My 1995 Small Farm.

Wang Susu listened to Chen Ling's conversation with the foreigner, then gently walked over with Lele in her arms.

After Jackson and Lao Huang left, full of gratitude and hope, she whispered to Chen Ling:

“Ah Ling, if you really intend to help them find that ‘Purple Qilin,’ it will definitely take a lot of effort.”

"Perfect timing. Before things get too busy, go to Fenglei Town and bring Zhenzhen back."

"School has been in session for quite some time now. Although she is smart and her studies are not falling behind, it's not good for her to stay there all the time."

"Besides, aren't we going to Hong Kong Island soon? Bringing her back sooner will let her pack and have some fun."

Upon hearing this, Chen Ling immediately nodded: "Yes, it's time to bring Zhenzhen back!"

“The mountains were blocked by heavy snow before the New Year, and then things got unsettled in the mountains, so she stayed in Fenglei Town for so long. I guess she couldn’t stand being at home anymore and was looking forward to us picking her up every day.”

"Okay, I'll go first thing tomorrow morning!"

These days, schooling for children in the countryside isn't as strict as it is in the city, especially during primary school. It's common for them to take leave to go home and work during the busy farming season.

Wang Zhenzhen is quick-witted and never causes any trouble with her studies. Even if she misses a few days, she can catch up by simply flipping through her books.

In addition, Chen Ling had long planned to take the whole family to Hong Kong Island to broaden their horizons. Even Wang Cunye, his mother-in-law, and his brother-in-law Wang Qingwen were planning to go together, making it a family trip.

So when the roads were blocked by heavy snow during the Spring Festival, and then there was the "Yellow River Crossing the Mountain" that caused panic, Wang Zhenzhen was temporarily allowed to stay at her parents' home in Fenglei Town, and would be brought back when things calmed down.

"Dad! Are we going to visit Grandma and Grandpa tomorrow? And pick up Auntie?"

Rui Rui has sharp ears. Upon hearing "Feng Lei Town" and "Jie Zhen Zhen," he immediately dropped his hoe and rushed over like a small cannonball.

She hugged Chen Ling's leg, tilted her little face up, and asked excitedly.

The little guy has a good memory; he remembers that his grandma's house has delicious cakes and that his aunt would take him to raid bird nests and pick wild fruits.

"Yes! Tomorrow Dad will take you to pick up your auntie from school! Aren't you excited?"

Chen Ling bent down, picked up his son, and rubbed his stubble against his little face.

"Great! Rui Rui wants to go! To ride a big horse!"

Rui Rui twisted into a pretzel shape in her father's arms, waving her little hands.

"Looking for Grandma! Looking for Grandpa! And... and Auntie! Auntie, catch some grasshoppers for Rui Rui!"

The little guy's commotion also attracted the attention of Kang Kang and Lele, who were happily crawling in the mud.

Kang Kang stopped poking the pill bug with his finger and tilted his head to look at his brother and father.

Lele stretched out her little arms toward Chen Ling, babbling incoherently. Although she couldn't speak clearly yet, her bright eyes and eager little face clearly showed that she also wanted to participate.

Looking at the children's reactions, Wang Susu couldn't help but laugh: "Look at you, they all get all excited as soon as you mention going out. Kang Kang and Le Le are still too young, the journey will be bumpy, we can't take them with us."

As she spoke, she walked over, picked up Lele who was covered in dirt, and brushed the mud off her.

"You two stay home and play with Mommy. When Daddy and your brother pick up Auntie, they'll bring you something delicious, okay?"

Lele seemed to understand but not quite, but being held by her mother and seeing her father and brother's happy faces, she grinned and giggled, her little mouth, which hadn't grown in all its teeth yet, while her little hands flailing about.

Seeing this, Kang Kang quickly crawled to his mother's feet, held onto her legs to stand up, and looked up to make "ah ah" noises, as if to express that he also wanted to go.

Looking at the three lively and adorable children under his knees, Chen Ling's heart melted.

He crouched down, holding Rui Rui in one arm and gently patting Kang Kang and Le Le's heads with the other: "Good boy, this time Daddy and your brother will go first to scout the way."

