Chapter 18 : Throat Tightness

“How early does Dad have to get up and how far does he have to run to catch loaches? It must be very hard.”

Catching food from the water isn’t easy, especially for loaches, which like to burrow into holes. Even if Ma Xiuzhi hadn’t mentioned it, Liang Qingqing knew that Liang Xueyong must have put in a lot of effort. Thinking about this, she felt deeply touched, and her eyes instantly became red.

Seeing this, Ma Xiuzhi also wiped the corner of her eye. This child still knows how to be considerate. No matter how bitter and exhausting it is for us as parents, it’s worth it.

“Oh dear, why are you crying? Stop crying. It’s definitely hard to get good things these days. Besides, your dad’s strength is endless; you don’t need to worry about him.”

Hearing Ma Xiuzhi describe Liang Xueyong in this way, Liang Qingqing couldn’t help but laugh, turning her sadness into joy. Pouting, she muttered, “That’s a different matter. Anyway, I’m still worried!”

“Alright, alright, say that in front of your dad. He’d be overjoyed.”

Liang Qingqing agreed with a smile, reaching out to link her arm with Ma Xiuzhi’s. The latter was momentarily surprised by the sudden intimacy but then smiled and held her hand more tightly.

Due to years of farm work, no matter how clean Ma Xiuzhi’s hands were, they still looked gray and were covered with calluses, feeling a bit rough to the touch.

But Liang Qingqing thought these were the warmest and most beautiful hands in the world.

The mother and daughter chatted and laughed as they walked towards the Liang family’s home, creating a harmonious atmosphere.

The others were working at a far-off place and hadn’t returned yet. After getting home, Ma Xiuzhi went straight to the kitchen and quickly began preparing lunch.

Liang Qingqing first fetched a basin of clean water and used a cloth to help Ma Xiuzhi wipe the sweat off her face. Then she went to wash her own face under the eaves. The well water was cool and refreshing, taking away the heat and fatigue of the morning. The water droplets clung to her hair, wetting her cheeks and adding a touch of delicate purity to her appearance.

Picking pumpkins was a laborious task that strained the back. Since she hadn’t slacked off and had been working for so long, Liang Qingqing felt her back and waist aching and her body nearly falling apart. She really didn’t know how she would manage in the afternoon.

With a sigh, she wrung out the towel and was wiping her face when she saw Liang Junqiang jogging over from a distance. Without greeting her, he went straight into the house, or perhaps he didn’t even see her.

“Hurrying around, what’s going on?” Liang Qingqing muttered, shrugging her shoulders and pouring the water from the basin onto the yard. The sun was strong, and the water would dry out soon.

“Creak.” The door was pushed open from the inside by Liang Junqiang. Liang Qingqing turned at the sound and immediately spotted a yellow file folder in his hand, which looked identical to the one she had given to Fan Yanxing in the morning.

“Second Brother.” She quickly called out to Liang Junqiang. He turned around, and upon seeing her, his eyes narrowed into a smile. “Little sister, how was work today? Are you tired? If you are, I’ll come help you after I finish my work this afternoon.”

“Thank you, Second Brother. I’m okay, it’s not that tiring. I can manage by myself.” Liang Junqiang was one of the strongest workers in the village, always striving to earn a full quota of work points every day. It was hard enough for him already, so she didn’t want to trouble him.

Liang Qingqing’s eyes flickered, her gaze subtly scanning the file folder in his hand, and she asked curiously, “Are you going out?”

Upon hearing that she didn’t need help, Liang Junqiang scratched his forehead, unsure if she was being truthful. Worried that Liang Qingqing might be overexerting herself, he decided to finish his work early in the afternoon and check on her field.

“Yes, I was in a hurry this morning and missed a document. Since I have some time now, I’m going to deliver it to Yanxing.”

As expected, it was indeed Fan Yanxing’s document.

Liang Qingqing set down the towel she was holding, quickly walked over to Liang Junqiang, and, with a straight face, said, “But didn’t Mom ask you to check the private land?”

“When did she say that? Mom didn’t tell me.” Liang Junqiang frowned and instinctively opened his mouth to call into the kitchen. Seeing this, a guilty Liang Qingqing quickly stopped him. “Mom asked me to tell you, but I forgot. Second Brother, you should go quickly; otherwise, Mom will scold me later.”

Even if scolding was inevitable, it would likely be directed at him in the end.

