LAVW – Chapter 84 Golden Waves of Rice

Facing the old lady’s question, Qian Niuhua nodded again. But his pair of big, dark, glistening eyes were fixed straight on the vegetable patch.

Of course, Shi Qian wouldn’t actually act that way.

He would choose to push Chen Niu aside, just like when he was starving before, relying on himself.

This was just creating a fog of illusion, so as not to truly frighten the old lady.

Simple-minded and pure creatures always made it easier for people to let down their guard.

In this regard, Shi Qian had a natural advantage with his appearance—acting cute was already second nature to him.

Even though he weighed two to three hundred jin, he was now only a year-old calf, so acting cute came without the slightest burden.

Zhang Peyue suddenly seemed to recall something. She grew excited, tapping her cane as she moved closer to the cowshed.

Shi Qian’s large eyes also caught the hidden brilliance flickering in the old lady’s gaze, like fireworks igniting in the dark night.

Shi Qian looked puzzled. “Moo, moo?”

What’s wrong?

Given the old lady’s calm demeanor, even after noticing something unusual about him earlier, she wasn’t too agitated.

Chen Niu also found it strange. He couldn’t understand why his grandmother would come rushing to the cowshed.

He bent down and gave Qian Niuhua’s rump a gentle pat, signaling it to go out.

Shi Qian: ?

Shi Qian quickly took two steps forward to avoid getting patted again.

As he stepped out of the cowshed, his tail flicked and smacked against Chen Niu’s hand.

Zhang Peyue came up to Qian Niuhua and lowered her head, asking expectantly, “Do you… do you remember anything?”

Shi Qian still didn’t really understand.

What exactly did the old lady want him to remember? Or rather, what was this “it” supposed to recall?

“Moo~”

Shi Qian gave a confused low, then strode out to munch on the vegetables, steadily maintaining the persona of a greedy calf.

The crisp crunch of him eating brought Zhang Peyue back to her senses from her excitement.

She turned back and watched Qian Niuhua eat, her gaze falling on its simple, contented face.

Chen Niu patted his chest. “Grandma, you really scared me just now. I think maybe Qian Niuhua just happened to learn how to nod?”

Shi Qian hesitated inwardly.

The first time could pass as “coincidentally learning to nod,” but a second time would be hard to brush off.

Yet, the change in the old lady’s attitude seemed to suggest this was a chance to push further.

Just as he wished.

So Shi Qian boldly shook his head again. “Moo.”

Not a coincidence.

Chen Niu: !

His eyes widened in nervous shock, and he subconsciously held his breath.

Zhang Peyue, leaning on her cane, turned back. She saw Qian Niuhua, which had only eaten one vegetable, now standing quietly, savoring the taste.

She lifted her cane and pointed at the calf. “Bring it into the main hall.”

Though the Chen family were outsiders in the village, they had lived here for generations. Their house, though old and worn, had all the essential rooms. The “main hall” was what they called their living room.

With few family members, their earned work points were little. In past years, they often owed the production team money and work points, relying on the old lady’s constant maneuvering to scrape by. Only recently, with Chen Niu growing up and becoming strong in labor, had they managed to make up the deficit.

Thus, the Chen family’s most valuable possession was this old house.

After speaking, Zhang Peyue made her way to the main hall first.

“Alright.” Chen Niu answered out of habit.

He wanted to go pull the cow along, but hesitated slightly.

Shi Qian gave him a glance, then quickly followed the old lady instead.

If he didn’t hurry, that guy would probably pat his rump again.

Annoying.

Couldn’t he at least wave or call out instead?

Chen Niu felt the calf seemed to dislike him, but truthfully, he was troubled.

All of a sudden, their calf could understand human speech, nod, and shake its head.

He thought: This is seriously uncanny.

Yet his grandma seemed to know something. Following behind, he watched her figure closely.

Inside the main hall, the electric light was already switched on. Chen Niu silently calculated — tonight’s electricity bill wouldn’t be cheap.

Zhang Peyue sat down on a chair padded with cushions, placing her cane beside her.

Though not tall or imposing while seated, she carried a strong, inexplicable aura.

Shi Qian felt like he was a criminal under questioning, while the old lady was the stern official interrogating him.

“Moo.”

