Chapter 73 ☆ Grass Jelly

The gate of the courtyard was slammed loudly. After what happened last time, Cheng Yaoyao couldn’t help but feel frightened when she heard the sound of the gate slamming, and she subconsciously looked at Xie Zhao.

Xie Zhao whispered, “It’s okay, I’ll go take a look.”

Xie Zhao stood up, and Grandma Xie also hurriedly said, “Brother Zhao, be careful.”

Xie Zhao nodded, strode toward the gate, opened it, and saw Han Yin and another male educated youth standing at the door, panting.

When Han Yin saw that it was Xie Zhao, she immediately looked into the yard with an anxious expression: “Where’s Yaoyao?”

Xie Zhao frowned, “What’s the matter?”

“It’s Zhang Xiaofeng…” Han Yin was out of breath.

Cheng Yaoyao poked her head out from behind Xie Zhao and immediately pushed Xie Zhao aside when she heard this: “What happened to Zhang Xiaofeng?”

The male youth finally caught his breath and continued, “Didn’t Zhang Xiaofeng come to see you?”

Cheng Yaoyao was surprised and said, “No! Hasn’t she been admitted to university and is packing her luggage to return to the city these days?”

When Han Yin heard this, she stamped her feet anxiously. “Oh no, oh no! If she didn’t come to see you, where did she go? Let’s look for her somewhere else!”

Cheng Yaoyao was confused and grabbed Han Yin. “Please explain clearly. You’re making me anxious! What happened to Zhang Xiaofeng?”

Han Yin had no choice but to explain patiently, “Zhang Xiaofeng’s admission to university has been canceled! She hasn’t been seen all day, and we’re afraid she’ll be upset!”

“How could this be?” Cheng Yaoyao was confused.

Han Yin, anxious to find her, said, “Let’s talk while we walk!”

Cheng Yaoyao turned to look at Xie Zhao and was about to speak when Xie Zhao said, “I’ll go with you.”

“Your injury hasn’t healed yet,” Cheng Yaoyao said worriedly.

Xie Zhao responded without hesitation, “Finding her is more important!” What’s more, Xie Zhao was even more worried about letting Cheng Yaoyao go out alone to find someone.

The male educated youth ran off to find help from others, while Han Yin and Xie Zhao, and Cheng Yaoyao headed to the back mountain to search for people.

On the way, Han Yin quickly recounted the situation.

A while ago, the educated youth site held a vote to recommend workers, peasants, and soldiers for college students. Zhang Xiaofeng, who was helpful and performed well, naturally received the most votes. However, Shen Yan, the most competitive candidate, had already found a way out and voluntarily gave up the quota. Zhang Xiaofeng’s recommendation seemed assured, and the educated youth even contributed to her implementation.

Unexpectedly, just yesterday, the village brigade received a document from the provincial capital stating that someone had reported Zhang Xiaofeng’s father as having worked for the GM Party^[1]refers to a specific political or military group., leading to the cancellation of her admission quota for the Workers, Peasants, and Soldiers University ^[2]also known as Workers-Peasants-Soldiers University, which is a type of educational institution for students from these backgrounds..

Han Yin, who was with Zhang Xiaofeng at the time, didn’t realize the seriousness and tried to comfort her: “You know Zhang Xiaofeng’s parents are from the working class. They couldn’t have worked for the GM Party. This must be a false accusation. Once the matter is investigated, Zhang Xiaofeng can still go to college. But I didn’t expect her to disappear early this morning.”

Cheng Yaoyao said, “If it’s a misunderstanding, we can definitely clear things up. Zhang Xiaofeng is not an impulsive person; she wouldn’t just let it go.”

Xie Zhao suddenly interjected, “Maybe it’s not a misunderstanding.”

Cheng Yaoyao asked in confusion, “What do you mean?”

“You mean…” Cheng Yaoyao suddenly realized, “Is there really something wrong with Zhang Xiaofeng’s background?”

If there were no issues with Zhang Xiaofeng’s background, her first reaction would definitely be to clear things up, rather than going missing.

Xie Zhao looked towards the back mountain and said, “Let’s go up and look for her.”

Han Yin and Cheng Yaoyao exchanged worried glances. The mountain was steep, with many cliffs, and wild beasts often appeared. In recent years, people from the “Black Five” category ^[3]is a term referring to individuals with undesirable backgrounds or those imprisoned. or those from Niu Peng ^[4]also known as Niu Peng prison, which was a notorious prison. would go to the back mountain to end their lives. Had Xie Zhao meant that Zhang Xiaofeng really came here to seek death?

Han Yin said angrily, “It’s all my fault. I should have stayed with her last night!”

Cheng Yaoyao comforted her, “Don’t dwell on that now. We need to find her quickly! It’s getting dark!”

As soon as Cheng Yaoyao finished speaking, thunder rumbled in the sky, and purple-red clouds turned into dark, rolling storm clouds.

Cheng Yaoyao and Han Yin shouted Zhang Xiaofeng’s name through a megaphone: “Zhang Xiaofeng, Zhang Xiaofeng! Come out quickly, we need to talk! It’s getting dark, and it’s dangerous in the forest!”

