[Chapter Eleven]

1
Yutang carried a bag of luggage on his back and came to the entrance of Laichun’s house. Wenying was in the yard at the doorway, chasing butterflies, running and jumping. Laichun was cutting vegetables; after seeing Yutang, she wiped her hands and stood up.

Laichun asked, “Yutang, where are you going carrying that luggage?”

Yutang said, “Auntie, is Wenyen at home?”

“Wait a moment.” Laichun shouted toward the house, “Wenyen, Yutang is here to see you, Wenyen.” Wenyen walked out from inside the house and asked in confusion, “Yutang, why are you carrying luggage?”

Yutang said embarrassedly, “Wenyen, I’m afraid I won’t be able to go to and from school with you and Baofeng anymore.”

Wenyen asked in surprise, “Why?”

“Well, my dad…” In Yutang’s mind appeared last night, his father Qingwen’s earnest reminder: “You are still young now. When you understand in the future, you will naturally understand your father’s painstaking efforts.”

Yutang shook his head and said to Wenyen, “My dad keeps persuading me to live at school. He says saving two or three hours a day can be used for studying and such, telling me to make good use of my time.”

Wenyen smiled and said, “What your dad said makes a lot of sense.”

Wenyen secretly glanced at Laichun, leaned close to Yutang’s ear, and whispered, “I actually also want to live at school. I really envy you.”

Yutang gave a wry smile and said, “Actually, as long as you tell your mom, she would also let you live at school.”

Wenyen shook his head, smiling without speaking; both understood each other without saying it aloud.

Yutang said, “Alright, it’s getting late. I have to hurry to the dorm to check in. If I go too late and get locked out, that would be terrible.”

Wenyen said, “Wait a moment. I’ll tell my mom, and I’ll walk you part of the way.”

Yutang said, “No need. The next time we meet will be at school.”

Wenyen said, “Alright then, see you when school starts.”

Yutang dragged his heavy steps away, while Wenyen’s expression showed a trace of loneliness.

2
Baofeng and Xiao Qiao came to the library and saw Wenyen sitting alone in his seat studying.

Baofeng pulled Xiao Qiao’s hand and said, “Xiao Qiao, come, I’ll introduce Wenyen to you.”

Xiao Qiao nodded shyly, and the two came to Wenyen’s side.

Baofeng said, “Wenyen, this is my classmate. Her name is Xia Xiao Qiao.”

Wenyen said generously, “Hello, Xiao Qiao. Nice to meet you.”

Xiao Qiao said shyly, “Hello.”

“No one is sitting beside you, right?” Baofeng sat down directly on Wenyen’s right side without waiting for his answer.

Wenyen said, “Hey, I haven’t said anything yet!”

Baofeng said, “Even if someone is sitting here, I think it would at most be Yutang, right? Xiao Qiao, you sit too.”

Since only the seat on Wenyen’s left side was empty, Xiao Qiao sat there. Wenyen wanted to speak but stopped. At this moment, Yutang came over carrying a stack of books.

Yutang asked, “Hey, where’s my seat?”

Baofeng said with a smile, “Sorry, come earlier next time.”

Yutang complained, “Wenyen, you’re really not loyal! I clearly told you to save me a seat.”

Wenyen pointed at Baofeng and said with a wry smile, “Do you think I can do anything about this young lady?”

Baofeng pretended to be angry and said, “What do you mean by ‘young lady’?”

Xiao Qiao stood up awkwardly, “Then… I’ll give you my seat.”

Yutang said with a smile, “No need. Classmate, you can sit. There’s a seat across from here; I’ll go sit over there.”

Wenyen was about to stand up, “Yutang, I’ll go with you…”

Baofeng pressed him down and said, “Sit down. You two are together every day, it’s not like you’re conjoined twins.”

Yutang said with a smile, “Brother, you’ve worked hard. Just stay here and take care of this young madam.”

Wenyen deliberately made a bitter face, “Brother! How can you bear to abandon me…”

Yutang and Wenyen both put on sorrowful expressions and tightly held each other’s hands. Seeing this, Baofeng felt both annoyed and amused.

Baofeng laughed and said, “Are you two performing opera? Yutang, get lost!”

Yutang said with an innocent face, “The young madam actually wants me to roll away! Is there really such a big difference?” After speaking, he took his books and went to sit opposite.

Xiao Qiao said enviously, “The three of you have such a good relationship.”

Wenyen said, “We grew up together since childhood. We’ve always played like this.”

Xiao Qiao said, “You’re so lucky. I’m the eldest at home. My younger brother just started elementary school. My dad kept him in the United States to study. My mom is very strict; I have to go straight home after school, and on weekends I have to take piano lessons. I hardly have any friends around me.”

Baofeng said, “Now you have us as friends!”

Wenyen said, “Yeah, come visit our village sometime!”

Xiao Qiao asked excitedly, “Really?”

