Chapter 21: Taking a Spot

Time passed quickly. Before she knew it, Tang Wan’s foot injury had almost healed.

Grandma Bai told her to rest a few more days before going out to work again, just to be safe.

So Tang Wan still relied on a cane when walking, though she could actually manage without it now.

After all, Tang Wan drank the spirit spring water every day.

The water was mixed into malted milk powder. When Tang Wan first brought the malted milk powder over, Grandma Bai refused to drink it no matter what.

Tang Wan half-jokingly threatened her, but Grandma Bai still wouldn’t drink it.

Only then did she finally manage to get Grandma Bai to drink the malted milk powder with the spirit spring water.

Since then, Tang Wan also drank it daily. The effects of the spirit spring water were quite noticeable—Grandma Bai’s spirit these days was better than before; she looked different, almost younger.

Tang Wan’s improvement was even more obvious.

Her skin was naturally fair and tender, and her small, round apricot-shaped eyes always inspired a protective instinct. Coupled with her calm expression, she was simply irresistibly charming.

Tang Wan’s beauty had already become known as soon as she arrived in the countryside.

Not only among the people of the Hongqi Brigade, but even people from other villages had heard about her.

Last time, when Dongzi came over, he said someone asked if the Hongqi Brigade had a very beautiful young educated youth.

Qin Zheng told him not to say such things, but the rumor had already spread long ago.

Especially since Tang Wan drank the spirit spring water every day. Qin Zheng had no mirror in his house and didn’t really notice any change, but Grandma Bai and Qin Zheng saw things differently.

Day by day, Tang Wan’s complexion improved. The wounds on her face healed quickly, leaving no scars at all, and, importantly, she seemed to be getting more and more beautiful.

Her deep black eyes looked like they held water, with a captivating gleam that drew people in, and her lips grew even rosier.

Grandma Bai attributed these changes to her good care, which only made her more convinced that Tang Wan must have suffered hardships back at the educated youth settlement, otherwise how could she not have looked this good before?

Qin Zheng’s behavior changed even more noticeably. When he was at home, he usually kept a distance from Tang Wan, and now he didn’t even dare to be alone with her in the courtyard.

At first, Tang Wan didn’t notice, but as it happened more often, she slowly realized that Qin Zheng seemed to be avoiding her.

It was the first time Tang Wan had felt a bit insecure about herself.

Her looks weren’t just top-notch; they were definitely impressive. Though she wore loose clothing that hid her figure, Qin Zheng had seen her in a cheongsam before. She had everything in the right places—perhaps even better.

Qin Zheng’s behavior made Tang Wan wonder if maybe there was actually a scar on her face she hadn’t noticed.

But that was obviously impossible.

Grandma Bai had already been surprised at how perfectly intact Tang Wan’s face was.

Since it wasn’t because of a scar, Tang Wan couldn’t think of any other reason.

Qin Zheng didn’t realize Tang Wan had already noticed. He thought he was hiding it well.

Every time their eyes met, he felt two voices shouting in his head.

One urged him to leave quickly and not make a mistake; the other tempted him to get closer and closer, to do what he desired.

Every time, Qin Zheng relied on his last shred of reason to pretend to remain calm, but actually, each encounter with Tang Wan made his internal struggle fade a little more.

He didn’t know when that struggle would disappear altogether, or what would happen then.

In this state of uneasy interaction, the day of the movie screening came quickly.

When Tang Wan woke up that morning, it was already very lively outside.

The place for watching the movie was an open field on the west side of the village. The equipment hadn’t arrived yet, but many people were already there, bringing stools to save their spots.

Even more came from outside villages, some having arrived at midnight just to secure their places.

The whole village was full of a festive, joyful atmosphere. Even Qin Zheng’s home, which was far from the village center, felt the excitement.

When Tang Wan woke, Grandma Bai was frying soybeans in the kitchen, the unique aroma making her mouth water.

“Grandma, why are you frying soybeans?” Tang Wan asked, knowing soybeans were usually saved for planting.

“They’re for you to snack on during the movie tonight,” Grandma Bai said happily.

“Where’s Brother Qin Zheng?” Tang Wan ate the breakfast Grandma Bai had already prepared, noticing a portion was clearly set aside for Qin Zheng.

“Dongzi came to find him before dawn, probably to go reserve a spot,” Grandma Bai replied.

“That early?” Tang Wan was surprised. Summer days started early, but she didn’t expect Dongzi to come even earlier.

“Yes, some came last night and have been waiting there ever since,” Grandma Bai added, knowing Tang Wan wouldn’t know this. “People from several villages come to reserve places. Those from the mountain side find it hard to travel at night, so they came yesterday during the day.”

“The movie isn’t until tonight…” Tang Wan muttered.

“It only happens once or twice a year, so everyone wants to watch,” Grandma Bai said as she finished drying the soybeans on a large sieve.

While they talked, Qin Zheng returned.

“Where’s Dongzi?” Grandma Bai looked behind him.

“He’s over there watching the spots. He arrived late and only got a seat on a long bench. He’s watching it so no one takes it,” Qin Zheng explained more than usual, amused thinking about Dongzi’s frustrated face.

“Came this early and still no good spots?” Grandma Bai was surprised.

“Yes, and even this one was given up by someone from Dongzi’s village. The families close by already reserved the front spots long ago,” Qin Zheng put down the stool he had carried—he still had to bring back stools if there was no place.

Tang Wan watched him and seriously doubted Qin Zheng never intended to get a front spot. Otherwise, with his presence there, someone would definitely have offered their place.

“It’s fine, any place to stand is good. Eat some breakfast and bring a portion for Dongzi,” Grandma Bai said as she wrapped two steamed buns in greaseproof paper.

“Okay.” Qin Zheng washed his hands and came over.

He quickly finished eating, took the food for Dongzi, and left on his bike.

Tang Wan didn’t stay idle either. Now that her foot was fully healed, it wasn’t appropriate for her to keep staying here. Taking advantage of the time, she packed up her things to send back to the educated youth settlement, so she could stay there directly tonight.

On the way back to the settlement after packing, Tang Wan ran into Zhong Ling and others.

Zhong Ling was clearly dressed up today, her face full of joy, though her smile faded slightly when she saw Tang Wan.

“You’re moving back?” Sister Yan Hong greeted Tang Wan first.

“Yeah, my foot is healed. It’s time to move back,” Tang Wan replied.