Chapter Fifteen: Being Watched

The group was dressed quite well. In an era when patched clothing was the norm, each of them wore entirely new garments. Not a single patch in sight, and the fabric looked quite fine. Coupled with the large bundles they carried, it was clear even at a glance that these were people of means.

Unnoticed by them, eyes had quietly begun to fix on the group from the shadows. Although Yun Shu and her companions were strong and tall young adults—not quite the “children carrying gold” type—every place had its local bullies. Those familiar with the trade could tell at once from their unfamiliar faces and accents that these newcomers were fresh meat.

A conspicuous fat sheep like this in plain sight—expecting those petty thieves or street thugs not to make a move was wishful thinking.

It was precisely because Lin Jingshu and “Xie Yunshu” hadn’t yet become close friends, and because Lin Jingshu was still lone-wolfing her first trip into town to procure supplies for her secret advantage, never moving with Jiang Xiucheng and the others, that they hadn’t attracted such attention before. Jiang Xiucheng’s group hadn’t purchased many items either, so they stayed under the radar.

Moreover, they hadn’t lingered in the county seat long enough to draw notice; they hadn’t even eaten at the state-run restaurant, instead catching the morning bus back to Fengsheng Brigade directly. Thus, no one had targeted them for an attack.

This time, however, being marked was clearly a small incident triggered when Yun Shu had just stopped Lin Jingshu and taken the letter back to the brigade—like the flutter of butterfly wings stirring a minor ripple.

...

But from being watched to being attacked, there was naturally some time in between. After leaving one person behind to continue tailing them discreetly, the group noticed the number of eyes following them visibly lessened.

They found the state-run restaurant without trouble. It was nearly mealtime, and the place was packed. Chen Ming, quick and sharp-eyed, spotted a group who had just finished eating and strode over in long strides to secure a good spot.

Yun Shu and Lin Jingshu hurried after him, while slightly behind, Pei Wenyuan and Jiang Xiucheng exchanged a knowing glance over their shoulders. One person feeling uneasy might be paranoia; two people sensing something amiss was certainly cause for concern.

Pei Wenyuan’s family background was unknown, but Jiang Xiucheng, having endured two assassination attempts, a kidnapping, and two years’ training in military counterintelligence, possessed keen survival instincts. This was his ace up his sleeve—never once had he been wrong.

So without showing any outward sign, the two simply exchanged a glance, heightened their alertness internally, and planned to brief Chen Ming and the others later.

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The state-run restaurant was well-known in these times, mainly because of the masterful chefs and the honest ingredients.

Braised pork was a must. Despite Yun Shu’s slender frame, she was a true carnivore, needing meat every day. Even if not three meals, at least one daily serving was indispensable.

Beef noodles, meat-filled buns, dumplings, and wontons—various greens were just accompaniments and garnish.

Yun Shu took the lead, ordering a portion of braised pork and beef potstickers.

Lin Jingshu, also a meat lover, ordered sweet and sour pork and wontons. Though they had agreed to split the meal expenses evenly, no one wanted to take advantage, so she chose her own dishes.

The three male educated youths ordered three large dishes and a cold appetizer, but all unanimously chose plain white rice as their staple.

Chen Ming busied himself at the counter to pay, then returned to pour each of them a cup of hot water from the table’s kettle.

“The cost of each dish is about the same and just enough for what we have. I heard from Old Chen Hua, the veteran youth, that autumn harvest is just around the corner. It won’t be easy then, so this time let’s have a good meal, save our strength, and stock up on energy!”

Chen Ming was clever and lively, and in some ways had become the group’s social butterfly. Even though they had met only yesterday, he was already joking and chatting familiarly with Old Chen Hua, gaining a wealth of useful information.

The others nodded repeatedly. For someone like Yun Shu, who had never done such intense farm work before, a trace of nervousness was natural.

People were pragmatic by nature. Before coming, she had romantic notions about the era her parents lived through, but now, all that remained in her heart was a pressing anxiety she could not ignore.

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Biting her lip subconsciously, Yun Shu looked troubled. Chen Ming, who had been closely watching her every move, immediately understood that his earlier words might have frightened this innocent young girl.

He hurried to comfort her, elaborating on what he had only half said before.

“Don’t worry, Comrade Xie... Yunshu. I asked Lin Jingshu yesterday, and our brigade has tractors. The harvest work won’t be as tough as other brigades.”

“There are also lighter tasks like cutting fodder for pigs, feeding sheep, and picking corn. Though they don’t earn as many work points... And more—Chen Hua said the brigade is looking for a broadcaster these days!”

“He told me the last broadcaster was the daughter of the village scorekeeper. She got married and moved to the city, then took many leaves, which made Captain Xie uneasy.”

“Now she’s pregnant again, and her in-laws won’t let her do that job anymore. They found her another position in the county town, which she can start after giving birth.”

“Since the previous two broadcasters married soon after starting, Captain Xie wants to find a young girl this time to avoid frequent replacements.”

“I think you, Comrade Xie... Yunshu, would be perfect. You just graduated high school, you’re knowledgeable, only sixteen, very young, and most importantly, you speak very well.”

“When you go back to register with Captain Xie, we’ll all vote for you. He’ll definitely choose you!”

Chen Ming, eager to reassure, poured out a torrent of words. Yun Shu listened wide-eyed, her mind swirling with a single thought: “Among all the new educated youths sent to the countryside, all from Fengsheng Brigade like me, how does he know so much?”

Beside her, Lin Jingshu, Jiang Xiucheng, and Pei Wenyuan smiled warmly at the two, glancing at Xie Yunshu along with Chen Ming’s words. Indeed, this young girl appeared as he described—young, scholarly, and obedient—quite endearing.

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