The Spring of Lukou11

Chapter 11

1
Laichun grabbed Wenyan’s hand and pulled him into the house. Wenyan shook off Laichun’s hand and loosened his wrist.
Wenyan complained, “Mom, what are you doing? That hurts!”
Laichun, holding back her anger, questioned, “I’m asking you—why did you go to play at that mainlander kid’s house?”
Wenyan said, “Ouyang Mingdao invited me to go play. What does that have to do with mainlanders or locals?”
Laichun said sternly, “How could it not matter! Have you forgotten how your father died? He was killed because of those mainlanders! And now you even rode back in their car. Do you know how people in the village will look at you?”
Wenyan said, “It’s not like all mainlanders are bad people.”
Laichun said, “How did you become like this? Talking back to your mother? Go kneel in front of your father’s memorial tablet!”
Wenyan said, “Mom, don’t be so unreasonable.”
Laichun shouted, “Go kneel down! Your father is gone, so I will take his place and teach you!”
Hearing Laichun’s shouting, Zhou Tianmei came out of the room and asked, “What exactly happened? Why are you yelling like this?”
Laichun said, “Mom, this child Wenyan is really going to make me die of anger!”
From inside the room came Wenying’s crying.
Zhou Tianmei complained, “Look, I just managed to coax the little girl to sleep, and now you woke her up. Whatever it is, talk about it properly tomorrow.”
Zhou Tianmei walked into the room, and her voice came from inside, “Good girl, don’t cry, Grandma loves you.”
Before Laichun could speak, Wenyan hurriedly said, “Mom, I’ll go in and see my little sister.”
Wenyan followed into the room. Laichun held her forehead and let out a soft sigh.

2
Laichun, Axi, and Zhou Tianmei were picking tea leaves in the tea garden. Wenying sat in a basket nearby. After Laichun stood up, she suddenly felt a wave of dizziness. Although she tried hard to steady herself, she was unable to, and fainted to the ground.
Zhou Tian shouted, “Achun, Achun, what’s wrong with you? Axi, come quickly!”
Hearing Zhou Tian’s call, Axi immediately rushed over.
Axi asked with concern, “What happened to Laichun?”
Zhou Tian said, “She probably got heatstroke. Hurry and help me move her under the tree.”
Zhou Tian and Axi helped Laichun to a nearby tree and fanned her with a bamboo hat. Laichun slowly regained consciousness. “Mom, what happened to me?”
Zhou Tian said, “You got heatstroke and fainted just now. You scared me.”
Laichun said, “I’ll get up and pick tea.” As she tried to get up, she found herself weak all over.
Axi said, “Don’t force yourself. Just rest here for now.”
Zhou Tian said, “That’s right. There’s no need to rush the work. Taking care of your health is more important.”
Axi said, “Laichun’s condition doesn’t look good. I think I’ll go get someone to help carry her home.”
Zhou Tian said, “Axi, I’ll trouble you then.”
Axi brought two male villagers. They carried a simple stretcher, placed Laichun on it, and headed toward her home. Axi also held Wenying in her arms and followed Zhou Tian and Laichun back.

3
During class, Director Gao, the discipline officer, brought Ayuan and a villager from Lukou Village to the corridor outside Wenyan’s classroom.
Director Gao asked, “Which one is Yu Wenyan?”
Wenyan stood up. “That’s me.”
Director Gao said, “Wenyan, your family has come to find you at school. Teacher, sorry to interrupt your class.”
Liu Meiqi said, “It’s fine. Wenyan, go see your family.”
Wenyan came out to the corridor.
The villager said, “Wenyan, your mother fainted while working in the tea garden.”
Wenyan asked, “How is my mother now?”
The villager said, “I’m not very sure. I heard she went home to rest. Your grandmother asked me to bring you back.”
Director Gao said, “Wenyan, you should go home quickly.”
Wenyan said, “Okay, wait a moment. I’ll tell the teacher and pack my bag right away.”
Wenyan went into the classroom to pack his bag. The director was talking with the teacher.
Yutang asked, “What happened at your home?”
Apao asked curiously, “Why do you get to go home? I want to go back too!”
Wenyan said, “I heard my mother fainted in the tea garden.”
Baofeng and Aiyu turned and glared at Apao. Apao lowered his head awkwardly.
Baofeng said, “I hope your mother is okay.”
After packing his bag, Wenyan ran out of the classroom anxiously and left with Ayuan and the villager.

