Chapter 12: Single Men and Women, Crossing the Boundary of Intimacy

City youths flip through the works published on the upper pages in the bookstore, reading with a hunger like thirst. Frontier soldiers and cadre workers receive the magazines from the postman, letting reading nourish the souls of their hard frontier‑garrison life.

The article "Wreath Under the High Mountains" immediately catches readers' eyes, becoming the undisputed focus of the May issue of People's Literature.

Readers from different living environments and educational backgrounds, after finishing the novel "High Mountain", fall into deep thought. Discussions related to the novel are quietly sprouting.

Qiao Qiao, as a senior reader of People's Literature, bought the May issue at the first opportunity.

However, this time, after Qiao Qiao got the magazine, she did not start from the beginning as usual, but quickly skimmed the whole issue, hoping to find the work written by Xu Yuexin.

"Who is Chunfeng? I've never seen that pen name before."

"Could it be Brother Xu?"

In the Chen family's living room, after a comparison, Qiao Qiao finally zeroes in on the article "Wreath Under the High Mountains", reasoning that the pen name looks unfamiliar and the total length could correspond to a 651‑yuan royalty.

Qiao Qiao plans to ask Xu Yuexin directly the next time they meet.

With speculation in mind, Qiao Qiao reads "Wreath Under the High Mountains" earnestly, her emotions gradually stirred by the story's twists and turns…

At this moment, her father Chen Shi also holds a copy of People's Literature, sitting in an armchair and reading with great interest.

"Ah, Liang Sanxi sacrificed himself!"

Seeing the crucial scene, Chen Shi instinctively slaps his thigh and exclaims.

Zhou Zhifeng, hearing the commotion, grumbles from the kitchen: "My hands are tied up cooking; I asked you to pick vegetables, you said you'd be right over—how long is 'right over'?"

"Right away, right away…"

Chen Shi, unwilling to miss the exciting part, absent‑mindedly agrees, his mind fully immersed in the novel.

Zhou Zhifeng, irritated, retorts: "This is plainly a way to stall me."

After a few more urgings, Chen Shi actually brings the magazine into the kitchen, one hand holding the book to read the ending of "High Mountain", the other casually washing vegetables.

"What's written that can make you so entranced?"

Zhou Zhifeng frowns, his expression displeased, and says.

This time Chen Shi finally gives a proper answer: "It's an extremely brilliant novel called 'Wreath Under the High Mountains.'"

"It's published in People's Literature; I think its quality is the best among recent issues."

"Oh? Then it should earn a lot of money, right?"

Zhou Zhifeng asks casually.

By now Chen Shi has finished the whole text, flips back and does a quick calculation, answering: "Indeed. It's lengthy; I think the author can earn at least three to four hundred yuan in royalties."

"That much?"

Zhou Zhifeng's eyes light up: "That's equivalent to several months of your salary."

Chen Shi works as an engineer at a street state‑owned enterprise, holding the rank Technical Level Seven, and receives 102 yuan each month.

Zhou Zhifeng has always thought her family belongs to a high‑income group; now hearing someone can make several hundred yuan from a single novel, she complains that the household income seems low.

"Don't you usually like writing things? You should try submitting something."

Zhou Zhifeng changes her mind, urging her husband: "If you're lucky, the next piece could be yours."

Chen Shi, both laughing and sighing, patiently explains: "This is People's Literature, not some third‑rate tabloid."

"It's not something I could get into."

"By the way, didn't Qiao Qiao tell you that Xu Yuexin had an article published on the front page? Do you think this novel could be his?"

Zhou Zhifeng purses her lips, thinking her husband is just speculating.

"You just said the level of People's Literature is high. That kid has only been picking up the pen for less than two months; how could he possibly be on the front page?"

"It's just that our daughter is easy to deceive; she believes whatever others say."

Zhou Zhifeng snorts coldly.

Chen Shi, however, holds a different view: "That's not necessarily true; some people are born with literary talent."

Zhou Zhifeng, with a disapproving look, glances sideways at her husband: "Having talent yet failing the university entrance exam twice?"

Facing Zhou Zhifeng, who remains unconvinced, Chen Shi shakes his head helplessly: "Fine, I'll pick the vegetables; I won't say more."

…

The next day is the day Xu Yuexin and Qiao Qiao have arranged to meet.

Xu Yuexin tells his family in advance not to go visiting relatives with him, gets up in the morning and heads to Xueyuanlu Gongxiao She, buying six bottles of orange soda, one jin of apples, two jin of pears, and a bag of White Rabbit milk candies, preparing to entertain Qiao Qiao when she arrives.

Carrying two large bags of food and drink back to the Faculty Building entrance, Xu Yuexin, as usual, checks the mailbox for any sample issue of People's Literature sent to him.

Sending a letter to a magazine is slow for an individual. Conversely, People's Literature sending to an individual is much faster; they have a dedicated Postal Channel.

