Chen Yunqi immediately realized that the character "林" was just written too far apart. He nodded and said, "Yes, that should be it. This child's drawing is good and imaginative, but I can't quite put my finger on which one it is."
Tang Yutao said, "Huang Yelin, he's the worst and most mischievous one. He has such big, beautiful eyes, but unfortunately, he's full of bad ideas. I've taught him a lesson so many times. He's really naughty!"
Chen Yunqi was somewhat surprised, but he quickly understood. Perhaps children with special talents are all a bit unconventional, which is not surprising. He kept thinking about taking a closer look at Huang Yelin the next day, and soon arrived at San San's house.
Upon entering the courtyard, they saw San San standing there unloading baskets from her back, which contained tools such as sickles and hoes. Seeing them arrive, San San quickly put down her things and came forward to greet them, taking the thermos from Chen Yunqi's hand and leading them into the house.
The San family had just returned from working in the fields. San's father was still wearing his mud-covered clothes and hadn't changed. He had just taken off his rubber boots and sat by the fire pit to start a fire when he saw Chen Yunqi and Tang Yutao. He warmly invited them to sit down.
San San's mother brought in the washed vegetables, greeted them, took a piece of cured meat from the wall, picked up the cutting board standing by the wall and placed it on the counter of the cupboard, and picked up the knife to start chopping vegetables and cooking.
San San washed her hands and took off her coat, leaving only a slightly worn gray sweater. She sat down next to Chen Yunqi and skillfully brewed tea from a ceramic pot she found in the ashes. San San's father dragged over a wine barrel similar to the one at Li Yan's house and poured a glass of baijiu (Chinese liquor) for Chen Yunqi. Chen Yunqi quickly refused, saying that he had drunk too much the night before and couldn't drink any more today.
But San San's father wasn't about to let him off the hook. He complained earnestly, "Yesterday is yesterday. You're coming to my house today, how can you not drink my wine? If Li Hanqiang's wine is drinkable, why can't mine?"
Helpless, Chen Yunqi could only accept the wine glass, inwardly pounding his chest in frustration. Seeing this, he resolved never to visit other people's homes so easily again, or he'd be half-dead here. He suddenly thought Zhou Jun would be quite suited to live here; not only was the life less stressful, but he also had people to drink with every day. He should bring him along.
After downing half a glass of wine, Chen Yunqi felt a jolt from the spiciness and chuckled at his own strange thought. He regretted not having learned Zhou Jun's massive drinking capacity; otherwise, he wouldn't have been so cowardly in this situation.
But then I thought, it's probably for the best that it wasn't inherited. What if the trait of having a bad drinking habit was also passed down?
San San's mother was a woman of few words. Her somewhat aloof, dark face, weathered by time, made her appear older than San San's ruddy-faced father. She wore a red baseball cap with the words "Tourism Group" printed on it, and her messy hair, damp with sweat, clung to her forehead and cheeks through the gaps in the brim. She deftly chopped the vegetables, removed the kettle from the hearth, replaced it with a pot, and sat down to stir-fry the vegetables while waving her hand to disperse the pungent fumes rising from the pan.
After a few drinks, San San's father's face flushed, and he became more talkative. The fatigue from a day's work vanished instantly with the alcohol. He scratched his messy, bird's-nest-like hair, a cigarette tucked behind his ear, and squatted on the straw mat, sipping his drink in small sips. He was hunched over because of the cold, his whole body curled up in a ball. Upon closer inspection, he was quite handsome, with large eyes, a straight nose, and fair skin; it seemed that San San had taken after him.
San San's dad loves to laugh and joke, and he doesn't say many serious things, but he's much more reserved than Li Yan's dad.
Halfway through the meal, Li Hui arrived. He peeked in, and the others turned to look at him in surprise. He chuckled sheepishly, slipped into the room, plopped down, and exclaimed, "My head is killing me! I'm starving! That damned Li! He practically ate me to death!"
