《Rebirth in Famine: She Thrives by Lucky Space》


 Chapter 1 Lucky杞?繍

    Chapter 1 - 1 Luckyת��New book "Reborn: Not Your Perfect Wife" seeking favorites!


    Jiang Xinyu touched her chest, calming her wildly beating heart.


    Looking at the chicken claw-like hands in front of her, she couldn''t help but burst into laughter!


    Muttering softly, "I''m not really possessed by a jinx, am I! This chance of time travel is even lower than winning the lottery, and I just happened to hit it? Who said I could never shake off bad luck in my life? Wahaha!"


    But perhaps she was too excited and pulled at her rib painfully, letting out an "ouch." She took a deep breath.


    It was only now that Jiang Xinyu began to care about her current situation.


    Lying on soft dry leaves, she saw a vast blue sky and had never found the color blue so beautiful; the blue sky and white clouds made her want to reach out and touch them.


    She wanted to sit up but had no strength at all. Moreover, any movement made her feel that there wasn''t a part of her body that wasn''t in pain.


    Jiang Xinyu thought, maybe it''s deep autumn now? The leaves on the poplars have turned yellow, and she''s wearing a coat with fabric darning on the cuffs, indistinguishable in color.


    And looking at the sun''s position, it should be near noon now? Still, there''s no feeling of warmth, so this should be autumn.


    Lying here is bearable for now, but what about tonight if she stays here? She tried but felt it was still not possible.


    This heaven really favored her generously��if it was willing to grant her the rare chance of a time-travel rebirth, couldn''t it just be normal?


    Her stomach growled, thinking of the space, she summoned a big meat bun from it. It was made in her previous life, and it was still warm in her hand now.


    Ignoring the black handprint on the bun, she devoured a bun bigger than her current fist.


    With her stomach now filled, she relaxed, tilted her head, and chose a comfortable position to close her eyes.


    This sleep for Jiang Xinyu was like watching a film, seeing the life snippets of the little girl since she started remembering things.


    This little girl was also named Jiang Xinyu, and this is a small village in T City, H Province. Her parents were honest rural folks living by the land.


    But unpredictable calamity struck; the two of them were sacrificed in an explosion when passing by a ground furnace while buying supplies in town.


    The home was left with only the fifteen-year-old little girl. Her father was also the only child, so there were no uncles, and her mom was a refugee from afar, having stayed because her grandfather saved her, leading her to marry her father when grown.


    The county officials verified the casualties in the explosion, and the final compensation she received was a promise of an official job next year and fifty yuan in funeral and living expenses.


    The little girl was a fortunate child; her parents had one child and treated her very well, thriftily sending her to school, and she was already a junior high graduate at fifteen.


    After learning the news of her parents, there was hardly any motivation left to live until she dreamt that night of her parents urging her to live strong. This awakened her.


    The little girl listened, thought of her deceased parents, and decided she must live well and not make them worry.


    With the villagers'' help, she buried her parents'' ashes (they brought back only two urns anyway), and then the village head took her directly to the county, where she got a job note for sixty-one.


    Being late autumn, there was not enough firewood at home, and the field''s straw was animal fodder for winter, compounded by disaster though not severe locally, it was drought-stricken, leaving short straw, meaning no firewood allocation. Thus, it was necessary to go to the mountains for wood.


    The little girl was very weak due to excessive grief after her parents'' sudden demise, compounded by not having eaten for days. She managed to reach this valley, but due to picking branches with her head bowed long-term, she fainted and died, which was really a suffocating way to go.


    Jiang Xinyu roughly viewed the entire memory of the little girl and woke up. She tried, and now found she had some strength back, attempting to sit up. S��arch* The ��ovelFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Since you''re already gone, and I''m lucky enough to time travel over, then I must live well for you," Jiang Xinyu muttered softly.


    Looking around, it seemed to be afternoon; she should hurry home. Though she hadn''t heard of beasts appearing here, it was indeed cold weather.


    With her hands on the ground, she tried carefully to get up, truly weak��not her strong previous self capable of lifting a bag of rice.


    Wobbling a few steps, she saw a large pile of branches not far away, besides a rake, a basket woven of willow twigs, deciding she had to take them back. The winter here without firewood was unbearable.


    Walking to the branches, she waved her hand to collect them, thinking without kindling, a fire couldn''t be started, picked up a rake to gather leaves, loosely filled a basket, then crouched to rise with the basket but lacked the strength, after a while the dizziness receding, stood holding the rake.


    Though the basket of leaves didn''t weigh much, it was still a burden to the current Jiang Xinyu. She had no choice but to lean on the rake while slowly walking out of the valley. This was a good place; no one had come for so long.


    But she was rather glad; without this space, she would likely have to abandon this pile of branches.


    Along the way, she encountered many children gathering firewood in the mountains who greeted Jiang Xinyu simply, and she responded with smiles.


    She walked an estimated couple of hours before finally reaching the village entrance. Mainly unable to walk fast.


    This village was a large one with over a thousand people, and Jiang Xinyu''s home was in the center of the village.


    Low adobe house, fortunately still with courtyard walls, though also made of adobe, gave a bit of safety.


    "Xinyu, you''re back collecting firewood?"


    "Yes, aunt, how come you''re going out at this time?"


    "I''m not going out, just came out to check after hearing the noise. Hurry home now; with your small frame, what firewood can you gather? These leaves you''ve brought back can''t even boil a pot of water, tomorrow I''ll let your uncle go up the mountain to fetch a bundle for you."


    "Aunt, no need; I''ll gather slowly, my uncle''s still working, don''t trouble him."


    "Xinyu, you''ve changed, speaking so much now."


    Jiang Xinyu''s heart skipped hearing this, afraid she might have changed too much, drawing suspicion.


    "Aunt, I''ll be living alone from now on, can''t remain silent."


    "Hmm, it''s nice you''ve come around. Hurry to light a fire at home; without a fire at night, the bed is cold."


    "I''ll go inside then, aunt."


    "Go ahead, if there''s anything just call out."


    "Got it, aunt." Jiang Xinyu took out her key and opened the door to her home.


    Slowly crouched down, put down the basket, and squatted a while before standing up; with this low blood sugar in her body, she didn''t dare rise immediately.


    ```

 Chapter 2 is still the same loser

    Chapter 2 - 2 is still the same loserNew book "Reborn: Not Your Perfect Wife" seeking collection!


    Looking at this dilapidated courtyard, Jiang Xinyu kept comforting herself, building inner resolve��it''s nothing, really nothing. Her husband''s, how could it be nothing?


    How low is this low house? By estimation, it''s not even two meters tall. The thatch roof seemed crooked as if ready to fall apart at any moment.


    Standing in the courtyard for a while, only when shouting came from next door did she relent and step into the house.


    Pushing open the door, this is the main room, with two stoves, and a potless hearth, though quite clean. Relying on memory, she entered the west room, which was her bedroom.


    There was only a rolled-up quilt on the pitch-black kang mat. Because of the small, straw-paper-pasted window, it was extremely dark inside. She sat helplessly at the edge of the kang, lacking the courage to lie down.


    She emptied her mind and sat for ten minutes before reluctantly getting up, heading to the main room to ladle a scoop of water into the aluminum basin in the yard. This basin had been mended several times by the big jar repair master but it leaked so much that it couldn''t be used for cooking food, now relegated for washing face.


    Stooping down carefully, she washed her hands, even painstakingly picking out the dirt from under her nails.


    After washing her hands, she fetched a basin of water and washed her face and neck again, only then feeling somewhat comfortable.


    Back inside, facing the towel, she lacked the courage to use it, so she opted to wait for her hands to dry naturally.


    Now it was a bit dark outside, probably around five o''clock, and her stomach started its empty song. With no choice, she summoned a meat bun, eating it in a few bites.


    Jiang Xinyu knew the canteen would start serving dinner soon, but thinking of dinner left her without appetite. Now, with the belly padded with a meat bun, she felt even the throat-burning corn grits vegetable porridge could go down.


    Suddenly she heard knocking and shouting from outside, "Xinyu, Xinyu, open the door."


    Jiang Xinyu suddenly remembered the meat bun she just ate, the room must have the smell of it; at this moment, meat aroma was still easily detectable.


    Quickly pulling open the curtain, she walked out while answering.


    Remaining silent wouldn''t do, she feared the rickety door would be slammed open.


    "Coming, coming."


    "Xinyu, what are you doing?"


    "Xiao Ling, I was just tidying up the room, not inviting you in; it''s dusty from sweeping." Jiang Xinyu blocked Wang Ailing''s entrance, speaking with a smile.


    "Alright, I won''t go in then. You grab your bowl and chopsticks, let''s go eat."


    "Why so early today? I haven''t even heated the kang yet."


    "It''s not early, are you silly? It''s already six o''clock, hurry up or it''ll be just plain broth left."


    "Got it, I''ll get them right away."


    Jiang Xinyu returned to the main room, pulled a rough ceramic blue-rimmed sea bowl and a pair of chopsticks from the square earthenware rack on the wall behind the stove, and walked out.


    But looking down, the bowl was really...


    "Ailing, wait for me a moment, my bowl isn''t washed."


    "You, hurry up, why are you so slovenly?"


    Jiang Xinyu felt a bit upset at the young girl''s disdainful words. How come all she said was the truth?


    But she wondered why Wang Ailing''s name felt familiar to her.


    Perhaps this name was commonly used among the general populace?


    Finished washing the bowl and chopsticks, she quickly locked the door, following her buddy toward the canteen.


    "Xinyu, what did you do today? I came to find you this afternoon, you weren''t home."


    "Gathering firewood, how else to get through winter?"


    "You don''t have to work so hard. You graduated from junior high, have a job next year, find a partner, it''s all good."


    "Ailing, my parents just died, how can I date?" Jiang Xinyu knew in her rural hometown, one must mourn departed parents for three years.


    "It''s a new society now, not so many customs, just being able to live is nice. You know, young girls marry during mourning without anyone saying anything.


    And, when did you ever care about others'' opinions?"


    Jiang Xinyu thought to herself this girl must really be close with her to offer such ideas.


    "I don''t want to. I want to mourn my parents for three years." Jiang Xinyu''s tone was extremely dejected. Sear?h the N?velFire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Alright, alright, do as you please, winter isn''t easy."


    "No problem, I''ll gather more firewood."


    "Xinyu, you never did anything before. Living alone now requires fetching water, gathering firewood, it''s manageable without snow now, but what will you do when heavy snow comes? You''re so stubborn, not adaptable at all."


    Jiang Xinyu said nothing, just following her, not liking to hear her talk.


    "By the way, my dad said educated youth are coming to our village, heard they''re from big cities."


    "Well, let them come, aren''t they just people with a nose and two eyes."


    "Jiang Xinyu, you, I don''t know what to say to you. Always with the mentality of holding it all in."


    Talking, the two arrived at the canteen; now, as it''s past busy farming season, three meals shifted to two, just morning and evening.


    The canteen was noisy, children chasing and playing, men sitting together smoking big pipes, women gathered gossiping.


    Jiang Xinyu followed behind Wang Ailing into the group of young girls.


    "Hey! Isn''t this the big worker?" A girl with triangular eyes, dark reddish skin, and a student head sarcastically spoke.


    Jiang Xinyu decided to say nothing. Let them say what they want.


    "Liu Xiaotao, you''re everywhere?"


    "Not you?"


    That made Wang Ailing angrily huff up and down, standing beside her, Jiang Xinyu watched the girl''s heaving chest, glancing at herself, instantly feeling unloved.


    The other girls began mediating; they''d grown up together, how could they not know each other''s nature?


    Jiang Xinyu felt many gazes on her, cautiously looked around. Turned out the village''s young men were all drawn to the scene. Opposite genders attract; that''s an eternal truth, even if they''re all dark-skinned, they are still opposites.


    At half past six, dinner commenced, everyone queued��the queue had its protocol: generally, village leaders and cadre first, then labor, followed by the village''s assertive women, then young men, women labor, and lastly young girls and children.


    Jiang Xinyu wouldn''t squeeze ahead, just followed behind Wang Ailing, advancing step by step.


    She had an open mind about it, after all, she wasn''t the last; there were dozens of kids behind her.


    "Xinyu, this won''t do; before you had your parents, what about afterward? Forget it, talking to you is useless, next year you''ll work in the county, less time back home, but outside you''ll be even more bullied like this." Finished speaking, she sighed.

 Chapter 3 Life

    Chapter 3 - 3 LifeJiang Xinyu followed behind her. Say whatever you like. She could tell that this elder sister could put on a show all by herself even if no one answered her. Capable woman! S��ar?h the n??el Fire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Waiting for more than twenty minutes, it was finally Jiang Xinyu''s turn. Looking at the oversized ladle that she had seen in her past life used to feed livestock, she had the urge to turn around and leave.


    The woman serving the food was in her forties or fifties. With a face full of stubborn flesh, she didn''t seem like someone easy to deal with.


    Jiang Xinyu looked at the large bowl filled with green wild vegetables and porridge with barely any grain. She turned away and left, thinking, "Fine, let''s pretend it''s for health." Damn it, calling this healthy living? This is worse than pig slop, isn''t it?


    Holding the bowl, she walked out unable to cry. She didn''t even have the mood to see how others'' porridge looked.


    Leaving the canteen, she hurried back home. She really didn''t have the courage to eat this porridge, but what would she do if she didn''t eat? She had a hundred bags of fifty-pound rice and a hundred bags of fifty-pound flour in her space.


    But it''s 1959, and it''ll take another two years for this disaster to completely pass. Eating at the canteen daily, how would she improve her life?


    She feared the aroma of better food might spread. Nowadays, people''s noses were surely sensitive. By then, wouldn''t she be besieged? Arrested? Shuddering at the thought, she realized that clinging to life was better than a good death �� a truth she had grasped in her previous life.


    At home, she had one hand holding a bowl and the other opening the door. The household next door was bustling, like a busy marketplace. Jiang Xinyu was somewhat envious of such families.


    She put the porridge on the stovetop, shook her hand �� just holding a bowl of porridge made her arm feel too sore to lift. A waste of a person indeed.


    Jiang Xinyu placed the kang table on the floor of her room, but she couldn''t muster the courage to put it on the kang.


    Then she brought the porridge bowl inside but didn''t sit down to eat it. She hadn''t even made a fire yet; how could she sleep tonight? Besides, when she washed her neck earlier, she shivered at the thought of the layered grime. Stop thinking and quickly boil the water.


    She lifted the lid of the large rusted iron pot made of wooden planks, and with a snap, put the lid back.


    Jiang Xinyu''s eyes turned red, not from sadness but from anger. "Damned heavens, are you playing with me?"


    After standing beside the stove for a while, she lifted the lid again. Resigned, she scooped a ladle of water into the pot, using a brush to scrub it hard.


    She poured the scrubbed water into the slop bucket, scrubbing three times until there was no rust color. The water in the water tank was nearly gone, so she scrubbed the tank with the brush. She couldn''t move the big tank, so she stood on a stool and used a bowl to scoop it out, little by little.


    With the tank cleaned, she carried a yoke to fetch water from the village well.


    Jiang Xinyu couldn''t use a windlass. It took her half a day to fill two buckets, yet she couldn''t lift them after several tries.


    It was already dark, the village was quiet, so she poured half a bucket back into the well to avoid wasting it. Only the village''s 200-meter-deep well had water.


    Fortunately, the well wasn''t far from home. She poured the water into the tank and hurried for a second trip. At nine, the tank was finally filled.


    The faint light of the kerosene lamp gave Jiang Xinyu a sense of warmth. She had no strength left, but couldn''t bear the thought of lying on the kang without bathing.


    Resigned, she went outside to bring in the branches her family prepared earlier, and also brought in the basket of leaves she gathered today.


    Sitting on a stool, she burned the firewood. Seeing only a few matches left in the box, she thought, "These are consumables!"


    Jiang Xinyu used to be a rural child; doing these chores was a breeze. So she quickly lit the firewood.


    Recalling from memory, she retrieved a large wooden basin from the shed, which needed cleaning for her bath.


    After bustling about after fetching food, she felt hungry again but reluctantly went inside. Looking at the bowl of porridge, she helplessly lifted the bowl on top; the porridge was already cold. Taking a bit with chopsticks, it tasted bitter and astringent. How could she eat this?


    "Forget it, I won''t eat today; I''ll adapt tomorrow." To celebrate her rebirth today, she took out a meat bun and felt it never tasted so delicious.


    After finishing she added more firewood outside. She went to the yard and put the firewood she collected today into the shed. Finally, she bolted the hall door and struggled to carry the big wooden basin into her room to mix water for a bath.


    She dared not use the shampoo from her space as it was scented and would be hard to explain if discovered.


    She had no choice but to use dish soap, which was odorless.


    She washed her hair twice, then took a bath towel and scrubbed herself top to bottom, changing water twice, and re-dressed in clothes. She carried the basins to the yard to dump the water.


    Once clean, she didn''t want to search for clothes in the dark and took a set of her thermal underwear from her space. The top fit, but the long pants wouldn''t stay up, with a waistline of only 16 inches. She had to use a shoelace as a belt.


    She didn''t have the courage to use a quilt, instead taking a single mat from her space and laying it on the kang, followed by a sponge pad she bought with money earned from selling popsicles one summer in school.


    She then placed the bedding and pillow. Her hair still wasn''t dry, but she didn''t want to move, so she sat thinking of random things: sometimes about her past life, sometimes about the future.


    Jiang Xinyu felt that if things continued this way, she would eventually lose her mind.


    Once her hair was dry, she lay down. Though physically and mentally exhausted, she couldn''t sleep. But the bed was warm, and she didn''t know when she fell asleep.


    All night, she relived memories of her youth, from family to school, over and over.


    When Jiang Xinyu was awakened, she was confused, body aching and reluctant to get up, but the knocking outside was relentless.


    She didn''t get up. Let it be whatever. But she underestimated the persistence of the person outside.


    Getting up, she stowed her light-sensitive belongings into her space, then put on yesterday''s clothes before opening the door.


    "Xinyu, what''s wrong? If you didn''t open the door, I was about to go back and get my brother to climb over the wall."


    "Ailing, I''m fine; it''s just that I realized after reaching home yesterday that the tank was out of water. I was exhausted going back and forth to fill it and slept too deeply, missing your knocking."


    "Alright, hurry up, or there won''t be any breakfast left."


    "I''m not going. I was so tired last night I didn''t even eat dinner. I''ll heat it up later. You hurry to the canteen."


    "Are you silly? Grab your bowl quickly; leave last night''s for lunch."

 Chapter 4 new ways to eat porridge

    Chapter 4 - 4 new ways to eat porridgeJiang Xinyu really couldn''t refuse Wang Ailing''s enthusiasm, so she returned to the main room, took another bowl, and the two went to the canteen together.


    Breakfast is at eight-thirty, but by the time it was Jiang Xinyu''s turn, it was estimated to be nine o''clock.


    Holding the porridge, she saw Wang Ailing waiting for her today.


    "Xinyu, let''s eat at the canteen first then head out, I''ll accompany you to gather firewood today."


    "Ailing, sure, but I don''t need your help. You carry home the firewood you collect yourself, I can handle it slowly on my own."


    "Okay, there''s a spot over there, let''s hurry and sit over to eat."


    Jiang Xinyu originally intended to take it home, but seeing this situation, it seemed not possible to not eat here.


    The two sat down, watching Wang Ailing with her bowl without using chopsticks, slurping the porridge. Sear?h the N??elFir��.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Helplessly, she also picked up her bowl and drank in big gulps, not even knowing what it tasted like, just feeling nauseated.


    "Eat slower, if it''s not enough, I''ll save you some."


    "No need, I just want to finish quickly." Such refusal, who knows if it would hurt the girl''s feelings?


    After the two finished eating together, Jiang Xinyu saw this local beauty cautiously scraping the porridge from the bowl with chopsticks. What an eye-opener, chopsticks can be used this way.


    Having bowed countless times already, one more won''t hurt, so she imitated the beauty opposite her, gathering the porridge stuck to the bowl into her mouth, finding out it was the most delicious part, even if it was corn grits, at least it was grain, not wild vegetables.


    "Xinyu, go back and get your backpack, I''ll go back and inform my brother, we''ll be responsible for gathering, and let him find us in the afternoon and help carry the firewood back."


    "Ailing, isn''t that a bit much?" One should at least politely refuse.


    "What''s wrong with that? He has the strength, no problem, don''t always be so particular." Wang Ailing rolled her eyes at Jiang Xinyu.


    Alright, alright, you''re the boss, you make the decisions. The two walked for a while then parted ways to go home.


    After Jiang Xinyu got home, she cleaned the bowl, strapped on her backpack, picked up a rake, some rope, and a firewood knife.


    This set of tools is precious, because due to the great steel production drive, every household had to donate scrap metal, so there were very few left in the village.


    It''s only because Mr. Jiang put the big pot on the line that he managed to keep this firewood knife.


    She went out, relying on memory, and walked to the doorway of Wang Ailing''s house, no need to knock, this straightforward beauty already came out with her backpack, carrying a rake.


    "Not bad, quite fast, no dawdling today. Let''s go, did you bring water?"


    Jiang Xinyu widened her eyes, she really forgot, "I''ll go home to get it."


    "You, hurry up, I''ll wait for you at the foot of the mountain."


    "Okay, I''ll catch up with you soon."


    Jiang Xinyu strapped on her backpack, Wang Ailing took the rake, and she ran home. Seeing the green military water bottle hanging from the eaves, she hurriedly took it down, filled it, strapped it on, and rushed out.


    Hurrying, she caught up with Wang Ailing and took the rake.


    With a protagonist capable of holding up a show, Jiang Xinyu was responsible for listening, occasionally throwing in a word.


    "Xinyu, you need to be a bit more observant, don''t keep your head down all the time, look at their expressions, you''re quite the catch now."


    "Ailing, what''s the situation? I''ve become an orphan, how could I be a catch?"


    "Your job, the county job."


    "Oh? They want my job?"


    "Yes, I''ve heard many families want to marry you, this way they''ll get a wife, and also house and job."


    "Basically, I''m the one they''re eyeing?"


    "You''re always so quiet, from now on you need to be a bit tougher, don''t let others bully you."


    "I don''t care what others think, but if they want me to agree, that''s impossible." Jiang Xinyu stiffened her neck and said defiantly.


    "Stupid, fool. Don''t end up having to agree even if you don''t want to."


    "Why? Will they tie me up?"


    "What if it''s a done deal, what will you do then?"


    "I''ll, I''ll report to the police."


    "And how will you live after that? A woman still has to face society. Even if you do get married later, your husband will disdain you."


    This really frightened Jiang Xinyu, yes, in this era women''s virtue is highly regarded, would she, like her previous life, remain single?


    No, definitely not this time, having come back to life and crossed worlds, she needs some change, she also wants her own man, family, and children.


    "Xinyu, that''s why I keep advising you to find someone you like, with a decent family, and quickly get married. This way, you''ll have fewer troubles.


    Also, don''t have unrealistic ideas. If you really want to marry someone from the city, even if you have a job now, they won''t value you. Living as a couple with a husband who looks down on you, you''d be better off as a widow."


    Jiang Xinyu admired Wang Ailing, giving a thumbs-up. "Sis, you''re strong."


    "Calling me sis now? Although I''m only six months older, you were always reluctant before."


    "Sis, you''re my idol, please accept my kneeling. I truly admire you, really."


    "Be serious, consider carefully what I''ve said."


    "Sis, what if I sell my job?"


    "Sell it?"


    "Yes, sell it."


    "But haven''t you always wanted to live in the city? Your parents exchanged their lives for this."


    "I need to think now, I don''t want to marry so early, perhaps there''s another way."


    As they talked, they reached the mouth of the valley. Wang Ailing didn''t stop, continuing to walk inside.


    A shout came from behind, both stopped, turning to see three girls running towards them.


    "See, those who care catch up." Wang Ailing chuckled.


    Jiang Xinyu thought for a moment about the identity of these three girls. Oh, daughters of the village head, the prettiest girls in the village, the dream of all the young men. She used to be incredibly envious of them. The other two were daughters of two squad leaders, both two years older than Jiang Xinyu.


    Seeing the three girls running over, Jiang Xinyu thought, they''re not so beautiful after all?


    "Xinyu, Ailing, let''s gather firewood together."


    "Mengjie, do you even need to gather firewood?" Wang Ailing asked with a smile, but Jiang Xinyu could sense the sarcasm.


    "I''m also a laborer, of course I work, what do you mean by that, Wang Ailing?"


    "Nothing at all. Let''s go, don''t waste time."


    The group turned into a fivesome, so conversation wasn''t as casual as before, Jiang Xinyu turned back into a silent one.


    "Xinyu, why don''t you speak?" Mengjie was really disdainful of this village girl.


    "I, I don''t know what to say?"

 Chapter 5 The Malice of Heaven

    Chapter 5 - 5 The Malice of HeavenJiang Xinyu finished speaking and still had her head bowed. She thought, who wants to mess with you guys?


    But she was puzzling in her heart, why do the names Kong Mengjie and Wang Ailing feel particularly familiar?


    Suddenly, she bumped into someone. "Jiang Xinyu, are you blind, walking without watching where you''re going? Didn''t see someone ahead?" Zhou Chunxiang turned back and shouted fiercely.


    Jiang Xinyu''s mind suddenly went blank. Why does this scene seem so familiar? Isn''t this from a novel she read after work?


    She apologized for her appearance, didn''t have a boyfriend, and didn''t want to become a foil for her female colleagues, so after work she would be in her dormitory reading.


    This Kong Mengjie was indeed the female protagonist of a period drama novel she had read.


    She was particularly familiar with the first half of the novel because she had a bad habit of generally reading novels until the middle, at which point she could broadly guess the upcoming plot, so she''d only pay to read the later parts if there was an attractive title.


    Kong Mengjie''s dad was the village chief, her mom was the women''s director, her two older brothers were soldiers in the army, and she had a younger brother and sister.


    She also graduated from junior high, and at the age of eighteen, she had the opportunity to work at the county textile factory.


    Because she was educated and pretty, upon arriving at the textile factory, she rose through the ranks step by step on her own merits.


    Starting from the dirtiest, most exhausting job as a workshop female worker, she endured until she became a team leader, then a group leader, acted as a secretary for the young factory head, successfully joined the party, and then became workshop director, deputy factory director, and finally factory director.


    It only took four years, by the time she was twenty-two, she had become the factory director.


    Of course, on her path to success, there were many willing male and female supporters who became stepping stones.


    The most tragic was the young factory head, who spent the latter half of his life in prison, but this enabled the triumph of our big female protagonist.


    The first half was an introduction to the protagonist''s upgrade and domination; the middle part was about her tortured romance with the male protagonist.


    The male protagonist was a second-generation official, married early, but after meeting the female protagonist and being attracted to her, he divorced his wife and pursued her wholeheartedly.


    The female protagonist was eventually moved by him and chose this divorced male protagonist. During turbulent times, they stood by each other, with a love stronger than gold.


    The two endured the most difficult times, eventually leading to the strong union of commerce and politics. One became a regional giant, and the other a nationally ranked female magnate, becoming an envied successful couple.


    "Xinyu, what are you thinking about? We''re here, but you''re still walking forward? If I hadn''t called you, you would have walked right into a tree."


    "Sis, I''m fine."


    This was a pitiable supporting female character, her husband was eventually the male counterpart who helped the female protagonist become a team leader.


    This Wang Ailing was also ruthless; after discovering their unclear relationship, she turned her husband in. However, this affectionate male supported took all the blame for the female protagonist, stopping just short of saying he had forced her.


    Wang Ailing directly divorced her husband and returned to her rural home with her daughter. How could our female protagonist let off this village sister who almost got her thrown into jail?


    When she became factory director, she made a special trip to recruit workers in the village, Wang Ailing, to support her daughter, also joined the factory, and eventually, the protagonist used some tricks to pin a theft charge on her, sending her to jail.


    "If you''re fine, then hurry up and get to work."


    "Okay, sis, I''ll go cut some branches first." S��ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Is that so, give me the machete; with your strength..."


    "Thank you, sis." This poor girl, if I had the ability, I''d find a way to prevent her from marrying in the county, marrying the protagonist''s deeply affectionate male counterpart.


    "No problem, all the branches I cut are yours, my brothers still chop wood at home."


    Jiang Xinyu truly felt that this older sister was kind-hearted.


    "Great, I''ll pick them up. My sister just takes care of me."


    "Hmph, only you have a heart." Zhou Lihong glared at Wang Ailing.


    Kong Mengjie was also resentful of Wang Ailing; she had come to Jiang Xinyu to make a good impression, but how was it all disrupted by Wang Ailing?


    The two didn''t pay them any attention, Jiang Xinyu absent-mindedly followed Wang Ailing, multitasking by picking up branches and thinking about the plot.


    She was just another character providing work opportunities for the female protagonist -- why was the protagonist coincidentally working at the county''s textile factory?


    The book had a Chapter introducing how the female protagonist gathered wood for a girl who lost her parents and even broke ties with a childhood friend of hers for the girl. The girl volunteered her father''s work for the protagonist.


    There was another line later on when Wang Ailing returned to the village with her daughter, where she saw a deranged woman and remarked, "Foolish Xinyu, why didn''t you listen to me? Otherwise, you wouldn''t have become like this."


    Oh my, oh my, oh my, I''m the one with the deranged ending, that won''t do, not at all, I absolutely cannot have that end, oh heavens, I thought I''d finally gotten rid of the jinx title, got a chance to time travel, but I didn''t expect it to be an even more miserable life.


    Why does it feel like this is Heaven''s malicious intent toward me? Playing with someone isn''t the goal; this is meant to play me to death.


    "Xinyu, there''s plenty of branches beside you, what''s wrong with you today?"


    "Sis, I''m fine, just a bit dizzy, I''ll drink some water, and I''ll be okay." After speaking, she didn''t take off the water bottle, directly opened the cap on her back, and drank a few sips.


    I''ll think about it tonight; this environment isn''t suited for calmly thinking about the plot.


    Next, Jiang Xinyu''s movements sped up considerably, but she couldn''t ignore the female protagonist Kong Mengjie, who had been watching closely.


    Jiang Xinyu felt as if a beautiful serpent was watching her, causing chills to run down her spine.


    This female protagonist hadn''t paid any attention to this young girl before. Now staring like this truly made one uncomfortable.


    This honest person had a temper too, "Kong Mengjie, why are you always staring at me?"


    Kong Mengjie paused, "I''m just worried about you; you seem absent-minded."


    "Oh. Then thank you, I''m fine, but you staring at me makes me feel scared, like when something stares at something."


    Nearby, Wang Ailing was cutting branches when she heard Jiang Xinyu''s words and couldn''t help but let out a laugh.


    "Jiang Xinyu, what do you mean?" Zhou Chunxiang immediately wasn''t having it and quickly jumped to defend Kong Mengjie.


    "Nothing, I just feel like I''m a piece of meat being watched by Kong Mengjie."


    Everyone present knew that wasn''t the implication, but couldn''t articulate it.


    In anger, Zhou Chunxiang wanted to rush over. But the heroine stopped her, "Chunxiang, don''t be angry, I don''t mind. Let''s hurry and pick up sticks."

 Chapter 6 Admit defeat

    Chapter 6 - 6 Admit defeatBut Kong Mengjie didn''t think this way; she had never been spoken to like that before. Just a jinx, how dare she talk like that?


    If it weren''t for Dad saying that the county magistrate personally approved this job, she wouldn''t have bothered and would have just grabbed it directly. What could she do?


    Jiang Xinyu''s behavior made Wang Ailing very satisfied; this silly girl finally reacted. It''s rare.


    Wang Ailing had cut down all the trees in Shulin that had branches they could climb up to cut. On the ground, Jiang Xinyu had already organized over ten bundles of branches. She thought of splitting them with Wang Ailing later, half for each of them.


    "Sis, come down and have a sip of water. We already have a lot of branches, any more and we''ll have to go back in the dark."