Shi Qian went over, tilting his head up to nuzzle against her arm, trying to build rapport first.

The old lady patted his head, then pushed him away without mercy. “Don’t try to butter me up. What do you know? Be honest.”

Shi Qian blinked. “Moo.”

I can’t exactly speak human words, you know.

Realizing this wouldn’t work, Zhang Peyue tried a different question. “Do you remember who you are?”

Qian Niuhua shook his head, eyes full of innocent clarity.

Shi Qian, not knowing what answer she hoped for, decided to keep bluffing.

Chen Niu added from the side, “Qian Niuhua, do you really understand us?”

Could it be that just two gestures were enough to fool people?

Shi Qian nodded. “Moo.”

Of course I understand.

Listening was a must; otherwise, pretending to be a cow all day would be exhausting.

Besides, as a year-old calf, he’d soon have to wear a nose ring or a rope through his nose. Shi Qian would much rather help Lin Nanyin finish dealing with her troubles and then retreat back into the system space than have to go through that.

A cow’s nose was especially sensitive, and being pulled by it made them very obedient.

Shi Qian hadn’t tried it, but he was certain it’d be painful — better avoided.

“What were you before? Still a cow, or something else?” Chen Niu’s fear was gradually turning into curiosity.

Shi Qian raised a hoof and pointed at Chen Niu.

Chen Niu: … “You’re saying you were me?!”

Zhang Peyue guessed, “A man, then?”

Qian Niuhua lowered his hoof and nodded.

Though communication was a bit difficult this way, Shi Qian decided not to write anything.

Continuing to pretend to be illiterate would make the Chen family feel safer — and it matched his half-amnesiac, fashionable-calf persona.

Zhang Peyue asked again, “Then how old are you?”

That was a tough one. Shi Qian pondered over how to respond.

Finally, he tapped his hoof on the floor six times.

He’d intended to fake being seven or eight, but tapping was tiring, so he shaved off a year.

“Six years old?”

Luckily, Chen Niu didn’t guess sixty, or Shi Qian might’ve wanted to kick him.

Qian Niuhua hesitated, nodding uncertainly.

Shi Qian thought, Pretending to be six shouldn’t be a problem.

But he also worried the old lady might stay too cautious. A bit of hesitation gave him room to adjust, as if he couldn’t quite remember his age.

That’s exactly what Chen Niu assumed, and he said to his grandmother, “Feels like Qian Niuhua isn’t too sure how old he is.”

“Then where did you come from?”

After the fatal question of who are you, the topic finally shifted to where did you come from.

Shi Qian lifted both his front hooves and stomped the ground.

Clearly indicating: Right here.

I’m depending on your family now.

Chen Niu, hooked on guessing, asked, “Were you born here? Or do you only remember things from after you got here? Or maybe… you’ve been living here since before?”

The further he went, the more it started to carry a touch of suspense and horror.

Shi Qian never expected there could be so many different answers.

“Moo~ Moo~”

Fill in the blanks yourself. Pick whichever version you like.

As far as Shi Qian was concerned, since he couldn’t explain clearly anyway, as long as they didn’t assume the worst, it was fine by him.

At this moment, the previously agitated Zhang Peiyue had instead calmed down. Shi Qian turned his head to look at the head of the household, watching her expression and reaction.

Zhang Peiyue also kept her eyes on Qian Niuhua, her expression hard to read. At last, her gaze softened, and she simply said, “Since you’re here, just stay here for now.”

The old lady reached out and gently touched the white morning-glory-shaped marking on Qian Niuhua’s forehead.

Shi Qian noticed that she seemed particularly concerned with that marking.

Unfortunately, Qian Niuhua’s memory was hazy. He couldn’t recall whether the old lady’s attitude had been any different before and after he was named Qian Niuhua. If he could remember, he might be able to confirm more things.

Soon after, the old lady yawned, picked up her cane, and went back into the house.

She left Chen Niu completely confused, feeling like he hadn’t learned anything at all.

All those questions for nothing.

A moment later, the old lady opened the door again, handing out two bottles: “Medicine. Take it and apply some.”

Chen Niu’s eyes lit up the instant he saw the medicine, but at the sound of the old lady’s indifferent voice, his expression dimmed again.

He silently stepped forward to take the medicine.

