Time flies by so quickly.
The north wind howled through the snowflakes for several rounds, and the entire Jixiang Brigade was completely enveloped in a thick blanket of snow.
Rows of glistening icicles hung from the eaves, and children, dressed in thick cotton-padded coats, rolled and ran wildly in the snow, their laughter carrying far and wide.
Before we knew it, it was New Year's Day of 1967.
Early that morning, the educated youth settlement was in an uproar.
"Hey! Have you heard? Today the commune organized a big market in the open space between our brigade and the Hongxing brigade, involving several production brigades!"
Duan Zhou had just run back from outside, his face red from the cold, stamping his feet and breathing out white vapor.
"They say they're supplying New Year's goods, one session in the morning and one in the afternoon, it's quite a lively event!"
"Really? There's a big market to go to?" The eyes of several female educated youths in the room lit up instantly.
Having been sent to the countryside for so long, spending every day either working or staying at the educated youth settlement, my bones are practically rusting from all the sitting. Being able to join in some fun is more exciting than getting some fresh meat.
It just so happened that Lin Xiangnan had nothing to do today, so she came to visit Ruan Tang's house and brought up the matter: "I heard from Aunt Fengxia that the market is divided into two sessions in the morning. She also said that the commune's propaganda team will be performing Yangko dances and beating drums and gongs all day long to celebrate."
As she spoke, she nudged Ruan Tang, who was sipping hot water next to her, with her elbow.
"Tangtang, are you coming? Let's go together and join in the fun."
Ruan Tang had never seen a market in this era before. When she heard that there was a Yangko dance and drumming, the little flame of curiosity in her heart ignited instantly.
The little white dog she was carrying seemed to sense her excitement. It poked its fluffy little head out from the collar of her cotton-padded coat, its dark purple eyes darting around, and its silver-tipped ears twitching, as if to say, "I want to go too."
Ruan Tang glanced down at the little white cat with the invisibility talisman on it, quietly pressed it back down, and turned her head to look at Yan Yu, who was whittling wood for her next to her with her big, watery almond eyes.
Yan Yu's hands didn't stop; the sharp knife was obedient in his hand, and thin wood shavings curled off the edges as they fell, and the delicate outline of a little rabbit was already taking shape.
He didn't look up, and asked in a low voice, "Want to go?"
"Mmm!" Ruan Tang nodded vigorously, her little head bobbing like a chick pecking at rice.
Yan Yu stopped what he was doing.
He looked up, placed the warm little wooden rabbit in his hand into her palm, then stood up and took the thick military overcoat hanging on the wall.
"Put them on."
His words were always so short, yet they carried an irresistible meaning.
Ruan Tang immediately beamed and obediently stood up.
Yan Yu wrapped her in the coat that could fit two of her, then put a hat and thick gloves on her, covering her up completely, leaving only her bright, sparkling eyes showing, like a baby penguin ready to go on an adventure.
The group headed towards the market in a grand procession.
The earth was covered in a white blanket of snow in winter, and the snow crunched underfoot.
More and more people came to the road, all villagers from various villages. They chatted and laughed in small groups, adding a lively atmosphere to the quiet snowy landscape.
When there are many people, the road becomes crowded.
Yan Yu walked beside Ruan Tang the whole time, using his tall frame to shield her from all the crowds and cold winds.
His arm was almost imperceptibly encircling her, ensuring she walked safely between him and the roadside. That silent, protective gesture made several men trying to push their way forward instinctively walk around him.
After walking for about half an hour, a cacophony of voices drifted over on the wind.
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