RIRW – Chapter 77

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Xu Dapeng was about to grow mold from sitting in the office for too long. When he saw Shen Yiming arrive, he happily ran over and hugged him, giving him a few hearty slaps on the back. His hands were so strong that even Zuo Dan winced just watching.

“Alright, alright, enough with the slapping. If you’ve got something to say, just say it,” Zuo Dan stepped forward and pulled them apart.

“I’m just too happy!” Xu Dapeng let go of Shen Yiming and laughed heartily. “You brat, I know you’ve been back for a while, yet you only come to see me now. Prioritizing romance over friendship, huh?”

Zuo Dan refused to take the blame. “What nonsense. We were handling important matters. As soon as we finished, we came straight to find you.”

Xu Dapeng gave Shen Yiming a look full of mock jealousy. “Look at that—where did you find someone so protective?”

Shen Yiming raised an eyebrow and smiled. “Alright, stop teasing her. We’ve got serious business to discuss.”

Xu Dapeng sighed inwardly. Fine, fine, these two are just as protective of each other. Poor him—no one cared for him like that. As he poured tea for them, he asked, “What’s up?”

“Returning to the city. Didn’t your uncle tell you?” Shen Yiming said casually, sitting down next to the office desk.

Hearing the words “returning to the city,” Xu Dapeng nearly dropped the kettle in his hands. Excitedly, he asked, “I haven’t called the commune in the past few days, so I haven’t heard anything. What’s going on?”

“In the provincial capital’s coal yard, there’s a worker who’s related to someone from our newspaper. Both husband and wife have official positions, and now they’re retiring. Since they don’t have any family members to take over, I got you a spot. It’s a miner’s position, but if your uncle pulls some strings, he can get you transferred to a better role.”

Xu Dapeng was so overwhelmed with emotion that he couldn’t speak. His uncle had been unable to get him back to the city because there were no open positions at the coal yard. But if he had an official slot, with his uncle’s influence, there would be plenty of room to maneuver. The key issue had always been finding an available position—those were usually reserved for insiders, not handed out to just anyone.

“Shen Yiming, I… I don’t even know what to say,” Xu Dapeng said, genuinely touched. Shen Yiming had already returned to the city but still went out of his way to help him.

“It’s nothing. Your uncle has helped me out, too. The old team leader did a lot for me in the past, so I asked your uncle to get his grandson into the provincial capital’s coal yard as an apprentice.”

“Oh, come on, an apprentice doesn’t even take up an official slot, and it’s a tough, underground job. Besides, the old team leader was good to me, so I’d want to repay him anyway,” Xu Dapeng said dismissively. “But no matter what, I still have to thank you.”

“Alright, no need for polite words between us,” Shen Yiming said, smiling as he took a sip of tea. “I just wanted to give you a heads-up so you can start preparing. Hand over your current work properly—don’t leave a mess behind for people to talk about.”

Xu Dapeng knew Shen Yiming didn’t like people being overly formal with him. Besides, with all the things he’d done for others, there wouldn’t be enough words to express gratitude anyway. He could only keep this favor in his heart and make sure to repay it if Shen Yiming ever needed help in the future.

While the two chatted, Zuo Dan sat nearby, drinking tea and eating sunflower seeds. As she watched Shen Yiming, she couldn’t help but wonder—after helping the old team leader so much, what kind of favor was he planning to ask for in return?

Just then, the sound of horses neighing came from outside. Zuo Dan looked over and saw that her family’s old horse was being bullied by another horse. She immediately ran outside.

Shen Yiming craned his neck to watch, smiling as he saw her pull the old horse aside and scold the black horse that had been bullying it.

Xu Dapeng handed him a cigarette and lit it for him, grinning. “I used to think you’d go for a quiet, gentle type. Never thought you’d fall for someone like Zuo Dan. Do you know she’s quite the figure in the commune? When she and the old team leader attend meetings, even the other production team leaders can’t argue against her. The Zuo Family Troupe is thriving under her lead. The Women’s Federation director even said she’s a good candidate to take over as director in the future.”

