Ever since Song Xiu Jun had that long conversation with Wang Danniang that evening, she immediately became one of Wang Danniang's close confidantes.
They even started going to the river to wash clothes together after work in the evenings.
"Coming, Little Song? Let's go to the river to wash clothes and chat. Everyone's going."
Song Xiu Jun happily agreed—it was just a matter of walking a few extra steps.
Carrying her basin, she went out with Wang Danniang. Passing by the Educated Youth Spot, she called out to Zhang Ruolan and Song Yun.
Those two had no clothes to wash and declined.
Halfway there, they saw Yan Xiang'an passing by from the side, carrying a hoe. When their eyes met, Yan Xiang'an scratched his cheek with two fingers.
Song Xiu Jun calmly averted her gaze.
The two of them walked to the river together.
"Da Meizi, Little Song Zhiqing, squat here. I've finished washing and just freed up this spot for you," someone enthusiastically called out, speeding up their movements before quickly wringing out the clothes, picking up their basin, and vacating the space.
"What were you all talking about?" Wang Danniang immediately picked up the conversation as she squatted down.
"We were just discussing the Brigade leader's family matters. Lanzi didn't go to work this afternoon and invited a matchmaker to her home."
"So soon?"
"Ah, don't you know what Lin Sulan's like? She's always rushing into things."
"Any candidates in mind?"
"That, we don't know."
…
After washing the clothes, Song Xiu Jun went to wait for Wang Danniang nearby. After all, Wang Danniang had a large family and considerably more laundry than her.
She found a patch of grass to sit on and listened to the old women chatting.
Someone else came over with a basin to wash clothes. The moment she saw the other person's face—good heavens, it was bruised blue and purple—Song Xiu Jun didn't need anyone to introduce her to know this was Wang Chunhua.
Although one eye was swollen, the other eye revealed a woman with delicate features.
Meeting her gaze, Wang Chunhua was momentarily stunned, then nodded at her, pursing her lips into a smile that held no joy, as a form of greeting.
Someone nearby couldn't bear to watch: "Chunhua, your face… you should still ask Old Zhou for some medicine to apply."
Old Zhou was the barefoot doctor of the Xianghong Brigade.
Wang Chunhua forced another smile: "Uncle Zhou gave me some injury medicine last time; I haven't used it all up yet."
Those around shook their heads and sighed softly, somewhat frustrated by her unwillingness to change.
When Wang Danniang finished washing her clothes, the two walked back together. After hanging the laundry to dry, they started preparing dinner. Just as Song Xiu Jun brought the food into her room, the courtyard gate was knocked.
Standing outside was Wang Shunshan, who had previously tried to strike up a conversation with her.
"Little Song Zhiqing, have you had dinner?" He peered into the courtyard a few times. "I came to give you an egg. Working must be hard, right? I know you Educated Youth don't raise chickens, so you usually don't get to eat eggs. Here, this is from my family—to help nourish you."
Song Xiu Jun didn't accept it and thanked him expressionlessly: "No need. I've exchanged for eggs with the team members."
"Hey, this is my heartfelt gesture. You should take it," Wang Shunshan persisted enthusiastically, though his eyes roamed around the courtyard. "Your water vat is empty. Let me fetch water for you."
"Comrade Wang, matters concerning us Educated Youth don't require your concern. If Song Zhiqing needs help, we Educated Youth will assist her. A young man like you shouldn't be at Song Zhiqing's home at this hour. Please have some self-respect."
From the neighboring Educated Youth Spot, Zhao Shuwen suddenly emerged from the courtyard and reprimanded Wang Shunshan from a few steps away.
"Educated Youth Zhao, you're a young man too," Wang Shanshun's face darkened.
Zhao Shuwen puffed out his chest. "I haven't been pestering Educated Youth Song. Since Educated Youth Song has already rejected you, you shouldn't be blocking the courtyard gate."
Wang Shanshun was extremely displeased that an outsider would dare undermine his dignity. "Who do you think you are, telling me what to do here?"
Zhao Shuwen felt somewhat timid inside—this man was much stronger than him…
But he still didn't back down. "I'm not anyone special, nor am I telling you what to do. It's just that a young woman's reputation is precious and shouldn't be tarnished."
