When she was sent down to the countryside as a "zhiqing" (educated youth), the moment she saw the spirited young man in a white shirt and green military trousers, she fell for him.
Like all girls experiencing their first love, her gaze would involuntarily follow his movements, laughing with him, feeling dejected with him, and even speaking loudly to deliberately attract his attention.
Life as a zhiqing was dull and monotonous, and the conditions were exceptionally harsh. As the two grew more familiar, their occasional playful banter became the happiest moments for her.
Because she loved him, she gave him her most precious virginity. Those with open minds might think it was just a membrane, but that membrane was a unique treasure for a girl, something irreproducible.
Inevitably, she became pregnant, but Lu Chengming's eyes had already fallen upon another girl.
Her first child was conceived for Lu Chengming, and also lost for him. She had given him so many firsts; she no longer knew if she still loved him or if she was unwilling to give up because of all her sacrifices.
She had countless times thought that perhaps if she hadn't given so much, she wouldn't have remained so fixated.
"You dare to cheat on me." Jin Kun said, getting up. He glanced at the bank on the opposite side, which was no longer visible, and said to his subordinate, "Just throw him in. Since he's so capable, I'm sure swimming back won't be a problem."
Swim back?
Lu Chengming's face wasn't just pale, it was turning a sickly green. The distance was too far, and his swimming skills weren't good.
"Brother Kun! I was wrong, I was really wrong, please spare me this once. I'll kowtow to you, I'll do anything you ask, I..."
Jin Kun was unmoved.
Two other subordinates came to grab him. Lu Chengming struggled, trying to escape, but he was no match for their strength.
With a "plop" sound from the river, the boat turned direction and quickly sailed towards the bank.
Jin Kun's gaze fell on Zhao Hong. Seeing that she hadn't spoken for a long time, he moved closer and suddenly noticed a foul smell emanating from her. Disgust flashed in his eyes.
"Throw the person in the water and wash them properly."
Zhao Liang stepped forward, about to act, but noticed something was wrong with Zhao Hong. "Brother Kun?"
Jin Kun turned back, only to see Zhao Hong suddenly lift her head, her gaze unfocused, and give him a "hehe" smile.
The sound of Lu Chengming being thrown into the water had completely stimulated Zhao Hong. Her fear had finally reached its peak, and she became completely oblivious to everything.
Jin Kun took out a cigarette, and someone beside him immediately produced a lighter to light it.
After silently finishing his cigarette, Jin Kun spoke again, "He followed me for a while. Find a decent mental hospital for him tomorrow."
...
Chen Lishu was completely unaware of what had happened last night. She had only been responsible for delivering a message. As for how Jin Kun handled things, it had nothing to do with her.
After breakfast, 'Da Wang' slipped out of the house ahead of the others. Since coming to the city, its temperament had become even wilder than when it was in the military family compound.
Chen Lishu had already seen him with two different kittens.
The three of them locked the door and went downstairs together. Zhao Qiuyue took Rui Rui to school, while Chen Lishu went to her own school.
"What have you been busy with these past few days? You don't pay attention to me anymore." Zhang Xue propped her chin with both hands, looking at Chen Lishu with a hint of grievance.
"Is there something upsetting you? Tell me quickly, let me have a good laugh." Chen Lishu said jokingly.
She had been busy with matters at the shop these past few days. Seeing that it was finally coming to an end, Chen Lishu could finally relax and have a good mood, so she teased Zhang Xue.
"Get lost. What kind of friend are you? You just tease me. I'm not talking to you anymore." Zhang Xue playfully rebuked Chen Lishu.
Chen Lishu laughed, "It's my fault, I admit it. Please tell me."
Zhang Xue gave her a look that said, "You know what's good for you, I'll reluctantly tell you," and then said, "I find myself thinking about the figure who saved me from time to time. It feels like I have no appetite for food."
Zhang Xue sighed dejectedly, "Alas, what is love in this world, that it makes people want to die for each other."
Chen Lishu found it hard to believe that Zhang Xue, who was usually a tomboy and even called "Brother Zhang" by Li Zhiwei, could say such things. She felt that this girl might have truly fallen for someone.
But in the vast sea of people, and with so many soldiers, Zhang Xue didn't even know the person's name.
Guessing that she might just be admiring the demeanor of a soldier, rather than a specific person, Chen Lishu thought for a moment and said, "How about I mention it to my husband when I get back and have him find someone for you? You're so outstanding, you deserve someone better."
Zhang Xue glanced at her and then slumped back onto the table, saying, "Once you've seen the great sea, other waters are hard to consider; apart from Wushan, no other clouds are beautiful."
Chen Lishu: "..."
She hadn't noticed it before, but she was surprised that an unknown person could inspire such literary depth in Zhang Xue, whose literary knowledge was usually quite limited.
"How about I treat you to braised pork for lunch?"
"Really?" Hearing about meat, Zhang Xue sat up from the table instantly, her eyes shining as she looked at Chen Lishu.
"I haven't eaten meat in so long. My mom said if I bring too much money, I'd just eat and drink it all. With graduation next year, and my age where I should be looking for a husband, she wants to save the extra money as my dowry. You have no idea how stingy my mother is; the living expenses she gives me are pitifully little. I don't even dare to eat meat now, otherwise, I wouldn't even be able to afford rice by the end of the month."
"Brother Zhang, I saw you eat two bowls of rice at noon yesterday. I think, if you just cut your portion in half, the problem of not having enough money will be solved."
Li Zhiwei suddenly interjected, and Chen Lishu felt like she had been tricked.
Seeing Chen Lishu's suspicious gaze, Zhang Xue gritted her teeth in annoyance, "Just shut up. No one will think you're mute if you don't speak."
"I'll treat you to lunch today, you two should come along too," Chen Lishu said, looking at Li Zhiwei and Feng Pangzi.
"That's thoughtful of you. Next time it's our turn for cleaning duty, don't be polite, just call on Pangzi." Li Zhiwei said, patting Feng Pangzi on the shoulder.
Feng Pangzi: "Why call on me?"
Li Zhiwei: "Because there's no such thing as a free lunch."
Feng Pangzi: "Then aren't you eating too?"
Li Zhiwei said matter-of-factly, "That's why I've arranged for you, brother."
Feng Pangzi: "..."
The group had lunch together. Since there were no classes in the afternoon, Chen Lishu planned to go and check on the shop. Li Yuanchao's goods would arrive in the next couple of days, and she needed to remind Wang Aixiang and the others to receive them.
Zhang Xue had nothing else to do, so she volunteered to accompany her.
When they arrived at the shop, Chen Lishu had just opened the door when she heard a loud voice: "Sister-in-law!"
Seeing that it was Li Weimin, Chen Lishu smiled and greeted him, "What brings you here today?"