Drama Couple in the 80s

Chapter 7

After finishing their meal and tidying up, the sound of the gong echoed again, signaling everyone to promptly head out for work.

Old Man Jiang led his two sons ahead, while Jiang Ya followed closely behind Song Shixia. As they stepped outside, they spotted their neighbors, Shao Baokui and Bao Lanxiang, emerging from their house.

At the sight of her nemesis, Bao Lanxiang rolled her eyes, and Song Shixia turned away, spitting disdainfully.

"Pah!"

Song Shixia quickly locked his door and hastened forward, deliberately maintaining distance from Bao Lanxiang. Jiang Ya silently shouldered her hoe and trailed after them.

Curiosity got the better of Jiang Ya; she wondered how He Cheng would interact with his cheap "step-parents." Turning back, she saw that after Shao Chunlai emerged, He Cheng finally appeared as the last one, walking leisurely on his own. Shao Chunlai stood by the doorway waiting for him to exit, then locked the door before jogging to catch up with Shao Baokui.

Jiang Ya glanced at He Cheng carrying a shovel over his shoulder, clad in worn padded clothes with a bowl-cut hairstyle, strolling unhurriedly at the rear, looking quite relaxed. Noticing her gaze, he blinked flirtatiously, sending her a seductive wink.

Unimpressed, Jiang Ya's disapproving stare lingered briefly on his face before turning away, focusing solely on her path.

"The second daughter of the Jiang family isn't bad-looking, just three months younger than you," Shao Baokui observed, watching Jiang Ya's retreating figure. "Was she looking your way?"

"High standards, tarnished reputation, and a difficult temperament," said Shao Chunlai. "She's always aiming to marry someone from the city, hoping for a better life."

With a nod, Shao Baokui dropped the topic.

"Father, look at him..." Shao Chunlai glanced back at He Cheng, subtly indicating with his eyes, "Isn't there something different about him today? I feel like he's acting strange."

"What do you mean?"

Recalling the morning's events and what just transpired, Shao Chunlai pondered. This fool was usually so quiet, barely uttering a word even when prodded. Yet today, he seemed more talkative, speaking confidently and even arguing back with Bao Lanxiang multiple times.

"And he stole eggs to eat, which has never happened before."

Shao Baokui's expression darkened, and he cautioned, "Don't spread news of stealing eggs it doesn't sound good. People might think we mistreat him if they hear that. If anything is amiss, let your mother handle it herself it's best not spoken through you."

"I understand," replied Shao Chunlai.

After their hushed conversation, other villagers joined them in the alley, prompting them to fall silent. Shao Baokui quickly caught up with Bao Lanxiang.

The meeting point was at the village entrance by the crossroads, beneath an old soapberry tree near a well. Women who arrived early formed a circle on the well's edge, some with children strapped to their backs. As more people gathered, laughter and idle chatter filled the air.

"Erya is here for work too, have you finished your chores at home?" Song Shixia asked.

"Hmph, yes, we're done," replied Song Shixia. "Her father thought there'd be plenty of tasks over the New Year, so since it's not peak farming season, he had her stay home to tidy up properly."

Jiang Ya smiled politely and greeted her as Aunt affectionately.

"All right, no need to hide it anymore," Yang Er's aunt chuckled. "Isn't she cleaning, washing clothes, and getting ready for matchmaking visits? I heard that Fourth Aunt plans to introduce her to a worker from the city - how wonderful! With both your daughters marrying into the city, your family will only prosper further; just sit back and enjoy the good life."