Qi Yan only realized a serious problem after stepping outside: he was lost. He’d left his phone at home, cutting off his only way to consult the town’s walking encyclopedia—Auntie Chunxiang.
Reaching his rental from the station earlier had been pure luck. Auntie Chunxiang’s directions and a crude sketch based on hazy childhood memories had barely guided him.
But the town center had transformed beyond recognition. The old grocery stores, steamed bun shops, and barbershops he remembered had vanished. In their place stood burger joints, bubble tea cafes, and flashy brand-name boutiques. Only the newly renovated town hall, still bearing the "DongSui Town" sign, stopped him from thinking he’d stumbled into a completely different city.
He wasn’t completely stranded, though. Places like supermarkets were hard to miss—he’d spot one eventually. But wandering like a headless fly would cost precious time. His sister was home alone. He needed to finish before dark.
"*Ahem.* You seem troubled. Need help?" A girl stood before him, wearing a white mask printed with a cute pink kaomoji "・ω・". She cleared her throat lightly.
Her short-sleeved top was layered under a thin orange jacket, its oversized sleeves swallowing her hands. A gray plaid skirt fell just above her knees, paired with loose white bubble socks hugging slender calves. Blue earbuds nestled in her ears, connected to a smartphone rumored for its superb music playback.
Twin tails draped over her chest, silky lavender hair utterly smooth. As an artist trained in life drawing, Qi Yan couldn’t help but admire her polished appearance. Catching his gaze, she blinked her large, dewy eyes playfully.
"I’m a bit lost. Is there a supermarket nearby?"
"DongSui Town has two big ones. Leyou Supermarket near the bus station, and Yimaisheng Supermarket—built where the old cinema used to be."
"The old cinema? That rings a bell."
The bus station was too far. Without transport, a round trip would take over an hour—excluding shopping time.
"Supermarkets only have better prices on specials. Most things cost more than outside shops. What exactly do you need to buy?"
"Quite a lot. I thought getting everything in one go would be efficient." Qi Yan showed her his shopping list.
She scanned it. "Pots, pans, utensils, salt, rice, sauces, oil, toothbrush, toothpaste, shower gel, shampoo... All essentials! Just moved here?"
"Yeah. Back from the city today. I lived here as a kid, but everything’s changed. I can’t recognize anything anymore." Qi Yan gave a wry smile.
"Nothing stays the same—not people, not places. Turns out we’re fellow townsfolk! I might even get you a discount. Let me take you to a local sundry store. Especially for rice—supermarket imports taste bland. Nothing beats rice grown right here."
*Too kind.* Offering directions was one thing, but personally guiding him? Suspicion prickled. In the city, he’d assume a scam—a pushy sales tactic. But DongSui Town breathed rustic simplicity. With people like Auntie Chunxiang around, truly malicious folks were rare. Besides, what threat could this fashionably dressed girl pose to a grown man?
Auntie Chunxiang’s warmth had already softened Qi Yan’s usual prickly defenses. Maybe accepting a little kindness wouldn’t hurt. Especially with the promise of savings. He’d braced for supermarket price gouging. Every yuan counted now. If the prices seemed unreasonable, he’d simply walk away. He wasn’t falling for obvious traps.
Decision made. "I’d appreciate that."
"It’s just nearby. They even offer free tricycle delivery—supermarkets don’t care that much!" She snapped her fingers.
Hands clasped behind her back, she walked backward facing him, navigating the streets without glancing at the road. Cars lined the sidewalks, but traffic was sparse—mostly motorcycles and scooters. *Perfect for walks with my sister later,* Qi Yan thought. *Might help ease her fear of streets.*
"Why move back from the city? Most people fight to buy apartments there, desperate to get urban hukou."
"My sister’s health doesn’t suit big cities. And the cost of living... it’s too much for us."
Qi Yan survived on part-time work and illustration fees from a few newspapers. Dorm living and cafeteria meals covered his own expenses. But adding his sister’s needs? The math didn’t work.
"Oh... yeah. Some folks work in cities all year and save nothing. City or countryside—each has its charms. I prefer the slow pace here. No big money, but less stress. Most importantly, I’m with family."
"Being with family is enough." Qi Yan agreed.
"Right? Right? There are kids here whose parents left for cities... it’s heartbreaking..."
Her expression hid behind the kaomoji mask. Qi Yan couldn’t read her. *Who is she?* Her slender waist, budding curves, and tangle-free lavender hair suggested striking looks. Many were "back-view killers," but his artist’s eye told him she wasn’t one. *Why hide behind a mask? Acne from too many spicy snacks? A small scar?*
"Something wrong?" She noticed his stare.
"N-no. Nothing."
*Old habits.* Years of figure drawing made him study potential models instinctively—his fingers even twitched like holding a brush.
She hummed along to her music, steps light and rhythmic. Qi Yan preferred quiet company. He followed silently, observing the changing scenery.
"Here we are."
Tucked just three streets behind the glittering commercial strip stood low, aging buildings. Yellowed tiles. Wooden window frames. A wave of familiarity washed over him.
