Fortune Across the World

Chapter 4: Encountering a Village Woman on the Way to Hejia Village

Walking along the chosen path, Ding Qiyu picked up a stick about two fingers thick, just in case she encountered any animals that might pose a threat. Although her small body might not handle a fight well, waiting passively was not her style. She felt increasingly attuned to her new body, the sense of helplessness fading and her movements becoming more agile. Despite "Beggar Ding" being malnourished and small, she retained some strength and agility, likely from frequent activity. After walking for over an hour without encountering any dangerous animals or signs of habitation, Ding Qiyu finally spotted a small river in the distance.

Where there are rivers, there are usually people living nearby, she thought, quickening her pace to reach the riverbank. This world seemed to be in early spring, just like her original one. Unnamed wildflowers bloomed along the riverbank, and the fresh scent of rain mingled with new greenery, brightening her mood. Looking at her filthy hands, she waded through ankle-deep grass to the river's edge, startling small crabs that quickly hid under mossy rocks.

Using the river's reflection, Ding Qiyu examined her appearance. The boy reflected in the water had messy hair, swollen eyes, and a dirty face. Yet, the features were unmistakably reminiscent of her own teenage years.

Washing her hands in the river, she looked at the youthful reflection staring back and thought wryly: After all these years of "hard knocks," I, Ding Qiyu, have returned to being a teenager with just one fall... Splashing her face with water, she found herself smiling at the thought. The cool river water mixed with some warm liquid slid down her lips, tasting slightly bitter.

Sniffing, she controlled her emotions. Once her face was clean, the reflection showed a fair and slightly aristocratic face with expressive eyes beneath arched brows, a high nose, and thin, slightly pursed lips. Despite the youthful innocence, her features radiated a certain charm. Someone once told her that her most captivating feature was her eyes, always filled with warmth and complemented by her gentle smile, like the morning sun brightening those around her.

Tidying her hair into a style reminiscent of a young hero from TV dramas, she felt she captured a bit of that carefree spirit. From the neck up, she looked somewhat like a wandering young hero. Overall, she had transformed from a dirty beggar to a clean one. Fortunately, the original body didn't seem to be one that went without bathing for ages, as there was no unpleasant odor. She could wait to find a proper place to wash up, avoiding the challenge of bathing in the wilderness. After daydreaming by the river for a while, she continued walking upstream, hoping to find a village.

Eventually, she saw someone sitting by the river—a woman in her fifties, with her shoes and pant legs wet, wearing a pained expression. One hand supported her waist, while the other gripped her knee, her elbow resting on the ground. Nearby lay a crushed basket, with a few mushrooms scattered around.

Without thinking much, Ding Qiyu hurried over and crouched down, asking, "Auntie, are you..." She hesitated, realizing "Auntie" might not be a term used in ancient times, and quickly corrected herself, "Madam, are you alright?"

Madam He had thought the recent rainy days would yield plenty of mushrooms, so she ventured into the woods with her basket after completing her chores at home. Her daughter had gone to do embroidery work for extra income. She had gathered quite a few mushrooms and went to the river to wash her muddy hands. But the rain had left the riverbank slippery, and she had fallen heavily, feeling sharp pain in her ankle and lower back. Unable to move, she was startled by Ding Qiyu's sudden voice. When she opened her eyes, she saw a concerned-looking young boy.

Ding Qiyu was also surprised by her own hoarse voice. Once a celebrated campus singer known for her magnetic voice, she now sounded like a broken bell. Feeling awkward about startling the woman, she said, "Sorry, my voice has been strained lately. Where are you hurt, Madam?"

Seeing Ding Qiyu's genuine concern, Madam He steadied herself and said, "I think I twisted my ankle and my lower back. It hurts terribly."

Estimating her ability to carry the woman's weight, Ding Qiyu offered a reassuring smile. "Let me carry you home. It's not convenient for you to move like this."

Her warm smile reached Madam He’s heart. Though she hesitated to trouble the small boy with carrying her, there was no one else around, and she couldn't move on her own. She smiled back, despite the pain, and said, "You're a kind-hearted young man. I've been fortunate to meet a good person today."