4
Laichun lay on the bed. After waking up, she saw Wenyan sitting beside the bed taking care of her.
Laichun asked weakly, “Aren’t you supposed to be in school?”
“It was Grandma who asked Uncle to go to school and bring me back.”
Laichun propped up her upper body. “I clearly told her I’d be fine just resting. Where is your grandmother?”
Wenyan said, “She went back to the tea garden to work. Mom, since I’m already home, you just rest well. I’ll go cook something for you to eat.” Wenyan stood up and walked out of the room.
In the kitchen, Wenyan boiled water and cooked dumplings. Then he carried the cooked dumplings back to the room, helped Laichun sit up, and fed his mother.
Laichun asked curiously, “How do we have dumplings at home?”
Wenyan said, “Yesterday I went to Mingdao’s house. His mother made them and let me bring some back.”
Laichun said, “I see…”
Laichun ate the first dumpling. “These dumplings are really delicious!”
Wenyan said, “Mom, when you get better, let’s prepare some wrappers and filling and make dumplings together, okay? Yesterday his mother even taught me how to wrap them nicely.”
Laichun said with guilt, “Your classmate treated you so well, taught you how to make dumplings and even gave you a ride home. Thinking about it, my reaction yesterday was really…”
Wenyan said, “I was also at fault. I didn’t think about how a military vehicle wasn’t suitable to drive into our village. I’ll be more careful in the future.”
Laichun said, “Wenyan, next time invite your classmate to come play in the village. This time, your mother will treat him.”
Wenyan said, “Okay! Mom, eat more while it’s hot.” Wenyan continued feeding dumplings to his mother.

5
Wenyan was drying tea leaves in the courtyard at the entrance. His younger sister Wenying was playing nearby. Tianmei walked out of the house.
Zhou Tian asked, “Wenyan, is it okay for you not to go to school like this?”
Wenyan said, “I already asked Yutang to inform the teacher for me.”
Zhou Tian said, “That’s not what I mean. I’m asking whether this will delay your studies. Aren’t you about to have exams soon?”
Wenyan said, “It’s fine. I’ve been studying on my own, and I also asked Yutang to copy notes for me. It’s no problem. Grandma, don’t worry.”
Zhou Tian said, “Alright, if you say so, I won’t nag anymore. Just plan things well yourself.”

11
In the auditorium of Keelung High School, a group of students were lining up to complete registration procedures. After finishing their registration, Yutang and Wenyan walked out of the crowd and went to the bulletin board to check the class assignment list. They saw their names listed in Class 1-Zhong.
Wenyan said, “Great, we really are assigned to the same class.”
Yutang saw Mingdao’s name on the list.
Yutang said, “Hey, Mingdao is in the same class as us too.”
Wenyan looked at Mingdao’s name, and in his mind appeared the scene of the jeep driving along the mountain road in Lukou, with villagers shouting along the way. He recalled the confused and puzzled expression on Mingdao’s face at that time in the car.
As Wenyan and Yutang were about to leave, Mingdao also came to the bulletin board. Upon seeing the two of them, he first showed a slightly surprised expression, then smiled and nodded in greeting. Yutang walked forward to chat with Mingdao, while Wenyan stayed where he was.
Wenyan thought to himself, “Ever since that incident, we haven’t spoken to each other again. Sigh, I wonder what he really thinks of people from Lukou Village like us.”
After Yutang finished talking with Mingdao, Mingdao left, and Yutang returned to Wenyan’s side.
Yutang asked, “I remember you two used to get along pretty well in class. Why didn’t you go over and say hello just now?”
Wenyan said, “He looked like he still had things to do, so I didn’t want to disturb him.”
Yutang asked in confusion, “Really? I feel like there’s some awkwardness between you two.”
Wenyan remained silent.
Yutang said, “You two are really acting strange. Did something happen?”
Baofeng ran over and put her arms around both of them, interrupting the topic.
Baofeng said, “Which class are you two in?”
Wenyan said, “We’re both in Class 1-Zhong.”
Baofeng complained, “So nice! I’m alone in Class 1-Xin, it’s so boring. I hate it, why separate boys and girls for no reason?”
Yutang said, “There’s nothing bad about it. You can take the chance to make some new friends and introduce them to us later.”
Baofeng slapped the back of Yutang’s head.
Yutang cried out, “Ouch! Why did you hit me?”
Baofeng said, “Dream on. At such a young age, already thinking about getting a girlfriend, huh!”
Baofeng left with a sneaky smile. Yutang rubbed the back of his head, looking puzzled. “Why did that crazy girl hit me? Did I say something wrong?”
Wenyan shrugged in confusion, and the two of them chased after Baofeng.

