[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-beautiful-stepmother-from-the-eighties-marry":3,"chapter-the-beautiful-stepmother-from-the-eighties-marry-the-beautiful-stepmother-from-the-eighties-marry-chapter-167":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","The Beautiful Stepmother from the Eighties: Marrying a Factory Director to Raise Kids",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1663707,2130,"Chapter 167","the-beautiful-stepmother-from-the-eighties-marry-chapter-167",167,"\u003Cp>He usually sat far away from his mother during meals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But why was Second Brother different?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Zedong glanced at his younger brother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That kid was nothing but a mom-stealer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the older brother, he wouldn’t stoop to competing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He carried his bowl and sat on the other side of Si Nian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shitou: \"......\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Si Nian served each of the children a piece of braised meat, then gave Zhou Yueshen one as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only after he took a bite did she ask, \"Is it good?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Yueshen tasted it. Though it was fatty, it melted in his mouth—rich but not greasy, leaving a lingering fragrance that was utterly addictive...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wonder Yu Dong was always scheming to drop by for meals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a pause, he replied, \"Delicious.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Try this next, it’s even better—nice and chewy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Si Nian served him a piece of braised pork intestine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Yueshen shot her a look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had made this once before, though sparingly. Back then, he hadn’t thought much of it, only remembering the taste was excellent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under Si Nian’s expectant gaze, Zhou Yueshen met her eyes, his voice low and deliberate. \"Si Nian, I may be older than you, but I’m still in my prime.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Si Nian nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She knew—this man was built like an ox.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps because of his height, his muscles weren’t overly pronounced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But stripped down, only she knew just how intimidating he really was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had initially worried about his late nights affecting his health, but she soon realized this man only needed six hours of sleep to be bursting with energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A rare hint of amusement flickered in Zhou Yueshen’s eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‍she truly understand?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With children around, some things were better left unsaid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a brief hesitation, Zhou Yueshen took a bite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, his brow lifted slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If this wasn’t meant for nourishment, the flavor alone was astonishing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even better than last time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Yueshen gave a slight nod.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are these parts easy to sell at the pig farm?\" Si Nian asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Yueshen paused, then shook his head. \"We end up with a lot leftover every day.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since they couldn’t consume it all, letting it go to waste, they often gave it away with meat purchases—though some found the preparation too troublesome and refused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Si Nian’s eyes lit up. \"What if I turned the leftovers into braised dishes? Do you think they’d sell?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Yueshen had already considered this when she first asked. He agreed, \"They would. But you’d exhaust yourself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Money wasn’t an issue for him, and he didn’t want her toiling for small profits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his eyes, Si Nian was meant to live comfortably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Taking care of the children was already enough work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Si Nian waved it off. \"It’s fine. I’ll get my mom and the others to help.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Yueshen nodded. \"Alright. But sales might be slow in the village. I’ll find you distribution channels—just focus on cooking.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With flavors like these, they’d fly off the shelves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He truly believed Si Nian’s culinary skills were wasted just feeding their family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Si Nian beamed. \"Perfect! I’ll discuss it with my family.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this era, opportunities to earn were plentiful. Though they weren’t strapped for cash, who would turn down extra income?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that her own life was stable, she wanted to lift her family up too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Better than letting her talents go to waste.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Si Nian felt grateful she’d once pursued cooking techniques for the sake of good food. In the future, such recipes would be a quick internet search away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in this pre-digital age, they were treasures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though her parents and eldest brother’s family still lived together, her brother and sister-in-law would eventually branch off, and her two younger brothers had their own paths. So, Si Nian planned to have her sister-in-law handle pastries while her mother mastered braised dishes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After dinner, Shitou reluctantly left the Zhou household under his grandmother’s scolding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The children retreated to their rooms for bed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Si Nian headed for a bath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After cooking braised meat, she reeked of spices.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only downside was the single large basin at home—bathing was far from convenient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She resolved to commission a bigger wooden tub, one she could soak in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mid-bath, a knock sounded at the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A deep voice called from outside, \"Si Nian, your sleepwear.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She realized she’d forgotten her change of clothes and hurried to crack the door open, reaching out a hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Yueshen’s gaze dropped to her slender, pale fingers, faintly silhouetted against the light, delicate and alluring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes darkened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air was thick with the warm, soothing scent of bath oils—not overpowering, just intoxicating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a slight push, the door swung open effortlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His tall frame filled the doorway as he stepped inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Si Nian gasped, nearly slipping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah! Zhou Yueshen!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He caught her, pulling her close, her head pressed against his chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dripping wet, her body soaked through his thin shirt in an instant, the fabric clinging to his toned abdomen. His scent—a mix of faint tobacco and warmth—filled her senses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Si Nian looked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the dim light, their eyes locked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Yueshen’s gaze was deep, dangerous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like a beast stirring awake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her lashes fluttered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Yueshen studied her intently. \"Warm enough?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Si Nian shook her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Puzzled, she asked, \"Are you hot?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The corner of his mouth lifted. He leaned down, his throat working as his lips brushed hers. \"A little. Overheated.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her pulse jumped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He closed the distance, kissing her softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His breath was scorching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instinctively, she tilted her chin up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That slight motion ignited him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His kiss deepened, her lips parting willingly, tongues entwining.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bathroom was silent, soundproof.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only their ragged breaths echoed between them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Si Nian loved this space—it felt like theirs alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looped her arms around his neck, rising onto her toes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Yueshen’s hands gripped her waist, their bodies flush as the kiss grew feverish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her long lashes trembled, the fragrant steam wrapping around them, heady and sweet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As her breathing hitched, Zhou Yueshen broke away, trailing kisses down her neck...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bathroom burned with passion, while outside, the night remained still, everyone lost in dreams.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next morning, Zhou Zedong woke up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After tucking his little sister in, he dressed, pinned on his little red flower, and headed downstairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the lower floor was still dark—Mom wasn’t up yet?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze drifted toward the second floor, where a sliver of light peeked from under a door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shrugging, he went to the kitchen, reheated breakfast, and packed lunch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, his groggy younger brother stumbled downstairs, lured by the aroma.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mom?\" Rubbing his eyes, the boy glanced into the kitchen—only to find Zhou Zedong instead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The kid jolted awake. \"Bro?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Zedong eyed his disheveled state. How could someone his age still wear pants or shoes backward?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wash up and eat,\" he ordered sternly, sealing the lunchbox before heading to the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two ate without seeing anyone descend from upstairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Puzzled but mindful of their father’s exhaustion, they decided against disturbing him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looks like they’d be walking to school today.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Neither minded—they were used to it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Backpacks on, they set off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The streets were lively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone noticed the red flower on Zhou Zedong’s chest and whistled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hey there, little man! What’s that pretty badge you’ve got?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Zedong cast a glance at the other person, his young face devoid of any emotion. \"A red flower,\" he said flatly before walking away without another word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other person: \"…? I already knew it was a red flower.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1254,"2026-06-06T12:38:58.697Z",1,"novelbin.me","525441730438a09ae83432efd1b6ee1cd8cd3563827db307c0e2dfa89972688d","the-beautiful-stepmother-from-the-eighties-marry-chapter-168","the-beautiful-stepmother-from-the-eighties-marry-chapter-166",482,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-beautiful-stepmother-from-the-eighties-marry-cover.jpg"]