I became the Counterpart of the Winner in a Period Novel-Chapter 373 - 320: Smooth Sailing

In the West Suburb of Nanxi City, there’s an Evergreen Forest. Due to its distance from the city center and the mountain backdrop, development has been restrained. Even if someone initially intended to set up a factory here because of the scenery, it would eventually be unanimously vetoed.

As a result, over the years, this area feels purposefully preserved, like a secluded haven outside the world.

Cobblestone paths, ancient pools, old grinding stones, and the surviving green-tiled courtyards all exude an antiquated charm, as if they don’t belong to this world.

In a small courtyard, a young man stood by Teng Caihong’s wall. From behind, it seemed he was entranced by the wall itself, but on closer look, it was clear he was lost in thought.

The young man appeared to be about twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, with a tall, straight posture and broad shoulders with a narrow waist. Anyone would spare him a second glance based merely on his figure, but upon seeing his face, they’d be amazed by his striking features. His nose was high, eyes sharp as distant mountain peaks, and his face was vibrant with youthful energy, qualities praised during this era.

Under the eaves stood an elderly man, whom the young man called Uncle Tao. He had been assigned by the young man’s second uncle, who had traveled south, to assist him.

The old man sensed that after returning today, the young man was in low spirits, a perception only someone who had watched him grow could notice. On the surface, nothing seemed amiss because the young man was adept at concealing his emotions.

Could he be moody from getting caught in the rain?

But once the young man had bathed and changed into dry clothes, the old man immediately dismissed that notion.

Ah Cheng must have encountered something or someone today to cause such a drop in mood.

The wind picked up again in the courtyard. Concerned that the young man might catch a chill, the old man fetched a cloak from the chest for him.

Under Teng Caihong, the young man still replayed the girl’s face he saw today in his mind, not driven by desire but by the stirring of old resentments.

Of course, he didn’t blame the girl; his misfortunes weren’t her doing.

Saving that child today was a mere instinct; he never anticipated seeing that girl.

Before he headed south, a black-and-white photo of the girl had already reached him, yet it couldn’t mask her lively eyes and eyebrows. It was evident she was a child raised with care and affection.

Naturally, his thoughts drift to that person.

In these years of absence, did he ever think of him? Did he regret or feel remorse for past negligence?

Whenever these thoughts emerged, Jiang Cheng couldn’t help but spiral down a particular train of thought until he felt trapped, like a fish near suffocation.

This time, his usually vigilant nature only reacted when Uncle Tao stood before him.

Jiang Cheng lowered his gaze, a faint melancholy flashing in his eyes.

"Uncle Tao, why did you walk so quietly?"

Knowing him since childhood, how could Uncle Tao not be aware of his temperament?

Grinning, he replied, "Yes, my fault for walking so quietly. So, Ah Cheng, should I walk back and forth again?"

Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes at the old man impatiently, "Uncle Tao, stop joking around. I know you’re trying to help me pull away from those suffocating emotions, but you’ve underestimated me. If I want to extinguish them...it’s simple!"

Uncle Tao pondered and then nodded. If someone else had said this in his presence, he might not have believed it, but Ah Cheng was different. He never boasted; if he said it, he meant it.

Seizing the opportunity to talk, Uncle Tao quickly shared the information he had just gathered: "The Taotie Pocket Watch is with Xie Yunhai. Ah Cheng, you really should have gone with them on this visit."

The opportunity to climb the ladder had slipped by, sigh!

"No regrets!" Because I don’t wish it!

******

Jiang Mingyue looked up at the plaques on either side of the gate and then at the time, thinking Cui Mingshi should have just finished his morning meeting by now. She hoped she wasn’t late.

At the front gate security section, Rong Hua had just arranged today’s tasks and, upon coming out, saw a slender figure standing at the gate.

Rong Hua shifted his steps and walked over.

"Jiang Mingyue, where’s my rope?"

Jiang Mingyue was momentarily stunned, not because she forgot the rope, but because Rong Hua didn’t seem the type to keep track of borrowed items. It felt inconsistent!

Sure enough, she had forgotten!

"I brought it! Hang on." The girl swiftly set up a stand, and from the basket on her seat, she fished out a large, rosy apple and handed it to him, "Thank you for lending me the rope."

Rong Hua looked at the fresh apple, about the size of his palm in his left hand, then at the rope in his right hand.

His feelings were quite mixed.

Wanting to save face, Rong Hua pointed to the blue curtains on the second floor, "Go on up; he’s waiting for you."

Jiang Mingyue thought it sounded a bit serious, but on second thought, concerning the future of an excellent soldier, seriousness seemed appropriate.

On the second floor, Cui Mingshi looked out the window past the greenery, watching the girl return. He felt she’d changed.

If before she was a fish wildly leaping with freshly oxygenated energy, now she was one in harmony with the water, leisurely strolling, too reminiscent of...too like her father walking,

"Knock knock knock"

"Come in"

Jiang Mingyue pushed the door open. This was her second encounter within this world with the male main character from the book.

Jiang Mingyue first offered two bottles of strawberry jam from her basket. When asking for help, it’s good to share a little something.

"Long time no see! These are strawberries my mom grew in the backyard and made into jam herself. Free of charge, please have a taste."

In the book, he’s the male lead who rose swiftly on Qingyun Road. Such disciplined and incorruptible officials are known not to take up a penny from the public, but she’s not the public, and she’s offering home-made goods. Nobody could find fault with that.

"Thank you! Long time no see! Do they treat you well?"

No beginning or end, but it’s clear who the "they" refers to.

Thinking of her family in Qingshan Village, Jiang Mingyue remembered how Mrs. Jiang would stay up late to watch over the bread kiln, so she could wake up to fragrant pastries in the morning. Her second brother’s hauls of wild chickens and rabbits sometimes even brought back wild boars, providing the family with delicious meat. There’s also her eldest brother’s honey, her third sister’s clothes, and Xiao Si’s clamoring—all etched vividly in her heart.

Cui Mingshi noticed the smile spreading across her face, understanding the sentiment.

Jiang Mingyue explained her purpose for coming, and surprisingly, he agreed without hesitation.

"Sure, I’ll select appropriate invigilators quickly, finalize the schedule, and let you know."

"Great, I’ll organize the exam registrations quickly and send over the list."

Cui Mingshi nodded.

"Then I won’t bother you anymore." After all, he’s a very busy person.

Upon returning home, Xiao Ran was engrossed in his studies at the table.

But as soon as he heard the bicycle, he immediately dropped his pen and dashed over.

"Sis, you’re back!"

"How’s today’s study going?"

Xiao Ran replied honestly, "A bit tough."

"Perfect, I’m taking you back to Qingshan Village to clear your mind."

Xiao Ran didn’t believe going back to Qingshan Village would clear his mind, but he could pick carrots there to feed Coal, which naturally made him happy.

"Okay." Xiao Ran promptly packed his bag. If his sister intended to stay home for a few days, he wouldn’t worry.