Chapter 24

Chapter 24

The market was crowded, with people jostling against each other, making it the perfect place for petty thieves.

But today, the tall, skinny man had truly bad luck. First, he was spotted by a woman while attempting a theft, who cried out and exposed him. Then, he was relentlessly pursued by several men. Just when escape seemed within reach, he was unexpectedly kicked by a skinny, dark-complexioned little girl.

As he was pinned firmly to the ground, the tall, skinny man could hardly hide how miserable he felt.

It's all this 'Smash the Four Olds' business. Even the village's hillside earth god temple had been destroyed, leaving him nowhere to burn incense and pray before heading out. No wonder his luck had turned so rotten.

The tall, upright young man gave Shen Banyue a thumbs-up. "Kid, you've got some real skills!"

Others might not have seen it clearly, but he had been facing Shen Banyue's direction. He saw it plainly: the little girl was even holding a small child in her arms. Yet, with a leap, she managed to kick the thief's knee with pinpoint accuracy, sending him toppling backward. Her strength and agility were clearly astonishing.

Even an adult might not have managed that, yet this tiny child did.

If it weren't for the circumstances, the young man would have genuinely wanted to stay and have a proper chat with this little girl.

Shen Banyue didn't think much of it. They just happened to be standing on the thief's escape route, so she gave him a kick in passing. She hadn't even used much force.

Wang Guizhi and Shen Guoqing were now quite accepting of this. The girl really was incredibly strong and did seem to have a natural talent for fighting. Hadn't they seen how the group of older kids in the brigade, led by Zhao Jinshun, were all so afraid of her?

They were in a hurry to get to the state-run restaurant. Since the thief was caught, Shen Banyue smiled at the young man, said "Goodbye, Uncle," and left with Wang Guizhi and the others.

Today was Shen Guoqing's matchmaking day. They had arranged to meet the daughter of the accountant from Yangliu Brigade—Auntie Liu's home village—at the state-run restaurant.

Of course, you couldn't have the whole family, young and old, looming around during a matchmaking meeting. They had planned it out: they would pretend not to know each other. Wang Guizhi would take the kids and sit at a separate table. They could enjoy a good meal while secretly observing what the girl was like.

This was standard procedure for these arranged introductions.

With good food to eat and gossip to watch, Shen Banyue was quite looking forward to it.

Having lived several lifetimes, she had never been on a blind date herself, nor had she ever seen one up close.

Watching Shen Banyue and the others walk away, the young man shook his head with a smile. Kids will be kids. The incident seemed to have had no effect on her at all, judging by her bouncing, cheerful demeanor.

Then, his expression turned serious as he hauled the tall, skinny man up. "Let's go, to the commune!"

—

It wasn't even lunchtime yet, but the state-run restaurant was already pretty crowded.

It was like this every market day. Many people came down from Jiangcheng. They had money and ration coupons, and after shopping at the market, they would come to the state-run restaurant to eat. Also, folks from various brigades coming to the market would include some with a bit more to spare, taking the chance to treat themselves to a meal at the restaurant.

The place wasn't big to begin with. With so many people, seats went fast, so many would finish their shopping early and rush to grab a table.

Fortunately, it was still early, and there were quite a few empty tables. Shen Banyue and her group chose one by the window, while Shen Guoqing sat at a table one over.

Besides meals, this state-run restaurant also served tea—wild tea leaves picked by farmers from the mountains. A large pot cost only ten cents, its selling points being cheap price and large quantity.

Wang Guizhi asked Shen Banyue to buy a pot. The server looked her over a few times, suddenly slapped her thigh, and said, "Aren't you the little girl that kidnapper brought last time? Right, and there was another one over there! It was you two, wasn't it? You sat at that table last time too! Oh, child, what's your situation now? That old lady surely isn't a kidnapper, is she?"

For the last sentence, she deliberately lowered her voice, pointing at Wang Guizhi's back.

Shen Banyue was amused by her exaggerated expression and gave her a harmless smile. "The commune asked that grandma to look after us for a while. She's not a kidnapper; she's a very good person."

If the waitress hadn't mentioned it, she wouldn't have noticed. Last time, when they "connected" with the old lady from Fengshan Brigade, they really did sit at that table. Later, Bald even tried to escape through the window.