12
On the first day of school, Xia Xiao Qiao was walking along the corridor carrying a stack of textbooks. By accident, she bumped into a stranger, and her books scattered all over the floor. The student who bumped into her only glanced back once and then left indifferently. Xiao Qiao hurriedly crouched down to pick them up. Seeing this, Baofeng stepped forward to help. “Let me help you.”
Xiao Qiao said, “Thank you.”
After picking everything up, the two walked side by side.
Baofeng shook the bag in her hand and said, “You should put your books in a bag. It’ll be easier to carry.”
Xiao Qiao said, “I thought so too, but I rushed out this morning and forgot. Hey, my name is Xia Xiao Qiao. What’s yours?”
Baofeng said, “My name is Chen Baofeng. Nice to meet you.”
Xiao Qiao said, “Baofeng, you’re really kind. Just now so many students were coming and going, but only you stopped to help me.”
Baofeng said, “It’s nothing. In our village, people usually help each other. I’m just used to it.”
Xiao Qiao asked curiously, “Your village? From the way you say it, it must be very warm and friendly.”
Baofeng said, “Yes, I grew up in Lukou Village, a small village in the mountains.”
Xiao Qiao said, “Wow, life in the mountains must be very interesting. Unlike me, I grew up in the city, there’s nothing fun.”
Baofeng said, “Really? I always thought living in the city must be very interesting.”
The two walked to the entrance of Class 1-Xin.
Baofeng said, “My classroom is here. Bye, Xiao Qiao.”
Xiao Qiao said, “Hey! I’m also in Class 1-Xin!”
Baofeng said, “Really!? That’s great!”
The two happily walked into the classroom together.

13
Xiao Qiao and Baofeng walked out of the school gate together. Baofeng saw Wenyan and Yutang and happily waved at them. Just as she was about to run over, Xiao Qiao grabbed her arm.
Xiao Qiao asked, “Hey, Baofeng, who are those two boys?”
Baofeng said, “Oh, they’re good friends I grew up with.”
Xiao Qiao asked again, “Oh, then the one with the darker skin is…?”
Baofeng said, “He’s Yu Wenyan. In our village, he’s known as quite a troublemaker. He’s always hanging around with Apao and my brother Ahcai, turning the village upside down. So annoying. One time, those two even…”
Xiao Qiao’s attention was no longer on Baofeng. She gazed at Wenyan in a daze. It seemed as if there was a dreamlike aura surrounding him. Wenyan turned his head, and their eyes met. In Xiao Qiao’s eyes, Wenyan lightly scratched his head and smiled, his teeth gleaming, looking extremely handsome. For a moment, the people around them seemed to stop moving, as if the world only contained the two of them.
Baofeng shook Xiao Qiao’s shoulder. Xiao Qiao returned to reality and suddenly realized that Wenyan had never once actually looked her way. He was simply picking his nose while chatting with Yutang.
Baofeng said, “Xiao Qiao? Xiao Qiao? Are you listening?”
Xiao Qiao snapped back and said, “Yes, I am listening…”
Baofeng said, “Then let’s go.”
Xiao Qiao said, “Go where!?”
Baofeng said, “I just said I would introduce you to them!”
Xiao Qiao said, “Next—next time. I just remembered I have something to do. I’ll go first. Bye!”
Xiao Qiao hurriedly ran off, accidentally bumping into other students as she ran. Baofeng watched her back, feeling puzzled.
Yutang called out, “Baofeng!”
Hearing Yutang’s call, Baofeng turned around and saw Yutang and Wenyan coming toward her.
Yutang said, “Who was that girl who just ran off?”
Baofeng said, “She’s my classmate. I was going to introduce her to you, but I don’t know what she was in such a hurry for.”
Baofeng noticed that Wenyan was still picking his nose.
Baofeng said, “That’s so gross! Stop picking your nose!”
Wenyan said, “I can’t help it. My nose suddenly feels really itchy… ha—ha-choo!”
Baofeng said, “That’s disgusting!”
Wenyan said, “Ha—ha—ha…”
Seeing that Wenyan was about to sneeze again, Yutang and Baofeng quickly moved away from him. Wenyan’s sneeze echoed through the corridor.