Baofeng said, “We all welcome you!”

The group’s carefree attitude attracted annoyed looks from nearby students who were studying seriously.

Student A said impatiently, “Hey! Classmates, can you keep your voices down?”

The three lowered their heads embarrassedly.

3
Yutang and Wenyen were playing basketball on the field when three students walked over.

Student A asked, “Classmates, want to play three-on-three?”

Wenyen said, “We’d like to, but there are only two of us.”

Yutang looked around the field and happened to see Mingdao jogging. He waved to call him, “Mingdao!”

Mingdao saw Yutang waving and walked over.

Yutang said, “Mingdao, do you want to play with us? We’re one person short.”

Mingdao said, “Sure!”

Wenyen said nothing.

Student A: “Alright, let’s do it. We’ll play rock-paper-scissors to decide who attacks first.”

Wenyen’s group and the opposing team began to battle fiercely. During the game, Wenyen was about to attack but was blocked. He turned his head and saw Yutang also tightly guarded and unable to move. At that moment, Mingdao ran over and gave Wenyen a look. Seeing this, Wenyen pretended to shoot but actually passed the ball to the unguarded Mingdao, who scored.

Mingdao came to Wenyen’s side. The two looked at each other and high-fived.

After the game, Wenyen, Yutang, and Mingdao rested under a tree. Mingdao came in front of Wenyen. Yutang sensed something unusual between them and remained silent, quietly watching.

Mingdao cautiously asked, “Wenyen, can I ask you something?”

Wenyen was stunned for a moment, “Mm.”

Mingdao said, “Did I… do something that made you unhappy?”

Wenyen lowered his head and said, “No…”

Mingdao asked, “Then why have you been ignoring me for quite a while?”

In Wenyen’s mind appeared the scene of the jeep carrying Mingdao and himself home that day, villagers shouting curses along the way, followed by the image of his mother Laichun’s angry expression.

Wenyen said, “I… I feel very embarrassed.”

Mingdao said, “Embarrassed about what?”

Wenyen asked, “Do you remember when we were about to graduate from elementary school, you invited me to your house?”

Mingdao said, “I remember. What about it…”

Mingdao suddenly realized, “So you’re still bothered by what happened that day?”

Wenyen scratched his head embarrassedly, “Your parents treated me so well, taught me to make dumplings, and even drove me home in a jeep. But our village treated you like that. Honestly, I’ve always felt very sorry.”

Mingdao said, “Actually, my dad also told me not to associate with you, saying he was afraid of being implicated or something. But I think even if something really happened in Luku Village in the past, that was a grievance among their adults. It shouldn’t involve us.”

Wenyen lowered his head in thought. Seeing this, Yutang interjected, “Wenyen, I think Mingdao makes a lot of sense! Even if those things happened in our village, they’ve already passed, haven’t they?”

Wenyen looked up at Mingdao and smiled, “Mingdao, last time when my mom was sick, I cooked the dumplings your mom made for me for her. She kept saying they were delicious. Next time, you come to my house, and let my mom treat you, okay?”

Mingdao said, “Sure! The preserved radish omelet you locals make is really delicious. If your mother can make that dish, I’ll definitely eat an extra bowl of rice.”

Wenyen said, “No problem. We eat that dish often!”

Yutang put his arms around both of them and said, “Alright! Since everything is cleared up, let’s happily go play another round of basketball!” The three ran off happily to play again.

4
During break time, Xiao Qiao came to Baofeng’s seat and said, “Baofeng, you don’t live in the dorm, and your home is so far away. How do you usually get to school?”

Baofeng said, “Oh, I first take Wenyen’s youngest uncle A-Yuan’s ox cart to Xizhi city area, then transfer to a bus to the school gate.”

Xiao Qiao asked, “Oh my, how long does one trip take?”

Baofeng said, “About one and a half to two hours.”

Xiao Qiao said, “Riding for that long, don’t you get bored?”

Baofeng said, “Not really. Wenyen and Yutang are very funny. Going to school with them is not boring at all.”

Xiao Qiao said, “So you go to school with them every day?”

Baofeng said, “Now Yutang lives at school, so he doesn’t ride the ox cart with us on weekdays, only on weekends.”

Xiao Qiao said, “So usually it’s just you and Wenyen on the cart!?”

Baofeng said, “Yes, what’s wrong?”

Xiao Qiao was full of envy and said softly, “You’re so lucky…”

Baofeng said, “What did you say?”

Xiao Qiao said, “Nothing…”

Xiao Qiao thought for a moment, suddenly blushed, but Baofeng seemed not to notice.

Xiao Qiao asked shyly, “This weekend, can I ride the ox cart with you to Luku Village?”

Baofeng said happily, “Of course! Why not just stay at my house? You can stay an extra day!”

Xiao Qiao asked, “Really? Wouldn’t it bother you?”