After opening the green iron mailbox, Xu Yuexin sees a postal package from Chaonei 166 Hao Dayuan addressed to him, realizing the sample issue has arrived.

"It's got some weight."

Xu Yuexin, one hand holding snacks and drinks, the other picking up the package, feels the package's texture is heavier than a regular People's Literature magazine.

Back home, Xu Yuexin puts the purchases down, eagerly opens the package, and discovers it contains two sample issues, each exquisitely bound.

Unlike the mass‑market copies sold on the streets, the sample issues have hard covers, finer craftsmanship, better quality, and distinct cover illustrations.

The People's Literature sold elsewhere, like most magazines these days, has a black‑and‑white cover illustration; this issue's picture is a street scene. The two sample issues in Xu Yuexin's hands have color covers depicting the nation's splendid landscapes.

A careful examination shows the mountain vegetation is mainly lush rubber trees and banana trees, clearly the scenery of the nation's southwestern frontier, echoing the setting of "Wreath Under the High Mountains."

After admiring the sample issues, Xu Yuexin grabs his keys, goes downstairs, and waits for Qiao Qiao to arrive.

These days, the unit's family compound has a gate guard; no one can bring someone in without permission.

After waiting downstairs only a short while, Xu Yuexin sees a girl in a white silk blouse and black midi skirt walking toward him, holding a magazine.

"Qiao Qiao."

Seeing her face clearly, Xu Yuexin steps forward to greet her.

Qiao Qiao waves the magazine in her hand, hurrying over excitedly, greeting Xu Yuexin: "Look, the new issue of People's Literature."

Today Qiao Qiao's outfit is slightly form‑fitting, outlining the girl's graceful curves and slender waist; the skirt's hem reveals long, delicate calves as smooth and white as porcelain, looking even more elegant against the black fabric.

Xu Yuexin stepped forward and took her hand: "Come, come to my place and sit for a while."

"Open the book and look; there are a few good things inside."

Qiao Qiao handed the magazine to Xu Yuexin, saying.

Xu Yuexin took the magazine, flipped to the middle, and found a full page of Yanjing University's 80th‑anniversary memorabilia tucked inside.

There were stamps issued especially for this, an 80th‑anniversary commemorative school‑badge medal, and postcards bearing the anniversary date…

"Do you like it? It's for you."

Qiao Qiao saw Xu Yuexin's gaze drawn, and lightly tapped him with her fingertip.

Xu Yuexin lowered his gaze, closed the magazine, shook his head and handed it back to Qiao Qiao: "You're a student; this is your honor and life's imprint, I can't take it."

Qiao Qiao turned her hand behind her, refusing to take the magazine: "I planned to give it to you last year; please accept it."

Unable to refuse the hospitality, Xu Yuexin reluctantly accepted the series of souvenirs, grasped Qiao Qiao's fair, delicate hand, and walked into the stairwell.

Going upstairs into the room, Xu Yuexin opened a soda for Qiao Qiao and washed two apples.

Just as he returned from the kitchen carrying the apples, Qiao Qiao noticed the Sample Issue on the coffee table.

"Huh? Your People's Literature looks different from mine." Qiao Qiao picked up the Sample Issue, examined the cover, and said, her expression full of curiosity.

Xu Yuexin set the cleaned apples down, sat beside Qiao Qiao, and explained: "This is a Sample Issue; it just arrived today."

"I see. Now I remember, the editorial department usually sends Sample Issues to authors."

Qiao Qiao held the magazine, unable to put it down, and said, "The cover is far prettier than the one I bought, and it's hard‑bound."

"It's quite collectible."

"If you like it, take a copy home."

Xu Yuexin replied generously.

"Then I… won't be polite?"

A bright smile lit Qiao Qiao's pretty face; she pursed her cherry lips and asked, "By the way, did you write the piece 'The Flower Wreath Under High Mountain'?"

While speaking, she opened the Sample Issue on the table, found the article "High Mountain", and pointed to the author's name, Chunfeng.

"That's right. Have you read it?"

Xu Yuexin picked up another Sample Issue and said.

Qiao Qiao, having guessed correctly, let a sparkle shine in her rippling eyes and said, "Hmm, I read it yesterday afternoon. Your pen is truly marvelous; you write battle scenes that grip the heart, and the ending is moving to the core, making it endlessly enjoyable."

"Now that I'm savoring it again, I'd like to read it with you once more."

"The coffee table is too low to hold books; let's go into the room to read."

Xu Yuexin suggested, standing up from the armchair.

"Bring some snacks inside."

Qiao Qiao agreed, picked up the apple and fruit knife from the coffee table, and followed Xu Yuexin toward the bedroom, like an Educated Youth's tail when joining a work team.

Xu Yuexin's bedroom was small, about seven or eight square meters, furnished simply with a desk and a cabinet packed with books.

He mentioned that he had bought these books in the past two days, mainly because entertainment options are scarce these days, and reading has become an enjoyable pastime.

