RIRW – Chapter 58

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When Zuo Dan arrived at the county town, she still couldn’t figure out what kind of game Shen Yiming was playing. If someone told her Shen Yiming stayed behind in the village for her, she wouldn’t believe it even if her life depended on it.

With Shen Yiming’s personality, he wasn’t the type to get caught up in sentimental matters, especially when she hadn’t promised him anything. The two of them didn’t even have any sort of relationship. Why would Shen Yiming stay behind? Surely not to pursue her. Ridiculous!

Could it be that Shen Yiming was worried he couldn’t outcompete his rivals? That didn’t seem right either. He was the current favorite, practically the golden boy of the production team and the Dahu Commune. Was there any good opportunity that didn’t involve him? Shen Yiming wasn’t exactly a modest person; in situations like this, he’d already be brimming with confidence. Why would he give up now? Was he trying to mess with her? Or worse, was he planning to use a fake certificate? Falsifying documents was illegal, after all.

“That sly fox, why is he so full of schemes?” Zuo Dan cursed under her breath.

When she saw the gates of the county high school, she put the Shen Yiming matter aside for now. Regardless of whether it was true or not, she’d find out by tonight.

This time, Zuo Dan didn’t interrupt Zuo Cong’s classes. She waited until school let out and asked the gatekeeper to call for him.

The elderly gatekeeper knew who Zuo Dan was. He thought the siblings had a great relationship—she often traveled from far away just to see her brother. She was also a kind-hearted girl, having given him some fruit last time. It was sweet, and he was more than happy to run errands for her.

Not only did he run the errand, but he did so quickly. In just a few minutes, Zuo Cong came running out, with the old gatekeeper shuffling behind him.

“Big sis, let’s go eat,” Zuo Cong said as he picked up the bag by Zuo Dan’s feet and pulled her toward the school.

As soon as they entered the school, they ran into Xu Liang. The boy was holding a copy of the Little Red Book, wearing glasses, and looking every bit the picture of righteousness. Seeing him, Zuo Dan immediately thought of Li Hongbing.

As they walked, Zuo Cong whispered to her, “That guy’s like a completely different person now. He carries the Little Red Book everywhere and reads from it all the time. Even the teachers and school leaders praise him. But some of the other students secretly say he’s like this because you scolded him into losing his mind last time.”

Zuo Dan thought to herself, Am I really that powerful? Why didn’t I know?

After delivering the grain to the cafeteria, they had a meal together. Zuo Dan told Zuo Cong about the new house back home and asked him to visit during his school break to check it out. Now, they wouldn’t have to squeeze into a single room anymore. They’d each have their own spacious rooms with windows, bright and dry.

Zuo Cong was so excited he could hardly wait to go back and see the new house. A proper blue-brick and tile-roofed home—it was a dream come true.

After discussing the big news, Zuo Dan brought up Zuo Cong’s teacher. She had come this time intending to meet the teacher who had been so kind to her brother.

“The teacher took a few days off. Apparently, there’s something going on at home,” Zuo Cong said with a sigh.

Zuo Dan hadn’t expected such bad timing. She reminded Zuo Cong, “Focus on your studies and don’t let outside things distract you. Big sis is counting on you to make something of yourself through your education.”

Encouraged by his sister, Zuo Cong was overjoyed and promised to study hard.

After leaving the school, Zuo Dan didn’t bother visiting the black market or the supply and marketing cooperative. After building the house, she still had over a few dozen yuan left, which was more than enough. She didn’t need to rush to earn money for now.

Instead, she found a spot to take out the two fruit tree saplings she had dug up the night before. Although they were called saplings, they were already as tall as an adult. Carrying them was no small effort for her.

One was a pear tree, and the other was an apple tree.

These saplings had been mixed among the numerous fruit trees in the orchard. After much deliberation, Zuo Dan chose these two because their size seemed just right.