Baofeng said, “Of course not! Ever since my dad and older brother passed away, we hardly have visitors at home. My mom would probably be very happy.”

Xiao Qiao said, “Okay, then I’ll go home and ask my dad to see if he agrees to let me stay overnight at your house.”

Baofeng said, “Mm, I’ll wait for your good news. After class, let’s go find Wenyen and tell them you’re coming to our village this weekend.”

5
During break time, Yutang and Mingdao were chatting around Wenyen’s seat when Xiao Qiao and Baofeng came to the classroom corridor.

Baofeng asked a boy at the window, “Classmate, can you call Wenyen for me?”

Student A teased, “Wenyen, a pretty lady is looking for you!”

Wenyen replied, “Oh, coming.”

Mingdao exclaimed playfully, “Wow, Wenyen is quite popular!”

Wenyen said, “She’s just a tomboy I grew up with. What’s there to make a fuss about?”

Yutang said casually, “Is that so? Baofeng is actually quite cute.”

Wenyen and Mingdao looked at Yutang in surprise. Yutang suddenly realized he had unintentionally revealed his feelings and blushed.

Yutang gave an awkward laugh, “Haha, let’s quickly go see what Baofeng wants.”

The three went to the classroom door and chatted in the corridor.

Baofeng said, “Wenyen, Xiao Qiao says she wants to take the ox cart with us to the village this weekend.”

Wenyen smiled, “Sure! You’re welcome!”

Xiao Qiao said, “Thank you!”

Mingdao stared absentmindedly at Xiao Qiao’s innocent and charming profile.

Yutang asked, “Mingdao, what’s wrong?”

Mingdao came back to his senses, “Oh, nothing.”

Wenyen said, “Hey, since that’s the case, Mingdao, do you want to come along too? The more the merrier!”

Mingdao said happily, “Sure!”

Baofeng said, “Wenyen, that’s very rude of you. You haven’t even introduced your classmate to us.”

Wenyen said, “Sorry, I was momentarily confused. This handsome gentleman, refined and talented…”

Before Wenyen could finish, Mingdao introduced himself first to Xiao Qiao, “Hello, I’m Ouyang Mingdao.”

Xiao Qiao said, “Hello, I am…” The class bell rang, drowning out her voice.

Baofeng said, “Oh no! This class is ‘Bullhead’s’ Chinese class. If we enter late, we’re doomed. Let’s go!” Baofeng pulled Xiao Qiao away hurriedly.

Wenyen and Yutang returned to the classroom, leaving Mingdao still standing there, staring blankly at Xiao Qiao’s departing figure.

6
At night, Xia Yitao opened the door and entered the house: “I’m back.”

Zhai Jialing asked, “Why did you come back so late today?”

Xia Yitao said, “No choice, I was dragged by clients to social engagements.”

Xiao Qiao ran out from the room and, before her mother, helped her father take off his coat. “Dad, I’ll help you.”

Xiao Qiao hung up Xia Yitao’s coat and hat, took his briefcase, and walked toward her father’s study while humming a song.

Seeing that his daughter Xiao Qiao was in a very good mood, Xia Yitao asked curiously, “Mother of the child, did Xiao Qiao take the wrong medicine today?”

Zhai Jialing said with a bitter smile, “Ask her yourself.”

Xia Yitao and Zhai Jialing sat down on the sofa. Xiao Qiao walked out from her father’s study.

Xia Yitao asked, “Xiao Qiao, did something happen at school today? Why are you so happy?”

Xiao Qiao said coquettishly, “Dad, let me ask you something…”

Xia Yitao pinched his daughter’s nose, “Seeing you like this, I know you’re up to some crooked idea again.”

Xiao Qiao said, “Dad, this Saturday after school, can I go to a classmate’s house to play?”

“This Saturday…” Xia Yitao thought for a moment and asked with concern, “It’s not a male classmate’s house, right!?”

Xiao Qiao said with a smile, “Dad, we have separate classes for boys and girls, how could there be any male classmates!”

Xia Yitao let out a sigh of relief and said, “That’s good. Sure, relaxing a bit on the weekend is reasonable.”

Xiao Qiao said, “And also, Dad…”

Xia Yitao asked, “And also?”

Zhai Jialing said, “Your precious daughter wants to stay overnight at her classmate’s house.”

Xia Yitao looked surprised, “What!?”

Xiao Qiao said coquettishly, “Please, Dad~.”

Xia Yitao frowned and said, “But don’t you have a piano lesson on Sunday morning?”

Xiao Qiao said, “Piano lessons can be made up anytime.”

Xia Yitao also said, “Classmate’s houses can also be visited anytime!”

Xiao Qiao said, “Do you think my classmate’s house is very close? My classmate lives in Luku Village!”

Xia Yitao asked, “Luku Village? Isn’t that in the mountains? Then will you have the driver stay there overnight with you?”

Xiao Qiao said with a smile, “No need, I’ll just take my classmate’s ox cart.”