The old lady added, “Remember to apply some for Qian Niuhua too.”

Chen Niu nodded. “…Oh, got it.”

The old and the young really did look quite alike. Except Chen Niu’s masculine features stood out more — tall and sturdy, with the build of a grown man and a hard, unyielding air.

When the two of them acted like they didn’t want to acknowledge each other, Shi Qian thought they looked even more alike, as though carved from the same mold.

Same stubborn temperament too.

But Shi Qian wasn’t the same. He decided he would try to win the favor of the head of the household.

He politely raised a smile at the old lady: “Moo~ Moo~”

Thank you, Grandma.

Qian Niuhua squinted his eyes in a grin, showing his round, still-cute face.

At least he looked much more pleasant than the sulky-faced Chen Niu.

It was easy enough to guess that Qian Niuhua was expressing thanks. Zhang Peiyue said aloud, “Grinning like a fool.”

But when she turned sideways, a smile lingered on her face.

Unfortunately, Chen Niu had already turned around, so he missed the rare and easy smile on his grandmother’s face.

Holding the old-fashioned medicine bottle, he unscrewed the cap, rolled up his pant leg, and applied the medicine to his own leg.

He rubbed hard until he felt the effects seeping in.

Then he called to Qian Niuhua, “Qian Niuhua, come here for medicine.”

Shi Qian hesitated, not daring to step forward. “Moo~ Moo~”

We might not need the same kind of medicine.

He could bet Chen Niu’s was for improving blood circulation and reducing bruising. But his own injuries were external cuts and scrapes. Using Chen Niu’s medicine would sting like hell.

When Chen Niu saw Qian Niuhua not coming, he said, “Didn’t you understand me? Hurry up and get your medicine, don’t waste electricity.”

He walked toward Qian Niuhua himself.

Only when Shi Qian saw him open another bottle of medicine did he relax a little, finally revealing his injured spots for Chen Niu to treat.

Chen Niu took one look and said, “No, you need to wash it first.”

Then, with a bit of admiration in his tone, he added, “You’re pretty good at enduring pain.”

He fetched some water outside, Shi Qian following behind him.

“Moo~ Moo~”

After getting struck by lightning a few more times, you just get used to it.

Compared to the tough guys of the cultivation world, Shi Qian thought he was actually pretty weak.

Since there was no hot water, Chen Niu, being a rough man, used cold water. Shi Qian put up with it too.

After applying the medicine, Chen Niu planned to go back to sleep, saying casually, “Qian Niuhua, I’m going to sleep. You go back to the cowshed yourself.”

Before, it took pushing, pulling, carrying, or chasing. Now, all he needed to do was say it. Much easier and more convenient.

Shi Qian shook his head in refusal. “Moo~ Moo~”

Not going to the cowshed.

The words taking an inch and wanting a mile were practically written all over Shi Qian’s face.

But Chen Niu didn’t get it. “You don’t want to sleep? Then keep eating. I’ll get you more hay. But don’t overeat — you’re still a calf, your stomach isn’t big.”

“Also, don’t go ruining the vegetable patch. We won’t have enough to eat otherwise.”

The still-hungry Shi Qian: …

He followed Chen Niu to the cowshed, where he watched Chen Niu pull down some half-dried hay from a high place.

Then, the moment Chen Niu turned to leave, Shi Qian hurried after him.

Chen Niu: “…Stop following me.”

“Moo~ Moo~”

Shi Qian nudged his leg with his head — the same leg that was injured — hoping to stir some memories in him and soften his attitude.

Chen Niu, helpless, quickened his pace toward his room.

With his long legs, he easily outran the unprepared Shi Qian.

Then came two clicks as he slid the bolt across the door inside.

Shi Qian raised his merciless iron hooves and knocked on the door with a thud thud.

Chen Niu could choose not to sleep, but his grandmother still needed rest. And tomorrow was the autumn harvest.

So after Shi Qian knocked lightly three to five times, Chen Niu gave in.

Opening the door with impatience, he begged, “Ancestor, what do you want now? It’s the middle of the night — I have work to do tomorrow!”

The words were spoken without much thought, but the listener took them seriously.

Shi Qian mulled it over — Ancestor didn’t sound like a bad title.

