A small plot of land in a mountain village

Chapter 55 Walking on the Lake

Enjoying sweets while watching the grand performance, the girls were especially happy. They chatted endlessly, seemingly having no end to their topics. Then, halfway through the performance, firecrackers went off in the hall, and a pungent smell filled the air. Those unaware of the commotion jumped off their chairs and ran far away.

After the noise subsided and the girls returned, Zhang Niu told them it was a joyous occasion. Later, all the young men in the village who were twenty years old would go up on stage to say a few words, usually a few words of thanks. There were too many people below; no one would be so shameless as to stand there.

This time, Zhang Niu didn't need to introduce them; they all said they knew. Isn't this just as boring as those "thank you" speeches in the county town? Ugh... I never expected their opinion to be like this. What a shame...

Before the event even ended, Zhang Niu was pulled out by Zhang Ting, who said it was time to go home early. Confused, Zhang Niu asked, "Why go home so early? It feels like there's still plenty of time."

This earned him a glare from Zhang Ting. "Don't you know we need a steady amount of sleep every day?"

Zhang Niu was stunned by what they said. A stable sleep. Even for maintenance, this wasn't necessary. Helpless, Zhang Niu could only go back with them. Walking on the snow, he kicked at the white snow beneath his feet, kicking up quite a few snowflakes.

I bought them a few small cups of spicy hot pot along the way, so they could eat while walking and not get bored.

The next morning, there was no snow. Zhang Niu's mood improved considerably. Otherwise, it wouldn't have been easy for him to go into the mountains today. The snow in the mountains was already about knee-deep.

I glanced over at the bamboo house; no lights were on. They were probably still fast asleep, which made sense given the cold weather. I wrapped myself up tightly and put on my rubber boots. Then I headed towards the valley.

Although it stopped snowing this morning, the temperature was colder than yesterday. Actually, you don't feel that cold when it's snowing. It's only cold after a heavy snowfall, when the snow melts. That's when the temperature really gets cold. Zhang Niu may not have been good at chemistry, but he still has some knowledge.

On the white snow in the mountains, many animal footprints were left.

Zhang Niu picked an icicle and put it in his mouth to bite into. It felt a bit like eating a popsicle, but it wasn't sweet.

Suddenly, a snowdrift that had been piling up on the tree for too long fell down, hitting Zhang Niu right on the head. A fair amount of snowflakes landed on his collar. Zhang Niu shivered from the cold, cursing the damned tree.

Along the road, one could see many trees with their tops broken by the heavy snow. These broken trees were of little use; they would slowly die once the weather improved. The village would soon be busy sending people to cut down the trees.

Returning to the valley, the mist still lingered. A layer of ice had formed on the lake. Throwing a stone weighing about a pound onto it created a shallow crater.

"When did this ice layer form? It's so thick, it looks like you wouldn't crack if you stood on it." He muttered to himself as he picked up a stone.

To be on the safe side, I threw more stones on top. They all left little marks.

Feeling much more at ease, Zhang Niu cautiously stepped onto the lake, but heard no snapping sound. He picked up a stone and struck it a few times. Still no luck.

He walked a few meters forward. The fog was so thick that he couldn't see anything ahead. Helpless, Zhang Niu could only return home after all his hard work. He sighed, thinking he'd just consider it an early morning workout.

As Zhang Niu returned to Happy House with an empty bottle, he saw the girls in front of the bamboo house.

He said to Zhang Ting, who was still washing his face with hot water, "I'm afraid you won't be able to bring back the lake water you wanted this time," holding the empty bottle in his hand.

"Why?" Fang MM quickly asked.

"It's just ice on the lake. It should be at least 20 centimeters thick. If you hit a stone on it, it will leave a mark."

"How come your pond breaks so easily when you hit it?" she retorted.

Zhang Niu pointed to the sky and said, "You'll have to ask God. Only He knows the answer."

"I'm ignoring you. You keep saying nonsensical things, it sounds really awkward."

"Hey, has breakfast been cooked yet? My stomach is growling loudly," Yuan MM called out as she stepped out the door.

"No. I was just waiting for you guys to get up before I started making it."

Zhang Niu is now starting to suspect that he's almost become a "three-way escort"—accompanying people to meals and drinks. He's almost about to sleep with them.

I found twelve eggs in the house and made some sweet egg soup. It was delicious and satisfying. Most importantly, it saved me a lot of effort. Cooking rice in a bamboo shed was too much trouble.

After the meal, Zhang Ting suggested that since they couldn't get any water from the lake, they might as well go for a walk on the ice. She had never been on ice before, and the girls around her all agreed.

Zhang Niu pleaded earnestly that the place might be dangerous. He suggested finding another spot. The round-faced girl listed what she herself had said: a 30-centimeter thick layer. She said a stone hitting it would only leave a mark.

I had initially intended to discourage them from going, but in the end, my own answer backfired, and I was filled with regret. I wanted to slap myself a few times. Helpless, I could only lead the way and take them there.

They reached the valley. Zhang Ting and the others fearlessly rushed onto the ice, with Round MM even stomping on it a few times. She muttered to herself, "It's pretty sturdy." Looking at Zhang Niu on the shore, she wondered if he didn't know the common sense that you shouldn't easily break up ice.

Zhang Ting stood next to Zhang Niu without going up. "How about we bring roller skates next time we come?"

Still watching the girls playing on the ice, Zhang Niu didn't notice Zhang Ting's question. "Yeah, it's fine," he replied casually. Zhang Ting wasn't satisfied with the answer and repeated it emphatically. Her assertive tone made Zhang Niu realize he must have said something to upset her. "Um... I was just lost in thought."

Zhang Ting glared at Zhang Niu with displeasure. "What are you looking at? You're not looking at my sister, are you? Who's she interested in? Tell me what you think."

He waved his hand. "No, I'll just check to see if they're in any danger."

"Oh, so you're planning to rescue the damsel in distress?"

Zhang Niu was surprised that Zhang Ting, who had been fine that morning, suddenly became so irritable. Could it be that she ate too many eggs this morning? It seems he should go back and make her some jujube flower tea to calm her down.

If Zhang Ting knew what I was thinking now, I'd definitely get a beating.

Zhang Ting, who had just been planning to bring roller skates next time, forgot all about it and stepped onto the ice.

Standing on the ice wasn't slippery. Round-faced girl walked over. "Tingting, how about we bring some roller skates next time? Aren't you really good at ice skating?"

"Don't even mention it. I just talked to that blockhead, I don't know what he's thinking. I also think this place is nice for ice skating and the distance isn't far. I just don't know if it will still be frozen next time we come."

"Your question is really unnecessary," Yuan MM said, dissatisfied with Zhang Ting's answer. "This valley is a bit strange to begin with. The water surface outside is only a thin layer, but look at this, it's as thick as a brick. What are you afraid of?"

"That's true. The holidays are coming soon, so we can stay here a bit longer."

"I'm actually quite envious of your classmate now. He doesn't have to work and seems happy every day, although it can't compare to life in the city."

"I heard your supervisor has been harassing you a lot lately, is that right?"

"Don't mention it. It makes me so angry. That old lecher, Tingting, you better watch out."

First update. All recommended votes and favorites received. Hehe.