Chapter 64 ☆ Jelly (Part 1)

Shen Yan had grown up with the Cheng sisters. He never paid attention to the skinny Cheng Nuonuo before. Perhaps the corridor’s lighting that day made Cheng Nuonuo’s pale skin and pitiful eyes stand out. Shen Yan felt a surge of sympathy and imagined Cheng Nuonuo as a poor girl bullied by her older sister. In Cheng Nuonuo’s admiring eyes, Shen Yan became the prince charming who saved her.

Every time the original owner went out with Shen Yan, her stepmother would insist that Cheng Nuonuo come along, claiming concern for her safety. During these outings, Shen Yan would intentionally or unintentionally focus on Cheng Nuonuo. When he saw the original owner “bullying” Cheng Nuonuo, he couldn’t help but come to her rescue.

The original owner was carefree and spoiled, never expecting her timid stepsister to become a competitor. She thought Shen Yan was just trying to flatter her.

Shen Yan had always been praised since childhood. While the original owner was beautiful, her bad temper made Cheng Nuonuo seem cuter and more likable in comparison. Shen Yan and Cheng Nuonuo often flirted openly in front of the original owner—holding hands and even secretly touching each other under the table—making it much more exciting than the original owner, who was too reserved to even hold hands.

The original owner was completely unaware of their flirting until Cheng Nuonuo intentionally let her overhear that Shen Yan would be going to the countryside with her. For the original owner, who had always lived a sheltered life, this was a crushing revelation. Driven more by a desire to outshine Cheng Nuonuo than by true feelings for Shen Yan, she decided to follow them to the countryside.

Cheng Yaoyao stopped her reminiscing and met Shen Yan’s affectionate gaze, feeling a pang of regret. If it weren’t for these two, she might still be in Shanghai, a far better place than being an educated youth in the countryside.

But then again, if she hadn’t come here, she wouldn’t have met Xie Zhao. Cheng Yaoyao’s thoughts wandered until she felt a pinch on her hand.

Shen Yan said softly, “Yaoyao…”

Cheng Yaoyao realized he was holding her hand, his touch lingering and somewhat ambiguous. Goosebumps rose on her skin, and she pulled her hand away, saying, “Let go!”

Shen Yan, feeling the lingering warmth on his palm, wasn’t angry. He gently reassured her, saying, “Yaoyao, I’m telling the truth. If you agree, I will definitely take you back.”

Cheng Yaoyao didn’t respond immediately but raised an eyebrow, “What about Cheng Nuonuo?”

Shen Yan interpreted Cheng Yaoyao’s question as jealousy and felt elated. Her failure to outright reject him meant he was making progress. He eagerly said, “Yaoyao, my parents have always preferred you. If you agree, I’ll find a way to take you away.”

If the original owner were present, she would likely slap him for his shamelessness. Cheng Yaoyao, instead, took out a handkerchief to wipe her hands and looked up to see Xie Zhao standing behind Shen Yan.

Xie Zhao was expressionless, seemingly unaware of how much he had overheard. He stepped forward, pushed Shen Yan aside, and slammed a stick on the table: “The number of trucks to be loaded.”

“You!” Shen Yan was furious but restrained, still wincing from his rib injury. He turned to Cheng Yaoyao, whispering, “I know you’re still angry with me. Think carefully about your future.”

Understanding that Cheng Yaoyao wouldn’t change her mind immediately, Shen Yan left after his statement.

Cheng Yaoyao called out, “Wait a minute…”

Xie Zhao blocked her path, pushing the sticks toward her: “Count.”

“Okay.” Cheng Yaoyao counted the sticks and noted the numbers. By the time she looked up to speak to Xie Zhao, he had already left.

Cheng Yaoyao’s expression fell as she felt abandoned and wronged.

The next day at work, Zhang Xiaofeng and Han Yin pulled Cheng Yaoyao aside in secret.

Han Yin said bluntly, “We have a quota for workers, peasants, and soldiers to join our educated youth camp!”

Zhang Xiaofeng was surprised: “Where did you hear that?”

“Insider information,” Han Yin replied mysteriously, “Class monitor, you are the most diligent among us, always reading. This position should be yours.”

