Chapter 4: Willow Catkins and Leaves

It is quite common in the city to live door to door for years without knowing the neighbor's surname, especially when it is a young and beautiful woman. She is likely either a young widow or recently divorced. Even if one does not provoke any trouble, it is inevitable to encounter gossip. Therefore, although Zhou Yi has met her a few times, they have only exchanged nods and smiles, asking a few trivial questions like "How are you?" "Have you eaten?" "Are you going out?" and so on.

With long black hair cascading down, slightly parted red lips, a delicate oval face, and slender shoulders... Although the dress she wore was somewhat outdated, it still made her outshine any major star or supermodel.

The flower refers to Zhu Qian, the wife of Zhu Xiaohua, yet the brothers never call her sister-in-law, instead addressing her in this unconventional manner

Zhou Yi gritted his teeth and said, "What a little rascal! You've even reported it all the way to France? Fine, when I see 'Hua Duo', if I don't expose your romantic debts, I will change my name to Zhu Dahua"

Liu Xu, holding onto the leaves, walked behind Zhou Yi with her head down, not saying a word. However, Xiao Yezi was relentless, occasionally asking Zhou Yi some tricky and even embarrassing questions, intentionally or unintentionally leading him towards her aunt's territory.

In the midst of Xiaoyezi's incessant chatter, Hao Ronghe - Tu - Shuyi made their way downstairs. It seemed as if the willow catkins had finally been liberated, as they quickly set down this little sprite, snatched the pocket from Zhou Yi's hand, and blushed as they said: "I can put it on the electric bike myself, thank you, Brother Zhou..."

Aunt?" Zhou Yi was taken aback again

As soon as I opened the door, I saw the door across from me also open, and a graceful figure stepped out.

Alright

How could I possibly have the face to ... ...

Gazing at the delicate figure of the willow catkins on the electric tricycle and the little leaves that continued to wave at him, Zhou Yi suddenly felt a pang of tenderness. However, he quickly shook his head with a smile, realizing that he had developed such feelings for a stranger. How could he possibly have the face to lecture Zhu Xiaohua in the future

"Willow catkins... what a lovely name, truly beautiful." Zhou Yi casually complimented, momentarily at a loss for more suitable words.

This is too melodramatic, not in line with a buddy's style

I will not listen! Xiaohua has invited you to dinner tonight, right? Go over there immediately. From now on, when I am not in the country, you must listen to Xiaohua!

There is no need to feel embarrassed; we are all neighbors. Helping each other is nothing significant, right? Isn't it said that a close neighbor is better than a distant relative? By the way, my name is Zhou Yi.

Zhou Yi nodded slightly. The family across the way had recently moved in; there seemed to be no male head of the household, only a young woman with a child about two or three years old. Moreover, this woman was exceptionally young and beautiful; were it not for the presence of the child, nine out of ten people would likely assume she was unmarried.

The chubby person seems to be feeling quite wronged

The beautiful female neighbor was somewhat strenuously dragging a bag towards the door; at the same time, a small figure emerged from under her arm and rushed in front of Zhou Yi, tilting its head to look at him: "Hello, Uncle!"

Is it to set up a stall at the flea market

Zhou Yi quickly realized her own lapse in demeanor, hurriedly averting her gaze and initiating a new topic. Judging by her equipment and the time she left, it was highly likely—about eighty to ninety percent—that she was headed to that place

The Book of Changes may criticize verbally, but in their heart, they are still warm. Regardless of whether the chubby person has a morbid sense of humor, they are ultimately concerned about their own matters. This friend is not a mistake.

After hanging up the public phone, Zhou Yi immediately picked up his mobile phone and dialed: "Alright, Zhu Xiaohua, you really are something, aren't you? Don't you mind that international calls are expensive?"

The young girl blushed and explained somewhat hesitantly: "Children do not understand, please do not take offense."

"Ye Zi, do not speak nonsense..."

