Sweet Nostalgia of the 80s

The open space at the village entrance has become a paradise for children to play.

Every night this place is bustling with excitement, children of all ages running around and playing.

The older kids gather to tell stories and jokes, bursts of laughter echoing now and then. The younger ones are playing the freeze tag game.

Although summer nights are hot, the place is broad and catches the wind, so it’s not too stifling.

After nine o’clock, the heat gradually fades, and the kids need to head home for a rest.

One group after another leaves, and the last ones to leave are the He siblings and Ning Chenguang.

He Yueyue is still enjoying herself and reluctant to go, but He Mu keeps urging: ”Come on, let’s go! It’s so late, it’s time to go home. You don’t have to go to class tomorrow, but I do!”

”Alright then...”

The three of them stroll home leisurely, and when they pass by Zhao Ergou’s house, they see a shadow moving stealthily.

”Who’s that at this time?” He Yueyue, being a girl, is a bit timid, and seeing something moving at night makes her a little scared.

”Don’t be afraid, Yueyue! He Mu and I will protect you!” Ning Chenguang reaches out his little hand to hold Yueyue’s hand.

He Mu, being bold, has a flashlight in hand, shining it twice towards Zhao Ergou’s gate.

”Who is it! That’s too bright, put down the flashlight!” A deliberately lowered voice comes.

”Pang Di!” He Mu shouts, ”What are you doing being so sneaky at night?”

”Shh shh shh!” Pang Di is startled, comes running and panting over to them, ”What are you doing? Are you trying to scare me to death?”

”I’m just asking what you’re up to, how am I trying to scare you to death?” He Mu switches off the flashlight and continues, ”Late at night, you’re not home, hanging around Zhao Ergou’s place—are you here to steal something?”

”Of course not.” Pang Di shakes his head repeatedly, ”He’s a lazy bachelor, what could he possibly have to steal?”

”Then what are you doing here?” He Mu is curious, determined to find out.

”My cat went missing so I’m out looking for it, and when I got to Zhao Ergou’s place, guess what I heard?”

”What?”

”A woman’s voice coming from his house.” Pang Di whispers.

”What’s wrong with that?” Ning Chenguang interrupts.

”Of course there’s something wrong! Captain, you tell us, Zhao Ergou is just a bachelor. When you’re a bachelor, it means you can’t get a wife. But there’s a woman’s voice in a bachelor’s house, isn’t that strange?” Pang Di sneers, as if he’s uncovered some major secret.

”You’re saying they’re having an affair!” He Mu, being older and almost in junior high, immediately understands.

Children growing up in the village often hear people curse about affairs, affairs!

”That’s right!” Pang Di nods.

”It’s someone else’s business, what’s it got to do with us? Let’s not meddle, let’s go home!” He Fusheng often teaches his kids that less trouble is better than more trouble.

So, after listening to his father, He Mu doesn’t want to stir up unnecessary trouble.