"Next time, Dad will take the three of you on a big bus to a farther and more fun place, okay?"

Upon hearing this, Rui Rui immediately hugged her father's neck tightly, declaring her ownership: "Rui Rui is going with Daddy! My younger brother and sister are too small, they'll stay home!"

His smug little face made Grandma Liang Hongyu laugh heartily.

"Okay, it's settled then."

"I'll ride my little blue horse tomorrow. If I'm fast, I can get there by noon. I'll have lunch there, rest a bit, and then bring Zhenzhen back in the afternoon."

Chen Ling planned the trip: "Susu, what do you think we should bring back for Mom and Dad? Some wild game we just hunted? Or something else?"

“I’ve prepared everything: a small bag of new sweet potato noodles, a jar of the wild honey you made last time, and a new jacket for Zhenzhen.”

Wang Susu is always thoughtful: "Get up early tomorrow, be careful on the road, keep an eye on Rui Rui, and don't let him move around and fall."

"Don't worry, don't you know how good I am at riding? Besides, Rui Rui is a brave kid, he'll be fine if you hold on tight."

Chen Ling was full of confidence.

The family then busied themselves for a while, finishing planting the remaining vegetable seeds in the greenhouse and watering them thoroughly.

Looking at the leveled ridges and slightly damp soil, it won't be long before lush green seedlings sprout from the ground.

……

Night fell, and the rain pattered softly.

The weather this year is a bit strange.

In previous years, it was common for it to rain on summer nights, and this spring is no exception.

It's easy for it to drizzle in the evening.

The farm was even more tranquil after the rain, with only dripping water from the eaves and the occasional bark of a dog in the distance, making the night seem even deeper.

Inside the room, under the warm orange light, Wang Susu hummed an off-key lullaby and gently patted the sleeping Kang Kang and Lele.

The two little ones were tired from playing and were fast asleep. Their little chests rose and fell gently with their breathing, and their cheeks were rosy and smelled of milk.

Rui Rui was also curled up at the other end of the kang, tightly hugging his cloth tiger in his arms, with a sweet smile on his lips. He must still be playing with his "big tiger" in his dreams.

After washing up, Chen Ling walked into the inner room, still damp from washing.

Seeing his wife and children sleeping peacefully, his heart softened.

He tiptoed onto the kang (a heated brick bed), sat down next to Wang Susu, and naturally reached out to put his arm around her shoulder.

Wang Susu leaned into his arms, sighed softly, her voice tinged with a satisfied weariness:
"Finally, they're all asleep. Those two little ones had a blast today, crawling around covered in dirt."

"Climbing is good; it keeps you grounded and helps you grow strong."

Chen Ling chuckled softly, his chin gently brushing against the top of his wife's head. The scent of soap and a hint of the sweet smell unique to babies mingled together, creating a familiar and comforting aroma for him.

"You make it sound so easy. Don't I have to wash your clothes if they get dirty?"

Wang Susu playfully punched him lightly, but the force was weak.

"I'll wash it tomorrow, okay?"

Chen Ling grabbed her hand and held it in his palm.

Her hands weren't delicate; years of housework had left them calloused, yet they were warm and strong.

"You're all talk and no action."

Wang Susu complained, but leaned against him more relaxedly.

The rain pattered outside the window, the light inside was warm and cozy, the child was breathing evenly, and the couple snuggled together, enjoying this rare moment of peace and tenderness after a busy day.

The atmosphere was just right.

Chen Ling looked down and saw his wife with her eyes slightly closed, her eyelashes casting a light shadow under her eyes, her nostrils flaring, and her breathing gradually becoming somewhat different.

A thought stirred in his heart, and he tightened his grip slightly, bringing his lips close to her ear, his hot breath making her tremble slightly.

"Susu..."

His voice was deep and carried a clear hint.

Wang Susu's face flushed, her eyes remained closed, but her hand instinctively tightened around his clothes, her voice barely a whisper: "...The child just fell asleep..."

"It's alright, they're sleeping soundly..."

Chen Ling whispered his assurance, but his actions didn't stop. He tentatively kissed her earlobe, and then her neck.

Wang Susu's body softened, and after a token refusal, she responded.

