"Want some? I'll show you my skills when we get back, I guarantee you'll have your fill."
It took the two of them more than an hour to finally return to the commune.
The commune is no longer called a commune; it has been changed to a town. The town is undergoing a major construction project, leveling a small grove of trees between the supply and marketing cooperative and the village to the west, in order to build a brand new market.
Besides the market, all the surrounding land was sold, and many villagers who made money bought a plot of land around the new market to build houses.
In just a few years, ordinary people's houses have been built to four or five stories high. The ground floor of the buildings near the new market has a row of shops selling everything from clothing and food to housing and daily necessities.
Chen Jing drove his car through the new market and pointed to the tallest five-story building near the supply and marketing cooperative: "That building belongs to my eldest brother. It was just completed in February this year. Look, how is it being built?"
Ji Xia looked up and surveyed the building. It was a square, tall building with a floor area of at least 120 or 130 square meters. The exterior walls were covered with small tiles, in a combination of brick red and off-white. The balcony railings were arched, giving it a rather stylish look.
In those days, such buildings were considered very luxurious in a small town.
She nodded, then suddenly smelled gasoline and gagged a few times.
Chen Jing quickly helped her open the car door and get out to rest, handing her a bottle of mineral water and twisting off the cap.
Ji Xia took a few small sips of water before spitting it out, and finally drank two small sips.
"Smelling orange peel makes me feel better."
Ji Xia couldn't help but chuckle: "Where would you get orange peels this time of year?"
A small, dark green tangerine was held to her nose. The emerald peel was slightly torn open, releasing a fresh, astringent orange scent that instantly soothed her chest.
Ji Xia leaned against Chen Jing and let out a breath. Suddenly, she saw a dirty little boy, about three or four years old, staring at the green tangerine in her hand and drooling a few meters away.
Ji Xia couldn't help but chuckle, and took out two ox-head candies from her pocket: "The green tangerines are too sour and not tasty, these are much better."
The little boy tilted his head, drooling, and grinned when he heard this.
Worried that he might scratch Ji Xia, Chen Jing grabbed the candy from Ji Xia's hand and threw it at him. Suddenly, someone shouted angrily, "A Bao, don't!"
Ji Xia turned around and saw a familiar, disheveled figure. She couldn't help but exclaim in surprise, "Lin Haodong?"
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