After sitting at the desk together with Qiao Qiao, Xu Yuexin placed the Sample Issue on the table, turned to the page of "The Flower Wreath Under High Mountain", and they both immersed themselves in reading.

In the middle, Xu Yuexin noticed Qiao Qiao's eye sockets reddening slightly, her eyes not blinking at all.

She still has a temperament of a true person.

Xu Yuexin thought.

After finishing "High Mountain", Xu Yuexin and Qiao Qiao turned to the next page and found a romance novel, with both male and female protagonists being work‑team Educated Youth.

Romance novels of this era are far less daring than later ones; at most they involve hugging and a couple of kisses.

Even so, when Qiao Qiao saw those delicate descriptions and realized Xu Yuexin was right beside her, she felt embarrassed.

"Shall we read the next piece?"

Qiao Qiao endured the heat on her face, pretended nothing was wrong, and suggested.

Xu Yuexin did not follow Qiao Qiao's lead; instead, he naturally took her hand: "Did something come to mind?"

Qiao Qiao slightly turned her face, not wanting him to see her awkwardness: "Nothing… you're not allowed to imagine wildly."

In the tiny room, the girl's fresh fragrance occasionally drifted into Xu Yuexin's nose; her slender, upright, warm body was within arm's reach, her black skirt, originally reaching the knees, now revealed a small section above the knees, skin as smooth as coagulated cream, delicate enough to break.

A hint of petulance on her pretty face, together with a flustered, shy expression, added vivid allure to the scene.

"You are my partner."

Xu Yuexin corrected, looping one hand around Qiao Qiao's slender waist, "So that's not just wild imagination."

"It's the same principle as intimacy between spouses."

"Nonsense… who says we're spouses?"

Qiao Qiao huffed, but did not push Xu Yuexin's hand away.

Xu Yuexin understood that Qiao Qiao was not rejecting him, and continued to hold her waist while looking down at the book.

Qiao Qiao's waist was not only slim but her skin was tight and elastic; Xu Yuexin's hand on top felt like pressing on jelly, extremely pleasant.

Although Xu Yuexin did not take further action immediately, Qiao Qiao's once‑pink face grew redder, and her breathing grew heavier.

"You're truly beautiful."

After finishing another novel, Xu Yuexin sincerely praised.

Qiao Qiao laughed; she was about to tease Xu Yuexin when she noticed his large hand covering the skin exposed beneath her skirt.

"Hey… you…"

Before Qiao Qiao could protest, Xu Yuexin pulled her into his arms.

Fortunately, Xu Yuexin did not advance further; he simply held Qiao Qiao, his hand stroking her leg, occasionally teasing her by the ear.

Qiao Qiao had intended to respond, but he took the chance to play, blowing warm breaths that made her earlobes tingle, turning the once‑snow‑white swan neck and earlobes a flushed red, hot and uncomfortable.

Bad Guy, big Bad Guy.

Chen Qiaoqiao half‑closed her eyes, her face resting on Xu Yuexin's shoulder, confidently attributing her strange reaction to him, and lightly bit her cherry‑red lips as she said.

…

After a long while, Xu Yuexin finally let go of the face‑blushing Chen Qiaoqiao.

By the standards of this era, his intimate gesture just now had already crossed the line.

After being released, Chen Qiaoqiao breathed lightly, about to complain a couple of sentences, when Xu Yuexin used his hand to smooth her slightly disheveled hair and straighten her wrinkled shirt. Seeing her lover so gentle and considerate, Chen Qiaoqiao swallowed her words.

"Can you give me the Manuscript Fee Slip?"

After her breathing steadied, Chen Qiaoqiao made the request to Xu Yuexin, "I want to take it home for my mother to see."

"I'll give it to you."

Xu Yuexin opened the desk drawer, and from a stack of Great Unity copies, pulled out a Manuscript Fee Slip bearing the People's Literature imprint, and handed it to Chen Qiaoqiao.

Upon hearing Chen Qiaoqiao say that, Xu Yuexin immediately understood what was going on with her mother.

The two had been close for a long time; now the sun was high outside the window, and both Xu Yuexin and Chen Qiaoqiao felt a bit hungry.

"Do you have vegetables at home?"

Chen Qiaoqiao glanced at the clock in the bedroom and asked Xu Yuexin.

"We have vegetables, but no meat. Why, do you want to eat at home?"

"I want to show you a trick."

"I'll go out to buy meat."

Xu Yuexin opened the drawer again and took out a Meat Ticket.

He still had several Meat Tickets from his countryside subsidy, and needed to use them quickly.

Otherwise, when next year Jingcheng's pork supply opens and purchases no longer require tickets, they'd be wasted.

When Xu Yuexin went out to buy meat, Chen Qiaoqiao looked at the Manuscript Fee Slip in her hand and let her imagination wander.

Her mother kept insisting that Xu Yuexin was lying, so she would take the Manuscript Fee Slip back and see what she could say then.

(End of chapter)