Chapter Forty: Liu Yue Ru Learns to Drive!

The distance from home to the market was not exactly short, but thanks to the bicycle, it only took ten minutes to buy everything they needed. The selection of food was abundant—something Liu Yueyu had never dared to imagine before. Now, there were meats, ribs, and much more.

In the past, whenever she went shopping, all she could afford were some vegetables and perhaps a bit of tofu. There was not a trace of meat to be seen. At times, when money was particularly tight, she would even collect the cabbage leaves discarded at the market, wash them, and bring them home. For this, she had often endured contemptuous looks from others. After all, she was young and healthy, not like the elderly who lacked both the ability and the means to support themselves. Even if life was tough, it should never have come to picking up discarded leaves.

But now, life was getting better. Even standing in a market full of strangers, Liu Yueyu could finally hold her head high.

After buying the groceries, they returned home. Liu Yueyu looked at Shen Guodong with anticipation. It was obvious that she was quite excited at the prospect of learning to ride a bicycle. With her tall and slender figure, standing at a height of one meter seventy, riding a "Twenty-Eight" bicycle was not a difficult task for her.

“Riding a bicycle is actually quite easy,” Shen Guodong explained patiently. “Put one foot on the pedal, push off quickly, try to walk a few steps, get the bike moving, then swing your other leg over. I’ve padded your knees and any spots that might get hurt. I’ll hold the bike steady from behind while you practice.”

Learning to ride was not complicated—there was no secret trick to it. It was simply a matter of practice.

Liu Yueyu followed his instructions, though her movements were still a bit awkward, which was only natural. Shen Guodong did his best to keep the bicycle balanced from behind. She was quite nervous, but with his support, she managed to avoid falling, which spared her any potential bruises or scrapes.

“Guodong, why does it feel so hard to ride a bike? It’s as if I might fall at any moment,” she said with some worry, casting a glance at him, her meaning clear.

Shen Guodong smiled and replied, “That’s perfectly normal when you’re just starting out. Once you get used to it, it’ll be much easier. Don’t worry—practice makes perfect.”

Liu Yueyu nodded and didn’t say any more.

She focused on practicing. At first, she wobbled and needed Shen Guodong to hold the bike. Gradually, she managed to pedal on her own for short stretches, though she still couldn’t ride for long without help.

Seeing her progress, Shen Guodong laughed heartily. After more than an hour, Liu Yueyu was drenched in sweat and the sky was beginning to darken. She looked at Shen Guodong, puzzled. “Guodong, you never rode a bicycle before either. How come you picked it up so quickly, like it was nothing? Why is that?”

Clearly, she could not understand it and her gaze was full of doubt.

Shen Guodong just smiled and said, “I’m a genius, that’s all.”

“Oh, you and your tall tales.”

Liu Yueyu certainly didn’t believe such nonsense. Only Shen Guodong could say such things.

In truth, muscle memory had already been etched into Shen Guodong’s body. Everything came naturally to him, leaving no room for doubt. But since he was unwilling to explain further, Liu Yueyu didn’t dwell on it.

Together, they headed into the kitchen to start cooking.

Today, Shen Guodong intended to take charge of the meal himself. In his previous life, after Liu Yueyu left, he had no choice but to cook for himself, and over time, he had developed decent culinary skills. Even after growing accustomed to eating outside, only his own cooking could bring him the true taste and comfort of home.

Since then, he would occasionally cook for himself.

The dishes were simple. In those days, there were not many condiments—just oil, salt, soy sauce, and vinegar. As for light soy sauce and the like, even if it was available, it was far beyond their means.

For a poor family, being able to fill their bellies was enough. There was no need for unnecessary expenses.

Yet, even with the most ordinary seasonings, Shen Guodong’s cooking was delicious. True culinary skill did not rely on a multitude of condiments—the pure, original taste was always the best.

Both of them busied themselves in the sweltering kitchen, sweat beading on their foreheads. Shen Guodong, feeling sorry for his wife, said, “Yueyu, why don’t you wait outside? Let me handle this. You always cooked before—now that I have time, let me do it.”

“It’s fine, I’ll help you,” Liu Yueyu responded with a radiant, sweet smile. This was the life she had always dreamed of. Now that it was finally hers, how could she not want to be a part of it?

Shen Guodong said nothing more. He lit the stove and began to cook, while Liu Yueyu tended the fire and helped with the chopping. Together, they prepared five dishes. The portions weren’t large, but every one of them contained meat.

In her memory, not even once a month had she been able to eat such a meal before.

As she ate, tears welled up in Liu Yueyu’s eyes.

“My dear, what’s this? Life is getting better—why are you crying while you eat?” Shen Guodong was flustered and asked.

Wiping her eyes, Liu Yueyu replied, “It’s nothing. I’m just overwhelmed with joy. Once, these things were dreams I didn’t dare to hope for, yet now they’re right before my eyes. It’s hard to believe.”

“Don’t worry. From now on, this will be the melody of our lives,” Shen Guodong said with a gentle smile. He went over and embraced her, affectionately stroking her hair.

Liu Yueyu, like a little kitten, nestled in his arms, savoring the moment.

Just as Shen Guodong had said—this would be the rhythm of their lives from now on. Everything had changed for the better. Though she could hardly believe it, there was no doubt it was happening right before her eyes.