Shen Yiming chuckled. He could already picture how Zuo Dan handled people—like a cat, looking cute and harmless most of the time, but ready to claw anyone who messed with her.

Xu Dapeng continued, “But I think you should bring her to the city as soon as possible. Don’t leave her in the commune any longer. You don’t know—Secretary Zhang’s nephew keeps trying to talk to her whenever he sees her. Good thing she’s strong-willed and ignores him. If she were someone like Liu Lili, that could spell trouble.”

A cold glint flashed in Shen Yiming’s eyes. He was about to ask for details when Zuo Dan walked back in, hands behind her back. She noticed them smoking and pointed at Shen Yiming in surprise. “Shen Yiming, you smoke?!”

Xu Dapeng was puzzled. “Why wouldn’t he?”

Zuo Dan couldn’t exactly say that she just didn’t like the smell. Especially since, in the past, when she had to talk to old smokers, the strong tobacco breath often made her uncomfortable. If Shen Yiming’s mouth reeked of smoke, she’d definitely struggle to kiss him in the future.

Not wanting to say this outright, she subtly signaled to Shen Yiming with her eyes. It was up to him to figure it out.

Shen Yiming immediately stubbed out the cigarette. “She’s a bit sensitive to the smell,” he explained.

“Ah, I see. But last time I was smoking, you didn’t say anything.” Xu Dapeng also put out his cigarette.

Zuo Dan thought to herself, Why should I care whether you smoke or not? As long as Shen Yiming doesn’t smoke, that’s all that matters. She smiled awkwardly and said, “It’s fine, you go ahead and smoke.”

“It’s no fun smoking alone.” Xu Dapeng waved his hand, thinking that Shen Yiming was really pitiful—he wouldn’t even be able to smoke anymore.

After chatting for a bit, Zuo Dan and Shen Yiming got ready to head back to the production team.

Xu Dapeng walked them to the coal yard entrance. Just as they were about to leave, Zhang Baoshu happened to come in from outside. Seeing Shen Yiming and Zuo Dan, he was a little surprised. He smiled and said, “Comrade Shen Yiming, you’re back! I was worried that once you went to the city, you wouldn’t come back. Comrade Zuo Dan is a good comrade—you better not bully her!”

Shen Yiming also smiled. “Even if I go back to the city, I still have to protect her. Anyone who dares to bully her, I’ll chop off their hands. Director Zhang, you don’t need to worry about that. We still have to get back for lunch, so we’ll be on our way.”

With that, he urged the horse-drawn cart forward and left.

Zhang Baoshu watched them leave, feeling a little dissatisfied. How did I never notice before that the Zuojiatun production team had such a pretty female comrade? What a pity.

But all he could do was think about it. The trouble he got into last time nearly cost him dearly, so he didn’t dare to cause any more problems now. He could only run his mouth. Besides, Shen Yiming had a good relationship with his uncle, so he couldn’t afford to offend him. Unless one day, Shen Yiming lost interest in her…

As the cart moved farther away, Zuo Dan said, “I find him annoying—sneaky-looking, like a weasel.”

Shen Yiming, satisfied, tugged on her braid. “If he bothers you, just ignore him. No need to put up with it.”

Zuo Dan was already used to his habit of pulling her braid. Tilting her head, she said, “Liu Lili suffered such a big loss because of him—why hasn’t she come after him for payback?”

“Who knows?” Shen Yiming squeezed her small hand. “Let’s go home for lunch. This afternoon, let’s go for a walk. I’ll be leaving tomorrow.”

Hearing that Shen Yiming was leaving, Zuo Dan suddenly felt a wave of reluctance. These past few days, they had been together every day, and she had gotten used to seeing him. Now he was leaving again.

But she also knew that Shen Yiming couldn’t stay here for long. He came for official business, after all. He had to get things done quickly and report back.

Shen Yiming wasn’t the kind of person who would neglect his career for the sake of a relationship. And Zuo Dan didn’t want to hold him back.

On the way back, Shen Yiming held her hand, and she didn’t pull away. Since he’s leaving soon, being a little closer isn’t a big deal.

