Chapter 19 "What kind of girl do you like?"
Chapter Nineteen: "What kind of girl do you like?"
Although it is already the end of December, the climate here is still warm and spring-like.
On Tuesday, after finishing her morning classes, Lin Su went to the county town with Zhou Yunqi.
After lunch, we arrived at the farm hospital to obtain a medical certificate.
Zhou Yunqi recognized the doctor and said directly, "Dr. Mo, this is the educated youth Xiao Lin I told you about."
The doctor, a middle-aged man, looked Lin Su up and down. Seeing that she had rosy lips and fair skin and looked well, he said with a puzzled look, "You seem to have good blood circulation. How can you be as weak as you say?"
Zhou Yunqi: "I've been recuperating for half a year. Before, I would faint from low blood sugar at the drop of a hat. A few days ago, I went to a sugarcane field and had a skin allergy. The red spots on my neck haven't gone away yet."
The doctor looked at Lin Su: "Take a look?"
Lin Su tugged at the collar of her clothes.
The doctor said, "This is urticaria, thankfully it's not serious. But writing 'allergy' won't work, let's change the name."
Lin Su asked, "Change what?"
The doctor smiled and said, "Heart disease, that's a disease that educated youth all like to get."
Lin Su: "Uh..."
The doctor wrote "mitral valve insufficiency" on the medical certificate in a flamboyant manner. After writing it, he said, "I guess you will be going back to the city soon. Recently, the educated youth have been making a fuss about going back to the city."
Zhou Yunqi said, "We still have to wait for the people from the capital to come before we can get a result."
Dr. Mo asked him curiously, "Do the educated youth in your branch farm have any rest?"
Zhou Yunqi replied, "I told them they could rest, but they were quite diligent and went to harvest sugarcane."
The doctor nodded: "We're on the better side. They grow rubber there, and the rainforest climate is harsh. Plus, they're managed like a production and construction corps, so it's really tough. Right now, it's the land reclamation season. If the collective doesn't work, it just means a few acres of land will be reclaimed less, so the impact isn't that big."
Lin Su listened silently, took the medical certificate from the doctor, thanked him, and was about to leave the consultation room when she thought for a moment and said, "Doctor, could you prescribe some aspirin for me?"
Dr. Mo couldn't help but ask, "Where do you feel unwell?"
Lin Su looked at him calmly and said, "Menstrual cramps, prepare in advance."
Zhou Yunqi: "..."
She has been relying on aspirin for pain relief for the past few months. Her period is coming up in a few days, and she has run out of her medication.
The doctor took a prescription and wrote it down while saying, "But this medicine has side effects. Did you experience any discomfort after taking it?"
“Yes,” Lin Su said, “It causes nausea and tinnitus.”
"Won't you have an allergic reaction?"
"No," Lin Su said. "I'm mainly allergic to some burrs."
"It's a normal reaction." The doctor suddenly sighed. "There's a good painkiller abroad called ibuprofen, which doesn't have as many side effects. It's a pity that it's not imported into China yet, and you've never seen it."
She'd seen ibuprofen all too many times.
Lin Su took the prescription to pay and pick up the medicine. Zhou Yunqi remained silent for a long time before suddenly asking, "Will it still hurt a lot?"
Lin Su whispered, "We have painkillers, so the situation isn't that serious."
He frowned: "How come I didn't notice?"
He wasn't unaware of her condition; he would occasionally see her looking unwell, leaning listlessly against her seat. However, she didn't like to make a sound, and when asked, she would only say that she hadn't slept well, so he didn't think much of it.
Lin Su said, "It hurt on the first day, but the medicine relieved it a lot."
Not wanting to continue the conversation, she asked, "Are you very familiar with Dr. Mo?"
"Generally, his brother-in-law has business dealings with the sugar factory."
...
After leaving the hospital, Zhou Yunqi asked, "Shall I take you back to the farm? Or will you come with me to the sugar factory?"
Lin Su said, "Let's go to the sugar factory."
When she returned to the sugar factory, a large truck was just arriving, carrying a load of sugarcane. Lin Su, having nothing else to do, went to watch them unload the truck and then watched the machines washing sugarcane on the first production line.
However, she couldn't enter the production workshop at the back, so she had to leave and return to Zhou Yunqi's office.
She happened to run into Xu Yaodong on the street. As soon as he saw her, he asked, "Have you got the certificate?"
"It's ready."
Xu Yaodong said, "Then you can go back to the city in a few days. Can I do you a favor then?"
Lin Su asked, "What is it?"
He said mysteriously, "Help me bring some things back to the capital."
