8 008
◎The Eighth Day of the King of Scrolls◎
Dim light streamed through the dilapidated window of the old house, casting dappled patterns on the dusty floor.
Jiang Wanzhou ran around the house like a madwoman, trying to find a clue that would allow her to return to the modern world.
But apart from the dilapidated tables and chairs and the musty-smelling bedding, there was nothing else.
She collapsed to the ground, clutching her head in her hands, her body trembling uncontrollably. Her cries echoed in the empty room, as if she were trying to release all the despair and pain in her heart.
She couldn't understand why fate was playing such a cruel trick on her, bringing her to this strange and terrifying place.
Outside the window, the sky gradually darkened.
The dark clouds, like a huge black curtain, weighed heavily on the roof, making the whole room feel even more oppressive and gloomy.
Shen Xinglian was startled by Jiang Wanzhou's shout and intense reaction, and almost dropped the rag in her hand again.
She looked up, a weak smile appearing on her pale face, and said softly, "Wanzhou, don't make such a fuss. I know my own body. We just moved in, and there's so much work to do. I can't just sit around doing nothing. What if I exhaust you?"
Outside the window, a cold wind howled past, making the window rattle and clang, as if lamenting its difficult situation.
Jiang Wanzhou's eyes reddened, and her voice choked with emotion: "Xingxing, you haven't fully recovered yet. I can do these chores. I can get back to work after a short rest. But I'm resting while you're working. What if you overwork yourself and something bad happens to you?"
As she spoke, she gently took Shen Xinglian's hand and helped her sit down on a chair to the side.
The dilapidated tables and chairs creaked and groaned in pain as she bumped into them, as if they might fall apart at any moment.
Shen Xinglian looked at Jiang Wanzhou's broken state, her eyes filled with heartache and worry.
She gently patted Jiang Wanzhou's shoulder and said softly, "Wanzhou, don't cry. Now that we're here, we have to find a way to survive."
A light drizzle began to fall, the raindrops hitting the window with a "drip-drip" sound, as if weeping for their fate.
Shen Xinglian was silent for a moment, then took a deep breath and said seriously, "Wanzhou, I know it's hard for you to accept this reality, but we can find a way out together. I want to write an article and submit it for publication. I don't know if I'll be successful, but at least it's an attempt."
Seeing that Jiang Wanzhou had rekindled her hope, Shen Xinglian smiled with relief: "That's great, Wanzhou. I knew you wouldn't stay down forever. Let's work together, and we'll definitely have a better life in the future."
Shen Xinglian picked up a rag and continued wiping: "Wanzhou, I know you feel sorry for me, but you also know our current situation. After the family split, we won't get much, and this old house is in such a dilapidated state. If we don't clean it up as soon as possible, we won't be able to sleep peacefully at night. Besides, I also want to contribute to our new home."
"When we graduate, I promise you we'll open a bed and breakfast together."
"I'm sorry, I broke my promise back then."
"Now, although the environment is a bit tough, it's just that we're eating less meat and less rice, and we're missing a cat and a dog."
"You already have a child, isn't that great?"
Jiang Wanzhou felt a mix of emotions as she listened to Shen Xinglian's words.
She knew Shen Xinglian was right, but looking at her frail body, she couldn't help but feel sorry for her.
She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down: "No, you still need to rest."
"I'm full of energy now, I'll go and finish the rest of the work."
"I'll get angry if you move around."
After saying that, Jiang Wanzhou turned around, picked up a broom and rag, and resumed cleaning.
She worked quickly and efficiently, leaving no corner untouched, cleaning up the dust and debris bit by bit.
Shen Xinglian sat in a chair, holding her child, quietly watching Jiang Wanzhou's busy figure.
After a period of hard work, the old house finally began to resemble a home.
The furniture in the room was wiped clean, and the floor was shiny and tidy.
When it was time for dinner, Jiang Wanzhou looked at Shen Xinglian somewhat embarrassed.
On the table in front of them were several cold, hard steamed buns, the only food they could offer at the moment.
Jiang's mother said that the family had no money, and Jiang Wanzhou was not like many heroines in period novels who could produce the remittances sent back by her older brother Jiang Renzhou.
After the family split up, resources were limited, and we were busy settling into this old house, so we didn't have time to properly prepare supplies.
Given her reputation, the villagers might not be willing to lend her anything.
So you can tell from the food that they were strapped for cash.
"Xingxing, I'm so sorry, I can only let you eat steamed buns again." Jiang Wanzhou looked guilty, her voice tinged with helplessness.
Shen Xinglian smiled and shook her head gently, saying, "Wanzhou, don't say that."
"It's already very good that we have steamed buns to eat. We've just arrived here, and everything will gradually get better."
She picked up a steamed bun, took a small bite, as if she were savoring the most delicious food in the world.
Just then, a hearty laugh came from outside the door: "Girls, are you eating? I'm late."
Then, Aunt Li, who lived next door, walked in with light steps.
