Chapter 4 : Hitchhiking

She hadn’t expected the car to stop beside her. When Jiang Li recognized the familiar military truck, she let out a breath of relief, it was a soldier.

“Comrade, where do you live? I’m heading to Bailutang. If it’s on the way, I can give you a ride,” the soldier offered.

“I live in Dashuping Production Brigade. Thank you for your kindness,” Jiang Li replied, too drained to refuse the help.

“You don’t look well. Let me help you up,” the soldier said as the passenger door swung open. A strong hand reached out, and Jiang Li used it to climb into the vehicle.

As she looked up, she met a pair of sharp, bright eyes beneath thick brows. His high nose bridge and rosy lips made for a strikingly handsome face, one that seemed oddly familiar. Under the moonlight, she edged closer and realized it was Qi Shaoqiang.

The man’s masculine scent surrounded her, an overwhelming mix of warmth and strength. Startled, Jiang Li instinctively let go of his hand but then awkwardly grabbed his arm again for balance.

Her fingers brushed against firm muscles radiating warmth, making her blush furiously. Her heart raced uncontrollably. ‘He’s way too good-looking, and his features fit my taste perfectly,’ she thought, embarrassed by her reaction.

“Jiang Li, let go and sit properly,” Qi Shaoqiang’s deep voice interrupted her flustered state.

“S-sorry,” she stammered, quickly moving to sit as far from him as possible, scooting toward the door to create some distance.

The soldier driving the truck, Tang Huaimin, started chatting with Jiang Li in a friendly tone. “Comrade, you’re from Dashuping? What a coincidence! Our captain here is from the production brigade next door. Do you know Bailutang? Maybe you’ve even met our leader.”

“I know it,” Jiang Li replied softly, thinking about the dramatic engagement annulment she’d witnessed earlier that day.

Tang Huaimin grinned. “What luck! By the way, Captain Qi, don’t worry I’m a skilled driver. You’ll be home in no time.”

“Drive carefully,” Qi Shaoqiang replied tersely.

Tang Huaimin, unfazed, turned back to Jiang Li. “What’s your name? I visit this area often, so if you ever need to go to the city or buy something, I can help.”

Qi Shaoqiang’s brow furrowed as irritation crept into his gaze. He glanced at Jiang Li, who was staring out the window, looking distant and forlorn. Her hair fluttered in the breeze as she cracked the window, bringing a clean, herbal scent into the car.

‘Soapberry and herbs?’ Qi Shaoqiang thought, momentarily distracted. The scent stirred something within him, and he clenched his fists as his chest tightened, the calm expression on his face betraying none of the turmoil inside.

The truck’s headlights illuminated the narrow yellow dirt road leading to Dashuping, and the barking of village dogs echoed as they arrived.

Jiang Li jumped out, smiling politely at Tang Huaimin. “Thank you for the ride, comrade.”

“Happy to help! Serving the people is my duty,” Tang Huaimin replied enthusiastically. During the drive, he’d quietly asked about Jiang Li’s background, feeling optimistic that she might be single.

As Jiang Li stepped into the pitch-black countryside, her nerves prickled. There were no streetlights or electricity in the village, and the darkness seemed endless. A chill ran down her spine, she’d been terrified of the dark and dogs since childhood. Normally, someone would accompany her on nighttime outings, but today no one in her family seemed to notice or care that she was missing.

Jiang Li straightened her back and took a deep breath, trying to muster her courage as she walked forward. The sound of footsteps crunching on gravel made her stop and turn.

Qi Shaoqiang was a few steps behind her.

“My home is in the same direction,” he explained flatly, noticing her surprise.

They walked silently, with Qi Shaoqiang keeping a short but reassuring distance. Jiang Li relaxed, a faint smile spreading across her face, revealing dimples she didn’t know were visible. The lightness in her step caught his attention, and Qi Shaoqiang’s lips curved so slightly.

When they turned a corner, the low wall of the Jiang family courtyard came into view. The house was dark and quiet, no smoke rose from the kitchen, and no one had bothered to leave a light on for her.

Qi Shaoqiang’s frown deepened as his eyes swept over her worn clothes, a faded blue shirt with mismatched patched sleeves. It was clearly an old hand-me-down, showing the neglect she suffered from her family.

“Here we are. Thank you for walking with me, Comrade Qi,” Jiang Li said politely.

As she turned to leave, Qi Shaoqiang placed a warm paper-wrapped bundle in her arms. The savory scent of meat buns filled the air.

“You can have these. I don’t like cold buns,” he muttered, turning away quickly.

Jiang Li hesitated, clutching the bundle. Food was precious, and no one disliked meat buns, especially warm ones. She realized he was lying to make it easier for her to accept.

“Thank you,” she said softly. “But I can’t accept charity. I’ll return the money for these.”

Qi Shaoqiang paused, then smiled faintly. “In a few days, I’ll be assigned to work at the Wuyang Food Factory. You can find me there to return the money.”

Without giving her a chance to argue, he turned and strode away into the night. ‘She’ll come to return it. This way, I’ll see her again,’ he thought, lips twitching upward as he quickened his pace toward Bailutang.