Chapter Seventy-Eight: Something’s Up (Please Keep Reading)

In their group, only Han Li seemed nervous; everyone else went about their business as if they were at home. Yet, voices were hushed, and the others reassured Han Li there was no need to worry.

The first night, the Autumn Guard was almost unnaturally quiet. Only the cries of mice and owls echoed nearby; not a single wild boar appeared. At dawn, as they packed up, some grumbled that the boars hadn’t shown up—which meant their families would go without meat today. Others felt fortunate, glad they hadn’t encountered boars, thinking that sleeping somewhere else tonight might make their records look a bit better. The three leaders of Shanghe Village offered a few words of encouragement before announcing the team’s dismissal.

Everyone returned to their own homes and families, carrying on with breakfast and work as usual. The sky was still dark, no different from Han Li’s daily practice hours. He walked back with the others, feeling lazy after a night spent mostly resting, though he did manage to sleep a bit. Still, he was somewhat drained mentally. Upon reaching home, he washed his face with cold water, which helped revive him.

He never neglected his daily training. While Han Li was bare-chested, practicing his punches, he heard movement from Hao Hongmei’s place. At first, he paid no mind—everyone rises early now and then. But soon, his street gate was pushed open, and in walked the Yun sisters.

Han Li was wearing only shorts, drenched in sweat, looking rather disheveled. He realized he’d forgotten to latch the gate. Normally, he would lock it from inside as soon as he returned home, but others had told him this wasn’t proper. Villagers usually left the gate unlatched during the day; neighbors could push it open and come in, and only at night would they secure it. Taking their advice, Han Li only locked up at night from then on.

He hadn’t expected such a situation today, which left him feeling a bit embarrassed. Even now, Han Li couldn’t tell the sisters apart by their appearance, but as soon as one spoke, he knew.

Yun Yingying said, “Han Li, I didn’t expect you to be so diligent—hunting boars all night and still practicing your boxing.”

“We didn’t see any boars last night, so the Autumn Guard was idle. As for boxing, it’s become a habit. But you two are up quite early today.”

Yun Jingjing added, “My sister heard you’d be working again after returning, so she wanted to help by cooking breakfast for you, so you could rest a bit more.”

If He Mi came to help him with breakfast, Han Li would believe it; after all, they’d exchanged words before. But Yun Yingying remembering to cook for him was a surprise. He and Yun Yingying were simply fellow townsfolk; when they’d first arrived, they’d used his stove for two days. Their interactions were no different from those with Hao Hongmin and the others—normal acquaintances.

Han Li glanced at the brightening east, thinking the sun had no intention of rising in the west today.

“Thank you for caring so much about me. It’s true—our hometown bonds are strong.”

“Strong bonds” was a term used in Old Beijing to describe close friends. The northeastern term “iron buddy” was derived from this.

Han Li’s words drew no particular reaction from Yun Yingying, but Yun Jingjing glanced at him thoughtfully. Han Li, absorbed in his routine, didn’t notice.

Yun Yingying asked, “What would you like for breakfast? I’ll cook for you, and we sisters can share a meal.”

Han Li replied, “Just make whatever’s here. I won’t complain about ready-made food.”

The Yun sisters went inside to cook. Soon after, the village bell rang. Han Li finished his exercises as usual, scooping water from the jar to rinse himself from head to toe. When he finished and wiped his face, he noticed several neighbors had gathered, watching him.

Yang Xiuying said, “See, I told you Han Li would be fine. He’s the man who can fight wolves—he doesn’t miss a beat, training and rinsing off. But He Mi insisted we check on him.”

Hao Hongmin added, “It’s good he’s alright. Seeing him ourselves puts our minds at ease.”

Yang Xiuying, curious, asked, “So, how was it? Did you see any boars last night?”

Han Li replied, “No boars came by, so the Autumn Guard was idle.”

He Mi interjected, “It’s getting chilly now. You’d better head inside and change.”

Han Li, embarrassed for the second time today, quickly excused himself and went inside.

“Sit wherever you like. I’ll go change.”

As Han Li changed clothes, Yang Xiuying was about to say something when the Yun sisters came out from the kitchen.

“Everyone’s here. We thought only we two, as fellow townsfolk, cared about Han Li.”

“Heh, seems we were the first to know Han Li.”

“How can that be? We educated youth should look out for each other.”

“It’s all the same. The educated youth compound tends to exclude us, so it’s only right we look after one another.”

“Exactly. We...”

When Han Li came out, only the Yun sisters remained in the yard.

“Where did everyone go?”

“I only made enough for three people. They went home for breakfast,” said Yun Yingying.

Han Li sensed something was off, but couldn’t pinpoint it. It was already late; he hurried to eat and head to the drying ground.

That morning, as he idled at work, Han Li realized that in the days ahead, things would likely keep on this way. He couldn’t rely on others to make him breakfast every day. So he began thinking about preparing a quick meal for himself.

After much thought, he remembered the peanuts and sesame he’d traded for in the county town. Han Li immediately had an idea.

When he returned home at noon, he took action: he roasted peanuts and sesame until fragrant, ground them into fine particles, and set them aside. Next, he toasted flour until it turned a golden brown, then added some sesame oil, stirring evenly. He mixed in the peanuts, sesame, and sugar, blended it all, and scooped the finished oil-fried flour out of the pan, letting it cool before sealing it in a jar.

Perhaps Han Li’s mental focus was stronger; he managed the tricky oil-fried flour perfectly, avoiding any burnt parts.

Before the afternoon meeting, everyone gathered at his home again, but Sun Yong and Jiang Xiaoli didn’t seek him out this time.

After a brief chat, Han Li headed out to the fields. Today, there was no need for the team leader to regroup them; everyone went straight to their assigned shelter.

After last night, everyone was more familiar, and conversation flowed easily. Men mostly talked about women, just as women talked about men.

While the chatter was lively, a distant clanging of iron suddenly rang out.

PS: Thanks to the generous patrons, asking for subscriptions and votes. Special thanks: Gu Mei gum, for a reward of 500 points. Thanks to Mi Le Ge Hu for a reward of 100 points.