Liang Junqiang hesitated, looking at the file folder in his hand and then towards the kitchen. He couldn’t make a decision right away.

Seeing his hesitation, Liang Qingqing gave him a bit of a push, “Brother, stop dawdling. Mom is frying loaches inside. If you come back late, we’ll be delayed for lunch, and you’ll definitely get scolded.”

The Liang family had an unwritten rule: unless there were special circumstances, everyone had to be present before they could start eating. If someone was late and caused everyone to wait and go hungry, the scolding would be light in comparison.

“I was wondering why it smelled so good.” Liang Junqiang swallowed and was even more conflicted, saying, “Since Yanxing came early to pick up the document, he must really miss his family. I can’t delay him.”

Upon hearing this, Liang Qingqing immediately responded, “Then let me deliver the document for you, and you can check the private land.”

“Uh…” Liang Junqiang wavered.

“It’s just delivering a document, not a big deal. Do you really think I can’t handle it?” Liang Qingqing put her hands on her hips, puffed out her cheeks in a fierce manner, which was rather intimidating.

“Alright, then I’ll trouble you with it.” Afraid of making Liang Qingqing angry and with the thought of the fried loaches in mind, Liang Junqiang reluctantly handed the file folder to her. Then, thinking of something, he added, “Yanxing doesn’t like people tampering with his things, so make sure you don’t open it.”

“Do I look like the kind of person who’d be rude?” Liang Qingqing shot him a look. To avoid any further complications, she quickly hugged the file folder to her chest and mentally noted Fan Yanxing’s aversion to this.

“…” Liang Junqiang didn’t answer, but his look was very telling.

Given the reputation of the original owner, Liang Qingqing didn’t have the confidence to argue and could only huff, “I’m in a good mood today, so I won’t argue with you.”

With that, she ran out of the yard without even grabbing her straw hat.

Thanks to the original owner’s familiarity with Su Jinchuan, this body knew the way to the “sent-down youth” site like the back of its hand. Liang Qingqing didn’t even need to recall it; she could automatically remember the nearby shortcuts.

The sent-down youth site was located on the west side of the village. The buildings were initially cobbled together from wood and thatch by the villagers. Over time, they had become dilapidated and appeared poorly constructed, making it seem as though a strong wind could uproot them. But given the limited resources and the shabby conditions the villagers themselves lived in, they had no money to repair these buildings for the “outsiders,” so they had to make do with what they had.

The area was divided into two small courtyards for men and women. Except for the kitchen, the dormitories and toilets were separate and there was no visiting between the two. The doors to the courtyards and rooms were always locked to prevent the youths from engaging in romantic relationships due to boredom.

Liang Qingqing arrived at the entrance of the men’s courtyard and peered inside. It was mealtime, and a delicious smell wafted from the kitchen. It was clear that the snake, which had been killed by Fan Yanxing and Su Jinchuan together, was being put to its final use.

Finally, it was rest time, but since the food wasn’t ready yet, everyone wanted to make the most of their rest and sleep a bit longer. Consequently, no one was outside in the courtyard. As a young woman, Liang Qingqing felt awkward about barging in directly and had to wait outside in the blazing sun.

Fortunately, it wasn’t long before a man emerged from the kitchen with a spatula in hand. He was likely the youth responsible for cooking that day. He headed straight for the dormitory entrance without even glancing at Liang Qingqing and shouted, “Get up and come eat!”

Soon, sounds of people getting out of bed began to emerge from inside, mixed with the hoarse, teasing voices of the men. It was summer, and the men slept in just their underwear, leading to some playful teasing.

“You shameless guy, even when sleeping, you’re standing up. Hahaha, must be thinking about women, right?”

“Get lost. I’m young and big; whether I stand up or not is none of your business.”

“Is that little thing of yours really big? Don’t say it out loud; it’ll make people laugh.”

“Do you want to get beaten up or what?”

The teasing voices made Liang Qingqing feel a bit embarrassed, but she wasn’t the type to be overly shy. Besides, she had business to attend to, so she cleared her throat and called out confidently, “Comrade.”

Zhao Qibin, the only male youth standing in the courtyard, had been smiling while listening to the commotion inside. Suddenly, he heard such a delicate voice and almost dropped his spatula. He turned around and saw Liang Qingqing, smiling like a flower, waving at him.

Zhao Qibin looked around, then hesitantly pointed at himself. “Me?”

“Yes, it’s you.” Seeing that he noticed her, Liang Qingqing tilted her head and smiled even more happily.

