Someone curious asked, “Where is Comrade Song going? Why is she carrying so many things?”
“It looks like she’s heading toward the Jiang family.”
A few people exchanged looks and immediately followed in that direction.
By the time Song Yunqiao reached the Jiang family gate, there were already seven or eight people behind her. They were all the kind who loved gossip and excitement—the village’s “walking loudspeakers.”
Song Yunqiao calmly and openly knocked on the door.
The one who opened it was Ji Peilan.
“Comrade Song?”
Ji Peilan was surprised to see her, especially since Song Yunqiao was carrying large bundles of things.
“Auntie, I came today specifically to thank Comrade Jiang. Last time I fell into the water, it was all thanks to him that I was saved.”
She deliberately raised her voice so the people watching nearby could hear clearly.
Ji Peilan also noticed the crowd not far away and swallowed what she was about to say.
“This is just a small token of my appreciation. I hope you’ll accept it.”
What Song Yunqiao brought were all food items—practical gifts in this era.
“No, no, you really don’t have to,” Ji Peilan waved her hands repeatedly.
“Auntie, please accept it. If it weren’t for Comrade Jiang, I might not even be standing here talking to you right now. Compared to my life, these things are nothing.”
She was genuinely grateful, not just acting.
The villagers watching from the side started feeling regretful—why hadn’t their sons been the ones to save her? Then all these good things would have gone to their families instead.
Song Yunqiao continued, “I still get scared thinking about falling into the water that day. If it weren’t for Comrade Ma, I might not have fallen into the river at all.”
Besides Song Yunqiao, Ma Xiaoping had also fallen into the river that day. But Song Yunqiao had been in a much more dangerous condition—she had nearly stopped breathing—so no one had paid attention to Ma Xiaoping at the time.
Someone asked curiously, “Didn’t you just slip and fall into the water, and then Comrade Ma fell in trying to save you?”
“That’s not what happened…” Song Yunqiao paused, then added, “But Comrade Ma probably didn’t do it on purpose.”
Her tone was deliberately hesitant, immediately sparking curiosity.
Someone who enjoyed stirring trouble asked, “Could it be that Ma pushed you?”
Song Yunqiao immediately looked alarmed. “No, no, I didn’t say that.”
But her reaction made everyone even more certain—there was definitely something suspicious about Ma Xiaoping and the incident.
A kind-hearted villager said, “Comrade Song, don’t be afraid. If you’ve been wronged, tell us. Our brigade captain is very fair. He will help you seek justice.”
At that moment, Song Yunqiao’s eyes turned red, and she even let out a couple of tears. She was already very beautiful, and now looking so fragile and tearful, she instantly triggered everyone’s sympathy.
People surrounded her, chattering and comforting her. Only when it was time to go cook dinner did the crowd reluctantly disperse.
Ji Peilan stood there, completely stunned. By the time everyone left, the focus of the village gossip had already shifted—now everyone was talking about Ma Xiaoping.
After the crowd dispersed, Song Yunqiao finally relaxed. Acting like a delicate “white lotus” really wasn’t easy.
She did this today for two reasons: first, to shift attention away from Jiang Jiyuan; second, Ma Xiaoping deserved to face consequences for what she had done.
Just then, Jiang Jiyuan walked into the yard and saw her.
Song Yunqiao had originally planned to leave after dropping off the things, but Ji Peilan was too enthusiastic.
“Comrade Jiang, you’re back.”
She smiled and greeted him.
Jiang Jiyuan nodded.
Ji Peilan came out from the kitchen and said, “A’Yuan, you’re back. Keep Comrade Song company. She must stay for dinner today.”
“No need, Auntie. I’ve already contributed food rations at the commune. If I don’t go back, it’ll be wasted.”
Before she finished speaking, Ji Peilan suggested, “Then let A’Yuan run to your dorm and tell them not to cook your portion today.”
“I already told them before I came out,” Song Yunqiao replied. “Next time I’ll definitely come and eat here.”
Ji Peilan finally gave up.
After she went back into the kitchen, only the two of them remained in the yard.
“Um…”
“I…”
“You go first.”
“You go first.”
They spoke at the same time.
Song Yunqiao couldn’t help but smile awkwardly—this was the first time she had encountered something like this.
Jiang Jiyuan’s face remained expressionless, but the tips of his ears were slightly red.
“I’ll go first then,” Song Yunqiao said. “Thank you. Last time and this time… I owe you two big favors. And about the village rumors, don’t take them to heart. I think they won’t be talking about it much anymore.”
“I’ll take responsibility,” Jiang Jiyuan said.
This was something he had wanted to say for a long time.
Song Yunqiao quickly waved her hands. “No need, really. You saved my life—I would never use that to force you into responsibility. I understand you were just helping me.”
Hearing her say that personally, Jiang Jiyuan felt a trace of disappointment.
Seeing his expression darken slightly, Song Yunqiao figured it was time to leave before it got too late.
“Auntie, I’m heading back now. I’ll come visit again.”
Ji Peilan came out and said, “Why are you leaving so soon? Stay a little longer.”
“No, it’s getting dark.”
“Let A’Yuan escort you. I won’t feel at ease otherwise.”
Song Yunqiao wanted to refuse, but the man beside her spoke first.
“Let’s go.”
So she had no choice but to follow him.
At the gate, Ji Peilan suddenly remembered the gifts on the table.
“Take your things with you!”
“I really don’t need them. I bought them for you.”
But after another round of refusal, Jiang Jiyuan had already picked them up and walked out.
Song Yunqiao walked ahead while Jiang Jiyuan followed her at a distance, neither of them speaking.
Although he said nothing, Song Yunqiao could clearly feel that his mood wasn’t good—yet earlier, it hadn’t been like this at all.