    Wang Ailing nimbly slid down the tree, "No worries, my brother will be here soon; he can carry two bundles by himself." She unscrewed the water bottle cap and drank generously. Watching her actions was like the boldness of a drinking contest. She always admired girls who made that move, but the past life didn''t give her that opportunity.


    Jiang Xinyu started gathering leaves again; these were essential, otherwise, she couldn''t start a fire.


    The leading lady and the other two also picked up a lot of dead branches, but definitely not as many as Jiang Xinyu and their group.


    "Wang Ailing, lend us your machete." Zhou Lihong spoke to Wang Ailing in a condescending tone, implying that using her machete was a token of esteem.


    "Haha, I''m really sorry, but I haven''t finished my work yet, so I can''t lend it to you."


    In rural areas, there''s a strong sense of community. Although it''s not communist, it''s normal for families to exchange tools. If your stuff just sits there and someone wants to borrow it, refusing is offensive. But if you''re using it, you don''t have to lend it out.


    "Haha, Wang Ailing, are you still going to chop? Aren''t there no branches left for you?" Zhou Lihong was displeased with Wang Ailing. Her own dad was now a team leader, not the rascal he used to be. Everyone showed her some respect, but Wang Ailing acted like she was above her. Her dad was just a village chief, not someone who went to school for long. Why put on airs?


    "Yeah, if there are no branches, I can chop down trees. There are a few dead ones over there I can take down." You can''t cut live trees, but no one cares about dead ones.


    Kong Mengjie pulled Zhou Lihong away. This really was a brainless fool.


    "We have enough here, we can''t carry anymore back." She wanted to keep the peace, but someone had to cooperate. That pig teammate, Zhou Lihong, exploded when she heard Wang Ailing''s words.


    "If you cut down trees, I''ll report you." She said this proudly, looking at Wang Ailing.


    "Haha, sure, go ahead. I''ll just mention that I saw someone cut two big green trees a couple of days ago."


    Zhou Lihong fell silent. Those trees were cut by her family.


    Jiang Xinyu really didn''t like this scene. Do people have to fight when they''re together? "Sis, let''s go chop the dead trees."


    Kong Mengjie glared at Zhou Lihong. She knew it was impossible to get close to Jiang Xinyu today, so she decided to wait for another chance to visit her home instead.


    "Lihong, Chunxiang, we have enough firewood too, let''s go back." S��ar?h the N?velFire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Seeing the three of them leave, the two heaved a sigh of relief simultaneously.


    "Sis, let''s split the branches between our families."


    Wang Ailing glanced at Jiang Xinyu, who was looking at her determinedly, and nodded.


    "Alright, half for each family. My brother will come to cut the trees soon, you can have all of those. They''re best for heating and last long."


    "There are three of them, right? One is enough for me."


    "Take them all, otherwise, you can''t handle it yourself. My brother already took a few dead trees back."


    The two sat aside to rest for a while. Jiang Xinyu picked up the machete and went inside to see a tree bigger than her waist. She placed the machete on the ground, spat into her hands, rubbed them together, picked up the machete, and swung it at the tree.


    Her palm went numb from the shock. The trunk only had a shallow mark.


    Wang Ailing laughed unabashedly from the side. "Why don''t you let it go? You stay here and guard this place; I''ll take a bundle of branches back to find my brother."


    Jiang Xinyu humbly nodded. This was truly beyond her capacity; time to let it go.


    After sending off Wang Ailing, Jiang Xinyu hurriedly gathered leaves and piled them up. During the day, she didn''t dare use her space openly. She planned to sneak some into her space when they packed baskets later.


    About an hour later, she heard Wang Ailing''s voice along with a commotion of footsteps.


    "Xinyu, Xinyu."


    Jiang Xinyu came out from inside. "Sis, I''m here."


    Good heavens, four young guys arrived, and two of them held axes.


    "Bro, the dead trees are in Shulin. You guys go chop them down, and later you help Xinyu drag them back."


    Wang Xiaolong nodded earnestly. "Alright, we''ll finish up soon."


    Jiang Xinyu knew Wang Xiaolong, but she didn''t know the other three young guys.


    "Xinyu, these are my cousins. Their family lives on the west end of the village; don''t you know them?" Wang Ailing, seeing Jiang Xinyu''s confused look, realized the girl didn''t know them.


    Quite a character, living in the same village and being about the same age, yet not knowing anyone.


    "Sis, I rarely go to the village''s west end." An explanation was still good.


    The four young guys paid no attention to the two girls and entered Shulin with their tools.


    "Sis, did you call all the house''s strong laborers?"


    "They were hanging out together, and I called them over. Don''t worry, living in the same village, such small favors needn''t trouble you."


    "Yeah, I''m grateful to them. Sis, we can''t help much over there, so why don''t we start carrying branches back?"


    "You''ve really grown up now; let''s go together."


    The branches were all wet; even a small bundle was quite heavy. Jiang Xinyu watched Wang Ailing easily carry them; she tried and wobbled before standing up.


    "Xinyu, can you do it?"


    "Sis, no problem, don''t worry. You walk ahead." Jiang Xinyu gritted her teeth in perseverance. She comforted herself that today was just for appearances; once alone, she could use her space to secretly transport things back.


    Once in the village, they parted ways to their homes. Jiang Xinyu set down the branches, feeling dizzy; she certainly didn''t have the energy to make a second trip, it was really unbearable.


    After washing her hands, she returned to her room, summoned a meat bun, and devoured it, yet it didn''t quite hit the spot. Grudgingly, she ate another and finally felt full.

 Chapter 7: The 7th female protagonist visits

    Chapter 7 - The 7th female protagonist visitsFilled the kettle with water, then went outside again, the two of them agreed to meet at the foot of the mountain later.


    Human potential is limitless; thinking I couldn''t carry the second bundle back, but actually ended up carrying five bundles.


    Collapsing in the yard, really didn''t want to get up, but thinking about the people still helping to chop wood in the forest, as the host, it wouldn''t be right not to show up, so got up anyway.


    Not even at the foot of the mountain yet, four big guys were already dragging dead trees over.


    "Xinyu, you go open the door, the four of us will deliver them for you." Sear?h the N??eFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Thank you, Brother Xiao Long, and the other three brothers."


    There are still many restrictions between men and women interacting, especially for unmarried individuals, getting too familiar is easy to cause misunderstandings.


    Jiang Xinyu nodded, jogged back home, feeling like she was a girl as swift as the wind.


    Three dead trees were dragged into the yard, and the four guys left immediately without even drinking water.


    Jiang Xinyu remembered her rake and basket were still in the forest, they were her possessions for survival and couldn''t be lost.


    Hurried back to the forest, it was already afternoon, not many people should be in the mountains now. Could use this opportunity to stealthily bring some back.


    In the forest, put the previously raked leaves into the basket, of course, while packing, half went into the secret space.


    Made two more trips, really didn''t want to move anymore, figured there were plenty of leaves, probably no one would pick up the ready ones, even if someone wanted them, could just rake again. Really not moving anymore today, too tired.


    Rested a while, got up to boil water, still had to fetch meals later.


    Filled the pot with water, there wasn''t much left in the water tank, went to fetch water again.


    By the time Wang Ailing arrived, Jiang Xinyu had already boiled water and was preparing to take a bath.


    "Sis, I''m not going to get food, you get two portions and eat them, I still have leftovers here. Really don''t want to take another step."


    "No need, you rest, I''ll bring it back for you later." With that, took both bowls to the canteen.


    Jiang Xinyu had no choice but to keep the door open and wait. This kindness couldn''t be refused, and she didn''t want to refuse it.


    When Wang Ailing returned, Jiang Xinyu had already reheated last night''s leftover porridge on the pot lid.


    "Sis, I''ll give you half, one and a half bowls each."


    Wang Ailing felt quite complicated inside, this girl, did she not eat when delivering the branches? Seeing her insistence, she accepted the half bowl of porridge. The two sat on small benches in the hall and finished the meal.


    Maybe because she had eaten once before, this time Jiang Xinyu was mentally prepared, so she drank directly, trying to stay as little as possible in the mouth. This way, the bitter taste was much less.


    Wang Ailing didn''t stay long either, Jiang Xinyu was tired, and so was she. After drinking the porridge, she said goodbye and went home.


    After Wang Ailing left, Jiang Xinyu closed the door and returned inside, only to immediately hear knocking again.


    "Who is it?"


    "Xinyu, it''s Mengjie."


    The heroine? Here to ask for the job?


    Not opening the door was definitely not an option, so planning to sleep early today seemed impossible, and Jiang Xinyu felt a bit impatient.


    Opened the door without a friendly face, but still invited the person in.


    Who was Kong Mengjie? The heroine, although she hadn''t grown up yet, couldn''t beat her high emotional and intellectual intelligence. Seeing Jiang Xinyu''s expression, she knew she wasn''t welcome.


    "Xinyu, I came today to ask you about your job."


    "Job? What could be the issue?" Jiang Xinyu sat by the stove; it was warm there.


    Kong Mengjie didn''t wait for an invitation and also sat down.


    "Well, I just wanted to ask if you could give your job to me?"


    "Give it to you? The job my parents'' lives exchanged for?"


    "Xinyu, I''m not asking for your job for nothing. I have ten yuan now, and I promise to give you five yuan every month for the next two years."


    This heroine, just as expected, how did she develop this brain? At this time, she already knew about installment payments? Handling it so well, impressive.


    "Mengjie, I really haven''t thought about this, after I gather enough firewood for my family, then I''ll consider this matter, I''ll give you an answer by December."


    "Then I''ll find someone to help you gather firewood."


    Jiang Xinyu thought, I really mean no, "No need, no one''s firewood is extensive. It''s just a matter of ten days or so, and besides, I must seriously consider this matter."


    "Alright then, I''ll wait for your news, as you know, if I go, it''s much better than you, my dad is the village head, he still has some influence at the county level."


    Hehe, this is both coaxing and scaring, really an eye-opener.


    Kong Mengjie looked at the seemingly clueless Jiang Xinyu, unsure if she understood, decided to find another chance to scare her tomorrow.


    After sending off Kong Mengjie, Jiang Xinyu locked the door, made a decision, wouldn''t open it again for anyone.


    Spent an hour bathing, felt much more comfortable. Sitting on the bed, summoned a bag of pure milk from the space and drank it slowly.


    Lucky to have this football field-sized space. Found by accident in the previous life, no idea what the carrier is, people can''t enter, no planting function, and no spiritual spring water or anything, just a storage function, but it preserves freshness.


    Discovered this space in the first year of university, it was one night after working, saw a big sale at a nearby supermarket, two pounds of noodles for a yuan, couldn''t resist the small farmer mindset, spent all hundred and five yuan on a hundred and five bags of noodles.


    Bought them but it was two hundred and ten pounds. Asked for some extra plastic bags at the supermarket, couldn''t ride the bike with bags hanging front and back, had to push it.


    The supermarket was quite far from the school, leaned against an alley wall when tired, touching the plastic bag, thinking how nice it would be to have a heroine''s space from novels, even if just storage.


    Did not expect a miracle, the twenty-some pound bag she was touching disappeared.


    This gave quite a shock, thinking was it a stroke of luck? Imagined the bag returning, it did, felt the weight sink, realized it wasn''t a dream, hurriedly checked around, no one around in the winter night at eight, the alley had no cameras.


    Jiang Xinyu excitedly packed two hundred and ten pounds of noodles into the space. Rode to school in excitement, turned the shared bike into a race car.


    On a Saturday dorm, being alone, couldn''t resist experimenting, putting all valuables on her bed, pulled the curtains, ready to experiment.

 Chapter 8 Deep Thoughts

    Chapter 8 - 8 Deep ThoughtsAll the items can be stored inside, and whatever I think of in my mind can appear in my hands without any mistakes. However, there''s no way to experiment with living things.


    Jiang Xinyu was excited, wondering if it was like the novels she read. So she closed her eyes and thought of the space, and it really appeared to her.


    It was the size of a soccer field, a grey, hazy enclosed space. She didn''t know what material it was made of, but everything she put inside was neatly arranged in the corners.


    Jiang Xinyu thought to herself that other people''s spaces have a freshness preservation function, so she should try it too.


    Then she got out of bed, used all the water storage containers, including the toothbrush cup and lunch box, filled them with hot water, measured the temperature with a thermometer, recorded it, and stored them in the space.


    She didn''t sleep well all night. The next day, Sunday, she had to go to the supermarket to work at eight, so she got up at seven, took out the toothbrush cup, measured the temperature with a thermometer, and it was still the temperature from last night.


    Now Jiang Xinyu''s eyes were red, not because of having the space, but because of the grievances from past difficulties. The heavens hadn''t completely abandoned her.


    Perhaps the past misfortunes were to get this space, after all, everything balances out. After a quick wash, she jogged to work.


    By the end of the day, she felt full of energy, as if she could never run out of strength. The supermarket had special offers on rice for Sunday; usually, it cost about three yuan, but today it was only one yuan and ninety cents, with a limit of ten pounds per person.


    Jiang Xinyu, being a temporary student worker, also queued up to buy ten pounds. After all, it''s good to become familiar with people, so she shamelessly queued a second time and, by the end of her shift, she had bought fifty pounds, which is one bag of rice. Her wages for the day weren''t even enough for that.


    In the evening, she had to work at a barbecue stand in the night market. With the bag of rice placed on the seat of a shared bicycle, she hurriedly went to the night market.


    By the time she got back to the dormitory, her five roommates were all back.


    They all brought food for Jiang Xinyu. Though each had different intentions, Jiang Xinyu considered it a kind gesture from them.


    "Xinyu, I''ll treat you to lunch tomorrow," said the beauty from the lower bunk while applying a face mask.


    "Tongtong, thank you. I''m sorry, but I have plans for tomorrow noon," Jiang Xinyu replied.


    Jiang Xinyu knew Tongtong''s intention; it must be the boys inviting her to lunch, and she wanted Jiang Xinyu to be a companion. Normally, she''d go along, but tomorrow there''s a special offer on eggs and milk at the supermarket, both selling at a loss. How could she miss that?


    In the old dormitory, after washing up in the outside water room, she didn''t shut herself away but sat on a small stool, listening to her roommates'' chat, chiming in occasionally.


    Twenty minutes later, the dormitory lights went out, and Jiang Xinyu finally got into bed. She secretly checked the water temperature; it was still the same as when she put it in yesterday. This was really wonderful.


    Jiang Xinyu pulled her thoughts back, touched her dry, yellowed hair, and quickly fell asleep after lying down.


    The next day she didn''t wait for Wang Ailing to knock on the door; she got up early and cleaned the house.


    When Wang Ailing came over, Jiang Xinyu had already wiped the kang mat and dismantled the bedding. Even if she didn''t use it, she had to make it look presentable.


    Wang Ailing was puzzled about why the door was open today. She walked into the yard without hesitation and saw Jiang Xinyu washing the quilt covers.


    "Why are you so diligent today?"


    "Sister, I wanted to take advantage of the good weather to wash all the bedding," Jiang Xinyu responded.


    "That''s the right way to live. Let''s go eat first, and I''ll help you carry water when we get back," Wang Ailing said.


    Jiang Xinyu stood up with a smile. She rinsed her hands with clean water since there was no soap or detergent, just had to use some baking soda due to lack of alternatives.


    The two of them queued up in the cafeteria. Kong Mengjie looked at Jiang Xinyu with a smile that Jiang Xinyu couldn''t understand.


    When it was her turn to get food, it was just a thin soup, with hardly any wild vegetable leaves.


    Jiang Xinyu wasn''t a fool. She saw Kong Mengjie just now, and the person serving the food was her mother. This was obviously a power move against her.


    Jiang Xinyu looked directly at Kong Mengjie''s mother. "Auntie from the village head''s family and the women''s director, keep this porridge for yourself. I''m an orphan, eating is a waste."


    This statement wasn''t overbearing or hysterical, and it attracted some people. Some busybodies looked at the porridge bowl in Jiang Xinyu''s hand.


    "Hey, better go home and drink water, Xinyu," joked a middle-aged woman nearby.


    Jiang Xinyu knew this was the wife of the village branch secretary, and she was against the village head. The two had almost come to blows over the village head position. The enemy of my enemy is my friend; this principle was well-practiced even among uneducated rural women.


    A few troublemakers gathered around.


    Tian Shulan, being the village head''s wife and the women''s director, was perceptive enough to realize that today''s matter should be dropped.


    "Xinyu, Auntie didn''t dip the ladle just now. Give me your bowl, I''ll serve you again, and you can keep this bowl."


    "Auntie, it''s okay. I should be grateful just to have something to eat," Jiang Xinyu replied.


    "Oh dear Xinyu, it''s no problem. This is the porridge Auntie served. Parents gone, leaving only this child, yet there are heartless people bullying her. Truly deserving of thunderstrikes," Zhang Yanhong wasn''t a pushover and immediately went into battle mode.


    Jiang Xinyu thought it over and decided not to get openly involved. Tian Shulan had forcefully snatched the bowl, and with a slight loosening of her grip, the porridge bowl ended up in her hands.


    They watched as she poured her bowl of porridge back into the pot and scooped a thick ladleful from below.


    Jiang Xinyu returned home with this porridge, visibly more grain than wild vegetables, in her hands.


    Many people in the cafeteria watched her, but Jiang Xinyu made no additional movements and didn''t even look up when passing by Kong Mengjie.


    At home, she dug out a piece of red pickle from the leaky jar in the woodshed, washed it, and sliced it into strips. This vegetable porridge with pickles, at least, had some salty taste, not just bitterness and astringency.


    After eating, she washed the bowl and sat down to scrub the quilt covers. The washboard was something she hadn''t used since before age ten, switching to a washing machine afterward.


    Fortunately, she knew how, though the water was a bit cold.


    The quilt covers, though worn, weren''t very dirty and washed easily.


    Because of her small strength, it took several minutes to wring out the quilt covers before they hung on the clothesline.


    Seeing the large tub of relatively clean water, she soaked all the little girl''s previous clothes before going to her parents'' room.


    Since crossing over, she hadn''t set foot in this room, and Jiang Xinyu felt nervous. The room, like hers, had bare bed planks covered by a kang mat. Of course, there were two kang cabinets at the end of the kang, unlike her room where the cabinets were on the ground. S��ar?h the N??elFir��.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She rolled up the kang mat, swept, and laid it back down. She took out a rag and cleaned everything thoroughly before getting onto the kang to kneel in front of the kang cabinets.

 Chapter 9 Deep Thoughts

    Chapter 9 - 9 Deep ThoughtsThe kang cabinet was locked, Jiang Xinyu took out the key from around her neck and opened the lock.


    The first kang cabinet contained a few pieces of cloth. They all looked like heavy cotton cloth, and there were also two sets of clothes without patches. I plan to make two sets of clothes for myself when I have time. At the very bottom of the cabinet, I found a wooden box.


    Jiang Xinyu took it out, knowing that this was the family''s possessions, including the fifty yuan funeral subsidy given by the county, all kept here.


    The first thing Jiang Xinyu noticed inside the box was a silver hairpin, two silver rings, and a pair of earrings.


    On one side, there were also two cloth tickets and two food tickets, each worth ten jin. There were five kerosene tickets and one oil ticket. These were compensations from the county. Then she saw those brand new five banknotes.


    Next to them was a roll of money. Jiang Xinyu took it out and counted: five banknotes, five two-yuan bills, ten one-yuan bills, five five-mao bills, and the rest were 20 two-mao and one-mao bills. There were also paper tickets of five fen, two fen, and one fen, along with coins.


    This money was the entire family estate.


    Jiang Xinyu put it directly into her space, considering today''s situation. Her life would not be peaceful unless this job was no longer in her hands.


    She also put away the new cloth in the cabinet. The second cabinet held the cotton quilts and cotton clothes of the old couple, all washed and dried, which Jiang Xinyu also locked up. The third cabinet had the old couple''s old clothes, all clean and neatly arranged. She took a glance and closed it again; this cabinet was often opened and not locked.


    Then she propped up the window. This window was not a modern double-opening glass window but a wooden frame with folds, pasted with straw paper, which could be propped up from the bottom.


    The clothes had soaked enough, and after another hour, the clothes were hung up to dry.


    The water jar was almost empty, so she carried the bucket to fetch water.


    Along the way, she saw many people, the older ones gathering together, and the younger ones together.


    When Jiang Xinyu was fetching water, a young man came over wanting to help, but she refused him, deciding to work harder herself. It was a critical time and she couldn''t afford to be misunderstood by others.


    She stumbled a bit as she filled the water jar, and since there was nothing to do at home, decided to gather firewood.


    Judging by the position of the sun, it should be almost noon. Without lunch, noon wasn''t different from any other time.


    She equipped herself fully, preparing to go to the small valley where she had regained consciousness. It was deep in the mountains, and last time she hadn''t seen anyone, which was conducive to her smuggling.


    On the mountain road, she encountered a few young girls, Jiang Xinyu just smiled and passed by.


    It felt like she walked for more than an hour before reaching the place. There was a watch in the space and also an electronic watch she had used before, but she couldn''t take them out to use; time in the space was still, and she couldn''t even check the time privately.


    She started cutting branches with a machete. Estimating that there was already a bundle on the ground, she sat down and summoned a meat bun to eat.


    After resting a bit, she resumed work, encouraging herself in her heart: it''s not scary to go slow, but scary to stop; work, work, otherwise winter won''t pass. S~ea??h the nov��lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Even when her arms felt too heavy to lift, she didn''t stop, fearing that once she stopped, there would be no end to the work.


    Seeing the ground covered with branches, she estimated it was around four o''clock, finally deciding not to cut anymore.


    Gathering all the branches together, she waved her hand to collect them into her space; it was much more than the five bundles from yesterday.


    Not daring to linger, she gathered up a lot of leaves as well, collecting them all, and finally carried a full basket of leaves back home.


    Upon returning home, she saw that there was no one in the village; it was mealtime, so she hurried home, put down the basket, washed her hands, and headed to the cafeteria with a bowl.


    When she arrived, many people had finished eating, only two or three children were left in line. Jiang Xinyu was the last, seeing the thin porridge, she didn''t speak and lowered her head, holding it to take home.


    Before reaching home, she saw Wang Ailing at her doorstep.


    "Sis, have you finished eating?"


    "Yeah, I came to find you before dinner, but the house was locked. Did you go to gather firewood?"


    "Yes. Come in, Sis."


    "I wanted to help you fetch water, but my eldest cousin came to pick up my mom and me to go to my grandma''s house." Wang Ailing looked at the clothesline with bedding and clothes, knowing this girl hadn''t been idle, which was right.


    "Sis, it''s really no problem. I can handle fetching water. I''m starving, let me eat first."


    "Go eat, I''ll build the fire for you."


    Jiang Xinyu accepted without fuss. She put the bowl on the table, took out a bowl of pickles, and sat down to drink the porridge in large gulps.


    After eating, washing the bowl, the two sat by the kitchen. "Xinyu, I heard about this morning''s breakfast. Don''t get involved between the village leader and the village party secretary, let them do as they please."


    "Sis, I know. I may not be smart, but I''m not stupid.


    Sis, I want to ask your opinion. Last night, Kong Mengjie came over to find me, wanting me to give her the job, offering me ten yuan, and five yuan per month for the next two years."


    "Ha! She''s really audacious," Wang Ailing said with sarcasm.


    "She told me that she would do better than me if she went to work in the county, her father is the village leader. I feel she''s threatening me, wasn''t the incident this morning just an initial warning?"


    "Yes, you guessed right. Kong Mengjie is quite the actress, but she''s dark-hearted."


    Jiang Xinyu nodded, "Yes, that''s what I think too.


    Sis, I promised her I''d give her an answer in a few days. Could you help me ask around if there''s anyone interested in buying this job? I''m afraid I can''t keep it, might as well sell it. Whoever pays more, I''ll sell it to them. After all, it''s a lifetime job, and they can live in the county, not be rural anymore."


    "Xinyu, have you really thought it through?"


    "Yes, I told you yesterday, I was thinking about selling the job so I wouldn''t be bothered by others and I''d have money to spend.


    I heard that working in a textile factory is really not good, breathing in tiny cotton fibers could cause diseases in the future."


    "That''s just what people say when they can''t get in, speaking sourly. Not just anyone can enter a textile factory.


    Xinyu, you don''t have the physique to work in the fields, you should take the job at the textile factory and in two or three months, you can leave here and live in the county."


    Jiang Xinyu shook her head, "No, I can adapt slowly. It''s just me, and with the cafeteria, I won''t starve.


    Sis, I''m just afraid someone will plot against me. Then I''d have to suffer my whole life."


    This was what Jiang Xinyu had figured out while cutting wood today. She didn''t want to live a crazy life forever.


    "Alright, I''ll help you ask around discreetly."


    "Sis, no need to be discreet. Just ask openly. Oh right, just say that I''m in poor health, need to buy medicine."


    "Nonsense, who curses themselves like that?"

 Chapter 10 methods

    Chapter 10 - 10 methods"Sis, you must tell outsiders this, so that no one will eye my money after I''m out of a job."


    Wang Ailing looked at Jiang Xinyu with sympathy, "If this gets out, you''ll have a hard time finding a husband in the future. Who would want to marry a sickly person?"


    "It''s okay, I''m aiming for this effect. Who will remember this in a few years?"


    "Xinyu, you''re offending the village chief''s family now."


    "It''s fine, I''ve thought it through. I''ll go see the village chief tomorrow morning, and you spread the news tomorrow. That way, I won''t seem to offend him openly.


    Also, even without this situation, I estimate that the village chief doesn''t favor me. Last time when I went to the county, he hinted about wanting my job, and I pretended to be ignorant."


    "Alright, as long as you''re aware. It''s late now, I''m heading home."


    Wang Ailing left the Jiang Family with mixed feelings. The job at the textile factory tempted her now. She used to disregard it because of disdain, not wanting to snatch a job from an orphaned girl. But since Xinyu is considering selling her job, she would discuss it with her family.


    At home, her parents and brother were there, "Ailing, you''ve been to Xinyu''s house again?" Mrs. Wang asked her daughter, who was already a fifteen-year-old girl. The family worried when she returned late.


    "Yeah, Mom, Xinyu just told me she''s thinking of selling her job."


    "Selling it?"


    "Yes. Last night, Kong Mengjie offered her ten yuan, and five yuan monthly for the next two years. I see Xinyu doesn''t want to accept it.


    She asked me to spread the word that whoever offers more money for the job, she''ll sell it to them."


    Father Wang, Wang Jianqiang, sat on the brick bed smoking his pipe, "This girl''s smart enough, doing this is best for her."


    "Dear, why don''t we buy it for Ailing?"


    Wang Jianqiang shook his head, "No, our family won''t get involved in this. Ailing, think about what it might be like if you got this job?"


    "Dad, it means working in the county and not staying home to farm."


    "Ailing, it''s not about the money. I can give you a hundred yuan, and pay Xinyu five monthly for three years, but think about how others are targeting this job. And last time at your aunt''s county, I heard many textile factory workers have lung issues, which can''t be cured."


    After speaking, Wang Jianqiang watched his daughter. Though the room was lit with kerosene lamps, making her expression hard to see, he hoped she''d understand his words.


    "Dad, Xinyu said the same, but I initially didn''t believe it."


    "Xinyu rarely speaks, but from what you say, she understands things."


    "Dad, I won''t take the job. But Xinyu wanted me to ask around, who should I ask?"


    "Let your mom tell a few gossipy women at the canteen tomorrow morning to spread the word."


    "Alright, I''ll mention it in the morning. Just say the child wants to sell her job for money."


    "Mom, Xinyu said to say she''s selling the job for medicine."


    The young ones might not know, but forty-year-olds Wang Jianqiang and Sun Ermei understood the meaning behind Jiang Family''s daughter.


    "Alright, that''s what I''ll say. Poor girl, just one left now. Xiao Long, gather more firewood for her tomorrow."


    "Got it mom." The eldest brother of the Wang Family nodded, dutifully listening to his parents.


    Wang Ailing felt assured knowing her parents would help Jiang Xinyu. Reflecting on her father''s words, she appreciated the cleverness of Xinyu''s approach.


    After seeing off Wang Ailing, Jiang Xinyu locked the front door, night had fallen completely. She spread out branches and leaves from her space, covering half the courtyard.


    She needed to tidy them early tomorrow to avoid having to explain to Wang Ailing.


    Back inside, she mixed bathing water, brushing her teeth first to avoid a bitter mouth.


    After washing, she soaked her clothes in space-brought laundry powder, which had a nice scent. Suddenly, she remembered buying a box of old soap with the word "Beijing" on it, which had no fragrance.


    She poured the water onto the vegetable patch in the yard. The harvested cabbage and radishes were in the cellar; they needed to be moved into the space soon to ensure fresh vegetables, unlike before when greens were not ready.


    After placing items outside, she sat on her bed. Thinking of her visit to the Kong Family tomorrow morning.


    Directly talking with the village chief might be more effective than beating around the bush sometimes.


    Her hair was dry, lying in a warm bed, she gazed at her space filled with grain.


    All collected bit by bit over eight years. Thanks to her collecting habit, otherwise coming here would not have been accompanied by the courage to survive.


    Sitting up, she drank a bag of pure milk. Gradually improving health, her appearance was far better than her past life. Though she still wasn''t a beauty, being average was satisfying enough. In her previous life, she was often overshadowed by varying sizes of beauties, thinking of which always brought tears. S��ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Early next morning, Jiang Xinyu cleaned the house as usual, accustomed to the dark.


    Probably around seven o''clock, she descended from the wood shed to the cellar, where fifty cabbages and a bag of large radishes resided. She waved her hand to collect them into the space, the dampness inside was intolerable, so she quickly emerged.


    Locking up, she went straight to the village chief''s house. "Village Chief Uncle, are you home?"


    Kong Mengjie''s younger brother retreated upon seeing Jiang Xinyu.


    "Xinyu, come in quickly, what brings you here?"


    "Uncle, I''ve come to discuss my job."


    "Oh? What''s the matter?"


    "Uncle, my health is poor. Last time at the hospital, the doctor said I must take good care of myself to avoid a short life. With no parents left, I want to live well, find a husband who''ll join my household, and carry on the Jiang Family lineage.


    Uncle, I want to sell the job to someone else, so I can have money for medicine. Even living in the village under your care is much better than outside. I''m not eloquent and na?ve, I''m sure I''ll be bullied outside."


    "Xinyu, this job wasn''t easy to obtain." Kong Zhongyou sighed.


    "Uncle, I know, it cost my parents'' lives." Jiang Xinyu kept her head down to conceal her emotions, appearing to others as overwhelmed with grief.


    "Xinyu, how do you plan to sell the job?"


    "Uncle, two nights ago, Kong Mengjie offered ten yuan, with five yuan monthly for two years.


    This is quite a sum, but I''ll need long-term medication and nourishment. I find this amount insufficient for medicine."

 Chapter 11 methods

    Chapter 11 - 11 methodsKong Mengjie was outside listening to Jiang Xinyu, and was fuming inside. Is this money still not enough? What are you worth?


    "So Xinyu, how much do you think this job should be sold for?"


    "Uncle, the official position at this textile factory has a minimum monthly salary of twenty-two yuan, and salaries will increase with seniority. Plus, it''s a lifelong job.


    Most importantly, you can live in the county, no longer needing to toil under the sun and rain for food, and you can enjoy commercial grain.


    I think this job should be sold for at least a year''s salary, and then five yuan a month for the next three years."


    "Xinyu, you''re thinking too simplistically. That''s equivalent to working two years for free; I don''t think anyone will agree to it."


    "Uncle, it''s alright. If nobody in the village wants it, I''ll ask my classmates in the county. I think they would offer more than people in our village.


    Also, last night I asked Wang Ailing to help inquire about it."


    At that moment, Kong Mengjie''s mother, Tian Shulan, rushed in, and saw her daughter outside, then Jiang Xinyu sitting inside their home.


    "Why did you come back?" Kong Zhongyou glanced angrily at his wife.