Zhao Qibin swallowed nervously but couldn’t help but ask, “Are you looking for Su Jinchuan?”

“No, why would I be looking for him?”

Hearing this, Zhao Qibin couldn’t believe his luck.

Since he wasn’t assigned to repair the ditch, he had just heard from his fellow youths about the work in the pumpkin field. At first, he hadn’t believed it, but it turned out to be true.

Liang Qingqing had really changed!

Just listen to how gently she spoke could she have said that to him before? If she hadn’t been harsh, it would have been considered a good mood for today.

Moreover, it was rumored that Liang Qingqing didn’t like Su Jinchuan. If there had been any rumors about her being less than pure, no man could clear up such gossip with a beautiful woman. He would have enjoyed it secretly.

What’s more, Liang Qingqing had even started working in the fields and was doing well!

This made the male youths who had previously chased after Liang Qingqing for her laziness and lack of dignity reconsider their options.

The term “sent-down youth” sounded good, but it essentially referred to people who had left their homes and were leading difficult lives.

Most of the male youths had become too spoiled by city life and considered themselves cultured, looking down on rural girls who were thin and illiterate. They dragged their feet and delayed marriage, but as they grew older, they began to worry about remaining single for life. Of course, they were anxious.

However, finding a fair and fresh girl in the countryside was truly rare.

Liang Qingqing was the most beautiful among them, but her demeanor was less than ideal…

Marrying her would be like marrying an ancestor, and more importantly, she had high standards and looked down on them. They had long since given up and started turning their attention to their female peers or other pretty girls in the village.

But now, after all their searching, they hadn’t found a wife, and Liang Qingqing seemed to have transformed completely. Not only was she becoming more amiable, but she was also earning work points on her own.

Perhaps it was because she had reached the age of marriage but no one had come to propose due to her bad reputation, making her fear that she might not be able to marry, which led her to finally realize the need to lower her expectations and start working.

Did this mean they had a chance? Young men full of vigor might see Liang Qingqing as their dream girl! After all, with her looks and figure, who could honestly say they weren’t interested?

Zhao Qibin thought about this and unconsciously glanced at Liang Qingqing’s figure, which looked soft and enticing…

If Liang Qingqing was willing to marry him, he would gladly endure any hardships, even if it meant being exhausted every night!

No, he had to act quickly. If he waited until the other guys figured it out, it might be too late.

“Comrade Liang, what can I do for you?”

Zhao Qibin quickened his pace, almost running to Liang Qingqing, and flashed his brightest smile ever. He instinctively adjusted his clothing but noticed that he was wearing a shabby jacket today. He instantly regretted not wearing his best white shirt.

Liang Qingqing smiled and spoke formally, “Could you please call Fan Yanxing out? I need to talk to him.”

She will be dried up, if he didn’t come out soon.

“Ah? You’re looking for Fan Yanxing?” Zhao Qibin’s expression changed. He hadn’t finished his sentence when—

Fan Yanxing appeared, wearing a black jacket carelessly open, revealing a lot of sun-kissed skin. His strong physique was fully visible under the sunlight, with well-defined muscles and abs that looked like they would feel great to touch.

His long legs, covered by grey shorts, were equally firm. However, Liang Qingqing’s gaze involuntarily wandered somewhere, and she quickly looked away, not intentionally staring. It was just that the area had too much presence.

With the black jacket earlier, she hadn’t been able to see it, but now it was hard to ignore.

No wonder there was a saying in later years that to test a man’s suitability, make him wear grey pants. When she saw this, she understood it perfectly.

Grey pants were meant to highlight certain “features”!

“Fan Yanxing, Comrade Liang is looking for you.” Zhao Qibin, feeling dejected, called out with little enthusiasm, then took one last look at Liang Qingqing. Seeing that her attention was completely away from him, he sorrowfully returned to the kitchen.

He had thought he was cursed for so many years; how could such good luck suddenly fall on him? It turned out that even if Liang Qingqing wasn’t here for Su Jinchuan, she was still here for another man. How could he have a chance?

He sighed; it seemed he’d have to think more about finding a wife.

Meanwhile, Fan Yanxing was dealing with Hong Wei when he heard Zhao Qibin’s call and glanced towards the courtyard gate. He was instantly captivated.

Outside the bamboo fence stood a graceful figure, and seeing him look over, she quickly raised her hand in greeting, her long sleeves sliding down to her elbows, revealing her slender, fair arms.