She figured it would still be a few years before the reforms and land contracting policies were implemented. For now, she could plant the saplings in her yard and observe how well they adapted to the environment. If they managed to grow and bear fruit, it would probably coincide with the reform period. By then, she could see if it was possible to lease land and start a proper orchard. If the trees could thrive outside the orchard, she hoped to cultivate more saplings from the orchard’s trees. After all, the fruits from those trees had a noticeable competitive advantage.

Still, Zuo Dan felt confident. Her grandmother had managed to grow similar fruit trees in their yard before, so chances were good that she could, too. The main question now was whether the environment in Zuojiatun was suitable.

Carrying the two saplings on her shoulders, Zuo Dan struggled her way to the bus station. It was a relief when she finally arrived, and luckily, the bus was already there. Thanks to Shen Yiming’s reputation, the ticket seller and the driver were kind to her. Seeing her carrying the saplings, they said nothing and simply tied them to the roof of the bus.

Once she got on, the ticket seller handed her a handful of sunflower seeds and struck up a conversation.

“I heard there’s a return-to-city quota in the Dahu Commune recently. The educated youths are all stirred up over it. Is Comrade Shen planning to stay out of it?”

That’s exactly the topic I didn’t want to hear, Zuo Dan thought, frustrated. She was still pondering this herself. “Who wouldn’t want to return to the city? Of course, he must have plans,” she replied vaguely.

The ticket seller pressed on, “Aren’t you worried?”

“What’s there to worry about? Just let things take their course,” Zuo Dan said indifferently, The sooner he leaves, the better.

The ticket seller found her attitude surprisingly carefree and couldn’t tell if she was genuinely unconcerned. Hopefully, she doesn’t end up crying her eyes out when Shen Yiming leaves.

Sympathy for Zuo Dan aside, the ticket seller soon had her assumptions shattered. When the bus arrived in town, it was already dark. Despite it being spring, the night air was chilly, with a coolness reminiscent of flowing water.

Before the bus even pulled into the station, the ticket seller spotted Shen Yiming sitting on a rickety horse cart, eagerly looking in the direction of their bus.

So, Comrade Shen really is completely wrapped around this girl’s finger, she thought, now pitying Shen Yiming. What a fool, giving up the chance to return to the city for a rural girl. How could he pass up such a good opportunity?

Unbothered by the ticket seller’s thoughts, Shen Yiming climbed onto the bus roof as soon as he realized Zuo Dan’s saplings were up there. He carefully brought them down and placed them on the horse cart. His enthusiasm drew envious and admiring glances from the other villagers.

Whose daughter is capable of something like this? they wondered. The male educated youths in their production teams were all doted on by the local girls. After marriage, they didn’t even work; they just relied on their wives to support them, living like lords.

Watching Shen Yiming busily run back and forth, Zuo Dan sighed and climbed into his battered horse cart under the watchful eyes of the villagers.

“I sent a message to Uncle Dacheng, telling him not to come pick you up today,” Shen Yiming said as he guided the cart.

Zuo Dan glanced at him. Thanks to her flashlight, the road wasn’t entirely dark.

Once the cart stabilized, Shen Yiming pulled a piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to her. “Here, hold on to this.”

“What is it?” Zuo Dan didn’t take it, a bad feeling creeping over her.

“This morning, didn’t we agree? I’ve written the statement. The commune won’t be considering me for the return-to-city quota anymore.”

“…” Zuo Dan took the paper, reluctantly reading it under the flashlight’s beam several times. Seeing the official stamp from Dahu Commune, her hand almost shook enough to throw it away.

The statement was simple: it declared that Comrade Shen Yiming voluntarily gave up his return-to-city quota, approved by Secretary Zhang.

“Shen Yiming, are you out of your mind?” she exclaimed. Giving up the city for real? What on earth is he doing?

Shen Yiming stopped steering the cart, turned slightly, and faced her directly. “I’m perfectly fine. Didn’t you say that if I stayed, we’d officially become a couple?”

“Did I say that?”

“You did,” Shen Yiming affirmed. “You said if I wrote the statement to give up the quota, we’d be together. You promised.”

“…”

Zuo Dan looked up at the sky, unwilling to admit anything. She refused to believe this was all so straightforward; she just couldn’t figure out Shen Yiming’s real motive.

