Chapter 27

The plum tree in the yard had borne fruit.

It was a middle-aged fruit tree with a history of several decades.

No one was entirely sure of its exact variety, but the ripe fruit was large and sweet—two or three plums weighed a pound.

According to Mother Qiuhua, when the house was built at the foot of the mountain years ago, the plum tree was already growing there.

At that time, it only bloomed without bearing fruit. Since the yard was spacious and planting fruit trees seemed like a good idea, they decided not to uproot it and included it in the yard.

Who could have guessed that by the following July, it would bear fruit, and such excellent fruit at that?

From then on, every year between mid-July and early August, the modestly sized branches of the tree would be laden with jubilant, bountiful fruit.

This year, the warm weather arrived early.

By early July, just after the completion of the high school entrance exams, the plums had already begun to take on a purplish-red hue.

That day, Chen Nongmo skillfully carried out a ladder and set it up, climbing up and down, trying to pick the reddest and sweetest plums.

Searching for fresh, ripe fruit had recently become her favorite pastime. Every day, she had to climb the tree two or three times to look around. It was both fresh and fun.

As for the plums on the tree, those that weren’t purplish-red enough were incredibly sour when eaten.

Thinking of this, the memory of the tartness she had tasted before came unbidden to her mind, making her swallow involuntarily.

It wasn’t greed; it was the kind of sourness that made your mouth water uncontrollably.

“Sixth, why don’t you go wash a couple to eat first? I’ll pick them for you. Look at you, already drooling.”

Standing on the ladder, Chen Nongmo held onto the tree trunk with one hand and shot a glare at her clueless Fourth Brother Jun. Then, turning her head back, she continued searching for perfectly ripe fruit.

Chen Jun chuckled mischievously, holding the ladder with one hand. “Sixth, why are you getting meaner and meaner? I just saw you drooling over the plums. With your short height, it’s hard for you to reach. I thought I’d help pick a couple. Why glare at me like that?”

Chen Nongmo carefully brushed aside a branch with her hand, too lazy to engage with her teasing Fourth Brother Jun.

Also, she wasn’t short, okay? She was almost 165 centimeters tall and might still grow taller.

Although Little Sister Yuyu didn’t respond, her face visibly darkened, which only made Chen Jun laugh harder. Not content to leave it there, he added cheekily, “Sixth, you’re becoming more and more like our mom.”

At these words, Chen Nongmo caught a glimpse of a figure entering the yard, carrying a bamboo basket. Smiling, she asked, “Like her how?”

“Mean, of course! You know how fierce Mom is. When she raises her fist—ouch!” Before he could finish, Chen Jun felt a heavy blow to the back of his head. Clutching the sore spot, he turned around indignantly.

But when he met their mother’s dark and ominous expression, he let out a startled yelp and bolted like a startled monkey.

Seeing her Fourth Brother Jun’s embarrassing retreat, Chen Nongmo laughed so hard she could barely stand upright.

Cao Qiuhua, their mother, laughed as well. After setting down the basket filled with vegetables, she walked over to steady the ladder, looking up at her increasingly vibrant daughter with a mixture of mock scolding and care. “Don’t fall down,” she warned.

Though her words seemed stern, her eyes were full of unhidden affection.

After all, this was their family’s treasured daughter.

Ever since the Demao couple’s vindication was confirmed, the little girl had visibly relaxed. She had once been so obedient and endearing that it tugged at everyone’s heartstrings, but now she even pulled pranks. Her favorite target, unsurprisingly, was Fourth Brother Jun.

Thinking of this, Cao Qiuhua’s smile deepened.

“Ding-a-ling… ding-a-ling…” The sound of a bicycle bell echoed from the yard’s entrance, drawing both their attention.

“Chen Zongjia! There’s a letter for your family!”

“Coming!” Cao Qiuhua called back toward the gate before urging her daughter to come down from the tree.

Chen Nongmo was curious about the letter as well.

Once she got down from the ladder, she placed the few plums from her apron pocket into the vegetable basket and quickly followed after her mother.

The letter was from Big Brother. It had been over two months since he returned to his military unit.

The family had been eagerly waiting for updates about his arranged meeting with a potential match, but as soon as he got back, he was faced with a promotion.

Now officially the head of his regiment, he was still stationed at his old unit but had a lot more responsibilities to handle.