"Oh, that's good then. We common folks must always rely on the government."

The older sister handed the teapot to Shen Banyue, warning her to be careful as it was hot. Then, she fished out a few shortbread cookies from under the counter, wrapped them in oiled paper, and handed them over. "Here, take these to eat."

Despite the slogan on the restaurant wall—"No Fighting Allowed! Customers Are Comrades, Not Class Enemies"—the waitress comrades were still very kind.

Shen Banyue accepted the older sister's kindness, thanking her with a smile.

After the morning's events, everyone was thirsty. Shen Banyue poured several cups of water from the pot. Shen Guoqing, at the other table, had just stood up, thinking to come over and get a cup, when suddenly Auntie Liu's familiar loud voice rang out: "Hey, Guoqing's over there!"

Shen Guoqing's body instantly stiffened. In Shen Banyue's view, he put on a very clumsy performance, greeting the newcomers as if nothing were amiss, plopping back down onto his stool. Then, realizing his mistake in an instant, he stood back up again.

Wang Guizhi muttered under her breath, "Silly boy."

The three children had been instructed to pretend not to know Shen Guoqing. They couldn't eat at his table or call out to him.

The two older ones naturally didn't need reminding. Wang Guizhi looked at the youngest one. She was staring with wide, round eyes, curiously watching the group not far away. Her soft little hands were pressed tightly over her mouth, as if saying, "I'm being good, I won't say a word." It was so adorable it made your heart melt.

Over there, Auntie Liu smoothed things over. "Guoqing is usually such a clever kid, he just gets shy easily around female comrades." She laughingly urged everyone to sit down.

This wasn't Auntie Liu's first time playing matchmaker. Her words were skillful, both praising Shen Guoqing and explaining his nervousness, while subtly affirming his character—that he wasn't the smooth-talking, flirtatious type.

Shen Banyue drank a large bowl of tea in one go, then openly looked over at them.

There was really no need to hide it; people at several nearby tables were also watching.

In these times, it was rare for rural matchmaking meetings to be arranged at state-run restaurants. Usually, they happened at the matchmaker's home or at the home of either the man or woman, sharing a cup of tea.

Especially on a day like today, with the restaurant packed, Shen Guoqing's table had become quite the spectacle.

But it wasn't that strange. Transportation was inconvenient these days, making any trip a hassle. Scheduling it on a market day meant that if things went well, they could take the girl shopping and buy her something.

The girl was indeed quite pretty, with fair skin, almond-shaped eyes, and peach-blossom cheeks. She didn't look like someone who worked in the fields year-round.

She hadn't come alone. With her was an auntie with somewhat high cheekbones, introduced as the girl's own mother. The girl was named Liu Dandan, and her mother was Tian Cuiqin.

The mother and daughter seemed quite at ease, as if unaware of the curious glances from others. After sitting down, they each poured a bowl of water and, while drinking, discussed the "Today's Specials" written on the small blackboard.

"It's always like this on market days. They have braised pork and braised fish. On ordinary days, it's not so lavish, just stir-fried pork, pork belly stewed with vermicelli, and things like that," Tian Cuiqin said, sounding like an expert on the restaurant's menu.

Liu Dandan seemed a bit distracted. After sizing up Shen Guoqing, she suddenly asked, "Does your brother live in the Jiangcheng Machinery Factory residential compound? I heard from a friend that their factory's newly built apartment buildings are very impressive and convenient, with separate kitchens and toilets inside."

Shen Guoqing glanced at her and shook his head. "My brother started working there early. He lives in the old residential area, in a single-story house."

Liu Dandan's expression showed disappointment. "A single-story house? That's not much different from a rural house."

Shen Guoqing paused, then nodded without saying a word.

Auntie Liu quickly interjected, "Apartment buildings and single-story houses each have their advantages. Our rural houses are so spacious, and it's convenient to raise chickens or ducks in the yard. Guo Qiang is the most promising young man in our brigade, a real capable fellow. Guoqing takes after his brother; he's capable too, clever since childhood, learns everything quickly."

She offered another round of praise, first for Shen Guoqing, then continued praising Liu Dandan. "Our Dandan is also capable—pretty, good at her studies, calculates numbers especially fast. I think she could become an accountant like her father in the future."