The sound of rain seemed to provide the best cover, and also catalyzed a certain emotion.

The couple had not been intimate for a long time. Now, with their skin touching and their breaths mingling, they were both soon aroused.

Chen Ling turned off the light. In the darkness, only the sound of fine rain and increasingly rapid breathing remained...

The clouds collect and the rain stops.

Wang Susu nestled lazily in Chen Ling's arms, her cheek pressed against his sweaty chest, listening to his strong but slightly rapid heartbeat gradually calm down.

Chen Ling stroked her smooth back intermittently, letting out a satisfied sigh.

"Once we return from Fenglei Town and bring Zhenzhen home, we'll need to start thinking about going to Hong Kong."

He whispered about the arrangements to come.

"Um……"

Wang Susu responded lazily, seemingly about to fall asleep, "Pack your things... take your time... no rush..." "It's not a rush, but you need to decide what to bring first. It's hot there, so bring several light clothes..."

Chen Ling made plans, her voice growing softer and softer.

The couple nestled together, and, lulled by the sound of the rain, gradually drifted off to sleep.

The next day.

It rains at night, but the sun shines again during the day.

And it was a bright, sunny day.

Yesterday's rain washed the sky clean, leaving it a clear, deep blue without a single cloud.

The sun rose early over the eastern hills, casting a golden glow that bathed everything in the farm in a bright light.

The raindrops, still wet on the leaves, grass tips, and roof tiles, refracted a rainbow of light, and the air was intoxicatingly fresh.

"Dad, hurry up! The sun's already high in the sky!"

Rui Rui was so excited early in the morning that she quickly put on her little jacket and pants herself.

Although the buttons were buttoned crookedly, he couldn't wait to run into the yard and shout into the house.

The little black boots were already on his feet, stomping incessantly on the ground.

Chen Ling walked out with a smile, carrying dry food and a water bottle: "What's the rush? Little Green Horse hasn't been fed yet."

Wang Susu, carrying Lele, and Liang Hongyu, holding Kang Kang's hand, also came out to see them off.

"Drive carefully and keep an eye on Rui Rui."

Wang Susu gave him some instructions out of concern and then straightened Rui Rui's collar.

"Okay, Rui Rui, be good!"

Rui Rui made a loud promise, but his eyes had already wandered to the stable.

After feeding the horse, saddle it.

Chen Ling lifted Rui Rui onto the front of the saddle and made sure he was seated, then climbed on himself and sat behind him.

"Hold on tight! Let's go!"

With a flick of the reins, the little blue horse trotted out of the courtyard gate with light steps.

Goodbye, Mom and Dad! Goodbye, Grandma! Goodbye, little brother and sister!

Rui Rui waved her little hand, her voice clear and crisp.

Wang Susu and the others stood at the door until the figures of a person, a horse, and a child disappeared around the corner of the village entrance before turning back.

The morning breeze was still cool, and it felt especially refreshing on my face.

Along the roadside, the wheat seedlings, nourished by the rain, shone brightly green and grew rapidly, already reaching about half a foot in height.

On the distant hillside, peach and apricot blossoms are in full bloom, a pink and white expanse like falling snow.

Swallows carry mud, butterflies flutter, and bees buzz busily among the wildflowers by the roadside.

The air was filled with the mixed scents of grass, soil, and flowers, a vibrant and lively atmosphere.

"Daddy, little birds! So many little birds!"

Rui Rui pointed to a row of sparrows perched on the power lines by the roadside and exclaimed excitedly.

Startled by the sound of horses' hooves, a pheasant leaped from the wheat field with a "fluttering" sound, its long tail feathers trailing behind it, and flew in a panic toward the distant hillside.

"Wow! A big pheasant!" Rui Rui exclaimed again.

Chen Ling was in a good mood and let the little blue horse trot along at a leisurely pace.

In the distance, the Jinshui River resembled a shimmering silver ribbon under the sunlight. The river had clearly risen considerably, its waves churning and splashing loudly.

The mountains along the way were lush and green, and the birds sang and the flowers were fragrant. It was indeed a magnificent scene in the spring of March.

When we passed through Changle Township, it happened to be market day.

