C1 Rebirth

“A wide river with waves so grand, the breeze carries the scent of rice along both banks. My home is right on the shore, where I’m used to hearing the boatmen’s shouts and seeing the white sails on the boats. This is my beautiful homeland, the place where I grew up…”

“Kids, make some room, let the adults work!”

The one calling out with a booming voice was Zong Qingshan, the head of Cloud Peak Village. He was a farmer with thick eyebrows and a square face.

Many little kids had gathered on both sides of the canal, eagerly waiting for the water to be released. They were reluctant to move from their prime spots and all looked towards the front.

A slightly older, clever kid cheekily replied, “Uncle Qingshan, we’re behaving. We’re far enough away, it’s fine.”

Zong Qingshan didn’t press further and instead reminded the working villagers, “Folks, keep an eye on the kids while you work.”

The seasoned workers nodded, though they thought the village head was being overly cautious.

What kid doesn’t love playing in the water? They were usually kept away from the river, so the chance to play in the canal was a rare treat!

When the pump started and water gushed into the canal, villagers at the water distribution point dug a few shovelfuls, and the rushing river water flowed through the opened canal into the fields.

“Oh, the water’s here!” The children cheered, their bright smiles dazzling in the sunlight.

“Ha, this water’s so cool! Look, I caught a little shrimp.”

“Dummy, don’t grab it! That little fish is mine.”

...

A bit further away, people were already waiting by the fields to plant rice seedlings.

Eighteen-year-old Zong Fulai, dressed in clean work clothes, walked enthusiastically with his cousin Zong Hailan through the fields.

Both had just received their graduation certificates, becoming junior high graduates. Compared to most girls in the village who didn’t have the chance to attend school, they were quite fortunate.

The people in the fields stood up and waved them over, “Hailan, Fulai, come on over!”

"Cousin, look over there. That's Haipeng, the guy I asked to teach us how to plant rice. He's the best at it in the village," Hailan whispered with a smile.

Following her cousin's gaze, Fulai saw a strong, athletic young man not far from the field. He was wearing a t-shirt and shorts, looking very capable and energetic. "Well, why don't you ask him to come over and teach us?" she suggested.

"Planting rice is something you learn by doing. Let's get into the field and learn ourselves. You go first," Hailan said, giving her a gentle push.

Fulai wasn't quite ready, but before she could react, she heard her cousin gasp. She didn't even have time to turn around before she was suddenly knocked over.

The impact was strong, and Fulai had no time to brace herself before she fell face-first into the muddy field, her surprised cry cut short.

Amidst the blaring music and the chatter of the crowd, this little incident went mostly unnoticed.

The few who did see it didn't think much of it. Country kids were used to playing and working in the fields; falling down and getting back up was just part of life. A quick rinse, and they'd be back to their lively selves.

Haipeng quickly stepped forward and lifted the muddy Fulai into his arms. "Fulai, are you okay? Can you hear me?" he asked, his face filled with concern. "You're covered in mud. Let's make sure you're alright. Hailan, let's get your cousin cleaned up by the river," he said, already heading that way.

"Cousin, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to," Hailan stammered, looking flustered as she stumbled after them.

Their commotion drew the attention of several onlookers.

"Who's that? Haha, she's covered in mud. Looks like she's had a rough day."

"Seems like a young lady. Wonder whose family she's from. Shouldn't be flirting during the busy season. Some people have no shame!"

...

Haipeng couldn't help but notice the softness of the girl in his arms, his hands lingering slightly as he carried her.

Zong Fulai was covered in mud and water, his dark work shirt had several buttons undone from all the movement, revealing a work vest stained by silt underneath. The river wasn’t far, and the group of three quickly reached the riverbank.

A few villagers, curious and eager for gossip, followed them. "Haipeng, who are you carrying? Someone from another village or ours?"

"Could it be Haipeng's girlfriend? Look how tightly he's holding her, haha."

Qi Haipeng ignored the villagers' teasing and turned to Zong Hailan, "Hailan, could you lend a hand and help clean up your cousin?"

His words left the onlookers puzzled. Cousin Hailan? Who could that be?

The two of them submerged Zong Fulai in the water, moving her up and down like washing vegetables, as the mud washed away. Her outer shirt came completely undone, and the wet work vest clung to her, revealing her shape.

After being rinsed, her skin was smooth and pale like a peeled egg, especially striking against Qi Haipeng’s darker complexion.

Seeing her cousin's face obscured by hair and the villagers unable to piece together who Zong Fulai was from Qi Haipeng's words, Zong Hailan bit her lip and confessed, "Fulai, it’s all my fault. I shouldn’t have brought you to learn how to plant rice. If it weren’t for Haipeng, oh..."

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