Her small hand waved at him like a spirit summoning someone.

“Isn’t that Liang Qingqing? What’s she doing looking for Brother Fan?” Hong Wei scratched his head in confusion. To him, Liang Qingqing and Fan Yanxing seemed like two people who had nothing to do with each other. Why would she be looking for him?

Fan Yanxing, lost in thought, gave Hong Wei a punch on the back, urging, “Stop talking nonsense. Put on your clothes. There’s a lady here; have some decency.”

Decency?

What’s wrong with a man showing his arms? Usually, while working in the fields, everyone is so hot they roll up their sleeves, and it’s not just Liang Qingqing among the female comrades; Brother Fan never cared about that. It’s really strange!

“Huh?” Hong Wei looked puzzled but quickly put on his clothes.

“Get dressed.” Fan Yanxing ignored Hong Wei, quickly buttoned up his own clothes, and pointed at the others with a frown, his tone cold and authoritative, showing his commanding presence.

In the youth site, money and tickets were valuable commodities. Fan Yanxing had the best family background among them and was generous. He always provided them with fresh goods from the city and rarely refused requests for help or tickets. As a result, everyone had a good relationship with him and even respected him secretly.

Now that he had spoken, and with such a simple request, they naturally complied, though they shared Hong Wei’s confusion and were baffled by this sudden development.

Fan Yanxing had no time to explain.

“Go ahead and eat. Don’t wait for me.”

Once everyone had rushed to the kitchen, Fan Yanxing strode over to the courtyard gate. When he reached Liang Qingqing, he hadn’t even spoken yet before she pouted and complained, “Why are you so slow? I’ve been waiting here forever. It’s so hot; look, is my face sunburned?”

Her complaints sounded affectionate and alluring, with a gentle tone that seemed to be teasing.

Fan Yanxing hadn’t figured out why he thought of that but saw her small face moving closer to him. The distance between them closed, and he could smell the soap on her hair, fresh and clean, making his senses tingle.

“…” Fan Yanxing’s throat tightened, like someone had their hands around his neck, leaving him speechless for a while.

“Huh? Aren’t you going to say something?” Seeing him not respond, Liang Qingqing took another step closer and pressed him.

Fan Yanxing felt a shiver start from his feet and instinctively took two steps back, taking a deep breath to focus on her.

Liang Qingqing’s skin was very white, and any slight redness was very noticeable. He didn’t know how long she had been waiting, but not only her face but her neck too was slightly flushed, likely from spending so long in the open fields.

His gaze moved back up to her beautiful fox-like eyes. She seemed unaware of the concept of shyness, staring straight at him and even smiling.

A fine sweat adorned her high, delicate nose, and though her lips were slightly dry, a pink tongue darted out to moisten them, adding a flush of color.

It was truly captivating.

Fan Yanxing suddenly felt that his own lips and tongue were somewhat dry.

“It is a bit red,” he replied honestly.

Hearing this, Liang Qingqing pouted and looked at him with an expression of feigned distress, “It’s all your fault. You saw me waiting here and yet took so long at the door. What if I get sunburned and become ugly?”

His delay was because…

Fan Yanxing couldn’t think of a suitable excuse and could only offer comforting words, “You probably won’t get sunburned, and you won’t become ugly.”

“You’re not a doctor. How do you know if I’ll get sunburned or ugly? It’s still your fault,” Liang Qingqing said, glancing at Fan Yanxing’s expression. Seeing nothing unusual, she continued boldly with her playful banter.

“Alright, it’s my fault.” Fan Yanxing rubbed his forehead, unaccountably accepting this vague accusation.

Unexpectedly, Liang Qingqing’s eyes sparkled with mischief, her lips curling up as she prepared to capitalize on this moment by asking him to accompany her on a city outing in the future. Just then, he spoke up simultaneously.

“Next time, during a break, you should come with me to the city…”

“I’ll buy you a box of snowflake cream…”

Seeing her on the verge of tears over this matter, Fan Yanxing opened his mouth several times, unsure how to soothe her. Then, he suddenly remembered the snowflake cream and clam oil his cousins often used. Supposedly, applying a layer of this stuff made the face smooth and tender.

Although he, as a man, didn’t understand these things or see much difference before and after applying them, he knew that any girl who cared about her appearance would appreciate such skincare products.

He decided to get Liang Qingqing a box. She would surely like it and probably wouldn’t worry so much about getting sunburned and becoming ugly.

