In the evening, Chen Zhou sat on the bed. Since Li Jia’s parents had already gone to rest, he could finally be a little more uninhibited.
While cracking melon seeds, he chatted with 126, “What about my points?”
[Ding-dong, five points have been credited. Please check, host.]
Only five points? Chen Zhou curled his lip and asked again, “How many points are enough?”
[50 points.]
“What the heck?” Chen Zhou looked incredulous. “With such a small amount, how long am I going to have to save up?”
[Don’t worry, host. This time it’s because you are still inexperienced, and the completion rate of this beginner task is low. In the future, as the difficulty of the tasks increases, the points will also increase.]
“Fine, whatever.”
Before going to bed, Chen Zhou asked 126 about matters concerning this world again, but 126 gave the same old reply: [Sorry, I currently do not have the authorization to tell you.]
Curiosity and confusion still lingered in Chen Zhou’s heart, but seeing 126’s attitude, he felt it wasn’t appropriate to keep pressing, so he decided to let it go for now.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do; there would always be a way to figure things out.
Country folks all wake up early. Chen Zhou was woken up early in the morning by the commotions and the crowing of roosters, and he got up right away.
He definitely couldn’t stay idle during these days at home, so he decided to take the initiative and shoulder the task of harvesting rice.
“Mom, Dad, I’m heading out.”
Chen Zhou gave a brief word, grabbed his tools, and walked out the door toward the fields.
People were already busy working in the fields. At a glance, Chen Zhou spotted Xu Nian, who was busy at work. Dressed the same way as when they met yesterday, Xu Nian was drinking water at the moment, droplets sliding down his Adam’s apple. After finishing, he casually wiped the water off his chin. When he bent over, his broad back and lean waist were visible.
Chen Zhou watched for a moment, realizing that his attention had been captivated once again, so he stopped observing and slowly went down to the field to work.
Chen Zhou picked up the sickle and began to work. This body was not familiar with farmwork, and coupled with its slender build, working wasn’t easy at all. Before long, Chen Zhou felt tired, and the skin on his body, which wasn’t particularly dark to begin with, grew somewhat red, probably due to the scorching sun.
His water was also finished. Chen Zhou felt his throat parched and his ears buzzing, and he couldn’t help muttering, “Gosh, this weather is hot enough to kill.”
[126, can you help me ease my physical condition?]
[Alright, host.]
After a while, Chen Zhou felt a bit more comfortable, but he was still uncomfortably baked by the sun. However, 126 said that they could not excessively interfere with a character’s physical state, so Chen Zhou had no choice but to drop it.
During a break, Chen Zhou saw Xu Nian drinking water and walking back, standing under the shade of a tree to smoke another cigarette.
[Host, you can get closer to Xu Nian more often; it might be helpful for the task.] 126 analyzed objectively from the sidelines.
Chen Zhou didn’t speak. He had just felt a trance-like sense of familiarity with that scene, yet he wasn’t quite sure whether he had truly seen it before.
Chen Zhou dawdled on his own for a bit, looked at his empty water bottle, and finally walked over. As he walked, he pondered why he felt that Xu Nian was somewhat familiar.
Xu Nian had finished clearing his own patch of land and was smoking when he saw that punk Li Jia approaching again.
He narrowed his eyes to observe him. Today, he was missing yesterday’s dust-covered look, and his clothes were clean too, except that he looked flushed, just like a boiled shrimp.
“Bro,” Chen Zhou called out to him.
Xu Nian had intended to leave, but hearing him shout like that, he inexplicably found himself unable to move his feet. He felt a bit annoyed inside, though he couldn’t explain why.
“Hmm,” Xu Nian uttered a single syllable.
“I’m out of water. Could you give me some water first?” This was the truth; Chen Zhou felt like his throat was smoking right now.
Xu Nian didn’t make a sound, staring at him for two seconds before taking out his water flask and handing it to him.