Other educated youths emerged and stood behind Zhao Shuwen, glaring unfriendly at Wang Shanshun.
Seeing the numbers against him, Wang Shanshun didn't want to escalate the conflict further. He snorted coldly and deliberately bumped into Zhao Shuwen as he passed by.
Zhao Shuwen, unable to withstand the impact, stumbled back two steps before being steadied by other male educated youths.
"These barbaric locals," Chen Yan said angrily.
Li Qiang quickly stopped him. "Chen Yan, you mustn't say things like that."
No matter how fair the Production Team cadres might be, they were still outsiders who naturally faced exclusion. If other team members heard such words and disputes arose, causing displeasure among the Production Team cadres, it would ultimately be the educated youths who suffered.
Chen Yan also realized he had spoken carelessly and sheepishly turned his head away.
Wang Guifang sneered, "What a fox spirit, causing men to quarrel over her so soon after arriving in the countryside."
Song Xiu Jun looked up, her face cold. "Educated Youth Wang, were you left out during the 'Destroy the Four Olds' campaign? What, have you seen a fox spirit before?"
Wang Guifang was indignant. "What do you have to be proud of? It's just that you have parents who give you money. What's so impressive about spending your parents' money?"
"Let's see what good comes from you all currying favor with her!" After throwing down these words, she stormed back to her room in a huff.
The others weren't actually currying favor with Song Xiu Jun—it was just that they were all educated youths. If they didn't help each other, who could they count on when they themselves encountered difficulties?
"Educated Youth Song, don't be afraid. If anything happens, feel free to ask everyone for help. Since we've come to the countryside together, we're like family," Zhao Shuwen comforted her gently.
Song Xiu Jun offered a hollow smile. "Then thank you, Educated Youth Zhao."
With that, she closed the courtyard gate and hurried back inside for dinner. Tonight she had steamed egg custard—once you poured soy sauce over it, the aroma was simply divine~
But it had been several days since she'd last eaten meat, and she was craving it again.
…
At midnight, Song Xiu Jun once again climbed over the courtyard wall and hurried toward the mountains.
Yan Xiang'an was waiting halfway up the mountain, carrying a basket on his back. As soon as he saw her, he waved her over to enter the mountains.
"Xiu Jun, I found another rabbit burrow. It's a bit far, so we need to pick up the pace."
"Why didn't you bring your brother along?" Song Xiu Jun noticed Yan Xiaomi wasn't there and asked curiously.
Yan Xiang'an looked somewhat embarrassed as he took the flashlight and stepped ahead to scout the path.
"Well, Xiu Jun, there's something I'd like to ask for your help with."
Song Xiu Jun frowned and refused without hesitation. "What is it? If it's troublesome, I won't do it."
"Xiu Jun, we're friends, aren't we?"
"No," she shook her head. "We're just business partners."
Yan Xiang'an: "…Don't be so cold. I'm not a bad guy. It's about my younger sister—she's being unreasonable. My mother wants to arrange a blind date for her, but she refuses. Could you try talking some sense into her?"
Song Xiu Jun refused again: "No, she's not my sister. Why should I care who she likes? This is your family matter. I won't get involved."
"I just think you're smart, and girls from big cities like you have seen the world. You must have a clear head. If you could help talk some sense into my younger sister, maybe she'll come to her senses," Yan Xiang'an explained with a pained expression.
"That has nothing to do with me," This was not a piece of gossip worth indulging in.
Yan Xiang'an gritted his teeth: "Fifty yuan. Just have a chat with her. If it doesn't work out, I won't blame you, and you don't have to return the money."
Fifty yuan was a huge sum, more than many workers earned in a month.
Song Xiu Jun remained unmoved, saying calmly, "Do you think I would lack these fifty yuan?"
Yan Xiang'an thought she had a point—someone who could take out a hundred yuan without batting an eye wouldn't be short of fifty.
However, his younger sister wasn't listening to anyone in the family now, convinced that her family was obstructing her from being with her true love.
His Paternal Uncle's wife had even come to their house during the day to mock his mother, and his mother was so furious she almost resorted to hitting his younger sister.
That was why he had considered hiring a smart outsider to help enlighten her.