“Get me snowflake cream?” Is that really a thing?

“Accompany you to the city?” Why did this come up suddenly?

They both spoke at the same time and then fell silent, the atmosphere suddenly turning awkward.

Liang Qingqing took a deep breath, surprised that Fan Yanxing was so generous just because of a joke she made about buying snowflake cream! It was a luxury in this era, costly and hard to come by, something most couldn’t afford or even think of buying.

Oh, how she wished she could get some skincare products, especially since she had only been washing her face with water recently and her skin was drying out. But her financial situation was tight, and she was feeling down about it.

But now he said he would buy it for her!

However, considering that the person in front of her was her target for a future relationship, she decided to decline for the sake of long-term plans. She swallowed the “Sure, that’s great” she was about to say and instead said, “No need, no need.”

“It’s too much of a bother. Just accompanying me to the city will be enough.”

One box versus countless future boxes, Liang Qingqing knew how to prioritize.

“Accompany me to the city?” What did that even mean?

Fan Yanxing frowned, unable to understand Liang Qingqing’s intentions.

“Oh, it doesn’t matter. I’ll just consider it agreed,” Liang Qingqing said, avoiding directly revealing her true purpose. She smiled and waved, then turned to leave. After taking a few steps, she suddenly turned around and winked at him.

“Thank you for protecting me before.”

Her clear, slightly shy voice lingered in his ears. The delayed gratitude warmed his heart, making it flutter erratically, faster than the drumbeats urging workers.

By the time Fan Yanxing came to his senses, Liang Qingqing had already disappeared from view.

Liang Qingqing, playing with a stray piece of grass she picked up from the roadside, bounced happily towards her home, unable to hide her smile. She had clearly noticed Fan Yanxing’s stunned expression earlier.

Heh, the fish has taken the bait.

Returning home, Liang Qingqing went straight to the kitchen. She greeted her older and second sisters-in-law at the door before approaching Ma Xiuzhi. Seeing her, Ma Xiuzhi smiled and said, “Where have you been? I asked your eldest sister-in-law to call you to drink some cold water in your room, but she didn’t find you.”

“I just went out for a random walk for a while,” Liang Qingqing said with a squint and a smile. Remembering Liang Junqiang being sent to the self-sufficient field, she changed the topic to cover her lie. “Mom, I forgot to tell you that Second Brother went to check on the self-sufficient field.”

Ma Xiuzhi looked at Liang Qingqing, who was beaming with joy, and thought she was excited about the fried loach they were about to eat. She didn’t ask further and instead focused on the new topic Liang Qingqing mentioned.

“What’s he doing in the self-sufficient field on such a hot day? I thought he was busy.”

“You know Second Brother can’t stay idle. He probably went to check because he was worried about the field lacking water and the crops getting sunburned. It’s a good thing. Please don’t mention this to him later or scold him.” Seeing Ma Xiuzhi’s annoyed expression, Liang Qingqing blinked her eyes nervously.

Ma Xiuzhi sighed, thinking it made sense, and since her daughter was speaking up for Second Brother, she couldn’t refuse. She nodded in agreement, “Alright, it’s good that he cares. Go wash your hands. We’ll start eating once Second Brother is back.”

“Okay.”

The water tank was next to Second Sister-in-law Huang Shumin, so Liang Qingqing went over to scoop water.

Huang Shumin was washing vegetables and was still thinking about Liang Qingqing’s enthusiastic greeting earlier.

She had expected Liang Qingqing, who had worked all morning, to be exhausted and complain about being tired, spending the afternoon resting at home. Instead, Liang Qingqing, though appearing tired, was as cheerful as if something good had happened. She was not only “full of energy” but also very happy.

This was completely unexpected!

Moreover, she wondered why her husband, after finishing his work, went to the self-sufficient field instead of resting at home. No wonder she hadn’t seen him since she returned from work.

Fortunately, Liang Qingqing had a good heart and spoke up for Second Brother, or else she would have been scolded by her mother-in-law.

“Second Sister-in-law, can I help you wash the vegetables?”

Huang Shumin was startled by Liang Qingqing’s sudden offer and instinctively refused, “You don’t know how to wash vegetables. Let me handle it.”

Seeing everyone’s puzzled expressions, Huang Shumin quickly corrected herself, “I didn’t mean it that way. I just saw you sweating so much and thought you should take a rest. I can handle these vegetables myself.”