The three of them continued along the rugged mountain path. Xie Zhao walked on the outside, carefully watching Cheng Yaoyao to prevent her from falling.

Cheng Yaoyao was drenched in sweat from exhaustion. Suddenly, she felt raindrops on her head. “It’s raining!”

Han Yin said in despair, “Could it be that Zhang Xiaofeng didn’t come to the mountain at all?”

“Then where could she have gone?” Cheng Yaoyao, catching her breath and leaning on her knees, looked up at Xie Zhao, hoping for an idea.

Xie Zhao thought for a moment and said, “You two go down the mountain and find the villagers. It’s going to rain heavily tonight. If she’s in the mountains, she might be in danger.”

Cheng Yaoyao agreed that this was the only possible solution. Cheng Yaoyao and Han Yin turned around and saw someone sitting under a tree.

Cheng Yaoyao was startled and hid behind Xie Zhao. Xie Zhao stepped forward and asked, “Zhang Xiaofeng?”

It was getting dark, and none of them had brought fire sticks or flashlights. Xie Zhao took a closer look. The young woman sitting under the tree, looking dazed, had to be Zhang Xiaofeng.

Cheng Yaoyao shouted, “Zhang Xiaofeng, why are you here? We’ve been calling you for a long time!”

Zhang Xiaofeng, whose usually sunny and smiling face had turned pale, barely managed to lift the corners of her lips and said, “I’m still afraid of death.”

“Stop talking nonsense,” Han Yin and Cheng Yaoyao said, pulling her up from both sides. “We’re just glad you’re okay. We were terrified.”

Xie Zhao looked at the sky and said, “Let’s go down the mountain first and talk when we get back!”

It’s easier to go up the mountain than to go down. Xie Zhao led the way, supporting Cheng Yaoyao, who in turn supported Han Yin and Zhang Xiaofeng. The four of them stumbled down the mountain, and soon, the large group of villagers who had been searching for them also arrived.

Han Yin helped explain, “It’s nothing. Zhang Xiaofeng went into the mountains to look for mushrooms and accidentally got lost.”

A villager complained, “What’s with you female educated youth? You keep getting lost! You’re wasting our time!”

Zhang Xiaofeng seemed distracted, so Han Yin forced a smile at everyone. Cheng Yaoyao also apologized, “Zhang Xiaofeng didn’t mean it! I’m sorry, everyone.”

Cheng Yaoyao, who was known for her beauty and pride, was willing to apologize on Zhang Xiaofeng’s behalf. The villagers said, “Forget it. Just be more careful next time!”

The crowd gradually dispersed. Only the village party secretary and Lin Dafu knew what had happened. They comforted Zhang Xiaofeng and told Cheng Yaoyao and Han Yin, “Persuade Zhang Zhiqing. She is a good comrade.”

But they knew that such issues couldn’t be resolved with just a few words of comfort.

Cheng Yaoyao worried that Zhang Xiaofeng would return alone, so she said, “Don’t go back tonight. Stay with me.”

Zhang Xiaofeng finally responded and forced a smile at Cheng Yaoyao, “Since I’m not ready to die today, I won’t do anything foolish again and I won’t cause you any trouble.”

Cheng Yaoyao said, “It’s not a problem. We haven’t slept together since we were assigned to separate dormitories. How about Han Yin staying with us tonight?”

Han Yin joked, “Of course! But…”

Han Yin glanced at Xie Zhao, remembering that Cheng Yaoyao was staying at his house. She wondered if Xie Zhao would mind Cheng Yaoyao bringing them back without permission.

Cheng Yaoyao raised her chin confidently and said, “No buts. Let’s go!”

Han Yin and Zhang Xiaofeng followed Cheng Yaoyao back to Xie’s house. It was their first time in the landlord’s yard, and they couldn’t help but be curious and sneak glances around.

The Xie family’s courtyard was cool and clean, featuring raised tiles, flying eaves, camphor wood beams, and blue brick floors. It looked different from the other homes in the village.

The yard had a well, a Chinese toon tree in front of the patio, lush vegetables in the garden, and a cluster of beautiful crabapple flowers. Hens were penned in the chicken coop, and several piles of firewood were neatly stacked. It was far cleaner than the typical village yards, which were often full of chicken manure and flies.

The blue brick floor of Xie’s house was spotless. As soon as they walked in, the cool breeze felt refreshing. Even though Zhang Xiaofeng was worried, she felt somewhat relieved.

Cheng Yaoyao led Han Yin and Zhang Xiaofeng into the house, where Grandma Xie came out of the kitchen carrying some grass jelly.

Cheng Yaoyao introduced, “Grandma, this is Zhang Xiaofeng, and this is Han Yin. They’re staying with us tonight.”

Zhang Xiaofeng and Han Yin, who often visited Cheng Yaoyao but rarely saw Grandma Xie, greeted her respectfully: “Hello, Grandma Xie. Sorry to bother you today.”

