Chapter 46 Mountain Home Hearth 46

Chapter 46: The Hearth of the Mountain Family 46

On Qin Rongshi's first day at Luming Academy, classes had yet to begin. Students from various regions were still trickling back to campus.

Luming Academy boasted a significant student body, drawing from all corners—some were locals from Fushui Town, others from its surrounding villages, and even students from neighboring towns or Luo County came here to pursue their studies.

Wu Tong, Dean Lin's book boy, personally led Qin Rongshi to the dormitories. To ensure students had ample rest, the dorms were nestled behind a verdant grove, a secluded spot featuring white walls and blue-tiled roofs. The rooms stood side-by-side, and a podocarpus tree graced the central courtyard.

"Your room is here."

Wu Tong guided him to a room, knocked first, and receiving no answer, pushed the door open and stepped inside. He then turned to Qin Rongshi, who was following, and said, "Each dorm houses two students, and this one happens to have an empty spot."

"Your roommate's surname is Xu, also from a village—I believe it's... Red Plum Village? Not sure if you've heard of it!"

"He's truly remarkable! The top student in your Class A! His scholarship is excellent, and even the tutors commend him! Since you're young, if there's anything you don't understand, feel free to ask him!"

Wu Tong possessed a fiery temper and a straightforward nature. If something vexed him, he wouldn't hesitate to voice his displeasure, regardless of gender or age! He could turn on Zhou Qiaozhi in an instant, completely disregarding the notion that "scholars do not quibble with women and children."

Yet, such a person harbored no ulterior motives. As long as your disposition aligned with his, he would treat you kindly and with a cheerful demeanor.

Dean Lin had praised Qin Rongshi to him, remarking that the young man was exceptional and destined for greatness. Thus, Wu Tong held him in high esteem—after all, even the dean had lauded him! He approved!

Red Plum Village?

Hearing Wu Tong's words, Qin Rongshi nodded and replied, "I've heard of it. It's not far from our village."

Red Plum Village was, in fact, quite renowned. This "red plum" referred not to the flower, but to a type of plum called "rouge plum," a specialty of the village, which lent its name to the area.

This being Qin Rongshi's first visit to Luming Academy, he had brought numerous belongings. Wu Tong helped him carry some, and upon entering the room, placed the bundle on the empty bed against the wall.

He added, "The room is fully furnished with a bed, desk, and cabinet. See if anything's missing. You still have time today to go out and buy what you need."

The room wasn't spacious, but it was well-appointed. Frankly, the environment was far superior to Qin Rongshi's room back home.

He nodded and said, "It's excellent. Nothing is lacking."

Wu Tong waved his hand and continued, "You're a student in Class A of Three Pines Academy. Your roommate is also in Class A, so you can attend classes with him tomorrow. Since you're new this year and unfamiliar with things, be sure to ask many questions about your coursework."

"Oh... right, tomorrow the kitchen is making three-treasure porridge and red bean flatbread. They only prepare it once a month, and it's exceptionally delicious! Go early, or it'll be gone!"

When the topic of food arose, Wu Tong's eyes brightened considerably, sparkling like stars. He seemed to be licking his lips as he spoke, clearly yearning for it.

Qin Rongshi nodded in agreement. After a moment's hesitation, he retrieved a small oil-paper package of orange soft candy from his bundle and extended it to Wu Tong.

He said, "Thank you for accompanying me, Brother Wu Tong. Please accept this—it's a small token of my appreciation."

The gift had been prepared by Liu Guyu. On the journey, he had chattered on about Qin Rongshi's reserved nature, emphasizing the importance of building good relationships with classmates and roommates at the academy. He hoped Qin Rongshi would make close friends, and to that end, had specially prepared several packages of orange soft candy for him to share.

Qin Rongshi genuinely enjoyed the sweet and sour taste of the orange soft candy. He had originally intended to keep it all for himself and secretly indulge, so it took considerable internal struggle to part with one package.

Wu Tong's eyes widened, and he instinctively recoiled, his chest and neck drawing back, even holding his breath to avoid contact with Qin Rongshi's outstretched hand.

He waved both hands frantically, saying in a rush, "It's all part of my duty! No gifts are necessary! If the dean finds out, we'll both be scolded! Please put it away!"

Qin Rongshi reiterated, "It's nothing valuable, just some homemade treats."

