Chapter 16

Song Chunzhi stared at Gu Huaishan, her round eyes full of confusion. Thinking of how she had walked with Shen Shujian that afternoon, she quickly explained, “That guy is a sent-down youth from the brigade. He just asked me for directions, he’s definitely not my partner. Commander Gu, please don’t say things like that.”

Seeing how flustered Song Chunzhi was, Gu Huaishan’s tightly furrowed brows gradually relaxed. He said to her, “The sent-down youths from the city aren’t reliable. Don’t be fooled by their appearance.”

“Commander Gu, of course I know. He’s a city person, and I’m just a countryside girl. There’s no way I’d be a match. Besides, I’m not even thinking about dating right now,” Song Chunzhi replied, wholeheartedly agreeing with him. In her past life, local girls who married sent-down youths never ended up well. She had no intention of jumping into that pit.

Gu Huaishan’s composed expression faltered slightly. That wasn’t quite what he meant, but seeing her still smiling so naturally, he didn’t pursue it. In his view, the girl simply hadn’t awakened to such feelings yet.

“I told you there was no need for gratitude, and yet you still came all the way here to make such a formal show of it,” Song Chunzhi said, feeling a little embarrassed. Back then, both Gu Huaishan and the other officer had already thanked her. She never imagined he would come all the way to the brigade for this.

Gu Huaishan noticed the faint blush on her vibrant face. His cool eyes softened, a light smile flickering in them. He raised an eyebrow and teased, “So it’s fine for you to send me a thank-you letter, but I’m not allowed to give you a certificate?”

“You knew about that?” Song Chunzhi’s face turned red in an instant, and she lowered her head shyly.

In her previous life, as a ghost, she had seen others send thank-you letters after receiving help. She had wanted to learn from that and earn Gu Huaishan some commendation. After all, he had saved her life. That bowl of soup and two eggs weren’t nearly enough to express her gratitude.

“Our commander didn’t just praise me. He even read your letter aloud at a general assembly.”

Even now, Gu Huaishan felt awkward when he recalled it. But looking at Song Chunzhi’s messy black hair, the embarrassment quickly faded. The corners of his lips lifted, and he joked, “So I guess we’re even now.”

When Song Chunzhi heard that her letter had been read out loud, she lowered her head even further. She could barely stop herself from laughing as she imagined the usually cold-faced Gu Huaishan surrounded by people while a thank-you letter was read in public. She quickly raised her hand to cover her mouth.

“The fruit this afternoon was really sweet. Thank you,” Gu Huaishan said gently, noticing her trembling shoulders and guessing she was laughing. Thinking back on how everyone had teased him after the meeting about the letter, he had only felt mortified at the time, but now it seemed funny too.

“As long as you liked it,” Song Chunzhi said, waving her hand as if it were nothing. They were just some wild fruits, nowhere near as valuable as what Gu Huaishan had given her.

Watching Gu Huaishan leave, Song Chunzhi headed back to the brigade office, where she found Song Qingde and Song Xinhua deep in excited discussion about the commendation. She quickly greeted them.

“Chunzhi, you’ve really made our brigade proud. You actually helped the stationed troops! Come on, tell me what exactly you did?” Song Qingde asked with a beaming smile. The more he looked at her, the more he liked her. He had once thought she was quiet and dull, but clearly, the girl had a sharp mind.

Song Xinhua also looked excited. He had always dreamed of joining the army, and he was intensely curious about what Song Chunzhi had done to earn a formal commendation. He knew for sure now that the eldest Song daughter wasn’t the silent fool people in the village made her out to be.

“Grandpa Qingde, didn’t Commander Gu and the others tell you already?” Song Chunzhi glanced at Song Qingde with a hint of nervousness and said, “If they didn’t mention it, I probably shouldn’t either. What if it’s confidential?”

“Yes, yes, you’re right, Chunzhi. I shouldn’t have asked,” Song Qingde said, patting his head. “I must be getting senile. What was I thinking, trying to pry into military matters? You be careful not to talk about it either.”

“Grandpa Qingde, Uncle Xinhua, when you announce it to the brigade, can you only mention the certificate?” Song Chunzhi’s face turned pleading, her voice slightly choked. “If my parents find out about the prize money, they’ll just take it and use it for my younger siblings… just like with my work points. I don’t even get enough to eat at home.”

“Chunzhi, how about this? I’ll include the prize money when I report to the commune, but I won’t mention it within the brigade. How does that sound?” Song Qingde offered after a moment of thought. He knew exactly what kind of people her family were. There was no chance she’d see a single coin if her parents found out. Looking at the girl, skinny as a stick, his heart softened.

“Okay, thank you, Grandpa Qingde.” Song Chunzhi agreed at once. The commune was far away, and besides, no one from their brigade worked there. Song Qingde had clearly gone out of his way for her.

“The Song family finally produced a good one. That girl Chunzhi will definitely go far,” Song Xinhua sighed, watching her leave.

With the certificate and prize money tucked into her arms, Song Chunzhi returned to the Song house. As she neared the gate, she saw Song Jiawang squatting there crying, tears running down his face. Her eyes narrowed slightly. Had he been beaten again? She couldn’t help but sneer inwardly. It seemed Song Jiawang, like his father Song Xingguo, only knew how to bully his own family.

