Time passed much faster while reading novels.
When lunchtime arrived, except for a few educated youths who had already been on the train for two or three days, the rest who had just boarded took out their lunchboxes prepared by their families.
Nan Mo retrieved an aluminum lunchbox from her satchel, which actually came from her Dimension space. It was filled to the brim with pure pork dumplings.
Lu Yuanyuan also took out two aluminum lunchboxes from her luggage and handed one to Hu Tianming.
When opened, both their lunchboxes contained rice topped with sweet and sour pork ribs.
It seemed both came from well-off families, and their households didn’t favor sons over daughters.
Wu Mingyue also took out her lunchbox. Because she was taking her brother’s place for the Down to the Countryside movement, her family felt they owed her.
They were also afraid she might cause trouble at her future sister-in-law’s family—something she was fully capable of doing.
So they gave her a full 200 yuan, along with some ration coupons, to prepare for her life in the countryside.
Now, as she took out her lunchbox, Wu Mingyue felt no hesitation—it contained braised pork she had specially bought from a state-run restaurant the day before.
Proudly opening the lunchbox, she glanced sideways at the others around her, hoping to see expressions of envy on their faces.
Unfortunately, no one seemed to care what she was eating.
Failing to gain the attention she wanted, Wu Mingyue turned her gaze to Chen Ruonan, who was munching on a cornbread bun.
She asked exaggeratedly, “Ruonan, why are you only eating a cornbread bun?”
Chen Ruonan hadn’t expected Wu Mingyue to speak to her, let alone call her “Ruonan.” Were they even familiar?
Moreover, what kind of question was that? Who would choose a cornbread bun if they had braised pork?
Chen Ruonan was straightforward by nature. Seeing Wu Mingyue’s pretentious act, she retorted bluntly, “Comrade Wu, what’s wrong with eating a cornbread bun? Do you have a problem?”
Wu Mingyue froze for a moment before immediately putting on a wounded expression. “Ruonan, you’ve misunderstood. I just felt sorry for you, eating only a cornbread bun. Didn’t your parents prepare any food for you?”
Hearing Wu Mingyue’s insinuations about her parents, Chen Ruonan decided not to spare her any courtesy. “Are you out of your mind? We’re not even close, and you’re calling me Ruonan. How dare you say my parents didn’t prepare food for me? Isn’t this cornbread bun food? If you’re so ‘sorry’ for me, why don’t you give me your braised pork? What? Your sympathy is just empty words?”
Already humiliated by Nan Mo earlier in the morning and now being scolded by this “pauper,” Wu Mingyue was genuinely driven to tears.
But even in her emotional breakdown, she didn’t forget to act fragile. “How could you all be like this? What did I even say? You’re all bullying me…”
Chen Ruonan looked at the affected woman with a mocking smile. “Who asked you to put on such a pitiful act and invite criticism? You brought this on yourself. If you’re really that upset, then seal your mouth shut. If you didn’t talk so much, no one would bother bullying you.”
Chen Ruonan came from a family with six daughters, and she was the youngest. Her parents, afraid that so many girls would have no one to rely on in the future, had kept trying for a son. After six attempts, they still ended up with a girl.
Too old to keep trying, they named her Ruonan, hoping she would be like a boy and protect her five older sisters.
Her five sisters were all very good to her. The eldest, second, and third sisters were already married, while the fourth and fifth were twins.
The fourth sister had been frail since birth and needed medicine daily. Whatever little money the family had went toward buying her medicine.
Fifth sister took over Mother’s job, working with Father to support the family. Her going Down to the Countryside was also to reduce one mouth to feed at home, allowing Fourth Sister to take her medicine in peace.
Chen Ruonan, who had always stood up for her sisters since childhood, never feared anyone in fights or arguments.
If this woman kept nagging and couldn’t stand seeing her eat cornbread, she wouldn’t mind offering her fists instead.
Everyone witnessed the argument, and from then on, they all knew Chen Ruonan was not to be trifled with, and unanimously decided to keep their distance from Wu Mingyue in the future.