14
At Laichun’s home, Wenyan, Baofeng, Yutang, Yuhui, Laichun, Zhou Tian, and Wenying sat together eating.
Laichun said, “Wenyan invited you to come eat at our house, but we don’t have anything special to treat you with.”
Baofeng said, “Auntie, it’s fine. Eating together is what makes it lively. It doesn’t matter what we eat.”
Zhou Tianmei said half-jokingly, “Baofeng is such a sensible girl. How about you marry into our family and become my granddaughter-in-law?”
Wenyan was focused on feeding his younger sister Wenying and did not notice the conversation at all.
Baofeng turned to look at Wenyan’s profile, and suddenly her face flushed red.
Baofeng lowered her head and said softly, “Who—who wants to marry him…”
Yutang said, “Oh, you’re shy too?”
Baofeng pinched Yutang’s arm hard.
Yutang said, “Ah! Why did you pinch me?”
Yuhui said, “Brother is such a blockhead. You really don’t understand girls.”
Yutang asked, “And you do?”
Yuhui said, “I’m a girl, of course I understand!”
Yutang asked with a puzzled expression, “What’s wrong with you two today?”
The two girls turned their heads away and deliberately ignored him.
Laichun said with a smile, “Alright, Mom, let the young people decide their own fate. If they like each other, they will naturally be together in the future.”
Zhou Tian said, “I say this because I hope my grandson will get married early and quickly give me a great-grandchild to hold.”
Wenyan only caught part of the conversation. Holding a spoon, he turned his head and asked, “Marriage? Who is getting married?”
Everyone burst into laughter at Wenyan’s random question, while he looked confused.
Laichun said, “At this rate, if you leave it up to him, Mom, you’ll have to wait a long time to hold a great-grandchild.”
Everyone continued eating happily, and the dishes on the table gradually emptied.
Laichun asked, “Now that your school is in Keelung, after taking an ox cart down the mountain, you still have to transfer to a bus. It takes an hour and a half each way. Have you thought about staying at school?”
Yutang said, “Mm, my father also told me to stay at school. I’m still thinking about it.”
Wenyan said, “Mom, my little sister is still young, and there’s so much work at home. If I don’t stay and help, how can you and Grandma manage it all?”
Laichun said, “Don’t worry about the work at home. We’ll find a way.”
Wenyan said, “If I stay at home, then if something like last time happens again, I can respond in time.”
Laichun said with a bitter smile, “You really are a stubborn child.”
Baofeng said, “Auntie, since Wenyan is commuting to school, I’ll go with him. That way we’ll have company on the way, and it won’t be boring. Also, now that Ahcai has gone to Keelung, only my grandfather and mother are at home. I’m worried too.”
Yutang said, “In that case, I’ll go with you as well. The more people, the more fun.”
Yutang patted Wenyan’s shoulder and smiled.

15
Yutang returned home and walked over to Liao Qingwen, who was reading.
Yutang said, “Dad, I don’t want to stay at school.”
Liao Qingwen put down his book and asked, “Why?”
Yutang said, “Wenyan and Baofeng are commuting by ox cart. I can go with them. It won’t be boring.”
Liao Qingwen asked, “Haven’t you already gone to and from school together for four years? Isn’t that enough?”
Yutang said, “That’s not the point. It’s lively when we all ride together.”
Liao Qingwen sighed and said, “Yutang, you’re already thirteen. You’re not a child anymore. How long do you plan to keep hanging around with those village kids?”
Yutang said, “Dad, why do you sound so strange? Good friends should be together. And by your logic, aren’t we also from the village?”
Liao Qingwen said, “You’re still young. When you understand in the future, you will naturally know your father’s intentions.”
Yutang said, “Why do you always change your attitude whenever Wenyan is mentioned? Did something happen in the past?”
Liao Qingwen waved his hand impatiently. “Nothing. Why are you asking so many questions? If you refuse to stay at school and insist on commuting by ox cart, then you figure out how to pay your own tuition!”
After saying that, Liao Qingwen stood up and walked toward his room without looking back.
Yutang chased after him and said, “Dad! How can you be so unreasonable? Dad!”
Liao Qingwen slammed the door shut. The sound of it being locked came from inside.