“Take an ox cart? That’s not good, ox carts are dirty and smelly.” Zhai Jialing advised.

Xiao Qiao said casually, “But my classmate goes to and from school like that every day, and I’ve never heard her complain.”

Zhai Jialing said, “That’s because she’s used to it. Kids who grow up in the countryside like them are more wild and pay less attention to hygiene.”

Xiao Qiao said, “Mom, how can you say that about my classmate? She kindly invited me to play!”

Zhai Jialing said, “You don’t seem to worry that your daughter will become wild?”

Xia Yitao said, “What is there to worry about? If you want to go, then go. It’s good to experience rural life.”

Xiao Qiao said, “Thank you, Dad!”

Xia Yitao patted Xiao Qiao’s head, “When you go to your classmate’s house, be more polite. Don’t fool around like you do at home, understand?”

Xiao Qiao said happily, “Mm!”

7
Wenyen and the others went together to take A-Yuan’s ox cart up the mountain.

A-Yuan gestured with his hands and made indistinct sounds.

Xiao Qiao asked Wenyen, “What is your uncle saying?”

“My uncle says welcome everyone to ride his ox cart.” Wenyen added, “He also says the scenery along the way is nice, with many beautiful wildflowers.”

Xiao Qiao said, “It’s my first time riding an ox cart! It feels very fresh.”

Yutang said, “Although the ox cart moves slowly and shakes a bit, it feels very comfortable, and the view is very good.”

Mingdao said, “That’s true. More importantly, it doesn’t break down and doesn’t emit black smoke.”

Baofeng asked, “Wenyen, don’t you know how to play the harmonica?”

Wenyen said, “I just learned. I’m not very fluent yet.”

Xiao Qiao said, “Then I want to request a song.”

Baofeng said, “That might be difficult. He only knows some Taiwanese folk songs.”

Xiao Qiao said, “I want to request ‘Wang Chun Feng,’ is that okay? I learned this song from a record.”

Baofeng praised, “Hidden talent! I couldn’t tell Xiao Qiao can also sing Taiwanese songs.”

Mingdao said, “Actually, many Taiwanese songs have really nice melodies. My mom often hums them, so I also know some.”

Yutang said, “That’s right. Mingdao’s mother is a daughter of Taiwan.”

Mingdao said proudly, “Yes! So I’m also half Taiwanese!”

Xiao Qiao said, “Then everyone, can we start singing ‘Wang Chun Feng’?”

The five young men and women sang along the way on the ox cart, attracting the attention of villagers by the roadside. The villagers paused their work, looking at the ox cart, and some even hummed a few lines of Taiwanese folk songs.

8
The five arrived at the yard in front of Wenyen’s house. Xiao Qiao saw that Wenyen’s house was an old three-sided courtyard and found it quite novel, thinking, “So this is Wenyen’s home?”

Wenyen shouted toward the house, “Mom! I brought friends back to play!”

Xiao Qiao asked, “Wenyen, is this your home?”

Wenyen said, “Yes. Although it looks a bit old, it’s very comfortable to live in.”

Xiao Qiao looked around the yard, seeing scattered farm tools and tea leaves being dried, her eyes full of curiosity. Suddenly, she felt something rubbing against her foot. She looked down and saw a rooster pecking at her shoe. Xiao Qiao screamed and hurriedly grabbed Mingdao’s arm beside her. Mingdao became stiff with nervousness, while secretly feeling pleased inside.

Wenyen said, “Don’t be afraid. It’s a chicken we raise at home. It seems to like you.”

Xiao Qiao still held Mingdao’s hand and said, “Then… what is its name?”

It was the first time Wenyen had heard such a strange question, and he instinctively found it funny, “What? Does anyone name the chickens they raise at home?”

Xiao Qiao said, “Then… then let’s call it Little Chirp Chirp!”

In Wenyen’s mind appeared a New Year scene: the family sitting around the dining table, a pot of chicken soup on the table, a chicken half-closing its eyes floating in the soup, the family joining hands in prayer toward the chicken.

Wenyen said, “Little Chirp Chirp, rest in peace. We will enjoy you well.” After saying that, the family picked up their chopsticks and shared the chicken.

Returning to reality, Wenyen quickly shook his head. “I think it’s better not to name it…”

Laichun came out of the house with Wenying, saw the group of young people, and said, “Wow, so lively.”

Wenyen introduced his classmates to his mother, “Mom, this is Ouyang Mingdao that I mentioned to you, and this is Baofeng’s classmate Xia Xiao Qiao.”

Mingdao said, “Hello, Auntie!”

Xiao Qiao also said, “Hello, Auntie!”

Laichun said, “Welcome, welcome. Mingdao, you’re staying overnight tonight, right? No need to be polite here, just treat it like your own home.”

Mingdao said, “Sorry to trouble you. Thank you, Auntie.”

