Zhao Shixiao dared not tell his family about the cause and consequence of his fall, fearing his father would call him foolish and his mother would nag him about why he was still talking to Jun Jiuli.
With a bruised backside and no strength to walk any further, Chen Qianyue's check-ins were put on hold for several days.
Chen Qianyue grew anxious waiting at home but was too embarrassed to inquire from others.
After a few days of consideration, she decided to visit Zhao Shixiao at the Tomato Brigade. She lied to her family and made her way to the Tomato Brigade.
Seeing so many houses, Chen Qianyue was stumped. Which one was Zhao Shixiao's home? After a moment of hesitation, she decided to ask an auntie sitting under a big tree.
"Auntie, do you know where Zhao Shixiao lives?"
The auntie sized her up from head to toe. "I do, it's our brigade leader's house. Who are you, and why are you looking for his son?"
"I'm from the neighboring brigade. He used to be my classmate. I need to borrow some notes from him."
She lowered her head after speaking. The auntie saw through her lie but didn't expose it. She got up and pointed the way for her.
Chen Qianyue thanked the auntie profusely after memorizing the directions. As she walked away, the auntie headed back into the village, eager to share new gossip with her old friends.
...
"Is anyone home? I'm looking for Zhao Shixiao."
Hearing this voice, Zhao Shixiao and his parents were overjoyed. The three exchanged glances, filled with the joy of success.
Father Zhao: "Chengcheng, go open the door."
"Okay."
"Who are you? What do you want with my brother? Come in quickly."
Zhao Nuancheng asked while enthusiastically welcoming her in. Based on her father's attitude, she knew how to treat the person at the door.
"I'm your brother's classmate."
Zhao Nuancheng sized up Chen Qianyue with a smile. "Then I'll call you sister. You're so beautiful. It's so admirable that you're a girl who can study. I really envy you."
Chen Qianyue was a bit surprised. Zhao Shixiao rarely mentioned his sister to her. She asked with a hint of doubt, "Your uncle and aunt don't let you study?"
If that were the case, she would have to reconsider her relationship with Zhao Shixiao. Families that appeared harmonious but favored boys over girls were the worst.
Zhao Nuancheng immediately shook her head like a rattle drum. "No, no. Sister, you've misunderstood. It's because I'm too stupid and can't learn anything. Studying is too boring, and I myself insisted on not studying."
She then lowered her head, feigning shyness. Her father had told her not to say her parents wouldn't let her study in front of outsiders, but rather that she herself didn't want to.
Otherwise, if people knew, they would look down on their family. When she got married, her in-laws would bully her if they looked down on her, and her maternal family wouldn't support her.
Hearing her words, Chen Qianyue was relieved.
She smiled and comforted her, "In any of the 360 professions, one can become a master. Don't be discouraged, I think you're wonderful."
"Hahaha, sister, you're so kind."
As they chatted, they reached the main hall. "Sister, please rest here. I'll go call my dad and mom. My brother accidentally fell, and my parents have been worried sick these past few days."
Chen Qianyue stood up anxiously. "Is he alright?"
"He's fine, he's fine. The doctor said there's no serious problem, he just needs to rest and recuperate."
"Oh, that's good, that's good."
Zhao Nuancheng walked out, and Chen Qianyue quietly observed the main hall. Shortly after, Zhao's mother arrived, supporting a limping Zhao Shixiao.
"You child, are you tired from walking so far?"
"Auntie, I'm not tired."
"Sit down quickly, you young people chat. Auntie will make you food, and after dinner, Auntie will take you home."
"No need, no need. I just came to borrow a book from classmate Zhao and will leave immediately. Auntie, you don't need to go to any trouble."
"Now that you're here, child, stay and play for a while. Why are you in such a hurry?"
"Alright, alright, Mom, stop talking. Can you go find my second-year Chinese textbook for me?"
"Okay, okay, okay, Mom will go find it."
After Zhao's mother left, Chen Qianyue playfully stuck out her tongue.
"Shixiao, you're so kind."
"I know you well. You must be terribly shy right now and don't know what to say to my mom. My mom just worries too much."
"Auntie is very kind."
"I'm glad you like her."
"What are you talking about?"
"Hahaha, I'm just teasing you. Yueyue, you're so cute."
"Keep your voice down, it won't be good if someone hears."
"Don't worry, no one in my family will spread rumors."
Chen Qianyue nodded shyly.
"I'm sorry for letting you walk so far alone. I didn't dare tell my parents I was coming to see you, for fear of damaging your reputation. I was injured and couldn't send you a message."
"It's alright, don't worry about it. I needed some exercise anyway."
Zhao Shixiao put on a look of disappointment. "Is that so? So you were just passing by. I was being conceited, thinking you might have been worried about me these past few days."
"You're not conceited at all, I..."
"Alright, alright, I won't tease you anymore. Take the book and go home quickly, lest people spread gossip. When I'm better, I'll come to see you."
Chen Qianyue nodded sweetly and went home happily.
...
"I'm telling you, a beautiful young lady came to Brigade Leader Zhao's house alone to see his son."
"Is this true? Don't spread rumors. Do you know whose daughter it is?"
"It's definitely not from our brigade. I saw her face and hands were fair and tender, so her family must be well-off."
"Then Brigade Leader..."
They exchanged glances. "It's because Shixiao is capable."
"That's true."
...