Sister Chen’s husband brought over two small stools for them to sit on. Sister Chen chatted with Shiqing as she ate, asking how old she was, where she went to school, and how things were at home. Shiqing wasn’t a shy or reserved type; once she opened up, she chatted warmly with Sister Chen.
Sister Chen said, “My husband—see, the one who just moved the stools for us—life used to be really tough, but over the years, whether we had money or not, he never treated me badly…”
After talking about herself and her husband, the conversation naturally shifted to Xie Yucheng.
“Your brother’s a good man. I remember back when I was heavily pregnant, standing by the roadside, everyone else was too scared to give me a ride, worried about accidents or being scammed—but he was kind enough to help. I heard he doesn’t have a girlfriend yet. Sigh… he could use someone who truly understands him by his side.
“People think this kind of job looks glamorous from the outside, but being a trucker is actually really tough. Long hours on the road, exposed to the elements, stars overhead, wind and rain… plus he has to help load and unload cargo. It’s exhausting. Most other truck owners have women traveling with them, but he’s alone. When others get home, there’s a hot meal waiting—he often stays at the eastern factory area and doesn’t seem to go home much.”
Shiqing listened, her gaze inevitably drifting toward Xie Yucheng, who was stacking cargo not far away in the truck.
By now, he had removed his sweat-soaked T-shirt, revealing a well-built, muscular torso. His honey-toned skin gleamed in the sunlight, and his clearly defined eight-pack exuded the raw charm of youth.
He lifted a heavy crate of parts effortlessly, without a frown, as if he had endless strength.
“Someone to truly understand him?”
Her brother was already twenty-three, an age when most men were married.
Why hadn’t he married yet?
Shiqing couldn’t understand.
Xie Yucheng straightened and wiped the sweat from his forehead with his forearm. His dark eyes suddenly met hers, making her heart skip violently. She quickly looked away.
Sitting on the small stool with a large slice of watermelon in her arms, her lips were bright red, and as she chewed, she looked like a little hamster, cheeks moving, mouth closed tightly.
Her skin glowed white, her bare arms slim and delicate, giving an impression of fragility—someone easy to tease or protect.
Once everyone finished moving the cargo, they went to the well to rinse with cold water, washing their faces, arms, and hands, before heading to the square table to eat watermelon.
Xie Yucheng walked up to Shiqing, water still dripping from his face. Strands of black hair stuck to his wet forehead, and his long, narrow eyes stared unblinking at her.
“Good?” he asked.
Shiqing quickly handed him a slice. “Brother, eat quickly. This watermelon is really sweet.”
She smiled, revealing a pair of shallow dimples, her delicate face made even cuter.
Xie Yucheng casually took a bite. It was indeed sweet.
A clear drop of water on his forehead was about to slide down toward his eye. As he tilted his head, Shiqing instinctively brushed it away with her fingertip.
In the sunlight, she stood on tiptoe, their breaths close.
“Brother, are you tired?”
Xie Yucheng’s heart skipped slightly. He nodded. “A little. How about next time, you help me move cargo?”
She first let out an “Ah?” before waving her hand. “I can’t lift it.”
She had tried earlier; a crate was incredibly heavy, impossible for her to carry. Sister Chen had said they were filled with screws, nails, and other metal pieces—every crate was heavy.
Xie Yucheng held the watermelon in his left hand, biting into it, the sweet juice filling his mouth. “Then what do you mean by that?”
“I… I’m just showing a little concern for you,” Shiqing said, frowning and pouting.
After finishing the watermelon, Xie Yucheng went to cover the cargo with a tarpaulin, securing the corners tightly with rough rope. Only after tugging on it and making sure it was fastened did he feel satisfied.
Sister Chen let them have lunch at the factory. After eating, the two of them set off with a truckload of cargo.
The truck slowly merged onto the provincial road. Tall poplar trees lined both sides, standing like vigilant soldiers, poised and alert.
Xie Yucheng spoke little. Shiqing, not wanting to disturb him while driving, stayed quiet, propping her chin with one hand and gazing out the window.
After a while, losing interest in the scenery, she returned her eyes to glance surreptitiously at the man beside her.
Her gaze drifted like spider silk over his hands on the steering wheel. A silver steel-chain wristwatch reflected the light coldly. Veins appeared along his muscular arms, showcasing strength.
Following his arms upward, there was a prominent Adam’s apple, a sharp jawline, a nose bridging seamlessly into his brow—high and straight. His long, straight eyelashes framed single-lidded eyes beneath thick brows, exuding a casual kind of handsomeness.
Shiqing cherished this moment. She hadn’t been this close to him in years, alone together.
In the past two years, Xie Yucheng rarely came home. Even if he did, he didn’t stay. She often ran to Wang Changlin, asking, “Changlin, has my brother come back?” He always said no, leaving her disappointed.
“Do I have something on my face?” The man’s sudden voice interrupted her thoughts.
She quickly looked away, touching her nose, feeling caught like a thief in the act. “No… nothing.”
Xie Yucheng glanced at her and asked, “Did you eat enough earlier?”
“Yes.”
“Sleep if you’re tired.”
“Okay.”
The truck drove westward for two to three hours, leaving the city and entering the hills and fields. Nearby were clear riversides and lush green farmlands; in the distance, the mountains stretched endlessly.
Perhaps from the two extra juicy slices of watermelon she’d eaten at noon, Shiqing now felt the urge to pee.
She tilted her head. “Brother, can we stop by the side of the road?”
Xie Yucheng glanced at her. Seeing a hint of embarrassment on her small face, he stepped on the brake, and the truck slowly pulled over.
They both got out. By the roadside, bushes taller than a person grew. Shiqing hesitated, worried about snakes, insects, or mice, and stayed back.
“Why? Aren’t you going to the toilet?” Xie Yucheng asked.
“Yes, but… brother, what if there are snakes in the bushes?” She looked at him helplessly, her face saying in big letters: “I’m a scaredy-cat.”
Xie Yucheng clicked his tongue and pointed at the surroundings. “It’s possible. Look at this place—mountainous and wild, the bushes taller than a person. This is exactly where snakes, insects, and rodents like to hide.”
“Then… then let’s go. I won’t go.” Shiqing’s face turned pale.
Xie Yucheng turned his head slightly, chuckling silently, then scolded her with his eyes, “Coward.”
He strode into the bushes, flattening the grass in a relatively open yet secluded spot. After making sure there were no critters, he came back. “Go ahead. No snakes.”
Shiqing finally relaxed and carefully stepped into the bushes.
Xie Yucheng leaned against the truck’s hood, lighting a cigarette. Around him, birds and insects chirped loudly. Looking down, he saw a line of ants carrying things back to their nest and kindly lifted his foot to give them a path.
After a while, Shiqing emerged from the bushes, cheeks slightly red. “Brother, let’s go.”
The man stomped out his cigarette, and they got back in the truck.