After taking revenge for his parents, Shen Yubai opened his eyes and found himself inside a period novel.
He had become a young educated city-dweller sent down to Hongxing Village because of his family's political background. Delicate and soft, unable to shoulder a load or lift a hand, he happened to have an exceptionally handsome face, too.
The villagers all said a pretty boy like him wouldn't last long in the countryside.
Shen Yubai looked up and saw He Wenjin walking over from the field ridge with a hoe over his shoulder. Broad shoulders and a narrow waist, sun-browned skin, his white undershirt soaked with sweat.
The book said he was a backup love interest for the heroine, used and then discarded, destined to spend the rest of his life alone.
Shen Yubai licked his lips. A backup? No thanks. He's mine.
Soon He Wenjin noticed that the young city-dweller was always hovering nearby. Bringing him water and sweet potatoes, smiling at him, then licking his lips after he smiled.
Until one snowy night, wrapped in He Wenjin's padded coat, Shen Yubai looked up and said:
“He Wenjin, I like you. Will you go out with me?”
The enamel mug in He Wenjin's hand clattered to the ground. In this place, if people found out two men were together, they would be finished.
But he grabbed Shen Yubai by the wrist, his knuckles white.
“...Say that again.”
From the mill to the riverbank, from Hongxing Village to the provincial capital. The pagoda trees bloomed year after year.
Later, Shen Yubai asked him, “Back then, when I asked you something by the river, why did you splash the water before answering?”
He Wenjin looked up with a smile, fine lines appearing at the corners of his eyes. “Because I wanted to kiss you that day, but I didn't dare.”
Shen Yubai lowered his head and kissed him. “Now you do.”
In an era when love was forbidden, I did everything I could to keep you hidden.
To be honest, the plot is a bit inexplicable.