Chapter 31: Call Me Something Sweet

The morning light of the next day, like a shy young girl, peeked through the gaps in the curtains and gently brushed against Liu Siyao's face.

She was awakened by a faint rustling sound. Opening her eyes, she saw the room still submerged in a soft, dim twilight. Glancing at the Plum Blossom brand watch on the nightstand, she saw the hands pointing to just past five o'clock. Liu Siyao rubbed her sleepy eyes, muttering to herself. Her job at the county cultural center was leisurely, with work not starting until nine; even if she occasionally slacked off, no one would rush her. She had intended to enjoy the luxury of sleeping until she woke up naturally during this rare bit of free time, but she hadn't expected to be roused at five.

Beside her, Lin Junwan was busy combing her long, raven-black hair. Liu Siyao turned over, intending to sink back into the warmth of the quilt, when she heard hurried and slightly stumbling footsteps outside the door. Then came Lin Junsheng's complaining voice: "Ugh, your husband Yonggang snores louder than thunder. I didn't sleep a wink all night; I have to come back and catch up on some rest."

"Didn't you make plans to go to town with our cousin? You're going to sleep now?"

"It's still early."

As Lin Junsheng returned to his room, Li Aimei was already boiling water to cook sweet potatoes. Startled by the commotion, Liu Siyao sat up groggily and rubbed her eyes. Lin Junwan looked at her and smiled, "Sister, you're awake too?"

Liu Siyao yawned and stretched, her movements full of a young girl's laziness and charm. "You two," she teased with a smile, a hint of envy in her tone, "you're both as diligent as little worker bees."

Today was a special day for Lin Junwan, as she was going to register her marriage with Li Yonggang and officially step into the halls of matrimony. Watching Lin Junwan get ready, Liu Siyao couldn't help but feel a wave of emotion. Time flew so fast; in the blink of an eye, everyone around her had found their own happy harbor.

"Sister, didn't you and my brother agree to go to the town market today? If you don't get up now, all the good things at the market will be snatched up!" Lin Junwan said, dressing herself with an excited expression.

"Is there really no food left if we go at nine?" Liu Siyao asked, intentionally drawing out her tone to feign indifference, though the glimmer in her eyes betrayed her anticipation. The town market was a weekly extravaganza, filled with snacks and handicrafts; the local delicacies, in particular, always whetted her appetite.

"There's food, but not much," Lin Junwan replied while brushing her hair. "Besides, the market is liveliest in the morning. If you go too late, you'll miss the real atmosphere."

Hearing this, Liu Siyao smiled slightly, thinking to herself. In that case, she might as well get up early. Since Lin Junsheng had mentioned catching up on sleep because he hadn't rested well, she would have to drag him up too. With that, she sprang out of bed and began to get ready quickly.

Lin Junwan saw this and sped up her own movements, and soon both were ready to go. Breakfast consisted of simple corn buns and sweet potatoes. Lin Junsheng was pulled up by Liu Siyao, looking rather reluctant. He chewed on the tasteless sweet potato, while Liu Siyao ate with relish. After the meal, Li Yonggang arrived to pick up Lin Junwan.

The morning in the countryside was exceptionally fresh, with a light breeze brushing against their faces, carrying a hint of coolness that felt refreshing. Along the way, the lush green crops in the fields shimmered in the morning light, and the occasional sound of roosters crowing and dogs barking added to the tranquility and harmony of the countryside.

Li Yonggang and Lin Junwan walked side by side toward the neighboring village. They were calculating how to reach it early enough to catch the rare bus heading to the county seat. It was the only bus to the city, and it only came every few days. The route didn't pass through their village, so they had to go to the next one to catch it. Riding a bicycle to the county seat was too far, and making the round trip was inconvenient.

Just as the two were chatting and enjoying the morning peace and the rural scenery, a stream that was usually dry and parched suddenly became rippling, the sound of gurgling water breaking the silence. Lin Junwan stopped, her brow furrowed with worry: "Oh no, the reservoir has released water."

Li Yonggang realized the gravity of the situation. He looked around, trying to find a viable path. "We'd have to walk all the way upstream to use the bridge," Lin Junwan suggested, her voice tinged with helplessness.

Li Yonggang frowned, calculating the time: "Darn, that's such a long walk. If we do that, we definitely won't make the bus."

At that moment, Li Yonggang made an unexpected decision. Without hesitation, he rolled up his pant legs, revealing his sturdy calves, and said to Lin Junwan with a firm gaze, "Come on, I'll carry you across."

Lin Junwan's face flashed with surprise, then turned bright red. In this era, physical contact between men and women was subtle and sensitive. Holding hands might be viewed as hooliganism, let alone carrying someone on one's back. Even the kissing scene in the movie "Lushan Love" had made people feel embarrassed back then.

"No, if people see us, it won't be good; it will cause gossip," Lin Junwan whispered, looking around anxiously, fearful that someone might jump out from a corner and witness this slightly ambiguous scene.

Li Yonggang laughed. "Let them see. We have no choice. Come on." He bent over, his back straight. Lin Junwan still hesitated, her eyes darting around.

"Don't be so feudal, Junwan," Li Yonggang said, his voice carrying a touch of teasing but also sincerity. "We're doing this to catch the bus; it's a necessity."

"Who's being feudal!" Provoked by his words, Lin Junwan arched her brow, though a smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "Fine, I'll let you carry me, who's afraid!"

With that, she took a deep breath, as if making a resolution, and carefully climbed onto Li Yonggang's back. At that moment, both of their hearts accelerated in unison. Li Yonggang stood up steadily with Lin Junwan on his back and stepped into the cool stream. The water lapped gently against their feet, making a melodious sound. Lin Junwan pressed closely against Li Yonggang's back, her arms wrapped around his neck.

As Li Yonggang waded through the stream with steady strides, his gaze accidentally fell upon a few ducks swimming contentedly in the water. They paddled along slowly, looking exceptionally relaxed. This scene stirred something in Li Yonggang, and a playful smile tugged at his lips.

"Hey, isn't this like Zhu Bajie carrying his bride?" His words were teasing, yet hidden within them was an imperceptible tenderness.

Lin Junwan's face turned even redder. She lightly tapped his shoulder and scolded coquettishly, "Go away, who's your bride? Stop talking nonsense."

Li Yonggang laughed even more brightly. He deliberately swayed his body, as if considering whether to let go. "Alright, alright, bride or not, you still have to call me something nice, or I won't feel balanced."

Lin Junwan held onto his neck tightly, afraid he might actually do something reckless, but she stubbornly retorted, "I won't! You wish."

"Are you going to call me that or not?" Li Yonggang drew out his voice, a hint of a threat in his tone.

"No!" Lin Junwan bit her lip, but a smile flickered in her eyes; she knew he was just teasing her.

"Not calling? Then I'm really going to let go." As he made a move to loosen his grip, Lin Junwan quickly changed her mind, "I will! I will! I'll call you, okay!"

Li Yonggang smiled triumphantly. "Haha, good, go ahead, I'm listening."

Lin Junwan's face turned deeper red. She leaned close to his ear and, in a voice only the two of them could hear, called out endearingly:

"Brother."

The voice carried a touch of shyness, a hint of sweetness, and an indescribable sense of reliance.

Li Yonggang responded, his voice filled with satisfaction and happiness.

"Yes."