Axolotl Translations

Hearing the startled cry from behind him, Wei Xiangyang halted, a wave of frustration washing over him as he glanced back. He already dreaded what kind of stunt Xu Yanni was pulling this time.

What was her deal anyway? Clinging to him day in and day out—didn’t she understand the basic propriety between men and women? Still, a sliver of worry that she might actually be hurt made him pause to assess the situation.

Xu Yanni saw him turn and immediately looked up at him with a pitiful expression. “Comrade Wei…” she said softly, lifting her hand in an unspoken plea for help—hoping he’d come over and support her, so she could conveniently fall into his arms under the pretense of a twisted ankle.

A chill ran down Wei Xiangyang’s spine. Seriously, what was with her tone? It was so fake it gave him goosebumps. It was just a fall—she didn’t look hurt at all. Couldn’t she just get up like a normal person? Even his eight-year-old niece handled these things with more grace.

When he spotted Fang Tao hurrying over, he realized his help wasn’t needed. Shaking his head, he turned and walked back towards the youth compound.

Fang Tao clearly liked Xu Yanni—anyone with eyes could see that. Better to leave them to it.

Xu Yanni stared after Wei Xiangyang in disbelief. He just walked away like that? So cold-hearted? They were both educated youths—couldn’t he even offer a hand when she fell?

Now that he was gone… who was she even putting on a show for? Just as she was stewing in her frustration, Fang Tao arrived beside her.

“Yanni, are you okay? Let me take a look,” he said, bending down to check if she’d hurt herself.

Though she was still fuming at Wei Xiangyang, Xu Yanni quickly plastered on her most delicate and embarrassed expression when she saw Fang Tao. “Comrade Fang, could you help me up? I think I twisted my ankle just now.”

“O-of course,” Fang Tao stammered, his face turning red as he helped her up. “Since your ankle’s hurt, why don’t I walk you back?”

“Mhm,” Xu Yanni nodded lightly, her own cheeks tinged with pink.

By then, the rest of the group had caught up. Seeing the scene, several of them glanced worriedly toward Zhong Xiaoting—this looked like the makings of yet another love triangle.

But to their surprise, Zhong Xiaoting acted as if she hadn’t seen Xu Yanni’s obvious provocation. She merely gave a soft snort and walked past them without a word, leaving everyone exchanging confused looks. This wasn’t like her at all. Had she really let it go?

Even Fang Tao was stunned. He’d expected Zhong Xiaoting to storm over and start interrogating him like she always did, maybe even pick a fight with Xu Yanni again. But this time… she’d ignored them completely. Maybe that was for the best. He’d always seen her as a little sister—there was never going to be anything between them. If she could finally move on, then all the better.

“Comrade Fang, let’s go,” Xu Yanni said, her expression dimming slightly. She hadn’t expected Zhong Xiaoting to actually wise up. She glanced at Fang Tao, then lightly tugged on his sleeve. Even though her heart was now set on Wei Xiangyang, she had no intention of letting go of Fang Tao just yet—not until she had what she wanted.

“Sister, what are you doing here?” Xiangyang was surprised and delighted to see his sister and her three kids sitting in the courtyard.

“You’ve been gone for half a month without coming home. I brought them over to check on you,” Wei Jiajia said, her heart aching as she looked at her younger brother, who had already grown visibly tanner after just two weeks in the countryside. Even the annoyance she’d felt earlier at that mysterious woman’s voice had completely faded from her mind.

“Uncle, your place is so far! We left early this morning, and it still took us hours to get here. Look at me—my face’s all sunburned!” Third treasure, finally reunited with his little uncle, ran up and hugged his arm, launching into a stream of complaints.

“Oh yeah? Let me see.” Xiangyang, knowing how vain his nephew was, played along with a smile. “Nope, still just as handsome.”

Third treasure beamed at the compliment from his uncle.

After greeting all three of his little nephews with hugs and kisses, Xiangyang prepared to take his sister and the children to his room. The courtyard wasn’t the best place for a proper chat.

