Chapter 8: The Contest Between Man and Goose

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Hesitating for a moment, Shen Mu stepped into the bathroom, while Xu Zhaozhao helped Aunt Fu carefully put away the red chicken eggs and green duck eggs in the basket. Because of the interruption caused by the big goose, Shen Mu hadn’t managed to collect any goose eggs. After placing the clean clothes Aunt Fu had found at the bathroom door, Xu Zhaozhao made sure Shen Mu could reach them easily. Then she asked Aunt Fu for an apron and a pair of slippers. Changing out of the towering heels on her feet and slipping into the slippers, she tied the apron over her suit jacket and carried a coil of water hose toward the pigpen.

The camera followed Xu Zhaozhao’s movements, and as the view shifted completely away from the bathroom door, the live chat exploded.
“Why is the camera following Xu Zhaozhao? Can it just stay by the bathroom door? I want to see the handsome guy come out of the bath.”
“Agreed, I don’t want to watch a scheming vixen.”
“Actually, don’t you think Xu Zhaozhao, though a bit pretentious, is quite strategic and methodical in what she does?”
“Don’t think so. Turn the camera back—I want to camp out for the handsome guy’s bath scene.”
“Farming is just farming. You do it or you don’t. No need for strategies.”

Meanwhile, Xu Zhaozhao connected the hose to the faucet beside the pigpen, secured it firmly, and slowly turned on the water. She had promised Aunt Fu not only to collect eggs but also to help clean the pigpen and chicken coop. Since Shen Mu was in the shower, the remaining chores naturally fell to Xu Zhaozhao. She carefully washed down the pigpen with the hose. Having finished the work early, she planned to rest soon, feeling a bit drowsy after a poor night’s sleep.

After scrubbing the pigpen, she entered the chicken coop. Holding a hammer, she intended to fix the post that Shen Mu had damaged. However, the troublesome goose saw her and attempted the same aggressive tactic it had used on Shen Mu. The moment it opened its beak and flapped its wings toward her, Xu Zhaozhao quickly clamped its mouth shut. The goose couldn’t make a sound and desperately flapped its wings in an attempt to escape, but Xu Zhaozhao’s grip was as firm as iron, never loosening. After a brief standoff, she released the goose’s mouth.

Freed, the goose, undeterred, launched another attack on Xu Zhaozhao.
“This goose really has stubbornness in its bones.”
“When I was a kid living in the countryside, I was most afraid of encountering big geese on the road. They’re truly obstinate and their bites really hurt.”

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“Is Xu Zhaozhao trying to tame the goose? I think she should stop trying.”
“Look how fierce Xu Zhaozhao looks. I wonder if the goose will end up on the dinner table next.”

Yet, after a while, those who doubted Xu Zhaozhao widened their eyes in surprise. No matter how the goose changed angles or jumped, Xu Zhaozhao always managed to grab its beak. After several attempts, the goose, either exhausted or realizing it was no match, flapped its wings and marched away beside her.
“This goose must have been brought in to add some comic relief.”
“Folks, I came to watch a dating show, but I’ve ended up watching a goose try to fight its battles and fail.”
“The other nine streams are all about romance; having one for comic relief is nice.”

Having nailed the post back in place, Xu Zhaozhao began tidying the chicken coop. Beneath her dark red, earth-stained apron was a black suit, and underneath that, a fiery red dress. On her feet were faded purple slippers. This eclectic mix somehow created an inexplicable harmony. Aunt Fu sat under a tree, watching Xu Zhaozhao work briskly, her smile saying it all. Moreover, she picked up a cup of tea and sniffed it—same water, same tea leaves, yet this young woman’s brew somehow tasted better than her own.

“Wait, everyone, doesn’t Xu Zhaozhao’s suit look familiar?”
“What familiar? Isn’t that the one Shen Mu gave her?”
“No, I mean the brand of the suit.”
“Now that you mention it, I’ve always felt Shen Mu’s suit was special.”
“Isn’t that the world-renowned custom-made brand? A simple vest can cost over a hundred thousand yuan.”
“Wow, a vest that expensive? Then the whole suit must be worth hundreds of thousands.”
“No way, you must be mistaken. What kind of contestant can wear such bespoke tailoring?”
“Among the contestants, even Ke Hao wouldn’t wear something like that. Maybe Shen Mu’s is a high-quality replica?”
“So, what kind of company executive is living so lavishly?”

Xu Zhaozhao, of course, had no idea her suit was so valuable. Had she known, frugal as she was, she would never have let such a garment near a pigpen. She would have carefully preserved and displayed it instead. In no time, she finished cleaning the pigpen and chicken coop and stepped out. She asked Aunt Fu, who was sipping tea under the tree, “Aunt Fu, are you satisfied?”

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Aunt Fu gave a thumbs-up with a pleased smile. “Little Xu, you’re a hard worker. I’m very satisfied.” Xu Zhaozhao beamed happily. With Aunt Fu’s approval, their warm-up task was successfully completed.

“Little Xu, you must be exhausted. Come, sit and have some tea.” Aunt Fu invited her to sit and handed her a cup, then asked, “What do you like to eat? Auntie will cook for you tonight.”

“Wait, can they order food? Chen Sisi and Sun Yu’s group next door also finished planting, but the homeowners didn’t offer to cook for them.”
“I confirm that the Emperor’s group who harvested rice also didn’t have this privilege.”
“That’s because Xu Zhaozhao’s task was simple and she did it to Aunt Fu’s satisfaction. The others were new to farming and couldn’t do it so perfectly.”
“Why do I feel that if Xu Zhaozhao tried the other farm tasks, she wouldn’t do worse either?”
“What are you thinking? She just cleans and waters, but when it comes to sowing and harvesting, she cheats. Don’t deny it.”

Amid the heated arguments, the live audience overlooked the video. The bathroom door handle moved slightly, then the door slowly opened, releasing a burst of steam. Amid the misty, dreamlike haze, a sharply handsome face suddenly appeared in the frame. The previously noisy live chat instantly fell silent.

“Pure as a lotus from clear water… no, pure as a handsome man from the steam.”
“Guys, did you notice? Shen Mu with his hair down looks like a soft, gentle puppy.”
“I got it, I got it. I’m restoring my shattered image of Shen Mu.”
“Man, how can you be so indecisive, wavering between love and hate? Not me—I declared from the start: this is my husband secretly joining a dating show behind my back. Whoever brings him back, I’ll reward handsomely.”

Seeing Shen Mu like this, Xu Zhaozhao, like all the viewers, momentarily lost herself. But she quickly composed herself, not wanting anyone to notice.

“Little Shen, come here…” Aunt Fu beckoned Shen Mu. “Let me see if the clothes fit. If not, I’ll find you another set.”
“No need, Aunt Fu,” Shen Mu said politely. “This one fits perfectly. I’ll pay you after the show.”
“Oh, don’t talk about money. Consider it a welcome gift from me!” Aunt Fu waved generously.

Then she asked about his food preferences. “What do you like to eat? Auntie will cook for you tonight.”

With these two young golden children helping around the house, and after their hard work, Aunt Fu was overjoyed and eager to prepare a good meal to welcome them.