When he managed to find free time, Dr. Bian Jiuxiang, the woman he was supposed to meet, was too busy to spare a moment.

When Bian Jiuxiang finally had some time, Chu Wuwen found himself overwhelmed with work, leaving the arranged meeting repeatedly postponed.

Now that Big Brother had taken the time to send a letter home, it was likely about the matchmaking.

Sure enough, when Mother Qiuhua opened the letter, and Chen Nongmo leaned in to read it with her, they saw that after sending his regards to the family, Big Brother got straight to the point: he had entered a relationship with Comrade Bian Jiuxiang.

Seeing this, Chen Nongmo and Mother Qiuhua exchanged a glance, both clearly delighted by the news.

Reading further, they discovered that Big Brother had written this letter on the very day he and his future sister-in-law officially confirmed their relationship.

It seemed a bit rushed, but it also demonstrated how important he regarded the relationship.

Cao Qiuhua smiled in a mix of relief and amusement. “That rascal! Finally, some good news. Looks like he’s met someone who can keep him in check.”

Hearing this, Chen Nongmo tried hard to recall anything she knew about her future sister-in-law.

After a moment of thought, she could only summon up a vague impression, apart from the name—something about a fiery-tempered, strong-willed woman.

The two of them were said to have a lifelong love, so this must be the start of their honeymoon phase, right?

What a pity, though. If only she could see her brother and sister-in-law’s romance unfold in person.

Watching others fall in love was always so sweet.

Especially when the couple were the male and female leads!

---

“Ah-choo! Ah-choo!”

On the way to the canteen, Chu Wuwen suddenly sneezed twice in a row without warning.

Walking beside him, Shao Zheng joked, “I heard that two sneezes mean someone’s thinking about you.”

Having just entered a relationship with his girlfriend a few days ago, Chu Wuwen assumed his buddy was teasing him.

His ears burned slightly, but he stiffened his neck and refused to back down, deliberately showing off as he replied, “It’s probably your sister-in-law missing me.”

Hearing such pretentious words, Shao Zheng turned his head away, refusing to look at him, while cursing inwardly. This shameless dog! Absolutely no sense of shame.

What’s the big deal about being in a relationship? Does he think no one else can do it?

Just wait. When I find someone, I’ll be even more over-the-top than him.

Once the awkwardness of certain topics was broken, they became much easier to discuss. Take now, for instance, as Chu Wuwen grinned smugly, baring his teeth. “Sorry, you probably can’t relate to what I just said.”

The competitive streak in men was a thing that could manifest anywhere, anytime—especially when both parties were equally childish in private.

And sure enough, Shao Zheng, clearly provoked, responded with a cold laugh. “Finding someone is only a matter of time. What’s there to gloat about? You have one; I’ll have one too. I’m only 24. What’s the rush?”

After saying this, he made sure to emphasize, “That’s by lunar age.”

Chu Wuwen felt personally attacked over his age. Rising to the challenge, he played his trump card. “I have a Little Sister Yuyu.”

Shao Zheng froze.

Seeing his friend momentarily stumped, Chu Wuwen pressed on with glee, “I have a Little Sister Yuyu who’s sweet, soft, and beautiful.”

Shao Zheng…

“A real Little Sister Yuyu!”

Shao Zheng… This time, he was utterly defeated.

Noticing Shao Zheng’s defeated expression, his face practically turning green with frustration, Chu Wuwen magnanimously held back his final blow—the comment on how his Little Sister Yuyu happened to look a lot like himself.

Well… best not to push too far. After all, once he sees Yuyu in person, even I might feel a little guilty making that claim.

Of course, at that moment, Chu Wuwen had no idea that if he had truly shamelessly uttered that final remark, Shao Zheng wouldn’t have lost the argument.

He was completely unaware that another childish spat, akin to a quarrel between three-year-olds, had unfolded between Big Brother and Brother Shao Zheng—and ended with Shao Zheng suffering a resounding defeat.

---

At that very moment, Chen Nongmo was celebrating with her family.

Yes, celebrating.

Today was indeed a good day. Not only had they received a letter from Big Brother, but in the afternoon, they also got a phone call from Second Brother Liu, who had been enlisted for just over three months.

Cao Liu had completed his basic training.