Yutang said, “Wenyen, it’s still early. Why don’t we let Xiao Qiao and Mingdao put their things down first, then later we’ll take them to the stream to play?”

Wenyen said, “Sure. Mingdao, come with me, I’ll take you to put down your luggage.”

Yutang said, “I’ll go back with my younger sister to put down our schoolbags. Let’s meet later at Wenyen’s front yard.”

Baofeng said, “Okay. Xiao Qiao, come with me, I’ll take you to my house.”

Yutang left first. Baofeng also stepped out of Wenyen’s house. Wenyen took Mingdao and his mother Laichun into the house. Before leaving, Xiao Qiao looked around the yard for a moment, then noticed the rooster tilting its head at her. She waved slightly, “Little Chirp Chirp, bye-bye.”

9
Xiao Qiao followed Baofeng home. The two entered the main hall.

Baofeng said, “Looks like my mom went out to work. Let’s put our things down and quickly go meet at Wenyen’s house.”

Xiao Qiao noticed several ancestral tablets on the family altar, among them three named Chen Qiwang, Chen Qitai, and Chen Tianqi. She focused on the many tablets and did not notice Chen Huolu quietly approaching her.

Chen Huolu suddenly spoke, pointing at the tablets, “These two are my sons, and there’s also a grandson.”

Xiao Qiao was startled by his sudden appearance and screamed.

Baofeng complained, “Grandpa, don’t stand there and scare people!”

Chen Huolu said, “I didn’t. This girl is so timid—how will she handle things in the future?”

Baofeng said, “Grandpa, you silently come up behind people and speak in that tone—anyone would be scared, right? Oh, Grandpa, this is my classmate Xia Xiao Qiao.”

Xiao Qiao said in stiff Taiwanese, “Hello, great-uncle.”

Chen Huolu said coldly, “Oh… you’re from the mainland…” He nodded casually and turned away, leaving Xiao Qiao stunned.

Xiao Qiao followed Baofeng to her room.

Baofeng said, “Don’t mind my grandpa’s reaction.”

Xiao Qiao said, “No… it’s fine…”

Baofeng said gloomily, “Ever since my dad and older brother were taken away, he has been like this.”

Xiao Qiao asked in shock, “Taken away? By whom?” She thought of the ancestral tablets in the hall and wanted to ask more, but seeing tears in Baofeng’s eyes, she could not bear to ask and only quietly looked at her.

The sound of the door opening came from the hall. Xiao Qiao and Baofeng walked out and saw A-Cai returning with A-Pao.

Baofeng said, “Brother, you’re back.”

A-Cai said, “Mom and Grandpa aren’t home?”

Baofeng said, “I didn’t see Mom when I got back.”

A-Pao looked Xiao Qiao up and down, “Hey, Baofeng, who is this pretty girl beside you?”

Baofeng said, “She’s my classmate Xia Xiao Qiao. Xiao Qiao, this is my brother A-Cai, and this is A-Pao I told you about, very mischievous.”

A-Pao said, “No need to emphasize ‘very mischievous,’ right?”

Xiao Qiao said, “Hello, A-Cai, A-Pao.”

A-Pao said, “Wow, if I had known going to junior high could meet such pretty girls, I would have studied hard back then.”

A-Cai teased, “With you, even if you studied three more years, you still wouldn’t pass.”

A-Pao said, “How can you embarrass me in front of a girl?”

A-Cai said, “I know everything about you clearly!”

Baofeng laughed, “Alright, stop talking nonsense. We’re going to find Wenyen and Yutang. Do you want to come?”

A-Pao said, “Of course!”

A-Pao winked at Xiao Qiao in a pretended cool manner. Xiao Qiao smiled awkwardly.

Baofeng said, “By the way, A-Pao, go invite Aiyu to come play too.”

A-Pao said, “Why me?”

Baofeng said, “Because only if you invite her will she come out.”

A-Pao said to A-Cai, “What kind of logic is that?”

A-Cai also shook his head in confusion.

A-Pao shrugged, “So strange. Fine, fine, I’ll go.”

10
Wenyen and the others went together to the stream to play in the water. Yutang and Mingdao rolled up their sleeves and pant legs, standing in the stream catching fish with their hands. A-Cai, A-Pao, and Aiyu splashed water at each other. Wenyen and Xiao Qiao did not enter the water. Xiao Qiao stood by the stream, marveling at the fish and shrimp.

Baofeng and Yuhui soaked their feet in the stream, sitting near Yutang and Mingdao. Yuhui watched them catch fish attentively, excitedly shouting from time to time, “Brother, over there! Don’t let it escape!” Baofeng occasionally glanced toward Wenyen and Xiao Qiao.

Xiao Qiao said, “Wow! There are so many fish in the stream! Wenyen, look, there are shrimps over there!”

Wenyen smiled, “What’s there to make a fuss about?”

