Chapter 12

Meeting Zhang Shiye 

Li Wenzhuo didn’t dare to say another word from start to finish, especially after hearing about Xia Wanyang’s background. However, that didn’t stop him from harboring some scheming thoughts. 

Finally, Li Huaguang stood up to smooth things over. “Alright, whether you’re a new educated youth or an old one, we’ll all be sharing the same kitchen from now on, so let’s focus on unity. If no one has any objections, Sang Qing and I will continue to act as your coordinators. If you have any issues in daily life, feel free to come to us.” 

Sang Qing also stood up. “Now that there are more of us, we’ll need to make some changes. Previously, two people handled the cooking, but going forward, let’s have three. You’re free to form your own teams, but if you can’t find someone to pair with, I can help arrange it.” 

Xu Jiaojiao asked, “What if someone doesn’t know how to cook?” 

Li Xiang rolled her eyes. “Then you’ll go hungry! What, you’re the only one who doesn’t know how? If you don’t know, learn! And to think you criticized Wanyang before—turns out your spoiled princess act is even worse!” 

“You—!” 

The meal that followed was hardly appetizing for the new educated youths. A large pot of cornbread, cold cucumber salad, stir-fried bok choy, scrambled eggs, and a big bowl of sauerkraut stew with vermicelli were served. While the old educated youths ate with satisfaction—they usually couldn’t bear to use so many eggs—the new arrivals found it bland and unappealing. 

### Meeting Zhang Shiye 

After dinner, Li Jing and Wang Yan volunteered to wash the dishes, as it was their turn to cook. Summer Wanyang also volunteered to help. “Sister Jing, Sister Yan, can I join your group for cooking in the future?” 

Wang Yan, not overthinking it, said loudly, “Of course! What’s the big deal?” 

Li Jing’s expression dimmed slightly. “Xia Zhiqing, can you actually cook? Wang Yan and I take turns cooking. The one who’s not cooking helps out.” 

Summer Wanyang smiled. She didn’t know how to cook before, but after spending some time learning from her mother, she could at least make sure things were properly cooked. “I know a little. Don’t worry.” 

After dinner, everyone headed to the team office to collect their rations. Inside, Summer Wanyang was nervous, her hands slightly trembling. She was about to see Zhang Shiye—would he still feel the same way about her in this life? 

She changed outfits several times before finally settling on a pale yellow blouse. Her already glowing fair skin looked even more radiant, and the fitted waist design accentuated her slender figure. The skirt fluttered gently with her movements, making her resemble a delicate butterfly in flight. 

When she stepped out of the room, she saw Zheng Yu and Gu Xiu Yuan waiting for her. Surprised, she wondered why these two were waiting for her. 

Zheng Yu noticed her confusion and, subtly glancing at Gu Xiu Yuan, saw that his ears had turned slightly red. Suppressing a laugh, he explained, “Sister Xia, we were just worried you might not be able to get your rations, so we decided to wait for you. It’s not urgent.” 

“Thank you, but if we walk together, the villagers might talk. I’d rather avoid unnecessary trouble, so you two go ahead!” Summer Wanyang had noticed the change in Gu Xiu Yuan’s expression and decided to maintain some distance. 

Zheng Yu raised an eyebrow and looked at Gu Xiu Yuan. He shook his head and pulled him away. 

“Brother Yuan, are you falling for her?” Zheng Yu teased. 

Gu Xiu Yuan’s ears reddened again. “Stop making things up. I just thought she’s a fragile girl, so I wanted to help her out.” 

Once the two of them were far off, Summer Wanyang left the house. She knew where the team office was, and although she didn’t ask anyone, she was still a bundle of nerves. What was she supposed to say when she saw Zhang Shiye? 

Most of the new educated youths had already left to collect their rations. Summer Wanyang wasn’t in a hurry, so she went to the office and knocked on the door. 

“Come in.” 

Just hearing those words, her eyes turned red. It was Zhang Shiye, the foolish man from her past life. 

She quickly took a few deep breaths, holding back her tears, before pushing the door open and stepping inside. 

Zhang Shiye had just returned from outside. The sun had slightly tinted his handsome face with a faint flush. 