Just then, the other educated youths returned and began filing into the yard. Seeing the unfamiliar guests, everyone fell momentarily silent in surprise.

Noticing the curiosity in their eyes, Wei Jiajia smiled politely and stepped forward. “Hello, I’m Wei Xiangyang’s sister. We’re just visiting him today—hope we’re not interrupting anything?”

“Ah—hello! No, not at all, it’s totally fine…” a chorus of voices replied, all chiming in at once. They were all shocked. He’d only been here for two weeks and already had family visiting? Talk about being spoiled!

“I’ll take my sister and the kids back to my room,” Xiangyang said to the others. “You don’t need to call me for lunch—just save me a portion.”

With that, he picked up the large bundle on the ground and led his family toward his room, leaving the rest of the group behind to quietly discuss his unexpected visitors.

Wei Jiajia’s gaze lingered briefly on Xu Yanni, who had entered last and was still being helped along. So that was the girl who’d cried out earlier, she thought. The way that girl had been sizing them up since the moment they stepped into the yard made Wei Jiajia uneasy—those eyes were far too restless. She’d make sure her brother didn’t fall for any sugar-coated traps.

She gave the group a polite smile, then turned to follow her brother inside. It was time to get the full story about his time in the countryside—especially about that girl, the one whose voice alone made her skin crawl.

The moment they disappeared indoors, the courtyard exploded into whispered chatter. Everyone started gossiping about Wei Jiajia and her three kids.

“Wow, Comrade Wei’s sister is gorgeous! Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a prettier woman in my life,” one young woman said with open admiration.

“Don’t say it’s just you—even in Beijing I rarely see someone with looks like that,” said a girl from the capital. She usually carried a certain air of superiority around the others, and since the first girl was from a small county, she figured if she had never seen someone like that, then the county girl certainly hadn’t either.

“The Wei family really dotes on him. He’s only just come to the countryside, and his sister’s already come to visit. Did you see that big bundle she brought? I wonder what’s inside,” one of the boys remarked. Although he was amazed by Wei Jiajia’s beauty, he knew someone like her was far beyond his reach. Her delicate skin alone showed she’d grown up pampered—not someone that country youth like them, who spent every day toiling in the fields with no future in sight, could ever dream of. Better to be practical and wonder if Wei Xiangyang might share any good food with them.

“There’s definitely something good in there. Isn’t Wei Xiangyang from Shencheng? His sister doesn’t look like she’s lacking, and since she came all this way, I bet she brought some real treats.”

Though Xiangyang and Nuannuan had spent recent years following Wei Jiajia around the army base, their household registration was still in Shencheng. Every month, Aunt Fen would collect their ration coupons and mail them out every few months. Even for this countryside assignment, they were registered as Shencheng youth—hence the comment.

“Hey, how old do you think his sister is? She looks around our age, maybe just over twenty,” a girl asked. Though envious, gossip still got the better of them.

“Didn’t you notice? One of the kids with her looks exactly like her. And didn’t Wei Xiangyang just say they were his nephews and niece?” someone added. One of the children, Third treasure, had been mistaken for a girl. Today, all the kids were wearing clothes made from their father’s old military uniforms, and Third treasure had a big floral hat that covered his buzzcut—no wonder there was confusion.

“Maybe the kid’s from another sister,” someone guessed. With a military officer for a father and good genes, the children had grown tall—Third treasure was already nearly 1.4 meters at just eight years old. No one would believe that someone as youthful-looking as Wei Jiajia could’ve given birth to them.

“Ahem! Xiangyang only has one sister,” said Liu Lishun, who shared a room with Xiangyang and had heard about his family before. He felt the need to speak up before the rumors got out of hand.

Even Liu Lishun hadn’t expected the sister who raised Xiangyang and his siblings to be so young and beautiful. He’d imagined a woman in her thirties or forties, worn out by raising four siblings and three kids of her own. He thought she’d be frazzled by life’s burdens—but instead, her poise and grace far surpassed the ordinary.