Tang Yutao said disdainfully, "Why aren't you fast asleep?"
This person looked like they hadn't washed up at all, still wearing the same clothes as yesterday, and their hair was so greasy it was unrecognizable. They took the bowl of rice that San San's mother handed them and wolfed it down into their mouths.
Halfway through his meal, he caught sight of Chen Yunqi picking up his glass to drink. His small eyes widened in horror as he stared at Chen Yunqi, spitting out rice grains as he exclaimed, "Holy crap, you can drink?!"
Chen Yunqi brushed the grains of rice off his shoulder, made a dismissive expression, raised his eyebrows and said, "Of course, my alcohol tolerance is bottomless."
Li Hui's glasses, worn smooth by his oily face, almost slipped down and fell into his bowl. He paused for a moment, then used his chopsticks to push them back up, exclaiming admiringly, "Awesome..."
After a while, as if remembering something, she asked, "You didn't drink too much last night? How did you get back to school?"
"Not much, it flew back on clouds." Chen Yunqi suddenly felt like teasing Li Hui, for some reason.
Li Hui didn't have time to think about what "riding the clouds" meant; he was just even more shocked and repeatedly said that he couldn't afford to offend Chen Yunqi and would never dare to drink with him again.
Tang Yutao glanced at Chen Yunqi, suppressing a laugh, his face saying, "I'll just watch you show off." Chen Yunqi winked at him, then secretly glanced at San San, noticing that San San was also secretly laughing, not intending to expose him. For a moment, he felt a surge of smug satisfaction, like a child who had successfully pulled off a prank.
Fortunately, San San's father was understanding that they were quite drunk last night, so he didn't push them to drink too much. Chen Yunqi only drank three cups and some oil tea, so he wasn't too uncomfortable. Since it was still early after dinner, they didn't leave immediately but continued to warm themselves by the fire, smoking and chatting.
San San brewed another pot of tea and held a spoonful of oil to roast crushed walnuts.
He sat next to Chen Yunqi, his elbow, which held the ladle, occasionally brushing against Chen Yunqi's knee. Chen Yunqi sat cross-legged, a cigarette between his fingers, listening to the people next to him talk. He couldn't help but scrutinize San San's hand holding the iron ladle. The fingers were long and beautiful, and the nails were neatly trimmed. Every subtle movement of the fingers was pleasing to the eye.
Tang Yutao mentioned the news that Village Chief Sheng brought back from the meeting in the county: after the efforts of several village cadres, Tianyun Village was finally going to have electricity, but how to transport the power poles up the mountain was a big problem.
Chen Yunqi didn't participate much in the discussion. He listened for a while, then stubbed out his cigarette, turned slightly to the side, sat down in San San's direction, took the long spoon from San San's hand, and said softly, "I'll help you."
San San let him take it and started chatting with him quietly.
“I don’t even know your full name,” Chen Yunqi asked.
"My name is Lan Yanshan. My nickname is actually Shanshan, but it doesn't sound as smooth as San San, so everyone has called me that since I was little."
San San was a little shy when he mentioned his name. The warm, crimson firelight shone on his face, and he raised his head slightly as he spoke earnestly to Chen Yunqi. Chen Yunqi saw the flickering flames reflected in his large, thick-lashed eyes, making them appear even brighter and more dazzling.
Chen Yunqi was somewhat surprised: "Your surname is Lan? But your father's surname is Sheng."
San San explained, "When I was born, the fortune teller said that I had a bad fate and that I had to take the surname Lan in order to survive. My dad found me a godfather, Lan Fuming from the second group, so I took his surname Lan."
Chen Yunqi understood: "I see." He then asked, "How old are you this year? Why aren't you in school anymore?"
Chen Yunqi immediately regretted asking the question. What a stupid question! The reason why San San doesn't study should be obvious to anyone.
Just how stupid do I have to be to face San San?