“Don’t say that, don’t say that. It’s rare to have friends visit, and we’re happy to entertain guests,” Grandma Xie said as she placed the grass jelly on the table. Xie Fei then came out, took three bowls and spoons, and set them on the table. However, when Han Yin and Zhang Xiaofeng looked at her curiously, Xie Fei shyly ran away.

The three generations of the Xie family returned to their own space, leaving Cheng Yaoyao, Zhang Xiaofeng, and Han Yin to enjoy the evening.

The three of them sat in the yard, enjoying the cool breeze and eating refreshing grass jelly made from well water. The tense atmosphere gradually eased.

Cheng Yaoyao introduced, “This is grass jelly.”

Han Yin took a bite. The grass jelly was dark black, more flexible and elastic than tofu, and sweet and cool. She praised it, “This is really good! I haven’t had anything like this before!”

Cheng Yaoyao smiled and said, “I bought this from the market in Bashang Village. It’s made by the mountain folks, and it tastes especially good.”

Cheng Yaoyao took a bite herself. This herbal jelly was tougher than the homemade version and had a unique plant fragrance with a slight alkaline taste, probably from incense ash.

The herbal jelly can clear heat and improve eyesight and is mixed with wild honey collected by Xie Zhao himself, enhancing its flavor.

As a cool breeze blew, Han Yin enjoyed a bowl of refreshing grass jelly, her eyes narrowing in delight.

Han Yin exclaimed, “Yaoyao, no wonder you wanted to move into the Xie family. This is like heaven. The landlords really know how to live in luxury.”

“Shh!” Zhang Xiaofeng shushed her, “They are being kind to entertain us. Don’t talk nonsense.”

Even now, Zhang Xiaofeng was still considerate of others. Cheng Yaoyao couldn’t help but feel sad for her.

Realizing her mistake, Han Yin apologized, “That’s not what I meant. I see now that the Xie family is really nice. I misunderstood them before.”

Cheng Yaoyao smiled and said, “You’ll see how great the Xie family is.”

After supper, Cheng Yaoyao took them to bathe and changed them into pajamas. Since Han Yin and Zhang Xiaofeng were staying at someone else’s house, they were usually limited to wiping themselves with a basin of water in their rooms. Tonight, at Xie’s house, they finally had a hot bath.

When they returned to their room to sleep, Han Yin and Zhang Xiaofeng were once again impressed.

Cheng Yaoyao’s room was spacious and cool, with complete furniture and flowers in clear water on the table. A brand-new snow-white mosquito net hung over the big bed, which was rare in Tianshui Village.

“Yaoyao, your room is so nice!” Han Yin said, touching the cool, flexible mat, “The Xie family really treats you like a young lady. I think even the captain’s daughter doesn’t live as comfortably as you!”

There were already two additional pillows and a blanket on the bed, likely prepared by Grandma Xie. Cheng Yaoyao lit some wormwood and placed it in a basin in the corner to keep mosquitoes away. She noted that she usually had a much easier life, with Xie Zhao handling tasks like fetching water and dealing with mosquitoes.

The room was cool and free of stuffy air and buzzing mosquitoes. The three of them lay side by side in the mosquito net, feeling as if they were back in their dormitory days.

Good food and a clean, comfortable environment were perfect for soothing emotions. After lying quietly for a while, Zhang Xiaofeng finally spoke.

Here’s a simplified version of the passage:

She shared that her father had worked as an apprentice in a pawnshop when he was a teenager. When the pawnshop owner went out of business, it was revealed that he was the father-in-law of a high-ranking military officer. After that, Zhang Xiaofeng’s father found a job at a glass factory. Because it was a difficult time, he never talked about this experience with others.

“This is so unfair,” Cheng Yaoyao said with indignation. “Is this considered a dark history?”

Zhang Xiaofeng smiled bitterly. If there were truth in this world, their family wouldn’t need to hide this matter.

Han Yin was more concerned about another issue: “Since only your family knows about this, who wrote the report?”

Zhang Xiaofeng stared blankly at the ceiling and shook his head. “I don’t know. Maybe it’s someone from our past?”

Cheng Yaoyao turned and said, “That doesn’t make sense. If it was someone you know, how would they know about your recommendation to be a worker-peasant-soldier university student from so far away?”

“You think it might have been another educated youth?” Han Yin asked. “But who knows about your father?”

Cheng Yaoyao was puzzled and couldn’t figure it out.

Zhang Xiaofeng suddenly said, “Could it be…”

Cheng Yaoyao and Han Yin asked in unison, “Who?”

Zhang Xiaofeng fell silent for a long time before smiling bitterly and saying, “Maybe I’m wrong. It’s better not to accuse anyone without evidence. Anyway, I can’t go to college.”

Zhang Xiaofeng’s voice choked up.

With the college entrance examination canceled, the Workers, Peasants, and Soldiers College was the only chance for these educated youth to go to college, let alone return to the city and leave the isolated rural area.

Cheng Yaoyao and Han Yin were unsure how to comfort Zhang Xiaofeng, so they could only sit silently with her.

Cheng Yaoyao, however, was preoccupied with a more pressing concern: Zhang Xiaofeng’s family had lost the chance for university admission due to a few historical issues. Even if Xie Zhao were admitted to university, would he pass the political review?