This only proved that her husband’s family must be doing well—very well, in fact. And though the Wei parents had passed away, the family clearly still had solid roots.

Liu Lishun quietly pieced everything together from what Xiangyang had told him. He had no selfish motives toward Xiangyang, but it was clear that befriending him would be a wise move. His own family might not care about him, but he’d make something of himself. One day, they’d regret casting him aside.

“Wait, seriously? His sister’s almost thirty?” someone blurted out in disbelief. But when they remembered that Liu Lishun shared a room with Wei Xiangyang, it was probably true.

Interest in the Wei siblings skyrocketed. What kind of family could produce siblings with such striking looks? Even the three children were stunning—their little faces were no less impressive than their mother’s or uncle’s. One could only imagine how many hearts they would capture as they grew up, stirring both admiration and longing.

Inside, however, the Wei siblings paid no mind to the murmurs outside. As soon as she entered, Wei Jiajia looked around carefully, taking in the details of her younger brother’s living conditions.

“Sister, sit here,” Xiangyang said, dragging over the only stool in the room. He scratched his head a little sheepishly. The conditions at the educated youth site weren’t great. The house had originally belonged to someone with no heirs, and only after the production team realized they had no place to settle the relocated youths did they patch it up a bit and assign it as temporary lodging.

Wei Jiajia sat down and noticed the children growing bored inside. Since she planned to talk to her brother about some private matters, it would be inconvenient with them listening in. She handed them some snacks and gently sent them outside to play.

Once the kids were gone, she began asking her brother about everything that had happened since his arrival, and what the other young people at the site were like—whether they were good-natured, easy to get along with.

As she listened to his account, her worries gradually eased. No wonder he hadn’t come home—it turned out he’d been working with double ploughs, barely getting enough rest each day. Who could have the energy to travel so far under those conditions?

When she saw the blisters on his hands, her heart ached. She gently touched them, then looked up at him. “Later, come with me to your team leader’s house.”

“Why are we going there?” Xiangyang asked, puzzled.

“I want to pay him a visit. Ask him to look after you more,” Wei Jiajia replied plainly. She hoped her brother would one day understand these kinds of social courtesies. It wasn’t about cutting corners or taking shortcuts, but about learning to make connections. When you’re out in the world alone, every friend is another lifeline. She had also brought snacks for the others at the educated youth site—not because she expected him to be close to them, but at least to avoid hostility. You never know when someone might lend you a hand just because of a past kindness.

“Sister… you’re the best!” Xiangyang hugged her tightly, burying his face in her neck so she wouldn’t see how disheveled and emotional he felt. He knew his stubbornness this time had caused her a lot of worry.

“Alright, alright! Big boys don’t get to act all clingy,” she said, patting him on the back. Feeling the dampness at her neck, she sighed inwardly. She had raised him with so much care, and even though she had let him go to find his own path, she still hoped he could walk it more smoothly.

“Now,” she added, “tell me about that young woman from earlier.”

“What girl?” Xiangyang had still been feeling emotional, but his sister’s question threw him off completely. He looked at Wei Jiajia, confused, having no idea who she was referring to.

“The one outside just now, the one who called after you,” she clarified. Wei Jiajia felt she had to get a better understanding of the situation—she didn’t want her naive little brother getting led astray.

“Oh, her!” Xiangyang finally realized, then immediately frowned and launched into a complaint. “She’s got something wrong in the head, I swear. Always trying to chat with me—it’s so annoying. And she’s lazy! Doesn’t even do her own work properly. Lucky for her that Fang Tao likes her—he does all her chores for her. If not, I bet she wouldn’t even have enough rations to eat! She’d probably starve herself… Sister, do you think maybe she saw I eat well and wants to scam me for food? Or maybe she’s trying to trick me into doing her work for free?”

He looked at Wei Jiajia expectantly, hoping she’d analyze Xu Yanni’s motives for him. He was already kicking himself for not having thought of those two possibilities earlier.

