Jing Yanguo's head wound, though severe, had stopped bleeding and posed no immediate danger. But Fang Xianzhi's gait was clearly impaired—one foot barely touched the ground, his injured leg betraying every step.

She knew he'd likely fractured something. In this remote area, with no medical facilities nearby, she nodded and helped him up. Only then did she realize just how tall he was—her 165cm frame came up just beneath his chin.

Though their earlier "intimate" encounter had been accidental, the truth was they were still strangers. Fang Xianzhi, ever aloof, rarely spoke to women. The silence between them stretched awkwardly.

Jing Yanguo broke it. "What brings you into the mountains today?"

The village of Yinshan bordered the Snowpeak Mountains—treacherous terrain, home to wolves and venomous snakes. Villagers only ventured in for foraging.

"I came to trap pheasants," Fang Xianzhi replied.

The truth was more complicated. He'd overheard Liu Chunhua and Er Lai Zi's sinister plot. That girl with the autumn-water eyes couldn't be allowed to perish—not if he could help it.

Unfamiliar with the mountain paths, he'd taken a roundabout route, arriving too late.

The village wasn't far now. As they descended, their conversation meandered—stilted, but enough to fill the silence.

Then, voices carried on the wind:

"You sure you pushed Jing Yanguo off the cliff today?"

"Mom, I already told you a dozen times—I did it myself. I saw her roll down the slope!"

"Then why didn't Er Lai Zi find her?"

"How should I know? She's always running wild. Probably escaped. But listen, Mom—you need to think of another plan. If she keeps studying, with her grades, she'll definitely get into university!"

"I know. If we don't send her now, she'll suspect her origins. But if we do send her..."

"She'll leave us behind. And if your other kids get into university later, we won't have the money to send them!"

"I will go to university. I'll be a city person. I refuse to stay in this dump forever."

"Of course, my brilliant daughter deserves the best."

The words were spoken in hushed tones, but the forest was still. The dense foliage and winding path had concealed Jing Yanguo and Fang Xianzhi until they were practically upon the speakers.

Jing Yanguo's fists clenched at her sides. She knew those voices—Liu Chunhua and her eldest daughter, Jing Xiaoyue. memory surfaced: that morning in her past life, Jing Xiaoyue had breathlessly told her about pheasants nesting on the cliff. The family hadn't eaten meat in ages, she'd claimed. So Jing Yanguo had taken her slingshot and stones, eager for a hunt.

After her "accident," Jing Xiaoyue had wept inconsolably, blaming herself for suggesting the cliff. "If only I hadn't told you about the pheasants..."

In her previous life, Jing Yanguo had believed her—after all, Jing Xiaoyue had always been the "kind" sister.

Now, the truth was clear: that "kindness" had been a calculated performance, a way to lure her to her death. Of Liu Chunhua's three children, Jing Xiaoyue was the most dangerous.

Fang Xianzhi glanced at her arm—she'd gripped it too hard in her shock. His gaze softened with pity, but he said nothing, only gently patting her hand.

Jing Yanguo snapped back to reality, noticing the red marks she'd left on his arm. "Looks like you won't need to escort me home after all," she murmured, embarrassed.

At that moment, Liu Chunhua and Jing Xiaoyue rounded the bend—and froze.

Had Jing Yanguo heard them?

Liu Chunhua's face twitched, then smoothed into a mask of maternal concern. "Yanguo, what happened? You're covered in blood!"

Jing Yanguo met her gaze. This Liu Chunhua was younger than the one she'd last seen—her hair neatly combed, clothes freshly washed, face carefully arranged into a mask of worry. But her eyes screamed: "Why is she with Fang Xianzhi?!"

Jing Yanguo sniffled dramatically, wiping at her eyes. "Mom... I fell. My head... it hurts so much..."

Fang Xianzhi had braced himself for an explosion. Instead, she'd reacted with startling composure. He studied her—the way her tear-streaked face still managed to look mischievous, the glint of mockery in her eyes.

This girl was no innocent lamb.

Liu Chunhua exhaled in relief. "Look at you, still so clumsy at your age. Be more careful!" She yanked Jing Yanguo away from Fang Xianzhi. "Come on, let's get you home."

She shot Jing Xiaoyue a meaningful look. The younger girl understood immediately and sidled up to Fang Xianzhi. "Brother Fang, you're hurt too. Let me help you!"

Fang Xianzhi was the most eligible bachelor in the village—a man every girl dreamed of marrying. But he was rarely home, and they'd never had a chance to get close.

And now this shameless girl had touched him?

Jing Xiaoyue's face darkened—but Fang Xianzhi sidestepped her effortlessly. "No need. I can manage."

Her smile froze.

Jing Yanguo bit her lip to keep from laughing. "Mom, today... if Brother Fang hadn't been here, I might've died. He saved my life."

Fang Xianzhi played along smoothly. "Just doing my part as a neighbor."

They'd reached the village outskirts. A few villagers milled about. Fang Xianzhi hailed one. "Uncle Li, could you help me back? My leg's injured."

The man agreed readily. As he left, Fang Xianzhi looked back at Jing Yanguo. "Rest well, Jing Yanguo. I'll visit soon. About today... I meant what I said."

And with that, he disappeared into the crowd.

Translation Notes: Cultural Nuances:

Rural medical limitations: The lack of nearby clinics reflects healthcare disparities in 1980s China.

Marriage dynamics: Fang Xianzhi's status as a "catch" highlights the social value placed on educated men. Characterization:

Jing Yanguo's duality: Her outward vulnerability contrasts with her sharp awareness, showcasing her growth.

Liu Chunhua's performance: The mother's seamless shift from suspicion to feigned concern illustrates her manipulative nature. Foreshadowing:

Fang Xianzhi's parting words: His promise hints at future involvement, setting up romantic tension.

Jing Xiaoyue's reaction: Her bitterness foreshadows further attempts to sabotage Jing Yanguo. Pacing:

The dialogue-heavy exchange maintains tension while revealing key backstory.

Brief internal monologues provide emotional depth without slowing the narrative.

This scene masterfully blends suspense, character development, and cultural context, propelling the story forward while deepening reader investment.