    "The food is cooked, but I heard Xinyu wants to sell the job? Whoever offers more money will get it?"


    Jiang Xinyu responded lightly, "Aunt." Then she fell silent and kept her head down.


    Tian Shulan looked at Jiang Xinyu with disdain and then looked at her husband sitting aside.


    Jiang Xinyu felt it was time to leave, so she got up, "Uncle, Aunt, I''m heading back. Oh right, Uncle, could you give me an introduction letter? I want to go to the county to see a doctor."


    "Alright, wait a moment. I''ll write you one right away. How do you plan to go?"


    "I''ll walk there on my own, Uncle. Don''t worry about me."


    Kong Zhongyou took out paper and pen, wrote the letter, and handed it to Jiang Xinyu.


    "Thanks, Uncle. If Kong Mengjie wants the job, I''ll prioritize her." After finishing, she folded the letter and put it in her pocket, keeping her head down as she left.


    Kong Mengjie had already returned to her room as her father was writing the letter. She avoided Jiang Xinyu; she really didn''t want to see her now.


    "What price did that pesky girl name?"


    "A year''s salary, five yuan per month for three years."


    "Is she mad with greed? Even without a penny, she must hand over the job."


    Kong Zhongyou shook his head, "If she hadn''t gone to the county to find the mayor last time, this would be easy. Now the mayor is watching this matter closely. We can''t handle it like that; it would negatively impact our son."


    "If Mengjie wants the job, are we really going to give her that much money?"


    "Let''s wait and see."


    "We can''t wait. Soon everyone in the village will know. What if someone offers her more money?" sea??h th�� NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "This isn''t small money. It''s 264 yuan upfront."


    "We have the money at home. Let Mengjie find her and agree. If anyone competes with us, we''ll follow her terms. If no one wants it, we''ll lower the price."


    "She''d probably inquire about the job during her county visit the day after tomorrow. Someone in the county will surely want to buy this job."


    "Then why are you giving her the letter?"


    Kong Zhongyou tapped his smoke pipe, "Not giving it would be worse. Let Mengjie settle it first."


    Tian Shulan went to her daughter and explained, "Go and settle it with her."


    "Mom, are we really letting her off like this?"


    "She won''t leave the village, and there will be opportunities later. Hurry and go." With her eldest daughter looking good, a good job could find her a capable husband and benefit the family. Otherwise, parting with those few hundred yuan is really hard.


    Kong Mengjie placed her bowl into a cloth bag and went to find Jiang Xinyu. She never directly carried her bowl to the cafeteria, thinking it looked classless.


    Jiang Xinyu returned home and stacked the branches she dried yesterday evening.


    She hadn''t finished when she heard a knock on the door.


    "Who is it?"


    "Xinyu, it''s me, Kong Mengjie."


    "Wait a moment, you need something from me?"


    "Let''s go inside and talk."


    After Kong Mengjie entered, Jiang Xinyu locked the door, "Sit down inside."


    "Xinyu, how can you do this? You''re asking an exorbitant price. You know I want this job."


    "Kong Mengjie, I really don''t have a choice. It''ll just be me at home in the future, and I''m not someone who can easily shoulder burdens. If I don''t plan more for my future, what will I do?"


    "Fine, I''ll take this job first."


    Jiang Xinyu shook her head, "I can''t decide this."


    "Jiang Xinyu, what do you mean? Didn''t you tell my dad you''d prioritize me?"


    "Yes, I did say that to Uncle.


    I mentioned the minimum price. If someone offers more and you can match it, then you''ll have priority."


    "Jiang Xinyu, you��"


    "Kong Mengjie, I hope you understand. If you truly get this job, you know what kind of future you''ll have, don''t you? Is that future not worth this money?"


    Kong Mengjie wished she could strangle Jiang Xinyu; she was setting high prices from the ground up. But truly, there wasn''t much she could do.


    So, she spoke stiffly, "Fine, I know. But the job sale should have a time limit, right? Just today."


    "Two days��for today and tomorrow."


    Kong Mengjie gritted her teeth, "We''ll finalize by four o''clock tomorrow afternoon."


    Jiang Xinyu nodded, "Alright."


    After getting the information, Kong Mengjie angrily left the Jiang Family.


    Jiang Xinyu held her bowl of rice, locked the door, and went to find Wang Ailing.


    "Why are you so early today?"


    "I''m hungry." Jiang Xinyu didn''t want to say any more, as explaining would be too bothersome.


    The two arrived at the cafeteria, and Jiang Xinyu felt everyone''s eyes on her. However, she kept her head down and remained unaffected.


    She lined up behind Wang Ailing, ignoring the stares.


    Zhang Yanhong stood beside Jiang Xinyu and whispered, "Xinyu, are you planning to sell your job?"


    "Yes. I don''t even have money for medicine anymore."


    "Girl, I''ll come to your house later."


    "Aunt, I''ll be gathering firewood later. I won''t make it through winter otherwise."


    "Don''t worry, I''ll have Brother Qingxin carry over some branch bundles for you."


    "That would be too much trouble for you."


    "We live in the same village; what''s the hassle?" After saying that, she went back to her work.


    Gradually, more people came by, all wanting to ask about the job.


    Jiang Xinyu''s answer was always that she was going to gather firewood, and soon different families started offering her wood. But Jiang Xinyu declined, saying they could just visit her at home.


    Accepting wood from the Qian Family would make the Kong Family anxious, but taking firewood from an average family would go against her principles.


    When it was Jiang Xinyu''s turn to get her meal, the porridge was much better than the previous day, with half being grains. The one in charge of serving was Tian Shulan; such is the allure of the job.

 Chapter 12 Methods

    Chapter 12 - 12 MethodsWang Ailing knew Jiang Xinyu had something to do, so she didn''t stay, nor did she eat together in the cafeteria, and went home.


    Jiang Xinyu returned home, took out a bowl of pickled vegetables, and sat at the dining table in the main room to drink porridge.


    There were still tea eggs in the space, but she couldn''t eat them now. The door wasn''t closed; she didn''t know when someone might come in.


    Imagining herself enjoying her favorite delicacies, she pretended to eat delicious food. Otherwise, she feared she might actually gag.


    After finishing the meal, no one came over. She didn''t wait any longer, as there wasn''t much water left in the water tank, she hurried to fetch water. With the nationwide drought, getting water was already fortunate.


    Carrying a shoulder pole out, she didn''t lock the door. It''s an act of defending against gentlemen but not against thieves.


    Zhang Yanhong finished her work and hurried to the Jiang Family. Seeing the door ajar and hearing no response when she called out, she thought Xinyu might have gone out briefly, so she decided to wait outside.


    After a while she finally saw Jiang Xinyu wobbling with a shoulder pole coming over.


    "Auntie, sorry about that, please come in."


    "It''s alright, Xinyu, your small frame must take five or six trips to fill this tank, right?"


    "Not just that, it actually takes ten trips. Luckily, our house is close to the water well. Auntie, please come inside."


    "Xinyu, I''ll be straightforward, regarding your desire to sell the job, how much do you want to sell it for?"


    Jiang Xinyu sat down on the edge of the kang, "Auntie, I won''t say much else, just about the job, Kong Mengjie has already offered a year''s salary, and for the remaining three years, she''ll pay five yuan a month.


    My idea is to try to sell it for more money."


    Zhang Yanhong frowned, "Xinyu, not many people can afford that amount."


    Jiang Xinyu spread her hands, "I have no choice, I really need the money."


    "So, if someone else offers the same amount, does the job still go to Kong Mengjie?"


    "Exactly, it has to be more because Kong Mengjie was the first to suggest buying the job."


    This sentence carried a lot of information, and Zhang Yanhong immediately understood its meaning.


    "Xinyu, how about this, I''ll go home to discuss, if I give you the remaining one hundred and eighty in one go? Would that be more advantageous than Kong Mengjie''s offer?"


    "Yes, that''s even better."


    After seeing Zhang Yanhong off, three more people came to inquire about the job, and after hearing the price, they all left without saying much. Sear?h the N?velFire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Jiang Xinyu knew this outcome; in this village, only the Kong and Qian Families have the capability for this.


    She glanced up at the sun; it was almost noon, and she decided to go collect firewood.


    She went to the small valley she visited yesterday, waved the machete continuously for two hours, then stored everything in the space and carried leaves home.


    From afar, she saw a pile of branches and even a dead tree at her doorstep.


    Arriving at the door, the neighbor''s gate opened. "Xinyu, this was sent to you by Qian Qingxin."


    "Thank you, Auntie." After nodding, she opened the door and entered the yard.


    She quickly started carrying everything into the yard piece by piece. Taking advantage of this, she also took out the branches from her space, which was much more than yesterday.


    For dinner, she took her bowl to the cafeteria.


    Now she had become a focal point; whenever she walked into the cafeteria, everyone would look at her.


    Lining up in the back for food, today''s dinner was switched to sweet potato flour dumpling soup. It looked dark, but it was definitely tastier than vegetable porridge, though a bit watery. There was nothing to complain about.


    Wang Ailing arrived later than her today, so Jiang Xinyu waited for her after finishing.


    The two returned to the Jiang Family, sitting at the table drinking soup. "Sis, the day after tomorrow I''m going to the county. Are you going?"


    Wang Ailing shook her head, "I''m not going, I still need to go for proof."


    "Do you need anything? I can bring it back for you."


    "We''re low on matches at home. Could you help me buy a pound of kerosene? I''ll bring the bottle over to you tomorrow."


    "Sure."


    "Xinyu, how''s the job situation going?"


    "Well, only the Kong and Qian Families have the capability. The Qian Family will probably back out, but Kong Mengjie is really fixated on the job."


    "Xinyu, this isn''t a good situation; you''ve offended both families."


    Jiang Xinyu laughed carelessly, "Sis, unless I give this job away free, that would mean only one family doesn''t hate me, but either way, I''d offend someone. Might as well offend both.


    Besides, these are things out in the open, it''s better than behind-the-scenes dealings."


    "Xinyu, you''ve really changed a lot."


    "Environment makes people progress."


    "Alright, I''m leaving now." Wang Ailing went home.


    Jiang Xinyu boiled water, took a bath, and went to sleep.


    That night she dreamt of a plot. It was all about Kong Mengjie and the male lead''s torturous romance.


    Upon waking, Jiang Xinyu opened her eyes, feeling shocked that she could sense the details of the protagonist''s life. She wondered if this was a depiction from the book. Lying for a while, she had to get up, as she needed to go to the mountain today, and couldn''t be late.


    After washing up in the yard, she suddenly glanced at the roof, thinking about what would happen if it snows��wouldn''t the roof collapse?


    This worry scared Jiang Xinyu; she glanced at the neighbor''s house, the roof similar to her own.


    She heard voices next door. Jiang Xinyu shouted.


    "Auntie, I''m coming over to ask my uncle something."


    "Come on, I''ll open the door for you."


    Jiang Xinyu shared her concerns with Liu Manquan and his wife next door. "Uncle, can the roof withstand it?"


    "Well, ours was renovated last year; it can endure this year. Just make sure to clean off the snow regularly.


    Your roof has been there for years; let''s go up and take a look."


    Liu Manquan examined it carefully. "Xinyu, this roof indeed needs reinforcing."


    "Uncle, can I ask you to help with the roof? I''ll give you five yuan once it''s finished, okay?"


    "No need to pay."


    "Uncle, that wouldn''t be right. You''re still working, taking time to fix my roof would cost you work hours, I wouldn''t feel at ease."


    They negotiated and decided to fix the roof today, so Jiang Xinyu wouldn''t go to collect firewood.


    Liu Manquan also checked out the firewood shed. "This shed needs reinforcing too, we can finish it all in a day. Let''s eat first, then I''ll get to work."


    "Uncle, do I need to prepare any materials?"


    "No need, we have thatched grass at home; I''ll have your aunt mix mud."


    Jiang Xinyu brought back food. After she finished eating, Wang Ailing arrived, knowing the roof needed fixing; she quickly ran home. She brought back a large piece of tar paper, which wasn''t enough for the roof, but could cover the firewood shed.


    Jiang Xinyu wanted to help, but the aunt from Liu Manquan''s family refused her. So she stayed in the house to tidy up.


    She found the little girl''s textbooks, looked them over; they were quite simple. Surprisingly, she found a diary.


    It contained the little girl''s emotional experiences. Jiang Xinyu found it quite interesting; the thoughts were so naive, dreaming about living in the city, it was somewhat unrealistic.

 Chapter 13 solutions

    Chapter 13 - 13 solutions520~I love you!


    Jiang Xinyu decided to stay in the village for the next few years and not live outside. This chaos isn''t a joke; living well is the most important thing.


    At noon, the couple next door didn''t take a break, and Jiang Xinyu was also in the yard helping out.


    Wang Yanhong came in and saw this scene.


    "Sister-in-law, are you reinforcing Xinyu''s roof?"


    "Yes, we are! If the roof collapses because of heavy snow in the winter, it would be troublesome. While the weather is good now, we should quickly tidy it up. If you have something else, go ahead; Xinyu doesn''t need to be here."


    Jiang Xinyu invited Zhang Yanhong into the house. "Aunt, have you made a decision?"


    "Yes, initially, I wanted to buy this job for my family, for Qingxin, but we really can''t come up with that much money right now." Actually, they did have this money, but they didn''t dare to take it all out at once, as it would be too conspicuous, especially since this money wasn''t obtained honorably.


    "Aunt, I''m going to the county to buy medicine tomorrow." Jiang Xinyu didn''t care about these things; she didn''t want to give this job to Kong Mengjie before, but feared the heroine might get other opportunities so that she wouldn''t have the chance to be prophetic, which was too passive. So if fate intended the heroine to have it, she would let her.


    This made Jiang feel at ease, and although it would still offend the heroine, she knew the heroine''s situation and future development, which was the biggest cheat.


    "Aunt, if the Kong Family doesn''t want it, I will scrape together the money even if I have to sell everything."


    After seeing Zhang Yanhong off, Jiang Xinyu helped the couple with their work again.


    "Xinyu, you''ve prepared quite a bit of firewood. But tomorrow, let your uncle help split the dead trees."


    "Aunt, thank you both."


    "What are you saying? Your parents got along well with us, and now you''re the only girl left. It''s really unscrupulous of us to ask for money to help out."


    "Aunt, don''t think too much. I am content if you can help me."


    Seeing that the sun was barely two o''clock, the rooftops of the main rooms and the firewood shed were all done. Liu Manquan went home to get an axe and helped cut the four trees into sections.


    Jiang Xinyu was helping on the side. She carried the chopped firewood into the woodshed.


    After finishing, Jiang Xinyu went next door, handed over five yuan, and ran back.


    She swept the yard, ready to go to the cafeteria. It was early today, and after returning, she could sleep earlier. Every night, she dreamed, and her sleep quality wasn''t good.


    Kong Mengjie came in and saw Jiang Xinyu cleaning the yard. She felt unsure��this girl, who had been indulged, had suddenly changed so much?


    "Jiang Xinyu, I''m here for your answer."


    "Have a seat, would you like some water?"


    Kong Mengjie shook her head, fixated on Jiang Xinyu.


    "The price hasn''t changed, but I ask for the remaining one hundred and eighty for the next three years all at once.


    Of course, I''m considering this for you; you wouldn''t want this to drag on and be discovered by your workplace, right?


    I can assure you, once our deal is completed, I won''t say a word."


    "Okay, so it''s a total of four hundred and forty-four yuan?"


    "Yes, you give me four hundred and forty-four yuan, and I''ll write you a guarantee."


    "Fine, but my family doesn''t have that much money; I''ll have to borrow it tomorrow.


    I know you''re going to the county tomorrow; you can''t change your mind."


    "Kong Mengjie, don''t worry. I still have principles for being a person. I know if I go to the county, this job might sell for a thousand. However, after all, I belong to this village and will have to live here in the future. Besides, although you don''t think much of me, I do see you as a sister in the village.


    You said it yourself; you''re more suited for factory work than I am."


    Kong Mengjie wasn''t moved by Jiang Xinyu''s words. She knew it was true, but spending over four hundred yuan couldn''t feel good.


    With things resolved, Jiang Xinyu felt a bit relieved. The immediate difficulty had passed, yet she still couldn''t remember how this job ended up in Kong Mengjie''s hands in her past life and how she went mad herself.


    After sending off Kong Mengjie, Jiang Xinyu carried a bowl and went to Wang Ailing''s house to ask her to go to the cafeteria together.


    "Sis, I sold my job to Kong Mengjie for four hundred and forty-four yuan."


    "Haha, only their family could come up with over four hundred yuan." Wang Ailing said sarcastically.


    "Yes, now that I have money, I''m going to the county tomorrow. Sis, is there anything you want to eat?"


    "Take it easy; you''ve got a long way to go. Your frail little body still needs plenty of money to be properly nourished, so be mindful."


    "Sis, you''re right in educating me; I get it now."


    The two found a spot in the cafeteria today, and only left after finishing their meal.


    Just as they lit a fire, there was a knock at the door. When it opened, it turned out to be Village Chief Kong''s family of three. They invited them in.


    "Jiang Xinyu, we''re here to bring you money today." Kong Mengjie said with a sarcastic tone.


    "Thank you, there''s really no rush."


    Kong Mengjie hated Jiang Xinyu deeply. In exchange for these over four hundred yuan, her family agreed that she''d have to give fifteen yuan back to them each month for two years.


    Kong Zhongyou didn''t speak; the couple sat on the edge of the kang.


    Jiang Xinyu was very perceptive, quickly bringing in a kang table, placing it on the ground, and taking out paper and a pen to write a transfer agreement and a guarantee.


    After finishing writing, she handed it to Kong Mengjie. "See if there''s anything inappropriate, and I''ll change it."


    Kong Mengjie handed one to her dad, and they each finished reading before exchanging.


    "There are no issues." Kong Mengjie felt slightly at ease; at least this person wasn''t playing tricks. However, deep down, she thought even if given the courage, Jiang wouldn''t dare.


    "Since there are no issues, then everyone present should sign and press their fingerprints. After you give the money, I''ll write a receipt and give you the note opened by the county official."


    Kong Mengjie took out a red ink pad and four hundred and forty-four yuan from her pocket.


    All the banknotes, totaling forty-four, with four one-yuan notes, showed that the Kong Family indeed had money.


    Jiang Xinyu counted once, and Kong Mengjie cursed her internally, this poor appearance had no manners.


    Jiang Xinyu wrote the receipt and copied the guarantee and transfer document. Then all four present signed and pressed their fingerprints.


    She went next door and took the note out from the space. sea??h th�� n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Gave Kong Mengjie a copy, "Kong Mengjie, now this job is yours."


    "Humph!"


    Jiang Xinyu didn''t care about her attitude but smiled as she saw them off.


    After showering, she nourished herself before rinsing her mouth and going to sleep.


    Because she had things on her mind, Jiang Xinyu got up early the next day before dawn, dressed, and set off with a basket and water bottle, locking the door behind.


    This road she remembered well, always walked to school, how could it not be familiar?


    She had no idea of the current time, only walked until daylight, deciding to confirm the time no matter what, even if hidden at home, there had to be time, without it was truly troubling.


    Upon reaching the county, she went straight to the hospital, genuinely wanting a thorough check-up.

 Chapter 14 Cognition

    Chapter 14 - 14 CognitionAt the front to register, "Comrade, I want to have a health checkup."


    "Referral letter."


    Jiang Xinyu took out the referral letter from the village and handed it to the nurse.


    "What do you want to check?"


    "Comrade, I suddenly fainted a couple of days ago, which department should I go to?"


    "Fainted?"


    Jiang Xinyu nodded.


    "Young girl, in this current environment, fainting isn''t a big problem. You''re not getting enough nutrition, low blood sugar. Besides, you look so frail, nothing hurts? No injuries?"


    Jiang Xinyu: Truly a divine insight!


    "Today Doctor Wang is on duty, you should let her have a look at you."


    Jiang Xinyu asked for directions to Doctor Wang''s office, and went over, smelling the scent of traditional Chinese medicine from afar.


    When Jiang Xinyu came out of the consulting room, she truly felt like crying but had no tears.


    This body is already fifteen years old yet hasn''t had a period, how lacking in nutrition is that? Indeed, looking at the flat chest, it''s understandable.


    Coming out of the consulting room, she counted silently in her heart and quickly ducked into the restroom. No one was inside, she endured the nausea, took out her electronic watch, matched the time, then brought out a wristwatch. Actually, this watch looks quite rustic, and she thought about checking the watch section at the department store later to see if she could use it.


    It was already ten in the morning, she found the department store from memory, there weren''t many people inside, and Jiang Xinyu made one complete round. She bought a pound of kerosene for Wang Ailing''s family and another pound for herself.


    She bought ten boxes of matches, two of which were for the Wang family. She looked at the soap, which cost thirty cents a bar but required industrial vouchers, which she hadn''t brought. She bought a pound of caustic soda.


    This was still under purchase restrictions. Few people could afford soap and perfumed soap now, so they generally used this for washing hair and clothes.


    She also bought two pounds of salt. After much persuasion, they sold her two pounds. She saw brown sugar, and Jiang Xinyu couldn''t move away. With low blood sugar, she should supplement it properly. She had sugar in her space, but no brown sugar. There was once a time when white sugar was only two and a half bucks, so she bought two hundred pounds. But she really missed the brown sugar on special offer.


    "Comrade, does this brown sugar require tickets?"


    "Yes, sugar tickets are needed."


    Jiang Xinyu thought for a moment; she really didn''t have sugar tickets. Seriously, even with money, she couldn''t spend it. According to the purchasing power of this era, this 400 plus yuan could really last a long time.


    "Comrade, I want to see the watches. I wonder if there are any available?"


    "No, only the building in the city center sells them."


    "Thank you, thanks very much." S~ea??h the Nov��l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She then moved to the pastry counter. When she asked, she needed food tickets. Jiang Xinyu, who was used to living meticulously in her past life, genuinely didn''t want to part with them, so she resisted her craving and didn''t buy any.


    Coming out of the department store, it was almost eleven. Going back now felt really unwilling, so she gritted her teeth and decided to go to the city to take a look.


    She arrived at the bus station and got on the bus heading to the city, confirming that there would be a return bus in the evening at four o''clock.


    Four o''clock it is. Taking this chance to look around, who knows when the next opportunity to come out would be?


    There weren''t many people going to the city at this time, so Jiang Xinyu found a seat, and swayed along for an hour until she reached the city.


    Thinking about the elders in the village from her past life, they said they used to ride bicycles to the outside; they didn''t have the money to take the bus at all.


    But she didn''t have a bicycle either, standing out like a sore thumb. There wasn''t a single one in the village, so she certainly wouldn''t be the first to buy a bicycle. Besides, even if she had one, where could she go?


    Getting off at the city bus station, it clearly felt much more prosperous than the county, at least seeing three-story buildings.


    She had already inquired on the bus that the three-story building was the largest department store in the city.


    Jiang Xinyu didn''t go in directly. It was already past twelve, she had to eat something, too hungry and feeling dizzy.


    But being unfamiliar with the place, where could she go? She thought it over and turned into an alley. She put down her basket and leaned it against one side, squatting by the wall. This way, it conveniently blocked her. She didn''t dare to eat the meat buns. She had stored over a hundred in the past, and had eaten some before, needing to save them for later. Besides, eating those spring onion and meat-flavored buns might leave a smell. Being outside now, she better be honest.


    So she took out a big steamed bun, one of her own handiwork. She hadn''t steamed sugar buns back then to avoid getting fat, which she regretted now because she needed sugar the most now.


    She first drank a bag of milk, then ate the steamed bun in big bites. Who knew if anyone would pass by later?


    After finishing, she squatted a while longer before getting up.


    She carried her basket and wandered leisurely on the street. There weren''t many people out at this time, not sure if they were having lunch or at work.


    She wandered to the building; there was no midday break. It was just the staff inside, and Jiang Xinyu, like Granny Liu visiting the Grand View Garden, had to look at every counter.


    The first floor was for daily miscellaneous items. Jiang Xinyu satisfied her craving by just looking around; anyway, there was nothing she could buy. The second floor was for clothing and fabrics.


    The building had quite a lot to offer, after all, the standard of living in the city was better. The main industry here was coal mining, started by the British back then and preserved up to now.


    With many workers, money was more plentiful compared to rural areas, so supplies were correspondingly more ample.


    On the second floor, she saw bright white cotton, so tempting to look at, but she couldn''t buy it even without asking; it definitely required tickets.


    On the third floor were the counters for bicycles, clocks, hardware, and stationery.


    Jiang Xinyu went straight to the wristwatch counter. Seeing Plum Blossom watches inside, and ones from Tianjin, hers compared to these was really quite nice.


    How should she bring out this watch? Could it be she had to lie when going back?


    Jiang Xinyu was frustrated, lying was truly not a good habit, but if not, her watch would have no origin.


    She walked around without buying anything and went down to the first floor.


    She had to sell two bags of milk powder and malted milk essence, as a guise for nurturing herself.


    Neither required tickets, but they were certainly expensive. A pound of milk powder was thirteen yuan and two dimes, malted milk essence was seven yuan and eight dimes. There was no choice but to buy them.


    She bought two bags of each, then saw soy sauce and vinegar but had no containers.


    Sluggishly, she left the building. Even if she bought it now, she couldn''t use it. She didn''t have grain or the ability to cook.


    There was still a lot of time. She couldn''t foolishly wait at the station, so she went to the grain station.


    Jiang Xinyu was pleased this time. Although it was a disaster year, T City wasn''t too severely affected, and the grain station still had supplies, though no refined grains were available.


    Grudgingly, she bought two pounds of cornmeal, two pounds of sweet potato flour, and two pounds of sorghum flour. Seeing peanuts available, thinking about planting peanuts in the yard, she bought another two pounds.

 Chapter 15 News

    Chapter 15 - 15 NewsThe peanuts came with their shells, so back home it might not weigh two catties once shelled, but my yard isn''t big, so it should be enough.


    I asked the staff here for the location of the seed station. Since I''m here, can I buy some vegetable seeds to take back?


    But when I got there, I found out that the seeds weren''t sold to individuals. I came out disappointed, feeling lost on the street. Once again, I deeply realized I was in this era of scarcity.


    I might as well wait at the station, but what''s the use of wandering around? Even if I have money, I can''t buy anything without tickets.


    Passing by the waste site, I remembered how the heroines in time-travel novels always found treasures in waste sites.


    So she went in too. She saw the gatekeeper, remembered what novels said, and told him she wanted to buy books, only to be looked at with disdain, "Tell the truth."


    "Sir, I''m just looking to see if there''s anything I need. My family is poor, and it''s not easy to come to the city. City folks have money; maybe I can use what they don''t want."


    The old man glanced at this frail little girl and nodded in agreement. She was right. There''s really no supply in the countryside; there''s nothing that can be done about it.


    He promised to watch Jiang Xinyu''s basket, thinking this girl was quite bold to leave her belongings with a stranger.


    Jiang Xinyu entered the waste site, dumbfounded by how dirty and messy it was. With her slight germaphobia, she felt quite uncomfortable.


    She headed into the paper storage first; all she saw were old newspapers and books. There were no rare ancient books or calligraphy as described in novels. But she did find a few interesting novels, which were good enough. In winter, staying home and reading would be nice.


    She gathered over ten books and found a bundle of letters. They had stamps, which was interesting, but there wasn''t enough time. It would be better to buy new stamps at the post office rather than collecting these old ones here.


    Next door was plastic sheeting, but it was really too filthy. Jiang Xinyu didn''t have the courage to rummage through it. She had already seen it in the building, but without industrial coupons, it wasn''t for sale.


    Jiang Xinyu thought about buying it to patch the windows. The straw paper windows couldn''t hold up in winter.


    But they were all used by others, and back then, nothing was wasted. It wasn''t feasible to bring them back from so far and repurpose them.


    Disappointed, she left, ultimately choosing only the ten-plus books.


    "Two cents per book."


    Jiang Xinyu took out twenty-six cents and handed it to the gatekeeper.


    "What''s wrong, little girl?"


    "It''s about to get cold, but the windows at home are still made of straw paper."


    "You want to buy plastic sheeting?"


    "Yes, but that needs industrial coupons. Where could I get one? My family doesn''t have any workers."


    "I have one here; you can have it for fifty cents."


    "Sir, how much plastic sheeting can one industrial coupon buy?"


    "At most ten meters."


    "Thank you, sir. You''re truly a good person." Jiang Xinyu excitedly took out fifty cents and handed it to the gatekeeper.


    The old man gave Jiang Xinyu an industrial coupon, "Go buy it quickly."


    "Sir, I''ll come to visit you next time."


    Wang Delin didn''t take Jiang Xinyu''s words seriously and just nodded with a smile.


    Jiang Xinyu jogged back to the building. She bought ten meters of thick plastic sheeting with the coupon. It was 1.2 meters wide, more than enough for windows. She planned to give a couple of pieces to Wang Ailing and a neighboring family. She wouldn''t forget their kindness.


    She waited at the station for the last bus. This made Jiang Xinyu experience a familiar feeling from her previous life. People crammed together; it was winter, so there wasn''t much odor. Otherwise, Jiang Xinyu wouldn''t be sure if she''d have the courage to get on the bus. She couldn''t wear the basket, though she had already put away the milk powder and malted milk essence. There were still other things in the back, so she held it in front, which irritated many people, and the conductor glared at her several times. sea??h th�� N?vel(F)ire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Jiang Xinyu pretended not to see, using her past life''s experience of bus riding. She didn''t feel too uncomfortable despite the jostling.


    She finally arrived in the county at 5:30. There were too many people getting on and off along the way, so it took a long time.


    After getting off, Jiang Xinyu took a deep breath; she was dizzy from the bus ride. The gasoline smell was too strong, but even feeling dizzy, she couldn''t rest. She still had to hurry home.


    The further she walked, the quieter it became. She couldn''t see anyone, which made Jiang Xinyu''s heart uneasy, but she couldn''t stop.


    Gripping a fruit knife in her hand, it was to give herself some courage.


    Only after entering the village did she relax. In this era, people couldn''t even feed themselves, so there were no cats or dogs in the village. It was quiet.


    Feeling invigorated now, she jogged home. She lit the kerosene lamp and checked the time. It was now 9:15. It took three hours and forty-five minutes to get from the city to home. That''s really far.


    Only after getting home did she feel like she couldn''t even lift her legs anymore, but she couldn''t sleep on a cold bed. If she got sick, it would be troublesome.


    She resigned to her fate, sat down to boil water. She was really tired, but she was reluctant to use firewood and had to burn branches instead. However, sitting in front of the stove, watching the orange flames leap, she felt much warmer.


    She scooped out hot water to wash her hands, put some milk powder in a bowl, and found a packet of pickled vegetables. Such small packets of pickles were wholesaled at less than two cents a packet, so she had five boxes, five hundred packets in her space.


    Took out a sausage labeled as noodle accompaniment.


    Suddenly, she really wanted to eat instant noodles, so she indulged once, made a bowl, and added a sausage.


    After the instant noodles were ready, she took out a piece of mantou, tore half, and stored it in her space.


    This meal was the most satisfying Jiang Xinyu ate. Even decades later, she could still recall the taste of this night''s meal.


    After eating, she took a bath. She knew this habit wasn''t good, but it was too late, leaving no time to digest dinner.


    Today, she didn''t wash her hair, she was too tired. Her eyelids were about to stick together, she couldn''t keep her eyes open.


    After bathing, due to her little OCD, she still poured out the water before locking the door to sleep.


    Maybe she was too exhausted, as she didn''t dream at all during the night. When she heard knocking the next morning, she looked at her watch; it was already 7:30.


    Honestly, she really didn''t want to get up, but the knocking outside was relentless. She had to climb out of bed, roll up her bedding, and store it in her space. Then she put the watch on her wrist, which she had been planning throughout her journey yesterday.


    You could say the money was spent, making others less interested while also being convenient for herself.


