Chapter Eleven: On the Way to the County Town, Part One

That night, Yang Yue did not sleep peacefully. Tossing and turning, her thoughts grew darker and more envious, filled with hatred toward Yun Shu and Lin Jingshu. Even in her dreams, she was consumed by the desire to trample them beneath her feet.

It wasn’t until dawn broke that exhaustion finally overwhelmed her, and she slipped into a heavy slumber.

Meanwhile, Yun Shu and her companions, refreshed and full of energy after a restful night, were already up and preparing to leave. The reason was simple: yesterday, Captain Xie had mentioned that the ox cart heading to the county town would depart very early and wouldn’t wait for stragglers, so it was best to set off promptly.

Hearing the chorus of roosters crowing throughout the camp, Yun Shu and her friends gladly rose. After a quick wash and a touch of snow cream, Yun Shu slung her military green satchel over her shoulder, locked the empty little room she’d been assigned, and stepped outside to join Lin Jingshu, who was already waiting.

...

Friendships between girls often form swiftly. Before traveling through time, Lin Jingshu had been a straightforward and lively young woman from northeast China in the twenty-first century. After spending the last couple of days together, she had already come to regard Yun Shu as her closest lifelong confidante.

It couldn’t be helped—after all, in this life she was an orphan, with grandparents and her second uncle’s family all being vampires of the worst kind.

Without comparison, there was no hurt, and Yun Shu’s character and manner of conduct suited her perfectly.

Feeling delighted at having unilaterally declared Yun Shu her dearest sister, Lin Jingshu dug into her small pocket and pulled out two cakes, handing one over to Yun Shu.

Unexpectedly, as she reached out, her hand bumped against Yun Shu’s extended hand, which held a piece of red date cake studded with walnut pieces, its color inviting and aroma enticing.

The two girls looked up and met each other’s gaze, sharing a mutual surprise at their unspoken connection and the joy of finding a kindred spirit.

Pausing, they turned in perfect harmony. Under the curious eyes of three young men nearby, they clasped hands, tears gleaming in their eyes, and then, as if swept up by the moment, embraced each other warmly.

Jiang Xiucheng: “...”

Pei Wenyuan: “...”

Chen Ming, with maltose candy stuck to his teeth and unable to open his mouth properly, scratched his head and earnestly asked, “What’s going on with you two?”

...

Yun Shu and Lin Jingshu turned their heads in unison, expressionless as they regarded the intrusive man who dared to interrupt their tender exchange. Jiang Xiucheng said nothing but suddenly elbowed his own brother.

“Ouch!”

Chen Ming clutched his ribs, wincing in pain. Looking up, he stared in disbelief at his close friend and was about to demand an explanation when Pei Wenyuan suddenly sidled up, hooked his arm around Chen Ming’s neck, and covered his mouth.

Though slender, Pei Wenyuan was surprisingly strong. Chen Ming struggled briefly before being dragged several meters away. Yun Shu faintly heard Pei whispering a “secret”: this was no time to interrupt a heartfelt moment between girls.

Male friendships were just as inexplicably spontaneous. Jiang Xiucheng, seeing his childhood friend being taken away, was momentarily stunned but quickly accepted Pei’s actions. Then, turning to the two girls, he smiled faintly and offered an explanation on Chen Ming’s behalf.

“Don’t be fooled by Chen Ming’s tall and strong appearance with rosy lips and white teeth. Since childhood, he’s been a bit simple-minded and often scolded by Aunt Chen, who says he’s not as thoughtful as her daughter.”

“He’s... a little slow, but don’t worry, I’ll teach him.”

Chen Ming’s foolishness was so comical that Jiang Xiucheng’s earnest words were almost laughable, especially combined with Pei Wenyuan’s masterful intervention.

Yun Shu and Lin Jingshu couldn’t help but laugh. Though silent, Lin Jingshu suddenly patted Jiang Xiucheng on the shoulder teasingly.

“Chen Ming doesn’t get these things, but Jiang Xiucheng, you seem to understand quite well~”

Jiang Xiucheng was taken aback and instinctively glanced down at the delicate white hand resting on his shoulder, a sudden wave of emotion stirring within him.

He parted his lips to say something, but Lin Jingshu had already turned and linked her arm with Yun Shu’s once more.

“Let’s go. It’s getting late, and we still have a lot to buy today.”

“Right, time waits for no one. Let’s hurry!”

Yun Shu nodded in agreement. Hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder, the two girls cheerfully walked toward the boarding point, leaving Jiang Xiucheng behind.

He glanced after their backs, recalling the vibrant expression Lin Jingshu had worn moments ago, and couldn’t help but lower his head, a smile softening his eyes.

...

Because it was their first time and they had started early, when they arrived at the boarding point, no one else was there. The old ox was quietly grazing, and Lin Jingshu and Yun Shu smoothly climbed onto the ox cart and found good seats.

The three men—Jiang Xiucheng, Pei Wenyuan, and Chen Ming—did not board. After all, the ox cart was small; it was fine to rest on it now and then when tired, but they couldn’t add constant weight.

They understood their limits and weren’t trying to enjoy undue comfort, though they quietly planned to get a bicycle or something similar for easier trips into town in the future.

Chen Ming was quick-witted, pulling out a cigarette and offering it to Old Zhang, the ox driver. Upon receiving it, Old Zhang grinned broadly, clipped the rare fine cigarette behind his ear, and began sharing his expertise about riding ox carts.

“Usually, not many people in the morning. We leave at six and should reach the county town by seven-thirty. Evenings tend to be busier since some folks go into town the day before, stay overnight, and return the next day.”

“There are two trips a day, one in the morning, one in the afternoon. During spring plowing season, it’s different—then this old fellow here gets really busy.”

Old Zhang patted the ox grazing nearby. Perhaps it was the cigarette or maybe because Chen Ming and the others were chatty, but when he looked at Yun Shu and her group, a kind and gentle expression softened his weathered features.

“Next time you head into town, let me know in advance. I’ll save you a spot.”

“All right, thank you, Old Zhang.”

Chen Ming readily agreed. Soon after, a few village women appeared from the morning mist. They paid their fare and boarded the ox cart. Seeing the growing crowd, Old Zhang chose not to ride along but cracked his whip and set off.

Yun Shu and Lin Jingshu sat together, each holding their cakes and date cakes, clearly well-off.

A closer look revealed their clothes and trousers were impeccable, without a single patch. Even their hair ties were finely crafted, rare in the countryside. The women on the cart couldn’t help but marvel quietly.

While well-off educated youth were not unheard of, those in such fine condition were indeed rare.

One woman with slightly upturned eyes nudged her companion, a pair of less reputable sisters nearby. The two exchanged glances, and the grudging, calculating mistrust toward educated youth that had long been suppressed by Captain Xie Jingquan subtly resurfaced.

It was inevitable—this was no ideal society. People always divided the good from the bad, often remembering the pain but not the lessons.

The woman with the upturned eyes fixated on Yun Shu and Lin Jingshu for a moment, then suddenly reached out and grabbed Yun Shu’s sleeve, inspecting it like a curious object, pulling and examining from left to right. Then, with a tone of genuine admiration, she exclaimed,

“This clothing—must be from a big city. I don’t think our county supply store has anything like it!”

“How much do you suppose it cost?”