No sooner had the words "it's dark and no one's around" left her mouth than Yan Xue bumped into two familiar faces—awkwardness couldn't begin to describe it.
While Yan Xue merely carried a basket, Liu Weiguo had already progressed to holding hands with Zhou Wenhui. Yan Xue didn’t react much, but Qi Fang’s gaze immediately zeroed in on their intertwined fingers.
Liu Weiguo, blissfully unaware, grinned and greeted them, "Out for a stroll too?"
Before he could finish, Zhou Wenhui had already shaken off his hand, her head bowed, the tips of her ears burning red.
Yan Xue felt the man behind her let out a quiet scoff. "At this hour? We’ve got better things to do." His grip, unlike Liu Weiguo’s, showed no intention of loosening.
Yan Xue wasn’t one to be easily flustered. Seeing Liu Weiguo’s sheepish expression, she smiled. "Making fast progress, I see."
Liu Weiguo chuckled. "Nothing special, can’t compare to you and Qi Fang."
The moment the words left his mouth, Zhou Wenhui discreetly kicked his foot.
He immediately straightened up, adopting a serious tone. "Actually, Comrade Zhou Wenhui dropped something. I was just helping her look for it."
Even if they could pretend not to have seen them holding hands, who goes searching for lost items at night without even a flashlight?
Yan Xue smirked but said nothing, while Qi Fang’s look at Liu Weiguo was nothing short of pitying a fool.
Zhou Wenhui’s face flushed even deeper. Unable to take it anymore, she turned and bolted.
Liu Weiguo hurried after her. "Hey, don’t be mad! I was wrong, alright?"
Apologies spilled from his lips as he chased her, and before long, their pace slowed. Though they weren’t holding hands anymore, she seemed to have forgiven him.
"Liu Weiguo’s got some skills," Yan Xue couldn’t help but laugh.
"Mm. Thick-skinned enough."
This time, Yan Xue was certain—the man behind her had definitely scoffed.
Amused, she retorted, "Since when does coaxing your sweetheart require shame? If everyone acted as aloof as you, they’d be single forever."
The man fell silent. After a pause, he muttered, "I’m not aloof."
"Fine, then it’s me who’s aloof." Yan Xue didn’t bother arguing further, adjusting the basket on her back.
She tugged, but his grip held firm. Another tug, and he finally released her. "You think they’ll work out?"
"Why wouldn’t they?" Yan Xue straightened the strap. "Liu Weiguo and that city girl seem like a good match. Both decent people."
"Her family might not approve." Qi Fang stepped beside her, walking shoulder-to-shoulder.
Zhou Wenhui was, after all, from the city. Even if she was willing, her family might object.
Yan Xue knew this. She glanced at him. "Comrade, I’ve noticed you lean pessimistic—always expecting the worst."
She’d sensed it before, especially after their conversation about "selling blood" on the mountain that afternoon.
Whether it was his nature or something he’d been through, his usual indifference ran deeper—a detachment from everything, an absence of expectation.
It was unlike any twenty-something she’d met. More like their neighbor Guo Chang’an, who’d recently suffered a crushing blow, though Guo’s despair carried a heavier weight.
If not for Qi Fang’s otherwise normal behavior—no signs of depression or self-harm—she might’ve suspected psychological issues.
Qi Fang visibly stiffened at her words. Avoiding her gaze, he stared into the distance. "I just prepare for the worst."
"Preparation is good—it means you’re ready for anything," Yan Xue agreed. "But preparation and hope are different. Humans walk forward, eyes ahead, because we’re meant to move onward, not dwell on what’s behind."
But what if hope crumbles? What if the path ahead is endless darkness?
For a fleeting second, Qi Fang nearly voiced the question. But meeting her crescent-moon eyes, the words died on his lips.
She was fine as she was—why burden her with his shadows?
He looked away, but Yan Xue, unusually persistent, shifted topics. "You don’t want to attend the training, do you?"
When Liu Weiguo had brought it up earlier, Qi Fang had dodged the question. Back then, they’d just married, and Yan Xue hadn’t pressed. But today, when Secretary Lang mentioned it again, his reluctance was unmistakable.
