Chapter 77

Logan's suggestion sounded casual, like a spur-of-the-moment thought that he might change his mind about at any time. So, Summer instinctively agreed quickly.

But after responding, she realized that Logan wasn't the type to speak idly or waste time on frivolous plans. So, she thought for a moment, then looked at Logan and asked, "I mentioned wanting to move out of the community center before, and you said we could discuss it during the summer break. Are you planning to set up a stall at the community market to make some extra money over the two-month break?"

Moving out wouldn't be easy without earning money to build a house. Their residency was registered in the village, and they were teachers at the school, so getting a plot of land next to the school from the village committee wouldn't be too hard. The challenge lay in acquiring materials and hiring workers to build the house.

Logan replied, "Yes, I plan to earn extra money during the summer break, but I haven't decided how yet. We'll look into it and see. There's still time before the break, so there's no rush."

Summer had also thought about making money through business but had dismissed it due to the current restrictive policies. Being a teacher, the risk of getting caught doing business illegally wasn't worth it. So she hadn't pursued the idea further.

Now that Logan brought it up again, they might as well look into it.

She nodded at Logan, "Alright, we'll go to the market on Sunday and see what we can find out."

***

Sunday.

The sun rose like a large, round disc.

With no work to do, Summer allowed herself to sleep in a bit longer.

The boys' dormitory alarm didn't go off, and Lily and the others didn't wake up early to work either. When Summer got up and washed, they were still asleep.

She moved quietly, not to disturb them.

After washing up and feeding the chickens, she had breakfast, then grabbed her backpack and left with Logan.

There wasn't anything specific they needed to buy at the market today.

It felt more like a leisurely outing, purely to relax and unwind.

However, going to the community center was not an easy or routine task for them. Last night, before leaving work, Summer had written a letter to her family, talking about her recent experiences in the countryside. She planned to mail it at the post office when they reached the community center.

After Summer and Logan left, the community center quieted down again.

Everyone else was still deeply asleep, except for the six little hens in the corner of the yard, walking around and occasionally clucking.

The sun climbed higher in the eastern sky.

Sunlight streamed into the yard, casting rainbow hues on the hens' feathers.

Two hens flapped their wings, and suddenly there was a noise from the west dormitory.

Lily was the first to wake up among the four girls.

She sat up, shook off the remnants of sleep, and woke Cecilia beside her. Then she called out to Sophia and Grace, "The sun's up! If you don't get up now, we'll miss the market!"

Today was their day off, and the most important task was to go to the market.

Sophia and Grace woke up immediately, startled.

Seeing the sun already high in the sky, the four of them quickly got out of bed, put on the clothes they had laid out the night before, and began brushing their hair and braiding it.

Going to the market was a rare occasion, so they wanted to look their best.

They wore clothes that had never been worn for fieldwork, made from newer, more colorful fabrics, with hair neatly braided. Grace, who loved to dress up, tied a pretty red ribbon at the end of her braid.

Satisfied with her appearance, she looked at her face in the mirror and frowned.

No matter how much she dressed up, her face and skin couldn't return to how they once were.

Frustrated, she threw down the comb and turned to Sophia.

Sophia was braiding her hair without a mirror, relying on her sense of touch.

Sophia, naturally beautiful, always looked pretty with minimal effort, unlike Grace, who had to work hard to look good. Sophia didn't care much about her appearance but was always beautiful regardless.

Watching Sophia for a while, Grace felt a bit better and said, "I hadn't noticed before, but you're getting a tan too, Sophia. Makes me feel better."

Sophia's hands paused for a moment as she tied her hair.

She continued and said calmly, "Really? I haven't looked in a mirror lately."

Grace shoved a mirror in Sophia's face, forcing her to look. "See for yourself. It wasn't obvious before, but now it is. Your skin's darker and rougher."

Sophia saw that Grace was right. Her face had changed.

Her heart started to race, and her breathing became shallow.

Lily and Cecilia, hearing Grace, came over to look.

Cecilia nodded, "Yeah, you've definitely gotten darker and rougher."

Lily didn't say anything, turning instead to wash up.

She thought to herself, Sophia wasn't a goddess immune to the sun and work. They were all getting tanned and roughened by the daily labor. It was nothing special.

She headed to the water pump.

As Grace and the others finished up, Henry and the boys emerged, yawning.

It was almost ten o'clock, and there wasn't time for breakfast before the market.

So, the ten of them quickly washed up and headed out on empty stomachs.

Going to the market was exciting enough to forget about hunger.

The day off from work made skipping a meal bearable.

They chatted and laughed as they walked, enjoying the outing even before reaching the market.

But Sophia couldn't join in the fun, walking slower than the rest.

Henry naturally fell in step with her, slowing down as well.

Noticing her gloomy expression, he asked, "Are you hungry?"

Despite skipping breakfast and walking a bit, Sophia shook her head.

Henry bent down to look at her face closely.

After a moment, he smiled and tried to cheer her up, "What's wrong? Something bothering you?"

Sophia bit her lip, then looked at him and asked, "Henry, do you think I've gotten uglier?"

Henry was taken aback, then laughed, "Who told you that? You're a natural beauty, the most beautiful girl in the whole town."

Sophia felt a bit better hearing this.

She lightly touched her face, "But my skin is darker and rougher now."

Henry continued, "Everyone gets tanned and rough out here. You're still better off than most."

Reality was indeed that way. Even with changes, she was still beautiful.

Sophia breathed a sigh of relief and asked, "You wouldn't mind, would you?"

Henry quickly responded, "What are you talking about? I'm not that shallow. Don't worry, you'll always be the most beautiful to me."

Sophia's mood improved.

She looked at Henry, playfully asking, "So, who's prettier, me or Rachel?"

Henry replied confidently, "Rachel's too distant, too formal."

Looking at Sophia, he said, "You're the prettiest!"

Sophia finally felt happy.

Smiling, she picked up her pace.

***

Young people walk quickly.