He was wearing a light blue polyester shirt and black trousers, looking both stern and upright. The semi-transparent shirt clung to his flat stomach, subtly outlining his firm and sculpted abdominal muscles. His skin wasn’t fair, but it was noticeably different from the dark, rough complexions of rural men. 

At that moment, Zhang Shiye seemed a little lazy, but his eyes often sparkled with sharpness, hinting that he wasn’t as simple as he appeared. 

In that moment, he looked like a rebellious young rogue with a hint of mischief. However, the occasional gleam in his eyes prevented anyone from underestimating him. 

Summer Wanyang’s gaze was intense, like a fire burning in his direction. Zhang Shiye found himself at a loss for words and automatically looked up, his eyes locking with hers as she walked in. 

Time seemed to freeze for a moment. 

Zhang Shiye’s eyes widened in surprise as an indescribable sensation washed over him. She was the girl who had appeared in his dreams countless times! 

In those dreams, she was tortured to the point of emaciation, making his heart ache. He would hold her tightly, crying uncontrollably, and every time he woke up, he felt an inexplicable sense of loss and pain. 

He never expected this girl, who had only existed in his dreams, to appear in front of him in real life. Her presence felt like a cruel joke from fate, or perhaps a rare gift from heaven. 

He tilted his head slightly, his dark eyes meeting hers directly, his nose sharp, his features chiseled. After a brief moment, Summer Wanyang spoke, her voice trembling slightly from nervousness. “Hello, I was sent by Captain Zhang to get a certificate.” 

Her voice was soft and low, carrying the gentle sweetness typical of southern Chinese women, evoking a sense of grace and allure. The combination of her beauty and elegance was incredibly enticing, making it difficult for anyone to resist. 

“Alright.” 

Zhang Shiye quickly wrote out the certificate and handed it to Summer Wanyang. When their hands brushed, both of them felt a slight tremble. Summer Wanyang smiled, her expression almost mischievous. 

Zhang Shiye felt his heart racing. That smile… Summer Wanyang didn’t realize how powerful it was, but to him, it was like a hidden weapon. 

A beautiful person’s smile only made them even more captivating. Now, Zhang Shiye understood why Zhou Xu had been so excited when describing her. He felt that Zhou Xu had been too reserved in his descriptions. 

“You’re the new arrival, right? Are you here to collect your rations?” Zhang Shiye asked, suppressing his emotions. 

Summer Wanyang remained still, staring at him for a long moment before finally speaking. “Yes, but I can’t carry it all. Can you… help me?” 

It was a playful request. After all, it had taken her so long to meet him, and now she had every intention of creating opportunities to spend more time with him. 

Zhang Shiye nodded. “Sure.” 

The two of them walked together to the ration distribution area. When Zhang Heping saw Summer Wanyang approaching, he sighed inwardly. He had overheard some of the conversation among the other youths earlier. Initially, he had hoped to introduce his son to a girl of her status, but given her high background, she was far beyond their reach.

The more I look, the more I feel it’s such a pity. That brat has such high standards—there isn’t anyone in the nearby villages he fancies. Finally, a pretty one comes along, and… sigh. 

“Comrade Xia, do you want coarse grains or fine grains? Are you buying or borrowing?” Zhang Heping asked. 

“Buying. Fifteen pounds of rice and five pounds of white flour.” 

“Alright, fine grains are 60 cents a pound, so 20 pounds will be 12 yuan.” 

Xia Wanyang paid the money and turned to look at Zhang Shiye, who was standing behind her. 

It was only then that Zhang Heping noticed his son. His brows furrowed slightly, and he asked, “What are you doing here?” 

Zhang Shiye didn’t answer. He just picked up the grains and started walking toward the educated youth’s lodging. 

“Uncle Zhang, I couldn’t carry them myself. I just went to find Comrade Zhang to write a rental certificate and begged him to help me a bit.” 

Xia Wanyang spoke casually, but the brigade leader, several production team leaders, and the vice leader were far from calm. 

Everyone knew what kind of person Zhang Shiye was. When he was in a good mood, you might get a glance from him. When he was in a bad mood, even the stray dogs at the village entrance would get a kick. When had he ever been so kind-hearted as to help someone carry things?