This was, of course, flattery. Nowadays, it was hard to get into any work unit, and as for brigade accountant, that position was already filled.

But upon hearing this, Tian Cuiqin actually said, "That's exactly right! Xiao Shen, your brother has been in Jiangcheng for quite a few years now. Once Dandan marries you, the two of you can go to Jiangcheng together and have your brother find her a job."

Auntie Liu's heart skipped a beat. She instinctively turned to look at Wang Guizhi at the next table, thinking, *This is bad. This Tian Cuiqin and her daughter are unreliable. They're going to make me look bad!*

They hadn't mentioned this condition beforehand!

If they had brought this up from the start, she would never have agreed to be their matchmaker!

What a disaster.

Wang Guizhi's expression didn't change, whether she'd heard or not.

Auntie Liu turned to Shen Guoqing. He was usually lively, but now he was steady, not even a flicker in his brow. His tone was calm and measured, and he didn't say much, only stating, "Jobs aren't easy to come by."

"You said it, jobs are so rare these days. If there were an opportunity, wouldn't Guo Qiang think of his own younger brother?" Auntie Liu immediately picked up the thread. As the matchmaker, she was truly on edge, breaking out in a cold sweat.

Liu Dandan seemed like she wanted to say more, but Tian Cuiqin, looking toward the counter, cut her off: "Let's eat, let's eat first. Matters can be discussed slowly." Turning to Shen Guoqing, she added, "Xiao Shen, Dandan likes braised pork and braised fish. For the rest, get whatever else you think is good."

Auntie Liu: "..."

What kind of thing is that to say? Was there anyone who didn't like fish or meat?

The problem was, this was their first blind date. Whether it would work out was still uncertain. How could anyone have the nerve to demand both fish and meat like this?

It was clear now—this mother and daughter had come today specifically to make her look bad!

Auntie Liu jumped in: "There are just a few of us, no need to buy so much. Guoqing, just get a few bowls of noodles and one other dish!"

Shen Guoqing glanced at the mother and daughter, said nothing, turned, and went to the counter.

At another table, Shen Banyue didn't let the spectacle stop her from being the first to rush off and buy food.

Last time, when the commune leaders came to visit, they had presented her with a certificate, six ten-yuan bills, and two meat coupons, which she hadn't used yet. It was agreed before coming that today she would treat everyone.

The waitress took the money and coupons, handed her a tray with three bowls of vegetable noodles and one bowl of braised pork. The pork was piled high, clearly a bigger portion than other servings.

As Shen Banyue carried the tray back, she happened to pass by Shen Guoqing. She grinned and raised an eyebrow at him. Shen Guoqing rolled his eyes and sighed helplessly.

Back at their table, Shen Banyue first served a small bowl of noodles for Xiao Dizi and gave her a piece of braised pork. Watching the little one eat with cheeks puffed out so seriously, she then lowered her voice and said to Wang Guizhi, "Uncle and that lady won't work out. He just rolled his eyes at me."

She had sharp ears; she had heard everything clearly from that table. This mother and daughter were clearly treating Shen Guoqing like a sucker!

Running into such a weird prospect, she felt a minute of sympathy for Comrade Shen Guoqing.

Wang Guizhi's hearing wasn't that good. She hadn't caught much of the earlier conversation, only hearing the mother and daughter mention Guo Qiang a couple of times. However, the mother's final remark about braised pork and braised fish was quite loud. Not only did she hear it, but likely the surrounding tables did too.

It wasn't about begrudging the money or coupons, but such pushy potential in-laws—Wang Guizhi wasn't very keen.

If her son liked her, she'd hold her nose and accept it. If he didn't, well, that was just fine.

She chuckled and poked Shen Banyue's forehead. "You're such a little adult! How old are you, already knowing about 'getting together'? If it doesn't work out, forget it. Anyway, your uncle is still young. Let's just think of today as just for fun. Didn't I get to enjoy a bowl of your braised pork, little girl?"

Shen Banyue smiled. To be fair, the state-run restaurant chef's braised pork was truly delicious—fatty but not greasy, rich meaty flavor with a hint of sweetness, perfectly suited to her taste.

