After lunch, with the sound of firecrackers crackling, the construction of Ren Qiheng's new house officially began.
Witnessed by many villagers, Ren Qiheng took the first shovel of soil, and Liu Long and his five workers immediately got to work, skillfully digging the foundation.
In this era, everything was still backward, especially informal construction teams. Digging foundations was almost entirely done by hand, unlike later times when various excavators of all sizes would appear in full force, making the process incredibly fast.
However, Liu Long's team were all hardworking and capable men, each working diligently and with great strength. As shovel after shovel of earth was dug out, the general outline of the foundation quickly emerged.
Qin Chuan stood by and watched. After realizing that Liu Long's team was indeed reliable, he was completely relieved and turned to leave.
From now on, there was nothing for him to do at Ren Qiheng's new house. His part was done.
Qin Chuan left Ren Qiheng's house and went to the village chief's new house. Old Huang Xiong was still there, helping him paint the furniture.
Walking in, he was hit by the strong smell of paint. Huang Xiong, wearing a thick mask, was skillfully applying paint to the furniture.
Qin Chuan called Huang Xiong out, and the two of them had a cigarette in the courtyard, chatted for a while, and then he left again.
This time, Qin Chuan first returned home. When he came out again, he was carrying a large black bag, bulging, and headed straight for his destination.
It was break time, and many boys and girls were playing games in the schoolyard, with carefree laughter echoing everywhere.
Some students were playing with beanbags, others were playing hopscotch, and some little boys were lying on the ground, squinting one eye and flicking marbles, with a large streak of snot leaving a shiny mark on their cheeks.
Each time they hit the target, they would let out excited shouts.
Even though their clothes were covered in dust, and they would likely get spanked when they got home, no one cared. Their attention was completely focused.
As Qin Chuan walked along, watching the children play their games, his eyes were filled with memories.
These were the most profound memories of rural children in the 80s and 90s. Each game represented carefree times.
Qin Chuan remembered that when he was a child, he even brought rice soup to school, carried in a wine bottle. Every time class ended, he would run to drink the rice soup.
After drinking the thin part, the thick rice grains and beans would get stuck in the bottle and wouldn't come out. He had to shake it hard, and a large pile would come out, which he ate with great relish.
"Teacher Yang!"
Before he knew it, he had walked through the courtyard and arrived at Yang Zimo's room door. Qin Chuan called out to her.
Inside the room, Yang Zimo, who was sitting on a stool marking students' homework, turned her head quickly upon hearing the voice.
When she clearly saw Qin Chuan standing at the door, a spark of surprise flashed in the depths of her clear, bright eyes.
Immediately, this hint of surprise was hidden, replaced by a cold demeanor.
"Oh, I thought it was someone else. So it's the person who likes watching the science and technology channel who has arrived!"
Women are often vengeful, and Yang Zimo had clearly not forgotten Qin Chuan's lie last time.
Qin Chuan, who had already lifted his foot to step inside, couldn't help but show an awkward expression upon hearing this.
Last time, he was only focused on acting cool in front of the goddess. It wasn't until he got home that he suddenly realized that in this era, rural television programs didn't receive any science and technology channels.
However, since the flaw had already been revealed, he could only try to make amends!
"What's wrong? Who has made our beautiful Teacher Yang angry?"
Qin Chuan, pretending not to notice Yang Zimo's deliberate jab at him, stepped into the room and said cheerfully, "Teacher Yang, come quickly and see what delicious food I've bought for you!"
As he spoke, Qin Chuan opened the cloth bag in his hand, revealing a dazzling array of items.
There were canned goods, fruits, candies, Bai Xiang instant noodles, ham sausages, drinks... and quite a few fresh vegetables, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, pork, beef, and so on. It was clear he had put in effort.
The bag was full, with not a single gap left.
Yang Zimo also saw it, and the coldness in her eyes softened slightly.
"What are you doing? Realizing your lie has been discovered and trying to make amends?"
However, Yang Zimo's tone remained cold.
"Mend what? I'm just caring about my Teacher Yang! I'm afraid you'll get hungry and thin, and then you won't look good!"
As Qin Chuan spoke, he gently held Yang Zimo's small hand, which felt incredibly smooth and tender.
Yang Zimo was startled and quickly pulled away, "What are you doing? There are students here!"
"It's alright, the students are all playing in the courtyard outside!"
Qin Chuan continued to hold her soft little hands, his eyes filled with tenderness. "Teacher Yang, do you know, I only went to the county town for two days, and I couldn't sleep well at night! As soon as I close my eyes, all I see is your figure. Do you think I'm beyond saving?"
"Ah!"
"What nonsense are you talking about!"
This time, Yang Zimo finally couldn't take it anymore. The deliberately cold expression on her pretty face was instantly covered by a blush, like a layer of sunset. She was shy, and a deer seemed to be pounding in her heart.
In her life, this was the first time she had heard such mushy sweet talk. This guy was becoming bolder with each passing moment!
And he was truly so unrestrained, able to say such embarrassing things.
"I'm not talking nonsense. If you don't believe me, touch my heart. Is it hot?"
Qin Chuan directly pulled Yang Zimo's small hand to his chest. Even through his sweater, he could feel the softness of her small hand.
Yang Zimo was struck as if by lightning and stood there, dazed.
Just then, two small heads peeked in through the doorway. It turned out to be some brave students peeking in, clearly curious about what Qin Chuan was doing in their teacher's room.
When they saw that their beloved Teacher Yang's hand was actually on Qin Chuan's chest, they couldn't help but exclaim in surprise, their little eyes widening.
This startled Teacher Yang, and she also let out a gasp, quickly retreating in a panic, her face so red it could drip water.
Seeing that they had caused trouble, the two little heads quickly ran away. Yang Zimo, seeing this, stamped her foot in frustration.
"It's all your fault! Now all my authority is gone because of you!"
"They might even secretly tell their families and spread it throughout the village..."
Compared to Yang Zimo's anxiety, Qin Chuan was very calm. Seeing this, he not only wasn't worried but said with satisfaction, "What's there to be afraid of? Let it spread! It's a good opportunity to announce that Teacher Yang is my girlfriend and make those who secretly covet you give up all hope!"
"Who... Who is your girlfriend!"
Yang Zimo said anxiously, "I haven't agreed yet!"
"It doesn't matter, it's just a matter of time!"
Qin Chuan showed extreme confidence. His expression made Yang Zimo clench her fists. She had seen shameless people, but never someone as shamelessly thick-skinned as him!
"You should leave quickly, I have to teach class!"
Yang Zimo pushed Qin Chuan, urging him to leave quickly. If this guy stayed any longer, who knew what other bold things he might do.
"Teacher Yang, I'll come back tonight then!"
As Qin Chuan left, he said loudly. His voice caused many children playing in the courtyard to stop, their little eyes widening in astonishment.
What was the situation between their Teacher Yang and Qin Chuan?
Yang Zimo was so embarrassed that she quickly closed the door, choosing not to see what she couldn't bear to see!