She was carrying a basket filled to the brim with fresh vegetables, including bright red tomatoes that looked like little lanterns, and tender green bok choy with glistening water droplets on the leaves, clearly freshly picked from the ground.
"Aunt Li, what brings you here!" Jiang Wanzhou was both surprised and delighted, and quickly got up to greet her.
Aunt Li put the basket on the table and said with a smile, "I went back to my parents' house today. It rained on my way back, so I took a shower. That's when I heard you moved here. I was thinking you must be lacking everything since you just moved here. These vegetables are homegrown and very fresh. I brought some over for you, please don't mind."
Jiang Wanzhou's eyes welled up with tears. She held Aunt Li's hand tightly and said, "Auntie, you're too kind. We're so grateful. How could we possibly mind? You've really helped us a lot."
Shen Xinglian also stood up and said sincerely, "Aunt Li, thank you so much, you are such a kind person."
Aunt Li patted their hands: "Why are you being so polite with your aunt? A close neighbor is worse than a distant relative. If you ever have any difficulties in the future, just tell your aunt."
Just then, another set of footsteps came from outside the door.
Jiang Wanzhou looked up and saw that it was Captain Jiang Weiguo.
Aunt Li also took the opportunity to leave.
Jiang Weiguo had several minor injuries, but his face remained serious.
"Wanzhou, Xinglian, I've come to see you." Jiang Weiguo said, carrying a small bag in his hand.
Jiang Wanzhou quickly went to greet him and asked with concern, "Uncle, how did you get injured? Is it serious?"
Jiang Weiguo waved his hand: "It's nothing, it's nothing. I just bumped into it accidentally while working. Here, this is something your uncle brought for you."
As he spoke, he handed the small bag to Jiang Wanzhou.
Jiang Wanzhou took the bag, opened it, and found ten eggs, two pieces of brown sugar, and even cloth coupons inside.
In those days of relative scarcity, eggs and brown sugar were extremely precious items.
Cloth coupons were even more...
Jiang Wanzhou's eyes instantly welled up with tears, and she said in a choked voice, "Uncle, this...this is too precious, we can't accept it."
Jiang Weiguo pretended to be angry and said, "You child, why are you being so polite with your uncle? You just moved here, you must need to replenish your nutrition. Here are some eggs and brown sugar, take them and make sure you take good care of yourselves."
“I rented the house to you for six months, here is the contract.”
When Jiang Wanzhou and Shen Xinglian saw this, they realized that Jiang Weiguo, fearing someone would say he was using their name, had apparently paid the money upfront.
Jiang Wanzhou hurriedly offered to pay.
Jiang Weiguo said sternly, "Alright, I'll ask your brother for it when he gets back."
Jiang Wanzhou was still somewhat hesitant: "Uncle, you've already done so much for us, even paying half a year's rent for us. Now you're giving us something so valuable. We really feel bad about it."
Jiang Weiguo smiled and said, "Wan'er, I know you've had a tough time. Everything has to start all over again after the family split up, and this old house is in such a dilapidated state. You must have suffered a lot. As the brigade leader and your cousin, I'll help you as much as I can. Don't refuse, just accept it."
Jiang Wanzhou looked at the wounds on Jiang Weiguo's body and understood what had happened.
He was filled with gratitude and remorse for everything he and Shen Xinglian had done for each other.
With tears in her eyes, she bent down and bowed, saying, "Uncle, we don't know how to repay your great kindness. Don't worry, we will definitely take good care of you when we are better off in the future."
Jiang Weiguo patted Jiang Wanzhou on the shoulder: "Silly child, don't talk about repaying me. As long as you can live a peaceful life, I'm at ease. Alright, you two hurry up and cook, I won't bother you anymore."
After saying that, Jiang Weiguo turned and left.
Jiang Wanzhou and Shen Xinglian stood at the door, watching their uncle's departing figure, remaining silent for a long time.
After a while, Jiang Wanzhou came to her senses. She wiped away her tears and said, "Xingxing, tonight we'll use these vegetables and eggs to have the most sumptuous meal we've had since we arrived here."
Shen Xinglian patted her and glared at her, saying, "It's been raining these past few days, so you can't go to town. People won't be delivering these vegetables every day, so you should save them."
"It's not wrong to have less of a sense of ritual at this time."
Jiang Wanzhou nodded quickly.
Jiang Wanzhou went into the kitchen and started getting busy.
Jiang Wanzhou was in charge of washing, chopping, and cooking the vegetables, while Shen Xinglian sat behind the stove to start a fire after feeding the baby.
Soon, a delicious aroma wafted from the kitchen.
When the steaming hot food was served, Jiang Wanzhou and Shen Xinglian smiled at each other.
This meal, though simple, was filled with warmth and touching moments.
In their most helpless moments, the kindness of others made them feel a sense of reality and attachment to the world.
During these difficult times, with the help of kind-hearted people like Aunt Li and Uncle, they will surely be able to overcome the difficulties and start a new life in the 1970s.
[Author's Note]
[Kiss][Kiss] Thank you so much for adding this to your favorites! [Dog head with rose in hand][Dog head with rose in hand]
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com