Chapter 27: Sis, your friend wouldn't happen to be Liu Jingjing, would she?

This slightly playful and doting voice was like a gentle breeze on a summer afternoon.

Lin Junsheng had just set the final period to "A River Without Beacons," and as he was immersed in the satisfaction and relief of finishing his work, this sudden, familiar voice pulled him instantly back to reality.

A smile tugged at the corners of Lin Junsheng’s mouth involuntarily. He quickly set down his pen and practically bounded toward the door.

Outside, the sunlight was perfect. A figure stood bathed in a soft, golden rim of light—it was his cousin, Liu Siyao, the beloved daughter of his aunt and a bright spark at the county cultural center.

Liu Siyao wore a water-blue dress, cinched at the waist with a slim belt that elegantly highlighted her graceful figure, appearing both nimble and feminine. Her long hair was tied up into a neat, crisp ponytail, with a few stray strands brushing against her cheeks, adding a touch of effortless playfulness and ease. In the sunlight, her features looked even more exquisite; her brows and eyes were like a painting, and a faint smile lingered on her lips.

"Cousin, why are you here? What a rare guest!" Lin Junsheng said, surprised and delighted, as he stepped aside to invite her in.

Liu Siyao feigned a pout of grievance. "What, not happy to see me? Or are you afraid your little cottage can’t contain a 'great Buddha' like me?"

Lin Junsheng waved his hands quickly. "How could I dare! I’m just surprised you had the time to come to this little dump. Where are Aunt and Uncle? Didn't they come with you?" With Lin Junwan’s wedding only two days away, he was curious.

Liu Siyao chuckled and explained, "I came ahead of them; they’re still busy with work. I didn't have much to do in the county seat, so I wanted to come to the countryside to have some fun and, while I’m at it, see how beautiful my little cousin will look at her wedding."

Lin Junsheng teased, "Your job at the cultural center really is leisurely. You don't have to organize any events all year round; it’s almost as if they give you the job just to provide you with a vacation."

Liu Siyao pretended to glare at him in annoyance. "It’s not as easy as you say! Funding is tight, and there are so many things we want to do but can't." She raised her eyebrows slightly, a glimmer of curiosity flashing in her eyes like morning dew. "By the way, where’s Xiaowan? How come I don't see her?"

Hearing her question, Lin Junsheng replied, "Oh, Xiaowan? She left early this morning with a basket to cut rabbit grass in the back hills. Those two little things are quite picky; they won't touch anything but fresh grass."

"Rabbit grass?" Liu Siyao’s tone held a hint of novelty. Her gaze drifted naturally toward a corner of the courtyard.

There, two delicate little cages sat quietly in the sun, their doors slightly ajar. She only then noticed that two snow-white, adorable long-haired rabbits lived inside. They were curled up together, their fluffy bodies rising and falling slightly with their breath, their long ears twitching occasionally.

Liu Siyao walked over to the cages and reached out a finger to gingerly touch the soft fur of one of the rabbits. It felt like touching a cloud, and she couldn't help but break into a smile.

"Cousin, quit beating around the bush. Tell me, what new tricks do you have up your sleeve this time?" Lin Junsheng squinted at her, his eyes full of suspicion. He didn't believe for a moment that this city-raised cousin would come to their remote village for no reason. The wedding wasn't here yet, and there was nothing to do.

Liu Siyao wore a crafty smile but deliberately put on an innocent face. "Oh, Junsheng, how can you be so suspicious of me? I really have business this time. A friend of mine lives in the next village, and I specifically rode that old bicycle over mountains and ridges to find her."

Lin Junsheng raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Oh? A 'friend'? Which nameless 'friend' is it this time? Don't tell me you're planning to prank me again?" His tone was playful, yet it betrayed the helplessness of someone who had been tormented by Liu Siyao for years.

Liu Siyao blinked mysteriously. "It’s different this time! She’s a very pretty girl, really! Believe me, she’s a natural beauty. And since you’re still single, who knows? Maybe I can play matchmaker and set you two up?"

Lin Junsheng scoffed and shook his head. "Forget it. Every time you try to trick me, it ends in a prank. I still remember when you set off firecrackers while I was in the bathroom—I had to wash my pants over and over, and they still reeked. Or that time during the snowball fight when you hid rocks inside the snowballs; I almost broke a rib. I can’t afford your 'kindness.'"

As he recounted these "glorious achievements," Lin Junsheng wore an expression caught between laughter and tears. Liu Siyao, meanwhile, was laughing so hard she had to bend over, clapping her hands. "Haha, those were childhood things! You’re still holding a grudge? Fine, fine, I promise, I really am just here to visit a friend."

Looking at her earnest expression, Lin Junsheng chose to trust her, if only for once. "Fine, I'll believe you this time. But if you dare to prank me again, don't blame me for being rude."

Liu Siyao patted his shoulder with a laugh. "Don't worry, Junsheng, this is the real deal. And who knows, maybe that girl really will be your perfect match! Come on, let's go on my bike."

As he spoke, Lin Junsheng’s gaze drifted past the courtyard, where a Phoenix-brand bicycle stood silently, looking like a vibrant red cloud fallen to earth. It was a classic 26-inch model, its frame covered in a layer of red paint that, though weathered by time, remained bright and shone with a gentle, lively luster under the sun. Most notably, there was a deep steel stamp on the frame—a unique mark of identity that ensured it could be recovered no matter where it was lost, as bicycles were the primary means of transport and required registration plates at the time.

"Look at that, she’s my prized possession," Liu Siyao said with a chuckle, her tone filled with pride.

She led Lin Junsheng with practiced ease along the winding country lanes toward Shangping Village. Along the way, there were lush green wheat fields and the occasional melodic chime of cowbells; the air was thick with the scent of earth and grain, refreshing the spirit.

A blue-brick courtyard gradually came into view, sitting quietly amidst the greenery. Lin Junsheng couldn't help but look up, his eyes landing on the familiar silhouette, a strange sense of familiarity welling up in his heart.

"Cousin, your friend isn't... Liu Jingjing, is she?" His voice held a hint of uncertainty; he couldn't believe in such a coincidence.

Hearing this, a flash of surprise crossed Liu Siyao’s face. "Ah! How did you know? Do you two know each other?"