Hadn’t Chen Niu guessed earlier that he’d been living in this courtyard longer than the Chen family? Perfect fit.

Thinking about it again, he decided he’d have to find a way to listen in on some news later, to see whether the Chen family had lived here for generations without moving. If they hadn’t changed their homestead for several generations, that would be even better!

Shi Qian made a note of this and squeezed through the crack of the door into the house.

Chen Niu, resigned to his fate, flopped onto the bed, deciding not to care what the little calf wanted to do.

Who would have thought—Qian Niuhua wanted to get on the bed too, even putting its hooves up.

Chen Niu slapped his forehead. He suddenly remembered that this “ancestor” had been a child before, and had slept in a bed too.

So now, of course, he wanted to sleep in bed again.

The problem was, Chen Niu didn’t want to share a bed with a cow. Even if his bed was big enough to fit them both.

Chen Niu pointed at the ground. “Qian Niuhua, you’re a cow now. Sleep on the floor.”

Shi Qian stared at him with big, round eyes: “Moo moo.”

The moonlight is as cold as water—how could you be so heartless?

He even pointed with his hoof to the brightening moonlight on the earthen floor. The brighter it shone, the colder and more silver it looked, like frost blanketing the ground.

Chen Niu thought about it. In the cowshed, the floor was covered with straw, but here in his room, it was just bare earth, the damp chill seeping right through.

He was terribly sleepy, so he compromised. “I’ll go get you some straw. Then you be good and go to sleep, all right?”

Fair enough.

Shi Qian nodded in agreement.

Chen Niu made several trips, piling the straw thick on the floor, even bringing in some feed—clearly intending to satisfy all of Shi Qian’s needs in one go.

When he finally finished, Shi Qian settled down, making do with it.

He lay on his injured side so his wound wouldn’t get pressed.

Right next to the window, moonlight poured in, blanketing the little calf curled up with his hooves tucked close.

Catching sight of this scene, Chen Niu pulled out an old piece of clothing, shook it open, and draped it over Qian Niuhua.

“You really are my ancestor.”

If they hadn’t been sleeping side by side, Chen Niu wouldn’t have thought a cow needed covering. But lying so close, and seeing him injured, he couldn’t help but fuss.

Shi Qian was pleased by this unexpected care. “Moo moo.”

Thanks.

“Stop mooing. Go to sleep.” Chen Niu wrapped himself in his blanket, tacking on a gruff-sounding, impatient remark.

Shi Qian wasn’t upset. He really had been disturbing his sleep.

So he lay quietly in the straw, reviewing everything he had seen since arriving in this new world.

When he thought of Lin Nanyin, Shi Qian couldn’t help but wonder how he could prevent what had happened before.

But no matter how he thought about it, it seemed those few minutes of delay were to blame.

Because without transforming himself, he hadn’t had the ability to help. Using the dragon’s energy to modify his current body through the title had still left him lacking the energy needed to strengthen the calf’s form.

He brooded over it for a long while. Finally, 1958, sensing that stubborn thought, spoke up.

【According to 1958’s calculations, Brother Qian, you couldn’t have made it in time at that point. We crossed over too late—right when Lin Nanyin was already in danger.】

【Mm…】 Shi Qian answered in his mind, 【I know, but I still can’t get over it.】

【See, I’m lying here under the moonlight, looking out the window, thinking the night view is so beautiful. But maybe Lin Nanyin is still crying right now. Looking at her own window, she must be even more frightened than I ever was, sneaking to read scary stories at night.】

1958 sounded puzzled: 【But hypotheticals that can’t be passed are like programs that can’t execute.】

【Then can’t we think about how to avoid it next time? Like adjusting the timing of the crossing—couldn’t it be more precise?】

【Current technology is still improving and breaking through. For now, there’s no hope of precision.】

Shi Qian: 【1958, thank you for comforting me. You did a good job, but you don’t need to next time.】

【1958 understands. 1958 has been disliked.】

【Not at all. How about we watch a sunrise together?】 Shi Qian invited his system.

【It would be an honor!】

From 1958’s lively voice, Shi Qian could almost picture a bouncing ball of light.

Meanwhile, on the other side, Chen Niu had actually grown less sleepy after lying down.

Because he, too, was thinking of someone he worried about.

The old lady was so stubborn—insisting on doing farm work, never listening.

