Chapter 349: Long Time No See

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

If any girl from this era were in this situation, she would probably blush. After all, in the more conservative times of the past, girls weren’t supposed to look directly at boys.

However, standing before the man was Jiang Xia, who traveled from the 21st century. She certainly didn’t hold onto those old-fashioned views.

Jiang Xia stared intently at the man, but not to admire his looks. Instead, she frantically searched her memory, trying to recall who he was.

The man, feeling somewhat uneasy under Jiang Xia’s gaze, touched his face and looked at her with confusion. “Why are you staring at me like this? Can’t be because you’ve forgotten me after not seeing me for such a long time, right?”

As he finished speaking, a hint of hurt flickered across his face, but it was soon replaced by a gentle smile.

Seeing his smile, Jiang Xia recognized him immediately. She revealed a grin, her bright little canines showing, “It really has been a while, Shen Mo.”

Indeed, the man standing next to Jiang Xia was Shen Mo, who had been absent for over half a year.

The reason Jiang Xia didn’t recognize him initially wasn’t that she had forgotten him. Whenever Shen Mo appeared beside her in the past, he was always in a striking military uniform with a gun strapped around his waist, accompanied by an adjutant and occasionally some soldiers following him.

She had never seen Shen Mo out and about alone, especially not dressed in the casual fashion of the day. The head of the commune, Chen Xing, liked wearing such attire. But while it made Chen Xing look somewhat mature beyond his years, Shen Mo wore it just right, both handsome and approachable.

Hearing Jiang Xia call his name, a hint of joy flashed in Shen Mo’s eyes.

In fact, the moment he saw Jiang Xia’s silhouette, he recognized her. However, he was hesitant to approach since he knew she lived in Pushan Village and typically wouldn’t come to the county town. So, with a playful intention, he rang his bike’s bell behind her.

Ordinarily, anyone hearing a bicycle bell would turn to look. However, to Shen Mo’s surprise, Jiang Xia merely sidestepped without turning back.

This playful act made Shen Mo, a lively young man, persistently ring his bell until an annoyed Jiang Xia finally turned to look at him.

Her adorable face was scrunched up in annoyance, looking more endearing than ever.

Shen Mo could also distinctly notice the positive changes in Jiang Xia since their last encounter. Previously, she appeared frail and small, like a gust of wind could knock her over. Her hair had been a dull yellow due to malnourishment, and her complexion was sallow, lacking any vibrancy.

But today, she looked much healthier. Her figure had filled out, her hair was darker and thicker, her eyes shone brighter, and her complexion was much rosier. It seemed she had been faring well in the months of Shen A/Io’s absence, and this realization brought a warmth to his heart.

Shen Mo asked Jiang Xia, “What brought you to town today?”

Looking at her long-lost friend, and the annoyance caused by the bell now completely forgotten, Jiang Xia cheerfully replied, “I came to town with my dad. We wanted to buy some pork ribs, but they sold out at the co-op, so we’ll have to wait till next time.”

“Pork ribs?” Shen Mo was a bit surprised that someone would come all the way from the village just for that.

After a brief pause, Shen Mo offered, “I have some pork at my place. If you want, I can give you some.”

Jiang Xia’s eyes lit up, “No, 1 can’t just take your meat. I’ll give you something in exchange!”

Shen Mo shook his head, “It’s alright, we’re friends. Besides, trading things privately seems a bit off the rules.”

Jiang Xia then remembered that Shen Mo was a military officer and would undoubtedly be strict about regulations. Not like Wang Ping, who only held a nominal position.

She graciously accepted his offer and asked hopefully, “Do you have pork ribs? I’d prefer those over regular pork.”

Shen Mo pondered for a moment, “I think I should.”

Having recently returned, Shen Mo had many relatives and friends to visit, so he had purchased half a pig to distribute amongst them.

However, pork ribs, being one of the less prized parts of the pig, probably wouldn’t be used as gifts. They were more likely kept for personal consumption. Yet, he would have to go home to check for certain..