Ma Xiuzhi glared at Huang Shumin. Was there some kind of issue with her towards Qingqing? Why did her words have a sharp edge? It was unpleasant to listen to, and she could tell that Qingqing would notice it too.

She had thought they would get along well, and Qingqing wouldn’t throw tantrums. Yet, it was only the second day, and things were already back to the same old issues.

What was going on in her mind? Only she herself knew!

Even if she was displeased, Ma Xiuzhi didn’t want any discord between the sisters-in-law. She quickly supported Huang Shumin’s statement, “Second Sister-in-law is worried about you. She’s right; you must be tired after your first day of work. Go rest for a bit.”

“That’s right. If you want to help in the kitchen, there’s no rush,” said Elder Sister-in-law Wang Xiaomei, smiling and diffusing the tension.

In fact, Liang Qingqing didn’t take Huang Shumin’s words to heart. She wasn’t that petty with her family, but to put others at ease, she decided not to insist on helping. Besides, making the trip to the knowledge youth point had already exhausted her, and she just wanted to sit down.

“Alright, I’ll help next time.” Liang Qingqing smiled, rubbed her waist, and walked towards the dining table.

The dining table was actually just a few wooden planks put together with a few mismatched chairs around it. She sat in her usual spot, didn’t care about the table’s cleanliness, and lay down on it, quickly falling asleep from exhaustion.

When she was called awake again, everyone had returned and was seated, ready to eat.

Today’s meal was considered “sumptuous,” a rare mix of meat and vegetables at home.

The loach was put into a basin with some salt, covered, and left to sit for ten minutes until it stopped moving. Then, the slimy surface was rinsed with clean water, and the loach was gutted. It was then marinated with cooking wine, ginger, scallions, and wild mountain peppers for a few minutes. Meanwhile, hot oil was added to the pan, and the marinated loach was fried until golden brown.

Next, dried chili peppers, ginger slices, garlic, wild mountain peppers, and appropriate seasonings were added to the pan and sautéed until fragrant. Finally, half a spoon of water was added, and the dish was simmered for a few minutes. It was then served, fragrant to the point of making one want to savor every bite.

Not a drop of the oil used to fry the loach was wasted. Ma Xiuzhi used it to stir-fry several vegetable dishes. The stir-fried potato strips and green vegetables, infused with the aroma of meat, were far more delicious than usual. Finally, a bowl of rice was served. Even though the rice was made with coarse cornmeal, it was delicious with these dishes, and one could easily eat several bowls.

However, rice was limited, with each person getting just one bowl. If it wasn’t enough, there was plenty of boiled corn and sweet potatoes, which were sweet and chewy, and liked by women and children alike.

The fried loach was limited in quantity, so Ma Xiuzhi gave each person exactly two pieces and urged everyone to eat quickly.

Since they had to work again in the afternoon, everyone ate with their heads down. Even Songzi, who usually loved to be lively and playful, was now quietly sitting at the table, eating rapidly, almost burying his head in the bowl.

Liang Qingqing ate in a similar manner but maintained a bit of restraint. Taking a big bite of the loach, which was crispy and tender, with a lingering fragrance, she felt that this meal of fried loach surpassed any delicacies she had tasted in her past life!

“Mom and Dad, you’ve worked so hard. Thanks to you, we get to enjoy such delicious food.”

She was so moved that she served Liang Xueyong and Ma Xiuzhi each a chopstick of shredded potatoes, showering them with flattery as if it were free. Afraid they might be thirsty, she even got up to pour them some water.

Her soft voice was enough to wipe away the day’s fatigue. Her compliments and gratitude made the day seem even better.

Liang Xueyong wiped away the nonexistent tears at the corner of his eyes, repeatedly saying he wasn’t thirsty. However, the bowl of water was still handed to him, and when he drank it, he found it sweeter than sugar water.

“If you like it, Dad will catch some more from the mountain next time.”

“It’s not that easy to catch. Dad, you should sleep in a little longer in the morning so you don’t get too tired. Resting well is better than eating any delicacy; it makes me happy,” Liang Qingqing said with a squint and a smile, engaging in a tender exchange with Liang Xueyong.

Everyone was astonished. They hadn’t expected that when little sister got serious, she could be so adept at making her elders happy. It seemed that the next moment, their father might go up the mountain to catch more loach for his precious daughter.

