Chapter 124: Accidentally Crossed into Another Era's Story Again

Upon learning that Lin Xiaodou would be coming, the team leader made a special trip to the supply and marketing cooperative early in the morning to buy ingredients. Today’s meal was quite sumptuous, featuring four main dishes: braised crucian carp, tofu balls, potato cakes, and sauerkraut soup. One had to admit, the team leader’s wife truly possessed exceptional culinary skills. Each dish she prepared was not only visually appealing but also fragrant and appetizing.

Faced with the delicious spread, Lin Xiaodou couldn’t wait to pick up her chopsticks and dig in. She began with the braised crucian carp, which had been pan-fried to a golden crisp on both sides before simmering in a rich blend of seasonings. The fish was tender and juicy, melting in her mouth, with the savory sauce enveloping every morsel, leaving an unforgettable aftertaste.

Next came the tofu balls—round and adorable in appearance, their outer layer fried to a perfect crisp while the inside remained silky smooth. Taking a gentle bite, Lin Xiaodou was amazed by the contrast of textures: crunchy outside, tender inside. Following that were the potato cakes, made from mashed potatoes shaped into patties. Fried until golden and crispy, their insides were soft, sweet, and fragrant with the subtle aroma of potatoes. Finally, a bowl of sauerkraut soup, tangy and spicy, proved an excellent palate cleanser to cut through the richness of the meal.

Lin Xiaodou ate heartily, savoring every bite with delight. “Godmother, your cooking is absolutely delicious—I love it!” she exclaimed.

The team leader’s wife smiled warmly at her. “If you like it, eat more. Come often to share meals with us.”

“Okay, okay,” Lin Xiaodou nodded enthusiastically like a little chick pecking at rice.

During the meal, she noticed Brother Liu was absent and asked where he had gone. The team leader explained, “He recently took on an apprenticeship with a carpenter. After finishing work in the fields each day, he goes to learn from the carpenter.”

Lin Xiaodou inquired, “Does he still find time to do chores at home?”

The team leader’s wife replied, “Yes. He wakes up before dawn, finishes the household tasks, and then heads to the fields.”

Lin Xiaodou’s mouth twitched slightly—this useless man sure knew how to put on a show. Well, at least that was his contribution.

She carefully observed the expressions of her foster parents. Both wore calm, indifferent looks when speaking about Brother Liu, indicating they had come to terms with the situation. That was for the best; a peaceful mind leads to better health.

After finishing the meal, the team leader’s wife said, “Tonight, you can stay in Yan’er’s room. She has the day off tomorrow, so you two can have a good chat.”

Lin Xiaodou declined, “No need. I want to check on the mountain cabin first and will come back tomorrow. I have a trade to make tonight, so staying at your place wouldn’t be convenient.”

Seeing her insistence, neither the team leader nor his wife pressed further. The cabin was always kept clean anyway, as the team leader’s wife regularly tidied it.

“Alright then, come over for lunch tomorrow!” she said.

“Okay,” Lin Xiaodou agreed.

Back at the mountain cabin, everything was just as familiar as before. After securely closing the door, in the next moment, the little spider, the golden monkey, and the little brown bear eagerly rushed out of the space.

Lin Xiaodou had been too busy with work lately to pay them much attention. Without a separate room, the little creatures had been living inside the space, carefree but missing frequent contact with their owner. Returning to their familiar home filled them with joy.

“Chirp chirp chirp!” The little spider waved its furry paws, directing its two companions.

The golden monkey immediately understood and scampered off to the kitchen for a cloth, then hopped onto the beams to dust the corners. The little brown bear, with its round, plump body, fetched a broom and began sweeping the floor.

Seeing her adorable pets being so well-behaved, Lin Xiaodou’s eyes curved in a delighted smile. “Work hard, and I’ll treat you to some braised beef tonight!”

Encouraged by her words, the little ones worked even harder.

Lin Xiaodou paid them no mind and entered the space. She rarely spent time there in the past month, so now she planned to relax properly. She first enjoyed a luxurious hot bath and slipped into comfortable pajamas.