Shen Yiming chuckled. “Zuo Dan, we’re officially a couple now, right?” He sighed dramatically. “Honestly, giving up the chance to return to the city wasn’t easy. But I couldn’t go back on my word. A promise is a promise. If I say I’ll do something, I’ll do it.”

Zuo Dan stared at Shen Yiming’s smiling eyes, finding them increasingly irritating.

With a long sigh, she looked at Shen Yiming with feigned sorrow. “Comrade Shen Yiming, you’ve let me down so much. I thought you were someone with great ambition. The big city is such a wonderful place. How could you give up returning to it? Do you even know what an incredible opportunity you’ve thrown away? Do you realize how important intellectuals like you are to the development of cities?”

Shen Yiming firmly disagreed. “Chairman Mao said that the countryside offers a broader world. I deeply agree with that.”

How could she argue against the words of a great leader? If she did, she’d end up labeled as reactionary.

This sly fox—he just wants to date me, doesn’t he? Zuo Dan thought bitterly. Doesn’t he know relationships can end? And in this relationship, it won’t be the girl circling around the guy; it’ll be the guy circling around the girl.

Zuo Dan decided that if she didn’t teach Shen Yiming a lesson, he might really think the world revolved around him.

Fine, you want to date me? Let’s see.

“Comrade Shen Yiming, to be honest with you, I didn’t even consider you before. Us rural folks appreciate people who work efficiently. You’re clearly not suited for that. And as for your looks—they’re just too eye-catching, too unreliable. If it were up to me, I really wouldn’t choose someone like you.”

She stomped on him thoroughly, and Shen Yiming played along, showing a disappointed expression.

“…That said,” Zuo Dan continued, “I’m a person of principle. A promise is a promise. So, reluctantly, I’ll accept you as my partner.”

Shen Yiming’s disappointment instantly turned into delight.

Zuo Dan held up three fingers. “Let’s establish three rules. First, you listen to me. Second, you do everything I say. Third, remember the first two rules at all times.”

“Listen to you, do everything you say, and always remember the first two rules. Got it,” Shen Yiming repeated earnestly.

Zuo Dan glared at him. “I said listen to me! Look at me!” She pointed at herself, annoyed that he still seemed to be playing games.

Shen Yiming obediently looked at her, his gaze unwavering. Then, slowly, he leaned closer.

“…What are you doing?” Zuo Dan leaned back, but realizing they were on the cart and there wasn’t much room, she could only glare at him.

“Zuo Dan, you’re really beautiful,” Shen Yiming said with a sly smile, looking like a cat that had just stolen cream.

Zuo Dan’s face flushed slightly. She quickly composed herself and snapped, “Focus on driving! We’re revolution comrades—be serious!”

Shen Yiming grinned, clearly satisfied, and cheerfully resumed steering the cart.

As for the three rules they had just agreed upon, that was a matter for later discussion.

When they arrived home, Shen Yiming diligently helped carry things into the yard. His attentiveness didn’t go unnoticed, and even Zuo Dacheng and Li Hui felt something was off between the two. However, given that Shen Yiming was supposed to return to the city, they decided not to push for a match.

While they weren’t planning to make Shen Yiming their son-in-law anymore, Shen Yiming seemed to have transformed. He even started showing up to help with chores.

The next morning, right after breakfast, Zuo Dacheng was preparing to plant the saplings Zuo Dan had brought back. Although he’d never planted trees before, he figured he had to give it his best since his daughter had brought them home. Just as he picked up a shovel, there was a knock at the door.

Li Hui went to open it and found Shen Yiming standing outside.

“Auntie, I’m here to plant the trees for Dandan. She really likes them,” Shen Yiming said. Before Li Hui could even process his words, he walked straight into the yard.

When Zuo Dan came out, she saw Shen Yiming digging holes and planting trees in her yard.

“What are you doing so early in the morning?!” Zuo Dan shouted, clearly annoyed. She had nearly fallen asleep last night when she suddenly remembered that Shen Yiming hadn’t officially promised to listen to her in everything. That sly fox!