Silence stretched before Qi Fang finally replied, low and measured, "No."
After a beat, he met her eyes and added firmly, "I’ll go to the training."
The shift surprised her, but he seemed resolved, even reaching out to ruffle her hair. "Let’s head back. We need to dry the gastrodia tomorrow."
This time, his touch was heavier, his height making the gesture more domineering.
Yan Xue scowled. "Stop patting my head. I’m only eighteen—I’ve still got growing to do."
Yes, just eighteen.
So young, yet already married to him, enduring hardships. The least he could do was ensure she didn’t stay poor.
Gastrodia could be dried raw or cooked—raw preserved more nutrients but spoiled faster, so most opted for cooking it first.
After breakfast, Yan Xue and Qi Fang used the still-warm stove to boil the gastrodia. Once the cores turned translucent, they drained the water and carried the trays to the rooftop to dry.
Naturally, Qi Fang, being taller, took ladder duty.
Yan Xue stood below, shielding her eyes as she directed him to the sunniest spot. "No rain in the forecast, right?"
Qi Fang descended, dusting his hands before glancing skyward. "Might snow."
The joke fell flat. Though snow wasn’t impossible this early in the season—she’d seen online memes lamenting "Where is spring?" even in May—Yan Xue shot him a look.
She checked the roof again. "We’ll need to keep an eye out. Can’t let rain or snow ruin it."
Twenty-some yuan was at stake—half of Qi Fang’s monthly wages.
His lips quirked. The girl had a real fixation on money. He almost ruffled her hair again, but she dodged with feline reflexes.
Yan Xue hadn’t been treated like a child in years. She glared before marching inside.
Her eyes usually sparkled with laughter; seeing them flash with irritation was novel. Qi Fang watched her petite frame disappear, lingering a moment before moving to store the ladder.
Then an unexpected voice called, "Qi Fang, you’re home."
Director Yu.
Neither Yan Xue nor Qi Fang had anticipated his visit. Exchanging a glance, their thoughts aligned:
Nothing good ever followed that man’s arrival.
Director Yu sat down without much small talk and immediately brought up the previous incident with the black bear. "Cuiyun was injured and only just left the hospital a couple of days ago. Yongzhi was also badly shaken. I’ve been so busy and worried these days that I haven’t had the chance to properly thank you."
After the black bear incident, the Yu family hadn’t even uttered a word of gratitude, unlike the Lang family, who had expressed their sincerity from top to bottom. Because of this, many people whispered behind their backs, saying that Qi Fang had, after all, saved Yu Yongzhi’s life.
Now that Director Yu was here, it was unclear whether he had genuinely been too busy until now or if he had heard those rumors. In any case, Qi Fang remained expressionless, while Yan Xue smiled sweetly, waiting to see what ulterior motive the man might have.
After all, just yesterday, the Lang family had given them two large pieces of steamed rice cakes and a big bowl of pickled vegetables. Director Yu, on the other hand, had come empty-handed.
Soon, Director Yu revealed the purpose of his visit. "The registration for the chainsaw and tractor operator training is about to begin. I’ve already spoken to Liu Daniu and Hu Changjiang and asked them to recommend you. Secretary Lang will also give me some face. Study hard and don’t disappoint my expectations."
If not for Yan Xue’s self-control, she might have laughed outright.
It was Liu Daniu and Hu Changjiang who had actively recommended Qi Fang, but Director Yu twisted it to make it sound like he had instructed them to do so.
Had they not visited the Lang family just yesterday and learned the truth in advance, they might have actually believed him.
Yan Xue feigned delight. "Then we really must thank the organization for their trust, as well as Master Liu Daniu and Master Hu Changjiang."
She conspicuously omitted any mention of Director Yu or the Yu family. Director Yu’s expression stiffened. "I can only do so much. It wouldn’t be appropriate to make it too obvious."
"Mm-hmm," Yan Xue nodded enthusiastically. "Don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone this was your doing."