After the meal, everyone went back to their rooms to rest. Huang Shumin followed Liang Junqiang into their room and couldn’t help but mutter softly, “Junqiang, why don’t you learn from your sister and be a bit sweeter? Look at how happy Mom and Dad are because of her. When they’re happy, everything seems to go smoothly.”

“I’m a grown man. Why should I be sweet?” Liang Junqiang shrugged and lay down on the bed, causing it to creak loudly.

“Be careful with the bed. If you break it, I’ll see where you’ll sleep tonight.”

Huang Shumin pouted and also lay down. “There’s something I want to discuss with you. I’m thinking of going back to my family’s place during the next holiday.”

This was the first time she had mentioned returning to her family since her marriage. Though she usually made decisions for the household, this was different. She wasn’t sure about Liang Junqiang’s thoughts and needed to discuss it with him.

“Sure, I’ll go with you,” Liang Junqiang said, his voice already tinged with sleepiness. “Last time, we should bring something for your family.”

Hearing her husband was willing to go with her and even bring gifts, Huang Shumin’s previously uneasy mood finally relaxed.

Most men in the countryside are reluctant for their wives to visit their family, fearing they’ll bring back benefits from their in-laws. So, it’s rare for them to agree to go along or even support a visit.

Liang Junqiang’s words made Huang Shumin feel warm inside and reassured her that she hadn’t married the wrong person!

Thinking about it, she moved closer to him and, in a low voice, asked, “Do you think Mom will agree if we bring back some soybeans?”

“Why wouldn’t she agree? Mom isn’t that petty. Besides, since you married me, it’s not as convenient for you to visit your family. Bringing something back to show our respect is also our way of showing appreciation.” Liang Junqiang wrapped his arm around Huang Shumin, and she hugged him back.

However, she soon felt too hot and pulled away. She wanted to say more but, upon looking up, saw Liang Junqiang had already fallen asleep, snoring like a log.

He treats her so well, and she should treat him well in return.

Huang Shumin placed her hand on her stomach, thinking: He better be a good provider. It would be great if we had a son…

But, remembering how Liang Qingqing was treated in the family, even the precious eldest grandson, Songzi, wasn’t as favored as she was. Huang Shumin quickly shook her head and decided it would be better to have a daughter!

Yes, a daughter!

As she continued to think about it, she soon fell asleep, only to be awakened by the sound of the team leader banging a gong.

“Time to work! Latecomers will have their work points deducted!”

That last sentence was the most sobering of all. Everyone quickly wiped their faces, got up from their beds, and started running to the village entrance. Each team leader counted the people, and once the numbers were confirmed, they headed to the fields.

Liang Qingqing, wearing a straw hat and looking listless, walked at the end of the line, yawning occasionally. She looked so tired it seemed like she hadn’t fully woken up. This scene caught the eye of the team leader, who thought Liang Qingqing wasn’t cut out for hard work!

After working all morning, he hadn’t had a chance to ask the team leader how she was doing. Seeing her current attitude, he immediately assumed she was slacking off in the fields, despite having arranged a light job for her on her first day!

Frowning in frustration, he shouted, “Liang Qingqing, wash your face and wake up! Your careless attitude is lowering the team’s morale! If everyone acted like you, how would we get any work done?”

The loud shout immediately chased away all Liang Qingqing’s sleepiness. She shrank her neck, realizing everyone was staring at her. Her face turned red with embarrassment. After searching for a while, she finally spotted the team leader and replied loudly, “Yes, Team Leader!”

This was her first time engaging in such intense labor. Having woken up early and not slept well due to the heat, she was exhausted, feeling drained. She had hoped to relax a bit on the way to the fields, but she didn’t expect to be scolded for not standing properly.

However, she knew that opposing the team leader would only result in worse scolding. The team leader was highly respected in Daping Village, not only because of his effective work but also because he genuinely cared for the villagers, prioritizing their well-being and ensuring they had enough to eat.

Liang Qingqing respected such a dedicated village official! So, she agreed, knowing that being scolded a bit wouldn’t hurt.

Others were used to the team leader scolding Liang Qingqing, as she had often been used as a negative example in meetings before. So, they only laughed a little and continued on their way to the fields. But, there was always someone eager to stir up trouble and seek attention.

“The team leader is right. One bad apple can spoil the whole bunch. Some people are too delicate, born to be a drag on the team. They should just find a man to marry. I wonder who would want to marry them!”

This remark successfully drew everyone’s attention, and they all looked towards the speaker.