Chapter 242 - 242: Bird Poop

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

When Jiang Xia was young, she often ate milk candies. Now, she reacts negatively to them. Just seeing a milk candy can make her nauseous. However, Jiang Gu has never tried one, so Jiang Xia wants to offer it to her.

However, seeing Zhou Juan’s expectant face, Jiang Xia originally intended to save the milk candy for Jiang Gu. She reluctantly tore the soft candy wrapper in half, put half in her mouth, and the other half in Zhou Juan’s hand.

At this moment, Zhou Juan’s father, Zhou Yang, walked over and smiled amiably. He said to Jiang Xia,” Xiao Xia, you can eat it yourself. You don’t have to share it with her.” If she can give you a candy, she must have another one in her pocket. Otherwise, our stingy Zhou Juan wouldn’t have offered it.”

Upon hearing her father tease her, Zhou Juan frowned and retorted, “I’m not stingy!”

Nevertheless, Zhou Juan still returned the candy to Jiang Xia. “Give the other half to your sister. I really don’t have any candy in my pocket today, otherwise, 1 would’ve offered two.”

Jiang Xia smiled sweetly, saying, “Thank you,” and handed the remaining half to her younger sister Jiang Gu, who came rushing over.

Jiang Gu savored the milk candy, letting its sweetness melt slowly in her mouth.

Jiang Chuan stood nearby, having overheard their conversation. Remembering how Zhou Yang had previously helped him, he asked politely, “Would you like to come over for some hot tea before you leave?” n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Zhou Yang shaded his eyes and looked up at the sun, replying, “No, it’s almost noon. We still have to visit her uncle’s house. Thanks for the offer.”

“Alright, but remember to drop by in the afternoon. My home is right around that corner,” Jiang Chuan pointed towards his house. As they prepared to continue their walk by the river, Zhou Juan suddenly exclaimed, “Ah! Something landed on me!”

The group turned to look at her. Jiang Xia, standing close by, could see a lump of white-green, slightly moist substance on Zhou Juan’s shoulder. She delicately mentioned, “It’s bird droppings.”

“Bird droppings?” Zhou Juan repeated, somewhat dazed. Realizing what it was, she stomped her feet, exclaiming, “Bird poop! Ah, so disgusting!”

Worried that the droppings would touch her hair, Zhou Juan hesitated to move. Holding back tears, she lamented, “What should I do? I’m visiting my uncle’s house later.”

At Zhou Juan’s uncle’s home, there were other cousins, and the girls inevitably compared themselves when together. Zhou Juan had dressed up specially for the visit, and now with bird droppings on her, she was certain her cousins would mock her.

Jiang Xia offered, “Come to my house to clean up; it’s easy to wash off.”

Seeing no better option, the group decided to go to Jiang’s home.

At the house, Zhou Lan took Zhou Juan to Jiang Xia’s room. Zhou Juan changed into some of Jiang Xia’s clean clothes while Zhou Lan took the soiled ones to wash.

Jiang Xia poured two cups of hot water for Jiang Chuan and Zhou Yang. In their village, there was no tea. Sugar water was the best drink they could offer to guests. However, given Zhou Yang’s job at the candy factory, Jiang Xia thought he might be tired of sweet drinks and thus served plain hot water.

With nothing else to occupy them, Jiang Chuan and Zhou Yang chatted about recent events in the county. From discussions about the ongoing census to recent visits by county leaders, Jiang Chuan listened intently.

As Zhou Yang spoke, he felt a hint of urban superiority. Recognizing that Jiang Chuan wasn’t trying to impress or flatter him but was genuinely engaged, Zhou Yang’s respect for him grew. He believed Jiang Chuan was a worthwhile friend.

Furthermore, Jiang Chuan’s demeanor didn’t suggest someone content with lifelong farming.

He still remembered the first time he met Jiang Chuan’s family. They were still wearing patched clothes. Even the younger daughter’s clothes were ill-fitting, revealing their financial hardships.

But in just a month, their situation seemed to have transformed. They now wore new outfits, and their home looked well-kept, even boasting wooden furniture rarely seen in rural households. They must’ve found a way to earn after moving to the city.

Jiang Chuan surely had talents. Perhaps in the future, he might find opportunities in the county. Who would be in a position to assist whom remained to be seen..