As he spoke, he opened the oil-paper package, revealing square, orange soft candies dusted with white sugar, soft and pliable, looking utterly delectable.

The quantity was modest, just enough to fill his palm. It truly wasn't valuable, but the sentiment behind it was what mattered.

Wu Tong was older than Qin Rongshi, but still shy of adulthood, and quite the glutton.

Had it been an expensive gift, he wouldn't have dared accept it and might even have reprimanded you. But upon seeing something delicious, his gaze became fixed, as if glued to the candies.

The vibrant orange hue, soft and springy texture, and sweet aroma... it looked so incredibly tasty!

"Well... then I'll accept it! If you ever need anything else, just ask me! If I can help, I absolutely will!"

Wu Tong licked his lips, then reached out and snatched the oil-paper package from Qin Rongshi's hand. He gave it a couple of shakes before turning and departing.

Not long after he turned away, he popped a soft candy into his mouth. "Wow, delicious!"

Wu Tong clenched his fist, then skipped off, shaking his head.

Now alone in the room, Qin Rongshi made his bed and tidied the room briefly. It wasn't particularly messy, but having been vacant for over half a month, some dust had accumulated.

He had just finished wiping his desk and was about to put his spare clothes into the cabinet when the door opened from the outside, and a young man of sixteen or seventeen entered.

The young man paused for a moment upon seeing Qin Rongshi, then broke into an enthusiastic smile and greeted him, "You must be the new classmate this year? A pleasure to meet you. My surname is Xu, Xu Xing. You... you look quite young. Just call me 'Brother Xu'!"

This person was exceedingly enthusiastic and articulate, his words and actions impeccable.

Qin Rongshi paused his task, turned to look at him for a moment, nodded, and then stated his own name.

Xu Xing walked in smiling and helped wipe down Qin Rongshi's already-cleaned desk again, saying, "Since I started at the academy, I've been living alone. I was just feeling lonely, and then you showed up!"

"How old are you, Young Shi? You look very young."

Hearing the address "Young Shi," Qin Rongshi unconsciously frowned, feeling utterly uncomfortable. After all, even his own elder brother, Qin Dalang, had never addressed him that way.

Qin Rongshi frowned but still replied, "I'll be fourteen in May."

So he was still thirteen, and he'd already passed the student scholar exams?!

Xu Xing was startled, his eyes widening in astonishment. But he quickly masked his surprise and looked at Qin Rongshi as if nothing had happened, even praising him:

"In that case, Young Shi, you're the youngest student in our Class A! Truly accomplished at such a young age!"

His expression shifted rapidly, but Qin Rongshi, being sharp-eyed and observant, still caught the fleeting surprise and doubt in Xu Xing's eyes.

Qin Rongshi didn't react, pretending not to notice, and replied indifferently. As he responded, he quietly pushed the two packages of orange candy, originally intended for his classmates and roommate, deeper into his belongings.

Unaware that he had been seen through, Xu Xing continued his enthusiastic chatter, introducing the instructors, then his classmates in Class A, and then the food in the kitchen... acting like a chatty and good-natured ordinary student.

Qin Rongshi responded to each point, his demeanor neither overly warm nor overtly distant.

He remembered Liu Guyu's advice to cultivate good relationships with his classmates and roommate. As long as others didn't provoke him, he could maintain a superficial cordiality.

*

Speaking of Liu Guyu, he and Qin Banban had already arrived at the East Market and set up their stall.

Because they had first taken Qin Rongshi to Luming Academy, they were a bit late in setting up their stall. The neighboring vendors were already in place.

"You're finally here! Earlier, a few girls came by asking, thinking you weren't coming again! I told them to come back later!"

The speaker was Lin Xingniang. Her flatbread stall had been set up long ago, and she had already served a wave of customers.

Liu Guyu nodded at Aunt Lin Xingniang with a smile as he arranged the market cart. "Thank you, Aunt! Hey, why isn't the tofu pudding vendor next to me here?"

The tofu pudding vendors next to them were a couple, kind-hearted people who often helped Liu Guyu with small favors. But now the neighboring stall had been replaced by an unfamiliar middle-aged couple.

Lin Xingniang smiled and replied to Liu Guyu, "You mean Yu Geer and his man? Well, Yu Geer’s belly is so big now, I doubt they’ll be opening their stall anytime soon. His man dotes on him and isn’t comfortable leaving him alone to run the stall, so he’s staying home to keep his husband company!"

