Chapter 10: Attentiveness

Zhao Weiguo’s little schemes were naturally beyond Zhou Yichen’s notice, and he was too indifferent to bother guessing. Having lived two lifetimes, he had encountered all kinds of people; such petty tricks seemed no different to him than children playing house.

“Alright, Yichen! So you really became a health worker!” Jiang Xiaoman punched Zhou Yichen’s arm with some force.

She laughed boisterously, her eyes curving into crescent moons. “You better watch out for me from now on! If I ever have a headache or a fever, I’m counting on you!”

Zhou Yichen gritted his teeth as she punched him, smiling helplessly. “Don’t worry, as long as I’ve got a bite to eat, you won’t go without.”

Jiang Xiaoman beamed with delight and nodded emphatically. “You’re really something!”

Without delay, Zhou Yichen turned and went back inside to pack his belongings. He didn’t have much—a set of bedding and clothes, a washbasin, towel, toothbrush, soap, and other simple daily necessities—all carefully prepared by his mother before she went to the countryside.

Soon, a small bundle was neatly packed. He grabbed it and said to Jiang Xiaoman, “Come on, Xiaoman. Let’s go see my new home and maybe tidy it up a bit.”

“Sure!” Jiang Xiaoman had been curious about Zhou Yichen’s little private courtyard for some time. She readily agreed and added enthusiastically, “I want to see what kind of nice place Captain Wang arranged for you.”

“Yichen, we’ll come help too!” Zhao Weiguo, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke up eagerly, a flattering smile on his face. “Many hands make light work!”

Lin Xiaoyue beside him quietly nodded in agreement, her gaze tinged with curiosity.

A faint calculation flickered in Zhao Weiguo’s eyes.

Zhou Yichen glanced at them and smiled faintly. “Alright, then let’s go together.”

More helpers were always welcome. Although he was a bit surprised by Zhao Weiguo’s sudden enthusiasm, he didn’t think much of it.

The four of them soon arrived at the old house of a Five-guarantee household that Wang Zhenshan had previously pointed out to Zhou Yichen.

Pushing open the crooked wooden door, they saw waist-high weeds in the yard and piles of broken firewood in the corners. Yet Jiang Xiaoman showed no sign of disdain.

Hands on her hips, she circled the yard, eyes sparkling. “Wow! Yichen, this yard is really spacious! Though a bit rundown, once cleaned up, it’ll be very cozy!”

She imagined Zhou Yichen living alone in this small courtyard, no longer having to squeeze into crowded dormitories with others—that would be pure comfort!

Zhao Weiguo followed behind, gazing at the independent courtyard and the two main rooms with envy almost spilling over.

He clicked his tongue, his tone sour, “Yeah, yeah, Yichen, your place is great! Way better than those dorms at the educated youth camp! If only I had a courtyard like this, I’d wake up laughing in my dreams!”

Lin Xiaoyue said nothing, but her clear eyes betrayed her unabashed envy.

Having a private space of their own was a luxury for them, young educated youths uprooted and sent to the countryside in such harsh times.

Hearing Zhao Weiguo’s jealous tone, Jiang Xiaoman lifted her chin proudly, a hint of triumph in her voice: “Of course! Just look at who it is! Only Yichen has the ability to get this courtyard; ordinary people wouldn’t even get a foot in the door!”

At once, the eager look on Zhao Weiguo’s face stiffened, and he closed his mouth awkwardly, saying no more.

Though a bit cutting, Jiang Xiaoman’s words were true.

If Zhou Yichen hadn’t possessed medical skills and become a desperately needed technical talent in the brigade, how could Wang Zhenshan have so readily assigned him such an independent courtyard?

After touring the yard, the four entered two dust-covered adobe rooms.

Jiang Xiaoman rolled up her sleeves, looked at the thick dust and cobwebs, and said with fiery spirit, “Yichen, you rest, leave this to me!”

Zhou Yichen had only planned to have Jiang Xiaoman help a bit—after all, she was a close friend and easy to command.

As for Zhao Weiguo and Lin Xiaoyue, he hadn’t expected much.

They were strangers, after all, with no obligation to help.

Unexpectedly, Zhao Weiguo was unusually eager. Without waiting for Zhou Yichen, he eagerly said, “Yichen, just tell us where help is needed! We’ll pitch in!”

He immediately grabbed a broken broom and began sweeping the rubbish on the floor.

Lin Xiaoyue silently moved to the window, picked up an old cloth from Zhou Yichen’s luggage, and began wiping down the dusty windowsill.

Zhou Yichen could somewhat guess Zhao Weiguo’s intent—trying to get closer by helping, hoping to benefit in the future.

He didn’t comment on this.

More hands made the work lighter, and he naturally welcomed it.

Lin Xiaoyue’s help was purely kind-hearted. Quiet and reserved, she was not talkative but attentive and wanted to help tidy the messy room.

Indeed, many hands make light work.

Jiang Xiaoman was nimble and efficient; Zhao Weiguo worked hard to show off; Lin Xiaoyue was small but diligent.

Zhou Yichen did not stand idly by.

Before long, the two dusty, cobweb-filled rooms were cleaned up by their joint efforts, bright and fresh, renewed.

Though still simple, they looked much more pleasing and somewhat like a home.

Turning around, Zhou Yichen looked at the sweat beading on Zhao Weiguo and Lin Xiaoyue’s foreheads, his face showing sincere apology.

“Comrades Zhao Weiguo, Lin Xiaoyue, thank you so much for today.”

“Look at my place—no pots, bowls, or pans yet, not even hot water to offer. I really can’t entertain you properly.”

He paused, then added earnestly, “Once I’ve got everything set up, I’ll definitely invite you over for a meal. You must try my cooking!”

Zhao Weiguo immediately put on an overjoyed expression, waving his hands repeatedly.

“Yichen, you’re too polite!”

“We’re all educated youths sent down in response to the call, assigned to the same production team—that’s a huge bond!”

“Helping each other is only natural!”

His face beamed with a flawless smile. “Besides, we didn’t do much, just lent a hand. Don’t take it to heart.”

Lin Xiaoyue also spoke softly, her fair cheeks tinged pink. “Yes, Zhou Yichen, we... we didn’t really help much either. No need to be so formal.”

Zhou Yichen smiled but said no more.

Though Zhao Weiguo spoke politely, Zhou Yichen, having lived two lives, was not blind to his subtle intention to build a closer relationship for future benefit.

Still, no one refuses a smiling face reaching out, and since they took the initiative, he was glad to accept their goodwill.

As for Lin Xiaoyue, she was genuinely sincere, and Zhou Yichen made a note of her kindness.

He would repay the meal when the chance arose—it was a token of gratitude.

“All right, it’s getting late. Let’s head back to the educated youth camp,” Zhou Yichen suggested.

“I still need to think about going to the commune supply and marketing cooperative this afternoon to buy some daily necessities.”

“Great!” Jiang Xiaoman was the first to respond; she was already starving.

The four locked the courtyard gate and slowly walked along the uneven dirt road toward the youth camp.

Not far from the village entrance, suddenly, the loudspeaker crackled to life without warning.