Chapter 20: Didn’t Expect to Stay in a Cave Dwelling

Ye Siran had no idea that back at home her mother was cursing the heavens, the earth, and her, that her stepfather was chasing her to beat her every day, or that He Hongwen regretted losing her terribly.

“Comrades, this is your accommodation,” the village chief was the first to jump down from the cart, pointing to a row of cave dwellings ahead as he spoke to the people on the ox cart.

“Village Chief, that’s where we’re staying?” Xia Tiantian’s incredulous voice was a little sharp.

“Village Chief… are those cave dwellings… really for people to live in?” Xiao Zhiyu stared at the row of earthen caves, mouth wide open in shock, stammering as he spoke.

Ye Siran got off the cart, carrying a package in one hand, and turned to look in the direction the chief was pointing.

On the low slope, each door was a rounded arch—indeed cave dwellings—but they could be lived in.

In later years, many tourists who came to the northwest would stay in cave dwellings. Ye Siran had stayed in one before, although by then the earthen caves had been converted into stone ones.

It was clear that these had been specially built by villagers a few years ago for the incoming educated youths, as cave dwellings could be made with local materials and were inexpensive.

The golden sunset poured like a waterfall from the horizon, bathing the row of earthen caves in warm light that filtered through the mottled surfaces at the doorways.

The outer walls of the caves were rough and weathered, with cracks seeping yellowish soil, bearing the marks of wind and rain.

A light breeze brought a faint earthy scent, reminding her of the days to come working in the fields. “Village Chief, which one do I stay in?” she asked.

“Ye Zhiqing, the ones on the left are for male youths, the ones on the right for females. Two per room; pick whichever you like,” Chief Qu answered warmly. He wanted to curry favor with Ye Siran but didn’t want to be too obvious.

Before she could respond, Xia Tiantian quickly pointed to the one near the male youths. “Shishi, how about I stay with you?”

“Up to you,” Jian Yueshi replied coolly. Honestly, she didn’t like any of them, but she had no choice.

She wore a black dress with small white flowers made of dacron, puffed sleeves, and a multi-pleated bubble skirt.

It was obvious she had changed before getting off the train, as the dress had no wrinkles.

Her delicate features, standing by Qu Chenggang’s bicycle, brushing stray hair from her face, made her look stunning.

Qu Chenggang swallowed and, in a rough voice, said, “Young Jian, if you can’t get used to the cave dwelling, you can stay at our house.”

Locally, slightly wealthier villagers lived in brick houses with green tile roofs.

Most villagers in Gaotang Village were surnamed Qu. Chenggang was the eldest son of the village chief’s second younger brother, currently serving and receiving a monthly salary.

Their house, like the village chief’s, was built of stone—elegant, tall, warm in winter, and cool in summer.

“Gangzi, isn’t it improper to do special treatment?” Jian Yueshi politely refused. She didn’t think much of Qu Chenggang but didn’t want to offend him.

“This isn’t really special treatment. Sometimes educated youths stay at villagers’ homes first. Uncle, right?”

“If the young one wants to, she can. Youths and villagers are one family!” Chief Qu laughed.

He also wanted to invite Ye Siran, but he didn’t have the nerve to say it.

“We’re here to support rural construction. I don’t like special treatment. Tiantian, let’s go inside,” Jian Yueshi said.

Not fond of Qu Chenggang, she naturally wouldn’t go to his house. Her luggage was still with him, but she didn’t intend to carry it herself.

She walked toward the cave, and Qu Chenggang followed, carrying her luggage.

He thought Jian Yueshi was not only beautiful but kind-hearted. Despite being pampered, she refused special treatment—a rare quality.

The two male youths had no choice, as they were the only two male youths this time.

They exchanged a glance and silently walked toward the cave near Jian Yueshi and Xia Tiantian.

The taller male youth, in his early twenties and wearing glasses, had spent the trip chatting with Jian Yueshi, so naturally, he chose the nearest cave to her.

Xiao Zhiyu liked Xia Tiantian’s lively personality, and she had comforted him on the ox cart.

“Ye Zhiqing, my name is Wen Lin. Can I stay with you? Which one do you like?”

Wen Lin, who hadn’t spoken much on the way, blinked her bright eyes.

Her long black hair was braided into two plaits, still neat despite several days without combing. Her nose was straight, her face round and fair with a hint of pink.

She wore a small floral dacron blouse with white ruffles around the collar, black corduroy pants, small leather shoes, and patterned socks. Her face had a natural but slightly tired smile, clearly from a well-off family.

“Sure. I’m Ye Siran. How about that last one?” she said, pointing.

“Whatever you like, I like too,” Wen Lin said with a smile, a trace of pity in her heart.

This little girl was not only young and small but timid, always walking last and even choosing the last cave. She’d need extra care later—so pitiful!

“Since you’ve all chosen, don’t go out this afternoon. Settle in first,” the village chief called loudly, watching the young educated youths.

“Thank you, Village Chief. You go about your work; we’ll go inside and unpack,” Ye Siran politely replied.

“Ye Zhiqing, you’re too polite. If you need anything, come find me,” Chief Qu said kindly.

“Thanks, Village Chief. We’ll go in first,” Wen Lin smiled and turned to help Ye Siran with a bag, but Ye Siran avoided her hand.

Feeling even more pity for her timidity, Wen Lin encouraged warmly, “Ye Zhiqing, I’ll carry a bag for you.”

“I appreciate it, but you won’t be able to,” Ye Siran explained, as her first impression of Wen Lin was positive.

“You’re smaller than me? I don’t believe it,” Wen Lin said and tried to grab the bag, widening her already large eyes.

Curious, she stammered, “You…you…what’s in the bag?”

“The snake-skin bag has food. This one has a quilt and clothes—necessities.”

“Wow, Ye Zhiqing, your mother really takes care of you!” Wen Lin exclaimed in admiration.

She continued, “My parents and brother’s family only gave me money and tickets, worrying I couldn’t carry it. My bag only has clothes.”

“You didn’t bring a quilt?”

“No! My parents said we’d buy one when we got here.”

The two had already entered the cave, which was empty—except for a large earthen kang bed taking up most of the space.

“Siran, can I call you that? Your parents really care about you, you even have a quilt…what should I do?” Wen Lin looked around the empty cave, dejected.

Before Ye Siran could answer, Xia Tiantian’s terrified scream came from the next cave over: “There’s nothing here! How can we live?”

“Xia Zhiqing, Jian Zhiqing, don’t worry. I’ll go home and get some necessities for you,” Ye Siran said.