Pampered By All In Different Planes

After another two weeks, the tunnel was finally dug.

"I remember there's a depression on the right-hand side," Su Zhiruan said, holding the shovel and gazing to the right, deep in thought, "It's quite deep. If we can break through here, we might be able to dig our way out."

But this was a major project; after all, the snow was too thick. Digging haphazardly might cause a collapse from above, and the ground beneath could also give way.

"We have plenty of time, we can dig a little every day," Wen Qingyu said as he slapped the icy ground with his shovel, standing up and adding, "Take it slow."

"Okay," Su Zhiruan placed the shovel aside.

Now, directly opposite the front door on the first floor was a corridor about five meters long that could accommodate two people walking side by side.

After some time, water and electricity would gradually be shut off. Water was not an issue – Su Zhiruan had already stored enough drinking water, and the accumulated snow and ice outside could serve as water for daily routines. But if the electricity were to be cut, many food items in the fridge would spoil without constant low temperatures. In such a case, it would be much better to keep them outside rather than in the fridge.

Indoors was still indoors, after all. If it got too cold after the electricity was cut, the stove Su Zhiruan bought could come in handy, so it was essential to create a natural refrigerator for the food in the fridge-freezer.

After bustling about for two weeks, the natural ice cellar was ready.

Su Zhiruan and Wen Qingyu returned to a leisurely and comfortable life.

"You've been really into this TV series these past few days," Wen Qingyu observed as she stared unblinkingly at the projector display. He sat beside her and asked, "Is it that captivating?"

Engrossed in the TV drama, Su Zhiruan didn't catch the hint of jealousy in his tone. She nodded and casually agreed, "It's good."

Seeing her so absorbed, Wen Qingyu felt somewhat sulky.

A few ancient-robed women fighting back and forth, what's so interesting about that.

She wasn't paying any attention to him.

It wasn't until the episode ended and Su Zhiruan took a sip of water that she snapped back to reality. She raised an eyebrow and suggested, "Why don't you watch it with me? It's really a great show to pair with meals!"

"If you enjoy watching it, wouldn't I be a distraction if I sat next to you? I'd better not watch. After all, I'm not as good-looking as they are." The young man turned his head away, seemingly nonchalant and carefree, though his eyes were turning red.

Su Zhiruan glanced at the beginning of the title sequence and then at the boy sulking alone beside her. Looking around, she decisively lunged over, grabbed his wrist with a firm tone and bright eyes, "But I want to watch it with you."

"Ah..." Caught off guard by her sudden move, he looked at the bright smiling face so close to his. He felt his face growing hot while his ears had already turned beet red. He couldn't help but nod and said softly, "Since you want to watch it with me... I guess I'll have to join you."

Su Zhiruan was satisfied.

Just then, a new episode of the palace drama started, and they sat on the couch with their legs crossed, watching the show together.

This palace drama was the hottest a few years ago, telling the story of a palace maid who fought her way through numerous challenges, eliminating all obstacles in her path, eventually deposing the Emperor and becoming the Empress Dowager. It sounded cliché, but the intricate schemes and traps within the story were engaging and thought-provoking.

As a result, this series became Su Zhiruan's new favorite. She would get up on time every day to follow the episodes and had downloaded them on her tablet in advance, just in case she couldn't use the projector during a power outage.

Initially, Wen Qingyu did not understand the appeal, but after being coaxed into watching one episode with her, he too became engrossed in the palace drama.

From then on, the two of them agreed to get up on time every day to follow the drama.

...

"Is this really the grand finale..." Su Zhiruan sprawled on the couch, feeling somewhat lost.

With a glance downward, Wen Qingyu could see her face. He wanted to touch her fluffy hair but restrained himself, sharing her sentiments, "It seems she became the all-powerful Empress Dowager, but standing at the pinnacle of power always comes with loneliness."

"Yeah, she became Empress Dowager before thirty, but she lost her lover the Prince, her close sisters, and the personal maid who had been with her since childhood," Su Zhiruan said, propping her hands behind her head and continuing to ponder as she stared at the ceiling.

Wen Qingyu suddenly suggested, "I looked it up online; there's another palace drama about the harem of her son, the one after she became Empress. Shall we watch it?"

Su Zhiruan lacked enthusiasm, but hearing it was a sequel to the palace drama, she nodded, sat up from the couch, and watched Wen Qingyu click on the new palace drama.