A hint of embarrassment appeared on San San's face. He looked away from the fire pit. Before Chen Yunqi could think of any words to salvage the situation, San San, with his eyes lowered, said, "I'm 17 this year. I only studied for one year in high school. I also have a younger sister who needs to go to school. My family is too poor to afford to send both of us to school. Anyway, my grades aren't good, so I might as well come back and help my family."
After they finished speaking, they both fell silent.
"What a pity," Chen Yunqi thought to himself. He was certain that San San's poor grades were not due to stupidity, but rather to self-abandonment caused by economic pressure and a lack of solid foundation.
San San broke the silence and continued, "When I turn 18, I'll go out to work. I've been to school and know a lot of characters, so I should be able to find a good job."
When he said this, San San revealed a tiny bit of confidence, just a tiny bit, and then he laughed self-deprecatingly. He knew that compared to Chen Yunqi, he was still just an uneducated and unsophisticated rural boy, and he didn't dare to show off too much in front of Chen Yunqi.
Whether in terms of studies or life, he didn't feel he had anything to talk about with the teachers, so he rarely spoke. Chen Yunqi's attitude towards him, however, made him feel somewhat flattered. Tang Yutao, Li Hui, and even Song Feifei rarely took the initiative to chat with San San, even though they came to his house for dinner almost every day.
Chen Yunqi is a man of few words, and sometimes he appears cold and aloof from a distance, as if he is preoccupied and unhappy. However, he is very humble and occasionally tells some interesting jokes.
He told San San to call him Brother Xiao Qi, and would pat San San's head like an older brother, showing no airs at all. Although they had only known each other for three days, San San was already very fond of him.
Given his limited education, he probably couldn't think of any fancy words to describe Chen Yunqi; he just thought Chen Yunqi was both handsome and had a great presence. He looked good smoking, he looked good smiling, and he looked good even when he wasn't smiling.
He didn't know if he was envious or something else, but these past few days he kept thinking about Chen Yunqi, about the times he talked to him, about the times he ate sweet potatoes, about the times he rubbed his hair.
And...when I was holding his hand...
And... when I carried him on my back...
Chapter Eight Jealousy
Chen Yunqi imitated San San, pouring the hot oil and crushed walnuts into the tea canister, and then said to San San, "Yes, you will definitely find a good job."
As he said this, he smiled slightly, his thin eyelids filled with tenderness. He thought for a moment and then continued, "Do you still have your high school textbooks? I can teach you some if you'd like."
San San was stunned, seemingly unable to believe that Chen Yunqi was willing to tutor him. Seeing his dazed look, Chen Yunqi leaned closer and whispered, "You don't want to?"
San San shook his head frantically like a rattle-drum: "No...no..." Before he could finish a sentence, he realized something was wrong and immediately started nodding like a pestle: "I'm willing, I'm willing!"
Seeing his flustered state, Chen Yunqi smiled, patted him on the shoulder, and said nothing more.
They'd had their tea and cigarettes, and it was getting late, so Chen Yunqi and the others prepared to head back to school. None of the three had brought a flashlight, so San San put on her coat and insisted on walking them home.
Night had fallen, and every household had turned off their lights and gone to bed. The moon was half-hidden by thick clouds, which seemed very close, like clumps of damp cotton wool pressed against one's head.
San San, carrying a flashlight, followed Chen Yunqi, who was carrying a thermos. In the cold mountain night, there were no insects chirping or birds singing, only the mountain wind rustling the shadows of the trees and the soft clattering of pebbles kicked and bounced on the ground. Everything was extremely quiet and dark, and with a handsome young man from the mountains beside him, Chen Yunqi could only think of the word "romantic" to describe this scene.
Of course, it would be even more perfect if Li Hui's noisy talking behind us wasn't there.
He glanced back at Tang Yutao, who was responding to Li Hui in a half-hearted manner and was still some distance away from them, and then softly called out, "San San."
San San heard Chen Yunqi call him, but didn't immediately say what followed. Somewhat confused, he turned to look at Chen Yunqi.