Xiao Qiao said embarrassedly, “I grew up in the city. I’ve never seen so many fish and shrimps.”

Wenyen said, “Oh, then you’ve never caught shrimp before, right?”

Xiao Qiao said, “Catch shrimp? How? With hands?”

Wenyen said, “It’s hard to catch them with just hands. We put shrimp traps in the stream and come back the next day to collect them and see how many we caught.”

Xiao Qiao asked, “Wow! Can you set one for me to see now?”

Wenyen said, “I didn’t bring a shrimp trap. I’ll show you next time.”

Baofeng came over.

Baofeng teased, “You two, when did your relationship become so good?”

Wenyen said, “No, it’s just that Xiao Qiao is here for the first time and doesn’t understand many things, so I’m teaching her.”

Xiao Qiao said shyly, “I’m just asking Wenyen about some things.”

Baofeng said sarcastically, “Oh, is that so? I don’t think it’s just that.”

Yuhui came over and hugged Wenyen’s arm, “What are you talking to my Brother Wenyen about?”

Baofeng said dissatisfied, “Yuhui, since when did he become ‘your’ Brother Wenyen?”

Yuhui raised her voice, “Wenyen has always been my brother!”

At some point, A-Pao slipped beside Yuhui, hooked her other arm, and in a coquettish tone imitating her said, “I’m also your Brother A-Pao!”

Yuhui said angrily, “A-Pao, go away!” She pushed him, and he lost his balance and fell into the stream. Those on the bank burst into laughter.

A-Cai pulled A-Pao up, laughing, “Why did you bring that on yourself?”

A-Pao said, “That guy Wenyen is really popular. I envy him.”

Aiyu beside him said softly, “A-Pao, you don’t need to envy him. At least I…”

“A-Cai, let’s go over there.” A-Pao walked away with A-Cai before Aiyu finished speaking.

Yutang held a lively fish in his hand, staring at Wenyen chatting happily with the three girls.

Mingdao said jealously, “Hey, Yutang, has Wenyen always been this popular in your village? Why do girls like to play with him so much?”

Yutang shrugged, “I don’t know. It didn’t seem like this before.”

Yutang got distracted, and the fish slipped out of his hand.

Mingdao exclaimed, “Ah! The fish got away!”

Yutang and Mingdao scrambled to catch the escaped fish.

11
In the evening, Wenyen brought Mingdao home and saw Zhou Tian in the main hall.

Zhou Tian asked, “Wenyen, is this the classmate who is going to stay at our house tonight?”

Mingdao said in not fluent Taiwanese, “Grandma, hello, I am Ouyang Mingdao.”

As soon as Zhou Tian heard Mingdao’s mainland accent, her expression immediately darkened. Seeing this, Wenyen quickly spoke to change the subject, “Grandma, we just came back from playing by the stream. We’ll go change clothes first.” Wenyen took Mingdao into the room.

Zhou Tian came to the kitchen, where Laichun was rolling dumpling wrappers.

Zhou Tian said, “Wenyen brought back a mainland boy.”

Laichun said, “I know, Mother.”

Zhou Tian said with an unhappy expression, “That child Wenyen, he doesn’t choose his friends properly, making friends with those mainlanders.”

Laichun stopped her work and said, “Mother, children have their own social circles. The grudges of the older generation should not involve the next generation. We should just quietly stand aside and watch how they develop.”

Wenyen quietly came to the kitchen door and listened to the conversation between Laichun and Zhou Tian.

Seeing such a change in her daughter-in-law Laichun’s attitude, Zhou Tian asked in confusion, “Achun, how have you become so open-minded now? Before, you clearly resented those barbaric mainland soldiers.”

Laichun said tactfully, “Unexpectedly, when I was sick and lying in bed before, Wenyen cooked dumplings for me. I asked him where the dumplings came from. He said he got them when he went to his classmate Mingdao’s house. Mingdao’s mother gave them to him. Only then did I realize that when he went to their house, not only was he driven home by Mingdao’s father, but he also brought dumplings back. I thought, if they don’t look down on our Wenyen for being a local child, then why should we ourselves distinguish between local and mainland people?”

After hearing this, Zhou Tian fell silent. After hearing their conversation, Wenyen pretended nothing had happened and walked into the kitchen.

Wenyen said, “Mom, have you prepared the dumpling wrappers and fillings?”

Laichun said, “Everything is ready.”

Wenyen said, “Grandma, later I’ll make dumplings with my classmate for you to eat. His mother is very good at making dumplings! She even taught us how to make them look good and keep the filling from falling apart.”

Zhou Tian said, “Alright, I’ll taste them later and see how good you are.”

In the evening, Wenyen, Mingdao, Zhou Tian, and Wenying sat around the dining table. Laichun brought a plate of dumplings to the table. Before Zhou Tian could serve herself, Wenyen gave Mingdao a look, and Mingdao proactively served Zhou Tian a bowl of dumplings.

