Over the following week, Wang Xiaoqiang ventured out early and returned late from Mantou Mountain, hunting wild chickens. Besides Liu Juyi, nobody else discovered his activities. Liu Juyi, undeterred by the effort, delivered meals daily. No matter how late Wang Xiaoqiang returned, Liu Juyi would wait for him to finish eating and would only leave after clearing the dishes, though it was Wang Xiaoqiang who escorted her home.
Liu Juyi cherished this routine, sitting on the second floor of the village committee building, quietly waiting for his return… watching him devour the dishes she had prepared… walking home under the night sky with his protection… These moments brought her joy and happiness.