Chen Yunqi pondered for a moment before saying as they walked, "Don't feel inferior. There are many things in this world that we can't choose, such as our birth and our parents. But there are also many things that we can choose freely, such as what kind of life you will lead in the future, whether you stay here or go out to work. There are many choices, and these choices are not all based on how much you have studied or how much money you have. You are great, just keep working hard."
It was rare for Chen Yunqi to speak such a long string of words in one breath. He spoke very softly, but San San could hear him very clearly.
Before San San could respond, he was still immersed in Chen Yunqi's deep and pleasant voice, wanting to carefully and earnestly understand the meaning of these words, while Tang Yutao and Li Hui had already caught up from behind.
The school gate was in sight. San San had reached this point and it was time to go back. He said goodbye to the three and watched them walk into the school gate. Chen Yunqi, who was lagging behind, had just turned and taken a step when he heard a soft voice behind him: "Brother Xiaoqi, thank you."
Chen Yunqi turned around, his large, sparkling eyes clear and bright in the darkness, reflecting the stars.
The three grown men huddled around the sink, each busy brushing their teeth and washing their faces. Chen Yunqi asked Tang Yutao why he hadn't found a financial aid recipient for San San so he could continue his studies. Tang Yutao, his mouth full of toothpaste foam, mumbled, "It wouldn't make much of a difference. I've seen his grades; they're just average. Besides, he doesn't really want to study."
After saying that, he rinsed his mouth with water and continued, "Children in the mountains don't all yearn for education like they do in public service announcements. Especially here, they are basically isolated from the world. They have no idea what education can bring them. Apart from being able to go out and recognize words so they won't get lost, it's not very useful. Educational resources are precious and should be used on young children who truly have hope."
That was indeed the case. Although Chen Yunqi could have foreseen it, he was still somewhat unwilling to accept it.
He didn't come here with any sacred intention to try to change the status quo, but Chen Yunqi didn't think San San was just getting by. He could sense San San's ideals and desires from his tone and eyes. Those humble ideals and desires were buried deep by the cruel reality. The unknown abandonment and helplessness made Chen Yunqi feel a little heartbroken. He really wanted to do something for San San.
So he said, "I think San San wants to study, but he just doesn't have the courage to ask. I want to help him."
Tang Yutao didn't speak. Li Hui, rubbing the soap suds off his face, said, "How do you plan to help him? Find him a sponsor? His grades aren't good, and he's not young anymore. Very few people are willing to sponsor someone like him. Do you expect me to pay for his education myself?"
Chen Yunqi remained silent for a long time after hearing this, but suddenly felt that the suggestion might not be impossible. For a moment, he actually started to consider the possibility of paying for San San's education.
Tang Yutao seemed to see right through him, and said, "You don't really intend to pay for his schooling, do you...?"
Chen Yunqi's thoughts were interrupted, and he couldn't guess what he was going to say next, so he looked at him in confusion.
Tang Yutao sighed and said, "It's not that we don't want to help him. Do you want to hear the truth? I came here to teach not because I have any lofty ideals or great character, but because I joined the volunteer association and happened to be assigned here. I need to complete my mission. My mission is to create outstanding examples of successful assistance, so that our association and related organizations can attract more charitable enterprises to cooperate through these examples. Of course, this is also to integrate more and better resources and build stronger capital to do more public welfare. But this has little to do with me personally, do you understand? My contract is only for two years, and half of it has already passed. I don't have the ability or energy to help everyone in detail."
"And besides, are you really that rich?"
Tang Yutao spoke frankly and was very open about it, which Chen Yunqi found understandable. He had no ulterior motives about Tang Yutao's words; he knew very well that this was reality. However, when facing San San, he could only offer platitudes like "Even without money, there are many choices in life." He truly couldn't bear to ignore San San in that situation.
But he didn't regret it. For Tang Yutao, his words were just drawing an unrealistic and beautiful picture for San San, but for Chen Yunqi, it was not like that. He wanted to try his best to turn this picture into San San's future.
