The kang (heated brick bed) for left-behind women

The next day, after noon, the sun was shining brightly and the wind was gentle.

Lin Dachun herded the sheep to a lush, sheltered ravine to ensure they wouldn't wander off and cause trouble anytime soon. He also checked the sea buckthorn patch and found everything was fine.

Back in the cave dwelling, he said to Li Ruoxue, who was mending clothes:

"A theatrical troupe is coming to Gujiapo today to perform Bangzi opera. Let's get ready and go check it out."

Upon hearing this, Li Ruoxue's eyes lit up.

"Really? I'm going to go chop some up."

Since I married into this family, aside from being tired and worried, I've had almost no entertainment, let alone watching plays.

She quickly agreed, changed into the maroon blouse, and carefully combed her hair.

Gujiapo is about four or five miles away from Linchangtun, and it is the largest village in the area.

The stage was set up on the threshing ground at the entrance of Gujiapo Village. It was a makeshift structure made of wooden planks and mats. Although it was simple, it was surrounded by a large crowd of people.

The gongs and drums were already being played loudly, creating a lively atmosphere.

The air was filled with the smells of dust, sweat, sunflower seeds and peanuts, as well as grease and cosmetics.

Lin Dachun found a slightly elevated earthen slope on the side of the field, where he could see the whole scene clearly without it being too crowded.

He took out two roasted sweet potatoes wrapped in oil paper from his pocket, handed one to Li Ruoxue, peeled the other open himself, and sat down on the straw mat.

Li Ruoxue also sat on the side.

The play has begun; it's the old play, "Mu Guiying Takes Command."

On stage, the performers wore brightly colored costumes, their faces painted with heavy makeup, and sang in a melodious voice, their water sleeves fluttering.

The audience below the stage held their breath, cheered, and laughed as the story unfolded.

Li Ruoxue was so engrossed in watching that she unconsciously nibbled on a sweet potato.

"Are you happy?" Lin Dachun asked.

"Um."

Li Ruoxue was very happy, watching sweetly.

The sunlight shone on her face, making it look like gold—absolutely beautiful.

At this time.

Li Ruoxue turned around and found Lin Dachun staring at her with adoration. She blushed and turned her head away.

The afternoon's performance was quite exciting.

"Ruoxue?"

At this moment, three women walked over and spotted Li Ruoxue at a glance.

"Huahua? What brings you here too?" Li Ruoxue immediately recognized them as her sisters from her hometown village, childhood friends who had grown up together.

"Come sit here quickly," Li Ruoxue called out.

All three women came over.

Lin Dachun looked at the three women; they were all slender, graceful, and beautiful.

They all look like models.

Unexpectedly, Li Ruoxue has such beautiful sisters in her parents' home.

"You sit here, I'll go buy some melon seeds and peanuts." Lin Dachun stood up, gave up his seat, and went to buy melon seeds and peanuts.

The three women glanced at Lin Dachun at the same time.

After Lin Dachun left, Huahua asked, "Is he Dachun?"

"Mm." Li Ruoxue nodded.

"He's so handsome, tall and manly. He's my type," Hua Hua said with obvious admiration.

"What are you all saying? He's over forty years old," Li Ruoxue explained. "You still have feelings for him?"

"Can't we have that?" Hua Hua laughed.

The three women sat down.

"So you live together?"

"Another icy beauty from the group of sisters asked."

"Yes, that's how it is for now," Li Ruoxue replied.

Wow.

"What are you yelling about?" Li Ruoxue slapped her sister hard.