    Wang Ailing was already anxious outside, finally hearing Jiang Xinyu''s response. She knew this girl would still take a while.


    Last night, her brother and she came over at eight o''clock, and the door to Jiang Xinyu''s house was still locked. They didn''t know what time she got back.

 Chapter 16 speechless

    Chapter 16 - 16 speechless"Sis, you''ve successfully woke me up from a deep sleep again."


    "I''m just worried about you."


    "Yes, yes, I know it''s all for my own good."


    "You never used to say anything before, now you''re so cheeky?"


    "I''ve grown up; I have to face life on my own."


    "Alright, no more talking about this, hurry up and freshen up, let''s go eat."


    When they got to the cafeteria, there was no shortage of people paying attention to her.


    When it was Jiang Xinyu''s turn to get her meal, Tian Shulan noticed a watch hanging loosely on the thin wrist that handed her the bowl.


    "Xinyu, is that a watch?" Tian Shulan''s voice made everyone in the cafeteria look at Jiang Xinyu.


    "Aunty, wasn''t it Kong Mengjie who gave me money the day before yesterday? I bought a watch yesterday when I went to the city," Jiang Xinyu said, shaking her thin arm with smugness. As she lifted her hand, the watch slid down almost to her elbow.


    "Xinyu, how much was that watch?"


    "Over three hundred. Luckily, I took all the money Kong Mengjie gave me yesterday; otherwise, I really couldn''t afford this watch."


    "Do you have a receipt for the watch?" Tian Shulan now understood Jiang Xinyu''s intentions. She regretted helping her stir things up.


    "Aunty, this watch didn''t need a receipt. It''s personal. The owner was short on money, so they sold it through the office building."


    At this point, Tian Shulan thought, no matter what, she had to continue this, let Jiang Xinyu''s reputation be ruined.


    "Now Xinyu is also someone with a watch."


    Jiang Xinyu squinted slightly. Although she achieved her goal, she couldn''t tolerate this tone.


    "Isn''t that right? I used to still be employed! If it wasn''t for Kong Mengjie coming to me to buy the job, I wouldn''t have the money to buy a watch? Aunty, the four hundred you gave me yesterday is almost spent in the city; things are expensive."


    The naive villagers cursed Jiang Xinyu for being wasteful; the cunning ones thought, isn''t the village chief''s family wealthy, being able to fork out so much money at once?


    Tian Shulan listened to Jiang Xinyu''s words, a pang in her heart, "Xinyu, you promised not to tell, you even wrote a guarantee."


    Jiang Xinyu nodded, "Yes, I wrote a guarantee, but I said I wouldn''t talk about it outside, didn''t say it couldn''t be mentioned in the village, right? We live in the same village, what can be hidden? Aunty, you''re too cautious; since you''re unwilling, I won''t speak of it in the future."


    Tian Shulan looked at the foolish Jiang Xinyu, maybe she was mistaken earlier; how could this fool be calculating? Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Jiang Xinyu held her porridge, walked over to stand by Wang Ailing, who was waiting for her on the side; neither spoke, they left with their breakfast.


    "Xinyu, did you really spend all the money?"


    "Mm, Sis, I also bought some plastic sheeting, let''s go to my place for a meal, after eating, I''ll cut out two pieces for your home to cover the windows with plastic sheeting, so it''s not cold in winter."


    "What are you going to do in the future?"


    "There''s a cafeteria; I won''t starve."


    "My dad says the cafeteria''s about to close."


    "Closing? What''s going on?"


    "My dad didn''t explain clearly, but our village still has grain, whereas places severely affected by disasters elsewhere have no food."


    "Then, it means we''ll have to fend for ourselves in the future?"


    "Sort of, you spent all your money, what will you do later?"


    "It''s alright, the country won''t let me starve," Jiang Xinyu spoke nonchalantly, but felt uneasy inside, deceiving her friend, perhaps?


    "You''re carefree, alright, no point in talking now, what time is it?"


    "Eight thirty-six."


    "Let''s go; we should collect firewood, or how will you get through the winter?"


    They arrived home, hadn''t even sat down for a meal when they heard noise in the yard.


    Jiang Xinyu stood up puzzled and went out, seeing more than ten people entering, led by a small-footed old lady.


    This was Grandpa''s brother''s family, not blood brothers, just paternal cousins.


    "Second Aunt, why have you come over?"


    "If I didn''t come, would you let this house be wasted?"


    Jiang Xinyu frowned, "The house is small, can''t fit everyone, anything to say can be said in the yard."


    "You dead girl, hurry up and get out, this house belongs to the Jiang Family; women have no right to live here."


    The old lady glared with triangular eyes, speaking viciously.


    "Haha, I didn''t know I couldn''t live in this house? Then fine, get the village chief over, if he says the same, I''ll set fire to the house and die outside, how about that? Let''s go ask together."


    The dozen people were startled by Jiang Xinyu''s words, especially seeing her fierce expression.


    The Jiang Family hated Jiang Xinyu to death, this job was given by the county head; they couldn''t do anything, it was enough to make them envious, unexpectedly this girl sold the job?


    It''s fine the job won''t fall into their hands; the money from its sale will be easy to talk about.


    So yesterday, the family came angrily, but the place was locked all day. Thought coming in the morning today, who knew this girl spent all the money, now the old lady couldn''t hold back, leading to this incident.


    After hearing her words, the plan wasn''t feasible.


    They couldn''t find the village chief; after all, their relationship was too distant, the old lady just wanted to scare Jiang Xinyu.


    Seeing this, the old lady immediately sat on the ground. Hitting her thigh, crying, "This heartless thing, my poor nephew, the nephew''s wife just left, this little X actually wants to ruin the family.


    To me, the elder, no respect at all, brutal killer."


    Wang Ailing then came out; she didn''t want to interfere in family affairs, but couldn''t help it, something was wrong the more she listened.


    Jiang Xinyu chuckled at Wang Ailing, "Sis, bring my breakfast out; I''m hungry."


    Wang Ailing was surprised at Jiang Xinyu; had she gone mad? But seeing her serious expression, obediently brought out her bowl of porridge.


    Jiang Xinyu didn''t find a seat, stood holding the bowl, smiling while sipping porridge.


    Nearby residents came over because of the commotion.


    Seeing the scene in the yard, everyone was stunned. This Xinyu''s heart must be big; the old lady sat crying, yet she''s sipping porridge?


    The old lady saw more people in the yard, got even more fired up, slap her thigh incessantly.


    Jiang Xinyu finished her porridge, scraped the bowl clean with chopsticks, then turned to bring it back indoors, washed the bowl clean. Then carried out a small stool, sitting on the side, watching the old lady make a fuss with amusement.

 Chapter 17: Live like this after 17

    Chapter 17: Live like this after 17The people who came to watch the commotion were speechless. Is this really just watching a commotion? Why do the involved parties seem more gossiping than the onlookers?


    The old lady looked at this dead girl, indifferent. She��s actually enjoying watching her own commotion?


    The abusive words came out. Jiang Xinyu heard the foul language, suddenly stood up, dashed back inside the house, grabbed a firewood knife, ran out, raised it high, and charged at the old man sitting on the ground throwing a tantrum, attempting to strike.


    Everyone was terrified. Wang Ailing instinctively hugged Jiang Xinyu��s waist from behind. "Xinyu, don��t be impulsive, don��t be impulsive."


    "Sister, let go. Today, none of the Jiang Family will leave standing. Killing one is worth it, killing two is a profit, or else they��ll kill me. Let go."


    The elderly sitting on the ground was frightened and stood up, mainly because Jiang Xinyu��s expression was too ferocious.


    "Xinyu, it��s not worth it."


    "Sister, it��s worth it. Since my parents passed away, these people haven��t shown up once. Now, when they hear there��s money, they can��t sit still? They want to throw me out, let me tell you. Even if I burn it all, I won��t give it to you."


    "Xinyu, Xinyu, don��t be like this."


    "I��ve had enough grievances. Today I��ll make them all leave horizontally. This is how I��ll live from now on. Whoever causes trouble, I��ll fight them desperately. What am I afraid of now? One person full means the whole family isn��t hungry. Barefoot is not afraid of wearing shoes."


    At this point, the spectators hurriedly left. This commotion isn��t worth getting involved in; this girl is truly crazy.


    The Jiang Family also slunk out, not because they feared this frail little girl, but because she was right - she truly is barefoot. Why abandon a good life at home? Why bother with her?


    "Don��t leave, don��t leave."


    She shouldn��t have said that; by saying so, the Jiang Family left even quicker, even the small-footed old lady flew like the wind. S��ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Let me tell you, if there��s a next time, I��ll perish together with you."


    Watching as the Jiang Family disappeared into thin air, Jiang Xinyu laughed out loud, "Sister, how did I do in my performance?"


    "You little brat, you scared me to death."


    "Sister, thank you for the cooperation, or else I couldn��t have performed alone."


    "You, now you��re famous. Who would dare to marry you in the future?"


    "Just what I want, sister, I think being alone is quite good. Come on, let��s go inside; I have some good stuff for you."


    The two went into the main room, Jiang Xinyu scooped some water and lit the fire. "Sister, hurry up and drink your porridge. I bought milk powder and wheat germ, let��s both have a taste today."


    "No need, keep it for yourself."


    "Sister, you��re treating me like an outsider. I see you as my role model, like my real sister."


    Wang Ailing clenched her back teeth, "Fine, I��ll have a taste of wheat germ too then, they say it��s very sweet."


    "That��s the spirit, sister, we��re lifelong sisters now; I will never harm you."


    "Alright, I also promise never to harm you."


    The water boiled. Each of them had half a bowl of milk powder and half a bowl of wheat germ.


    "Tasty, this is truly good stuff."


    "Yeah, sister, come by every now and then to satisfy your cravings."


    Wang Ailing just laughed. But inwardly she resolved to treat Jiang Xinyu well in the future.


    After drinking, Jiang Xinyu took out the two boxes of matches and a bottle of kerosene she brought back for the Wang Family. With Wang Ailing, she measured against her own window and cut out two sheets of plastic, "Sister, you deliver them home. I��ll come find you later."


    "Yeah, let��s go chop firewood." Wang Ailing pulled out twenty cents and handed it to Jiang Xinyu before leaving.


    Jiang Xinyu didn��t refuse either; this is business, a good friendship can��t be tainted by money.


    She tidied up simply, carried her basket and went out. At the door, she met the neighbor aunt.


    "Xinyu, are you okay just now?"


    Jiang Xinyu smiled nonchalantly, "I��m fine, aunt, I��m doing well."


    "Xinyu, if you act like this, they��ll exaggerate and speak ill of you."


    "It��s fine, aunt. At school, the teacher taught that rumors stop with the wise. Let them talk."


    "Sigh! How did you change so much, child?"


    "I had no choice but to change. Since I want to live well, I have to stand up for myself. Alright, aunt, I��m going to cut firewood."


    "Go ahead, but don��t wear yourself out. You��re still young and need to take care of yourself."


    Arriving at the Wang Family gate, she saw Wang Xiaolong equipped just like the two of them.


    "Brother Xiaolong, are you also going to pick firewood?"


    Wang Xiaolong laughed honestly, "I��m going to help you cut branches; you and Ailing are too slow, so you must pick enough quickly."


    "Let��s go, my brother is free today."


    Jiang Xinyu understood this was the Wang Family��s way to repay the favor of the plastic sheets, so she didn��t refuse.


    With a strong laborer, working is fast. By four in the afternoon, they cut fifteen bundles of branches. The young man carried three bundles each without a problem.


    Wang Xiaolong didn��t stay longer; after putting down the last batch of branches, he went home. Wang Ailing helped Jiang Xinyu spread them out in the yard.


    "Your wood shed is full, later stack them beside it. Next time we go to the village, buy some tar paper and cover it, even snow won��t be an issue."


    "Yeah, sister, next market day, we go to the market?"


    "Alright, we��ll go together. It��s gotten cold; we should buy some clam oil, or else the skin will crack."


    Wang Ailing helped spread them in the yard before going home to wash up.


    Tonight��s porridge is even thinner than before, even with less wild vegetables.


    "Sister, tomorrow let��s go to the mountains to see if there��s anything to eat? If it keeps being like this, we won��t have enough to eat later.


    Oh, I bought a few pounds of food yesterday, a couple of days later we��ll have a good meal."


    "Save it, let��s just hold on, when it��s unbearable we��ll eat."


    "I bought two pounds of cornmeal, two pounds of sweet potato flour, and two pounds of sorghum flour.


    Next year I��ll plant peanuts in this yard, I bought two pounds of shelled peanuts."


    "Save them, keep them all. Tomorrow my brother is going on a matchmaking, I��ll follow along."


    "Going as an advisor?"


    "Yes, it��s introduced by my grandma. Our whole family will go tomorrow."


    "Alright, I��ll go pick firewood tomorrow, once you��re free, we��ll go together. Just the two of us going deep into the mountains, I��m not confident."


    "Alright, I��ll find you when I��m back tomorrow."


    Tonight Jiang Xinyu replenished her nutrition, couldn��t sleep, thinking about the events of the last few days, realizing that if she wants to survive here, she has to live the way she wants; being pitiable doesn��t earn sympathy.


    Today was truly refreshing, in the past life, because of my own misfortune and low self-esteem, I was always submissive and timid, today��s incident made Jiang Xinyu realize that living differently, especially brazenly, is very gratifying.


    Though one shouldn��t be too high-profile, living in line with one��s ideas is possible too.

 Chapter 18: She of 18 past lives

    Chapter 18: She of 18 past livesEver since she crossed over, nothing had made her comfortable, but today she finally let out the pent-up anger in her heart. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Previously, she would see a black and skinny classmate who was slightly less attractive than her (in her own opinion, though her classmate had found a boyfriend in college while she remained single), yet this person was carefree. She used to wonder, why was she so confident?


    Now she finally understood that living without regard for anything was indeed liberating.


    Thinking about her past life brought tears to her eyes. She hailed from a rural village in the North, where her parents had given birth to her at eighteen. Dreaming of life elsewhere, they left to work in the South when she was just a hundred days old.


    Jiang Xinyu��s parents were quite good-looking; her mother was the epitome of a girl-next-door beauty, while her dad, despite his average looks, had a tall and well-built physique. However, Jiang Xinyu turned out to be an anomaly.


    Jiang Xinyu looked at her grandmother sitting opposite her, who bore an eighty-percent resemblance to herself, and realized she had inherited her traits from a generation skipping her parents.


    When she was one, her parents divorced, mainly because they couldn��t resist external temptations at such a young age, and both cheated.


    Her dad fared slightly better, as a wealthy woman around her grandmother��s age took him in, mainly because of his physical endurance.


    Her mom got involved with a big boss who was old enough to be her grandfather.


    The two reached a mutual agreement and swiftly divorced. Initially, her mom would still send milk powder and money monthly to little Jiang Xinyu.


    But when her mom returned "in glory" when Jiang Xinyu was two and saw the daughter she hadn��t envisioned, she went silent thereafter.


    Her dad was even more lax; he��d send money when he had it, but there could be gaps of two or three months without word.


    Thus, Jiang Xinyu grew until she was three. The village kids didn��t want to play with her, calling her ugly, and even then, Jiang Xinyu felt a sense of inferiority.


    She��d stay inside all day as her grandparents went to the mountains and fields, locking her at home.


    At that time, Jiang Xinyu was black and skinny; if seen at night, she might scare someone. So, nobody liked her or wanted to play with her. Her uncles and aunts treated her as if she were air.


    The family children bullied her, but perhaps because she never complained due to her inferiority complex, they felt bullying her wasn��t fun. So, they copied the adults and ignored her.


    Supposedly, she resembled her grandmother, so her grandmother should have liked her, but in reality, it was the opposite; her grandmother disliked seeing her mirror reflection.


    By age six, it was time for her to start elementary school. Her dad finally came through once, specifically calling to ensure Jiang Xinyu went to school.


    In the rural elementary school, there was a class of over thirty kids. She was the odd one out, and nobody wanted to look at her. The girl next to her was so frightened she had nightmares, and her family demanded the teacher change her seat.


    Thus, six-year-old Jiang Xinyu began six years of occupying a double desk all alone.


    Her grades were decent and usually among the top because she couldn��t be distracted to the point of going astray.


    These were minor issues, just childhood tests, but what was most unbearable was when she entered middle school; bad luck, misfortune sought her out.


    From small incidents like tripping and spraining her ankle, choking on food, and coughing after drinking water, to major ones like cars losing control or street fights.


    In her three years of middle school, Jiang Xinyu was on edge every day without fail. Because she was always anxious, her grades didn��t match her elementary school performance but were still okay �C ranking within the top fifty of a class of 560.


    Yet, she never became class monitor, a Youth League member, or a ��Three Good�� student �C nobody ever elected her.


    By the time she graduated middle school at fifteen, Jiang Xinyu had already become a young lady, though at home she was invisible. Her grandparents didn��t like her, though they didn��t skimp on her food.


    So, at fifteen, Jiang Xinyu was already 165 cm tall, inheriting her mother��s figure, with a girl��s curves starting to form.


    Her self-consciousness kept her head down, making her slightly slouched, which detracted significantly from her physique.


    She got into the city��s First High School, earning her family��s attention. Her dad was thrilled, even though he hadn��t graduated elementary school, because his daughter��s grades were so good he asked his boss for leave to see her.


    But misfortune struck �C on his return trip, her biological dad got into a car accident, spending six months in the hospital.


    Thus, any chance of competing for favor was gone, so he resented Jiang Xinyu, thinking she was the cause, destined to harm him.


    Therefore, in front of the family, he severed ties with Jiang Xinyu.


    At the time, Jiang Xinyu stood in front of her dad��s hospital bed with her head down, neither begging nor explaining.


    Seeing his child like that only made Mr. Jiang angrier, so he genuinely cut off all financial support.


    Jiang Xinyu had long anticipated this outcome, but when it truly arrived, she was rather calm.


    She spent twenty yuan on an ice cream cooler box, rode her bike peddling ice cream. She refused to let lack of funds stop her schooling.


    Though she was a dark-skinned girl, the wind and sun had darkened her skin even more.


    Her grandmother, unable to watch anymore, said that after raising a cat or dog for so many years, she had developed feelings.


    So, she told Jiang Xinyu not to go sell ice cream but stay home to study, promising to finance her education.


    Jiang Xinyu only shook her head and declined. Though still reliant on her grandmother��s help, she wanted to be self-reliant.


    Maybe bad luck forgot her, as she didn��t encounter any misfortune during those two summer months.


    She earned two thousand yuan in two months. It wasn��t a small sum; it was enough for a year��s living expenses, tuition, and book fees.


    The One High School required boarding, and Jiang Xinyu couldn��t be happier, eager for a new environment.


    But this time, fate��s malice was even more apparent. Jiang Xinyu never had smooth sailing; as long as there was bad luck, she��d be in its midst.


    Her grades were average, slightly better than typical girls, due to lack of external temptation.


    She was still the odd one out in class with no friends; even her male deskmate disliked her.


    Yet to Jiang Xinyu, these weren��t problems; she��d already become immune to such malice.


    On holidays, she didn��t return home, working in the city, washing dishes, handing out flyers, cleaning �C anything that paid.


    She slogged through three years of high school. Though she didn��t get into a top school like 985 or 211, she was admitted to a good Southern college.


    College also required tuition, but by then Jiang Xinyu no longer worried, having saved up ten thousand yuan.

 Chapter 19: Her Past Lives Before 19

    Chapter 19: Her Past Lives Before 19This money has truly been saved bit by bit. During school, lunch was one yuan, and breakfast and dinner were fifty cents each. Underwear and socks were replaced once a year. Besides the school uniform, she wore no other clothes, and her shoes were the cheapest cloth shoes.


    Jiang Xinyu got into college, her grandmother was delighted and especially called her father, but once he heard it was news about her, he hung up immediately.


    Nevertheless, the old lady was not affected. When Jiang Xinyu called again, she asked her to come home.


    The old lady prepared a new cotton quilt for Jiang Xinyu and secretly gave her a thousand yuan, but Jiang Xinyu refused to take any of it.


    Disappointed and angry, her grandmother returned to the city. Ten days before the semester started, Jiang Xinyu boarded the train.


    Fate didn��t let her off easy; instead, it became even more relentless. Her misfortunes were beyond imagination.


    Eighteen-year-old Jiang Xinyu was already accustomed to it. Even if she walked down the street and immediately fell into a sewer after someone passed by, she could calmly climb back out.


    Her college classmates came from all over, and people varied greatly. In high school, at least everyone came from the same city, and classmates were still innocent then. Although they excluded her, there was no real malice. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But things were different in college. Certainly, people wouldn��t openly ridicule her maliciously, and the girls even discovered Jiang Xinyu��s usefulness.


    One was by seeing her, they felt like they were the luckiest ones in the world. The other was using her as a contrast to enhance their beauty.


    Jiang Xinyu wasn��t foolish; she was very sensitive, especially sharp in discerning kindness and malice.


    Yet, she didn��t refuse the invitations from her classmates and dorm mates.


    It��s hard for a hero to make money with only one penny. The money she earned from her part-time jobs was hard-earned, and she was absolutely unwilling to spend it on external things. If someone was willing to improve her life, she certainly wouldn��t refuse.


    As for being laughed at by others, to Jiang Xinyu, it was no big deal.


    Gradually, her backbone started to straighten, revealing her good figure.


    But it was exaggerated when a rogue tried to assault her from behind, and when she turned her face, the rogue ran away scared.


    From then on, Jiang Xinyu��s heart was like still water, with no hope held towards men.


    In her freshman year, a space suddenly appeared. Subsequently, she only kept emergency money, and the rest was converted into supplies. Back then, she thought with her being so unlucky, what if an apocalypse really happened? Even without an apocalypse, what she prepared was necessary, all at special prices, serving as a money-saving strategy.


    Bit by bit, she filled the space. During her four years at college, she prepared food supplies, although not much, but they accumulated over the long years.


    After obtaining the space, she felt completely superior, ignoring the "sisters" in the dorm.


    She was isolated again; no one spoke to her, treating her as invisible.


    Every day, she hurried between the classroom, her job, and the dormitory.


    Though she still faced misfortune, since Jiang Xinyu became more open-minded, she handled it with laughter, and her bad luck decreased little by little, though not entirely gone, just slightly less.


    In college, her grades even secured her the lowest scholarship, so upon graduation, with good grades and work experience, she found a decent job.


    This way, her income stabilized and increased, but she still couldn��t let go of her part-time job, persevering as she did in school. Each month, she sent two hundred yuan to her grandparents in her hometown, a small sum but a token of her affection.


    The old couple lamented; they had three sons and one daughter, yet none compared to the devotion of the granddaughter who was neglected since childhood. They felt a slight regret in their hearts for not treating her better.


    Jiang Xinyu didn��t mind these things. While she didn��t have strong feelings towards her grandparents, they had raised her since childhood, and all she needed was a clear conscience.


    For her diligence and hard work, she was promoted to team leader. Her salary increased significantly. One evening, a motivational novel moved her with a line. After pondering for two days, she found it very true��life��s purpose isn��t just work. So she quit all her part-time jobs, freeing up a lot of time, and thus became more fascinated with online novels.


    In them, she found her passion, allowing her imagination to wander freely. Words held such charm, offering endless imaginative space.


    Her death would probably only sadden her grandparents, but she wasn��t afraid. Her hard-earned money was in the space, and as for the compensations and insurance from the company, she had already written a will; as long as her grandparents lived, a third would go to them, and the rest would be donated.


    Thinking of this, Jiang Xinyu praised her foresight again. Her hair dried, and she laid in bed, having been too engrossed, now unable to sleep at all, only able to browse the items in her space with closed eyes. This was the capital that allowed her to adapt quickly and survive here.


    One area of the space contained a hundred bags of fifty-pound rice, though from different origins and varying qualities, they were still rice. Thinking of fragrant rice made her mouth water.


    Beside it were fifty-pound bags of white flour, both premium and non-premium, with high and low gluten types all available.


    Next to the flour were a hundred bags of cornmeal, bought from rural areas and ground there. Corn was cheap then, at six cents a pound, with processing fees at one cent per pound. So, every week, she went to the suburbs and brought back one or two hundred pounds of cornmeal and corn grits.


    Millet and dried noodles were also available, two to three hundred pounds. Soybean oil, peanut oil, rapeseed oil, and salad oil, with each type having over twenty barrels.


    Soybean and peanut oils were freshly pressed at a countryside oil mill, while the rest were special offers from supermarkets.


    There were also over ten pounds of sesame oil? Oh, right, it was a company benefit.


    Looking at these food supplies, Jiang Xinyu felt even more secure.


    On the side were seasoning supplies like salt, alkali, yeast, vinegar, sugar, fresh milk, yogurt, sausages, instant noodles, spicy and sour powder, vacuum-packed cooked food, preserved meat, preserved chicken, preserved duck, eggs, duck eggs. With these, except for vegetables, she had everything she needed.


    This was foundation, thought Jiang Xinyu with grandeur, unable to calm her excitement enough for sleep.


    Local people lived lively lives; with a cheat code and knowing the course of history, how could she not live comfortably?

 Chapter 20: I control my own destiny.

    Chapter 20: I control my own destiny.Looking at all these supplies, I decided not to shortchange myself, so I sat up, took out a meat bun and a bag of milk, and had a midnight snack just before twelve.


    I hope I grow taller and gain some weight soon. Since this female friend hasn��t arrived, the doctor said it��s due to malnutrition. I need to make an effort. Even though this girl is so skinny she looks different, her skin is whiter and finer than mine. Her features are also quite pretty; at least she��s a little beauty.


    The bad luck from my past life shouldn��t have followed me here. I��ve been here for several days, and nothing bad has happened yet.


    This life is to make up for the regrets of the last. I didn��t have a man in my past life, not even a man��s embrace. So, in this life, I must find a tall man, not too handsome, and have two children.


    Thinking of this, Jiang Xinyu felt a little excited, but the plot from the book that suddenly popped into her head dampened her spirits.


    Transmigrating into a book isn��t bad after all, at least I know the outcome, which I can try to avoid.


    In the book, I��m just a helper for the female protagonist. Her success is because of my work.


    I don��t want to change anything. She is her own person. Her success is her own skill, as long as she doesn��t plot against me.


    Thinking of this, Jiang Xinyu squinted her eyes, still unable to figure out how Jiang Xinyu��s job in the book ended up in Kong Mengjie��s hands or how she went crazy.


    She had no clue about those things. But it shouldn��t be a big deal. Those plot points happened earlier, and a lot seems to have changed now.


    The same logic applies, as long as she doesn��t hurt me, Kong Mengjie can have her harem; it has nothing to do with me. But Wang Ailing must be saved. For her kindness to me, I can��t let her marry the man who has a white moonlight in his heart.


    Anyway, now that I��m here, I definitely won��t live like a lunatic as the book wrote.


    I want to enjoy life. My destiny is in my hands, not in heaven��s. From now on, I��ll follow my heart, confront what I don��t like, solve what wrongs me, and if someone can��t see reason, then just deal with it directly. I��ve found it��s much more enjoyable to act than to think.


    No more looking around cautiously, just live life straightforwardly.


    As for how to live in the future, Jiang Xinyu really has no ideas, just let nature take its course, but try to avoid danger as much as possible.


    This era has its survival laws. But no matter what, one should live low-key.


    Especially since I have a big secret. While I��m still young, taking care of my health is key. I don��t want to be famous, nor live above others, just an ordinary life is fine.


    In the past life, it was all scheming and climbing up the ladder every day. Absolutely avoid that this life. Having died once, I know better the preciousness of life.


    Jiang Xinyu suddenly felt her heart open wider, as if standing apart from the secular world, liking this feeling and enjoying a sense of superiority and disdain for the masses.


    Perhaps it was the milk. Gradually she felt sleepy.


    She was woken up by the sound of knocking the next morning, but this time Jiang Xinyu opened her eyes with a smile. She briskly sat up, tidied herself, and hurried to open the door, knowing it must be Wang Ailing outside, no one else knocked like that.


    "Xinyu, hurry up; I still need to leave after breakfast."


    "Okay, do you want to borrow my watch so you don��t miss the time?"


    "No need, it��s sunny today, I can tell the time by the sky."


    Jiang Xinyu didn��t say much more. She wasn��t one to insist falsely. Since she didn��t need it, that was that.


    The two of them went to the canteen, and once again Jiang Xinyu became the center of attention. She wasn��t quite used to it, felt like she was on the headlines every day.


    Yesterday, her fierce side deeply impressed people. Everyone knows the Jiang family��s daughter went crazy, daring to chop at people with a knife. It��s best to stay away from her; why risk peaceful days? Porcelain can��t clash with clay pots, better avoid losses.


    Breakfast was as thin as last night��s. Even though everyone was dissatisfied, what could you do? Even a clever woman can��t cook without rice, without grain, what can be done?


    Jiang Xinyu thought it would be tough for the village chief, realizing the village reported false production, so the storage hardly had any grain left, otherwise, they wouldn��t be drinking thin porridge so soon.


    But that��s not her concern, and she doesn��t have the ability to save everyone. The big environment is like this; who can shake and change it?


    The two girls held their bowls and found a seat in the canteen to eat.


    On the way home, Wang Ailing reminded Jiang Xinyu, "You can��t go deep into the mountains alone. Wait for me to come back. I��ve already told my brother, and when he��s free in the next couple of days, he will take us up the mountain."


    Jiang Xinyu nodded eagerly, "Sis, I know, I definitely won��t go deep into the mountains, I��ll just gather firewood today. Go early and come back early, and I hope brother Xiao Long has success in the matchmaking."


    Wang Ailing laughed. This version of Jiang Xinyu is likable, much better than the little girl who always kept her head down.


    Jiang Xinyu returned home, cut two pieces of plastic sheet, and delivered them next door. It��s important to maintain neighborly relations, after all.


    Liu Manquan��s wife held the plastic that Jiang Xinyu handed over, feeling uncomfortable, blaming herself for not helping yesterday.


    She resolved to look out for this girl more in the future. Watching her head to the mountain with her basket, she quickly told her son to gather firewood and deliver it to the girl. It must be two goods joining as one; this girl isn��t a fool.


    Jiang Xinyu still went to the valley; there were many branches she could chop and she even discovered several dead trees with fungi, which she collected.


    The branches were all stored in the space; now she needed to prepare some leaves, they were easier to light. She needed to gather more.


    She ate a bun, two sausages, a meat bun, and drank two bags of milk. She also had a handful of milk candies and chocolates.


    She was like a little mouse, happily sneaking snacks. S��ar?h the n?vel_Fire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    That way, she didn��t feel too tired. One should live in joy; working in such a joyful atmosphere felt especially vigorous.


    After storing over ten baskets of leaves, she shouldered a basket to head back.


    Before she left the mountain, she ran into Zhou Lihong who was gathering firewood. Zhou Lihong gave a snort, full of disdain for her.


    Jiang Xinyu smiled good-naturedly, not wanting to lower herself to the level of the dim-witted. This fool later worked at the textile factory after the heroine became the factory manager. What happened in between was unknown, but the end result was she got pneumoconiosis.

 Chapter 21 prominent names

    Chapter 21: 21 prominent namesJiang Xinyu looked at Zhou Lihong with a gaze reserved for children throwing tantrums.


    "Madwoman, what��s that look in your eyes?"


    "Madwoman?"


    "Yeah, not only are you a madwoman, you��re also a fool, a wastrel, a jinx, an ugly monster, greedy for money."


    "Tsk tsk tsk tsk! You must have taxed your brain to come up with these names. Zhou Lihong, if you were this clever in school, maybe you wouldn��t have been demoted a class?"


    "Jiang Xinyu, what gives you the right to talk to me like that, you wastrel? You guys study well not because you��re smart, but because you have good parents who let you focus on studying. What about me? I have to get up early and work hard all day just to go to school, doing all the chores at home.


    If I had your time, I wouldn��t be worse than you.


    Additionally, Kong Mengjie graduated from junior high because she has a good family and capable parents. How about you? What do you have? For so many years, you��ve just been bleeding your parents dry, what do you have to show off?"