Chen Yunqi smiled and said, "I really don't have any money, and I haven't found a job yet. But I think some of my mother's business friends might be able to sponsor impoverished students, so I can ask them."
"Oh right! I almost forgot, your family is rich."
Tang Yutao then realized that he had almost broken his legs trying to find an internship after graduation, and had been turned away countless times. He had no leisure to go to the mountains to live a carefree life. So he concluded that Chen Yunqi was indeed a rich second-generation who didn't have to worry about food or clothing!
Thinking of this, he said without any politeness, "Quickly ask those big bosses your mother knows if they have any plans to improve their corporate image through poverty alleviation. Don't just think about San San, we have plenty of projects on hand!"
Chen Yunqi just smiled, picked up the remaining half-filled thermos of hot water, and planned to go back to his room to wash his body and feet. Tang Yutao didn't pay any attention, and carried his mouthwash cup back with Li Hui.
Upon entering, Li Hui flopped onto the bed, muttering to himself as he stared at the ceiling, "Tsk tsk, San San has found the right person to date." Tang Yutao glared at him, put down his things, took off his shoes, crawled into his sleeping bag on the floor, and opened a novel on his phone, ignoring Li Hui.
Seeing that Tang Yutao didn't intend to continue the conversation, Li Hui pulled the blanket over himself, turned over, and then couldn't fall asleep.
He had just woken up and wasn't sleepy at all. He thought about how San San and Chen Yunqi had only known each other for a few days, but they were always chatting quietly together. San San was so nice to Chen Yunqi, but he had never been so considerate to him.
Unexpectedly, San San, who seems so honest and naive, probably already realized that Chen Yunqi's family was well-off!
He felt indignant and, in a fit of anger, presumptuously questioned San San's character and looked down on Chen Yunqi's pretentious attitude despite being rich. He failed to realize that his actions were petty and stemmed from blatant jealousy.
The next morning, as soon as Chen Yunqi walked into the chaotic classroom, several children immediately surrounded him, chattering and complaining that some classmates had gotten into a fight and were injured.
He asked the children to sit back down and quiet down, and then he heard intermittent sobbing coming from the back row.
The injured child was named Sheng Qinyu, 6 years old. Chen Yunqi walked to his desk and saw that his face was covered with tears. He was covering one hand and looking up at him with a wronged expression. The boy at the same desk was sitting silently with his head down, obviously the culprit.
Chen Yunqi bent down and asked Sheng Qinyu what was wrong. Sheng Qinyu removed her hand, revealing a bloodstained wound on the back of her other hand that had been covered.
Chen Yunqi frowned immediately, raised the hand and examined it carefully. The wound looked like it had been punctured by something. Without asking what had happened, he quickly took Sheng Qinyu's hand and led him out of the classroom. They went to Tang Yutao's room, found a small box of first-aid medicines, washed their hands, and sat down at the table to clean Sheng Qinyu's wound.
The wound wasn't big; after cleaning away the blood, a small hole was visible. Fortunately, it wasn't deep, and it shouldn't have damaged the bone. The bleeding had stopped. Chen Yunqi found alcohol, iodine, and hydrogen peroxide in the first-aid kit. He took a roll of paper and wiped Sheng Qinyu's nose, saying, "Teacher is bandaging you. It might hurt a little, so please bear with it, okay?"
After speaking, Chen Yunqi patted Sheng Qinyu's head. Sheng Qinyu nodded blankly, and Chen Yunqi began to gently wipe the wound with a cotton swab dipped in iodine.
As soon as the iodine was applied, Sheng Qinyu recoiled in pain. Chen Yunqi pressed down on his hand with some force, speeding up the cleaning process. He then rummaged through the medicine box and found only one tube of Yunnan Baiyao powder for external use. He poured some out and carefully sprinkled it on the wound, then gently wrapped it with gauze and secured it with tape.