Chapter 25: That’s all. She’s still young and uncertain

Unexpectedly, he saw her hiding behind a wall, seemingly observing something. 

A hint of curiosity flashed in his eyes; he paused before walking towards her. Just as he was about to speak, she saw him too. 

Her soft hand grabbed his arm, and she gestured for silence.

Xie Lin glanced at the delicate hand on his arm and remained silent.  Following her gaze, he saw a man buying baby formula.

“Who is he?”  He whispered, as she wished.

“My…father.”  She seemed reluctant to use that term.

Xie Lin’s eyes flickered.  He asked, “Do you want to investigate him?”

Lin Yiwan, intently watching Lin Weimin, didn’t fully hear him, still holding his arm, she nodded vaguely.

“Mm.”

“I’ll help you.”

Lin Yiwan was stunned, finally understanding.  Her eyes widened in surprise.  “Really? Won’t that be too much trouble?”

Xie Lin’s eyes narrowed.  “Comrade Lin Yiwan, do I need to reiterate our relationship?”

Lin Yiwan: …  She dared not object.  She nodded firmly.  “Okay, I’ll leave it to Brother Xie Lin.”

“Heh…” Xie Lin chuckled, his sternness softening.  Lin Yiwan relaxed slightly.  Was he less angry?

“Let’s go back.”  She was clearly unaware of her own striking appearance; hiding in the corner still drew attention.  Her father would soon discover her.

Feeling guilty, Lin Yiwan didn’t object and left the department store with him.  But she wondered why Lin Weimin was buying baby supplies. 

Had he fathered another illegitimate child?

They returned to the courtyard house.  It was hot, and there was no breeze.  Lin Yiwan was sweating by the time they reached home. 

She went to the well and retrieved a watermelon. The watermelon, chilled by the well water, felt cool to the touch.

“Brother Xie Lin, this is the watermelon I got yesterday.”  She smiled proudly.

Watermelons were grown in the countryside and transported to the city. In those times, food was scarce, and watermelons weren’t widely grown. They were in short supply and required coupons.  Getting a watermelon was difficult.

Xie Lin cut the watermelon into slices.  It wasn’t large, the flesh pink with many seeds, and not very sweet. But eating watermelon on a hot day was satisfying.  Lin Yiwan carefully collected the seeds, intending to plant them in her space.

It was five o’clock, almost dinner time.  “Brother Xie Lin, will you have dinner here? I’ll buy groceries.”

Xie Lin nodded.  “I’ll eat here. I’ll buy groceries.”

Lin Yiwan didn’t argue and agreed.  After Xie Lin left, she cooked rice and picked vegetables from the garden.  It was still hot; the old locust tree’s leaves were still, the air thick with humidity.

Xie Lin returned to see her squatting, washing vegetables.  Her face was flushed, sweat beads rolling down her cheeks, disappearing into her open collar. Her dark hair clung to her neck, accentuating her fair skin. 

Her wet white shirt clung to her body, revealing her figure.  She looked alluring.

Xie Lin shifted his gaze, carrying the meat and tofu.  “Groceries are here.” His voice was low and slightly hoarse.

Lin Yiwan had finished washing the vegetables. “Okay, wait a moment, I’ll be done soon.”  Seeing his gentle demeanor, she relaxed.

Xie Lin bought mostly lean meat.  Thinking he arrived late, Lin Yiwan didn’t think much of it. She minced the meat and made stuffed tofu, and a vegetable and egg soup. The simple dishes were refreshing in the summer heat.

Xie Lin ate the tofu, his anger dissipating. Looking at her eating, his gaze softened.  She was young and fickle. They would rarely be in Beijing once they were in the Northwest.

After dinner, Xie Lin was about to leave when Lin Yiwan stopped him.  “Brother Xie Lin, wait.”

Xie Lin stopped, raising an eyebrow. Lin Yiwan felt nervous, her heart racing.  She took out a watch.

“Th…this watch is for you.”  Her cheeks flushed, her lips pursed, her eyes showing a hint of fear of rejection.

He looked at her for a moment, a slight smile on his lips.  He extended his left hand.  “Put it on me.”

Lin Yiwan’s face reddened further. She gently put the watch on him. Her warm breath on his wrist felt like a feather. She saw the muscles beneath his wet shirt rising and falling.

“Click.” The strap was fastened.

“I’ll go now.”  Xie Lin left hastily.  Lin Yiwan was stunned.  Didn’t he like the watch?

—

Lin Yirou, after several setbacks, quickly recovered.  She would soon get the job.  Once Lin Yiwan left, Song Huaiqing would be hers.

She got up, combed her hair, and put on a pretty dress. The door creaked open, and Tan Qiuyue entered, carrying breakfast.

“Yirou, come eat. Then we’ll go to the Grain Bureau. Lin Yiwan said the job transfer will be done today.”

“Okay, Mom.” Lin Yirou replied sweetly.

Lin Weimin had gone out early, saying the factory was busy. Lin Yihao hadn’t returned.  But they were happy about the job.

Suddenly, Liu Cuiping’s loud voice came from the door.

“Oh, Qiuyue, your Yihao is so dedicated, Jianjun should learn from him.”

Tan Qiuyue looked pleased. “Of course! My Yihao is always an active member at school.”  In those days, those who weren’t active members had questionable ideology.

“Exactly! He signed up for the countryside.  Of all the children, he’s the most active.”