And as for Lin Nanyin, she barely wanted to acknowledge him.

The first time Chen Niu had tried to help with the work, she had refused him. He’d understood what she meant then. Not being particularly thick-skinned, he had kept his distance, daring only to sneak glances at her.

These days, he had secretly picked up a few tricks about pursuing girls, but he didn’t know if they’d work—or just annoy her more.

Tonight, had Lin Zhiqing been scared out of her wits? Was she still frightened now?

He really wanted to protect her—even squatting under her window would do. But that would probably only frighten her more.

Tossing and turning, he disturbed Shi Qian, who was trying to sleep.

Seeing him restless, Shi Qian simply began chewing on grass.

The sound of a cow eating grass was soothing—like white noise. Listening to it, Chen Niu finally drifted off, leaving all his worries behind in his dreams.

When he was sound asleep, Shi Qian crept to the bedside, lifted a hoof, and channeled the last of his energy into the spot he’d kicked Chen Niu earlier.

This way, when Chen Niu woke up tomorrow, he’d be able to keep earning work points.

The next morning, at first light—

Having already eaten his fill, Shi Qian stepped outside to show 1958 the sunrise.

The morning air in Shengli Village seemed especially fresh, carrying the crisp scent of harvested straw mixed with the coolness of autumn.

Shi Qian found a small hillside, standing on the damp yellow earth, gazing at the sunrise beyond the rolling waves of golden rice.

The stalks bowed low, though a few tall ones stuck out—wild rice that hadn’t been pulled.

Dewdrops, gathered on the yellowed leaves overnight, sparkled as the sun came up, spreading dazzling golden light across the fields.

The brightness stung the eyes, making the already meager grain heads look more abundant.

By the time the sun had fully risen, it was time for 1958 to leave. Shi Qian bid farewell to his old friend and turned back, ready to continue grazing.

When he was on his way back, he even bumped into the Chen family’s neighbor, who shouted,  “Chen Niu! Auntie Chen! Your Qian Niuhua cow has run out again!”

“Moo, moo.”

I’m heading back already.

Shi Qian called back once and then leisurely strolled home.

Pushing open the door, Shi Qian went back into the cowshed to eat grass.

After chewing for a while, he caught the smell of rice cooking in the kitchen. He forced himself to endure it and continued munching on grass.

At this time, grain was extremely precious.

After a while, the sounds of the village stirring came — it was almost time to set out for the fields.

Shi Qian felt full now, and the energy in his body had almost been completely absorbed. He no longer needed to eat wildly like before.

He pushed open the cowshed door again and took the initiative to head toward the main room.

Today, Chen Niu had gotten up later than usual and was also eating later than normal, though he was just finishing his last bite.

Seeing Qian Niuhua, Chen Niu thought about how his leg had suddenly healed overnight, and his gaze lingered strangely on the calf.

With his experience in fights, he had an estimate for the injury on his leg. Normally, it would take at least three to five days to heal — and that was only assuming his health was good.

Yet after just one night’s sleep, his leg was already almost fully healed. Only two marks remained on the skin, looking serious but actually not hurting much anymore.

Zhang Peyue picked up half a sweet potato. “Come here.”

Shi Qian’s eyes lit up, and his legs immediately carried him over to the old lady.

But after seeing the rice ears that weren’t full or heavy, he became more acutely aware of the food shortage at this time.

Rice and sweet potatoes were far more precious than leafy greens that barely filled the stomach. So despite craving it, he shook his head at the old lady.

“It’s just half a sweet potato, eat it.” Zhang Peyue pushed the sweet potato into Qian Niuhua’s mouth.

Since it was already in his mouth, no one else could eat it.

Shi Qian chewed a few bites.

Sweet.

He liked it.

Although… raw ones seemed sweeter?

At that moment, Zhang Peyue asked, “Tasty? Do you like it?”

“Moo, moo.”

I like it.

Shi Qian leaned over and rubbed against the generous old lady to show that he liked it.

Zhang Peyue set down her chopsticks and scratched under his chin, making Shi Qian squirm with itchy comfort, mooing happily.

Chen Niu: …

Why did it feel like after last night, his grandma seemed to like this cow even more?

It was as if — before, at least he was better than a cow, but now even a cow surpassed him. Such a strange feeling.