    Jiang Xinyu truly looked at Zhou Lihong with new respect, surprised that this big sister could say such things?


    "Yes, I��m terribly ashamed."


    Seeing Jiang Xinyu��s guilty expression, Zhou Lihong suddenly didn��t know what to say. Although she looked down on Jiang Xinyu, it was just verbal jabs; she didn��t really want to expose wounds.


    "Let��s go, let��s go back together." Jiang Xinyu noticed Zhou Lihong��s awkwardness. This girl was alright, at least her nature wasn��t yet spoiled.


    "Hmph, who wants to go with you? I��m afraid you��ll suddenly snap and hack me." With that, she arrogantly quickened her pace ahead, clearly drawing a line.


    Jiang Xinyu stood behind and shook her head. That mouth.


    Walking steadily on the way home. Upon arriving, she found five or six bundles of branches at her doorstep. Jiang Xinyu wondered who brought them.


    It definitely wasn��t misplaced; they were stacked right at her doorstep. Who could have made such a mistake?


    She went next door and knocked. "Auntie, who brought these branches?"


    "Qiangzi, come out, help Xinyu carry the branches inside.


    Xinyu, I had your Brother Qiangzi chop these branches for you. You have a small frame, shouldn��t do too much heavy work. As a woman, you can��t shortchange yourself in life, otherwise, you��ll understand when you��re married."


    "Thank you, Auntie, and thank you, Brother Qiangzi."


    Qiangzi scratched his head honestly. "No need, it��s not tiring."


    Just two trips and he placed the branches in the yard. Jiang Xinyu locked the door, then summoned in her space the branches and dead trees she gathered today.


    The yard was full of branches, but Jiang Xinyu knew these wouldn��t be enough to burn. Winter was too cold; the only option was to keep the kongs burning to keep the house warm.


    After washing her hands and face, she carried her bowl and went to the canteen.


    The canteen was crowded today, the village chief was there, "Everyone, don��t go back yet, I have something to discuss with you."


    Jiang Xinyu figured it was about the grain. She really had no opinion on it; whatever opinion one has now, what can you do?


    Not allowed to leave, she stayed to listen. Joining future group activities was essential to not seem out of tune.


    She looked around but couldn��t find Wang Ailing. Not back yet?


    Standing in line at the back, someone tapped her shoulder. Turning around, she saw Wang Ailing. "Sis, you��re back?"


    "Yeah, I��ll come to your house later."


    Jiang Xinyu nodded with a smile. "The village chief said there��s something to discuss later, told everyone to stay."


    Feeling speaking like this with Wang Ailing wasn��t convenient, she looked at the two kids behind her in line. "You two go ahead of me."


    They didn��t hesitate and switched places.


    "I brought you eggs. Was planning to have them with porridge at home."


    "An extra meal tonight is better."


    The two took their turn to get food. Jiang Xinyu felt it was even thinner than the morning. But she didn��t say anything; she had her own resources and wasn��t about to squabble over food with them.


    With more than a thousand villagers present, the canteen was cramped, so the two squeezed into a corner. "Xinyu, let��s drink porridge here, or else if it��s cold, it��ll be even harder."


    Jiang Xinyu didn��t mind, just tilted her head and gulped from her bowl.


    After eating, Jiang Xinyu considered asking for some water to rinse her bowl but was stopped by Wang Ailing. "Just stay calm, risk bumping into someone and it��ll be a mess."


    Kong Zhongyou watched as everyone finished eating, excluding the children.


    "Ahem! I attended a meeting in the town today; there��s an announcement. When our big canteen was initially set up, it was entirely voluntary, and everyone agreed to its establishment. However, due to the nationwide calamity, most areas have no output, but we are better off here. At least after submitting our public grain, there��s some left.


    The commune��s stance is that currently, it��s impossible to ensure everyone is well-fed. Today, the village chiefs were called to convey this, if the canteen runs out of grain, then solve it ourselves; we must not hold back the country."


    "Village Chief, does that mean there��s no grain left for our canteen?"


    Kong Zhongyou nodded, "Yes, the canteen now has less than a thousand jin of grain left."


    "Village Chief. That��s not feasible, we didn��t get a single grain this year. Without the canteen, what do we eat? Northwest wind?" S~ea??h the ��ov��lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Everyone quiet, I understand your feelings. I went to the town last month to ask for relief grain, but it��s the same condition nationwide, and the country can��t spare any.


    Our village is still relatively better off; the other villages in our town are already without any grain to cook."


    Living in the same town, everyone knew this news already but didn��t believe it, couldn��t accept it, perhaps?


    "Informing you today, and tomorrow, we��ll distribute grain. One jin per laborer, six liang per child. That��s all there is."


    The canteen fell silent, deathly silent. No one spoke.


    What good is one jin of grain? It��s just enough for a day��s meal, what��s next?


    "Village Chief, when will the relief grain come?"


    Kong Zhongyou shook his head, "In today��s meeting, someone raised this, but the town chief didn��t have an answer; it��s not just our village��s issue."


    "Tomorrow we finish eating, what about the day after?" Someone persistently asked.


    "I have no solution either, no grain myself, just have to wait."


    Hearing this, the canteen burst into an uproar. After understanding the situation, Jiang Xinyu wanted to leave, but Wang Ailing held her back, "Wait, don��t stand out, why attract attention now?"


    Jiang Xinyu had to endure continued listening. It was the same words, over and over rearranged.

 Chapter 22 Give Up

    Chapter 22: 22 Give UpKong Zhongyou stood at a high point and looked at everyone��s expressions. He was there to inform them, not to negotiate, as this was already a settled matter.


    "Alright, everyone go back. There will be no breakfast tomorrow. We��ll start distributing food at the brigade headquarters at eight o��clock."


    Jiang Xinyu immediately wanted to move as she heard this, but was blocked and couldn��t get out.


    What��s going on? Even if you stand here all night, the result will be the same. There��s no food left, and silent protest won��t change anything.


    "Sigh! Let��s go, there��s nothing else we can do. We��re lucky to still have dried melon and dried vegetables. I am powerless, I really have no other solutions," Kong Zhongyou sighed in the end.


    Jiang Xinyu was short, and she didn��t know who moved first, but she noticed the person blocking her way had moved.


    She followed and slowly moved. Going home quickly, staying here is pointless.


    Wang Ailing didn��t speak the whole way, this girl was quite affected.


    Jiang Xinyu forcefully pulled her to her own home, "Sis, boil some water."


    Wang Ailing finally calmed down. There��s nothing to be done, it��s like this for everyone. What��s the use of getting worked up?


    She took an egg out of her pocket and handed it to Jiang Xinyu, "Xinyu, I need to go home."


    "Wait a minute, have a bowl of malted milk. They say that being able to eat sweets when you��re upset is the happiest thing."


    "Xinyu, you should keep it."


    "Look, your old habit is acting up again. I keep telling you, don��t be so distant. Don��t dwell too much on it. After the food distribution, we��ll go up the mountain; maybe we��ll find something edible. As long as we��re alive, there must be a way, right?"


    Wang Ailing was persuaded, she sat down to light the fire, while Jiang Xinyu washed the bowls. Two bowls of malted milk were prepared, and the sweet aroma filled the room.


    "This smell is really wonderful. Let��s each have an egg as well."


    "Yes, people always say ��live in the moment,�� so today we have food, let��s put it in our stomachs.


    Sis, I always believe that only food eaten really belongs to you."


    After eating, Wang Ailing went home, and Jiang Xinyu continued to boil water and fetch water. After taking a bath, she sat on the bed in a daze.


    From now on, she can��t wash her hair too frequently. Mainly because the weather is getting colder and getting a cold is no joke. Although there are cold medicines and antibiotics in the space, there aren��t many. She doesn��t want to get sick. If only there was electricity, she could use the hairdryer that she has stored. Sigh! Just bear with it.


    Thinking of the chocolate in the space, she immediately craved it. In the end, she couldn��t resist the temptation and took out two pieces to eat.


    She shouldn��t overindulge in replenishing herself, otherwise when others have no food, her rosy complexion would be hard to explain. Living is really difficult; there are too many considerations.


    Yesterday she was too excited to sleep well, but today she fell asleep as soon as she got into bed.


    Early the next morning, she got up to boil water. She mixed sweet potato flour, sorghum flour, corn flour, and from the space, she scooped out a ladle of white flour and used yeast to make dough. The food distribution would probably take half a day, and she would steam buns when she returned.


    The dough bowl was placed into the pot and covered with the lid. There was residual warmth, so the fermentation happened quickly.


    Then she took a turn around the yard. The branches were still too wet, so collecting firewood could wait.


    When Wang Ailing arrived, Jiang Xinyu was in the cellar carrying a bag. She hadn��t closely examined it that night, but inside the cellar, there was a big jar with several kilos of soybeans, some raw sweet potato slices that can be ground into flour and a sack containing over a hundred pounds of corn kernels.


    "Sis, see, I still have stocks at home."


    "Yeah, I have some as well, plenty of dried melon. My mom said after you finish what the brigade gives out, she��ll bring you some."


    "No need, it��s just me at home, and I have bought grain too. Your family is bigger, and you still need to get Brother Xiaolong a wife, there��ll be more mouths to feed."


    "Sigh! Getting a wife seems out of reach now.


    Enough about that, quickly take your measuring cup and get some grains."


    "Sis, hang on. Help me get the corn kernels up. It��s too hard for me alone."


    "Xinyu, your uncle was really resourceful." Wang Ailing admired the sack of corn kernels but had no other thoughts about it.


    "Yeah, but they left, otherwise I��d be a happy princess."


    "Alright, stop thinking about it. When will you grind the corn kernels? I think the best would be late at night, so as not to attract attention. S��arch* The N??eFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Tomorrow I��ll call you, and let my brother help, it��ll be quick. But tonight you should sprinkle water on the corn kernels."


    Jiang Xinyu nodded, she was really being taught. She truly didn��t know she should sprinkle water. However, the two of them naturally agreed on avoiding being noticed.


    The two moved the corn kernels up, Jiang Xinyu in the cellar, Wang Ailing on top.


    "Xinyu, do you have any vegetables?"


    "Yes, inside the cellar. I have cabbage and radishes, nothing else."


    "Hmm, that��s fine, I have plenty of vegetables too, I was thinking of bringing you two cabbages."


    "No need, sis, I have enough, you don��t worry."


    The two carried the sack of corn kernels into the room and then went to the brigade headquarters with their measuring cups.


    More than half the people were already there, and the atmosphere was particularly heavy, so much that even the two who had been talking stopped.


    Jiang Xinyu looked at her watch, it was five to eight. The village chief, the captain, and six team leaders had already moved out the grain. There were two scales next to them, also belonging to the public. Sometimes they were used to sell collectively gathered vegetables, eggs, and other items.


    The line was naturally formed; Jiang Xinyu was at the back.


    At exactly eight, the food distribution began. Each household came to collect their share, being distributed based on family units.


    Someone weighed, and someone bagged. It wasn��t just one type of grain; there was cornmeal, sweet potato flour, and each household received two pounds of white flour. Originally, the plan was to distribute the white flour on New Year��s Eve, but after discussion among the leaders, they decided to give it all out at once. At this point, what is there to reserve?


    Each person received one pound according to specific allocation criteria: adults received cornmeal, while children and the elderly received sweet potato flour.


    After collecting grains, they could go to the side to collect dried melon and sweet potato slices. Not much, each person only received one pound; children and the elderly received the same amount.


    When Jiang Xinyu��s turn came, Kong Zhongyou looked at the record book, "Two pounds of cornmeal, eight taels of sweet potato flour."


    "How come she gets two pounds of cornmeal when it��s just her alone?"


    Kong Zhongyou coughed, "Da Zhu and his wife both worked for a year. Even though they left, there��s only one child left at home, half-grown. We can��t be heartless."


    Jiang Xinyu squinted her eyes, Kong Zhongyou really didn��t want to let her live peacefully.

 Chapter 23 give up

    Chapter 23: 23 give upThe dead are honored, Kong Zhongyou brought up the dead, and even the dissatisfied ones couldn��t say anything. But what they thought in their hearts could be imagined.


    "Village chief, I know you mean well for me, and the community looks after me, but the more it is like this, the more I can��t take advantage of everyone. My parents are gone; I don��t want their share. We are in difficult times now, and we should work together to overcome these challenges."


    I may be small and weak, but I still want to contribute my share. I remember everyone��s kindness in my heart."


    After hearing Jiang Xinyu say this, those who were dissatisfied earlier felt embarrassed instead, and their expressions showed a hint of awkwardness.


    "Xinyu, it��s fine, you should keep it." Kong Zhongyou persuaded.


    "Village chief, I really can��t take it. Just give me what is due, thank you."


    Upon hearing this, Kong Zhongyou stopped urging her. Over there, the team leader, Zhou Jiaxing, Zhou Lihong��s father, weighed out six ounces of sweet potato flour and poured it into the container Jiang Xinyu brought.


    Why is it called a container? Because the capacity of this tin container is one liter.


    Jiang Xinyu went to the side and divided a pound of dried sweet potatoes and another pound of dried squash.


    She brought the food home and saw the dough hadn��t risen yet. But she couldn��t wait; she would steam it when she returned in the evening. She picked up her basket, took a machete, a rake, and went to find Wang Ailing.


    Their family was in line before hers, so the siblings had packed their things and were waiting for her.


    The three didn��t laugh and chat along the way; they quickly headed to the mountains.


    The boys were more familiar with Dashan than they were.


    Wang Xiaolong led the way, with Jiang Xinyu and Wang Ailing following behind. Now entering the mountain, Jiang Xinyu felt like talking. She approached Wang Ailing, "Sister, I��ve made dough rise; I��ll steam buns tonight and bring them to you."


    "You little wastrel, why are you steaming buns when you should be eating porridge like the canteen does to last a few more days?"


    "I��m craving them, just this once."


    "You��ll be living on your own in the future; you need to be more thrifty."


    "Listen for me knocking the door at night."


    "You should steam them in the middle of the night; it��s safer that way."


    "Okay, I��ll do that. Once they��re steamed, I��ll bring them to you and ask you to help me push the millstone."


    "Okay." Wang Ailing didn��t refuse. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Jiang Xinyu checked the time; they had been walking for over two hours and hadn��t arrived yet?


    "We��ll be there soon, don��t worry." Wang Xiaolong seemed to sense their anxiety and comforted them.


    The trees had become noticeably dense, and there were more fallen branches underfoot, along with many wind-blown logs. Others couldn��t take them back, but I could come on my own in a few days and collect them. This would save a lot of time cutting branches.


    Jiang Xinyu looked around curiously; it was all trees and nothing edible.


    "Ahead there��s a small valley, let��s go there. But remember, you two shouldn��t come here if there aren��t many people."


    Both nodded, and suddenly Jiang Xinyu saw a grey rabbit run by.


    "Brother Xiaolong, there are wild rabbits here."


    "Yeah, but they��re hard to catch. Those rabbits are cunning."


    Ten minutes later, they arrived at the valley Wang Xiaolong had mentioned. It was similar to the one Jiang Xinyu had visited, except the opposite mountain wasn��t barren. (Barren mountain here means all stone.) The mountain wasn��t steep and had plenty of vegetation.


    "Alright, you two look around but don��t stray too far from me."


    The three advanced in a triangular formation. Jiang Xinyu found many mountain greens which were edible; if it could be eaten, it should be taken back. No one had been here yet, but once people realized, it would be like locusts passing through.


    After more than an hour of searching, they didn��t find much.


    Slowly climbing up the slope, Jiang Xinyu finally discovered wild yams, and there was a large patch.


    "Brother Xiaolong, sister, come quickly, there��s something good here."


    Hearing her, Wang Xiaolong and Wang Ailing rushed over. They saw densely frost-bitten vines on the ground with many small beans attached.


    "Xinyu, what��s this?" Wang Ailing asked.


    "Sister, these are wild yams, a kind of herbal medicine. Like sweet potatoes, they are edible tubers. I��ll dig them up and show you."


    Jiang Xinyu put down her basket, took out the machete, cut the vines, and started digging.


    Soon, the chunky yam stalks were revealed.


    "Sister, this is it. It can be boiled in porridge to become tender. You can also steam it, fry it, or cook it in stew."


    "Xinyu, let me do it; you don��t have the strength."


    Jiang Xinyu immediately stood up and moved to the side. "Brother Xiaolong, be careful not to snap it."


    Wang Xiaolong nodded, well aware of this even without Jiang Xinyu��s reminder.


    Like sweet potatoes, they come in clusters, and soon they dug up one plant and filled half a basket.


    The three of them were excited. Wang Xiaolong had brought a machete, and Wang Ailing joined in. With nothing else to do, Jiang Xinyu wandered nearby and discovered that the patch of wild yams was indeed extensive.


    Wang Xiaolong, having spent long periods in the mountains, was very experienced and had brought two burlap sacks. In two hours, they filled the baskets and two sacks. It was already after 3 p.m.


    "Let��s go; we��ll come earlier tomorrow." Wang Xiaolong said, covering the excavation site with vines.


    Seeing this, Jiang Xinyu understood his intent to keep the loot to themselves, which she liked.


    Though it seemed like a full basket, it wasn��t much due to the long yams that had to be placed vertically. Even so, Jiang Xinyu put in a lot of effort before she managed to stand up.


    "Xinyu, can you handle it?"


    "Yes, absolutely, let��s go."


    Following Wang Xiaolong, Jiang Xinyu leaned closer to Wang Ailing, "Sister, tomorrow we��ll focus on digging, and later uncle and aunt can come and carry them in the afternoon. I have a flashlight at home, something I scavenged from the scrap station on my last visit to the city."


    "All right." Wang Xiaolong answered before Wang Ailing could.


    Carrying the basket made their pace much slower than when they came, which was fine as they didn��t have to worry about encountering people.


    They returned to the village at 7 p.m.


    Wang Xiaolong��s parents had been worried. Seeing their son and daughter return safely put their minds at ease.


    On the way, Jiang Xinyu had told Wang Ailing how to prepare the yam in porridge and specifically reminded her that the juice would make her hands itch when she peeled it, but it was harmless.


    Back home, Wang Ailing had her mom heat the fire while she peeled the yams. An hour later, the family was enjoying yam porridge.


    Wang Jianqiang said, "This is really good stuff. It means we can get through the year in peace."


    "Dad, Mom, Xinyu said she has a flashlight. Tomorrow the three of us will start digging, and you and Mom can go over at night so we can bring it back without being noticed."

 Chapter 24 Discovery

    Chapter 24: 24 Discovery"Alright, let��s do it this way. Let your mom go with you to dig, I��ll come to the mountain and look for you when it��s almost dark."


    "Dad, it��s that valley you took me to." Wang Xiaolong told Wang Jianqiang.


    "Alright, I know, you two are tired from a whole day, quickly go back and sleep."


    Wang Ailing washed up and fell asleep on the bed. Luckily, she didn��t have to grind corn in the middle of the night.


    Jiang Xinyu returned home, put the basket in her space, then went down to the cellar, took out the basket, and piled the yams inside the cellar.


    Today was tiring enough, but seeing the dough that had already risen in the basin, she resignedly steamed buns so she could boil water and cook at the same time.


    She took out the steamer, cleaned it, put a cloth in, and placed the prepared buns inside, filling the steamer both top and bottom.


    This way, tomorrow will be better than today, won��t have to starve again like today, it��s so painful.


    Jiang Xinyu also steamed an egg custard using two eggs for herself. The eggs she had weren��t many, around over a hundred pounds, bought in batches when eggs were cheapest at two yuan fifty per pound.


    Looking at the three hundred pounds of pork, only able to salivate, the stew was so fragrant but really didn��t dare to cook it. The brigade still had a few pigs to be handed over, hopefully, she could get some and then seize the opportunity to stew some more to enjoy later.


    Actually, buns also had a fragrance, but Jiang Xinyu��s luck was still good, tonight was windy, so nobody came.


    After the buns were cooked, though looking pitch black, she broke off half and tasted it, it was still alright.


    Egg custard with buns, and a piece of ham sausage; this dinner was quite well arranged.


    Finished off the remaining half simply with sugar, making it even more delicious.


    After eating, she didn��t wash her hair, just simply washed her neck, face, and feet. Seeing the blisters on the soles, she truly felt she was tough.


    Forced herself awake at six-thirty the next morning, brushed teeth, washed face, ate a bun from her space, drank a bowl of milk powder. Found a cloth bag, packed ten buns inside, placed them in the basket, this was today��s meal.


    Thought for a moment and cut a piece of pickled vegetables, didn��t slice them but cut into five pieces, to nibble on later.


    Filled the kettle with water, still using yesterday��s equipment, left the house at seven.


    Wang Ailing and the two met midway, "Xinyu, I was just looking for you, my family made porridge, come over and have a bowl."


    "Sis, I brought buns. We don��t have to starve today."


    Entering the Wang Family��s house, their house was bigger than her own, they had a proper six-room house. The layout was better than her own, plus two wing rooms.


    "Xinyu, come inside for porridge."


    Jiang Xinyu didn��t refuse, put her basket in the yard, took out the cloth bag, and entered the house.


    "Auntie, these are the buns I steamed last night, try them."


    "Xinyu, save them for lunch." Wang Ailing took them and set them aside, "This morning��s yam porridge is already good, better than the cafeteria��s vegetable porridge, and thicker."


    After five people finished eating, Wang Jianqiang let the two girls go first, as their pace was slower, Wang Xiaolong and his mom would catch up.


    Jiang Xinyu found it amusing, kind of like underground parties.


    The two chatted and laughed, greeting villagers they met.


    "Are you two going to gather firewood?"


    "Yes, nothing to do now, gathering more wood saves us from being cold in winter." Wang Ailing replied with a laugh.


    After they entered the mountain, within ten minutes Wang Xiaolong and his mom caught up, the four quickened their pace, and today Wang Family also brought four small hoes which were likely more useful than machetes.


    The four started digging at ten, Jiang Xinyu was the slowest, but she was doing her best.


    "Xinyu, no need to hurry, take your time, we��ll split the yams evenly."


    "Auntie, that��s not necessary, I can��t eat so much alone."


    "Just take it."


    "Really, no need Auntie, just give me one-third when it��s done." Jiang Xinyu had understood Wang Family��s character, they wouldn��t bother to take advantage.


    "Just take half."


    "Auntie, if you give me half, I won��t come tomorrow, I don��t want any."


    "You child, alright, give me the key, I��ll take this basket directly to your house."


    "Great Auntie, I��m really benefiting here."


    The three women joked and laughed but didn��t delay their work.


    At noon, Jiang Xinyu called the others to eat, giving each two big buns and a piece of pickled vegetable.


    The Wang Family didn��t stand on ceremony, wanting to get closer, skipping the formalities was best.


    After eating, let the two girls pack baskets and bags, while Wang Xiaolong and his mom continued working.


    This is the good thing about rural folks, as long as there are benefits, they��ll really go all out.


    The two packed four baskets and ten bags they brought along. Then they didn��t rest and continued digging.


    It wasn��t until four in the afternoon that Wang Jianqiang arrived carrying a basket, his basket also had bags.


    The Wang Family of three each carried a basket with two bags on top; must be over two hundred pounds?


    "You two don��t need to rush, just pack all the bags." Wang Jianqiang instructed them before leaving.


    Jiang Xinyu hurriedly handed over a flashlight and her house key. These were surplus items she bought when she stayed as a student in high school, nowadays, it��s aluminum flashlights.


    Watching the family of three leave, the two didn��t rest, promptly packed bags, as there��s still daylight to secure them.


    After packing, "Xinyu, take a break, I��ll continue digging."


    "Sis, no need, I can still hang on."


    "Didn��t expect you with those little arms and legs to be good at working."


    "For this tasty meal, I must persevere, let��s work."


    Actually, Wang Ailing wanted to go back to deliver the yams together, but was refused by Wang Jianqiang, he really wasn��t assured about leaving Jiang Xinyu alone. Her family had only her left, and mistake couldn��t happen again. S��ar?h the ��ovelFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The two dug another two hours, it was incredibly dark by now.


    They helped each other wash hands with water, Jiang Xinyu handed Wang Ailing a bun, "Sis, eat it, so you won��t feel weak later."


    "I��m not eating, my parents and brother will return later, give them each one."


    "It��s okay, we can each have one and still have three left, let��s munch."


    Wang Ailing was truly hungry, knowing there��s enough for her family, she didn��t hold back, took it, and nibbled little by little. It was quite cold at night in the mountains, earlier while working they didn��t feel it, but now sitting still after sweating, they realized their backs are chilly.


    "Sis, this is not okay, it��s too cold, let��s gather branches, I have matches, we need to make a fire. If we catch a cold, it��ll be bad."

 Chapter 25 Harvest

    Chapter 25: 25 HarvestThe two little girls, mustering their courage, picked up a lot of branches in the dark. Fortunately, the moon was full tonight, otherwise, they would have suffered.


    Finally, they managed to light a fire and sat around it. The intense physical labor of the day left Jiang Xinyu feeling exhausted, but the yams on the ground couldn��t be carried back in one go.


    It��s really worrisome; if she were alone, she��d just wave her hand, and it would all be packed up.


    "Sis, tomorrow we can dig all of them back home in one day. The day after, I absolutely need a rest; I really can��t take it anymore."


    "How about you don��t come over tomorrow, either?" S~ea??h the Nov��l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "How could I not? I don��t want to gain without labor. Don��t worry, I can hold on until all the yams are home."


    "Xinyu, it��s just twenty days until the twelfth lunar month, I wonder if we can get some meat this year?"


    "Sis, don��t say it. Just thinking about it makes me drool."


    "I��m drooling too."


    "Sis, how about we go hunting rabbits in a few days?"


    "I doubt we��ll catch any. My brother hasn��t caught even one all year."


    "Let��s try. If it doesn��t work, we��ll dig up wild vegetables. I actually wanted to make cabbage-filled buns yesterday but was too tired, so I just steamed some buns."


    "Xinyu, when will this kind of life ever end?"


    "Sis, be content. Haven��t you heard? We are better off than others; the disaster outside is even more severe."


    "I really think it��s a pity you sold your job."


    "It��s not a pity, really. That job was bad for health. Last time I went to the hospital, I specially asked the doctor, and he told me that wearing a mask couldn��t avoid it.


    People live to eat, but if you get sick, can you still eat? Health is the most important."


    Wang Ailing did not speak; she couldn��t get over this hurdle in her heart.


    "Sis, let me tell you, if you��re looking for a future husband, don��t find someone who works at the textile factory. Though life might be good in the short term, what about later? I��m afraid the money earned won��t be enough for medical bills."


    "You always talk about things without any backing; can official county workers find wives in our rural area?"


    "Why not? Maybe there��s something wrong with the man; he can��t find a wife nearby, so isn��t it just right to find one far away in the countryside?"


    "Hmm, you make a good point. Who wants to be the sole breadwinner for a family? When a rural girl marries into the county and doesn��t have a job, life wouldn��t be easy. Xinyu, I didn��t expect you to understand things so clearly."


    "Of course, I��m one of those who rarely understand things. I just didn��t like to talk much before."


    "Your parents gave you the right name. I heard from my mom that you weren��t called Xinyu before; it wasn��t until you were two or three and still weren��t speaking that your parents asked someone to name you that."


    "Really, I didn��t know that?" In the dark night, the two kept talking to bolster their courage.


    After more than an hour, seeing a distant light, they knew it was the Wang Family returning.


    It was below zero that evening, yet the three of them were sweating profusely.


    Wang Ailing promptly handed the warmed buns to her family.


    After eating, "You two come back with us; it��s too cold. Don��t get sick; no one else will come over at this time," Wang Jianqiang said, concerned for the two girls.


    So this time, the five of them left together. Jiang Xinyu could already barely carry one basket, let alone adding a sack, it was simply impossible.


    She couldn��t keep up with the family��s pace, "Uncle, you go ahead, I��ll follow behind, it��s fine. With the moon, I can see the road."


    In the end, Wang Ailing stayed with her. The other three walked on ahead.


    The two of them lingered far behind, but Jiang Xinyu struggled hard, not lagging too far behind.


    As they were about to enter the village, the flashlight in front went out; Jiang Xinyu immediately understood that they were afraid of being discovered.


    Sun Ermei carried a basket into the Jiang Family��s house, meeting them at the village entrance, and whispered, "You two don��t need to go along; we��ll manage two more trips somehow."


    Jiang Xinyu had reached her limit, took the keys, "Auntie, I really can��t move anymore."


    "Head back. Lingzi, you go cook. We��ll come back to eat and then go again."


    As the two were about to part, "Sis, I��ll go home and cook."


    "No need, I also need to start the fire; I��ll cook porridge."


    "Okay, there are still buns at home, enough for tomorrow��s lunch."


    Luckily, at this time, no family in the village could afford dogs, otherwise, it couldn��t be kept secret.


    Jiang Xinyu returned home, forcing herself to start a fire and boil water, otherwise sweating later would be troublesome.


    Once the water was hot, she washed up a bit, saw there were over ten buns left, saving her from having to make more. That��s all for tomorrow.


    In one breath, she ate two big meat buns, rested for a while, and then drank a bowl of hot malted milk. Looking at the clock, there was still time, so she decided to take a bath now, otherwise, she��d have to wait for others.


    With her hair dry, there was movement in the yard; Jiang Xinyu hurriedly went out.


    "Xinyu, lock the door and sleep; I��ll bring the last trip over tomorrow morning."


    "Okay, Auntie, don��t tire yourself out too much."


    After Jiang Xinyu locked the door, she returned to the room, took out her phone, set the alarm for six o��clock, and fell asleep immediately, without knowing what insomnia felt like.


    The next day, when the alarm rang, Jiang Xinyu tried twice before sitting up.


    It was still dark, but she had to get up. She had to store the yams from the yard into the cellar. Jiang Xinyu thought to herself, this truly is a case of people dying for money and birds dying for food. She gathered the yams into her space, went down to the cellar, and let them out.


    Hearing sounds from outside, she guessed it might be the Wang Family, and hurriedly opened the door.


    "Xinyu, I was worried you might not be up; why don��t you come to our place for porridge? Your sister Lingzi is almost done cooking it. I��ll help you put the yams into the cellar."


    "Auntie, only the basket you brought over hasn��t been stored yet, I put away the ones I brought last night."


    "You girl, what time did you sleep?"


    "It��s fine, I can handle it myself. Auntie, you go back for breakfast; I won��t come over, I��ll just have a bun and malt milk."


    "Alright, don��t rush. We��ll definitely finish it all today," Sun Ermei explained and hurried off.


    Jiang Xinyu locked the door, stored the yams again, went down once more, then returned inside to boil water and wash.


    She steamed the buns from yesterday again, so they wouldn��t be too hard to eat at noon.


    She ate a bowl of instant noodles and a bun, quite a big meal. After eating, she tidied up the house.


    Stacking two baskets together, she carried them to the Wang Family��s place.


    They had already finished eating, and today Sun Ermei stayed behind, leaving with Wang Jianqiang. After all, he was getting older and a bit worn out.


    It was still early, so the four of them left together.


    Half of the yams on the mountain were still left. They started earlier than yesterday, but even though they dug faster, it would still take until evening to transport them back.


    By two in the afternoon, they had almost finished digging all the yams in this area.

 Chapter 26 Harvest

    Chapter 26: 26 Harvest"Xinyu, do you know how to save seeds from these mountain yams?" Wang Jianqiang asked while smoking.


    "Uncle, I don��t know either, but these things grow on their own. I think next year we can come and directly plant the mountain yam stalks." Jiang Xinyu and Wang Ailing were picking mountain yam beans.


    "Alright, shall we try it next year?"


    "Why don��t we save seeds now?"


    "Sis, in this disaster year, if discovered, we can��t keep them. It��s safer for us to come and work hard next year to plant them."


    "I hadn��t really thought of that." Almost two hours later, Sun Ermei came over carrying a basket. The three of them were the first batch again.