“Big sister, they all hit me… wuwuwu…”

When Song Jiawang saw Song Chunzhi returning, he jumped up and tearfully complained, his chubby little face full of grievance.

“They said our family is all about feudal superstitions, that we’re bad people. They called me a superstitious child…”

Song Chunzhi listened to Jiawang’s complaints, and this was the first time he had ever done such a thing. She wondered if the kid was hoping she’d avenge him. What a joke. She had no interest in meddling in such nonsense. The memory of her past life and the kind of person Song Jiawang had been flashed through her mind. Honestly, she thought those kids hadn’t hit him hard enough.

“So what can I do? I can’t control what others say. It’s not like they’re wrong, given what Mom did.”

She sighed, pretending to be helpless. Seeing the hatred in Jiawang’s black-bean eyes, she sneered inwardly. Others had hit him, but he didn’t hate them. Yet when she didn’t retaliate on his behalf, he turned his resentment on her.

“Aren’t you supposed to be my big sister? Other siblings help each other, but you’re like a mute pig. All you do is say ‘nothing I can do’ and go back to work. You’re as dumb as a pig!”

Enraged and ashamed, Jiawang shouted at her with venomous words, not caring in the slightest that she was his sister who often brought him treats.

“You’re the pig! You’re the mute one!”

Song Chunzhi grabbed him and dragged him into the courtyard, landing a few hard kicks on him. If a child cursed at others, a little discipline was in order.

“Ah! Song Chunzhi, how dare you hit me! I’m telling Dad! He’ll beat you to death!”

Jiawang rolled around on the ground, clutching his leg and screaming.

“If you’re not afraid of getting hit again, go ahead and tell. But do you think Dad will believe you? I’ll say those bruises were from the other village kids.”

Her eyes were cold as she stared down at him, then landed a few more kicks on his leg.

“Someone saw you fighting with those kids. But no one saw me hit you.”

“Waaahhh…”

Hearing that, Song Jiawang cried even harder. What was going on? Why was his big sister hitting him? Why wasn’t she afraid of Dad anymore? His body hurt, and his heart felt even worse.

Song Qingde moved fast. By the time the workday ended, the village loudspeaker had already broadcast that Song Chunzhi had helped the stationed troops and was awarded a certificate of merit. Everyone was encouraged to learn from her courage and righteousness.

The village immediately exploded with gossip. In one day, the Song family had experienced two big events. That morning, Zhao Wanmiao had been punished for superstitious practices. That afternoon, the eldest daughter of the Song family had been praised and awarded. The village’s tone shifted from ridicule to admiration and envy. After all, recognition from the military was a rare honor.

“Xingguo, your daughter Chunzhi is amazing. To be recognized by the stationed troops and even receive a certificate… You’ve got yourself a fine girl.”

“A commendation from the army? That’s a huge deal. What did Song Chunzhi do to earn such an honor?”

“She’s really something, your daughter…”

Song Xingguo was baffled when he heard the broadcast. His eldest daughter was always so quiet. How did she end up being praised on the loudspeaker? Still, as he heard the villagers’ compliments, a smile crept onto his face. All day he’d been hearing accusations and scorn, but now that mood had completely turned around.

“Hmph! Why her? Why is Song Chunzhi always so lucky!”

Song Chunhua, having spent the day working with red, blistered hands, returned home early to cook. Just as she reached the gate, she heard the broadcast praising Chunzhi. Furious, she kicked the door hard, forgetting she was wearing sandals. She winced in pain, clutching her toes and hopping around.

During dinner, Jiawang tried to complain to Song Xingguo, only to see his father beaming as he talked to Chunzhi.

“Chunzhi, you did well. Keep that certificate safe. This is a big honor. So tell me, what exactly did you do for the troops?”

Chunhua lowered her head, angrily kneading her steamed bun. Why did all the good things happen to Chunzhi? She was curious to hear just what kind of amazing thing Chunzhi could have done.

“They told me to keep it secret,” Chunzhi replied casually. Since the military hadn’t disclosed the full details, she had no intention of revealing her cliff-climbing ordeal. After all, she still had to maintain the image of being injured with a broken bone.

“Alright, then I won’t ask.” Song Xingguo didn’t get upset. Instead, he happily told Chunhua to fetch the half bottle of leftover liquor from New Year’s. Chunzhi being praised meant the entire Song family was praised. Of course, they had to celebrate.

Even Song Jiawang, who had initially dismissed the certificate as unimportant, felt differently now. Seeing how happy their father was, he no longer dared to mention that Chunzhi had beaten him up.

After dinner, Chunzhi retreated to her room early. Chen Xiuying and Qian Yufen came to dig for details about her heroic deeds, but Song Xingguo blocked them.

“It’s a military matter. No need to pry. Just know she did a good deed and was praised.”

“What, just a commendation? I heard other villages say there’s usually a monetary reward too. Didn’t Chunzhi get any?” Chen Xiuying asked, her face full of calculation as she stared at Song Xingguo. Trying to sound casual, she added, “The military isn’t that stingy. Maybe someone’s hiding something?”