By the time they got back to the village, it was already noon. Li Hui hadn’t cooked, because Zuo Shuisheng’s wife had come over in the morning and invited them all—including Shen Yiming—for a meal at their place.

Zuo Shuisheng’s wife figured that since Shen Yiming was leaving tomorrow, they had to make their intentions clear to him. That way, when he returned to the city, he would be more committed to arranging a spot for their grandson at the provincial coal yard.

Since they were invited, it would be rude not to go. Grandmother Zuo, however, didn’t want to join in the gathering. Because of what happened with Zuo Hongjun, there had always been some estrangement between her and Zuo Shuisheng’s family. After Li Hui prepared some food just for her, the rest of the family went to Zuo Shuisheng’s house.

Zuo Shuisheng and his sons didn’t live together, so this meal was just with him and his wife. After all, there were things that weren’t suitable to discuss in front of the younger generation.

After having a few drinks with Zuo Shuisheng and Shen Yiming, the topic of retirement came up. Zuo Shuisheng, already getting on in years, was set to retire at the end of the year.

“Uncle Shuisheng, you’ve done such a good job over the years. Why not stay on a little longer?” Zuo Dacheng tried to persuade him. To be fair, Zuo Shuisheng had indeed been an excellent team leader. Because he was a good leader, the production team had always been stable.

Take the previous years, for example—other production teams were in chaos, constantly targeting and persecuting wealthy peasants. But their team remained peaceful. The so-called wealthy peasants lived just like the poor peasants. At most, people gossiped about them, but no one dared to actually harass them.

“I’m getting old. I’ve wanted to step down for a while now,” Zuo Shuisheng waved his hand. “I still have to work in the fields while managing all the team’s affairs. On top of that, I have to attend meetings at the commune from time to time—my body just can’t take it anymore.”

Then, turning to Zuo Dacheng, he continued, “Dacheng, I’ve already spoken to the commune. I recommended you to take over my position.”

“What? Me?” Zuo Dacheng was stunned and quickly shook his head. “No way, I can’t do it. I won’t be good at it.”

Zuo Dan glanced at Shen Yiming, who was calmly eating with a slight smile. So that’s why he helped the old team leader’s grandson get into the provincial coal yard—it was all for this…

Seeing Zuo Dacheng hesitate, Zuo Shuisheng immediately frowned. “Why not? When I first started, I barely knew how to read, but I still managed to be the team leader for all these years. Our production team doesn’t have any major problems—you just have to be diligent and put the team’s interests first. Don’t be like some people who only care about getting promoted and ignore everything else. I’ve been team leader for so many years. Sure, I never made it into the commune, but I have a clear conscience. Over the years, has anything bad ever happened in our village?”

Zuo Dacheng and Li Hui nodded repeatedly. That was true. Take Li Hui, for instance—aside from facing difficulties within her own family, she had never been mistreated in the village. That was because Zuo Shuisheng maintained order well and set a good tone for the community.

Seeing them nod, Zuo Shuisheng turned to Shen Yiming. “Yiming, what do you think? Do you think Dacheng is suited for the job?”

Shen Yiming, who had been quietly listening and not commenting, finally smiled when he was asked directly. “If the old team leader says he’s the right person, then he must be. Your judgment has never been wrong.”

These words gave Zuo Shuisheng a lot of face. He immediately laughed cheerfully, raised his glass to clink with Shen Yiming, and then clinked with Zuo Dacheng. “Yiming is really an understanding kid. Dacheng, I know what you’re worried about—it’s about your older brother, Zuo Hongjun, right? I’m telling you, there’s no need to worry. The position of team leader is about serving everyone. I stepped down, and now it’s your turn—it makes perfect sense.”

Zuo Dacheng nodded awkwardly, but deep down, he did have concerns about this. Back then, the fight over this team leader position had almost turned him and his brother into enemies. Taking on this role now still felt a little uncomfortable to him.

“Dacheng, listen,” Zuo Shuisheng said firmly. “Being a team leader is an honor, but it’s also a responsibility. If you don’t feel a sense of responsibility, I won’t force you.” He was happy to recommend Zuo Dacheng, but if he wasn’t willing, then there was nothing he could do. Besides, Shen Yiming was right there watching—he could see everything clearly.