Wei Jiajia looked at her brother’s face, full of distaste for the annoying and manipulative Xu Zhiqing, and couldn’t help but think—he really hasn’t figured it out. Still, her silly brother wasn’t entirely wrong. If that girl got what she wanted, wouldn’t he end up working for her willingly, giving her food without hesitation, just because she was “his girl”?

Suppressing a laugh, she decided to give him a word of caution. “Whatever her intentions, they’re definitely not pure. Keep your distance from her. If there’s no one else around, steer clear. Don’t give her the chance to cling to you and turn it into a threat.”

Wei Jiajia figured there was no need to tell him that the girl was probably into him and that’s why she kept hovering around. If he hadn’t figured it out, better to let sleeping dogs lie. If she pointed it out, he might start paying more attention to the girl instead.

“And that goes for other girls too. Don’t be alone with any of them. If someone sees it, it could hurt the girl’s reputation,” she added. Only when Xiangyang nodded solemnly did she finally feel reassured.

She believed that if someone like Xu Zhiqing could take a liking to her brother, then surely the other village girls could too. She just hoped he wouldn’t end up escaping one trap only to fall into another.

While the siblings were chatting inside, the three children in the courtyard were being warmly entertained by the others.

“Hey, little one, was that really your mom just now?” someone asked, still finding it hard to believe.

Qiao Aijia looked at the smiling young woman in front of her and nodded. But she subtly pulled the hand holding the pastry behind her back—this sister didn’t look like the type who’d steal from kids, right?

Once they saw her nod, the group of onlookers finally believed it. So she really did have three kids!

“Where’s your dad then? Why didn’t he come with you all?” a usually quiet male zhiqing with glasses suddenly spoke up.

The others were surprised he’d joined the conversation. He was known for being almost completely silent, never taking part in their idle chats, and always coming and going mysteriously. None of them expected him to show interest in the kids.

Eldest trasure gave him a puzzled look. “Papa’s at work.”

“What does your father do?” the man pressed further.

At that, even the other zhiqing felt he was going too far. How could he ask something so personal so bluntly? Even if they were curious, there were boundaries.

“Why should we tell you?” Third treasure shot back, rolling his eyes. “Don’t you know that’s a really rude question?”

Rebuffed, the bespectacled young man realized everyone was staring at him. He quietly backed away, looking somewhat embarrassed.

“Don’t mind him. Here, big sister’s got candy for you!” Xu Yanni finally found an opportunity to make her presence known. She beamed at the children, holding out several White Rabbit milk candies in her palm.

Few children could resist the lure of sweets—especially White Rabbit candies.

But the three kids just gave them a glance. Then Qiao Aijia politely shook her head. “Thank you, sister, but we don’t want any. Mama says too much candy makes your teeth hurt.”

Xu Yanni hadn’t expected to be turned down. She froze momentarily, then quickly followed up with, “Big sister also has some cookies at home. Want some?”

These children had been secretly spoiled by their mother since they were little. They’d tasted all sorts of treats. Without hesitation, they shook their heads. “Mama says we shouldn’t take food from strangers.”

“Ahem… heh.” Watching Xu Yanni get repeatedly shut down, Zhong Xiaoting couldn’t help but laugh behind a cough.

Xu Yanni hadn’t expected these three little devils to be so hard to please. Her eager kindness had gotten her nowhere—and now she’d become a laughingstock in front of Zhong Xiaoting. Just like their uncle, these kids were the most standoffish people she had ever met.

The kids, unaware of the adults’ undercurrents, had had enough of the questions. They ran off to a shady spot to nibble on their pastries while waiting for their mother. Thinking the pastries were a little dry, they picked up their military water flask and took sips of water—completely at ease. Little did they know, their carefree manner made several adults around them swallow their own saliva in envy.

Once the zhiqing had finished their meal, Wei Jiajia and Xiangyang finally came out of the house. She was carrying some snacks she had brought for the group and politely asked them to help look after her younger brother.

None of the zhiqing had expected Wei Xiangyang’s sister to be so warm and generous. Looking at the snacks in their hands, they quickly agreed with enthusiasm.

