Chapter 12: Chapter 12: Contact

In the afternoon, Shen Qiao returned to the riverbank to work.

Before heading out, she grabbed a kettle of water and two pieces of biscuits. From what she observed, Zheng Zhong seemed like the type who never got tired, never once thinking of taking a break. But even machines need a rest, so she thought it was only right to show some kindness. After all, it wasn't right that she was getting six work points with just a few manual efforts.

Zheng Zhong, however, was the kind who didn't like to make things complicated. He wasn’t one to accept offers easily, but rather than discuss whether he wanted water, it was much easier for him to just drink it. Strong as an ox since childhood, his build and temper resembled it too.

Shen Qiao couldn’t help but admire his strength. Looking at her own slender arms and legs, she felt a little envious. Even just by comparing, she could tell that Zheng Zhong’s shoulders were about twice as wide as hers. Even in such warm weather, his bare arms were muscular, and one punch from him would likely be enough to knock her out cold.

Those rumors about him didn't seem so far-fetched anymore.

She continued working mechanically, though her mind wandered. People often said that if Zheng Zhong hadn’t been so young back then, he would’ve probably been sent to a labor camp already. At just eleven or twelve years old, he had a reputation for violence, almost beating someone to death. It was only through his family intervening and paying compensation that he avoided serious consequences.

Of course, the consequence was that while his family was still around, he had essentially been ostracized. He lived a solitary life in the village, almost as if he didn’t belong to the family-centered community.

But Shen Qiao had a strange feeling that Zheng Zhong wasn’t quite like the rumors. Her curiosity started to grow.

Author's Note:

It’s almost New Year, and there’s plenty to do. But starting from the 2nd, I will stabilize my updates with two chapters a day. Please hang in there!

In the afternoon, Shen Qiao went back to the riverbank to continue working.

Before she left, she packed a kettle of water and some biscuits. From her observations, Zheng Zhong didn’t seem like the type to rest, not even for a moment. However, people were not machines, and even machines needed a break. She thought it was important to show kindness, especially since her actions were almost like taking advantage of him.

By the time she arrived, Zheng Zhong had already started working. The sun was shining brightly at noon, and standing in the river helped ease the chill.

Shen Qiao felt a bit embarrassed as she realized she had gotten used to working by the clock, while Zheng Zhong worked based on the task at hand. He just had to finish quickly and efficiently.

Standing on the shore, she cautiously called out, “Zheng Zhong, have you had lunch?”

Zheng Zhong didn’t even lift his head and replied, “I’ve eaten.”

The conversation ended there.

Shen Qiao wasn’t particularly good at starting conversations. She squatted down and continued pulling the rope, thinking that it would be better to eat the biscuits later, after the work was done.

Both of them were quiet, the silence stretching on.

To be honest, Shen Qiao wasn’t shy or reserved by nature. She had grown up loved and pampered, and was naturally lively, even in the workgroup, where she got along well with others. However, since she had limited experience talking to strange men, it made her feel a little awkward. She wanted to establish a friendly relationship but didn’t know how to go about it.

She found herself staring at the river, lost in thought, missing the right moment to pull the rope.

Zheng Zhong, on the other hand, thought they were working well together. It was rare for someone to help out with such enthusiasm, especially when they didn’t need to. Seeing her distracted, he spoke up, “Shen, I’m done.”

Shen Qiao snapped back to reality, apologizing quickly. “Sorry about that.”

Thinking she hadn’t been sincere enough, she added more water and a biscuit to the basin.

Zheng Zhong furrowed his brows. He wasn’t used to receiving kindness. He was the type to keep to himself, often feeling like a lone wolf. He preferred people not to talk to him at all, especially around the New Year.

He took the offering, but returned it, saying, “Thank you, but I’m not hungry, and I’m not thirsty.”

Human beings were flesh and blood, and Shen Qiao couldn’t help but assume that he was probably exhausted too. After all, anyone working for points was bound to be tired, doing it just to make ends meet.

She offered again, “Please, have a bite. I brought it just for you.”

The sincerity in her voice made it difficult for anyone to refuse, and Zheng Zhong couldn’t help but remember the way she’d been the first time she came to the village—how she had caught the attention of many young men. She had such a delicate and helpless look that made people want to do everything for her. She was the kind of person who would bring tears to their eyes if they rejected her.

But despite this, Zheng Zhong remained firm, saying, “No, thank you.”

It seemed that politeness wasn’t in his nature.

Shen Qiao didn’t know what to do. She wasn’t the type to push when she was rejected. She put the food aside and didn’t say another word.

As the sun began to set, the work bell rang.

She didn’t move, waiting for Zheng Zhong’s reaction.

Zheng Zhong, eager to go home and feed the pigs, straightened up and met her gaze.

Shen Qiao blinked a couple of times, her words stuck in her throat. She was afraid of interfering with his drive to finish his work.

Zheng Zhong, noticing how diligently Shen Qiao had worked, realized that the rumors about her might not have been entirely true. But he still had things to do and didn’t want to waste any time. For the first time, he spoke up, “Let’s finish this tomorrow.”