She no longer had the urgency to rush for meals, nor did she need to hurry to fetch hot water—Yang Xiuqin had surely already taken care of it. Strolling back to the dormitory, Lin Fang found that those who brought their own meals had already started eating by the time she arrived.
The dormitory for Lin Fang’s class was a large, interconnected space with three rooms. The two end rooms were packed with bunk beds, housing over twenty girls in cramped quarters. The middle room served as a common area, though at the moment, it was neatly filled with students’ bicycles, leaving only two narrow pathways along the edges of the kang (a traditional heated bed) and between the bikes—just enough space for someone to squeeze through sideways. Once inside, students had to tuck their feet in and sit on the edge of the kang or climb onto it, otherwise, others wouldn’t be able to pass.
Lin Fang’s bunk was at the far end, but she wasn’t in a hurry to get there. Instead, she stood by the door, waiting for Rou Qiu to return with her meal. Otherwise, she’d have to squeeze her way back out to receive it, which would be a hassle.
Yang Xiuqin didn’t notice Lin Fang’s empty hands and called out, “Lin Fang, come in already! Hurry up and eat so you can rest. The fleas aren’t as bad during the day, so you’ll sleep better and have more energy for afternoon classes.”
Lin Fang replied, “I’ll come in soon. Rou Qiu went to get my meal. I’ll come in once he’s back.”
Yang Xiuqin was the kind of girl who appeared clumsy at first glance—round-faced, with a fleshy nose and eyelids, the epitome of a “simpleton” look. She was also on the heavier side, with two long braids. At first glance, she seemed like an utterly ordinary country girl, even a bit slow. But after half a semester together, Lin Fang’s impression of her had changed dramatically.
On the first day of school, Yang Xiuqin had argued with Lin Fang over bunk space. Yet after a night’s sleep, the two acted as if nothing had happened, chatting and laughing like old friends. They learned about each other’s backgrounds—Yang Xiuqin was a few months older and naturally took on the role of an older sister. Both had repeated a year before getting into high school, so they had plenty in common to talk about.
Despite her outward appearance, Yang Xiuqin was surprisingly nimble. For instance, every time they fetched hot water after class, she’d be the first to dash back to the dorm. By the time others returned with their thermoses, she’d already be leisurely walking back with hers and Lin Fang’s. Even if the teacher ran late and the water station was crowded, she’d somehow manage to weave through the crowd and get hot water faster than those who arrived earlier. The old Lin Fang would’ve been left staring in envy.
Yang Xiuqin’s mention of fleas reminded Lin Fang of something odd—last night, she hadn’t been bitten at all, while others tossed and turned from the itching. Was it possible that even insects avoided her after her rebirth? Or was it because—Lin Fang’s heart clenched in pain—in her past life, she’d used Qi Biao’s poisoned blood to detoxify herself, leaving traces of the same toxin in her own blood. Had her blood also been reborn?
The dormitory’s kang wasn’t like the one at home—no heating stove or warm air ducts, just the inherent flaws of an earthen kang. It was a breeding ground for fleas and scorpions. The school periodically sprayed pesticide, which helped for a few days, but the fleas always returned, either brought back by students after visits home or surviving underground, only to reemerge stronger than ever.
As Lin Fang pondered this, Zheng Hua, closest to the door, said, “Lin Fang, just go in first. When Rou Qiu gets back with your food, we’ll pass it to you. Standing here waiting isn’t helping—the cafeteria line will take at least another ten minutes. Don’t catch a cold.”
Lin Fang wasn’t actually eager to go in. She wanted to stay outside and collect her thoughts. She’d assumed everything would be the same after her rebirth, but Rou Qiu’s earlier, oddly formal speech had made her realize that while time, scenery, and people remained unchanged, she herself had changed. Her mindset was no longer that of a young girl, her physique was different, and most importantly, she carried the deep longing and grief for her loved ones from her past life.
Though reluctant, she couldn’t ignore Zheng Hua’s kindness. Just as she stepped inside, someone outside called, “Which one of you is Lin Fang?”
Turning, she saw the office clerk Shangguan—the envy of boys and idol of girls, fair-skinned, tall, and handsome. Lin Fang asked what he needed. Shangguan explained, “Fu Hongxia’s ear was injured. The school needs to notify her family, but we don’t know how to get to her home. I checked the records—you were classmates, so I thought you might know the way. Could you show me?”
Before Lin Fang could respond, Rou Qiu popped up behind Shangguan and quipped, “Oh, Officer Shangguan! Your discerning eyes have landed on the worst possible guide. Don’t say I didn’t warn you—if you end up lost in a ditch, blame your own poor judgment.”