…………
The train stopped in Beijing, and several young people boarded one after another. The group carried their luggage, searching for their seats in the carriage.
“Brother Yifan, wait for me.”..” A sickly sweet female voice caught the attention of everyone in the carriage.
People turned to look: the girl who had spoken wore a fashionable yellow floral Bulaji Dress and white leather shoes. Her fair skin and lively features were complemented by long, dark hair left loose, held back only by a hairband matching her dress. On her wrist was an imported Longines watch.
Nan Mo slowly opened her eyes upon hearing the girl’s call and looked toward that “Yifan brother.””
Tang Yifan—the male lead in the original story, Wu Mingyue’s destined partner.
The young girl beside him was likely the female supporting character from the book, Tang Yifan’s childhood friend, Lü Zhihui.
Nan Mo wanted to see what the male lead looked like. At that moment, Tang Yifan was being dragged by the sleeve by Lü Zhihui, moving forward with difficulty while guiding her.
His pristine shirt hugged a robust physique—he seemed to have a good figure.
His neat short hair was slightly disheveled from rushing to catch the train, suggesting he wasn’t usually untidy.
His fair, clean skin radiated a healthy glow. His face was somewhat long but with smooth contours, and his features were harmonious and well-proportioned—he seemed quite handsome.
After a brief glance, Nan Mo averted her gaze.
The male lead’s vicinity was a hotspot for trouble. For the sake of a peaceful and stable life, it was best to keep her distance.
While Nan Mo remained unperturbed, Wu Mingyue’s heart was anything but calm.
She had immediately fixated on this man of exceptional bearing. His clothing and overall demeanor clearly marked him as anything but ordinary.
Tang Yifan’s seat was opposite Wu Mingyue’s. After storing his luggage, he went to find Lü Zhihui’s seat.
“Hey!” Lü Zhihui called out to Tang Yifan. “Brother Yifan, where are you taking me?” I want to sit with you.”
“Lü Zhihui, I promised Aunt Qin I’d look after you, but that doesn’t mean you can indulge in wild fantasies here. If you keep causing trouble, I’ll call Uncle Lü and have you transferred.”
Tang Yifan was utterly fed up with Lü Zhihui. To escape an arranged marriage, he had secretly signed up for Down to the Countryside, never expecting she would still manage to latch onto him.
Lü Zhihui seemed long accustomed to Tang Yifan’s attitude and paid it no mind. Her eyes darted around until they landed on a woman who had been staring intently at Brother Yifan.
“Sister, could you switch seats with me? I’ll give you 5 yuan?”
Wu Mingyue ignored the girl speaking to her and instead cast her usual pitiful glance at Tang Yifan.
Tang Yifan felt somewhat embarrassed. Although he had no relationship with Lü Zhihui, everyone now knew she wanted to switch seats because of him.
“Sorry, comrade, she’s talking nonsense.”
Wu Mingyue shyly nodded. “It’s fine.” Then she gave Tang Yifan a sweet smile.
“10 yuan, that should be enough,” Lü Zhihui interrupted Wu Mingyue’s flirtatious look, declaring haughtily.
Wu Mingyue, seeing Tang Yifan clearly didn’t care about Lü Zhihui, gained confidence. “Comrade, the train will depart soon. You should go find your seat.”
Her tone remained gentle—neither angered by the monetary humiliation nor failing to show appropriate consideration for the other person.
This formed a stark contrast with Lü Zhihui, who stood bristling like a fighting cock before them.
As both sides remained deadlocked, Chen Ruonan spoke up, “Comrade, 10 yuan—you can have my seat.” She pointed at the spot beside Wu Mingyue.
Lü Zhihui thought sitting there would be acceptable—better than leaving this vixen alone near Brother Yifan.
Chen Ruonan swiftly packed her belongings with the 10 yuan and distanced herself from the contentious scene.
The other educated youth who had watched the entire drama pointed and whispered toward the “stage,” as the train resumed its journey.