Chen Zhou didn’t react in time and didn’t take it. Xu Nian’s face darkened; he snatched Chen Zhou’s water bottle back, filled it up with loud sounds, and handed it back. Chen Zhou still didn’t take it, frowning as he looked at him.
Xu Nian’s gaze was as deep as water. “Want me to drink it for you?”
“No.” Chen Zhou finally withdrew his gaze and took it back. “Bro, does your waist hurt?”
Xu Nian was startled, momentarily failing even to react. He had been injured before, and his lower back was indeed uncomfortable, especially after bending over for a long time. Yet he had always kept it hidden, and very few people knew. This fellow, who usually acted like a block of wood, had actually managed to see it.
“Take a rest after working for a bit. Don’t push yourself if it hurts,” Chen Zhou said sincerely.
He could tell that Xu Nian looked uncomfortable leaning against the tree just now. Even though it was well-hidden, it was still discovered by him. However, this observational skill didn’t belong to the original owner; it stemmed from Chen Zhou’s childhood. Having spent a long time reading people’s facial expressions and behaviors, he naturally became more detail-oriented.
After saying that, Chen Zhou left and returned to the fields to continue working.
Farmwork was not ordinarily tiring. Chen Zhou hadn’t experienced it firsthand before, and now he gained a whole new understanding of it as he was utterly exhausted. Xu Nian left soon after, and by the time Chen Zhou finished and wanted to find him again, he was nowhere to be seen. In the distance, a few minor punks were idling around. Chen Zhou frowned in disgust and quickly walked away.
Upon returning home, Chen Hui brought up the matter of returning to the town once more. “Son, when are you going back? Don’t just stay home and help out every day. Go to town and work hard so that your mom and dad can live in glory sooner or later.”
Chen Hui pinned high hopes on her son. Since childhood, she rarely let him touch physical labor, hoping instead that he would study hard and pass exams so they could enjoy a comfortable life in the future. However, the consequences of doing so were far from ideal. Li Jia was introverted to begin with, and later he was frequently bullied, yet his emotions could never find comfort from his parents. As time passed, he became even more silent and reticent. Later, when he went to town, he always failed to benefit because of his dullness.
Mimicking Li Jia’s demeanor, Chen Zhou stammered for a moment before smoothly changing the subject.
[Host, please complete the next task: follow Xu Nian to the town to find Cao Ying.]
At this time, Cao Ying was still in the town, and Xu Nian had a business there, frequently traveling back and forth between the two places using a borrowed cart. Moreover, the two of them kept in close contact. If Li Jia wanted to find Cao Ying, he could go along with Xu Nian.
Unforeseen and cold, the voice startled Chen Zhou, leaving him somewhat uncomfortable right after.
Not to mention that the original owner had just returned from town and was already in such a plight, yet he still had to do things for the person he liked instead of figuring out a way for himself?
The thought slipped out, but 126 fell silent for a moment.
[Sorry, host. This is the rule; we have no authorization to answer you.]
Though filled with dissatisfaction and incomprehension, Chen Zhou knew better than to say anything more at the moment. Realizing that he probably couldn’t do anything other than tasks right now, he had no choice but to push his inner thoughts aside and continue playing his role. Even so, he could still figure out his own ways later on.
After eating his fill in the evening, Chen Zhou went out for a walk. In the summer, people everywhere in the courtyards were cooling off, sitting at their front doors with fans and chatting.
Chen Zhou walked aimlessly, gradually reaching a quieter area with fewer people. The surroundings were filled only with the chirping of cicadas and insects, and the air was pleasant, making one feel relaxed.
However, suddenly reaching a certain spot, Chen Zhou stopped in his tracks. There were figures in the distant shadows.
It seemed to be a guy and a girl.
Utilizing the streetlights, Chen Zhou could make out the young man’s back, tall, with broad shoulders and a wide back, looking just like Xu Nian.