    Today, Jiang Xinyu and Ailing got smart and quickly picked up branches while it was still daylight, to avoid suffering at night.


    "Sis, I��m going to take a look nearby. You keep picking."


    "Okay, don��t go too far."


    Jiang Xinyu walked up the mountain and really found a pepper tree, "Sis, bring a bag over here, there��s peppers. Let��s pick some."


    The two of them had a bit of a ��plucking chicken hair�� attitude, picking everything they could reach from the tree.


    "We��ll continue coming here tomorrow. Lots of good stuff in these mountains."


    "Sis, I��m definitely resting tomorrow. You and Brother Xiao Long come."


    "Okay, I��ll bring you back something good."


    It got dark, and the two of them sat by the fire roasting buns. They tasted pretty good this way, not as hard, and had a grain fragrance wafting out.


    For the second round, they followed the same operation as yesterday.


    Jiang Xinyu��s dinner was still meat buns, couldn��t help it, she craved them too much. There was vacuum-packed chicken drumsticks, but the quantity was too small, she resisted eating them.


    After bidding farewell to Sun Ermei, Jiang Xinyu directly collected the mountain yams from the ground. Tomorrow, she��s going to sleep in naturally. With the low courtyard wall, leaving them out like this isn��t safe. After tidying up, she went to bed, deciding not to open the door no matter who knocks tomorrow.


    The next day, no one really came knocking. Jiang Xinyu slept until after nine, stretching in the bedding. If she ignored the icy kang, it was truly comfortable.


    She got up lazily, tidied up the bedding, and then went to boil water and wash up.


    Feeling like eating rice, but looking at the aluminum basin, she didn��t have the courage to use it. So, she took out her lunchbox to steam some rice.


    She also steamed an egg custard for herself and took out a vacuum-packed boneless roast chicken. Life is truly beautiful.


    After eating to her fill, she lay on the kang to digest. She wasn��t going out today.


    Feeling sleepy, she covered herself with the blankets again and continued to sleep.


    She slept until two in the afternoon, feeling her bones soft. Ate a bun and the remaining half of the roast chicken, then entered the cellar, lit a candle, and sorted out these mountain yams.


    Jiang Xinyu estimated there were over a thousand pounds. Grinning broadly at the heap, she put the unblemished, straight ones into her space. The broken ones were to be taken out, steamed over a fire to eat tonight. Though there��s no blueberry jam, there��s yogurt and sugar to mix with the yam puree, it should taste good.


    There were only about a hundred pounds left in the cellar, much safer in the space where they can be preserved, without the worry of spoilage.


    Once she was out of the cellar, it was already past three. No bath tonight, she would steam the yams over the fire.


    The gate was knocked on, and Jiang Xinyu opened it to see Wang Ailing.


    "Sis, did you harvest anything today?"


    "Didn��t go, my mom told me to rest for a day. What were you up to? I��ll bring you that basket of mountain yams tonight."


    "No need, I can��t manage to eat that much alone. Don��t refuse. Is this really necessary?" Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Alright, shall we go up the mountain again tomorrow?"


    "Sure, let��s check if there are other seasonings tomorrow?"


    I��m steaming yams. Sis, want to take some?"


    "My family is steaming yams too, you keep yours. I��ll come by to call you tomorrow."


    In the evening, Jiang Xinyu ate the coveted yam puree. Indeed, the taste was truly good.


    Exhausted, having slept so long during the day, Jiang Xinyu was sleepy again by nine.


    The next day, she cooked eggs for herself. Actually wanted omelets, but the smell would be too big, truly not daring to do it, her stomach still lacking oil.


    Bun, milk, egg, the breakfast was hearty.


    When Wang Ailing came over, she informed her that Wang Xiaolong had already gone to the mountains.


    Today they didn��t discover anything, not even seasoning, but the three weren��t disappointed. People should know when to be satisfied. The food had already been brought home, even if nothing more was found, they were content.


    The three returned home and chopped firewood for Jiang Xinyu again.


    They discussed not going to the mountains tomorrow, but visiting the market.


    "Sis, come call me tomorrow."


    "Hm, don��t need to get up too early. There��s actually not much good stuff at the market."


    "I��m going to buy tarpaulin tomorrow, the leaves in the yard should be stacked together now."


    Back home, she stacked the branches next to the firewood shed. This way, leaning against two walls, it was less likely to fall.


    She cooked herself some frozen dumplings, with three-ingredient filling, ate them with happiness, feeling like the happiest person.


    The next morning, it was again buns, eggs, milk. Jiang Xinyu felt if she continued like this, in less than a month, she��d gain weight.


    Today, she needed to steam buns again; the stock in space was low, perfect for winter with frequent fires, meaning lots of steaming.


    Wang Ailing knocked on the door, and the two set off with baskets. On the way, they encountered many people, all heading to the market, not mainly to buy things but to join the fun.


    After a one-hour walk, they arrived at the township market.


    Jiang Xinyu was looking at the freshness, unsure if there were grains for sale at the market.


    Quite disappointed, seeing a crowded area from afar, only to realize there weren��t many sellers upon arrival.


    Well, it��s a disaster year, who��d be foolish enough to sell grains? That��d be risking their life.


    After a stroll, Jiang Xinyu bought two baskets, one large and one small. Also two large wooden basins. After much negotiation, they agreed to have it delivered home, but Jiang Xinyu had to buy two small basins too.


    They had a pushcart, a few extra steps for them, but it would be impossible for the two girls to carry them home.


    Also went to the supply and sales cooperative, bought ten meters of tarpaulin. The salesperson kindly let them put the tarpaulin on the pushcart.


    Once home, the delivery person left after collecting the money. Jiang Xinyu planned to fill the large basins with buns.


    For the following days, Jiang Xinyu kept steaming buns and sugar buns. Although the fragrance of food was evident, it wasn��t too much, just noticeable to the neighbors, but there was no reaction from them.


    Three days later, Jiang Xinyu was fully rested, went to find Wang Ailing, asking her to help grind cornmeal the next morning.


    She also planned to make some cornbread and corn buns for emergencies, not liking them, so she��d make very little, just for emergencies.


    Wang Ailing was in much better shape than Jiang Xinyu, having gone to gather firewood for two days again.

 Chapter 27 Growing Grass

    Chapter 27: 27 Growing Grass"Okay, are you planning to grind it all?"


    "Let��s keep half."


    "I��ll come find you tonight and teach you how to pour water on the corn kernels."


    "Sis, are you going to the mountains today?"


    Wang Ailing shook her head, "No, I��m staying home to help my mom wash and dismantle the cotton clothes."


    Jiang Xinyu returned home, took up the tools, and went up the mountain herself. Mainly to gather leaves. She discovered yesterday that at night, when the fire was almost out, stuffing a stove full of leaves made the kang warmer than the previous days.


    Because she wanted to smuggle some, she went to the small valley again, and by the time she was about to leave in the evening, the leaves on the ground were all cleaned up.


    When she got home, she laid out the leaves, and only then had time to tidy herself up.


    The water was boiling, and Wang Ailing arrived. Jiang Xinyu saw her pour half a bag of corn kernels into a large wooden basin, then scooped out two ladles of boiling water, poured them into the basin, and mixed them evenly by hand before covering it with a pot lid.


    "At midnight, we��ll go grind the corn, just load it into the bag. But the cornmeal we bring back must be dried.


    I��m leaving, I��ll come over tonight with the cart."


    It was only midnight when Wang Ailing came over to knock on the door, and the two worked at the stone mill at the east end of the village.


    Pushing the grinder was laborious work, and the two took turns. It took an hour to finally grind half a bag of corn kernels into cornmeal.


    At Jiang Family, "I��m taking the cart back. I��ll bring the big sieve over tomorrow morning to help sift out the corn husks." Wang Ailing instructed and pushed the cart back.


    Jiang Xinyu spread a piece of plastic on the kang table, poured out the cornmeal, which was a bit damp and shouldn��t be left covered too long. Doing this little bit of cornmeal feels like being a thief, it��s really not easy.


    She drank a bag of milk, ate two boiled eggs, and then lay down to sleep.


    At nine in the morning, Wang Ailing came with a big sieve. Watching her handle the sieve, Jiang Xinyu also tried, but couldn��t manage it at all.


    "You��re not controlling your strength well, and the amplitude is not enough. Forget it. I��ll do it. Watching you struggle is tiring."


    "Sis, you can��t be like this, you think you can do everything better yourself and look down on others�� work. If you continue this way, you��ll just get more tired in the future." Jiang Xinyu advised the girl not to be so strong-willed.


    "I know this principle. If it were someone else, I wouldn��t even bother with them."


    "Thank you, sis. Where did you buy this big sieve? Why doesn��t my family have one?"


    "This big sieve costs fifteen yuan, a valuable item, available at the market, but not every time." S��ar?h the N??eFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Next time I��m at the market, I��ll definitely buy one."


    After the cornmeal was sifted, Wang Ailing laid the plastic directly on the kang, so it spread evenly and dried quickly.


    "Xinyu, a lot of people gathered around the stone mill today, all guessing who had corn, so be careful."


    "Hmm, I guess that��s news, right?"


    "Don��t take it lightly. What if they find out you have grain and come to borrow some?"


    "If someone comes to borrow, do I have to lend it?" Jiang Xinyu said nonchalantly.


    "You make it sound so easy. If everyone in the village comes to borrow and you don��t, no one will talk to you later. And if you lend to one and not another, it causes conflict."


    "I get it. It��s about relationships, I need to be mindful of that.


    I have to hide my own things."


    Wang Ailing didn��t bother with her. Sometimes she thought Xinyu was too smart, but then at times like just now, she seemed like a fool. Something so obvious, yet she couldn��t figure it out.


    The two drank some malted milk before going to gather firewood.


    The village kids are always busy, no need for adults to tell them.


    Today, instead of gathering leaves, each carried a bundle of branches back, of course, Wang Ailing��s bundle was twice the size of Jiang Xinyu��s.


    Life went on like this for a week in preparation.


    Now in the village, not many idle people are outside. They all grouped up and went to the mountains to find food. Living people can��t be stifled by urine. Rural people have no regrets about using their strength; as long as it gives them food, no matter how exhausting, they��re willing.


    The two went up the mountain every day, but didn��t follow the crowd into the deep mountains. It��s not that they didn��t envy what the villagers brought back, but people shouldn��t be too greedy. They already had food, so they shouldn��t go and seize more.


    Now Jiang Xinyu��s courtyard had half a yard of branches, enough to burn through the winter. Her physical condition was also much better than when she first got there.


    She felt that she��d gained some weight. She no longer felt dizzy when she got up from squatting.


    "Xinyu, you��ve changed a lot."


    "Changed? How?"


    "Your face looks fuller, and you seem much more energetic. I think even your height has increased."


    Jiang Xinyu touched her face, "Sis, am I standing out too much? Everyone��s starving, and I��m gaining weight?"


    Wang Ailing nodded.


    "I can��t. I need to go out and buy some food from outside, then there��ll be an explanation."


    "Going to buy food��it may look good on the surface, but what if shameless people come to borrow, then what will you do?"


    "Moral blackmail?"


    "What?"


    "It means if someone comes to borrow, and I refuse, they��ll think I��m heartless."


    "Yes, that��s what it means."


    "Even so, I still have to go out. The portion of grain given to me was gone a long time ago. If I can eat without food, it��s obvious I��m hiding grain.


    Besides, I can��t starve myself because of others�� opinions, can I?


    Sis, want to come with me? Shall we visit the city?"


    "I need to ask my mom. Wait for my news tomorrow." Wang Ailing, though only fifteen, was mature, yet also had a playful spirit.


    Sun Ermei listened to her daughter and nodded in agreement, "You two be careful, but make sure to get a permit first, otherwise, you won��t even be able to get on a bus."


    She came over excitedly to find Jiang Xinyu, but saw her clutching her stomach, pale-faced, lying on the kang.


    "Xinyu, what��s wrong?"


    "Sis, I think my period��s coming. Can you help me make a sanitary cloth?"


    "You never had it before?"


    "No, I��ve never had it." Jiang Xinyu said weakly.


    "Okay, I��ll make one for you. But first, I��ll boil you some water; drink more hot water later."


    Jiang Xinyu wasn��t in the state to care about anything else, her stomach throbbed painfully, and her forehead was sweating.


    Once the water boiled, Wang Ailing made Jiang Xinyu a cup of milk powder. "Drink it while it��s hot."


    Jiang Xinyu struggled to sit up, holding the bowl with both hands, sipping slowly, watching Wang Ailing sit cross-legged on the kang making her a sanitary cloth.


    In reality, she had sanitary pads in her space, but she still needed this as a cover, as it��s the product of this era.


    "Sis, I��m running low on toilet paper."

 Chapter 28 Ready

    Chapter 28: 28 Ready"I��ve got some at home, but not much left. I��ll bring some over this afternoon."


    "It��s alright. In a couple of days, we��ll go to the city to buy some. I should have enough. Sis, did Aunt agree to let you go to the city?"


    "She agreed, but given your situation, you can��t go now. We��ll talk about it later."


    "Yeah, I have to wait for a few days. I really have no energy right now."


    "Xinyu, do you think the village chief will give us an introduction letter?"


    "He should be able to. Once I��m better, we can go and ask."


    "My mom told me that women have to be careful during these days, should avoid anything cold, or else it��ll hurt terribly each time.


    Also, my mom is nice to me, she always lets me use toilet paper, but in our village, many people use ash."


    Jiang Xinyu shuddered and dared not think further.


    After Wang Ailing left, Jiang Xinyu used the remaining hot water in the pot to wash, then put on a sanitary pad. She also drank a cup of thick sugar water.


    Her stomach felt less painful than earlier. In her past life, she was healthy and never experienced menstrual pain. Since coming here, she was particularly careful as she had not started menstruation at fifteen. She rarely touched cold water, hoping to take care of herself, as this is a lifelong matter.


    She wanted to try living a married life, something she didn��t get to experience in her previous life.


    She lay out the bedding and soon fell into a deep sleep.


    Upon waking up, feeling much better, she boiled some water and drank a big bowl of sugar water. Her body naturally had low blood sugar, and her blood pressure was likely low, too. Now with her period, she needed a good supplement. Red sugar would be perfect.


    This is how Jiang Xinyu spent her days in almost pig-like comfort; Wang Ailing didn��t have much time to always be with her. Fortunately, she��d picked up some books from the city last time; otherwise, she would have been too bored.


    Having been accustomed to life online, the lack of entertainment here made Jiang Xinyu genuinely uncomfortable.


    For a month prior, she was busy improving her life, anxious about the future, always occupied, never contemplating any worries. Now idle, she found time difficult to endure. Wang Ailing didn��t come every day, just visited Jiang Xinyu in the morning and evening to help draw water, providing someone to talk to.


    Five days later, Jiang Xinyu finally got through it. People are just strange; when feeling overwhelmed by work, she thought a day off would be nice.


    But when she actually stayed inside for days, she didn��t feel comfortable.


    "Xinyu, you��ve changed again."


    "What do you mean?"


    "Next time, buy a mirror. I can��t quite explain it, but you seem like a grown lady."


    Jiang Xinyu, due to her previous life��s looks, never bothered to prepare a mirror. After crossing over, there was no time given, so she hadn��t really taken a look, only seeing her reflection in the water when washing her face.


    "Really?"


    "Yeah, and you��ve actually grown taller. You used to be half a head shorter than me, and now we��re just a finger��s width apart."


    Jiang Xinyu chuckled foolishly, "Seems like the good stuff didn��t go to waste."


    Having suffered appearance-wise in her previous life, if she could become moderately beautiful in this life, that would be perfect.


    "Sis, let��s go find the village chief for an introduction letter. Tomorrow we��ll stroll around the city."


    "It��s almost dark, let��s open the letter tomorrow and visit the day after."


    "It��s fine, it��s better to go at night. Do you have plans tomorrow?"


    "No, let��s go." Actually, Wang Ailing didn��t like going to the Kong family. The second brother of the Kong family used to bother her, and there were small conflicts between the two families, so she tried to avoid them.


    Jiang Xinyu didn��t know about Wang Ailing��s situation; if she did, she might understand why the books depicted Wang Ailing in such a bad light.


    The two arrived at the Kong family, the main gate was open, and Jiang Xinyu called out loudly from outside, "Is the village chief home?"


    "Here, Xinyu, Lingzi, come in." Kong Zhongyou heard the call and came out to see the two, warmly inviting them inside.


    "Village chief, we��ve come so late. We��d like you to prepare an introduction letter for us. We want to visit the city.


    Last time, I bought ten pounds of food from the city, and I still have ten pounds of food tickets. I was thinking of seeing if there��s still any food for sale."


    "Are both of you going?"


    "Yes, village chief, I��m going to the city to buy some things," Wang Ailing spoke up now. She couldn��t let Xinyu speak alone when asked.


    She wasn��t afraid of the Kong family, just genuinely didn��t want to interact with them.


    "Xinyu, you��ve eaten up the ten-plus pounds of food over these twenty days, haven��t you?" Otherwise, she wouldn��t be thinking of buying more food. Really not prudent, knowing that the county head gave her twenty pounds of food tickets, yet unaware of saving and rationing.


    "Yeah, ate it all up. If I don��t buy more food, there won��t be even porridge to drink the day after tomorrow."


    "Alright, I��ll prepare one letter for both of you."


    "Thank you, village chief."


    The room was dark, so Kong Zhongyou lit an oil lamp, took out paper to write the introduction letter, stamped it with the village seal, and handed it to Jiang Xinyu.


    "You two girls need to be careful for your safety."


    Jiang Xinyu received the introduction letter and happily nodded, agreeing to the advice.


    The two parted ways on the road after leaving the Kong family, each heading home.


    Jiang Xinyu was quite excited about going out tomorrow. Even though she knew there wasn��t much to buy, she was still very eager.


    Because of excitement, she woke up at six the next day. Today, she didn��t lounge in bed, got up right away. She boiled water for washing, heated two corncakes, cut some pickled vegetables, and waited for Wang Ailing to come over to eat together.


    At six-thirty, her buddy arrived. "Sis, eat up, I��ll go make the milk powder."


    Wang Ailing looked at the two bowls with golden corncakes on the table, genuinely wanting to eat.


    It��s been over two months since she had any.


    "Don��t just stand there, hurry up. After eating, we still have to walk to the township to catch the bus."


    The excuse on Wang Ailing��s lips was swallowed back. Ultimately, she couldn��t resist the temptation of good food.


    After they finished eating and cleaned up the house, Jiang Xinyu stuffed a few yams into her basket, planning to see if she could exchange them for tickets.


    "Xinyu, why are you bringing yams?"


    "No particular reason, just thought if I could trade them for something or sell them, it��d be great."


    "Does anyone want them?" Wang Ailing asked uncertainly.


    "Try and see, and besides, you��ve eaten them before. They can be food substitutes."


    "Xinyu, if you sell the yams, what will you eat later?"


    "It��s okay, I��m not planning to sell much. Just thinking about buying stuff in the city, and I don��t have tickets. If the yams could be exchanged for tickets, that��d be perfect." sea??h th�� n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Now Wang Ailing didn��t object; Xinyu was speaking the truth. If the yams could really be exchanged for tickets, then maybe her brother could get married this year. Last time, her brother seemed quite fond of that girl.

 Chapter 29 ticket exchange

    Chapter 29: 29 ticket exchangeThe two were much faster, partly because after a month of training, Jiang Xinyu��s pace had improved, and partly because Wang Ailing walked quickly, leading them to move faster.


    They arrived at the town an hour later. The two chatted and laughed as they waited at the stop. They decided to head straight to the city, not wanting to waste time here.


    After waiting for half an hour, Jiang Xinyu started to feel cold before the bus finally arrived.


    An hour and a half later, they reached the city. It was already ten in the morning.


    "Xinyu, you came here last time. I was here last year. Where should we go?"


    "Sis, let��s wander around first and see if anyone wants to buy mountain yams."


    "Where shall we wander?"


    "Around the supply and marketing cooperative, since a lot of people buy vegetables there, or the grain station, which should work too."


    Wang Ailing had no objections, so the two carried their baskets to the supply and marketing cooperative. Not many people were there shopping at this time.


    Jiang Xinyu felt no embarrassment as she lifted the snake-skin bag covering the mountain yams in the basket, revealing the yams inside.


    "Xinyu, does this work?"


    "Let��s try, I don��t know." Jiang Xinyu felt unsure.


    "Isn��t this too showy? I heard it��s not allowed to privately buy and sell."


    "Sis, we��re not privately buying and selling." Seeing Wang Ailing��s disapproving look, Jiang Xinyu covered the yams again and picked up her basket.


    "Sis, let��s change places and go to the grain station; there should be more people there."


    Seeing the bustling grain station, Jiang Xinyu knew they��d picked the right place.


    "Sis, you wait here for me."


    "What are you going to do?"


    "Nothing, just going to ask around. You wait here for me." Jiang Xinyu headed towards an old lady with an air of elegance.


    "Ma��am, I��m from the countryside, I��ve got mountain yams here and want to exchange for some tickets. Do you need any?"


    "Mountain yams?"


    "Yes, they��re in my basket. Do you want to take a look?" Judging from the old lady��s tone, she was familiar with mountain yams.


    The old lady moved to the back of Jiang Xinyu, lifted the snake-skin bag, looked at the mountain yams as thick as a baby��s arm, then covered them and faced Jiang Xinyu.


    "Miss, your mountain yams are quite nice. What tickets are you looking to exchange?"


    "Ma��am, shall we speak aside?"


    The old lady gave Jiang Xinyu a witty smile, "Now you know to be scared?"


    "Hehe, ma��am, although I��m from the countryside, I still know this isn��t entirely appropriate. But what can I do? We have no tickets at all, and it��s not easy to come to the city, so I��m taking a risk." Jiang Xinyu spoke innocently and pitifully.


    Talking, the two walked away from the grain station entrance.


    "Miss, let��s not beat around the bush. These mountain yams are quite good. What tickets are you thinking of exchanging for?" the old lady directly asked.


    "Ma��am, what tickets do you have extra? I lack everything. I know food tickets are tight, so I won��t ask for those."


    "Hehe, miss, with these few mountain yams, what do you think you can trade them for?"


    "Ma��am, I just want to buy toilet paper and a mirror. I saw last time at the building that even these require tickets to purchase."


    "These two items, huh? Toilet paper has special supply tickets, I��ve got those. As for the mirror, you��ll need industrial tickets.


    Your mountain yams aren��t much, at most I��ll give you one toilet paper ticket and one industrial ticket."


    "Ma��am, I don��t understand, just this one toilet paper ticket, how much can it buy?"


    "Two pounds."


    "Ma��am, I have about six mountain yams here, could you give me two toilet paper tickets? Can one industrial ticket buy a mirror?"


    "It can. If you don��t want the industrial ticket, I can give you four toilet paper tickets."


    "Then I won��t take the industrial ticket. Please give me four toilet paper tickets. We haven��t received any tickets in the village this year."


    "Alright, could you deliver them to my home? I didn��t bring the tickets with me. My home is in that alley." The old lady pointed for Jiang Xinyu to see.


    "Okay, please wait a moment. I��ll inform my sister."


    Jiang Xinyu told Wang Ailing, "Sis, wait here for a moment. I��ll be back in fifteen minutes."


    "Xinyu, I��d rather go with you."


    "No need, you��ll be safer here."


    Convincing Wang Ailing, Jiang Xinyu picked up the basket and left with the old lady.


    "Would you like to come in for a drink of water?"


    "No, ma��am, I��ll wait at the door for you."


    With that, she put down the basket; carrying it constantly was really tiring.


    The old lady didn��t say much, opening the door and going inside.


    Jiang Xinyu crouched down and took out a five-pound bag of rice from the bottom of the basket. She really wanted the mirror, urgently wanting to see what she looked like now. She also lacked sugar tickets and wanted to drink brown sugar water, as there was no brown sugar in her space.


    After less than five minutes, the old lady came out, holding a snake-skin bag.


    "Here, these are four toilet paper tickets. Just put the mountain yams into the bag."


    Jiang Xinyu took the tickets and casually stuffed them into her pants pocket, then took the bag and packed the mountain yams.


    "Ma��am, these mountain yams are especially floury when steamed, you could try them."


    "Yes indeed, young lady, what��s in the bag?"


    "Ma��am, this is rice." S��arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Rice? Want to trade?"


    "Yes, I can��t afford such fine grains."


    "What do you want to trade for?"


    "Industrial tickets, sugar tickets."


    "How much do you need? Better come inside the yard, it��s quite conspicuous at the door."


    Jiang Xinyu didn��t refuse this time and followed her into the yard. The conditions of this family seemed good, with the building being a proper six-room tiled house.


    "Ma��am, this is five pounds of rice, how many tickets do you see fit to give?"


    The old lady pondered briefly, "I have four pounds of sugar tickets, and six industrial tickets."


    Jiang Xinyu didn��t respond, just smiled.


    "I��ll give you five more pounds of cotton tickets, that��s the most I can do."


    Jiang Xinyu knew cotton tickets were hard to come by.


    "Ma��am, how many industrial tickets does a pot require?" The empty stove at home looked particularly unsettling.


    "This eight-yuan iron pot requires twenty industrial tickets and eighteen yuan.


    Miss, I don��t have that many industrial tickets."


    "Ma��am, I was just asking, you go get the tickets."


    The old lady now had a smile on her face and turned to go back inside.


    Jiang Xinyu contentedly left the lady��s home and hurried to find Wang Ailing.


    They exchanged no words, Wang Ailing grabbed Jiang Xinyu��s hand and swiftly left the grain station entrance.


    "Sis, I still want to check the grain station."


    "No need, you have food, save the food tickets."


    "Sis, let me tell you, those six mountain yams were exchanged for four toilet paper tickets and one industrial ticket.


    Let��s head to the building to buy a mirror."


    The two carried their baskets to the building, attracting lots of sideways glances, having accidentally bumped into people and having to apologize, making Jiang Xinyu feel uncomfortable.


    They directly bought eight pounds of toilet paper on the first floor, spending a dollar and sixty cents as well as four toilet paper tickets.

 Chapter 30 triggers the plot

    Chapter 30: 30 triggers the plotJiang Xinyu bought four pounds of brown sugar, spending two yuan. The mirror cost one yuan and eighty cents each, a wooden frame mirror thirty centimeters wide and fifty centimeters long with painted flowers and birds on it.


    Now Jiang Xinyu had bought everything she needed. Wang Ailing didn��t buy anything. It wasn��t that she didn��t want to; she had money, just no coupons.


    "Sis, what do you want to buy? I still have cotton coupons and industrial coupons here."


    "Xinyu, you have cotton coupons?"


    "Yeah, five pounds�� worth."


    Wang Ailing didn��t speak anymore. She had heard from their parents that they had prepared the dowry for her brother��s marriage, yet they had no cotton, no fabric. This was a major event in her brother��s life, and they couldn��t even prepare a set of bedding.


    "Sis, these are from my family. I can��t use them right now. If you need them, I can lend them to you first."


    "We��ll talk when we get back. Do you have anything else to buy? Anywhere else to go?"


    "Shall we go eat?"


    "No, you should save money for daily life. Don��t think just because you have money now, once it��s spent, where will you earn more?"


    "So are we just going back like this?"


    "Let��s go back. We��ve bought everything we wanted."


    "But it��s not easy to make this trip. Just going back like this, I��m not satisfied."


    The two of them were tugging at each other not far from the building entrance. Wang Ailing wanted to drag Jiang Xinyu away, but Jiang Xinyu didn��t want to leave.


    This scene caught the attention of Wei Kaiyun, who was passing by on a bicycle.


    "Jiang Xinyu, hurry home. If you keep this up, I won��t go out with you next time."


    Wei Kaiyun stopped when he heard the name Jiang Xinyu.


    Jiang Xinyu, was she the worker that the county mayor had asked to come work at the textile factory?


    "Sis, stop pulling me. I��ll go back, okay? What��s the point of tugging back and forth?"


    Wei Kaiyun was amused by her words. The two just happened to head in the direction where he had stopped.


    Both of them felt a bit embarrassed when they saw the man pushing his bike and smiling at them. They really became a laughing stock.


    Jiang Xinyu squinted at the man. He looked really good. Tall, with a handsome face, he seemed to be in his twenties. I wonder which woman is lucky enough to find such a handsome man.


    In her past life, a teammate once sighed, "Good men are either still in diapers or already taken," and now Jiang Xinyu felt the same way.


    Wei Kaiyun knew the interesting little girl was looking at him. What did that look of regret on her face mean?


    The two walked past Wei Kaiyun and headed straight to the bus station.


    "Xinyu, if you like city life so much, why did you sell your job to Kong Mengjie?"


    Wei Kaiyun heard the name "Kong Mengjie," and this time it was his turn to squint.


    Since leaving home at the age of ten, he often had a dream. In the dream, there was Kong Mengjie, who took his place and led to his imprisonment.


    Wei Kaiyun pushed his bicycle and followed them at a moderate distance.


    "Sis, I told you, I��m not going to work at the textile factory. Kong Mengjie is ambitious, so let her have it.


    Besides, it��s not that I like city life. It��s just because I don��t often come here, I figured I��d explore a bit while I��m here."


    "You know, I don��t dare tell you this, but people in the village call you a fool."


    "Haha, I know, and there are many names for me: fool, spendthrift, lunatic, right?"


    "How did you know?"


    "I ran into Zhou Lihong when I went to pick up firewood last time, and she scolded me."


    "Well, you look so carefree, like a real fool. Others can��t even get this opportunity, and you don��t care."


    Wei Kaiyun listened intently from behind, but this girl was quite interesting, not wanting a permanent job?


    "Xinyu, you also graduated from junior high. Are you willing to stay in the countryside your whole life?"


    "Sis, what��s wrong with the countryside? I haven��t thought about this issue yet. Being a worker is nice now, but that��s not something we can just become. If I had the ability, I��d want to work in a coal mine. Female workers don��t go down into the mines, and that��s great. But the county mayor just offered a job at the textile factory."


    "You think too beautifully."


    "I��m not beautiful, so at least let me think beautifully?"


    The two laughed and talked until they arrived at the station.


    "Sis, it��s almost twelve o��clock. We have to wait another hour for a bus. Why don��t we go for another walk?"


    "No, let��s just wait here. I��ll tip the basket over and sit while we wait."


    "Fine, you��re the boss. You decide."


    Jiang Xinyu inadvertently noticed Wei Kaiyun pushing his bike behind them. She frowned. Why would a man so good-looking have a hobby of following women? No matter how handsome he is, his character is flawed.


    Seeing the disdain on the little girl��s face, Wei Kaiyun laughed.


    "Hello, I��m Wei Kaiyun. I��m the director of the county textile factory."


    Jiang Xinyu paused, glanced around, but it was just the two of them. Was he talking to them?


    Wei Kaiyun looked at Jiang Xinyu��s expression and smiled even more.


    "Ahem, I just heard you sold your job spot at the textile factory?"


    Wang Ailing��s face instantly turned pale. It was her fault for babbling and now had caused trouble. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Comrade, how can you eavesdrop and still be so justified? Truly an eye-opener."


    "Haha, I didn��t eavesdrop; I listened openly. You haven��t answered my question yet."


    "If you ask, do I have to answer?" Wei Kaiyun? Wei Kaiyun? Isn��t he the most unlucky supporting male character in the book? The youngest director?


    Jiang Xinyu once again wore a look of sympathy and regret, which puzzled Wei Kaiyun.


    "I��m the textile factory director. If I hear about job trafficking in our factory, of course, I have to ask. Aren��t you afraid I��ll cancel this spot, and then you��ll have to refund the money?"


    "Director Wei, you��re so busy every day. Just forget about this little thing, okay?"


    "But I have an excellent memory; I can��t forget."


    "Then what would it take for you to forget?"


    "That depends on your sincerity."


    "Sincerity? What do you want to do?" Jiang Xinyu asked, pretending to be frightened.