Lin Su didn't think much of it and assured her, "Sure, as long as it's not too much, I can bring you whatever I can."
But when he returned to his office and told Zhou Yunqi about it, Zhou Yunqi asked strangely, "Didn't that kid tell you what it was?"
Lin Su shook her head: "They're probably just local specialties or something, gifts for family members."
He glanced at her and sneered, "What this kid wants you to bring is probably cigarettes."
Lin Su asked in confusion, "Smoke? What smoke?"
"Hongtashan".
Hongtashan is a relatively high-end cigarette and a valuable commodity in Beijing. Since the production area is not far from here, Zhou Yunqi has a way to get cheap Hongtashan. After Xu Yaodong found out, he kept pestering him about it for a while, saying that he would have a family visit leave next year and that he should get him a few more cartons of cigarettes when he went home so that he could make some money by taking them back.
After listening, Lin Su said blankly, "Isn't this reselling?"
“He has a younger brother who does business dealing,” Zhou Yunqi said. “His family is large, with five children. As the eldest brother, he went to the countryside, while his younger brother secretly made money dealing in goods in Beijing.”
Lin Su asked, "Should I bring it for him?"
Zhou Yunqi thought for a moment and said, "Taking two back is fine as local specialties to give to relatives and friends. But if you take too many and they get checked, you'll be in trouble and won't be able to explain yourself. I'll let him know when the time comes."
"Oh, okay." Lin Su nodded and sat down to look through today's newspaper.
The newspapers didn't report on the educated youth sent to the countryside, but they did have a lot of content about the reform and opening up.
As I was reading intently, a middle-aged man walked to the door with an invitation, greeting me with a smile: "Director Zhou."
The other party was the workshop director. When Lin Su was here before, the workshop was not in operation, so the two had never met.
Zhou Yunqi said, "Director Zhao, please sit down."
"I can't sit down, the workshop is busy. I mainly need to deliver the invitations. I always forget to bring them before, but I brought them today. I've come several times, but you're never in the office," Director Zhao said.
Zhou Yunqi accepted the invitation: "You just told me, I will definitely go. It doesn't matter whether there is an invitation or not."
"Invitations are still necessary," Director Zhao said with a smile, then looked Lin Su up and down, "And this young comrade is?"
"My colleague Xiaolin from the branch office."
Director Zhao looked visibly surprised: "You're Xiao Lin, you've worked at the factory for a few days?"
Lin Su smiled and said, "It's me."
"I saw you in the cleaning area just now, and I was wondering who you were."
The factory is only so big. The factory manager is a bit gossipy, and most of the employees know about it. Director Zhao also knows that Xiao Lin is close to the factory manager and that he is good at getting things done, so he said, "Since it's such a coincidence that we've run into each other, Xiao Lin, why don't you go have a drink with the factory manager on New Year's Day?"
Lin Su looked at the invitation and asked, "Director Zhao, what's the good news?"
“My son is getting married, and he also works at the factory, but he's currently at his post and it's inconvenient for him to come over.”
Lin Su said, "This is a joyous occasion!"
Zhou Yunqi glanced at her, a slight smile playing on his lips, and said to Director Zhao, "Sure, I'll take her to the wedding banquet, but let's make it clear beforehand that her red envelope will be on my behalf."
"Don't talk about red envelopes or anything like that, it's too formal. The main thing is to have some fun together," Director Zhao said. "I have something to do, so I'll head over first."
After Director Zhao finished speaking, he left the office. Lin Su picked up the invitation with curiosity and saw that the banquet was set up in a hotel in the county town. She looked at Zhou Yunqi with sparkling eyes and asked, "Are you really going to take me to the wedding banquet?"
Zhou Yunqi looked back at her: "Are you going?"
"Sure, but aren't they slaughtering pigs on the farm for New Year's Day? I'd like to have some pig's blood soup too. The pig's blood soup made by the head cook is especially tender, and it's incredibly delicious with ginger and scallions."
He was speechless: "I can have pig's blood soup in the morning and then go to a wedding banquet at noon."
Lin Su grinned: "Alright then."
-
A few days later, the school's courses officially ended and the final review period began. Taking this opportunity, Lin Su submitted her resignation to Principal Meng.
Principal Meng said, "Director Zhou has already mentioned it to me. Just do your best in your last shift, complete the final exam work, and once the results are tallied, you can settle your salary and leave after the winter break."
He would mention it to the principal, which didn't surprise Lin Su at all. She replied, "Don't worry, Principal, I'll wait until winter break to leave."