“Oh, I’m helping out. Grandma said that if a young man starts dating someone, he has to help out at her house,” Shen Yiming replied cheerfully.

Zuo Dan: “…!!!”

Li Hui and Zuo Dacheng were utterly stunned.

After the work was done, they called Shen Yiming and Zuo Dan together for a talk. They needed to figure out what was going on. This had to be clarified. What did they mean by “dating”? Wasn’t Yiming supposed to return to the city? If this had been before, Zuo Dacheng and Li Hui would have been thrilled. But now, it was different. Shen Yiming was set to return to the city—did that mean their daughter would be mocked by others in the future?

“What exactly is going on between you two? Yiming, aren’t you planning to return to the city? Dating like this doesn’t seem convenient,” Zuo Dacheng said.

“Uncle Dacheng, Auntie, please let me explain,” Shen Yiming said in a calm, reassuring tone.

“I’ve already given up the opportunity to return to the city this time.”

Li Hui and Zuo Dacheng were both shocked.

Li Hui asked, “How could you give that up? It’s such a rare opportunity. The team leader said it was practically guaranteed for you!”

Shen Yiming smiled. “Whether I return to the city or not, I can contribute wherever I am. Besides, Dandan and I have just started dating. Uncle and Auntie, please don’t worry about what might happen if I go back to the city. Here’s how I see it: if I do return in the future and she agrees, I’ll marry her immediately and take her to the city with me. If I’m willing to give up this opportunity for her, why wouldn’t I take her to the city with me later?”

Though these two matters weren’t directly related, Zuo Dacheng and Li Hui understood his point. If Yiming could give up his chance to return to the city for Dandan, why wouldn’t he take her back with him someday?

This young man… there was nothing more to say.

“Isn’t it a bit early to be talking about this?” Zuo Dan said with a blank expression.

Shen Yiming gently patted her hand. “It’s not early. I want Uncle and Auntie to feel reassured about us.”

Reassurance was indeed necessary. Zuo Dacheng and Li Hui had nothing more to say. If someone could give up such a rare chance to return to the city, what else could they ask for? Most importantly, Dandan seemed willing now. This wasn’t about their approval anymore.

“We won’t interfere. After all, this is your matter as young people,” Zuo Dacheng said awkwardly. Meddling in a romance was never easy, especially when the person involved was someone as outstanding as Shen Yiming.

Shen Yiming smiled gratefully. “Uncle and Auntie, don’t worry. I’ll treat Dandan well and take her with me wherever I go.”

Zuo Dan thought to herself, I have no intention of following you anywhere.

Shen Yiming added, “By the way, Uncle and Auntie, my decision to give up the opportunity to return to the city has nothing to do with Dandan. Please don’t overthink it or spread it around—it could cause unnecessary trouble.”

Zuo Dan quickly nodded. “Mom, Dad, he’s telling the truth.”

Zuo Dacheng and Li Hui nodded as well, signaling their understanding. In their hearts, they knew Shen Yiming was doing this for Dandan’s sake, to prevent others from gossiping about her.

After the discussion, it was time for everyone to head to work.

Zuo Dan deliberately pulled Shen Yiming away to leave first. Zuo Dacheng and Li Hui pretended not to notice.

Outside, Zuo Dan glared at Shen Yiming. “What was that just now? I haven’t even told my parents about us yet.”

“That’s why I told them just now,” Shen Yiming said matter-of-factly.

Zuo Dan glared at him, her expression as sharp as a knife. “You’re so cunning, always setting traps!”

Shen Yiming smiled at her. “Zuo Dan, don’t worry. I’ll really treat you well. I know you like me too, or you wouldn’t willingly fall into my traps. I’m very happy right now.”

Zuo Dan’s face flushed red. Since when did I like Shen Yiming? “You narcissist!” she snapped, flinging her hand away and walking off in a huff.

Like him? No way! All I feel is annoyance.

Shen Yiming watched her retreating figure, utterly refreshed and content.

_{T/N: They are dating, just like that? It’ fast, way too fast.}