Although it was early morning, the market was already bustling with people, and the noise could be heard from afar.

"Dad, it's market time! It's so lively!" Rui Rui craned his neck to look.

Chen Ling pulled on the reins: "Come on, let's go take a look and buy you some snacks for the road."

The market was bustling with activity, with vendors setting up stalls, hawking their wares, and villagers crowding around.

A wide variety of agricultural products, mountain goods, and daily necessities are on display.

The air was filled with a complex mix of smells: fried cakes, braised pork, livestock, soil, and sweat.

The most eye-catching sight was in one corner of the market, where several men dressed as hunters had laid out a lot of wild game in front of them.

The plump wild boar meat was chopped into large chunks, glistening with oil;
Pheasants and rabbits with brightly colored feathers hung in strings;

There was even half a piece of dark bear meat, with a strong, pungent smell, which attracted many people to watch and ask about the price.

"Good heavens, wild animals are really rampant this spring, have they even hunted bears?"

Chen Ling thought to himself, it seems there are quite a few things in the mountains. Although the yellow catfish is causing a ruckus, it doesn't seem to have affected the reproduction of these common wild animals.

Just then, a voice rang out: "Hey! Isn't this Boss Chen?!"

Chen Ling turned his head and saw that the village's old veterinarian and mule and horse broker, Lao Ba, was walking over with a smile.

Old Ba is almost seventy years old. His hair is gray and his back is slightly hunched, but he is still very energetic, with bright eyes and a face full of wrinkles, yet he always wears a kind smile.

He was wearing a faded blue cotton jacket and carrying an old leather bag bulging with veterinary medicine and equipment.

"Hey old man, are you going to the market?" Chen Ling quickly dismounted and greeted him.

"Hey, I'm just checking out the market and buying some medicine while I'm at it."

Old Bago smiled and patted Rui Rui's head: "Rui Rui is here too? You're getting more and more energetic!"

"Call him Grandpa," Chen Ling reminded him.

"Hello, Grandpa!" Rui Rui greeted sweetly.

"Oh, good child!"

The old man's wrinkles deepened with a smile: "Fugui, are you going out?"

"Go to Fenglei Town and pick up Aunt Rui Rui from school."

Chen Ling greeted her, "The market is quite lively today. Why are there so many wild animals?"

"Oh, don't mention it!"

Old Ba sighed and tapped his pipe: "Spring is here, and those creatures in the mountains are starving; they're all rushing out."

"Bears are raiding the corn granary, and wild boars are coming down the mountain to wreak havoc on the wheat seedlings. It's causing quite a ruckus!"

"The township organized several hunts and caught quite a lot, so now they're all out for sale."

He pointed to the meat stalls: "Even these aren't enough!"

"I heard that in the villages further in, you can hear wolves howling again at night. Where did all these wolves come from? Didn't you wipe out that huge pack last year? These past few years have been really strange!"

Chen Ling frowned slightly, thinking that the wolf pack must have been frightened by the wild wolves and had run to the west.

"Yes, it is indeed eerie, but I brought the tiger back. I'll bring it to your mountains for a stroll when I have time."

"Oh? Good, you've brought the tiger back? Good, good, the tiger is fine, that puts my mind at ease."

Old Bago smiled with delight.

Then, changing the subject, a hint of worry appeared on his face: "Fugui, have you had some free time lately?"

"The weather in spring is unpredictable, with sudden changes in temperature, making it easy for epidemics to break out. Spring prevention is underway, and every village is waiting to get vaccinated."

"The weather this year is strange, it warmed up quickly, I'm afraid that chicken and duck plagues will also break out quickly."

"My old arms and legs can't keep up."

Chen Ling immediately understood that Lao Ba wanted his help.

He's quite skilled, mainly because he's fast and steady, and he can handle poultry and livestock well.

They work exceptionally fast.

Since Chen Ling's help in the past two years, the veterinary station has found it much easier to administer vaccines every year.

Even Buffett can't live without him.

"Brother Ba, I have to go to Fenglei Town to pick someone up in the next couple of days. It will probably take two or three days after I'm done."

"I'll come help as soon as I get back, okay?" (End of Chapter)