"These black-hearted scoundrels, what good could they do with their hands and feet, yet they go and steal other people's children? They'll surely meet a terrible end struck by heavenly lightning," Zhang Xue couldn't help but curse angrily as she emerged from the hospital.
Chen Lishu felt the same way, thinking of how many families were ruined by these human traffickers, leaving them neither like a family nor like humans. "I hope those two scoundrels are caught soon to receive their just punishment, and little Rui Rui can return to his parents' side quickly." Chen Lishu sighed, picturing the child's innocent face. Putting herself in their shoes, she knew she would be devastated if her own child went missing.
Since they had classes in the afternoon, the two had a simple lunch outside before returning to school.
...
"Sun, Sun Ling同学, I believe you are excellent in every aspect. I hope that beyond a classmate relationship, we can develop a more profound revolutionary friendship. What do you think?" After a recitation, the young man finally mustered the courage to speak to Sun Ling.
Sun Ling looked up at the unremarkable boy standing before her. Not only was he plain-looking, but his attire was also unfashionably rustic. She felt a surge of annoyance. How dare someone like him confess his feelings to her? It was like a toad dreaming of eating swan meat, a wishful fantasy.
"You want to be my boyfriend? Haven't you looked in the mirror? Do you think you're worthy?"
"I..." The boy's face turned crimson. He stammered for a long time before finally saying, "I'm sorry, Sun Ling同学, for disturbing you." With that, he turned and fled as if escaping.
Watching his retreating back, Sun Ling suddenly called out, "Hey, wait a moment." The boy stopped, turning back in confusion. Sun Ling crossed her arms, her chin held high. "How can you have no sincerity when you want to pursue a girl? Giving up after I say a few words?"
The boy's eyes lit up at her words. "Sun Ling同学, what do you want me to do? I will definitely try my best to complete it."
Sun Ling's lips curved into a disdainful smile. "The student union will be holding an outdoor recitation every Friday. I think the open space behind Building D is quite good. Please arrange it."
"Just this?" The boy seemed disbelieving, having expected a much harsher test.
"Mhm," Sun Ling nodded. If Chen Lishu could organize an English Corner, so could she organize a recitation.
"I promise I'll arrange it perfectly." The boy felt a surge of excitement and was about to leave.
"Slow down," Sun Ling called out, stopping him. "For everyone's convenience, let's schedule it for 6 PM to 8 PM."
The boy kindly reminded her, "Sun同学, that time slot is for the English Corner."
Sun Ling nodded. "So what? The student union needs the venue, so they'll naturally find another place."
The boy stared at her blankly for a moment, then nodded as if he partly understood. "I see."
...
"Ding Chen? What brings you here?" Chen Lishu's face lit up with surprise as she saw Ding Chen after hearing someone call her name.
"Your friend?" Zhang Xue asked curiously.
"Yes," Chen Lishu nodded. "Ding Chen, a student from the Civil Engineering department at Engineering University." Chen Lishu then introduced Zhang Xue to Ding Chen. "This is my deskmate and good friend, Zhang Xue."
Ding Chen also introduced his roommate to the two girls. "This is my roommate, Liu Yang, majoring in Mechanical Engineering." After exchanging greetings, Ding Chen stated his purpose. "Sister Chen, we heard your school has an 'English Corner' which is said to be very helpful for learning English. We'd like to experience it, so we wanted to ask if students from other schools can participate."
"The 'English Corner' you're talking about is organized by the Chen sister right in front of you. You didn't know that?" Zhang Xue interjected with a smile.
Ding Chen was astonished. "Sister Chen, really?"
Chen Lishu smiled and nodded. "The 'English Corner' is meant for mutual exchange; you're always welcome to join."
"Thank you, Sister Chen."
"Since you're here, don't go back to school for lunch. I'll treat you and your roommate to a meal outside." Seeing that it was almost lunchtime, Chen Lishu invited them. Ding Chen scratched his head sheepishly. "Sister Chen, that's too extravagant."
"Extravagant? Is it extravagant to treat your own younger brother to a meal?" Chen Lishu teased playfully, then led the way with Zhang Xue.
"Hey, Ding Chen, your sister is really beautiful. Can you help me set us up?" Liu Yang nudged Ding Chen's arm as he watched Chen Lishu ahead.
"I advise you to give up on that idea sooner rather than later."
"Why?"
"My sister is already married, and it's a military marriage."
Liu Yang was so shocked upon hearing this that his mouth could have fit an egg. After a moment, he mumbled, "Why are all the good ones taken so early?"
Li Zhiwei and Feng Pangzi were sitting by the window waiting for their food when they suddenly saw Chen Lishu, Zhang Xue, and the others enter. They quickly waved. "Chen Lishu, over here!" Soon, their two-person table was replaced by a large round one.
In addition to the braised pork and sautéed green peppers with dried tofu that Li Zhiwei and the others had ordered, Chen Lishu also ordered twice-cooked pork and mapo tofu. Liu Yang couldn't help but swallow his saliva as he looked at the four substantial dishes placed before him. These dishes were even better than those served during the New Year. He ate until he was stuffed, feeling that the meal was something he would savor for three days.
...
In Qingshan Village, Widow Liu emerged from Mrs. Big Clock's house, grumbling, "What kind of nonsense is this? She looks down on my son, as if her own daughter is made of gold? Hmph, a crow calling a pig black, she sees others' darkness without looking at her own character!" Zhang Chunhua, seeing her approaching, smiled and asked, "Who are you so angry with, Auntie?"
"Who else could it be? That shrew, Mrs. Big Clock. You tell me, with her monstrous appearance, it's good I didn't say her daughter was unsightly, yet she looks down on my Da Bao!" Widow Liu had been trying to find a wife for her son for quite some time, but as soon as potential candidates heard it was their Liu Da Bao, they all shook their heads. Forced into a corner, Widow Liu set her sights on the ugliest daughter in the village, the one belonging to Mrs. Big Clock. To her surprise, she was rejected again, causing her to fly into a rage and start a fight.
Seeing her state, Zhang Chunhua had an idea. "Don't bother with the ungrateful. Aren't you free now? Come and sit at my place." Widow Liu thought for a moment and nodded, going inside with her.
"Actually, I do have a good candidate for your Da Bao, but I'm afraid you might not agree." Widow Liu anxiously asked, "As long as Da Bao can get married, what can I possibly disagree with?" Zhang Chunhua leaned forward slightly upon hearing her words. "My uncle's daughter, Liyuan, is seventeen this year by the traditional Chinese reckoning. How about her for your Da Bao?"