The brigade leader cleared his throat and then slowly said, "Here's the thing: a group of educated youth who have been sent to the countryside will be coming to our village tomorrow."
"In principle, I should be the one to greet them, but I have a lot of important things to do in the team tomorrow, so I just can't get away."
"So I was thinking of having you make a trip for your uncle and help bring these educated youth to our village. What do you think?"
Upon hearing this, Shen Xiaoxiao replied without hesitation, "Sure! No problem, Captain, I'll take care of this little thing. I'll definitely go and bring all the educated youth back on time tomorrow!"
"Alright! Then I'll leave this matter to you!" the captain replied heartily. As soon as he finished speaking, he turned around without hesitation, seemingly eager to leave the place.
Shen Xiaoxiao stared suspiciously at the figure that quickly turned around and seemed eager to leave, and couldn't help but ask, "Uncle, why are you in such a hurry? What time is it tomorrow?"
The captain suddenly slapped his forehead, as if realizing something, and said, "Oh dear, look at my memory! I've been so busy lately that I completely forgot to tell you the time."
"Their train arrives at 10 a.m. tomorrow. You just need to get to the station before 10 a.m." After saying that, he hurried off and disappeared from Shen Xiaoxiao's sight in the blink of an eye.
"Is it really that busy lately?" Shen Xiaoxiao muttered to herself as she watched the captain's hurried figure disappear into the distance.
However, she didn't think much of it and skipped happily toward home, humming a cheerful tune along the way.
As soon as she got home, Shen Xiaoxiao immediately started preparing lunch for the family.
She tied on her apron and skillfully washed vegetables, chopped meat, and cooked dishes... The kitchen was filled with the crisp sounds of pots and pans clattering together and the enticing aromas wafting through the air.
Finally, as the work bell rang softly throughout the village, Shen Xiaoxiao's carefully prepared four dishes and one soup were all finished.
She wiped the fine beads of sweat from her forehead with satisfaction, took off her apron, and served the dishes one by one to the table.
Not long after, accompanied by the sound of footsteps and laughter approaching from afar, Mr. and Mrs. Shen Zishan and Shen Xiaochuan stepped into the house one after another.
The family sat around the table, enjoying a warm and happy lunch.
During dinner, Shen Xiaoxiao explained to her family that she would be helping the brigade leader to welcome the educated youth at the train station the next day.
No one raised any objections.
The next morning, just as dawn was breaking, Shen Xiaoxiao got up early, went to the cowshed, led out a strong cow, fed it until it was full, and then harnessed it to a cart.
She gently waved her whip, urging the oxcart slowly toward the station, waiting for the educated youth who were about to arrive.
The ox walked steadily and slowly towards the train station.
Shen Xiaoxiao sat quietly on the oxcart, holding a homemade ox whip in her hand.
She would occasionally look up at the road ahead, estimating her arrival time at the train station. Finally, when the clock struck ten, the oxcart came to a smooth stop at the train station entrance.
Shen Xiaoxiao lightly jumped off the oxcart, her movements as graceful as a butterfly fluttering in the air.
She carefully placed the sign she had prepared long ago on the side of the oxcart, then quietly returned to her seat, closed her eyes slightly, and began to rest.
A gentle breeze caressed her hair, bringing a touch of coolness and tranquility.
Not long after, the rumble of a train could be heard in the distance, growing louder as it approached. With the sound of brakes and the billowing of steam, the train slowly pulled into the station.
Immediately afterwards, the train doors opened, and passengers poured out like a tide, instantly filling the previously empty exit.
Shen Xiaoxiao's eyelashes trembled slightly, as if disturbed by the noisy scene.
She slowly opened her eyes and looked at the bustling crowd.
Just then, a strange feeling welled up inside her—her heart suddenly began to pound violently, as if it were about to burst out of her chest. This palpitation came so abruptly that she couldn't help but feel a little flustered.
In stark contrast, as Dai Xingyun got closer to the station, she found that her heartache had miraculously lessened considerably.
He took a deep breath, feeling the pain in his chest gradually subside, and was secretly surprised.
Xiahou Jie, who was walking beside Dai Xingyun, noticed his unusual behavior and asked with concern, "Are you alright? Do you need me to help you?" His tone was full of worry.
Dai Xingyun smiled and shook his head, replying, "It's nothing. I guess the car ride was too long. I feel much more comfortable now that I'm off the bus."
As he spoke, he picked up the small package beside him and followed closely behind Xiahou Jie, walking together toward the exit.
After exiting the station, Xiahou Jie looked around cautiously, like a vigilant hunting dog.
His sharp gaze swept across the crowd and the surrounding scenery, not missing any clues that might be related to Shenjiazhuang.
After searching for a while, he finally found a sign with the words "Shenjiazhuang" written on it not far away.
Xiahou Jie picked up his heavy luggage without hesitation and strode towards the sign.
As he approached, he took a deep breath and then called out in a loud voice, "Hello! Are you from Shenjiazhuang here to pick up the educated youth?"
At this moment, Shen Xiaoxiao, who was facing away from Xiahou Jie, slowly turned around after hearing the sound.
Her beautiful eyes first glanced at Xiahou Jie with a questioning look, then she nodded gently and replied with a smile, "That's right, I was sent by Shenjiazhuang to pick up all the educated youth."
“You educated youth from Shenjiazhuang, you can put your luggage in my car, and I will take you all back to the village later.”
The moment Shen Xiaoxiao turned her head, Xiahou Jie was stunned.
He stared wide-eyed at the girl in front of him.
He was secretly amazed: he never expected that there could be such a naturally beautiful woman in this remote and impoverished place.
Shen Xiaoxiao's skin was as white as snow, as smooth and delicate as mutton fat jade; her big, watery eyes were like twinkling stars in the night sky, bright and spirited.
Beneath her high nose bridge, her cherry-like lips curved slightly upward, revealing a charming smile.
Meanwhile, Dai Xingyun, who was following behind, was getting closer and closer.
Strangely enough, ever since he got closer to Shen Xiaoxiao, his heart, which was often tormented by heart pain, gradually calmed down, and the pain gradually disappeared.
Dai Xingyun was overjoyed, but he didn't show it on his face.
He strode forward and politely greeted Shen Xiaoxiao, "Hello! My name is Dai Xingyun, and I am also one of the educated youth going to Shenjiazhuang."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com