Mingdao said in stiff Taiwanese, “Grandma, these dumplings were made by me and Wenyen. Please try them.”

Zhou Tian picked one up with her chopsticks and ate it. Her eyebrows lifted, finding it very delicious, but because Mingdao was a mainlander, she felt embarrassed to praise him directly, “It’s not bad, but I think it’s because Laichun prepared the filling well.”

After hearing this, Wenyen and Mingdao looked at each other and smiled knowingly. Zhou Tian ate another one. Laichun brought a plate of preserved radish omelet from the stove.

Laichun said with a smile, “Mother, if it’s good, it’s good. Just praise it directly. Why beat around the bush and drag me into it?”

Laichun placed the omelet in front of Mingdao.

Laichun said, “Mingdao, I heard from Wenyen that you really want to eat this kind of local-style preserved radish omelet. Try it and see if it suits your taste.”

Mingdao took a bite, “Crispy and refreshing, so delicious!”

Wenying tried to spear a dumpling with chopsticks. Accidentally, one dumpling bounced away. Seeing it fall to the ground, Wenying’s eyes filled with tears. Wenyen quickly put a dumpling into Wenying’s bowl, carefully broke it into small pieces, and fed her bite by bite. Wenying turned her tears into a smile. Mingdao picked up the dumpling from the ground, rinsed it with clear soup, and ate it. Seeing all this, Zhou Tian finally showed a smile.

12
On Sunday morning, Wenyen, Yutang, and Baofeng were in the tea garden, guiding Mingdao and Xiao Qiao on how to pick tea. Mingdao followed Wenyen and Yutang, while Xiao Qiao followed Baofeng. The three boys picked tea while playing around.

Xiao Qiao asked, “Baofeng, let me ask you something…”

Baofeng said, “Go ahead.”

Xiao Qiao said shyly, “You can’t laugh at me.”

Baofeng said, “Why would I laugh at you?”

Xiao Qiao said bashfully, “That… what do you think of Wenyen?”

Hearing this, Baofeng was startled and accidentally tore the tea leaves she was picking.

Baofeng pretended to be calm and asked, “What do you mean?”

Xiao Qiao said coquettishly, “Come on, you grew up with Wenyen. In your eyes, what kind of boy is he?”

Baofeng said, “I’ve played with him since childhood. I really don’t have any special feelings about him.”

Baofeng turned to look at Wenyen, feeling something for a moment but not knowing how to express it. Xiao Qiao, hearing this, felt relieved and showed an innocent smile.

At this moment, Baofeng suddenly cried out “Ah!” and fell to the ground, her body curling due to muscle spasms.

Xiao Qiao said in panic, “Baofeng! Don’t scare me! Baofeng!”

Baofeng lay on the ground with her eyes rolled upward, foaming at the mouth, her limbs convulsing continuously.

Xiao Qiao shouted, “Wenyen, Mingdao, come quickly!”

Hearing her cry for help, the three rushed over.

Xiao Qiao stammered nervously, “Just now… just now Baofeng was picking tea, and halfway through she suddenly fell down!”

Mingdao asked, “Have you ever seen her like this before?”

Wenyen said, “No! Wait here, I’ll go get my mom and the others.”

Wenyen hurried toward Laichun and A-Xi, who were picking tea farther away.

Mingdao calmly crouched beside Baofeng, observed briefly, rolled up his sleeves, and lifted her up.

Mingdao said, “Yutang, help me hold her.”

Yutang supported Baofeng. Mingdao forcefully pried open her mouth, rolled up his sleeve, and put his right elbow into her mouth for her to bite. Mingdao endured the pain, biting his lower lip tightly.

Laichun, Zhou Tian, A-Xi, and Aiyu also came over with Wenyen.

Zhou Tian asked anxiously, “What’s happening to this girl?”

Feeling Baofeng’s bite weaken, Mingdao removed his elbow. Baofeng gradually regained consciousness.

Mingdao said, “This should be an epileptic seizure. I heard from my father that after the seizure passes, there will be no problem, but we still need to be careful.”

Wenyen suggested, “Mom, let’s take Baofeng home first.”

Laichun said, “Alright, hurry and take her back.”

Baofeng said apologetically, “Sorry for causing you trouble…”

13
In Baofeng’s house, Baofeng sat on a chair resting. Xiao Qiao was beside her, bandaging Mingdao’s right hand. Her movements were not skillful, and she accidentally hurt him. Mingdao bit his lower lip to keep from crying out, but Xiao Qiao still noticed.

Xiao Qiao asked, “Sorry! Did I hurt you?”

Mingdao said, “No, no… Xiao Qiao, thank you very much for helping me bandage.”

Xiao Qiao said, “It’s nothing. I think you’re amazing! In that situation just now, you could still handle it so calmly.”

Mingdao scratched his head shyly, “Haha, not really.”