Being called "Young Man" for the first time left Ding Qiyu momentarily taken aback, but given her ragged, beggar-like appearance, the title was understandable. After Xie Bian had transformed her blood, any trace of feminine charm or grace, which she never truly possessed, was even less likely to be associated with her. Considering this world might share the patriarchal views of ancient times, adopting the guise of a "little brother" could prove advantageous. Embracing the role, she said, "It's nothing at all. A good deed a day keeps the worries at bay. Just lending a hand." Feeling much more cheerful, she indulged in her love for rhymes—a trait she was known for—and joked with Madam He.

Ding Qiyu helped Madam He by removing her basket and carefully picking up the fallen mushrooms. She gently let Madam He climb onto her back, took a deep breath, and stood up with some effort. Securing the basket, she asked for directions to Madam He's home, all the while receiving gratitude and praise as they made their way to Hejia Village.

By the time they reached Hejia Village, it was noon. The village path was quiet, with thin smoke rising from the roofs of scattered cottages and the aroma of cooking food wafting through the air, bringing an unexpected tinge of nostalgia to Ding Qiyu.

Following Madam He's directions, they arrived at her small courtyard just as a girl of about thirteen or fourteen hurried out. She wore simple homespun clothes and had a petite frame, with bright, expressive eyes. Her pursed lips and furrowed brows showed her anxiety, but upon seeing her mother on Ding Qiyu's back, her worried expression turned to relief. She ran over, exclaiming, "Mother, where did you go? I couldn't find you anywhere, and you just left without saying a word. I was so scared!" Then noticing her mother was being carried, she asked urgently, "Are you hurt, Mother? What happened?" Her flushed cheeks made her look endearingly cute, reminding Ding Qiyu of her own sister and momentarily leaving her in a daze.

"I thought I’d gather some mushrooms after the rain, but I slipped and hurt my back. Luckily, this kind-hearted young man carried me all the way home. Otherwise, you wouldn't have known where to find me!" Madam He explained, patting Ding Qiyu's shoulder. "Ayu, come inside and put me down. You must be tired from carrying me so long!" Over the journey, Madam He had grown quite fond of Ding Qiyu, appreciating the child's kindness and cheerfulness.

"No worries, I could carry you around Hejia Village a few more times!" Ding Qiyu, buoyed by Madam He's infectious optimism, felt her spirits lift completely. Clearing her hoarse voice, she reassured the worried girl, "Don't worry, I'll call for a doctor to check on Madam He's injuries. It shouldn't be anything serious."

He Lian'er, Madam He's daughter, finally took a good look at the boy who had carried her mother. His features were clear and handsome, with a gentle smile and warm eyes that instantly calmed her worries. Despite his raspy voice, his comforting words seemed to have a magical effect, soothing her anxiety. She smiled gratefully at Ding Qiyu, "Thank you!"

Carefully, Ding Qiyu placed Madam He on a wooden bed inside the house, listening as Madam He insisted against seeing a doctor, "No need for a doctor; it’s just a minor sprain. I know my own body well. Resting a bit will be fine!"

Despite Ding Qiyu and He Lian'er's attempts to persuade her otherwise, Madam He was adamant. Estimating her age and considering the minor nature of her injuries after He Lian'er checked, they eventually gave up on the idea of calling a doctor.

A loud stomach growl broke the moment's silence, making Ding Qiyu blush with embarrassment. She laughed awkwardly, unsure of what to do.

Madam He noticed and patted her leg, laughing, "Oh, how thoughtless of me! It’s lunchtime, and you've carried me all the way. You must be starving!" She quickly instructed He Lian'er, "Lian'er, is lunch ready?"

Seeing the expression on Ding Qiyu's handsome face, He Lian'er couldn't help but chuckle, nodding as she lifted the curtain at the door. "Yes, it's all ready. I'll set it out."

For Ding Qiyu, who only had seven coins to her name, a meal was an offer she couldn't refuse. The genuine kindness of Madam He and He Lian'er eased her embarrassment, filling her with delight. "Thank you, Madam He! Lian'er? May I call you that? Let me help with the meal!"