Eating this meal, Shen Banyue was already planning the next in her mind. She decided: next time, she wouldn't have noodles; she'd have white rice. She could eat three big bowls with the braising juices over rice!

Over there, Shen Guoqing had also finished buying. Carrying the tray back to the table, he had just set it down when Tian Cuiqin raised her voice and exclaimed, "Why did you only buy this? How are we supposed to eat?!"

On the tray were an enamel basin of steamed buns, a dish of stir-fried pork belly with garlic stems, a dish of spinach with scrambled eggs, a dish of stir-fried shredded potatoes, and a bowl of tofu skin and vermicelli soup.

Aside from the lack of braised pork and braised fish, the spread was actually quite decent.

Auntie Liu was filled with regret. Tian Cuiqin had married into Willow Brigade. She wasn't actually very familiar with Tian Cuiqin. She had only heard before that the accountant's wife was good at spending money, but she never imagined she was not only good at spending her own money but also quite adept at spending others'.

Just as she was racking her brains for a way to smooth things over, Shen Guoqing spoke up, bluntly saying, "The money and coupons I have are only enough for this. My brother is my brother, and I am me. If he has money or coupons, he only gives them to my parents; it has nothing to do with me. His job, his house—even less to do with me. I'm just a farmer, honestly earning work points to get by."

He stood there, looking down at Liu Dandan. "I can't become a worker, and I can't live in a factory housing block."

Liu Dandan's face went white, then red. She stood up abruptly. "Mom, let's go."

Tian Cuiqin pulled her back, her tone softening as she spoke to Shen Guoqing. "I say, Xiao Shen, what are you doing? Our Dandan likes braised pork and braised fish. You didn't buy either, and I'm not even allowed to say a word?"

"Besides, what do you mean 'can't become a worker'? Your own brother is a worker, your sister-in-law is a teacher. In Jiangcheng, they must have some connections, right? If they can't find a job opportunity, can't they buy you a job? Aren't we just thinking about your future life as a couple? When you have children, will they grow up playing in the mud in the countryside and have a future, or grow up in the city and have a future?"

Shen Guoqing nodded. "I know there's more future in the city. But not to mention that few people sell their jobs, even if there were, I don't have the money to buy one."

Liu Dandan couldn't take it anymore. She yanked her mother hard, rolled her eyes at Shen Guoqing, and said, "No this, no that. A poor wretch like you has the nerve to come out matchmaking."

With that, she stormed out of the state-run restaurant door, dragging a reluctant Tian Cuiqin along.

"..."

Auntie Liu was speechless. Were this mother and daughter sick? In the surrounding villages, Shen Guoqing's conditions weren't the absolute best, but he was certainly among the top tier. How was he a "poor wretch"?

"Look at this mess. Guoqing, this is on me. I didn't inquire properly. Oh, I'm really sorry to you." Auntie Liu was worn out, almost wanting to cry.

Shen Guoqing, however, was unfazed. Picking up the tray, he said, "Let's go sit and eat at my mom's table."

When they reached Wang Guizhi's table, Auntie Liu apologized profusely again.

Shen Banyue, smiling, pushed the enamel plate with the last bit of braised pork toward them. "Eat the meat, eat the meat. This pork is so delicious!"

An elderly man from the next table, unable to resist meddling, chimed in, "Young man, that's not right. You bought braised pork for yourselves but not for the young lady. Losing a potential bride over a bowl of braised pork, not worth it!"

Shen Guoqing took a meat coupon from his pocket, held it up, and handed it back to Shen Banyue. "I really didn't have a meat coupon. This little girl lent me one. I don't know when I can pay it back, so I thought it's better not to use it if possible."

The little girl had gained a bit of weight recently, not as frighteningly skinny as when he first saw her, but she was still thin. Besides, there was a whole string of kids at home. If there was meat, not giving it to them but to outsiders—wouldn't that make him a fool?

The old man glanced at Shen Banyue and said nothing more.

Another auntie from a different table spoke fairly: "That 'potential bride' couldn't be married with just a bowl of braised pork. She wanted a job and factory housing. Which ordinary family could afford that?!"

Her table was the closest. Oh my, they had gotten quite an earful, leaving everyone at their table stunned. The young man had a pretty good temper, not saying anything harsh the whole time.