Wenyen and Yutang sat beside Baofeng drinking tea. Chen Huolu came to them.

Chen Huolu said, “Wenyen, Yutang, thank you for bringing Baofeng home.”

Wenyen said, “Uncle, no need to be polite. Actually, we didn’t help much.”

Yutang said, “Yes, the main credit goes to Mingdao.”

Chen Huolu said, “Is that so? I didn’t expect a mainlander could raise such a good young man.”

Hearing this, Mingdao and Xiao Qiao looked a bit awkward.

Baofeng complained, “Grandpa, how can you say that! That’s very rude!”

Chen Huolu said, “Alright, alright, I won’t say it.”

Chen Huolu looked at Wenyen for quite a while. His gaze made Wenyen feel uncomfortable.

Chen Huolu said happily, “Wenyen, I think you are a good child and good at studying. If in the future you can marry our Baofeng and become my grandson-in-law, I would be very happy!”

Baofeng blushed and said shyly, “Grandpa! Stop talking nonsense!”

After hearing this, everyone reacted differently. Baofeng blushed; Yutang looked dejected; Xiao Qiao felt uncomfortable and her bandaging became rough, accidentally hurting Mingdao; Wenyen laughed awkwardly to cover it up.

At this moment, A-Cai and A-Pao entered the house and were surprised to see so many people.

A-Pao asked, “Wow, why is it so lively? Weren’t you going to help at Wenyen’s tea garden?”

A-Cai saw Baofeng sitting weakly on the chair and asked, “Little sister, did your illness act up again?”

Baofeng nodded awkwardly.

A-Cai said, “Sigh, this illness of yours, I don’t know what’s going on. It comes and goes suddenly. It’s really troublesome.”

Baofeng said bitterly, “I don’t want it to be like this either.”

Wenyen said, “Baofeng, stay home and rest. We’ll head back first.”

Xiao Qiao said, “I’ll stay and keep Baofeng company.”

Baofeng said apologetically, “Xiao Qiao, sorry. You finally came to our village, but encountered this.”

Xiao Qiao said, “It’s okay.”

A-Pao said, “Wenyen, Yutang, A-Cai and I usually sell fish at the Keelung fish market. If you have time after school, come find us. I’ll cook delicious fish soup for you.”

Wenyen said with a smile, “Alright! We’ll come if we have time.”

14
Wenyen brought Mingdao back home.

Laichun asked, “Wenyen, you’re back. Is Baofeng okay?”

Wenyen said, “Mom, she’s stable now and resting at home.”

Laichun said with concern, “Baofeng is such a pretty girl and very capable. I don’t know why she has this strange illness. Heaven really mistreats people.”

Mingdao said, “Auntie, epilepsy, if controlled properly, is not a serious illness. As long as it doesn’t occur frequently, it won’t have much impact on life or health.”

Laichun said, “But when it happens suddenly, what should we do?”

Mingdao said, “When it happens, give her a towel or a spoon to bite. Be careful not to let her bite her tongue. Basically, there won’t be any problem.”

Laichun said, “I see… but when it happens, it really scares people. It looks like she is possessed by something bad.”

Zhou Tian said, “Wenyen, there is so much work to do at home every day. If you marry in the future, remember to choose a healthy wife without illness, understand?”

Wenyen said, “Grandma, I understand.”

15
At night, Xiao Qiao pulled Baofeng to Wenyen’s house. They entered and saw Wenyen frying tea while Mingdao assisted.

Baofeng said, “Wenyen, Xiao Qiao is about to leave, so I brought her to say goodbye.”

Wenyen grabbed the towel around his neck and wiped his sweat, “Xiao Qiao, you’re welcome to come to our village again in the future!”

Baofeng said, “Mingdao is still staying here tonight?”

Mingdao said, “Yes, tomorrow morning I’ll take the ox cart to school with Wenyen.”

Xiao Qiao asked curiously, “Wenyen, what are you doing? It looks fun!”

A trace of a wry smile flashed across Wenyen’s face, “We’re frying tea. It’s very tiring, not fun at all.”

Xiao Qiao asked, “Can I try?”

Mingdao said, “Better not. The shovel is so heavy. You don’t have enough strength. If you get hurt, that wouldn’t be good.”

Xiao Qiao said, “Don’t underestimate me! The more you don’t let me try, the more I want to try.”

Zhou Tian watched from inside the house and muttered, “Strange, why does Wenyen make friends with mainland children at school?”

Laichun said, “What’s the big deal? That girl looks cute and well-behaved. She’s not bad.”

Zhou Tian said disapprovingly, “No matter what, mainlanders are still mainlanders. If Wenyen insists on marrying a mainland woman in the future, I will be the first to oppose it. Let me ask you, can you accept a mainland daughter-in-law?”

Laichun looked at Wenyen and the others playing happily, “Future matters can be discussed later. Wenyen is still young, and he may not necessarily be with a mainland girl in the future.”