The company commander who had recruited him hadn’t lied.

Due to his exceptional qualities, even before leaving the training camp, Cao Liu had already been earmarked for a special role.

Now, Cao Liu had joined a security battalion in a military unit in J City, officially becoming a guard soldier.

Although he couldn’t share too many details, he revealed that his battalion was directly under the General Department, making it a relatively elite unit.

After undergoing systematic training, he would then begin his protection duties.

As for where exactly he would be assigned or which Chief he would be guarding, it all depended on his future performance.

Though it was only the first step, for Cao Liu’s family, it was more than enough to bring joy and excitement.

Especially for Chen Nongmo. She was the only one who truly understood how difficult it had been for Second Brother Liu to achieve his dream.

So, when Mother Qiuhua suggested having a special meal to celebrate, it was Chen Nongmo who responded the loudest.

“…You haven’t forgotten about going to the Liu family’s place the day after tomorrow, have you? Is the wedding gift ready?”

In the kitchen, where she was skillfully wielding her knife to prepare the celebratory meal, Cao Qiuhua casually brought up the reminder about the Liu family’s earlier notice.

Chen Nongmo froze for a moment before realizing what her mother was referring to.

Sister Yuanyuan was getting married!

Ever since the accident that had brought the two families together, they had maintained close contact.

Over the course of a few months, a certain fondness developed between them. 

Secretary Liu even personally came to invite their entire family to attend the event. 

During these months, Chen Nongmo had received several gifts from Sister Yuanyuan, so her gift in return was something she had prepared with great care. 

But… she still didn’t really want to go. “I’ve already prepared everything… How about I go find Sister Yuanyuan two days early and give her the gift then?” 

She hadn’t even gotten to know all the people in her own village, let alone those in the neighboring one. 

The thought of sitting at a banquet surrounded by strangers, with people staring at her, made her feel uncomfortable. 

Cao Qiuhua, unaware of her daughter’s thoughts, stopped what she was doing and turned her head to look at her. “What’s wrong?” 

Chen Nongmo didn’t hide her feelings and shared her concerns honestly. 

After listening, Cao Qiuhua looked as if she completely understood. “Then don’t go if you don’t want to.” 

After saying this, she even whispered, “Honestly, I don’t want to go either. All that showing off and comparing things… Plus, I don’t know a lot of people there either. Annoying!” 

Chen Nongmo couldn’t help but laugh. “…Pfft!” 

The mother and daughter laughed as they grumbled together. Then, Chen Nongmo suddenly sighed, “Sister Yuanyuan is only 20 years old, and she’s getting married already. I heard she’s only known that guy for, what, three months?” 

“She must’ve found the right person. That’s how it is for everyone.” In fact, three months was already considered slow. 

However, Cao Qiuhua didn’t tell her daughter that. She just replied with a simple acknowledgment and then added, as if lost in thought, “In a few more years, it’ll be your turn to get married.” 

How scary was that thought? Chen Nongmo instinctively shook her head and replied earnestly, playing the innocent child, “It’s still far off. I’m only 16.” 

Cao Qiuhua gave her an affectionate yet teasing look. “Far off? Time flies.” 

Time truly did fly. 

Even faster than what Mother Qiuhua had wistfully remarked. 

Time flew by so quickly that Chen Nongmo felt as though she had just entered high school yesterday, yet today she was already holding her diploma. 

Indeed, on July 12th, 1973, eighteen-year-old Chen Nongmo and her twin elder brothers, who were also now adults, officially received their high school graduation certificates. 

After chatting briefly with a few close classmates, she turned her head and saw her beautiful, radiant younger sister surrounded by a lively group of people, all talking over each other. 

While it was normal for female classmates to gather around her, the presence of those male classmates squeezing in made her elder brother Chen Jun bristle. 

He glanced at the boys whose faces were so red they looked like monkey bottoms and cursed them in his heart. At the same time, he charged toward his Little Sister Yuyu, calling out loudly, “Sixth! Let’s go!” 

Hearing her brother’s voice, Chen Nongmo turned her head, her eyes curving into a smile. “Coming!” 

After answering him, she waved goodbye to her classmates and quickly ran toward her visibly displeased Fourth Brother Jun. 

Just then, her Fifth Brother Yi, who had been called over by their Chinese teacher, also joined them. 

