The large jar was meant for pickling vegetables.
Despite the distraction of recent gossip, no one forgot their essential daily tasks. After all, while eating melons (gossiping) was enjoyable, filling their own stomachs was more important.
Lin Zhen’s injured leg had healed enough that he could place it on the ground, but he still walked with a noticeable limp. Old Qin’s acupuncture and the three-hundred-year-old wild ginseng wine had worked wonders. However, to avoid leaving any long-term issues, Song Wei insisted he continue using a crutch.
Lin Zhen, tall and dressed in a military coat, naturally drew attention as they walked.
First glance (Amazed): “What a tall and striking young man! So dashing in his military coat.”
Second glance (Scared): “Why does he look so fierce?”
Third glance (Sympathy): “What a pity he’s a cripple.”
Lin Zhen paid no mind to these stares and acted as though he didn’t notice them. His focus was on Song Wei, who was bargaining with a shopkeeper over the price of the large jar.
With Lin Zhen standing behind her, the usually haughty shopkeeper behaved meekly, not daring to raise his voice even during negotiations.
In the end, Song Wei managed to secure the jar at a favorable price. The jar was so large it reached her waist and was big enough for her to sit inside.
Amid the shopkeeper’s and onlookers’ stunned gazes, Song Wei bent down, effortlessly lifted the heavy jar onto her shoulder, and said, “Let’s go.”
Lin Zhen, carrying a bamboo basket on his back, followed her calmly. Their unusual display naturally drew even more attention along the way, with people staring at the petite woman carrying such a massive jar. Many looked so astonished it seemed their eyes might pop out of their sockets.
The two stopped by a state-run restaurant on their way back. Lin Zhen bought a large number of steamed buns and dumplings, carrying them in one hand.
The couple, looking rather conspicuous with their giant jar and other items, made their way to the town’s edge and got on the ox cart they had arranged earlier.
The elderly driver, who had been waiting there was so shocked by the sight of the giant jar that he forgot to smoke his pipe.
“Old man, thank you for your trouble. Let’s head back now,” Song Wei said.
Lin Zhen handed over a few steamed buns to the driver. “Here, Old Wang, have something to eat.”
He then gave Song Wei a steaming meat bun, which she promptly began eating as she sat in the cart.
The winter air was so cold that every exhale turned into white puffs of mist. Song Wei’s small face looked even more delicate and petite against the large bun in her hands. She ate quickly, her cheeks puffing out adorably as she chewed.
Lin Zhen also polished off a plain bun in just a few bites.
The two held the giant jar steady as the ox cart swayed slowly along the snowy path.
“This weather is bitter cold. If not for our friendship, I’d never agree to come out,” the driver grumbled, patting the ox sympathetically. He pointed to the wheel tracks left in the snow and sighed, “If only we had machines. They just need fuel and aren’t afraid of the cold or tiredness. They’d run much faster too.”
Song Wei and Lin Zhen followed his gaze to the wheel tracks.
“That’s a tractor,” Lin Zhen remarked.
The driver nodded. “It must be from Fuxing Brigade. Only they have tractors around here. When will our brigade be able to buy one?”
Shaking his head, the old man continued steering the ox cart toward Ping’an Brigade.
Lin Zhen, however, took note of the conversation. A tractor? That might be something he could arrange. He decided to keep it in mind but said nothing for now.
Back in the village, Song Wei still carried the jar herself, heading straight to the backyard plot.
“Where is everyone?” she wondered aloud.
Because they had to send her brother off, they got up very early today, around four in the morning, and took a ox cart to the town. Then Lin Zhen arranged a large truck to take them to the city to take the train.
Even Su Fang wasn’t around.
Not thinking much of it, Song Wei and Lin Zhen went to his great-uncle’s house to pick up Heidan and the two wolf pups.
“Brother! Sister Song!”
Heidan, who had been playing with a group of children, immediately abandoned his playmates and ran toward them.
Song Wei caught him in her arms as the two wolf pups followed, barking excitedly. Their blue eyes sparkled brightly.
“I brought you a gift. Share it with your friends,” Song Wei said, handing Heidan a few pieces of White Rabbit Creamy Candy—a rare treat and the best candy available.
Heidan was so happy he spun around in circles.
The other children, familiar faces to Song Wei, gathered around eagerly. These included Shuanzi, the two children from the brigade leader’s family, and a few others from Lin Zhen’s great-uncle’s family.
Heidan, influenced by Song Wei’s generosity, guarded his food around strangers but was quite generous with his friends. He gave each child a candy, saying seriously, “Make sure to thank Sister Song and Brother. They’re the ones who bought these.”
The children obediently lined up and chorused, “Thank you, Sister Song! Thank you, Brother Lin!”
“How sweet,” Song Wei said, smiling fondly.
She considered patting their heads but hesitated when she noticed the mud on their faces and wet patches on their clothes.
Song Wei: ….
Well, being well behaved only seems to be temporary.
“Your clothes are wet. Go inside to warm up,” she said.
The children, now holding their candies, obediently trotted inside.
Inside the house, Lin Zhen presented a bottle of wine to his great-uncle and great-aunt.
The great-uncle’s eyes lit up with delight. “Ah, I would love a little wine.”
The great-aunt scolded him, “At your age? The village doctor said you shouldn’t touch this stuff!”
The old man immediately wilted. “I’d only have a little…”
“Not even a little,” she said firmly, handing the bottle back to Lin Zhen. “You’re young and strong. Keep it for yourself. This isn’t cheap.”
“It’s for you and the others in the family. Please keep it; we have plenty,” Lin Zhen insisted.
“Plenty, you say? What’s this about plenty?”
A loud voice boomed from the doorway as a middle-aged man entered, followed by two younger men.
Their eyes instantly zeroed in on the wine, bright with anticipation.
Song Wei thought, Looks like this gift hit the mark.
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