Remembering that Qian Niuhua was basically like a five-year-old child — clingy and spoiled — Chen Niu let go of that weird feeling. He turned around to bring a carrying pole, the soft stool his grandma needed, and a straw hat, preparing to head out.

As for Shi Qian, of course he didn’t want to stay home by himself.

The calf wanted to go out too, so Chen Niu had no choice but to bring a rope.

After sending off the old lady, Chen Niu quietly told Qian Niuhua, “Don’t eat random things, or you’ll get whipped.”

“Moo, moo.”

Shi Qian nodded.

Chen Niu continued, “Stay put in one place, don’t run around. Or else I won’t bring you out next time.”

“Moo, moo.”

Don’t worry.

Shi Qian nodded again. He thought to himself — the only reason the old lady dared let Chen Niu take him along was because, although Chen Niu looked like a cold, hard man, he was actually careful.

Shi Qian also noticed that the man had already handled all the housework in the morning, hardly troubling the old lady at all.

But strangely, even though he was such a filial grandson, it still seemed like the old lady didn’t quite favor him. Odd, really odd.

After giving several instructions, Chen Niu still wasn’t reassured and slipped a rope loop over Qian Niuhua’s neck.

Tied around the neck, it could easily slip off. But if it got any more complicated, Shi Qian wouldn’t accept it.

It was harvest time now — if he ruined the crops, that would be bad. Better to behave for now.

Once he was familiar with the place, he could fight for complete freedom.

Step by step — no rush.

Chen Niu led the cow and first went to the village secretary and accountant to receive his assigned work before heading to the corresponding field.

He was strong labor, so he wasn’t doing harvesting but rather threshing the rice.

The village had brought in a new rice-threshing machine. Chen Niu, strong and quick to learn such tasks, became the main force treading the machine.

The village secretary, Xu Youguang, still worried: “Chen Niu, can your leg handle it? If not, swap with someone.”

“It’s fine, just two marks left.” Chen Niu shook his head, insisting not to give up the task that earned the highest work points.

Normally, the maximum was ten points. But with urgent tasks now, this job could earn twelve — he couldn’t give that up.

Shi Qian, listening nearby, was glad he had been a good cow last night.

Xu Youguang’s gaze then shifted to the calf. “You better keep an eye on this cow. That rope doesn’t look very secure.”

“Don’t worry, Secretary,” Chen Niu replied. “Qian Niuhua’s behaving today, same as before — obedient and knows the rules.”

Some cows, if left loose, would eat randomly, so they needed a cowherd boy to watch them.

But Qian Niuhua was clearly smart — a clever cow that, once taught, knew what not to eat. Just like the old cows, she understood the rules. Everyone in the village knew this.

“As long as you keep an eye on him.” Xu Youguang was busy — the whole village needed his and the accountant’s coordination.

Chen Niu got through and found a plot with some trees near the river, where he tied the rope to the side.

“Qian Niuhua, behave and stay put.”

“Moo, moo.”

Seeing that even the longest stretch of the rope didn’t reach the fields, Shi Qian knew this guy didn’t fully trust him. He casually nodded and turned his head to look around.

Everywhere, people were busy. As groups gathered, they all worked together.

Looking around, Shi Qian noticed that those threshing and carrying rice like Chen Niu were all strong young men.

Those cutting the rice were a mix of women of various ages and some men who were no longer in their prime.

Further away were old ladies like his, spreading out bamboo mats and shaking out the rice grains, dumping the freshly cut, moisture-laden rice onto them, and spreading it flat to dry.

People bent over in the fields like ripened stalks of rice, always bowing down to labor.

Sometimes, when the wind swept over the golden waves of rice, Shi Qian couldn’t even see the people in the fields, because their backs were bent even lower than the stalks.

The happiest ones were the children picking up the stray rice ears. They followed behind the reaping team, overjoyed just to gather the scattered grains that had fallen to the ground.

Of course, there were also those who didn’t like working. After picking for a while, they would start crying loudly from the itchiness caused by the stalks, and the older children would lead them to the roadside.

Suddenly, one little crybaby shouted in delight, “It’s the Qian Niuhua!”

Shi Qian panicked. “Moo~ Moo~”

Don’t come any closer!