Shen Yiming smiled. “Uncle Dacheng, no matter who becomes the team leader, the goal is the same—to help the production team.”

Zuo Dacheng hesitated. “Then… I’ll give it a try. If I don’t do well, you can replace me anytime.”

Zuo Dan teased him, “Dad, don’t get too nervous just yet. Old Captain recommended you, but you still need to go through a vote. If you don’t get elected, don’t start crying.”

“You brat! How can you talk to your father like that?” Li Hui laughed along with the others.

Zuo Dan’s playful remark lightened the mood. Zuo Dacheng also started to relax. If he didn’t get elected, he wouldn’t be too upset. But if the people in the village truly supported him, then he would do his best to take on the role.

He had no personal ambition—he just wanted to help the production team run smoothly and improve their lives.

The meal was a lively and joyful one. Zuo Dacheng even drank a couple of extra cups, and even Shen Yiming’s face started to turn a little red from the alcohol. His ears and neck were flushed, making Zuo Dan chuckle—he looked less like a cunning fox and more like a poor little rabbit.

In the afternoon, most people had to return to work, leaving only Shen Yiming and Zuo Dan with free time. Shen Yiming had already gathered all the materials he needed for his report. After taking this half-day break, he would set off back to the city early the next morning.

Once Zuo Dacheng and Li Hui left for work, Shen Yiming pulled Zuo Dan outside for a walk to clear his head from the alcohol. Zuo Dan wasn’t keen on staying indoors with a drunk man anyway, so she was happy to go out.

Since everyone else was busy working, they didn’t want to just stand around idly where people could see them. So, hand in hand, they wandered toward a quiet, scenic spot with few people. The cool breeze blew around them, lifting Zuo Dan’s mood. She asked, “You didn’t come back just to help my dad become the team leader, right? When did you start planning all this?”

Shen Yiming casually glanced into the distance and smiled. “I’ve been thinking about this for a while. First, he becomes the team leader. If Uncle Dacheng does a good job, he can move up to the commune in the future. Then he won’t have to do farm work anymore.” As long as he didn’t make any mistakes, Shen Yiming was determined to help him get a position in the commune.

“…You have a lot of confidence in my dad,” Zuo Dan mused. She had never even considered the idea of her father becoming an official. To her, just contracting a fruit orchard would be a good life. Were men and women just naturally different in their ambitions?

“It’s not about confidence—it’s about what I want to do.”

Without realizing it, they had already wandered into a grove halfway up the mountain. Shen Yiming stopped and held onto Zuo Dan’s hand. “I need to make sure everything is taken care of for them, so you won’t have to worry about anything when you leave with me.” His eyes sparkled as he spoke, dark pupils filled with an alluring intensity.

Because of the alcohol, his words carried a faint scent of liquor, carried by the breeze straight to Zuo Dan. She suddenly felt a little dizzy.

Shen Yiming pressed his forehead against hers and gave her a soft kiss. “Zuo Dan, I just want you to be with me. No matter where I go, I want to take you with me.”

After saying that, he kissed the corner of her lips again.

The smell of alcohol on him was even stronger now. Zuo Dan wrinkled her nose. “Shen Yiming, you drank. I’m telling you now, if you smoke or drink in the future, don’t even think about kissing me.”

Shen Yiming let out a soft hum of acknowledgment but continued kissing her lips gently.

Maybe it was because they were about to part ways, or maybe it was the intoxicating effect of his scent, but Zuo Dan felt herself getting a little lightheaded. As Shen Yiming kissed her, she found herself returning his kiss—lightly, playfully, as if teasing him.

Shen Yiming’s lips were thin. In the past, whenever he kissed her, it was always a quick, sneaky peck before she even had a chance to react. But this time, with their slow and careful touch, she realized his lips felt soft, like a sweet pastry she once had. Unable to resist, she flicked out her tongue to lick him.

Shen Yiming instantly froze, stopping his kisses to stare at her lips in shock.