Although she had only taught for one semester, Lin Su felt quite reluctant to part with the children. Most of them were very obedient and, knowing she came from the capital, treated her with utmost respect. The more outgoing children would even ask her questions about the capital. Lin Su always encouraged them to study hard, get into university, and visit the capital in person.
On New Year's Day morning, Lin Su enjoyed a delicious bowl of pig's blood soup. At 10:00 AM, she took a bus to the county town.
Xu Yaodong sat directly in the back seat this time, giving up the passenger seat. After the car started moving, Lin Su turned to him and asked, "Brother Dong, do you want me to bring you cigarettes?"
Xu Yaodong was very surprised: "How did you know? Did the boss tell you?"
Zhou Yunqi said, "You can only let her bring two at most. If she brings more and gets caught, she won't be able to explain herself."
Xu Yaodong bargained: "How about four?"
Zhou Yunqi said in a defiant tone, "Only two."
Finally, Lin Su compromised and said, "How about these three? If they question me, I'll say that I bought them myself as gifts for my family: one for my uncle, one for my other uncle, and one for my uncle-in-law. Is that alright?"
Zhou Yunqi asked, "Are all these relatives you mentioned in the capital?"
Lin Su paused for a moment before replying, "I just said it casually. Actually, my parents are from another province, and we don't keep in touch with those relatives much."
"So if you go back to Beijing, you don't have any other relatives you can rely on?" he asked again.
Lin Su shook her head: "No."
If she had, she wouldn't have been completely exploited by her stepmother, who took over the positions that originally belonged to her.
Zhou Yunqi sighed softly.
Xu Yaodong interjected, "It doesn't matter if you don't have any relatives. From now on, my family will be your family. We live in a courtyard house in a hutong. It's a lively place. If you say something at home, the neighbors can hear you clearly without you even having to eavesdrop."
Lin Su smiled and said, "It was quite lively."
"It's a pity our house is small, and all the people are crammed together. Otherwise, you can stay at my house."
Lin Su said, "I still want to live in my own home."
That dormitory in the family compound was originally allocated to Lin's father by his work unit. If she were to give it up, it would be a waste for her stepmother and stepsister. Although she also has a half-brother, he is only eleven or twelve years old. Who knows what kind of person her stepmother has raised him to be, or whether he is on their side?
Today is an auspicious day for weddings. On the way, we saw several wedding processions. As we spoke, the car arrived at the county hotel. Lin Su followed Zhou Yunqi to the entrance. There were people collecting wedding gifts at the reception area. Zhou Yunqi and Xu Yaodong both handed over red envelopes.
Many colleagues came to the factory, and as soon as he entered, many people greeted him.
The bride and groom also came over to greet them and led them to a table near the main table. Zhou Yunqi said, "The old factory director is here too."
Lin Su looked over and saw that the other person had gray hair and a kind face.
After they sat down, the retired factory director said, "Xiao Zhou, it was the right thing for me to step down and let you be the factory director back then. Look how well you've managed the sugar factory; now it's the leading enterprise in the county."
Zhou Yunqi replied with great ease, "The old factory director laid a solid foundation, which is why we were able to operate successfully."
They were all exchanging pleasantries, while Lin Su sat quietly next to Zhou Yunqi, listening. He pushed a plate of melon seeds and peanuts over, saying, "Have some melon seeds."
Lin Su grabbed some melon seeds and placed them on the tablecloth.
The old factory manager looked at her and asked with a smile, "Xiao Zhou, is this your boyfriend?"
The people at the table all burst into laughter, and Lin Su quickly said no.
Zhou Yunqi calmly said, "This is Xiao Lin, a colleague and fellow villager. She's also an educated youth from Beijing. I brought her here to join in the fun."
The old factory director nodded: "My eyesight is failing, please don't mind."
But seeing how pretty the girl was, he couldn't help but ask, "Does Xiaolin have a boyfriend?"
Lin Su shook her head: "No."
Zhou Yunqi said, "She needs to focus on the college entrance examination and won't consider these things for the time being."
The old factory director then picked up on the topic of the college entrance examination: "You should focus on getting into university; your future will be brighter."
Lin Su noticed that the old factory director was a bit of a chatterbox. Later, the conversation turned to the college entrance examination. As he spoke, he veered back to Zhou Yunqi and said, "Little Zhou, it's about time you settled down. Today's groom is two years younger than you. If you settle down sooner, you can do better in your career."
Zhou Yunqi smiled and said, "Let it be."
Lin Su munched on sunflower seeds, unable to help but think that, apart from their brief conversation about Tang Shimin, she and the farm manager had never discussed romantic topics. She had never asked him what kind of girl he liked or what age he hoped to settle down. Although he didn't get married in the original story, young people always have some ideas and plans, whether they can be realized is another matter.