"Alright, is what you've sold still not enough? Just wait for me, I will come over right now"

When the woman saw Zhou Yi, she raised her head and, with a slight blush, said: "It's getting late; I need to set up my stall..."

These days are not easy to get through

I am called Liu Xu

Observing the other person's expression, it was evident that there was some unspoken sorrow. Zhou Yi naturally felt it was inappropriate to delve too deeply into the matter, yet he also found it difficult to simply walk away. Thus, he pointed to the large bag and said with a smile, "Hehe, you are alone and also have to take care of the child. How can you manage to carry such a heavy load? I happen to be going downstairs, so let me help you take it down."

The woman blinked, showing a hint of interest, yet also a touch of shyness. The transformation of her expression in that moment led Zhou Yi to make a kind-hearted guess: she must still be a young lady, and quite sensitive as well.

Hehe... Look at what you said, Yezi is concerned about you, how could it be that she is being unreasonable?" Zhou Yi said with a smile, shaking his head, "Let's go.

Hello, baby

The young woman picked up the leaves and followed Zhou Yi for a few steps, then suddenly spoke in a low voice

What else can be said about this Book of Changes, apart from marveling at how remarkable today's children are? This little rascal appears to be no more than three years old; when he grows up, won't he captivate a whole crowd of young boys?

Upon hearing the question about the Book of Changes, the girl responded cheerfully. In her eyes, the flea market was the best place, with lotus seed porridge, fragrant grilled meat skewers, and sweet, cool stir-fried ice.

Zhou Yi was somewhat lost in thought; of course, he was definitely not infatuated like Comrade Xiaohua. It was just that upon seeing such a beautiful woman, and given the circumstances, he felt a sense of injustice for her in his heart

One's natural beauty is hard to forsake

Indeed, my aunt takes Yezi to the flea market every day, where there are many delicious things to eat

Old Three, don't get me wrong. It wasn't the old man who called to ask; I accidentally let it slip, didn't I? What kind of person is our Zhu Xiaohua? How could he betray his brothers?

Oh ... ...

Sure, shall we go out

In front of a beautiful girl, it is natural for a man to be excited, talkative, and look for opportunities to make a few jokes; however, in the presence of Xiao Yezi, Zhou Yi clearly could not muster any excitement. He even felt that making such teasing remarks in front of a girl like her was simply embarrassing for a man, to the point that even Zhu Xiaohua could not bear to do so.

However, the old gentleman is still jumping up and down over in Europe, and Zhou Yi has to pacify him. He can only repeatedly assure him that he will definitely have dinner with Comrade Xiaohua in the evening, and only then does the old gentleman calm down.

Originally, Zhou Yi intended to just greet and leave, but he felt somewhat embarrassed in this situation. Moreover, he genuinely liked this girl, so he affectionately patted her little head and chuckled, saying: "Why are you taking so many things when you go out with the child? It looks quite heavy..."

Zhou Yi, on one hand, spoke while reaching into his pocket. Seeing him lift it effortlessly as if it weighed nothing, Xiao Yezi immediately became excited, clapping her little hands and saying: "Uncle is a strongman, that's great! It's wonderful to have Uncle's help; Auntie won't have to work so hard anymore."

This is a very cute little girl, with large eyes and fair skin, and her crescent-shaped eyes twinkle as if they conceal countless mischievous ideas

"This is my sister's child..." As she spoke, the woman's eyes reddened, and she unconsciously lowered her head

Dad, listen to me...

After a moment of reflection, Zhou Yi walked to the public phone within the community. Just as he dialed the number, he was met with a barrage of scolding from his father: "Xiao Yi, do you want to drive me to my grave? Xiao Hua has already said that she went through a lot of trouble to introduce you to a university lecturer position, and you messed it up!"

Zhu Xiaohua

"Setting up a stall?" Zhou Xing was taken aback, looking up and down at this beautiful female neighbor. They had been neighbors for quite some time, but this was the first time they had stared at each other for such a long duration