When she asked about my background, I had to lie: “My parents died in a flood, so I came out alone to find relatives. I couldn’t find anyone and ran out of money, wandering and hungry, unknowingly arriving here and fainting from hunger.” I felt helpless and sad thinking about what would happen next. Fortunately, the aunt didn’t press further.
“How pitiful! Look at how beautiful you are. Don’t worry, stay at my place first. Rest and then slowly find something. If I have food, you’ll have food too! It’s just one more pair of chopsticks,” Aunt Zhang said kindly, holding my hand.
“Auntie, thank you so much!” I gratefully looked at this stranger helping me.
“Lan, you’ll sleep in the next room. Here are some clothes my second sister used to wear. Just make do with them!” The aunt handed me a blue coarse cloth dress.
“Auntie, of course not. I don’t know how to thank you enough,” I replied eagerly.
In the evening, Uncle Zhang returned from the fields, dark-skinned and honest, showing a friendly smile. He seemed a simple man who had no objection to my staying.
Lying on the hard wooden bed, my thoughts raced. How did I end up here?
Isn’t every time-travel story supposed to have a trigger? What was hers? She used to think about time-traveling, but now she was in another world, in an unknown era. What should she do? She felt lost and helpless.
Fortunately, the local customs seemed pure, and basic survival should not be a problem.
Lan Lan stayed at Aunt Zhang’s house, helping with fieldwork. Aunt Zhang, concerned for her delicate skin, was reluctant to let her work outside. When not working, she washed clothes, cooked, and cleaned, always feeling the need to contribute. She became familiar with the neighbors, exchanging greetings, and the couple grew fond of her, often smiling at her in a way that made her heart skip a beat, leaving her wondering what they were thinking.
This period of leisurely rural life quickly restored Lan Lan’s spirit. The couple’s warm attitude made her uncomfortable staying longer. What should she do next?
[Text: Chapter Eight – Aunt Zhang’s Son]