After the banquet began, everyone toasted each other. Xu Yaodong couldn't drink, but on such a good day, he had to have a few drinks.
Zhou Yunqi served her food while also dealing with people offering toasts.
There is a special rose wine produced locally, which smells very fragrant and is suitable for women. Lin Su had heard of it before but never had the chance to try it. Today she finally tried a glass and was surprised to find that it tasted quite good.
When Zhou Yunqi noticed, she had already finished a whole glass and was about to pour herself a second one. He couldn't help but ask, "Aren't you allergic to alcohol?"
Lin Su said, "No, they don't even wipe off alcohol when giving injections."
He frowned: "Does drinking alcohol make your face flush?"
Lin Su: "I don't know."
It seems the original owner never drank alcohol.
However, seeing the blush spreading across her cheeks, he advised, "It's already showing on your face, don't drink anymore, your body can't handle it."
Lin Su touched her cheek: "It is a little hot, but the alcohol content is low, so it's fine."
Lin Su is a perfect example of someone who is addicted to food. While Zhou Yunqi was out socializing, she drank two more glasses of wine. When Zhou Yunqi returned, her cheeks were flushed.
Zhou Yunqi was speechless: "Will you still be able to walk later?"
Lin Su said, "Sure, I'm not drunk."
"No more drinking."
She hadn't planned to drink anymore, but after hearing the ban, she rebelled and drank another cup when he wasn't looking.
When Zhou Yunqi returned, her face was already as red as a tomato, and she was grabbing his arm, shouting, "I want to go to the restroom."
Seeing that her eyes were also red, the man was furious: "How can you go to the bathroom looking like this?"
"Help me go, I can manage."
Lin Su's legs were weak and unsteady. Zhou Yunqi grabbed her arm and led her to the bathroom. As they walked, the man scolded, "How come I didn't realize you were a drunkard? Aren't you afraid of getting rashes all over your body?"
"I didn't get a rash, and I told you I'm not allergic to alcohol."
When she got to the restroom, she staggered inside, while he waited outside.
Lin Su washed her face while washing her hands, which cooled her fever down a bit. After coming out, she grinned at him and said she felt better. Zhou Yunqi couldn't resist any longer and continued to pull her arm forward, saying, "Let's go, let's go back."
Lin Su cried out, "You're hurting me!"
He didn't let go of her hand and led her back to the banquet. By then, some guests had already begun to leave. Zhou Yunqi saw that Xu Yaodong's face was also flushed and he didn't want to bother with him, but he had to instruct him: "Go to the car and take a nap later to sober up before driving back to the factory."
Xu Yaodong asked, "And what about you?"
“I took her back to the factory.”
The county town is not big; it takes half an hour to walk from the hotel back to the factory.
Lin Su's legs were still weak. When they reached the door, he simply said, "I'll carry you on my back."
Lin Su nodded and climbed onto his back.
The man's back was broad and strong. Lin Su placed her hands on his shoulders and leaned against his back. She could clearly feel the strength of his back and the groove in his spine. However, she was dizzy and could not feel it clearly, so she simply rested her head on his shoulder and neck and closed her eyes.
Zhou Yunqi's steps were very slow, and the person on his back was so light that he didn't know where all the food he usually ate had gone. Moreover, the person was dissipating heat all over, making his back feel warm.
Hearing her quiet down, he asked, "Are you asleep?"
"No."
"You can't drink, yet you drank so much. Do you think you can take advantage of me?"
Lin Su grunted in response.
"Tsk, you're not modest at all."
Lin Su said, "You drank alcohol too, how come you're fine?"
"How can I be fine? I have a terrible headache." The man gritted his teeth. "Just seeing you gives me a headache."
Lin Su hummed in response.
"You've even started humming."
After walking for a while, Lin Su inexplicably remembered that question and suddenly murmured, "Zhou Yunqi—"
The person carrying her stopped, straightening their slightly hunched back: "You've been drinking and you're calling me by my full name. You've got some nerve."
Can I ask you a question?
"That depends on the problem."
Lin Su's eyes were barely open, but she forced herself to continue asking, "What kind of...girl do you like?"
Zhou Yunqi's heart skipped a beat again, and his voice was low and hoarse: "Why did you suddenly want to ask this question?"
He chuckled again: "Did you ask this on purpose while I was drunk?"
There was no answer; the hand that had been supporting his shoulder could no longer hold on tightly, and the only response was his even breathing during sleep.
Zhou Yunqi: "..."
-----------------------
Author's Note: Manager: Alright, alright, you're afraid to hear this, aren't you... [Cracks]
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