somewhat surprised to hear this. She turned her head to look at Jiang Jianhuan, then lowered her eyes to avoid his gaze.
As lunchtime approached, the two enthusiastically invited Su Mo to come down for lunch, and even though Jiang Jianhuan was somewhat unwilling, she couldn't directly send them away.
She was helping wash vegetables in the kitchen, while Jiang Xin and Su Mo were chatting in the living room. A pot of tea was brewing on the table, its fragrance wafting through the air.
Jiang Jianhuan was burdened with a heavy weight in her heart and had no mood to speak. The atmosphere at the dinner table remained harmonious. After the meal, Su Mo's shoes were almost dry.
Jiang Jianhuan saw him off.
The two walked along the narrow ridges between the fields, surrounded by a desolate and empty landscape that seemed so leisurely and peaceful compared to the bustling city.
"Are you no longer in contact with anyone from before?" Su Mo asked. Jiang Jianhuan was silent for a few seconds, then hummed in agreement.
"almost."
Su Mo didn't press the matter further. The two walked quietly to the side of the road, and he opened the car door.
When are you coming back?
"The eighth day," Jiang Jianhuan replied after a pause.
After listening, Su Mo seemed to be deep in thought. Jiang Jianhuan waited for him to continue, when a soft farewell came from beside him.
"Then I'll be going now."