Director Yu choked on his words again.
Hadn’t he come here precisely so they would acknowledge his favor and spread the word, putting an end to the rumors about his family being ungrateful?
He turned to Qi Fang, hoping the man would understand his intentions.
But Qi Fang, usually so aloof, suddenly became the dutiful husband, pouring tea behind his wife’s back. "Yan Xue is right. We’ll keep it strictly confidential."
Director Yu felt a pang of frustration. This couple looked perfectly fine, so why were they both so dense?
After repeated hints—both subtle and obvious—Yan Xue and Qi Fang still didn’t take the bait. Director Yu left in a huff without even drinking the tea Qi Fang had poured for him—it was scalding hot anyway.
The moment he stepped out of the yard, Qi Fang picked up the cup and dumped the water into the waste bucket, then rinsed it thoroughly with hot water from the thermos.
His movements were deliberate, as if unfazed by the unpleasant encounter.
Yan Xue, familiar with his fastidiousness, asked, "Do you think he’ll go back on his word and tamper with your training spot after we pissed him off like that?"
"No," Qi Fang said. "Unless he completely abandons any sense of shame."
Even if he did, there was still Secretary Lang. As a director, he couldn’t afford to completely disregard his reputation.
"No wonder he’s nearly ten years older than Secretary Lang but still just a director," Yan Xue mused.
The difference in how they handled people and situations was staggering. She even wondered if Director Yu had gotten his position through sheer luck or connections.
As if reading her thoughts, Qi Fang said flatly, "Director Yu’s brother-in-law works at the county forestry bureau."
Yan Xue burst out laughing. "Really? Isn’t it usually the brother-in-law relying on the sister’s husband?"
Her genuine laughter was different from her usual polite smiles—her eyes crinkled, revealing charming under-eye crescents, her curiosity and mischief shining through.
Qi Fang watched her, his rinsing slowing unconsciously. "True. Director Yu was quite handsome in his youth."
Yan Xue had seen Director Yu’s wife before. She was far less attractive than him. Yu Cuiyun, who took after her father, was decent-looking, but Yu Yongzhi… well…
"Did Liu Weiguo tell you all this?" Yan Xue blinked at him.
Qi Fang gave a noncommittal hum. Just as he was about to put the rinsed cup away, someone called from outside, "Qi Fang, are you home? Is this your letter?"
It was Da Wei, the same man who had delivered firewood to them before. Qi Fang set the cup down and went out to retrieve it.
The moment he saw the letter, his expression darkened.
"Was it addressed to our forestry station?" he asked, despite already checking the address.
Da Wei, unfamiliar with him, didn’t catch the extra layer of coldness in his voice. "It was sent to the town post office first. They couldn’t find the recipient, so they checked and forwarded it here. If it’s not yours, we’ll have to send it back."
"It’s mine." Qi Fang lowered his gaze, his fingers tightening imperceptibly around the envelope. "Do you know when it was sent?"
Da Wei thought for a moment. "Must’ve been over a month ago. It’s been sitting at the town post office for a while."
Seeing that the letter was indeed Qi Fang’s, he didn’t linger. "Well, since it’s delivered, I’ll be off. No idea who’d mess up the address like that."
"You got a letter?" Yan Xue, who had stayed inside to cook the silkworm pupae she’d gathered the day before, asked casually when Qi Fang returned.
When no reply came, she glanced back.
Qi Fang had already torn open the envelope and was silently reading its contents, his face unreadable.
Though he was usually reserved, Yan Xue’s instincts told her something was off.
Sure enough, after just a quick scan, he folded the letter and envelope together, lifted the iron plate covering the stove’s fire pit, and tossed them in.
The pot was still boiling, the flames beneath fierce. The papers were instantly engulfed, reduced to ashes. Qi Fang watched the fire consume them, his expression colder than the blizzard on the day they’d first met—no, even icier than that.
Yan Xue instinctively reached for his hand. "What’s wrong?"
His fingertips were freezing. He even flinched slightly at her touch. "It’s none of your concern."
She froze.