Liu Guyu nodded, thinking it made sense, but still said, "What a shame. Their tofu pudding is really delicious. I was thinking of buying a bowl for Banban to try, since she’s never had it."

Lin Xingniang chuckled along but then thought of her own son-in-law.

Yu Geer and his man had been together since they were young, but Yu Geer didn’t get along with his in-laws. His mother-in-law was particularly harsh, often mistreating him behind his man’s back.

The first time Yu Geer’s man found out, he flew into a rage, moved out with Yu Geer, and cut ties with his family. Now, the young couple lives their own life, free and content!

She used to be naive, thinking Qi Shan was a good man—kind to her Zhu Geer and generous with money. But if he truly cared, how could he stand by while his mother tormented Zhu Geer, forcing him to drink bitter herbal concoctions and trying unreliable folk remedies on him?

Ah, well. What’s the point of dwelling on it? Her Zhu Geer is divorced now, and better days are ahead!

Lin Xingniang didn’t dwell on it for long and quickly cheered up.

Just as she smiled, a shadow fell over her, and she felt her daughter Mai'er tugging at her sleeve.

"Mom, someone’s here."

It was Song Qingfeng.

Last New Year, Zhu Geer had called this man out to talk, and though no one knew what was said, Song Qingfeng had stayed in the village but never visited again.

Lin Xingniang thought that was the end of it and he wouldn’t return, but on their first day back at the stall, there he was again.

"Butcher Song? Here for flatbreads? Two with meat filling again?"

Lin Xingniang snapped back to reality and treated him like any other customer.

Song Qingfeng nodded, took out some coins, and watched as Lin Xingniang packed two hot flatbreads for him.

As she wrapped them, Lin Xingniang pondered.

She’d been selling flatbreads for over ten years and had many regulars, but Song Qingfeng was the only one who came every single day.

She knew her skills were decent—otherwise, she couldn’t have raised two children alone with just a flatbread stall and lived comfortably. But she wasn’t arrogant enough to think her flatbreads were so irresistible that one would die without eating them daily!

She couldn’t help wondering if this man was patronizing her stall every day out of consideration for Qing Zhu.

Though she thought it, her hands kept working.

She quickly packed the two meat-filled flatbreads and handed them over with a smile.

But Song Qingfeng didn’t leave immediately. Instead, he lingered by the stall. Just as Lin Xingniang was about to ask why, he suddenly pulled out a fresh pork rib.

Lin Xingniang: "???"

Both Lin Xingniang and Luo Mai'er widened their eyes, staring at Song Qingfeng in confusion.

Song Qingfeng said, "I saved this rib from the meat stall. It’s well-marbled and fresh."

Almost instinctively, Lin Xingniang blurted out, "I can’t take this! You should keep it!"

Song Qingfeng paused, then added, "I don’t know how to cook. I was hoping you could help. Whether it’s making soup or a dish, I’ll come by your place tonight to pick up a bowl. You can keep the rest as thanks for your help."

Lin Xingniang: "..."

Lin Xingniang’s toes curled in embarrassment. She was usually quick with words, but now she regretted speaking too soon. So it wasn’t a gift for her after all—how awkward!

She forced a dry laugh and said, "Th-this won’t do! Besides… you know I’m busy with the stall every day. When would I have time to cook meat dishes? You men have no idea how long it takes to simmer soup!"

Song Qingfeng seemed to have prepared his response and quickly said, "There’s someone else at home, right? They could help."

Someone else? Who else? She and Mai'er were at the stall, leaving only Qing Zhu and the two dogs at home!

It couldn’t be the dogs doing the cooking!

What a sly guy—so this was his plan all along!

Lin Xingniang’s smile grew even more strained.

Song Qingfeng had helped her family greatly in the past, making it hard for Lin Xingniang to refuse. She was usually sharp-tongued when arguing with the village women and men, but now she couldn’t find the words to say no.

Seeing an opening, Song Qingfeng placed the pork rib on the stall, thanked her twice, and left with his flatbreads.

Only after he was far away did Lin Xingniang snap out of it and exclaim in surprise, "Wait? Isn’t that man living in town now? I thought he was only staying in the village for the New Year!"

No one answered her, not even Luo Mai'er, who was staring eagerly at the pork rib, drooling.

Author’s note: My OTP can’t end in tragedy! Bamboo should grow on the mountain peaks! Even their names are a perfect match!