*Thump!* Shangguan swatted at Rou Qiu’s head, but the latter had anticipated it and blocked with his lunchbox, leaving Shangguan’s hand hitting metal instead.
Unfazed, Shangguan laughed and retorted, “Little fatty, if you’re so sure Lin Fang’s a terrible guide, then you lead the way. You were Fu Hongxia’s classmate too.”
Shangguan was only in his twenties, not much older than the students, and enjoyed bantering with them. Rou Qiu, with his distinctive build and lively personality, was easy to remember, and the two were already well acquainted.
Rou Qiu had no interest in Fu Hongxia—they’d been rivals since middle school. Even if he knew the way to her house, he wouldn’t go. Squinting mischievously, he deflected, “My apologies, Officer Shangguan, but we’re not from the same village, and propriety forbids me from visiting her home. You’ll have to find someone else.”
His nonsense drew laughter from the girls, but Shangguan pressed, “Then find me someone else, or it’s your job.”
“Don’t do this, Officer! I really don’t know,” Rou Qiu protested. Lin Fang cut in, “There’s a girl named He Hui in Fu Hongxia’s village—she’s in Class 49. You could ask her.”
The senior year had only two classes—Class 48 (where Chen Dong was) and Class 49. The junior year had three: Rou Qiu’s Class 50, Lin Fang’s Class 51, and Liang Xiaoyan’s Class 52.
Shangguan suddenly turned and smacked Rou Qiu’s head again—this time landing a solid hit before walking off, chuckling. Rou Qiu glared at his retreating back, puffing exaggeratedly, which amused Lin Fang.
Looking around the dorm, Lin Fang noticed that aside from Yang Xiuqin, the school beauty Dou Yalin, and two girls who studied while eating, almost everyone had forgotten their meals. A few even blushed. Lin Fang mused that Shangguan was truly a “male siren.”
Lin Fang had been to Fu Hongxia’s house once and wasn’t actually bad with directions, but the memory of Fu Hongxia’s cold-faced father made her reluctant to go. Rou Qiu’s antics had conveniently gotten her off the hook. After Shangguan left, she asked Rou Qiu, “Why are you back so soon?”
Handing her the lunchbox, Rou Qiu explained, “The cafeteria didn’t cook today. People were making a fuss, but what’s the point? So I left. Yesterday, some city classmates treated me to mutton soup at a place nearby—it was decent. Let’s just eat there.”
The cafeteria skipping meals wasn’t new—rumor had it it was due to infighting among the school leadership. No amount of complaining would change it, so Lin Fang and Rou Qiu often went out to eat on such days. When he suggested mutton soup, Lin Fang shook her head. “Let’s just buy some steamed buns instead.”
The soup would likely have chili, which Lin Fang couldn’t eat. Worse, her allergy had once been exploited by Liang Feng and Shi Binhua, leaving her unable to return home. Now, she was extra wary of chili.
Besides, mutton soup was far more expensive than noodles. Even if they left out the chili, thinking of her family’s medical debts, Lin Fang couldn’t justify the expense.
As her longtime friend, Rou Qiu knew she was being frugal. He hadn’t planned to let her pay anyway and tempted her further: “Then let’s skip the soup. How about stewed chicken with mushrooms? No chili there. When you were in the hospital, I passed by a new bookstore near that restaurant—heard they have books we’ve never seen before. Want to check it out? You’d love it.”
Lin Fang knew he was baiting her, but the mention of new books piqued her interest. Still, the stewed chicken came in large, medium, and small portions—even the smallest was pricier than a bowl of mutton soup. She hesitated. “Do they sell just noodles? I’d be fine with that.”
“Of course! They’ll sell you anything if there’s money in it—even just a bowl of water.”
Without waiting for her answer, Rou Qiu shoved his lunchbox into Zheng Hua’s hands (she’d been watching the exchange) and dragged Lin Fang out, muttering, “Come on, my dear! If we dawdle, there’ll be no time to rest before afternoon classes. Besides, exams are coming up, and I’m counting on you for last-minute tutoring. Your health is my fate!”
Listening to his nonsense but thinking of the bookstore, Lin Fang sighed. *Fine, let’s go. It’s just one meal. I’ll tighten my belt this month.* She consoled herself—she had a great memory and could “borrow” knowledge from books without paying. Plus, this poverty wouldn’t last forever. Her family’s fortunes would improve soon.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage