Chapter 75: Oblivious to All Around

So once again, Meng Jia found herself thoroughly exasperated. Just listen to Miss Tang’s saccharine words—Meng Jia, having come from the modern era, easily recognized this type: what people on the internet would now call a “white lotus” or a “green tea” manipulator.

Li Xuewei and Gao Meitong, though a bit surprised, were already used to these performances. After all, everyone at the educated youth settlement knew that these two, who used to be inseparable, had fallen out—and at the root of it all was Meng Jia owing Tang Xin a considerable sum.

So, both of them simply smiled and took their leave together. Tang Xin, playing the part, also rose to her feet to walk them out.

But as the four of them reached the gate, something unexpected happened. The other three suddenly saw Tang Xin’s expression transform, overwhelmed by sheer delight.

Because standing just outside the courtyard was a man—and with a burst of joy, Tang Xin called out, “Brother Li Sheng, you’re back!”

In her excitement, she completely forgot about her guests and dashed out ahead of them, barely restraining herself from throwing herself into his arms—though, given that this was the early seventies, she still managed to hold back a little.

Even so, she half-ran to greet Li Sheng, her face alight with unconcealed happiness. Li Sheng, seeing his wife so openly joyful, was delighted as well. Since he assumed everyone else was out working and no outsiders were around, he let his emotions show and embraced his wife warmly.

Tang Xin didn’t hold back either. She clung to Li Sheng, pouting as she complained, “Hmph, you promised you’d have time off to spend with me, but we’ve only just gotten married and you’re already gone for so long.”

Li Sheng stroked her cheek, smiling as he explained, “There was nothing I could do. There was no one to take my place. Don’t worry—once this busy spell is over, I’ll have more time to be with you during the New Year.”

The couple’s affectionate display left the female educated youths behind them feeling awkward. Li Xuewei instinctively tried to tug Gao Meitong and Meng Jia back, hoping to spare the couple any embarrassment.

But turning around, she realized the courtyard behind them belonged to the Li family—they couldn’t very well go back inside. The three of them were left standing awkwardly at the gate, caught between advancing and retreating.

Li Sheng, still holding his wife, walked back toward the house. Only then did he notice the three female educated youths standing there. All three looked uncomfortable—especially Meng Jia, who seemed downright unfriendly to Li Sheng.

He made a mental note to warn his wife—some people could not be judged by appearances alone, and one had to be careful in choosing friends.

A moment ago, Li Sheng had been all gentle smiles with Tang Xin; now, seeing the three women, his face hardened into a forbidding expression.

Meng Jia thought to herself that a man who could change his demeanor so easily could hardly be counted on to take responsibility for his family or his wife. Such a man would never make a good husband. She couldn’t help feeling sorry for Tang Xin.

No, she needed to act quickly—if Lu Liqin managed to return to the city before she did, everything would be lost. Just as she’d reflected earlier: even if she didn’t rely solely on a man but tried to use her foreknowledge to make money, she’d never succeed if she stayed stuck in the countryside.

What Meng Jia didn’t know was that, because of the couple’s unguarded display, she was prompted to change her plans. She’d originally intended to take her time winning over Lu Liqin, but now, with urgency mounting, more drastic measures might be needed.

Tang Xin, for her part, was overjoyed at her husband’s safe return. But before they could enjoy a proper reunion and share all that had happened in their month apart, the brigade was thrown into a flurry by even bigger news: meat was being distributed!

For the brigade members, to have meat distributed outside of festival times was a rare and joyous event. Every household gathered early near the threshing grounds, clutching various containers in anticipation, waiting for the strong young men to return from the mountain.

Tang Xin had never seen a real wild boar before and was squeezed in the crowd with her mother-in-law, joining in the excitement. Li Sheng, newly returned home, had washed away the fatigue of his journey and was now sleeping in his room.

He’d already explained to his family that he’d come across and killed the wild boar himself, but as it would have been impossible and too conspicuous to carry back alone, he’d first gone to the brigade office to report it. The brigade leader had then organized several strong young men to fetch the boar.

His family understood why, despite killing it himself, Li Sheng hadn’t tried to sneak any of the meat home for them. After all, such a conspicuous item would have drawn unwanted attention on the way back.

In recent years, the Li family hadn’t been targeted by the brigade, but people always relished a bit of misfortune. If the Li family seemed to be struggling, others would feel superior for a moment. But then, when the eldest son learned to drive and joined the transport team—earning a regular wage—others began to look at them with less friendly eyes.

Li Sheng knew well the importance of keeping a low profile, especially now that he’d married an educated youth and become the focus of local gossip. It was best not to attract too much attention.

That’s why he’d handled things this way. He trusted the brigade leader’s fairness; since he’d been the one to kill the boar, the Li family would surely get a larger share of the meat.

Tang Xin, though unfamiliar with the details, was anxious enough. In the stories she’d read from this era, wild boars were often the means for the hero to prove his bravery or the heroine to display her luck. But she also knew how fierce and dangerous wild boars could be.

She’d caught a glimpse of blood on Li Sheng’s body as he bathed, and though he insisted it was only the boar’s blood, both Fang and Tang Xin had been deeply worried.

But with Li Sheng resting and not to be disturbed, they joined the crowd outside instead of pacing anxiously indoors.

The official story was that Li Sheng, taking a shortcut home, had encountered an injured wild boar on the mountain—badly wounded, apparently. He hadn’t dared face such a dangerous animal alone and had hurried down to call for help.

The brigade, hearing the news, wasted no time sending men up the mountain. Word spread quickly, and soon the entire brigade knew. Everyone was buzzing with excitement.

Wild boar meat might not be as tasty as pork from domesticated pigs, but it was still meat—and in these times, not everyone could afford to be as blasé about it as Miss Tang.

Groups gathered, chatting and laughing together, all in high spirits. After all, it was several strong young men taking on a wounded boar—not much to worry about.

Yet, while everyone else was jubilant, Tang Xin’s smile was purely for show. In truth, she was far more concerned about her husband. Judging by the exhaustion on Li Sheng’s face, things had not gone as smoothly as he’d told the family. And if he was already home, why had he chosen to go back up the mountain at all?