Chen Zhou’s curiosity flared up instantly. He took a few steps forward, but seeing the two figures shift, he immediately darted aside to hide behind a house.
126:……
Standing too far away, Chen Zhou couldn’t hear what they were saying, but judging from their postures, he guessed that this young woman probably had some feelings for Xu Nian. The girl kept her head down, looking somewhat embarrassed, whereas Xu Nian appeared somewhat unapproachable in comparison.
After exchanging a few words, Xu Nian suddenly fell silent, and the girl stopped talking too, walking away shortly after.
“Tsk tsk tsk, Xu Nian really doesn’t know how to cherish a tender maiden,” Chen Zhou muttered to himself, suddenly seeing Xu Nian turn around to head back. Startled, he quickly ducked back into hiding.
After waiting a moment without hearing any sound, Chen Zhou finally stepped out from behind the house.
He turned to leave, but the moment he emerged, he saw someone leaning against the wall. Chen Zhou turned his face and locked eyes with the person right then and there.
“Ah!” Startled heavily, Chen Zhou’s persona shattered into a complete mess.
Xu Nian wore an expressionless face, though he paused for a moment upon hearing Chen Zhou’s voice, then stepped forward immediately and pinched Chen Zhou’s cheek to stop him from screaming.
“What are you shouting for!”
Xu Nian had thin calluses on his hands, carrying the scent of cigarette smoke as they touched Chen Zhou’s cheek. Chen Zhou’s breath brushed against his hand, carrying warmth that felt scorching hot. Xu Nian felt a thump in his chest and quickly withdrew his hand.
Still shaken, Chen Zhou tried to maintain his persona. “Bro, what, what are you doing here?”
Xu Nian said nothing, gently rubbing his fingers for a moment before letting out a cold laugh. “That’s my line. I should be asking you that, shouldn’t I?”
Chen Zhou wanted to slap himself twice. That is what you get for being so curious!
Having nothing to say, Chen Zhou could only lower his head in silence, saying after a long while, “I was just taking a walk.”
“Alright, it’s getting late, hurry back,” Xu Nian cut him off. “Stop lingering around here.”
“Oh.”
Bobbing up and down, Chen Zhou followed behind Xu Nian as they walked back, occasionally glancing at him. Xu Nian had clear-cut facial contours, thin lips, a high and straight nose bridge, and especially striking eyes that retained an unyielding handsome look even when his face occasionally darkened.
“Haven’t you looked enough?” Xu Nian spoke without even turning his head.
Busted, Chen Zhou felt a bit awkward and promptly decided to offer an honest apology. “Sorry, bro.”
Xu Nian didn’t bother with him anymore and kept walking. The two walked side by side; because Xu Nian walked fast, Chen Zhou had to almost jog to keep up.
As they neared the front door, Chen Zhou still mustered up the courage to ask. “Bro, are you still going to harvest rice in the next few days?”
“Not going.”
“Then where are you going?”
“Guess.”
“…”
Chen Zhou jogged another couple of steps. “If you go to town later, can you, can you take me with you?”
Xu Nian stopped to look at him, his gaze icy cold as if he could see right through a person.
Feigning innocence, Chen Zhou pursed his lips to make himself look completely free of guilt.
After looking for a moment, Xu Nian withdrew his gaze and seemed to smile slightly, a reaction Chen Zhou took to be mockery.
“We’ll see.”
“Then, bro, see you later,” Chen Zhou seized the moment to quit while he was ahead, preparing to scamper home. “Goodnight.”
Watching the kid scurry away, hopping and skipping even as he got further off, Xu Nian almost laughed out loud. “Little brat.”
This guy really was strange, alternating between obedient and unruly.
Xu Nian touched his own jaw with his hand, suddenly recalling the texture of that kid’s cheek he had touched just moments ago; it seemed even softer than his own.
Damn it, the moment the thought finished crossing his mind, he felt it was wrong. Why on earth was he thinking about such things?
Shaking his head, Xu Nian walked back.