Feeling a little self-conscious under his gaze, Zuo Dan instinctively licked her lips again.

“Zuo Dan, I had a dream last night,” Shen Yiming murmured, his gaze drifting to her lips.

“What dream?” she asked, puzzled. Why was he suddenly bringing up dreams now? Weren’t they in the middle of something?

Shen Yiming leaned in closer, his voice husky. “I’ll tell you…”

Then, she felt his tongue lightly swipe across her lips. It was as if he had just made a discovery—his eyes darkened, and the next moment, he firmly captured her lips in a deep kiss.

By the time Zuo Dan felt her tongue going numb from his kisses, she regretted ever licking his lips in the first place. Before this, Shen Yiming had only ever kissed her on the lips—never like this.

After a while, both of them were left panting for breath.

Zuo Dan felt dizzy from all the kissing, her legs weak. Wait a minute… “Shen Yiming, your hand… What are you grabbing…? I’m going to grab you back!”

Shen Yiming’s breathing grew heavier. “Zuo Dan… don’t pinch…”

“You started it first…!”

…

“Shen Yiming… let’s go back…”

“Mm…”

…

A flock of birds suddenly fluttered up from the trees, and the two of them finally separated. Their clothes were wrinkled from all the movement, their breathing ragged, faces flushed red. They gazed at each other with dazed, unfocused eyes.

Zuo Dan, her face burning, looked at the equally disheveled Shen Yiming, still trying to catch her breath. Then, with a bit of confusion, she asked, “Shen Yiming… did we just sneak off into the woods?”

Shen Yiming held her tightly, burying his face in the crook of her neck, inhaling deeply a few times before finally calming down.

“Zuo Dan, I really want to take you with me.”

…

Not daring to stay in the secluded grove any longer, fearing things might get out of hand, they ran up to the mountain peak to cool off in the wind. Finally, they managed to calm down.

On top of a large rock, Zuo Dan leaned against Shen Yiming’s back. “Shen Yiming, if things really go the way you say, and my grandparents’ family is safe, then maybe I can take the college entrance exam. I want to stay in the village to review. You don’t need to go out of your way to find me a job. Given my situation, finding me a good position would take a lot of effort. I don’t like the idea of you pulling strings and calling in favors for me. Let’s just wait and see—maybe I can get into university.”

Zuo Dan understood Shen Yiming’s situation. No matter how smart he was, he was still just a young man without power or connections. If he wanted something, he had to fight for it harder than others. It was one thing for him to strive for his own success, but if he were to arrange a job for her, he would definitely try to secure a good one. With her rural household registration, getting into a good position in the provincial city would require pulling a lot of strings. And then, after just a short time, she would leave for university anyway—it would be a waste of all those favors.

She didn’t think it was necessary. But she also couldn’t explain everything she knew to Shen Yiming.

Shen Yiming was silent for a long time. Just when Zuo Dan started to think he was upset, he suddenly said, “Zuo Dan, one day, I’m going to make something of myself.”

The next day, when Shen Yiming was leaving, Zuo Shuisheng went with him to the town to see him off. He planned to meet with Secretary Zhang to discuss Zuo Dacheng taking over as the team leader. Although Shen Yiming could have helped settle the matter, he wasn’t an insider, and it wasn’t appropriate for him to speak up. So, Zuo Shuisheng didn’t ask him to intervene.

On the way, Zuo Dan simply watched as Shen Yiming and Zuo Shuisheng chatted, not joining in. She felt like after everything that had happened yesterday, Shen Yiming seemed a little different.

When they arrived at the town bus station and Shen Yiming boarded the bus, Zuo Dan stood by the window and spoke to him. “Stop running back here so much. After the autumn harvest, I’ll visit grandma.” Running around all the time wasn’t practical for someone with a job.

Shen Yiming pressed his lips into a smile and whispered, “Zuo Dan, Happy New Year.”

Zuo Dan raised an eyebrow and smirked. “Shen Yiming, Happy New Year.”

Zuo Dacheng, standing nearby, overheard their conversation and muttered to himself in confusion—wasn’t New Year still a long way off?