At the deer shed, the three children gathered around the deer, completely elated. Holding leaves in their hands, they called out to the two sika deer. Their small faces were red from the cold wind, with snot dripping from their noses, but nothing could dampen their excitement.
The two sika deer, however, were frightened by the crowd, shrinking into a corner and refusing to move.
The shed’s roof, made of thatched straw, was quickly assembled thanks to the combined efforts of Song Wei, the strongwoman, and several men from the brigade leader’s family. It wasn’t luxurious, just sturdy enough to withstand heavy snow without collapsing.
Once completed, the snow inside the shed was swept clean, and a layer of dry straw was laid down, instantly making the space warmer. There was no fear that the deer would freeze to death—they were, after all, wild animals used to surviving harsh winters.
“These sika deer are so beautiful,” said Jiang Wenwu, grinning from ear to ear as he stared at the two deer.
“I’ve never seen a live sika deer this close, especially one with a baby,” he added.
The brigade leader clapped his hands. “Well, who can outrun a deer in the wild? It’s rare to see them alive unless you’re lucky while hunting.”
“Dinner’s ready!” came Aunt Xinghua’s voice. Hearing this, the kids responded cheerfully and hopped their way back home.
The lively atmosphere brought warmth to the otherwise cold and quiet winter day.
Inside Lin Zhen’s house, the heated kang made the room comfortably warm. After a hearty meal of delicious fish, the men and women split into groups to chat.
“Song Zhiqing, what do you think about the rumors going around? Should we ask around for you? Letting this nonsense spread unchecked could make things worse,” Aunt Xinghua suggested.
“Do you know who started it?” Song Wei asked.
“No idea, but I have my suspicions, and I’m guessing you do too,” Aunt Xinghua replied knowingly.
Song Wei nodded, understanding the unspoken agreement between them. She had only a few people who might bear a grudge against her, making the list of suspects rather short.
“Song Zhiqing, what’s the situation with your family back home? Do you plan to return eventually?” Aunt Xinghua suddenly asked.
Song Wei blinked, confused by the abrupt change of topic.
Aunt Xinghua leaned in and whispered conspiratorially, “I was wondering if your family might try to set you up with a match.”
Song Wei: … Is Aunt Xinghua trying to play matchmaker?
She shook her head. Given her awful stepmother and father, there was no chance of them introducing her to a decent match. If anything, they’d likely try to marry her off to some old man or someone with ulterior motives who could benefit them. A good match would be reserved for the stepmother’s precious daughter.
Unbothered by the sensitive topic, Song Wei candidly shared a summary of her family situation with Aunt Xinghua.
Hearing this, Aunt Xinghua’s expression transformed into one of heartfelt pity. “Oh, you poor girl! What a bitter life you’ve had. How could your father allow an outsider to bully his own daughter like that? What kind of father puts others before his child?”
Already fond of Song Wei, Aunt Xinghua now felt even more protective of her.
Song Wei shrugged. “Well, they say when you have a stepmother you will have a stepfather. Honestly, coming here has been a blessing. Staying back home would’ve been even more stifling.”
Aunt Xinghua shook her head. “It’s not the same, though. You could’ve had a proper job, becoming a respectable worker earning wages. That’s something to be proud of!”
Growing angrier the more she thought about it, Aunt Xinghua declared, “No, the more I think about it, the more upset I get!”
Song Wei chuckled at Aunt Xinghua’s righteous indignation. “Don’t worry about it, Aunt. I truly feel better now. Back home, even if I were a worker, I’d always have to be on guard against my stepmother’s schemes. Who knows when she’d find a way to get me in trouble?
“That place doesn’t feel like home anymore. But here, it’s different. There’s so much food to find in the mountains; I’ll never starve. Plus, everyone here is so warm and welcoming—it feels lively and comforting.”
Aunt Xinghua took Song Wei’s hand and said, “From now on, think of me as your real aunt. Are you staying here for the New Year? If you’re not going back home, come celebrate with us. Treat our house like your own, and we’ll have a lively New Year together!”
Most educated youth would request time off during the New Year to visit home with a recommendation letter from the brigade leader. But given Song Wei’s circumstances, returning home wasn’t an option.
Song Wei nodded and smiled. “That sounds wonderful. I’d love to spend the New Year with you all.”
“Good! Don’t even think about being polite with me,” Aunt Xinghua said warmly, treating Song Wei more like a daughter with each passing moment.
Then she hesitated for a moment before continuing, “By the way, what do you think of Lin Zhen?”
Song Wei blinked in surprise. Wait, is Aunt Xinghua trying to set me up with Lin Zhen?
“He’s a good kid, a few years older than you, but he’s got no bad habits. Tall, strong, with thick brows and bright eyes—he’s a handsome young man. Every time I see him, I think he looks so spirited.”
Song Wei’s eyes widened. Aunt Xinghua was really trying to pair her with Lin Zhen!
“You educated youth may not be able to return to the city, but you can’t stay single forever. You’ll need someone to rely on and build a family with.
“Honestly, apart from Lin Zhen, there’s no one else in this village I’d even consider suggesting. You two look so good together, you know? Just think about it.
“And don’t worry—I won’t press you. If you’re not interested, we’ll pretend this conversation never happened.”
Song Wei nodded, touched by Aunt Xinghua’s good intentions. “I know you mean well, Aunt, and I appreciate it.”
Aunt Xinghua had hit a nerve. Song Wei did want a family—a real one, something she’d never truly had.
In her past life during the apocalypse, she had fleeting thoughts about finding a partner. But the constant danger, distrust, and the terrible conditions had quickly snuffed out that idea.
Yet in this life, perhaps she could finally have what she always yearned for: a home of her own.
“I’ll think about it carefully, Aunt,” Song Wei replied.
She didn’t outright reject the idea, because truthfully, Lin Zhen seemed like an excellent partner.
He was kind, handsome, and capable, meeting all her standards. Beyond appearances, Lin Zhen could cook—something she found utterly irresistible.
Moreover, he had a house, and Song Wei already knew that many educated youth would eventually return to the city, especially during the wave of college entrance exams.
But Song Wei didn’t want to go back.
Books and exams had never been her strength; she wasn’t cut out for academics. More importantly, she had grown to love the mountain life, its freedom, and its simplicity.
Maybe staying here was the best choice for her after all.
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