    "Little girl, let��s go aside and talk. I��m very curious about some things. If I��m satisfied with your answers, I��ll forget about it."


    Wang Ailing listened to the conversation between the two and immediately stood in front of Jiang Xinyu, "Director Wei, I was the one who asked Xinyu to sell the job. If you have questions, ask me."


    Jiang Xinyu patted Wang Ailing, who was standing in front of her. "Sis, it��s okay. It��s my honor that such a big director wants to ask me questions. Don��t worry, I��ll go have a chat with Director Wei."


    "Xinyu."


    "It��s fine.


    Where does Director Wei want to talk?"


    "Let��s go to that alley over there. Your sister can see us, so she won��t worry."

 Chapter 31 male match ah

    Chapter 31: 31 male match ah"Alright, let��s go, or else when the bus arrives, we won��t have the chance."


    The two left, and Wang Ailing regretted immensely behind them for being too talkative. In the future, she must never gossip again. Now, she��s caused trouble for Xinyu.


    She thought to herself that if the job opportunity was really canceled, she would lend Jiang Xinyu all the money she could to repay the Kong Family.


    The two stopped at the alley entrance. "Director Wei, if you have anything, just ask directly. I��ll tell you everything I know."


    "Jiang Xinyu, why did you sell the job opportunity?"


    "Just that question?"


    "Yes, just that question. But I want the truth."


    Jiang Xinyu rolled her eyes inwardly. What��s there to boast about? Just another supporting role in life. "It��s because Kong Mengjie��s father is the village head, and I��m afraid of getting sick at the textile factory."


    Still straightforward. "How do you know you��d get sick? What kind of illness?"


    "It��s pneumoconiosis, isn��t it? It��s just my guess that working in the workshop all day might inhale cotton dust or something."


    "Hehe, you��ve thought this through quite a lot."


    "Director Wei, is there anything else?"


    Wei Kaiyun squinted at the young girl who always maintained a safe distance from him. He thought, the two reasons she mentioned must be true, but there must be other reasons too.


    "Jiang Xinyu, I know you haven��t said everything. I just heard you say you want to work in a coal mine. If you tell me the main reason, I��ll help you get into the coal mine."


    Jiang Xinyu was surprised to see how perceptive Wei Kaiyun was. But there��s really no way to say it here. Should she tell him he��s just a male support and would end up in jail?


    However, the job offer is indeed tempting. How could she say it to make him believe her?


    Jiang Xinyu thought it over many times but eventually gave up. This Wei Kaiyun is no fool; she can��t fool him.


    "Director Wei, I��m telling the truth. If you don��t believe me, there��s nothing I can do. I��m an orphan living in the village; it��s not easy. The village head��s family wants this job and offered money. Of course, I could only give it to them."


    "Hehe, young lady, that��s not good. I can guarantee you a job in the coal mine directly in the office. It��s easy, pays well, and has great promotion opportunities."


    "Director Wei, your offer is so tempting, but I just said it, and you didn��t believe me. What can I do then?"


    "Jiang Xinyu, you know, although you��ve hidden it well, I have a feeling you haven��t said everything."


    Jiang Xinyu showed a surprised and hurt expression on her face. "Director Wei, I��m telling the truth, believe it or not."


    "Jiang Xinyu, let me put it this way. I��m very curious why Kong Mengjie wants the textile factory job?"


    This is the first step on her path to success. Of course, she wants to go to the textile factory. Without people like you helping, could Kong Mengjie achieve such success?


    "Director Wei, my relationship with Kong Mengjie isn��t particularly good. I see she just wants to escape rural life. Being a worker is great, respected, and it��s a stable iron rice bowl."


    "So you don��t want it?"


    "Of course I want it. Why wouldn��t I? But I need to have a life to want it." That��s already her limit, reminding Wei Kaiyun. If he can��t understand, then there��s no way.


    "Director Wei, if there��s nothing else, I��ll leave first."


    "Wait, I��m thinking I should cancel this job opportunity."


    "Director Wei, you��re generous. I��ve spent all the money from selling the job. If you cancel it now, I��d have to repay the money, and I don��t have the money to repay."


    "Hehe."


    Jiang Xinyu clenched her teeth secretly. This neurotic person is like a sticky plaster you can��t shake off. She steeled herself, lifted her head, and looked directly at Wei Kaiyun.


    "Director Wei, everything I��ve said is true, but I have a family skill, which is face reading. Let me take a look at you. If you believe it, you should be more careful in the future. If you don��t believe it, there��s really nothing I can do.


    But if I tell you, whether you believe it or not, you must stop fixating on this job opportunity."


    It��s not that Jiang Xinyu can��t repay the money, but mainly because she��s just a stepping stone paving the way for the female protagonist. Her part is about to end. If Wei Kaiyun really can��t let go, then she��ll be back to square one.


    Wei Kaiyun stared into Jiang Xinyu��s pupils and saw himself inside. Mysteriously, he nodded.


    "Alright, there��s only twenty minutes left, so I��ll keep it short.


    Director Wei, I won��t talk about your luck in the first half of your life. (You don��t know either, you fake shaman.)


    In the second half, you��ll face imprisonment troubles within the next ten years."


    Wei Kaiyun��s heart was stormy, matching what he dreamt. His pupils shrank, and he made a decision in his heart.


    "I��ll offer you another job at the textile factory. You won��t go to the workshop; you can be my secretary."


    Jiang Xinyu quickly waved her hand. "No, no, Director Wei, I sold the worker��s job for four hundred yuan. I can��t afford to buy an office secretary position."


    "Alright, stop pretending to be stupid or acting. I don��t want your money, but you must guarantee to be my secretary for five years. After that, you��re free."


    "Director Wei, I don��t want it. I like rural life. I don��t want to leave home. Please pity this orphan who lost her parents. I want to stay home and be with them."


    "Alright, your acting is too fake. Also, you��re fifteen and still call yourself an orphan? Hmm?"


    Hmm, my foot! This black sesame-filled dumpling, she definitely doesn��t want to be tied to him. It��d be deadly. She��s just a minor role at the beginning. No way will she team up with the male supporting role. Spit, wrong wording, not teaming up but collaborating. S��ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Director Wei, my aspirations are small, just wishing to live each day with three meals and two naps. I don��t want people to envy or respect me, so I can��t accept your kindness."


    "Jiang Xinyu, you can��t decide this. If you disagree, I��ll go to your village and say you��re trying to abandon me. Do you think you can stay in the village?"


    "You��re shameless! I have no grudge against you, right? I even risked my life giving you advice, and you still want to hurt me like this? You��re heartless."


    Jiang Xinyu had had enough acting and looked seriously at Wei Kaiyun. "If I say you left me heartbroken and someone believes it, aren��t you afraid your image will collapse?"


    "Hehe, I don��t care about image, nor do I care about means, as long as I achieve my goal."


    "So you mean you insist on keeping me by your side?"


    "Yes, that��s exactly what I mean."


    Jiang Xinyu squinted her eyes. "Aren��t you afraid I��ll harm you?"

 Chapter 32 Rampage

    Chapter 32: 32 Rampage"As long as you have the capability, it��s not impossible," Wei Kaiyun said indifferently.


    Jiang Xinyu looked at him and chuckled coldly, "I understand now, your future disaster will be because of your arrogance."


    Wei Kaiyun put away his nonchalant smile and said earnestly, "Jiang Xinyu, I know you��re not just anybody. I��m sincerely inviting you."


    "Wei Kaiyun, Director Wei, I��m really not interested."


    "You will be interested. I��m telling you, even if I have to resort to any means, I��ll keep you by my side."


    "A twisted melon isn��t sweet."


    "I know whether it��s sweet or not. Even if it��s bitter, I��m the one eating it, and if I say it��s sweet, then it��s sweet."


    "Is there no room for compromise?"


    "Yes."


    "Alright then, how about I work together with Kong Mengjie? Since you��re so capable, having one more job slot should be possible, right?"


    "If that friend of yours goes to the textile factory, she can only be a female worker, and a temporary one at that."


    "Is that so? We��ll talk about it then. Director Wei, may I leave now?"


    "You may. But next Monday, you need to go to the textile factory to meet me for onboarding procedures."


    "Haven��t I said it already? I��ll go after the New Year."


    "Fine, but you��ll need to complete the onboarding first, and there��s an exam that day. If you don��t pass, I��ll visit your village."


    "Exam? What kind of exam? I��ve only graduated middle school."


    "It��s simple, just writing an essay and shorthand."


    "Oh! I��ll do my best."


    "Jiang Xinyu, doing your best is not enough; you must succeed."


    Jiang Xinyu rolled her eyes at Wei Kaiyun and turned to leave, feeling it was a waste of her time with him.


    Wang Ailing had been watching them from a distance, unable to hear their conversation, but it didn��t seem like they were in any trouble.


    Seeing Jiang Xinyu walking back, she finally felt at ease, having been blaming herself all along.


    "Xinyu."


    "Sis, don��t worry, it��s fine. I��ll tell you something when we get back."


    Jiang Xinyu didn��t look back, unaware that Wei Kaiyun hadn��t left yet.


    When the bus came, she got on and suddenly glanced in the direction where they had talked, seeing Wei Kaiyun still there. He nodded when he saw her looking.


    What bad luck. A doomed outing, didn��t check the calendar.


    She sat down sulking, placing their baskets together in the aisle.


    "Sis, I��m starving. If we had eaten at the restaurant, we wouldn��t have run into that ill-fated face."


    "Xinyu, I��m really sorry, it��s all my fault."


    Jiang Xinyu saw Wang Ailing��s regretful expression, knowing she��d taken it to heart.


    "It��s not your fault; remember not to take everything upon yourself."


    "But if I hadn��t mentioned you selling the work, Wei Kaiyun wouldn��t have overheard."


    "You��re overthinking. It was just a coincidence. Alright, let��s not talk about it anymore. I bought eight pounds of toilet paper, want two pounds?" Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "That would be great. Next time we come to the city, I��ll carry yams, and I��ll go exchange the tickets."


    Jiang Xinyu smiled and nodded. There weren��t too many people on the bus, so they weren��t given the evil eye. After getting off, Jiang Xinyu insisted on visiting the supply and marketing cooperative in the town.


    "Since we��re already out, we should take a look. Otherwise, who knows when we��ll go out together again?"


    Wang Ailing thought Jiang Xinyu had a point. This morning, Mom gave her two yuan, except for forty cents for round-trip bus fare, she hadn��t spent anything yet.


    Actually, she really wanted to know if Director Wei would withdraw the textile factory job, but with so many people on the bus, she was hesitant to bring it up.


    However, seeing Jiang Xinyu��s insistence on not leaving, she went along.


    When they reached the cooperative, Jiang Xinyu was really disappointed; the shelves were empty with mixed smells of soy sauce and vinegar��a really indescribable mix.


    After walking around once, they left disappointed. Now she had given up.


    It was now three in the afternoon, and they reached home by four. Wang Ailing was carrying the basket, which wasn��t heavy, so Jiang Xinyu didn��t insist.


    Returning to the village by four, at home Jiang Xinyu gave Wang Ailing a stack of toilet paper, "With no scale here, it��s us managing gains and losses."


    "I��m getting a deal here," Wang Ailing wasn��t foolish.


    Jiang Xinyu handed her a pack of brown sugar. "Here, you take this too; you can return the favor when you get more later."


    Wang Ailing accepted the brown sugar with mixed emotions; however, she did give Jiang Xinyu money for the toilet paper.


    "Sis, you head back, I��ll come over to your place tonight, there��s something I need to discuss with your family."


    "What is it?"


    "I don��t know if it��s good or bad news. Tonight we��ll talk with Uncle and Aunt."


    "Alright, you��re having dinner at my place."


    Jiang Xinyu shook her head, "No, I��m improving my lifestyle, I��m going to drink brown sugar water."


    After seeing off Wang Ailing, Jiang Xinyu lit the stove. She steamed a bowl of egg custard and a box meal of rice.


    No matter what, she couldn��t neglect her mouth; who knows what her future holds. It wasn��t that she truly feared Wei Kaiyun coming to the village to ruin her reputation; it was more that what he said struck a chord with her.


    Was she really going to stay in the village all her life? Jiang Xinyu knew she wasn��t content with that. Forget it, take it one step at a time.


    An hour later, she had dinner, feeling her life was better than when she was fifteen in her previous life��that��s progress.


    After eating, she brushed her teeth, then locked the door and went to the Wang Family.


    The Wang Family knew Jiang Xinyu was coming that night, so they didn��t bolt the door.


    They had also finished dinner, all sitting on the hearth, Wang Jianqiang and his wife scolding Wang Ailing.


    "Aunt, I��m here."


    "Xinyu, come on up, it��s warm on the hearth."


    Jiang Xinyu didn��t hold back, kicked off her shoes and sat on the hearth. Seeing Wang Ailing sitting on the side with her head down, she knew the Wang Family knew what had happened today.


    "Uncle, Aunt, I came today to ask you something.


    We ran into the textile factory director in the city this afternoon, and he offered me a position at the factory��not as a textile worker, but in the office.


    I asked if he could arrange something for Sister Ailing too, and he told me if Sister Ailing goes, she��d only be able to work in the workshop, and as a temporary worker.


    So I��m asking for your opinion. Should she go or not?"


    Sun Ermei exclaimed in surprise, "That��s a good thing."


    "Aunt, the workshop work is really bad for the health. Moreover, the wages for temporary workers won��t be high."


    "But it��s better than farming, and if she finds a partner with a real job, then Ailing will have turned her life around."


    Wang Jianqiang said nothing, puffing on his cigarette, smoke swirling in the room.


    "Xinyu, how much will this job cost?"


    "It��s free of charge."


    "Free of charge? Such good luck!" Sun Ermei was even more surprised.

 Chapter 33 Concepts

    Chapter 33: 33 Concepts"Yes, no money, but you definitely owe Director Wei a huge favor."


    "Xinyu, why do you need to discuss this with us? This is a good thing. You should know we would definitely agree," Jianqiang spoke up.


    "Uncle, Sister Ailing and I are close, I don��t want to harm her. You may not believe it, but I really think this job isn��t worth it; it��s really bad for your health. I don��t want to work myself to death while I��m young just to spend money I haven��t earned on health when I��m old."


    "Xinyu, think about it, those are just a few people, not everyone gets that kind of illness. Also, what job has no risk?" Jianqiang asked Jiang Xinyu.


    Indeed, I��ve been narrow-minded. If you can earn money and have food to eat, it��s still better than starving.


    "I was overthinking it. Since that��s the case, on Monday, Sister Ailing should come to the county with me. But let��s wait until after the New Year to report with Kong Mengjie.


    Uncle, Auntie, Sister Ailing, although there��s this opportunity, can we make sure that in the future when Sister Ailing finds someone, it��s not a textile factory worker? I really fear for her health."


    "Xinyu, what are you talking about?"


    "Xinyu, why do you have this requirement?"


    "It��s still the same reason. If both husband and wife work in a textile factory, the risks are even higher."


    Jianqiang wondered why this girl was saying this. He had a friend who wanted to introduce someone to Ailing, a worker from the county��s textile factory. He hadn��t mentioned it to his family yet; they didn��t know, and outsiders certainly couldn��t know.


    Thinking about having his daughter with a job or finding a son-in-law with a job, Jianqiang couldn��t make up his mind.


    "Dad, I also don��t want to find a textile factory worker, Xinyu��s concerns aren��t without reason."


    Listening to his daughter��s words, Jianqiang made up his mind. "Fine, no textiles. Today, when I was in the county, a friend actually wanted to introduce someone to Ailing, a team leader from the textile factory workshop.


    I hadn��t had a chance to mention it yet, and you guys dismissed it." sea??h th�� n??el Fire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Jiang Xinyu and Wang Ailing exchanged a glance under the dim kerosene lamp, thinking of what they talked about a few days ago.


    "Dad, won��t there be a problem with that man? He��s a worker living in the county; what couldn��t he find? Why would he look in the countryside?"


    "I didn��t really ask that specifically. Your point is something I hadn��t considered. If that��s the case, then this marriage truly can��t happen."


    Having decided, Jiang Xinyu went home, escorted by Sun Ermei.


    "Auntie, no need, I can find my way home just fine. You should go back, it��s not far anyway."


    "Alright, Xinyu. I won��t be polite with you then."


    After Jiang Xinyu returned home, the water in the pot was still hot, and she decided to take a bath today.


    There are only three days left until Monday. I still need to find the village chief to get an introduction letter. Such a hassle.


    Early next morning, Wang Ailing came to find her. They sat on the kang; Jiang Xinyu was reading while Wang Ailing was making shoe soles.


    "Xinyu, do you think I really have this opportunity?"


    "It��s still uncertain; we��ll know on Monday. Whatever happens, it��s meant to be. Losing it might not be a bad thing either."


    "Xinyu, I feel your conversations are sounding more scholarly."


    "Right? I feel the same. It��s all about reading more books."


    "You, when people say you��re fat, you puff right up."


    "Sis, what we should be worrying about is the introduction letter."


    "Really, what if they don��t give us one?"


    "How would I know? Let��s try later. I��ll take a bag of brown sugar and say it��s for buying toilet paper."


    "Will that work?"


    "Not sure, just worry they might not let both of us go. Here��s the plan: I��ll go first, then you can either go in the evening or ask my uncle to take you tomorrow."


    "Alright, I��ll go talk to my dad now," Wang Ailing quickly got off the kang, put on her shoes, and ran out.


    For lunch, Jiang Xinyu only had a bun and some cabbage heart. Didn��t dare fry any vegetables given the current circumstances.


    After resting for a bit post-lunch, she took a bag of brown sugar to the Kong Family.


    "Is the village chief at home?"


    "Xinyu, come in quickly. What��s up?"


    "Village chief, actually, I want to go to the county the day after tomorrow. I forgot to buy toilet paper yesterday, and there��s none left," Jiang Xinyu said softly while lowering her head, showing a girl��s shyness.


    "Xinyu, you can��t keep running out like this every other day."


    Jiang Xinyu placed the brown sugar on the table. "Village chief, please help me this time. I really need to go. It��s getting colder, and going out isn��t easy."


    "What are you doing?" Kong Zhongyou asked sternly.


    "Village chief, I bought this brown sugar in the city. It��s not for you; it��s for my aunt."


    Tian Shulan listened from the side, and upon seeing the bag of brown sugar, immediately said, "Dear, the girl��s using toilet paper more, just give Xinyu the introduction letter."


    Kong Zhongyou sighed, "Alright, you can��t go out anymore before the New Year."


    Jiang Xinyu kept her head down and said nothing.


    "Alright, dear, if there��s no reason, who would want to keep going out?"


    Satisfied, Jiang Xinyu took the introduction letter and left, coincidentally encountering Kong Mengjie entering the house. She gave her a friendly smile but didn��t say hello, then departed.


    "Mom, what was Jiang Xinyu here for?"


    "To get an introduction letter."


    "Isn��t she still needed in the village? Why is she always going out?"


    "When she��s spent all her money, she��ll settle down. I keep telling your dad, if she wants to go out, let her. Why bother controlling so much?"


    Upon hearing her mother��s words, Kong Mengjie felt somewhat uneasy. The money Jiang Xinyu spent was her own, a hefty four hundred forty-four yuan��it would take her two years of unpaid labor to earn it.


    Jiang Xinyu didn��t return home but went to the Wang Family to tell Wang Ailing that she had secured the introduction letter.


    "My dad said he��d go with me tonight and say he��s taking me to visit relatives in the county."


    "Alright, let��s go separately that day then. You can wait for me outside the village."


    "Hmm, but we don��t have to. We��re close, and if both of us are going to the county, there��s nothing wrong with walking together."


    "Alright, together it is. Anyway, once we have jobs, they��ll find out regardless."


    Over the next couple of days, the two continued to go to the mountains to gather firewood, Wang Xiaolong tagging along.


    "Sis, I won��t use this much. Once we work outside, we won��t stay at home."


    "What do they say? What��s the saying?"


    "Better safe than sorry."


    "Right, exactly. The firewood won��t go bad. Haven��t you seen our yard is piled full?"


    "Yeah, it really is. Your family is really hardworking."


    "Right? I think so too."


    "Sis, I feel you��ve grown much thicker skin."


    "Being with you, how could I not learn something?"

 Chapter 34 Boarding the Pirate Ship

    Chapter 34: 34 Boarding the Pirate ShipThe two chatted and laughed in the back, clearly their relationship was especially good.


    The three spent most of the day on the mountain, finally arriving home at four in the afternoon.


    Looking at the fruits of her labor, Jiang Xinyu felt very proud.


    In her past life, although she wasn��t favored by her grandparents, they never mistreated her, which is why she gave them money.


    They seldom asked her to work the fields. Only during the wheat and autumn harvests did she help out.


    For dinner, they had dumplings filled with pork and green onions; they were so juicy. She thanked her past self for the mindset of a small-town citizen.


    Satisfied with her meal, she also drank a bag of milk, making sure to keep up with nutrition. Her current height is over one and a half meters; she aims to grow to one sixty-five.


    Feeling too lazy to move after eating, she lay in the warm quilt. Comfortably taking a deep breath. Good food isn��t better than dumplings, and comfort isn��t better than lying down��truth indeed.


    The next day, the three went to collect firewood again. Wang Ailing was very energetic all day. Understandably, this is a great thing for her.


    "Xinyu, my father will be joining tomorrow too. He needs to tell his friend that we won��t be meeting for matchmaking, and also, he wants to know how to repay Director Wei��s favor."


    "That��s necessary. It��s not a small favor so you should definitely ask."


    In the evening Jiang Xinyu carefully washed herself from head to toe. Being clean is a kind of attitude.


    Standing in front of the mirror, looking at herself, people say beauty shines under light, and it��s true; she feels she could be considered among the pretty girls. (Forgive her aesthetic sense, she��s really just an ordinary girl.)


    She drank a bag of milk before beautifully lying down to sleep.


    The alarm was set for six. The next day, when the alarm rang, she got up. Quickly she started a fire, breakfast was two eggs, a bowl of milk powder, and a sugar bun.


    After finishing, she rinsed her mouth. At seven, the Wang family father and daughter knocked on the door, and the three left the house on time.


    Along the way, the two girls followed behind Wang Jianqiang, chatting and laughing.


    Primarily, Jiang Xinyu saw Wang Ailing was too nervous.


    At nine, the three arrived at the county. Wang Jianqiang took them directly to the textile factory.


    "Comrade, we��re here to see Director Wei." Wang Jianqiang explained to the guard.


    "Wait a moment, I��ll ask."


    Jiang Xinyu stood at the entrance of the textile factory; the scale of the factory was quite large, implying Wei Kaiyun is a capable person.


    "You can go in, Director Wei is waiting for you in the office."


    Wang Jianqiang thanked the guard and led the two people in the direction told by the guard, straight to Wei Kaiyun��s office.


    "Please come in."


    "Director Wei, we are from S Village."


    "I know, please have a seat. Jiang Xinyu, nice, not delayed."


    "How could I? Director Wei offered me such a great opportunity, how could I fail to appreciate it?"


    "Oh, we��ll talk about our matters later, and this fellow townsman is?"


    "Director Wei, I��m Wang Jianqiang, Wang Ailing��s father. We know you��ve given a temporary job opportunity, so we��ve come especially today."


    "Alright, I��ll have someone take you to complete the procedures."


    Wang Jianqiang knew they wanted to send the father and daughter away, stood up with a smile, but glanced at Jiang Xinyu.


    "Uncle, Sister Ailing, you go handle the procedures, I have some other matters with Director Wei."


    Wei Kaiyun called a young fellow, "Qian Jun, take this female comrade to handle the temporary worker procedures."


    "Yes, Director Wei."


    The father and daughter left with Qian Jun. The office now had only the two of them.


    Wei Kaiyun leisurely sat behind the desk. "Welcome, Jiang Xinyu." S��arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Director Wei, saying this is too early, I haven��t passed the exam yet."


    "Hehe. I have confidence in you."


    "Thanks so much for Director Wei��s favor, I myself am not sure."


    "Let��s go, I��ll take you."


    "Where to?"


    "Exam room? You wouldn��t think that I��d be the examiner, right?"


    "I didn��t really think so. Director Wei, my abilities are limited, but since I��m here, I will certainly try my best." Better to state things upfront.


    Wei Kaiyun ignored her, standing up to walk ahead.


    Jiang Xinyu followed him out of the office.


    Wei Kaiyun led Jiang Xinyu into the union��s office.


    "Chairman Lu, this is the secretary I chose, Jiang Xinyu, she��s here to take the exam."


    Wei Kaiyun��s words attracted everyone��s attention. They all thought his secretary would be chosen among the previous ones; no one expected an outsider to come.


    Still such a child? How did Director Wei favor her?


    "Director Wei, leave it to me.


    This comrade, please follow me to take the exam."


    Wei Kaiyun turned, with a gentle smile on his face, "Ms. Jiang, do well on the exam."


    Jiang Xinyu nodded and followed Chairman Lu into a room.


    "Ms. Jiang, don��t be nervous, the secretary exam is just a process. Sit, I��ll get you paper and pen."


    Jiang Xinyu understood this kindness and gratefully nodded.


    She answered two questions in forty minutes. Similar to short-answer questions from later generations, or like essays.


    Lu Changchun observed the unhesitating girl, roughly understanding Wei Kaiyun��s reason for choosing her.


    Afterward, she spent half an hour answering a math paper. Quite simple. Finished in ten minutes, but spent another twenty checking.


    Lu Changchun held the two papers, "Ms. Jiang, you can leave now, I��ll take them to Director Wei."


    They left the exam room only to find Wei Kaiyun sitting in the union office waiting.


    "Chairman Lu, please evaluate the papers soon, I��ll await your news in the office.


    Xiao Jiang, follow me to the office."


    Lu Changchun had already seen Jiang Xinyu��s papers, planning to give full marks; this girl has quite the ability.


    "Hm, after twenty minutes of discussion we��ll report the results to you."


    Wei Kaiyun nodded and left first. Jiang Xinyu smiled and nodded at Lu Changchun, then followed him out.


    "Come check out the papers just now."


    A few people came over, a middle-aged woman picked up the paper, "Such beautiful handwriting. Excellently answered this question."


    After reading, she put it down, then picked up the math paper and went over it.


    The other five also circulated these two papers.


    "Chairman Lu, I believe this girl has no issues; I��ve been observing her, she��s neither arrogant nor timid, not nervous, I agree."


    "Since Mr. Chen agrees, what are your five opinions?"


    The other five all nodded; Director Wei personally brought her, being so precise with timing to fetch her, it proves he��s optimistic about this secretary candidate��this is clearly a formality, no need to offend Director Wei over this.

 Chapter 35 Boarding the Pirate Ship

    Chapter 35: 35 Boarding the Pirate ShipLu Changchun saw that everyone had passed, so he took the test papers to the director��s office.


    Wei Kaiyun led Jiang Xinyu back to his office.


    "Jiang Xinyu, can��t you start working now?"


    "I haven��t passed the exam yet?"


    "Haha, do you lack confidence in yourself or in me?


    Don��t worry, the union understands, even if your answers are average, there��s no problem."


    "Director Wei, I��m not well, I��d like to rest and recuperate for these two months. So I��ll come over with Kong Mengjie."


    "Even as a secretary, you can take care of your health. This job isn��t tiring."


    "It��s not physically tiring, but it requires mental effort. I��d better properly recuperate for two months. Besides, in this cold winter, I don��t feel like moving."


    "That��s probably the main reason, isn��t it?" sea??h th�� novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Sort of." Jiang Xinyu didn��t want to come early; she wanted to use these two months to organize memories and think about her future path. The need to recuperate was also true.


    "By the way, Director Wei, I don��t want to stay in the dormitory. Is there any rental housing available in the county?"


    "The dormitory is safe." Wei Kaiyun was somewhat against Jiang Xinyu��s decision.


    "I like peace and quiet. Director Wei, please help me find a place. If there��s nothing for rent, something for sale will do, but I don��t have much money left. I only have about four hundred dollars."


    Wei Kaiyun looked at Jiang Xinyu playfully, knowing that she was lying about spending all her money.


    "Okay, I��ll ask someone later. Actually, you know it��s safer for girls to stay in the dormitory."


    Jiang Xinyu just smiled; with such a big secret, how could she live where there are many people? Improving her life would be impossible.


    A quarter of an hour later, Lu Changchun came in with the test papers, "Director Wei, our union unanimously agreed, Jiang Xinyu is officially your secretary."


    Then he handed the test papers to Wei Kaiyun and turned around to congratulate Jiang Xinyu with a smile. "Ms. Jiang, congratulations. We��ll be colleagues now, feel free to contact me if you need anything. I��ve been at the textile factory for decades."


    "Thank you, Chairman Lu, for your support. I won��t hesitate to bother you."


    "It��s my duty; we��ll be colleagues from now on."


    Wei Kaiyun looked at Jiang Xinyu��s test papers, feeling very puzzled. How could this girl, who had just finished middle school, have such insights? She was too experienced. He became more and more curious about Jiang Xinyu.


    Lu Changchun exchanged a few more pleasantries before leaving.


    Wei Kaiyun put Jiang Xinyu��s test papers into a drawer, stood up, "Let��s go, I��ll take you to complete the onboarding procedures. Do you have your identification with you?"


    Jiang Xinyu nodded, "I have it."


    They walked one after the other into the office of the personnel department.


    "Director Zhao, this is my secretary Jiang Xinyu. Please help with the onboarding procedures."


    Having the director assist with the onboarding process speeds things up significantly.


    In ten minutes, Jiang Xinyu became a formally registered employee of the textile factory. She held her work permit.


    "Since you��re coming after the New Year, let��s get all the paperwork done now."


    "Yes, my file is already with the personnel department. I still need to visit the accounting, labor insurance, cafeteria, and logistics departments. Those four, right?"


    "Yes, don��t rush to refuse the dormitory issue. I��ll ask around later, if there��s no place available, stay in the dormitory first.


    Our dormitory is in high demand; our textile factory has over a thousand employees, and dormitory space is really scarce."


    "Okay, Director Wei, I��ll take care of the rest myself."


    "Let me take you around. It��s faster this way."


    Jiang Xinyu didn��t refuse again; she understood Wei Kaiyun��s care would be extremely beneficial for her future survival and work here.


    Half an hour later, all the procedures were completed and she received a factory entry permit, a certificate for work clothes, and a cafeteria dining voucher. She only needed to submit these to the finance department, pay money for meal tickets.


    Once she officially starts work, she can pick up various tickets from the finance department. Thinking about having industrial tickets in the future felt exciting.


    "Jiang Xinyu, you��re now a formal employee of the textile factory. You could transfer your household registration here."


    "That��s great, but if I transfer my household, wouldn��t the village refuse to let go?"


    "Someone won��t let go?"


    "I haven��t asked yet; it��s just a question. Director Wei, I��m just wondering if transferring my household means the house in the village would no longer be mine?"


    "How could it be? That��s your property."


    "Then I��ll transfer my household registration, it��ll save me from having to present an introduction letter every time I go out."


    "Alright, the village provides you with a certificate, then you bring it to the factory, I��ll find someone to handle it."


    "Thank you, Director Wei, I��ll treat you to a meal. I wonder where my uncle and the others went?"


    "They went to a friend��s place. They��ll come to find you later. I��ll treat you to a meal, you don��t need to treat."


    "How can I accept that? You��re my benefactor, I have to show my gratitude."


    "No need, treat me next time. Let��s go, we��ll eat in the cafeteria."


    "Director Wei, can temporary workers transfer their household registration?"


    "Yes, but only after becoming a regular employee."


    "Director Wei, let��s wait for my uncle and the others, I��ll check at the gate whether they��ve returned or not."


    "Alright, come to the office to find me later."


    Jiang Xinyu left through the textile factory gate and saw Wang Ailing not far away.


    "Xinyu, over here."


    Jiang Xinyu walked briskly over, "Sister, why are you alone?"


