Chapter 39 "Can't I come in and talk?"

Su Wanwan grabbed a handful of White Rabbit Creamy Candies from her room and tucked them away, planning to share them with the village children later.

Once Li Yuanyuan had finished changing, the two of them strapped on their baskets and headed out. Upon arriving at the area where they were to gather pig feed, the children who had enjoyed her candy the day before swarmed around her, their voices honey-sweet as they chirped, "Sister Wan, Sister Wan!"

Noticing a few new faces, Su Wanwan handed out a candy to each child, including one for Li Yuanyuan. Li Yuanyuan looked at the candy placed in her hand, feeling as if she were being treated like a child. Even more surprising was the fact that before they could even start gathering weeds, the children had already filled both of their baskets to the brim.

They then headed off to exchange the feed for work points. With Li Yuanyuan’s help, they only had to make two trips to complete their daily quota. Li Yuanyuan could hardly believe that someone could earn work points this way and asked curiously, "Did you ask the children to do it for you?"

Su Wanwan replied with a straight face, "Not at all. They’re just very enthusiastic. I didn't really have a choice, but I'll bring them some pastries once I buy some."

Li Yuanyuan persisted, "You only earn two work points a day? How much grain can that get you?"

This question left Su Wanwan stumped. She honestly had no idea. After a moment of thought, she hazarded a guess: "Maybe ten work points are enough for a meat bun?"

Li Yuanyuan gasped, thinking that if she had to live in the countryside and work, she would surely starve to death. No wonder her father had insisted she bring her own rations.

Back at home, Su Wanwan changed into a cool dress and began her creative work. Li Yuanyuan followed her into the room. "I'll go make up the bed in my eldest brother's room for you," Su Wanwan said. "You can take a nap if you're tired."

Li Yuanyuan’s cheeks flushed a deep red at the mention of the room. Seeing her expression, Su Wanwan giggled, "What are you thinking about? My brother is a soldier in the army; he barely comes home once a year, so the room is empty."

Li Yuanyuan scratched her head and laughed. "Can I sleep with you tonight instead?"

Su Wanwan glanced at her. "Sure, but do you snore? If you do, I’m not sleeping with you."

Li Yuanyuan quickly shook her head, "I'm a very quiet sleeper."

Su Wanwan took out the manuscript she had written the day before. "Alright, I'm a quiet sleeper too. If you're tired, take a nap. If not, you can read what I wrote yesterday to pass the time."

Li Yuanyuan picked up the pages and began to read. After a single page, she looked up and asked, "Are you planning to submit this?"

"You can tell?" Su Wanwan said as she continued writing.

Li Yuanyuan, a high school graduate who had seen similar works brought back from the city by classmates, replied, "Aren't you worried that I might plagiarize your work by letting me read this?"

Su Wanwan stopped writing and looked at her, the corners of her mouth curling upward. "Would you?"

Though they hadn't known each other long, she was a good judge of character. She felt they were kindred spirits, having endless topics to discuss and a sense of having known each other for years. Since Li Yuanyuan was a police officer and lacked guile, she trusted her integrity. Besides, it was just an article.

Li Yuanyuan shook her head vigorously. "I would never! You write so well. I feel like we met too late; why didn't I know you sooner? I could read your stories forever. How are you so cultured? Which high school did you graduate from?"

Su Wanwan laughed, "I didn't even finish elementary school."

Li Yuanyuan was incredulous. It was impossible for someone who could write such beautiful prose to have dropped out of elementary school. She began to speculate in her mind—was it poor health? Financial trouble at home?

At lunch, Su Wanwan turned the pork belly Li Yuanyuan had brought into a braised pork dish. Li Yuanyuan was used to eating braised pork, but this was the best she had ever tasted.

In the afternoon, Su Wanwan continued writing until dinner. Afterward, she thought of Xie Beishen; to win a man's heart, one had to show their face often, or he would surely forget her. Since the day was too hot, she decided to head over before the sun went down.

She returned to her room to redo her hair. She loved her long, wavy hair worn loose, but given the heat, she braided it into an airy, fishtail braid draped over her right shoulder. She kept on her dress, as it was perfect for the weather.

Just as she was heading out, Li Yuanyuan followed her. She was on a mission to pursue a man, and having someone tag along would be a hindrance.

"I have some business to attend to," Su Wanwan told her. "Don't follow me."

Li Yuanyuan was undeterred. "It's fine, we're friends now, just take me with you."

Su Wanwan shook her head. *Oh, this girl just won't listen!* She whispered in her ear, "I've taken a fancy to an educated youth in the village, and I'm going to pursue him. It’s inconvenient for you to come. I'm telling you my secret, so you can't tell my family, or we won't be friends anymore!"

With that, she walked out. Li Yuanyuan was stunned by her boldness. In the half-day they had spent together, her perception of Su Wanwan had been completely overturned—she was cultured, beautiful, fashionable, bold, and a fantastic cook. Her father loved braised pork, and she decided that while she was in the countryside, she would learn these skills from Su Wanwan.

She also decided to grow her hair long so Su Wanwan could teach her how to braid it. Among all her female friends, none were like her. Didn't girls usually hide their feelings? To be so proactive—it was the first time she had ever seen such a thing.

Su Wanwan took a small path. By evening, the air had cooled down, but she was still slightly perspiring by the time she reached Xie Beishen's house. The door was shut, and she feared he might be out, but she stepped forward and knocked anyway.

Xie Beishen hadn't gone to the river to bathe that day; he had fetched two buckets of water to wash in the yard and was in his room changing when he heard the knock. Lin Yu had gone to the river and wouldn't be back for a while.

"Who is it?" he asked, not stopping his movements.

"It's me. Can you tell?" Su Wanwan smiled. He was home—thank goodness.

Xie Beishen paused. Hadn't she said she wouldn't come? Was she here to explain? After dressing, he put his soiled clothes in a bucket, looked around the room, and hid a drawing from the desk under his pillow. He couldn't let her see that.

He walked over and opened the door just a crack, standing behind it with his hand on the frame.

The woman’s lovely face came into view. She wore a pale blue dress that perfectly complemented her fair, porcelain-like skin, making her look like a peach blossom in spring. A matching sash cinched her waist, highlighting her slender figure—she was charming, sweet, and playful all at once.

Su Wanwan looked up to see water droplets still clinging to the man's hair. His white shirt was crisp and clean; he must have just finished washing. The top button was undone, revealing a slightly prominent Adam's apple against his cool, pale skin. His handsome face was ruggedly attractive, and he radiated a sense of ascetic restraint.

He stood behind the door, blocking the entrance. She knew it wasn't proper to enter a man's room, but if she didn't, how could she flirt with him? And he was, after all, the man she loved.

"Can't I come in and talk?"