Then, she opened a Musang King durian, its six full chambers packed with luscious flesh. Truly the king of durians, the fruit’s flesh was plump and fragrant. One bite revealed a soft, sweet, and utterly delicious taste.

Although she had already eaten dinner at the team leader’s house, Lin Xiaodou still had a great appetite. Bite after bite, the entire durian disappeared in no time.

After finishing, she brushed her teeth and went to the study to turn on the projector, choosing a lighthearted comedy to ease the strain of recent hard days.

Reclining comfortably in the massage chair, she summoned a plate of sun-kissed grapes, eating as she watched.

She had a trade scheduled at 2 a.m., so by 11 p.m., she would need to leave for the town. Lin Xiaodou didn’t intend to sleep; after the movie, she went to the gym for a workout, and time flew by.

Dressed and ready, she hurried to a small grove outside town.

This trade went smoothly once again. Lin Xiaodou earned a handsome sum of over 83,000 yuan. Adding her previous savings of 230,000 yuan, she now had more than 310,000 yuan—a fortune in these times, enough to buy several traditional courtyard houses!

Initially, Lin Xiaodou could have just relaxed and enjoyed life in Heishi Village, but humans sometimes crave a little excitement. At only eighteen, she wasn’t ready to settle down completely.

Since she had already established herself at the veterinary station, she resolved to work hard—who knew what opportunities might come next?

After returning from town, Lin Xiaodou fell asleep immediately.

She felt as if she had barely rested when the door was suddenly knocked with a rapid patter. Along with it came a bright, cheerful voice:

“Sister Xiaodou, open up quickly! My mom made rice dumplings early this morning, and I brought you a bowl!”

Opening the door, Yan’er stood there with a smile, holding a bowl of rice dumplings.

“Hehe, Sister Xiaodou, long time no see!”

“Long time no see, Yan’er!” Lin Xiaodou took the bowl with a smile and said, “Come in and have a seat!”

As Liu Yan’er stepped inside, the golden monkey and little brown bear scampered over. Their large, round eyes blinked, and they tilted their furry little heads as they looked up at her.

Seeing these adorable pets, Yan’er’s heart melted completely. She laughed and reached out to greet them.

“Naughty, Silly, hello! It’s been a month—don’t you recognize me anymore?”

No sooner had she spoken than the golden monkey and little brown bear rushed to hug her legs affectionately.

Yan’er giggled endlessly at their antics.

Lin Xiaodou ate her rice dumplings, watching the scene with a gentle smile. A little spider popped out of her pocket, holding a piece of dried beef and crunching happily.

The once quiet mountain cabin suddenly brimmed with lively warmth.

During their chat, Yan’er sighed, “Ah, I’ll graduate from high school in just over a month. I don’t even know if I’ll find a job—I feel so lost, Sister Xiaodou.”

Lin Xiaodou comforted her, “Don’t worry. You’re still young. When the time comes, try looking for work in town or the county.”

Yan’er nodded, “That’s all I can do.”

...

Lin Xiaodou stayed in Heishi Village for two days. During that time, she dined once at the Youth Educated Worker’s Compound—invited by the residents there. She brought them delicious peach crisps and gave some White Rabbit candies in return.

When it was time to leave, she traveled with Liu Yan’er, who was heading back to high school in the county.

At the town’s bus station, after paying the fare, they found a corner seat to settle in. Soon, the bus began to sway and move.

Near the pig farm, Lin Xiaodou said goodbye to Yan’er and got off.

As she walked toward the farm, a clear voice rang out from behind:

“Comrade, may I ask if the pig farm is in this direction?”

Lin Xiaodou turned and met the gaze of a young girl.

For a moment, she froze.

Above the girl’s head appeared the same kind of subtitles Lin had seen with Chu Ling before.

Title: “Crossing into the Seventies: The Sickly Young Educated Worker is Too Clingy”

Lin Xiaodou: ???

What on earth was going on? How had she landed inside another era’s story?

Heavens, couldn’t things just settle down for a while?