Chapter 263

"Michael, your dark circles are practically hanging down to your chin!" Daniel River teased as soon as he saw Michael Stone.

Michael rubbed his tired eyes and shot him an annoyed glare. "Mind your own business."

"Could it be that Emily won't let you sleep?" Daniel waggled his eyebrows suggestively.

Before he could finish, Michael smacked the back of his head. "Don't talk nonsense!"

"Ow!" Daniel clutched his head. "Michael, you hit way too hard. Looks like Emily needs to make you some tonics."

"Tonics? Nonsense!" Michael's ears turned slightly red. "I just... stayed up late studying."

Daniel smirked, clearly unconvinced. Everyone knew Michael had been under Emily's strict supervision lately, with barely any time for intimacy.

"Fine, fine. I'm the one who needs tonics. I'm the weak one," Daniel quickly backtracked.

The May sun blazed overhead, turning the wheat fields golden. Despite preparing for his college entrance exams, Michael still had to help with the harvest—farm work couldn't wait.

"Emily, you don’t need to come," Michael said, watching her approach with a food basket, concern in his voice.

Emily adjusted her straw hat. "I’ll just bring you lunch and leave."

The rich aroma of braised pork wafted from the basket, making nearby workers swallow hard in envy.

"Patricia, your sister-in-law’s family is eating meat again," someone remarked sourly.

Patricia Stone chewed on her dry flatbread, bitterness rising in her throat. Ever since Michael married this city girl, their lives had improved dramatically—even meat had become a regular meal.

"Eat quickly before it gets cold," Emily said, setting out the dishes and pouring everyone a cup of iced tea.

Michael took a bite of the braised pork and closed his eyes in satisfaction. "Your cooking keeps getting better."

"Stop flattering me," Emily blushed. "I’ll go make mung bean soup and have David bring it later."

Mary Stone shook her head at the couple’s affectionate display. "How many years has it been since they married? Still acting like newlyweds."

On her way back, Emily mentally planned what nourishing dishes to make for Michael that evening. Though he wouldn’t admit it, the relentless cycle of studying and farm work had visibly worn him down.

"Mom!" David and Tommy called out, their small baskets filled with gleaned wheat stalks as they played along the field’s edge.

Emily ruffled their hair. "How much did you collect?"

"Lots!" Tommy proudly held up his basket. "We can make flatbread tonight!"

Looking at their rosy cheeks, Emily suddenly felt that despite the hardships, this life was deeply fulfilling and warm.