Arriving at the guesthouse, there was only an older gentleman on night duty who seemed quite familiar with Xiao Chenye. He approached and made conversation. The old man casually checked their introduction letters and handed over the room keys.
"Sorry to trouble you."
The old man waved dismissively, "Go quickly. It's the middle of the night, quite the ordeal."
Turning around, he began yammering at Xiao Chenye, "You rascal, you said you'd have drinks with me earlier, then disappeared. I almost couldn't catch you!"
"What's the rush!" Xiao Chenye's gaze couldn't help but linger on Wen Ran, "I'll find you when I'm free."
"Alright."
Wen Ran and Bao Wenxuan shared a room. Due to limited conditions, they couldn't bathe, only wipe down quickly, but even so, Wen Ran felt refreshed.
Life on the train was simply unbearable.
Seeing Wen Ran come out, Bao Wenxuan's eyes lit up, "I'll go in now."
"Okay!"
Her hair was wet as she tidied the bed.
"Knock, knock, knock."
The door sounded.
Wen Ran grew wary, "Who is it?"
Xiao Chenye coughed lightly outside, "It's me."
"Creak~"
The door opened slightly, revealing Wen Ran's slightly surprised and pretty face.
"Brother Xiao, why is it you?"
"Ahem," Xiao Chenye handed over iodine, cotton swabs, and gauze, "I noticed you have a wound on your forehead. Do you want to take care of it?"
The wound on the forehead?
She brushed her wet hair aside, revealing the scar hidden beneath the strands, already scabbed.
It looked somewhat grim.
"No need," Wen Ran smiled, "Thank you, Brother Xiao. My wound is almost healed."
"That's good."
He took the items back and advised, "I live nearby. Don't open the door randomly at night. The soundproofing isn't good here. If you need anything, call me anytime."
"Thank you very much."
Wen Ran was genuinely grateful. Xiao Chenye, though young, held a position with the county transport team, demonstrating his capability.
Moreover, such capable people are respected in the countryside, and establishing a good relationship with them is clearly more beneficial than not.
"Don't be polite, you're a hero too."
They exchanged a few courteous words before each returning to their rooms to sleep.
Early in the next morning, just at dawn, Wen Ran sleepily embarked on her journey back to the countryside.
The great northeast lived up to its name, not just rich in resources but also with good soil and water. Nearby, there were endless mountain ranges.
Tall dense forests, the chirping of birds.
It looked like the Silly Deer Team formed a village circling the mountain's foot.
Turning a corner, what came into view was a giant ginkgo tree. At the height of summer, its leaves were lush and vibrant.
Xiao Chenye killed the truck's engine, "I'm going to call someone. You two pack up your things; we'll be getting off soon."
"Alright, thank you."
Xiao Chenye's heart raced uncontrollably, his face blushed. He scratched his head, "Stop thanking me all the time. On this journey, it's been thank you after thank you."
Wen Ran easily replied, "Okay, Brother Xiao!" She was also skilled at going along with things, "Originally, I thought more manners wouldn't hurt, but since Brother Xiao said so, I won't be polite anymore.
Perhaps you can help me carry my things soon."
"No problem."
He made a gesture, jumped down from the truck, and shouted, "Uncle! Where are you? I brought the Zhiqing back."
"Coming, coming!"
As Xiao Chenye finished speaking, a man in his fifties ran out from the house, looking kindly despite the sparse hair on his head...
Describing it as a single seedling in a thousand-acre land wouldn't be an exaggeration.
"Wow, you Zhiqing have had quite an ordeal," the team leader lamented, hearing about the train incident, "Surviving a disaster means blessing, come on, I'll take you to familiarize with the place."
Everyone got off the truck. After Xiao Chenye helped Wen Ran take down her things, he said a few words before leaving, his mother was still waiting expectantly.
Should she find out he arrived at the team before quickly returning home, she'd be swinging that fiery stick around in no time.
Just thinking about it made his butt ache faintly.
As the truck disappeared from view, everyone's face paled, expressions weary.
The team leader first took a sheet out and started calling names.
"I'm going to call roll~"
"Zhang Sisi."
"Here!"
"He Aiqin."
"Here..."
Those heading to Silly Deer Team totaled thirteen.
Six female Zhiqing and seven male Zhiqing, looking at the sarcasm exchanged during the journey, Wen Ran felt her teeth ache, not a single simple person among them.
Especially Zhang Sisi, always stirring trouble.
After completing the roll call, the team leader rubbed his bald head, worrying aloud that the higher-ups had really left him in a lurch, tossing down thirteen sprouts, eager for nourishment, how was he supposed to nurture them?
"Before we start, let me say a few words."
The team leader casually cleared his throat, "First, let me introduce myself. I'm the Qingshan Commune, Silly Deer Team's team leader, Bi Jianguo.
From now on, you can call me Bi, Uncle Bi. Our Silly Deer Team's rule is, as long as you don't drag us down, cause trouble, or stir up anything, I usually won't bother you."
Bao Wenxuan couldn't help whispering to Wen Ran, "Can I be lazy?"
Wen Ran: "…Should be okay, right?"
Her question hit the nail on the head for Wen Ran.
If she could avoid work, she'd naturally prefer not working. She had money and resources, even if lazy, she wouldn't drag the team down; she could sustain herself, remaining confident.
Bi Jianguo continued talking, leading the Zhiqing to the Zhiqing point. He rambled about things along the way.
The Zhiqing complained as they hauled their large bundles.
This Zhiqing point was too remote.
The Zhiqing point wasn't quite what anyone imagined; no large yard, just a row of shabby, low houses with a couple of vegetable plots at the entrance, flourishing with greenery.
Near the house were two large water jars, behind which lay a pile of wood and a separate small house. Wen Ran carefully inspected, guessing it might be the kitchen.
"Zhang Zhiqing, are you here?"
Not long after, the door opened and out stepped a tall, slender male Zhiqing. Wen Ran's eyes lit up.
Like a noble son.
"Uncle Bi," Zhang Zhijie coughed weakly, "Are these the new Zhiqing?"
"Yes, see to their arrangements."
Bi Jianguo turned to Wen Ran and the others, "This is the Zhiqing point's leader, Zhang Zhijie. If you have any issues, go to him first. If unresolved, come to me."
Zhang Zhijie surveyed the new Zhiqing, frowning, "Why are there so many people?"
Bi Jianguo was momentarily struck, "Is there a problem?"
"We only have ten beds left, more than enough for seven, but there are only three spaces left for female Zhiqing; three more have nowhere to go."
Okay, Wen Ran knew, the conflict was about to erupt.
She closed her eyes. Before she could speak, she was jostled to the side.
Had Bao Wenxuan not instinctively caught her, Wen Ran would've fallen face-first.
Looking up, it was Li Gaolian.
Carrying her luggage, without others even reacting, she dashed inside first. Zuo Xinyue glanced at Wen Ran, awkwardly, "Sorry, she's not usually like this."
Wen Ran: "..."
She forced a smile, not letting things slide as she replied in a sweet yet sharp voice, "No worries, just remind her to bring her eyes next time."