Naturally, the dishes and buns weren't finished. Fortunately, they had brought lunch boxes when they came out, perfect for packing the leftovers to take back for others.

Shen Banyue ended up using that meat coupon after all. Since the restaurant had prepared a large quantity today, she bought an extra lunch box of braised pork to take back.

Full and satisfied, they left the state-run restaurant and parted ways with Auntie Liu.

Auntie Liu said she was going back to her natal family, probably to vent to her family about that bizarre mother and daughter. In today's affair, if Shen Guoqing was angry, Auntie Liu might have been even angrier. This was the first thing she had done for Wang Guizhi after "mending their relationship," and it had turned into such a mess.

Fortunately, Wang Guizhi wasn't the unreasonable type, or else she would have demanded an explanation from her, the matchmaker.

The conditions had been clearly stated beforehand. To nitpick at the last minute and even call someone a "poor wretch"—what kind of behavior was that?

Watching Auntie Liu stomp away angrily, Shen Banyue, like a little adult, patted Shen Guoqing's hand (she was too short to reach his shoulder) and said earnestly, "Comrade Shen Guoqing, don't lose heart, don't be discouraged. The road is winding, but the future is bright. You will find a partner, you will have a wife. Stay firm on your goal, keep going, you can do it!"

Shen Guoqing: "..."

He couldn't help but ruffle the little girl's head roughly. "You little adult!"

Xiao Dizi blinked her big, moist eyes and said in a milky voice, "Uncle, you can do it!"

Lin Mian looked at one, then the other, his little face serious, and declared in a solemn tone, "You can do it!"

Shen Guoqing: "………………"

These 'leaky jackets' were just too considerate.

Wang Guizhi was tickled pink and waved her hand. "Alright, alright, let's go take a look at Officer Dai's."

—

Dai Xianghua had just returned from the canteen with his meal when he ran into Shen Banyue and the others at the door. "Oh, Auntie, what brings you here? Have you eaten yet? Take a seat, I'll run back to the canteen and grab some more."

Wang Guizhi waved her hand and smiled. "We've eaten, just came from the state-run restaurant. Don't worry about us, go ahead and eat."

"Ah, then come on in and sit. I'll get you some water." Dai Xianghua led the way inside, talking as he walked. "I happen to have a younger buddy visiting. Oh, right, come to think of it, he actually has some history with the two of you!"

Shen Banyue and the others were puzzled for a second—which two of them did this younger buddy have a connection with?

As they were talking, the person inside came out to greet them. "Brother Xianghua, we have guests... Oh, it's you!"

Shen Banyue looked up. Well, if it isn't the same young man who had chased the thief at the market?

Dai Xianghua was taken aback. "You know each other?"

The young man nodded with a smile. "They were the ones who helped catch the thief at the market before."

Dai Xianghua suddenly understood, and a memory popped into his head from what the young man had told him earlier: "...That thief was running incredibly fast, and the market was crowded. He almost got away, but luckily there was a little girl, who looked about six or seven years old. She sprang up and kicked him, stopping him in his tracks. I have to say, that kid had quite some strength and amazing jumping ability—she'd make a good soldier."

So he was talking about Xiao Yue!

Dai Xianghua shot Shen Banyue a meaningful look but didn't dwell on it further, simply remarking, "Small world! Let me introduce you. This is Liao Chengze, from Fengshan Brigade. His mother was the one who tried to buy Xiao Yue and Xiao Dizi from the traffickers. Yes, these two girls are the ones your mother originally wanted to buy to fool you."

"......"

"......"

"......"

An awkward silence fell.

Liao Chengze had been boiling with anger and heartbroken every time he thought about what his mother had done these past few days. He scrubbed a hand over his face and forced a slight smile. "Well, this is quite a coincidence."

It really was quite a coincidence.

The others didn't quite know what to say for a moment. This man had finally returned home only to find his own daughter long gone, and his mother trying to buy a child to continue deceiving him... Pretty tragic.

Seeing the awkward atmosphere, Dai Xianghua quickly changed the subject. "By the way, your timing is perfect. I was just thinking about finding time to visit your brigade. The county notified us this morning—one of the children has been reunited with their family."