Chapter 14 – Reunion

Dinner was underway, and everyone gradually took their seats, exchanging introductions.

Anran learned that Auntie Cheng’s husband was named Xiao Dazhu, and he was the village chief’s older brother. There was also a younger brother called Xiao Sanzhu. Auntie Cheng’s family, like the village chief’s, had two sons and a daughter. The male lead was the youngest son in the village chief’s family. Xiao Sanzhu’s household, however, had three daughters—and Anran had never even seen them.

Anran also found out that the handsome young man who matched her taste was named Xiao Cheng’an. But the moment she remembered he was related to the male lead, she felt a bit hesitant. After all, being connected to the main characters usually meant trouble.

Lowering her head, she focused on her meal, unaware of the burning gaze occasionally fixed on her from across the room.

After leaving Auntie Cheng’s house, Anran and Zheng Xiuhong returned to the youth center. Everyone else was already resting. Quietly, the two girls slipped back into their rooms.

Once inside, Anran took a shower in her secret space and lay on her bed, reflecting on the day’s events.

It seemed her first flutter of attraction had fizzled out without consequence. But survival was more important—better to steer clear of any complications.

Meanwhile, on the other side, Xiao Cheng’an lay awake, thinking about the little educated youth he had seen earlier that day. The first time he met her was at the state-run restaurant during his leave. He remembered how lively she looked, like a cute little puffball with soft baby fat. Her black hair was fluffy and neatly tied at the back of her head, making her look adorable. He hadn’t expected she’d be one of the new educated youths from their village. The thought made him smile involuntarily.

Anran, still blissfully unaware she had caught the eye of this handsome “wolf,” drifted off to sleep peacefully.

But in the main house, Wang Xixi was wide awake, unable to sleep.

She kept thinking about the man she had seen today—truly outstanding, better than any man she had ever met. She pictured his handsome face, his upright posture. Her cheeks flushed, and then she recalled that he was a soldier, reportedly already a company commander. If she could marry him, maybe she could even follow the army around. The idea of doing muddy farm work every day was unbearable.

Biting her lip, her eyes shone with determination. This man will be mine.

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The next morning, Anran woke up reluctantly, snuggling under the covers for a moment before finally getting up to wash up.

Today she planned to explore the mountain, hoping to find some wild vegetables and enjoy a casual stroll.

She ate a bowl of beef noodles and drank a bottle of yogurt for breakfast, already thinking about going to the town sometime soon to get some meat and make a few side sauces.

She was proud of her own recipe for dipping sauces—learned from an old imperial chef.

This chef was a friend of her grandmother’s and treated Anran like family. Since no one else was inheriting the culinary secrets, the chef taught everything to Anran.

Carrying a basket, Anran slowly walked up the mountain.

At the base, the wild vegetables had mostly been picked clean by the villagers, so she had to venture deeper into the forest.

The trees grew thicker and more lush; signs of human passage disappeared.

After walking a while, she suddenly heard heavy breathing—huff huff—and froze.

No way. Could I be this unlucky? Just out for a walk, and now I’m facing a wild boar?

Looking around, she saw no sign of other people.

She pulled out her electric baton from her space and took a defensive stance.

The sound grew louder. Then, from the bushes, a huge boar’s head emerged, complete with terrifying tusks.

Anran trembled but didn’t hesitate to crank her baton to full power and zap the boar’s head.

The boar let out a howl before convulsing and falling.

It was the first time she truly heard the sound of a pig being killed.

Luckily, the boar was alone. She struck it again with the baton, making sure it was dead.

Judging by its size, it must have weighed four or five hundred jin (about 200-250 kg). The tusks alone were enough to frighten anyone.

She stowed the wild boar in her space and, feeling a bit drained, took a short break. After washing her hands, she ate a quick rolled pancake and drank some water.

Once rested, she decided to take a different path.

After some more walking, she spotted a large plum tree.

Since few people came here, the fruits hung heavily, bending the branches.

Overjoyed, she ran over.

Tasting one, she exclaimed, “Mmm, so sweet!”

Seeing the tree full of plums, she happily got to work.

An hour later, she’d picked what must have been hundreds of jin, filling her basket to the brim.

She planned to share some with the other educated youths and keep the rest in her space for snacks or dried fruit.

This spot was definitely worth remembering for next year—sustainable harvesting was the way to go.

Cheerful, she headed back.

About halfway down the mountain, she could faintly see the village outline.

Suddenly, she heard voices ahead.

Assuming they were the older women picking wild vegetables or children playing, she kept walking.

The voices grew clearer.

She stopped and listened carefully.

Wait—is that Wang Xixi? And a man’s voice?

Cautiously, Anran moved closer to eavesdrop.

She heard Wang Xixi’s gentle voice:

“Brother Xiao, I’m sorry for putting you in a difficult spot yesterday. After all, that girl is from the village, and you grew up together. I don’t want you to be unhappy because of me.”

Xiao Jianshe’s voice was filled with tenderness.

“Wang Zhiqing, you’re too kind. It’s alright. I can’t stand hearing others say those things about you. It… it hurts me.”

Anran stood expressionless, internally cringing.

Wang Xixi blushed and, with a coquettish tone, said,

“Brother Xiao, you’re so annoying.”

The two flirted and teased each other so naturally, it gave Anran goosebumps.

At that moment, Anran sensed someone approaching behind her.

She spun around to see none other than Xiao Cheng’an from yesterday.

He pressed a finger to his lips, signaling for silence.

Anran nodded in understanding.

With a smile in his eyes, Xiao Cheng’an grabbed her wrist and gently pulled her away from the scene of public romance.