Qi Fang immediately realized his mistake. "I mean, this matter doesn’t involve you."
Still not right. He pressed his lips together, struggling to steady his emotions before finally gripping her hand in return. "Don’t worry. It’s nothing to do with you."
But Yan Xue wasn’t worried about that. For a fleeting moment, the isolation radiating from him had been so profound it seemed as if the last trace of warmth had vanished from his body.
Beneath that frozen exterior lay something molten—a seething fury and a despair buried so deep it was nearly invisible.
She clasped his hand with both of hers. "Are you alright?"
"I’m fine." The reply was automatic, the same words she had once used. The realization made him add, "Sorry."
Strangely, Yan Xue now understood how Qi Fang must have felt back then.
They were both people who bore burdens silently. Two months wasn’t nearly enough time for them to fully open up to each other.
She didn't ask further, simply uttering an "Ah," then added, "The silkworm pupae are still in the pot—won't they burn?"
Qi Fang, with his long legs, immediately stepped forward and lifted the lid of the large wok. "It's fine. There's still plenty of water."
"Better add a bit more, just to be safe," Yan Xue suggested, peering into the pot as well.
Truthfully, the pupae couldn't possibly be fully cooked in such a short time. Yan Xue's remark was merely a ploy to divert the man's attention and give him something to do.
Whether Qi Fang saw through it or not, he complied, adding more water to the pot.
Yan Xue glanced at her watch. "Five more minutes, then they'll be done. Once they cool, do you want them dry-fried or deep-fried?"
"Either is fine," Qi Fang replied, his eyes downcast, clearly still weighed down by his earlier mood.
Before Yan Xue could say more, the loudspeaker at the field headquarters crackled to life. "Comrade Qi Fang! Comrade Qi Fang, please report to the field headquarters! Comrade Qi Fang..."
She gave him a puzzled look. "They're calling for you?"
Qi Fang didn’t seem to know why either, but he went inside to grab his jacket. "I’ll head over."
He returned in just over ten minutes and began packing his things. "The guy scheduled for mountain patrol today has diarrhea and can’t go. I’ll cover for him the next few days."
Every spring, from April to May, the winds were strong, and in autumn, the grass dried out—both critical periods for forest fire prevention. All staff were required to take shifts at the mountain lookout towers. Qi Fang had originally been scheduled for early next month, paired with Liu Weiguo, but the assignment had been moved up unexpectedly.
Yan Xue raised an eyebrow. "Who sent you? Director Yu?"
"Not sure," Qi Fang replied, indifferent.
She didn’t press further, simply watching him. "Will you eat at home before you go?"
"No. Just pack me some dry rations and pickles." At this, the man, who had been busying himself with his tasks, finally looked up and called her name. "Yan Xue."
"Yeah?"
"Give me a few days. Just a few."
His gaze held hers, though it was unclear whether he meant the mountain patrol or his troubled state of mind.
"Then stay safe, and remember to eat properly." Yan Xue didn’t say more, heading to the kitchen to prepare his provisions.
Once he was gone, she lost interest in finishing the silkworm pupae, stashing them in the storage shed to cool.
The next day, Qi Fang wasn’t home, but Liu Weiguo dropped by with gossip. "I’ve got news you won’t believe."
He noticed Qi Fang’s absence immediately upon entering. "Where’s Qi Fang? Even a newlywed like him isn’t glued to the house?"
"Someone on mountain patrol got diarrhea, so he went up early to cover," Yan Xue explained. "What’s your news?"
Liu Weiguo first grumbled, "So that’s why the loudspeaker was calling for him," before launching into his story. "You know how Lang Yue'e’s ex-husband came looking for her the other day, right? You ran into them?"
At the mention of Lang Yue'e, Yan Xue had a rough idea of what was coming, but she played along. "What happened to Sister Yue'e?"
"Her ex laid hands on her, and he got caught red-handed," Liu Weiguo said gleefully. "Now Secretary Lang’s family is furious. That guy’s in deep trouble."
