Chapter 6

Ruan Xi spent a day learning the craft from the old tailor, and her ability to grasp things quickly amazed him. By the time she left in the evening, the old tailor had changed his nickname for her from “Blowhard” to “Genius.”

The “Genius” put on her backpack and said to the old tailor, “Master, I’ve learned and remembered everything you taught me today, and I’ve tidied up everything that needed it. I’ll head back now and come again tomorrow.”

After speaking, she picked up the big yellow cat at her feet and gave it a few strokes.

The old tailor didn’t see her off, simply saying, “Go on.”

Satisfied after petting the cat, Ruan Xi slung her backpack over her shoulder and left the tailor shop. She walked along the mountain path towards home and, halfway there, saw a group of boys fighting on a nearby hillside. In this remote area with no school to attend, boys fighting in groups was not uncommon.

Today, you hit me. Tomorrow, I hit you, or they might arrange a group fight—these were common occurrences.

Ruan Xi hadn’t planned to intervene, but she suddenly thought one of the boys being beaten looked familiar. To confirm, she stopped and watched for a moment, then called out loudly, “Hey, what are you doing?”

Hearing her shout, the boys turned to look at her but didn’t respond, continuing to hit and kick the boy without mercy.

Seeing that words were useless, Ruan Xi took a deep breath and rushed over to pull one of the boys away. They all knew each other, being from the same brigade. The boys knew Ruan Xi was the brigade leader’s granddaughter, and her fifth uncle, Ruan Changsheng, was known for being a fierce fighter on Fengming Mountain, so they didn’t dare to mess with her.

Ruan Xi pulled the boys apart, frowning slightly, “What are you doing?”

Not fighting back didn’t mean they were polite. One of the boys rudely said, “His dad is a black category, and he’s the son of a black category. We’re educating the son of a black category. What’s it to you?”

Ruan Xi held her breath and looked at the boy being beaten—it was indeed Ling Yao. He was still covering his face with his arms and hadn’t looked up. His hair was disheveled, and his body was covered in muddy footprints.

Ruan Xi couldn’t help but clench her fists.

Before she could say anything, Ling Yao bent over and, shielding his face, said, “You don’t need to worry about me. I’m fine.”

As soon as he spoke, one of the boys laughed and said, “Oh, so you’re not mute? We thought you were mute. If you’re not mute, you must be dumb, like a fool.”

Ruan Xi glared at the boy who spoke and said coldly, “Shut up!”

The boy smirked, “I won’t shut up. What can you do about it? You’re standing up for the son of a black category. Your class stance is problematic. Don’t think that we can’t deal with you just because your grandfather is the brigade leader.”

Ruan Xi gripped her backpack straps and stared at him, “Try dealing with me and see what happens.”

The boy was about to speak again when his companion pulled him aside and whispered, “If you mess with her, Ruan Changsheng won’t let you off. He could beat you to death. Why are we arguing with a fool? Let’s go.”

The boy’s expression changed, and he stopped arguing with Ruan Xi. He and the other boys exchanged glances and then walked away.

Once they were gone, Ruan Xi turned to Ling Yao and said, “Why didn’t you fight back? If you let them beat you without saying anything, they’ll think you’re easy to bully and keep picking on you.”

Ling Yao lowered his arms and said softly, “You don’t need to worry about me. It’ll cause you trouble.”

Seeing him like this, Ruan Xi felt a pang of sympathy. She reached out and tidied his messy hair, “My fifth uncle is the boss of Fengming Mountain. They won’t dare do anything to me. Don’t worry.”

Ling Yao didn’t avoid her touch, seemingly accepting Ruan Xi’s concern. After a moment of hesitation, he asked, “Do I… have any injuries on my face?”

Ruan Xi looked closely at his face, “No.”

Ling Yao sighed in relief, “It’s good there’s none.”

Ruan Xi thought for a moment, “Afraid your parents will see?”

Ling Yao looked at her and nodded, “Yes.”

Ruan Xi understood. He thought that enduring it would make it pass, as he wouldn’t be beaten to death. His family was discriminated against due to their background, and his parents lived cautiously, avoiding any trouble. Naturally, he wouldn’t want to cause them any trouble, and the best way to avoid trouble was to endure it.

Ruan Xi said nothing more and helped brush the mud off his clothes. After cleaning him up, she helped him herd the pigs and walked with him for a while.

When she got home, Ruan Xi was still thinking about the incident. Without even putting down her backpack, she pulled Ruan Changsheng outside and said, “Uncle, can you help me warn Gao Haiyang and his gang not to bully Ling Yao anymore?”

“Ling Yao?”

Ruan Changsheng thought for a moment, “The fool from the stilt house?”

Ruan Xi slapped him lightly, “Why do you call him a fool too?”

Ruan Changsheng laughed, “It’s not me; it’s what everyone in the village says. He doesn’t talk to anyone; he just carries a book around while herding pigs and sheep, like a fool with a problem.” He pointed to his head, implying Ling Yao had intellectual issues.

Ruan Xi glared at him, “Can someone who understands books be a fool?”

Ruan Changsheng still laughed, “A bookworm.”

Ruan Xi didn’t argue further, “Just tell me if you’ll help or not.”

Ruan Changsheng said, “Help! Of course, I’ll help! How could I refuse my niece’s request? Tomorrow, I’ll spread the word that the bookworm is under my protection, and no one will dare to bully him anymore.”

Ruan Xi was satisfied and smiled sweetly, “Thank you, Uncle.”

Ruan Changsheng patted her head, “Let’s go, time to eat.”

Ruan Xi touched the spot he patted and followed him inside.