The tall and imposing pair of brothers, as if in perfect sync, flanked their Little Sister Yuyu on either side and escorted her out of the campus. 

Meanwhile, a group of female classmates walked out together as well. One of them couldn’t help but sigh, “Chen Jun and Chen Yi are getting more and more handsome. I’ve heard quite a few girls in our class want to date them. They don’t even care that they’re from the countryside.” 

Another female classmate rolled her eyes. “Just because they’re from the countryside doesn’t mean they’re poor. Besides, don’t you remember? Chen Nongmo’s eldest sister-in-law comes from a family of high-ranking officials in the province. Their family’s pretty well-off.” 

Speaking of this, one couldn’t ignore how striking Chen Nongmo had become over the past two years as she fully blossomed. 

Despite growing up in the countryside, she had been pampered and nurtured into possessing a delicate, almost ethereal beauty. Combined with her unique temperament, she looked like a fairy from a painting. 

Some of the more poetic male classmates even claimed that her beauty could only be described as “celestial grace and enchanting looks.” 

Whenever she appeared in a crowd, people couldn’t help but steal more than a few glances at her. 

But sometimes, excessive beauty can also be a symbol of danger. 

The incident happened in September of last year. 

At that time, despite Chen Jun and Chen Yi always keeping a close watch over her, Chen Nongmo still caught the attention of a director from the county revolutionary committee. 

This scum, old enough to be the father of any female high school classmate, believed that his overwhelming power allowed him to do whatever he pleased. He thought he could casually pin a label of “reactionary” on someone and treat female comrades as he had done before, with impunity. 

Having gotten away with his vile deeds too many times, the degenerate never imagined that this time he would fail. 

What he didn’t expect was that this time he had kicked a steel plate. 

It was through this incident that the entire school—students and teachers alike—as well as some well-connected families in the county, learned that the newly appointed Bian Jianhua was a relative by marriage to the Chen family. 

Additionally, Chen Nongmo’s eldest and Second Brother Lius were military officers. 

In the end, the depraved official, who had climbed the ranks by exploiting others and making baseless accusations to confiscate property, was executed by firing squad. 

The execution wasn’t directly due to his failed attempt involving Chen Nongmo but rather the culmination of his past crimes, which had been uncovered and brought to justice. 

Of course, this was also a deliberate example set by the iron-fisted Bian Jianhua upon taking office—a warning to those corrupt pests who indulged in similar hidden evils to be cautious and clean up their acts. 

Whether or not it truly deterred others was uncertain, but from that point on, no one dared harbor any improper thoughts about Chen Nongmo. 

Not even as she grew more and more beautiful. 

Thinking about this, one of the female classmates sighed to her close friend again. In these times, beautiful girls had such a hard life. She sincerely wished that Classmate Nongmo could live her whole life in safety and peace. 

After all, even though she was a girl, she couldn’t help but enjoy sneaking glances at Classmate Nongmo’s face… 

Meanwhile, after leaving the school, the three siblings didn’t head to the bus station. Instead, they purposefully made their way to the post office. 

When they had gone home the previous week, they learned that their eldest brother and sister-in-law had called to share good news. 

Late last year, their eldest brother had successfully married the love of his life. Now, after being married for about eight or nine months, they had welcomed a new addition to the family. 

Chen Nongmo remembered clearly: it was a pair of twin nephews. 

Since they hadn’t been able to personally congratulate their brother and sister-in-law last time, the three siblings decided to call them at the post office. 

When they arrived, it was close to lunchtime, so there weren’t many people using the phone lines. 

Seeing her two elder brothers walking protectively by her side, Chen Nongmo couldn’t help but smile helplessly. “Fourth Brother Jun, Fifth Brother Yi, relax a little. There’s no one around. I’m not some treasure everyone is fighting over.” 

Chen Yi merely smiled without saying anything. 

But Chen Jun replied vehemently, “No way. You stay put. Who knows when or where another scoundrel might show up?” 

Hearing this, Chen Nongmo lowered her long lashes, making sure her brothers couldn’t see the chill in her eyes. 

A scoundrel… 

Come to think of it, wasn’t the villain she had been waiting for—responsible for the tragic death of the girl in that novel—also a scoundrel? 

If her calculations were correct, that scumbag should be arriving in Shanshun Village very soon.