Without waiting for Yan Xue to ask, he lowered his voice. "I heard the Langs dragged him straight to town to charge him with attempted rape. If convicted, he’ll be locked up for at least ten years."
It seemed the Lang family had taken her advice—and kept her involvement quiet.
Liu Weiguo couldn’t resist probing. "Was her ex really that much of a scumbag?"
Yan Xue wasn’t about to comment before the matter was settled. She just smiled wordlessly.
Liu Weiguo knew both she and Qi Fang were tight-lipped. Curiosity aside, he didn’t push further, instead venting about Lang Yue'e’s ex, Kang Peisheng. "What kind of idiot gets drunk and beats his wife at home while being a spineless coward outside? Serves him right, falling into Secretary Lang’s hands."
His attitude was a far cry from Li Shuwu’s wife’s. Yan Xue studied him. "You think men shouldn’t hit their wives?"
Liu Weiguo grew defensive. "Of course not! Don’t go telling Zhou Wenhui I said that, though. I’ve got no such tendencies—neither does anyone in the Liu family."
As if worried she wouldn’t believe him, he whispered, "My mom calls the shots at home. My dad wouldn’t dare lay a finger on her. If she gets mad, she’ll chase him around with a rolling pin."
That surprised Yan Xue. Huang Fengying always seemed easygoing, while Liu Daniu and Grandpa Liu had a reputation for being tough.
Still, given the physical disparities between men and women—even with Northeastern women being sturdier—any wife chasing her husband with a rolling pin was likely only possible because the husband allowed it. It probably wasn’t serious violence, or the man would’ve fought back.
Of course, exceptions existed. In her past life, Yan Xue had seen a woman who could tuck her husband under her arm and spank him...
Though his audience was halved without Qi Fang, Liu Weiguo was content after sharing his gossip with Yan Xue and soon took his leave.
But in a small forestry center like theirs, news traveled fast. Over the next few days, the incident became the talk of the town. Even when Yan Xue stepped out to take out the trash, she’d overhear hushed conversations through the fences—Lang Yue'e’s former sister-in-law causing a scene, her ex-mother-in-law pleading. The drama was far from over.
Yan Xue ignored the rumors. Figuring Qi Fang had had enough time to sort through his thoughts, she prepared to take food up the mountain.
He’d left in such a hurry that she hadn’t had time to pack anything. Now, with the weather warmer than winter, perishables wouldn’t keep long.
She’d just turned onto the mountain path when someone called out, "Xiao Yan!"
Yan Xue turned to see a fellow wife from the family brigade.
"You heading up?" The woman eyed Yan Xue’s bulging cloth bag. "Take this comrade with you. He’s looking for your Qi Fang."
Yan Xue sized up the young man beside her—mid-twenties, scholarly features, glasses, a pen clipped to the breast pocket of his Zhongshan suit.
The young man was studying her too, his smile polite. "Hello, comrade. You are...?"
Before Yan Xue could answer, the woman cut in, "This is Qi Fang’s wife. I’ve got chores, so I’ll leave you to it."
"Thank you for showing me the way," the young man said to her before turning back to Yan Xue. "I had no idea Qi Fang was married."
The familiarity in his tone was unmistakable, yet Yan Xue had never heard Qi Fang mention knowing someone like him.
She sidestepped his implied question, smiling as she started up the path. "You know Qi Fang, comrade?"
The young man merely smiled. "Yes. I need to speak with him. Bad timing that he’s on the mountain—does he usually man the lookout towers?"
This clearly wasn’t Liang Qimao. The man was tight-lipped, revealing nothing about himself while subtly probing Yan Xue for information about Qi Fang.
Yan Xue noticed it, of course, but chose not to comment. Instead, she subtly adjusted their route, taking a slightly longer path that would inevitably expose them to the watchtower’s telescope.
Sure enough, before they even reached the mountaintop, a dark figure emerged from below the watchtower—it was Qi Fang approaching.
Qi Fang: "Public displays of affection in broad daylight—how improper!" [pointing accusingly]
Liu Weiguo: "Oh, just admit you’re jealous you didn’t get to hold hands~"
