Wang Xue chatted with the other educated youth in the courtyard for a while, then said she would talk to them later.
The three of them tidied themselves up and were actively preparing gifts to express their gratitude. Lin Xiaoxiao had saved their lives this time, and they couldn't take it for granted.
Inside the room of the educated youth, the three of them were rummaging through drawers and cabinets, searching for their most precious possessions.
Liu Lele's family was of modest means, and he looked at the simple bed and meager belongings with some worry.
Finally, she carefully wrapped up her fine grains and took out a small bag of peach shortbread that she had been reluctant to eat from the bottom of the cupboard.
These peach shortbreads were sent from home last time, and she's been treasuring them, but she doesn't feel bad giving them to Lin Xiaoxiao at all.
Wang Xue specially traded 30 eggs with the villagers. The eggs gleamed faintly in the basket, as if carrying Wang Xue's deep gratitude.
There was also a can of food next to her, which she had worked very hard to get.
Li Mei was holding a sponge cake, but what was even more surprising was that she was also holding a chicken in her arms!
The two male educated youths were still in the hospital and had not returned because their injuries were quite serious.
We'll express our gratitude to Lin Xiaoxiao when they return.
Hearing the knock, Lin Xiaoxiao got up to open the door. The door creaked open, revealing Wang Xue, Liu Lele, and Li Mei.
The three people were carrying a lot of things: eggs in baskets, pastries wrapped in paper, and a chicken with its feet tied, struggling incessantly.
Lin Xiaoxiao was slightly taken aback, then quickly stepped aside to let them in, saying, "Come in quickly, sit in the main room."
The main room was somewhat dim, with simple tables and chairs arranged neatly. Sunlight squeezed in through the cracks in the windows, forming a few rays of light, while dust motes danced in the air.
As soon as they came in, as if they had made a pact, they all stuffed the things they were carrying into Lin Xiaoxiao's arms.
Lin Xiaoxiao gently pushed the things back and said, "I really don't lack food here. The village knows that we educated youth have it tough, so they gave us a subsidy of grain."
"Besides, I was lucky yesterday and caught some wild rabbits and pheasants in the mountains. We have meat now, so you can take the stuff back."
“You yourselves don’t even have enough to eat. We all live here, so it’s only right that we help each other.”
Upon hearing this, Wang Xue's eyes instantly reddened, and she said in a choked voice, "Lin Xiaoxiao, if you hadn't arrived in time, we don't know how much suffering we would have endured."
“When those bad guys surrounded us, we all felt hopeless. But you appeared like a hero and pulled us back from the brink of death.”
Liu Lele chimed in, "Yes, you saved our lives. I can't believe how sad my parents would be back home if something happened to me. They would suffer so much."
“I’m their only child. I can’t even imagine how they would live if something happened to me.” As she spoke, tears welled up in her eyes, as if she could already see her parents’ heartbroken faces.
Li Mei held Lin Xiaoxiao's arm tightly and said earnestly, "Because of you, we are able to stand here and talk properly now. These things are not much, but each one is a token of our gratitude. We know that everyone has a hard time, but this is the only way we can express our thanks."
“We came here from the city to the countryside. Although it’s tough, as long as we work hard to earn work points, we won’t starve. Please accept this, otherwise we’ll feel bad about it.”
Looking into their sincere eyes, Lin Xiaoxiao opened her mouth, wanting to refuse again, but found herself at a loss for words.
Finally, Lin Xiaoxiao smiled helplessly, accepted the gifts, and said, "I know you mean well, but this is enough for now. Please don't send any more in the future."
"We all have it tough. I just happen to know a little about hunting with a bow and arrow. In that situation, it's only right that we help each other. We educated youth should support each other."
Everyone else nodded emphatically upon hearing this.
After expressing their heartfelt gratitude and declining the offer, Wang Xue, Liu Lele, and Li Mei chatted with Lin Xiaoxiao for a while.
Liu Lele told Lin Xiaoxiao, "Don't always think about us. You've suffered a lot this time too."
Wang Xue chimed in, "That's right. If you need any help in the future, just let us know."
Li Mei nodded in agreement: "Lin Zhiqing is still so enthusiastic."
Lin Xiaoxiao smiled and replied, "I know, I won't stand on ceremony with you."
After chatting for a few more minutes, the three of them got up to say goodbye. Lin Xiaoxiao saw them to the door and then closed it.
Before leaving, he asked Lin Xiaoxiao if he could keep in touch with her more often in the future.
Lin Xiaoxiao nodded in agreement. As long as she maintained a proper sense of propriety, she didn't mind interacting with people more.
Lin Xiaoxiao turned around and went back into the house, heading straight for Han Qiushi's room.
Lin Xiaoxiao prepared to check on Han Qiushi's condition.
Noticing that Han Qiushi's complexion was a little off, she asked, "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"
Han Qiushi's face looked like a bitter gourd. "Comrade Lin, I drank a bit too much water today." As he spoke, he covered his stomach with his hand, and his eyes kept glancing towards the toilet.
He not only drank a lot of water, but also two bowls of porridge. He was really pent up in his room.
Lin Xiaoxiao was taken aback by his appearance at first, then realized what he meant and said, "How about... I go get you a basin?"
Han Qiushi's face flushed instantly. He waved his hands awkwardly, not daring to meet Lin Xiaoxiao's eyes. "No need, no need. Please help me up, Lin Qingqing. My leg is fine. As long as I don't overexert myself, I can stand for a while without any problem."
Lin Xiaoxiao squatted down, her slender fingers gently pinching a corner of the bandage, carefully examining it with focused attention in her eyes.
After confirming that his wound hadn't reopened, he stopped saying, "Okay, I'll pay you to go over there."
She stood up and firmly held Han Qiushi's arms with both hands.
The two were very close, close enough to hear each other's breathing.
Han Qiushi lowered his head slightly, his gaze inadvertently falling on Lin Xiaoxiao.
Her hair was jet black and glossy, with a few strands playfully falling beside her cheeks, swaying gently with her movements. A faint, sweet fragrance emanated from her, drifting into his nostrils.
He couldn't help but think to himself: This smells much better than the soap I usually use.
The moment the thought popped into his head, he was startled by his own words, cursing himself inwardly: What kind of time is this to be thinking such nonsense? It's really inappropriate.
Lin Xiaoxiao helped Han Qiushi walk slowly towards the restroom.
Han Qiushi finally saw the entire courtyard. The front yard was not large, with baskets placed on the side and clothes drying. The whole place was clean and tidy, thanks to Lin Xiaoxiao.
"You have to be careful with your leg, don't use too much force," Lin Xiaoxiao said softly.
When they arrived at the restroom, the two stopped at the door.
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