Wei Jiajia noticed the thoughtful look on Xu Yanni’s face and smiled as she spoke to the group. “My younger brother is still very young—he’s only sixteen this year. Of course we worry about him. But he started school early, and with the current policies, we had no choice but to let him come. It’s fate that he’s met all of you, and you’re like his older brothers and sisters now. If he does anything wrong, please don’t hesitate to point it out—or you can tell me next time I visit, and I’ll make sure to teach him properly.”

“Comrade Wei is only sixteen?” someone blurted out in surprise. He didn’t look it at all.

Even Xu Yanni was shocked. The plans she’d been secretly mulling over came to a screeching halt. No wonder he never reacted no matter how she tried to flirt with him—he was just a kid! That complicated things quite a bit.

“Sister…” Xiangyang hadn’t expected his sister to reveal his age.

Wei Jiajia knew this little guy who liked to act all grown up wouldn’t tell anyone how old he really was. If he had, that older female zhiqing—who looked close to twenty—might have hesitated before coming on to him so strongly right after he arrived.

None of the others had guessed Wei Xiangyang was only sixteen. He hadn’t said anything when he arrived, and they hadn’t asked. With his tall frame and strong work ethic—though his face was a bit babyish—they all assumed he was at least eighteen.

No one had expected there to be two sixteen-year-olds at the educated youth compound. The other one was Qian Li, known for her hot temper. Even though she was young, no one dared to mess with her.

Satisfied that she’d made her point, Wei Jiajia said her goodbyes with a smile. She left with her brother and the children, carrying the gifts they’d prepared for the brigade leader.

When they arrived at the leader’s home and explained their visit, and the brigade leader saw the malted milk powder and the delicate pastries they’d brought, he hadn’t even spoken before his wife accepted the gift with a beaming smile. Her youngest daughter-in-law had just given birth and was worrying about not having enough milk. Who would’ve thought the baby’s food would be delivered right to their door?

All they had to do was keep an eye on Wei Zhiqing and maybe assign him slightly lighter duties—she understood perfectly.

The brigade leader saw the look in his wife’s eyes and understood. Since it was no big deal, he tacitly agreed.

After happily seeing the siblings out the door, the brigade leader’s wife hurried into the house. She grabbed a bowl, opened the tin of malted milk powder, scooped out a spoonful, mixed it with hot water, and headed into her daughter-in-law’s room.

As they left the team leader’s house, Wei Jiajia got ready to head back with the children, but Xiangyang looked concerned and said, “Sister, how are you planning to get home? The sun’s too strong right now—why don’t you wait until later in the day?”

Wei Jiajia smiled and shook her head. “No need. Your brother-in-law is coming to pick us up soon.”

Hearing this, Xiangyang felt reassured. If his brother-in-law was coming, they’d be home in half an hour. No need to worry about his sister and the kids being out in the scorching sun.

After their uncle left, Eldest treasure looked up at his mom and asked curiously, “Did Dad say he was coming to get us? I didn’t hear him say that this morning.”

Wei Jiajia kept walking with the kids and replied with a smile, “It’s a kind of understanding between your dad and me. You’re still young—when you grow up, you’ll understand.”

This morning, her husband had been fine with them walking over because the sun wasn’t strong. But for the trip back, she knew he wouldn’t let them walk all that way in the heat. He couldn’t bear the thought of them suffering like that.

The three children were half-convinced, half-doubtful—until a military jeep appeared on the road ahead. Then they really believed it: their mom and dad did have a special understanding.

“It’s Dad! Dad’s here to get us!” they shouted, rushing forward in excitement.

“Slow down! Be careful not to fall!” Wei Jiajia called after them.

Qiao Haoyu pulled the jeep over and opened the door for the kids. Then he turned toward his wife with a warm look and said, “I’ve come to pick you up.”

Wei Jiajia smiled—because she’d known all along that he wouldn’t let them walk back in the blazing sun. He just couldn’t bear it.

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