Cheng Yaoyao thought for a moment: “That may not be the case.”

Han Yin, taken aback, asked, “Why are you being negative?”

Cheng Yaoyao clarified, “There’s only one spot. Can Zhang Xiaofeng compete with Shen Yan?”

Han Yin asked anxiously, “Have you heard anything?”

Cheng Yaoyao said plainly, “If Han Yin has heard about it, Shen Yan will know even sooner. His family is already taking action.”

Zhang Xiaofeng’s hopeful expression turned serious.

Cheng Yaoyao tried to comfort Zhang Xiaofeng, “Don’t be disheartened. Many who got into these positions through connections will find their degrees worthless in the future, and they might not even be recognized. It’s better to succeed on your own!”

Han Yin rolled her eyes, “With the college entrance exam canceled, the class monitor can’t even take the test!”

Zhang Xiaofeng forced a smile: “Yaoyao means well.”

Cheng Yaoyao wanted to mention that the college entrance exam would eventually be reinstated but hesitated, knowing the risks of speaking out in this era.

Han Yin said resolutely, “The quota must be selected by the brigade and voted on by our educated youth. The squad leader is outstanding. I don’t believe he’ll lose to Shen Yan!”

But they all knew Shen Yan had a strong family background and good grades before coming to the countryside. Despite Zhang Xiaofeng’s excellent performance and hard work, her ordinary worker parents made it hard to compete with Shen Yan.

Han Yin then asked Cheng Yaoyao, “Have you heard anything from Shen Yan?”

Cheng Yaoyao didn’t disclose Shen Yan’s plan to take her back to Shanghai but mentioned that he seemed to have a way and that his family was making arrangements. Seeing Han Yin and Zhang Xiaofeng’s disappointed faces, Cheng Yaoyao volunteered to inquire further with Shen Yan.

In the afternoon, while Cheng Yaoyao and a few other girls were moving straw mats—used to protect watermelons during transportation—she struggled with the heavy, dirty mats as the others carried them away.

Cheng Yaoyao looked troubled as she stared at the bundle of straw mats. After some time, she slowly crouched down to find a cleaner place to begin.

She looked endearing in her struggle. Xie Zhao set aside his work and walked over to help. Before he reached her, Shen Yan had already appeared in front of Cheng Yaoyao. She looked up at him, a fleeting, dazzling smile appearing on her face.

Afterwards, Cheng Yaoyao stood up and stepped aside, allowing Shen Yan to briskly walk toward the tractor with the bundle of dirty straw mats.

Xie Zhao clenched his fists, turned around, and walked away expressionlessly.

The straw mats, old and heavy from years of use, were not repellent to Shen Yan, who embraced them as if they were treasures.

The other girls, envious of Shen Yan’s assistance to Cheng Yaoyao, teased, “Shen Zhiqing^[1]refer to Shen Yan., why do you only help Cheng Yaoyao with work? Don’t we female comrades deserve your help too?”

Shen Yan, who was always popular with the girls and proud of their jealousy, ignored their remarks. He focused solely on his task, not even glancing at Cheng Yaoyao as he carried the mats.

Cheng Yaoyao, standing idly with a smile, twisted her braid and said playfully, “Comrade Shen Yan has always been very gentlemanly. How could he help only me? Right, Shen Yan?”

Her voice carried a flirtatious lilt, a tone she hadn’t used in months. Shen Yan, his blood racing, nodded eagerly, “Of course!”

“Great,” Cheng Yaoyao clapped her hands lightly. “Ladies, you can take a rest now. Comrade Shen Yan will help us finish the remaining work.”

The girls cheered and expressed their gratitude to Shen Yan before running off.

As Shen Yan watched them leave, he realized that he was now responsible for the remaining 20 to 30 thick straw mats.

Cheng Yaoyao, still watching him with a half-smile, left Shen Yan to handle the task alone. He worked hard, his body aching, but forced himself to appear composed as he finished moving all the mats. He approached Cheng Yaoyao, saying, “Yaoyao, we’ve moved everything.”

Cheng Yaoyao glanced at him and asked, “Are you tired?”

“Not really,” Shen Yan smiled warmly. “It’s no trouble. I can’t let you do this kind of work, Yaoyao.”