    "My dad went to his friend��s house, I didn��t want to go, so I��m here waiting for you. Xinyu, did you finish with your work procedures?"


    "Yes, it��s all done, we��re just waiting to start working together."


    "Xinyu, I can��t wait until we come together, the logistics department told me I have to start working this month."


    "Didn��t you say you wanted to come after the New Year?"


    "I didn��t dare to say."


    "Alright, go ahead then. Let��s just wait for my uncle, Director Wei is treating us to a meal."


    "Xinyu, is it appropriate for us to go?"


    "Why not? I definitely don��t want to go back hungry."


    "My dad should be back soon; he said his friend��s house isn��t far from here, but it��s been nearly two hours."


    "Sister, my household registration can be transferred to the textile factory, but you have to wait until you become a regular employee."


    "You can transfer the household?"


    "Yes, I��m just worried someone in the village might want to take over our family house."


    "They wouldn��t, would they? It��s your family��s house, how could anyone take it?"


    Jiang Xinyu didn��t answer, knowing that people��s greed can��t be underestimated, especially when there��s an interest involved. She feared that the Jiang family wouldn��t settle down.


    Well, she��ll have to take things step by step; if they stir up trouble, she��ll deal with them.


    "Xinyu, I��m so happy, I finally have a job, no more farm work for me."

 Chapter 36 solutions

    Chapter 36: 36 solutions"Sis, don��t be too optimistic. This job isn��t easy."


    "I know, there��s no such thing as a free lunch."


    Seeing the excitement from her friend, Jiang Xinyu felt a bit infected too. Yes, where in the world is there such an easy thing as getting something for nothing?


    The two of them waited at the entrance of the textile factory for Wang Jianqiang. Ten minutes later, he returned. It was already almost noon.


    "Let��s go, I��ll take you both for lunch."


    "Uncle, Director Wei invites us to the cafeteria for lunch."


    "Xinyu, that��s okay, I��ll treat Director Wei to lunch."


    "Uncle, no need to be so formal. Director Wei refused when I offered to treat, he wants to treat us instead."


    "Alright, I��ll ask around and see how we can repay Director Wei."


    The three of them greeted the guard and went back inside.


    Wei Kaiyun led the three of them straight to the cafeteria.


    This was the workers�� lunchtime, and seeing the bustling workers, Wang Ailing became even more excited.


    The cafeteria lunch was cornmeal steamed buns and cabbage stewed with tofu. Though it was plain water soup, for people from the countryside who��d been eating vegetable porridge for months, this was a feast.


    There were too many people in the cafeteria, which made it inconvenient to talk, so the four of them just focused on eating.


    The workers were quite curious about the three people dining with the director, so they remembered the two young girls.


    This was a big advantage for Wang Ailing in the future, and it was the reason Jiang Xinyu agreed to eat in the cafeteria.


    After the meal, the three of them followed Wei Kaiyun back to his office.


    "Director Wei, thank you so much for giving Ailing this opportunity."


    "Haha, it��s nothing. If it weren��t for Jiang Xinyu asking me, I wouldn��t have helped."


    "Still, thank you, Director Wei. I have a hundred yuan here, originally intended to buy you some gifts, but since I don��t know what you like, you can buy something yourself."


    "Fellow, take your money back. I won��t accept it. If you want to thank someone, thank Jiang Xinyu. Let her owe me one."


    Jiang Xinyu understood what Wei Kaiyun meant. "Alright, Uncle, we��ll talk about this later.


    Director Wei, we��ll be heading out first. I��m handling my residency paperwork in the next couple of days."


    "Residency? Xinyu, are you planning to transfer your residency here?"


    "Yes, it can be transferred here."


    "That��s okay, but I think you should wait until after the new year or until the work points are calculated."


    "Uncle, I don��t have any work points. It��s only my parents��."


    "Right, you don��t have work points." Wang Jianqiang sighed. This child used to be like a piece of paper, the only one at home, inevitably spoiled a bit.


    "Director Wei, I��d like to start working in a week." Wang Ailing carefully asked.


    Wei Kaiyun nodded. "Sure."


    The three of them said goodbye and left. Walking on the road, Wang Ailing talked even more. Everyone could see her joy.


    Nearing the township, Wang Jianqiang suddenly stopped. "Xinyu."


    "Hey, Uncle, what��s up?"


    "Xinyu, go back and say a good friend of mine helped Ailing find a temporary job. You happened to catch a good opportunity and passed the secretary exam."


    Jiang Xinyu immediately understood what Wang Jianqiang meant.


    "Uncle, this could cause you a lot of trouble later."


    "No worries, it just means a bit of trouble for me. If it��s you, it probably won��t be peaceful. Kong Zhongyou, that person..."


    "Thank you, Uncle."


    "No need to thank me. It��s thanks to you that Ailing has this job. Knowing that you two are together puts my mind at ease."


    "Uncle, won��t this offend the village head?"


    "It��s okay, he wouldn��t dare do anything to me. I��ll handle it. You, being a young girl, shouldn��t have to deal with them."


    "Uncle, my house and residency permit, are they easy to handle?"


    "The residency is no problem. Go find Kong Zhongyou in a few days. He��s a sensible person. With your high position at the textile factory, for his daughter��s sake, he won��t make things difficult for you.


    As for the house, someone in the Jiang family will be thinking about it, but you should be able to handle it, right?"


    "Yes, I��m just worried about issues from the village head."


    "He won��t. Give him a few days, let him think it through."


    Jiang Xinyu had her concerns resolved. Truly, the ginger gets spicier as it gets older. Wang Jianqiang��s solution could be said to have removed himself from the situation.


    "Thank you, Uncle."


    "We don��t need to thank each other anymore. Let��s go."


    Wang Jianqiang walked ahead again. Suddenly, Wang Ailing grabbed Jiang Xinyu��s hand. "Xinyu, try not to go up the mountain alone from now on. When you had a job before, there were already many people in the village who had their eyes on you. Now with a better job, even more people will be interested."


    Jiang Xinyu nodded. "I know, sis. I don��t really have anything else to do now, we have enough firewood, and there��s enough food at home. Why should I go out? I��m really just focusing on getting healthy these two months."


    "Why don��t you come stay at my house?"


    Jiang Xinyu smiled and shook her head. "That��s not appropriate. Don��t worry, I��ll be fine on my own. Besides, I won��t be staying at the dormitory anymore. I��ve asked Director Wei to help find a place in the county."


    "You��re going to live alone outside? It��s not safe."


    "It��s fine. I don��t want to squeeze in with others."


    Wang Ailing also knew she couldn��t persuade Jiang Xinyu, so she didn��t say anything further.


    The silly girl��s smile never left her face, which made Jiang Xinyu feel especially good. Happiness can indeed infect those around you.


    The three of them arrived at the village at three in the afternoon. Many people greeted Wang Jianqiang, as he was the captain and well-liked in the village.


    "Jianqiang, where have you been?" A helpful spectator chimed in.


    "Laixi, I took Ailing to the county to find a temporary job."


    "Really? You��ve got some connections, huh? How did it go? Successful?"


    "It went well. She��ll start working next week." Wang Jianqiang stopped for small talk. Jiang Xinyu and Wang Ailing said goodbye and left.


    "Where��s the temporary job?"


    "At the textile factory."


    "Jianqiang, you��re really something."


    "It was my friend who had to work hard to get it."


    "Your family��s Ailing is really blessed."


    "That��s nothing. The one truly blessed is Xinyu, this girl. Today there was an exam at the textile factory. This girl went with them and, unexpectedly, she passed. This girl is a full-time employee now, the director��s secretary."


    "What did you say? Jiang Xinyu from the Old Jiang Family?" S��ar?h the ��ov��lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Exactly, she��s starting after the new year as a full-time employee. You know, I had to pull strings to get my daughter a temporary job, and yet this girl went and passed the exam for a full-time position. That��s why education matters."


    "Jianqiang, you��re basically making a bridal gown for someone else."


    "No, it��s because the girl is capable. I wasn��t aware of it at all until I took Ailing to register and found out that the Jiang family��s little girl took the exam and passed."


    "Ah! Didn��t expect this girl to have such luck."


    "Who would��ve thought?"

 Chapter 37 Sensation

    Chapter 37: 37 Sensation"This girl managed to sell her position at the textile factory for over four hundred yuan, yet she��s still able to work at the textile factory."


    By now, a crowd had gathered around Wang Jianqiang.


    "Isn��t that right? And the job��s even better than the previous one." Wang Jianqiang sighed after speaking.


    "Is this girl really that lucky?"


    "Isn��t that right?"


    Everyone chatted away, envious of Jiang Xinyu.


    Wang Jianqiang finally broke free from the crowd and hurried back home.


    The news of Jiang Xinyu becoming a worker at the textile factory seemed to spread like wildfire; by nightfall, the entire village knew about it.


    The Kong Family, three of them, sat on the kang with heavy expressions.


    "Dad, I��m going to find her and swap jobs with her." Kong Mengjie had red eyes. She was also a junior high school graduate, and since Jiang Xinyu could pass the test, she believed she would have done better given the chance.


    Her formal job was bought, while someone else��s was earned through exams; how could that be the same? Several girlfriends had made snide remarks in front of her, and although she paid little attention to anything else, she felt everyone was mocking her, hinting that she��d wasted her money.


    Kong Zhongyou was silent, puffing away at his cigarette.


    Seeing her father��s reaction, Kong Mengjie knew he was acquiescing. She quickly put on her shoes.


    Jiang Xinyu was lighting the fire, sucking on a lollipop, with sweetness in her mouth.


    Upon hearing the knock on the door, she nonchalantly opened it, knowing it couldn��t be anything good.


    Seeing Kong Mengjie outside, Jiang Xinyu was stunned for a moment. "Kong Mengjie, are you here for something?"


    Currently overwhelmed by jealousy, Kong Mengjie pushed past Jiang Xinyu, entered the yard, and even locked the gate behind her.


    Jiang Xinyu raised an eyebrow, "This is my home, right? Why are you acting more assertive than the owner?"


    "Jiang Xinyu, I want to swap jobs with you."


    "Sorry, my work file has already been confirmed. If you have the ability, go to the textile factory for a swap; I have no objection."


    "Don��t get arrogant." With that, she glared at Jiang Xinyu and dashed out, opening the door.


    Jiang Xinyu shook her head, knowing that the female lead hadn��t matured yet; she was still rather inexperienced. She locked the door and resumed her fire-lighting.


    Kong Mengjie ran home angrily, climbed onto the kang in her slippers. "Dad, Jiang Xinyu said her job has already been filed."


    "Alright, then forget it. Be courteous with her in the future, let her look after you, and work hard yourself. A promotion isn��t impossible."


    "Dad!"


    "Alright, stop talking."


    At night, the couple lay in bed. "Honey, do you think Jiang Xinyu is getting more and more mysterious?"


    "A bit. Ever since the couple from Jiang Family passed away, the girl has changed. She��s got a great job as a director��s secretary. If she works hard, joins the Party, her career will advance quickly."


    "Honey, should we fix this girl up with our second son?"


    "The second one doesn��t think much of her."


    "What��s not to like? Girls change drastically as they grow. The Jiang Family has good looks, and this girl shouldn��t be any worse." Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "That��s hard to say. Tomorrow, you should write to the eldest and the second, have them come back and take a look."


    "Done, I heard that girl will start work after the New Year, just in time to meet her."


    Meanwhile, Jiang Xinyu was enjoying breakfast: rice, braised pork, two boiled shrimp, and mixed cabbage.


    The lavish meal put Jiang Xinyu in a very good mood, and being tied to Wei Kaiyun didn��t feel so unpleasant.


    Once the household registration issue was resolved, she could formally retreat. By next year, she would be fair and plump, and the thought of it felt wonderful.


    She fell asleep in bed shortly after, but eighty percent of the villagers couldn��t sleep, discussing her affairs.


    People who had previously considered marrying her were even more eager now.


    The Jiang Family, however, was cursing endlessly, wondering how that damn girl got such a good chance. How did good fortune always happen to her?


    Yet, the families had already quarreled, making reconciliation unlikely.


    The Jiang Family members were all cursing Jiang Xinyu, hoping she would lose her job.


    Wang Jianqiang and his wife were also talking about this matter.


    "Today, Director Wei suggested repaying Xinyu for Ailing��s work opportunity as a favor."


    "We owe them a big one. I don��t know why you took this matter upon yourself."


    "Yeah, I have my reasons. With Xinyu��s matter at the forefront, Ailing��s temporary job wouldn��t draw attention."


    "Didn��t expect that girl to have such a great fate. Thankfully, I didn��t stop Lingzi from befriending her."


    "Ten years on the east, ten years on the west. Who knows what the future holds? The children��s friendships are their own business; you shouldn��t interfere. I reckon that girl is quite shrewd."


    The most troubled one was Kong Mengjie. Having spent so much on this job, she was already upset, and now this happened; it felt like a knife stabbed into her chest.


    She couldn��t help thinking that if she had gone to the county today and grabbed the opportunity, she could��ve been accepted and saved over four hundred yuan.


    How did that broom-star get such a chance? Heaven must be blind.


    The more Kong Mengjie thought, the sadder she felt. No, her job was secure; wasn��t it at risk?


    With that realization, Kong Mengjie suddenly panicked. If she lost her job, the four hundred yuan spent on that damn girl would be gone forever, and she wouldn��t get it back.


    Her secretary position was already established, making replacement unlikely.


    Now Kong Mengjie was too restless to lie down, but it was midnight, and going to her wasn��t realistic. She was anxious and sleepless the whole night.


    Other girls of similar age also resented Jiang Xinyu; how could such an orphan have such opportunities? It was unbelievable; heaven was blind.


    Jiang Xinyu, with her job secured, slept soundly, while the entire village suffered insomnia.


    The next day, just before seven, while it was still dark, and Jiang Xinyu dreaming away, the door was knocked on loudly.


    Who was so inconsiderate this early in the morning? Disturbing peaceful dreams.


    The person outside was relentless, forcing Jiang Xinyu to reluctantly get up, pack away the warm bedding, and finally go to open the door.


    Seeing Kong Mengjie, Jiang Xinyu��s anger rose. "Where��s your manners? Blowing your top so early, don��t you know it��s rude to disturb peaceful dreams?"


    "Jiang Xinyu, what about my job?"


    "Your job��s in your hands. Why ask me?"


    "You��re now secured work at the textile factory; what about mine? Won��t it be canceled?"


    "No, you can relax."


    "How can I relax? The textile factory isn��t yours; can you vouch for it?"


    "If you don��t trust me, there��s nothing I can do. Shall I return your money?"

 Chapter 38: Post-38

    Chapter 38: Post-38"What are you using to withdraw? You��ve spent all your money." Kong Mengjie was almost dying of anxiety.


    "I��ll sell it in the county, it��ll definitely be better priced."


    "Are you dreaming? I��m telling you, arrange for me to start work right away, or I��ll report you for fraud."


    "Are you okay? You just said the textile factory isn��t mine, the notice says to report on March 15th, what can I do?"


    "What if the textile factory doesn��t acknowledge the job then?"


    "The factory won��t recognize the county mayor��s notice? You��re overthinking."


    "Is it really like that?"


    "Believe it or not. If there��s nothing else, I��m going to sleep."


    "You can��t leave."


    "Are you crazy? If that��s the case, go ahead and report me."


    "No way, you went to the factory today, you��re already the director��s secretary, letting me report a bit early won��t be a problem."


    "Why should I go? Our relationship isn��t that close, right?"


    "You must go. Otherwise, I��ll keep pestering you at your home."


    "Kong Mengjie, you��re not like this, what��s happened to you?"


    "Jiang Xinyu, I��m begging you. Go to the textile factory and confirm the job for me, I��m really unsure."


    "It��s not impossible, but I can��t just go for free. Here��s the thing, I need to transfer my household registration to the textile factory. Eventually, yours will be transferred there too. I��ll go back with you to find your dad, let him prepare the transfer document, and I��ll get it stamped at the township, then go to the county."


    "Alright, hurry."


    Now this job has become Kong Mengjie��s obsession. If it doesn��t materialize, she��ll probably go crazy.


    "I need to wash up, right? Go home, I��ll be there in half an hour, you don��t need to keep an eye on me, I won��t run away."


    Kong Mengjie considered it sensibly. She turned and left, rushing out, wearing little, she was really cold.


    After walking a few steps, she looked back. Seeing Jiang Xinyu was about to close the door, "Hurry up, or I��ll kick the door down."


    "Alright. Go home quickly, you��re wasting my time. It��ll be even later." Jiang Xinyu helplessly wondered how such a person could reach the top of their life.


    After sending Kong Mengjie away, Jiang Xinyu boiled water to wash up. Then she ate a sugar bun and drank a pouch of milk. Due to being rushed today, she didn��t boil eggs and felt something was missing. She took out her cherished cream cake from space and ate it slowly.


    This cream cake was from the bakery where she worked part-time, given at cost because it couldn��t sell, otherwise she wouldn��t have spent the money.


    After eating, she rinsed her mouth, put on her coat, and wore a hat before locking the door and heading to the Kong Family.


    As for Kong Mengjie, after returning from the Jiang Family, she saw her parents were already up and hurriedly went in. "Dad, I just went to find Jiang Xinyu. I��m worried when she gets the job, this notice will be void, but she said it��s fine."


    "There is this possibility. Her saying it��s fine can��t be trusted." Tian Shulan, hearing her daughter��s words, felt anxious.


    "Dad, I think we should hurry and let her get it done, lest things get complicated."


    "Hmm, alright, let her do it."


    "Dad, she said she won��t go, I had to threaten her, and only then did she agree. She��s coming over soon for you to issue proof, she wants to transfer her household registration to the textile factory."


    Kong Zhongyou frowned upon hearing his daughter��s words, still hoping Jiang Xinyu��s registration would stay in the village, so he could hold sway over her.


    "Her registration moving out is unfavorable to us, it can��t be allowed."


    "Dad, she said my registration could move too. If we prevent her from transferring hers, and she causes trouble when I��m moving mine, not letting me in, what then?"


    "Exactly, husband, what Mengjie said makes sense, let��s befriend her."


    "Dad, I initially asked her to refund the money, she said she can, and she��ll sell the job in the county for more than what she sold it to us."


    Kong Zhongyou was well aware of this dilemma. "Think, if her registration sits in the village, she��d show me some respect, although not completely swayed by us, she��d definitely not decline our request.


    If her registration moves, she wouldn��t care about us."


    Tian Shulan and her daughter heard Kong Zhongyou��s words, remained silent, it��s a difficult decision.


    "Dad, I feel we should let her move, so it��s easier to talk when we approach her later. But if you don��t help her out, she might resent us and trip me up, which isn��t good."


    Tian Shulan agreed with her daughter��s reasoning. "Husband, just process it for her, it can build goodwill."


    "Alright, we��ll process it, but Mengjie, from now on you must get along with her."


    "I know, unless I hold a higher position than her, I won��t provoke her. Besides, her family is here, her parents are buried in our village, she��ll definitely come back."


    "Hmm, that��s true, I��ll issue it shortly, which builds goodwill."


    So even when Jiang Xinyu arrived, the words she rehearsed didn��t need to be used because she was handed the proof as soon as she stepped inside.


    "Xinyu, Mengjie said you want to transfer your registration, I��ve already issued it, just go to the township police station to get it stamped."


    "Thank you so much, village head. Would you kindly provide me with an introduction letter? I plan to go to the county today."


    "Alright, Mengjie��s matter is entrusted to you."


    "Rest assured, village head, I��ll do my best."


    "Haha, Uncle knows you��re capable."


    Jiang Xinyu left contentedly with the two documents in hand.


    She didn��t return home, heading directly to the township police station. Upon seeing the village��s proof and inspecting Jiang Xinyu��s registration book, they let her fill the transfer proof and stamped it.


    After exiting the police station, it was only eight forty, forty minutes later she reached the textile factory��s entrance.


    The guard already knew Jiang Xinyu and smiled while letting her in. S��arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Jiang Xinyu went directly to Wei Kaiyun��s office, but he was absent, his secretary Qian Jun was there.


    "Jiang Xinyu, are you starting work?"


    "No, I��m here to settle the registration matter, where��s Director Wei?"


    "He��s in a meeting, it��ll probably take another hour to finish."


    For this registration issue, fill out a form, and I��ll stamp it for you, then go to the union for a stamp, and afterward to the county public security bureau."


    "Thank you for the trouble, Secretary Qian."


    "No need to be polite. We��ll be colleagues soon, come, fill out the form."


    Jiang Xinyu didn��t take long to complete the form, Secretary Qian stamped it, Jiang Xinyu checked the time was still sufficient, ready to go to the county public security bureau.


    "Jiang Xinyu, can you ride a bike? If you can, ride mine."

 Chapter 39 Implementation

    Chapter 39: 39 ImplementationJiang Xinyu smiled, "Thank you, Secretary Qian, but I don��t need it. The public security bureau in the county isn��t far from here. We��ll chat again some other time. I��ll go to the union to get a stamp."


    Qian Jun watched Jiang Xinyu leave, wondering why the director chose such a young girl to be the secretary.


    But from now on, they��ll be colleagues. It��s a good thing for him that Jiang Xinyu isn��t too outstanding.


    Jiang Xinyu, familiar with the place, went to the office of the union.


    She spent five minutes getting her form stamped for the residence transfer.


    After exchanging a few words here, she immediately headed to the county public security bureau.


    By the time she got there, it was already ten forty. Fortunately, they hadn��t closed, otherwise she would have had to wait, and she didn��t want to make a trip for nothing��not that she minded the hassle, she just didn��t feel like walking anymore, it was too tiring.


    The staff at the public security bureau reviewed all of Jiang Xinyu��s documents, found everything in order, didn��t make any excuses, directly stamped them, and even gave Jiang Xinyu a new residence page. Thus, Jiang Xinyu��s residence registration was settled.


    After putting away the residence page and thanking the staff there, she returned to the textile factory.


    "Jiang Xinyu, Director Wei wants you to go to his office."


    "Thank you."


    Jiang Xinyu knocked on the door, got a response, and entered the office.


    "I thought you��d gone back after finishing the residence procedures."


    "I still have something to ask Director Wei, how could I go back?"


    "You haven��t eaten, have you? Come on, I��ll take you to eat."


    "Thank you, Director Wei, I��m really hungry. I haven��t had a moment to rest this whole morning."


    "Oh. Why don��t you rest in my office and I��ll go get lunch and bring it back?"


    "No need, it��s just a few more steps."


    The three of them went to the cafeteria together. The hall was already full with people, many of whom were eating standing up.


    Today��s menu had corn buns, cabbage soup, and stir-fried bean sprouts with pickled vegetables.


    The three of them got their meals, looked around, and since there was no space, they simply took their trays back to eat.


    Jiang Xinyu just ate one corn bun and half a bowl of soup.


    "Didn��t you say you were hungry? How come you��re eating so little?"


    "I was too hungry, I can��t eat much now. You go ahead and eat."


    After the meal, Qian Jun went out, leaving the two of them in the office.


    "What did you want to talk to me about?"


    "It��s about Kong Mengjie wanting to start working early."


    "Haha, is she afraid you��ll cheat her out of her money?"


    "Yes, she even said she��d sue me. I can just refund her if necessary."


    "Sure, let her come on Monday too. Let her bring her luggage, and after checking in, she can start working officially."


    "Alright, thank you very much, Director Wei. You��re really a good person."


    "A good person?"


    "Yes."


    Wei Kaiyun just laughed on the side without saying anything. It��s rare for someone to call him a good person.


    "Director Wei, I won��t bother you anymore. I��m heading back; I��ve still got nearly two hours of travel ahead of me."


    "Weren��t you checking out the houses?"


    "Did you find one? Buying or renting?"


    "Buying, three tile-roofed rooms, plus a woodshed and an annex. They��re asking for four hundred yuan."


    "Haha, are they aiming for the money in my hands?"


    "If you��re not too tired, I can take you there now to have a look."


    "Great, it��s better to get everything done today, then I��ll have peace of mind. After that, I plan to go into seclusion."


    "Shall I give you a ride on the bike, or do you want to ride it yourself? Or do you just want to walk?"


    "Can I borrow a bike from Secretary Qian? How far is it from here?"


    "Not far, it��s near the county public security bureau. It makes me feel at ease knowing you��re staying there alone as a girl."


    "Thank you, but I think I��ll walk over, it��s not too far."


    "Why walk when you can ride?"


    "There��s a bus stop outside the county public security bureau; I��ll take the bus back to the village. The less walking, the better. If I ride the bike there, I��ll have to return it afterward."


    "Alright, I��ll give you a ride, let��s go."


    "Director Wei, won��t this delay you?"


    "It��s fine, let��s go."


    Jiang Xinyu looked at the high bike seat and didn��t know how to get on.


    Wei Kaiyun found it amusing but didn��t show it on his face.


    "You get on first, then I��ll ride."


    "Haha, thank you, Director Wei."


    Riding the bike was faster than walking, and they arrived in fifteen minutes.


    Jiang Xinyu immediately liked the house at first glance; it didn��t seem very old. It was a large blue brick tile-roofed house.


    Wei Kaiyun had the keys and the two of them opened the door to go inside.


    It was a proper three-room house, facing south, with the central room as the main hall and bedrooms on either side.


    The layout was similar to her family��s, but instead of an eight-circle large iron pot, there was a six-circle one here.


    "Director Wei, what kind of fuel does this stove use?"


    "Firewood or coal. You��ll get coal tickets in the future." S��ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Oh, I see. Then I��ll need to prepare the firewood myself?"


    "You can buy it, it��s not expensive."


    "That works."


    As they spoke, they went into the bedroom. It was clean but had nothing left behind, not even the kang mat.


    "Looks like I��ll need to prepare a lot of things."


    The two of them took a tour, then went to another bedroom, which was the same.


    "Why don��t you take a look at the annex and the woodshed?"


    "Hmm, the owner of this place is a neat and tidy person."


    "Yes, a friend of mine. He went to work in the province. Keeping this house here doesn��t serve any purpose."


    "Alright, I��ll take these rooms. We��ll need to do the property transfer, right?"


    "Yes, or if you want, we can do it today to save you another trip."


    "Sure, I also brought the money. It��s good to settle everything in one go."


    "The property certificate is also with me. Let��s go, let��s head to the housing bureau."


    Wei Kaiyun knew many people, and upon arriving at the housing bureau, everything went smoothly. Jiang Xinyu received a brand new property certificate with her name on it.


    The two of them returned to the house. Jiang Xinyu took out four hundred yuan and handed it to Wei Kaiyun.


    Wei Kaiyun also gave Jiang Xinyu three keys. With that, the deal was done.


    "Looks like I can��t go into seclusion yet. I��ll come over with them on Monday, and I��ll need to prepare furniture and all sorts of supplies."


    "Why don��t you not go back today? I��ll take you to buy furniture this afternoon. You can crash at the dormitory tonight."


    "Alright. I��ve already taken up half of your day, Director Wei."


    Wei Kaiyun just smiled and said nothing.


    "Director Wei, I only have a few dozen yuan left. Can we buy cheap furniture?"


    "Sure, I��ll take you to buy used ones, but they��ll still be of good quality, don��t worry."


    "I definitely trust Director Wei."


    Wei Kaiyun took Jiang Xinyu to a large courtyard, "Old Yang, I��m here to buy furniture."


    "Xiao Wei, help yourself."


    "Pick a few pieces for me, I trust your taste."


    "What do you need?"


    Wei Kaiyun looked at Jiang Xinyu.


    "I need a dining table, two wardrobes, a few chairs, a writing desk, and a cupboard."


    "Okay, come with me, I��ll show you the wardrobes. I just received a set made of pear wood, they��re about seventy percent new."


    Jiang Xinyu immediately liked them, just like with the house earlier.


    "Comrade, how much for this set of furniture?"


    "I bought it for eighty; you can have it for eighty as well if you want."

 Chapter 40 prepared

    Chapter 40: 40 preparedJiang Xinyu gritted her teeth. "Okay, I��ll take it."


    "There��s also two old bridal chests left from ancient times here. Look, you can��t beat the quality, it��s made of rosewood."


    "Comrade, how much for these chests?"


    "If you want them, sixty for both. They��re old furniture, good wood, but not many people like them.


    Do you need a table for the kang bed or a ground table for dining?"


    "A ground table." Jiang Xinyu was calculating the money in her hand, so her expression was a bit pained.


    "Don��t worry, I can lend you some money."


    Jiang Xinyu didn��t reply to Wei Kaiyun but kept looking at Old Yang.


    "Comrade, do you need food? Can I exchange it for grain?"


    "Sure, with Xiao Wei, I��ll give you the black market price. What do you have?"


    "Cornmeal. Refined, no husk."


    "I��ll give you one dollar per pound."


    "Alright, I can buy it then." Jiang Xinyu exhaled in relief.


    Then she picked out a ground table, one kang table, four chairs, a bowl rack, a dressing table, and finally the owner gifted four stools. Altogether it cost four hundred and two.


    "Comrade, I don��t have four hundred and twenty pounds of cornmeal, how much will you give for rice?"


    "Rice?"


    "Yes, special grade rice."


    "Two dollars a pound."


    "Okay, I understand. I��ll give you two hundred pounds of rice and the remaining twenty dollars."


    "That��s great, I��ll throw in a pair of kang cabinets for you."


    "Great, but can I deliver it to you the day after tomorrow, comrade?"


    "No problem, with Xiao Wei here, I completely trust you."


    "Old Yang, since that��s the case, have someone deliver it and set it up. She��s just a young lady and can��t manage it."


    "No problem, I��ll go find someone right now."


    "Old Yang, you take care of it first, I��ll take Xiao Jiang to buy kang mattresses."


    "Kang mattresses? I have new ones in storage, just cost price for you, eight dollars each."


    "Alright, thank you, comrade." Jiang Xinyu felt relieved, since she got all the major things she needed.


    "You two sit for a while, I��ll go call someone."


    "Old Yang, we won��t stay, we��ll go wait at the house, it��s at Xiao Song��s place next to the public security bureau."


    "Alright, go ahead, it��ll be delivered within an hour."


    The two left, Wei Kaiyun casually said while riding the bike, "Jiang Xinyu, where do you have so much rice?"


    "It��s not stolen, nor robbed. Don��t worry, there��s no problem with its origin."


    "You��re still selling grain in these times?"


    "I have a bit left, enough for me to eat for a few months. Besides, I eat at the canteen at noon, not much morning and night. I also have cornmeal, no worries about food."


    Director Wei, does the house have a cellar?"


    "Yes, it��s under the wing room."


    "That��s good. I still have lots of yams, cabbage, radishes at home. I��ll bring them over when I start working."


    "How will you transport them?"


    "Our village has ox carts, donkey carts."


    "If it��s inconvenient, I can find a vehicle to transport them."


    "We��ll talk about it then. It��s not urgent.


    Director Wei, if you need brooms, where do I buy them?"


    "At the supply and marketing cooperative."


    They returned to Jiang Xinyu��s home. "Director Wei, go ahead and get busy, I��ll wait for the furniture myself."


    "No problem, I took the afternoon off."


    Jiang Xinyu didn��t say anything more and started cleaning.


    When they moved out, they cleaned thoroughly, so Jiang Xinyu quickly finished her cleaning.


    When the furniture arrived, it was set up directly, even the kang mattresses were put in place.


    Jiang Xinyu looked happily at the house, this was the feeling of a home.


    It was already five in the afternoon. Since everything was organized, Jiang Xinyu thought about heading home.


    "This late? You��re a girl, aren��t you tired?"


    "Tired, but I��m uneasy being outside. Don��t worry, I��m fine."


    Wei Kaiyun observed Jiang Xinyu��s resolved expression. "Fine, you can go back, I��ll ride the bike and take you home." S��ar?h the Nov��l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "No need, that would be too much trouble for you."


    "If you don��t let me take you, then stay and leave tomorrow."


    "Director Wei, biking to our village takes about an hour, right?"


    "No worries, let��s go."


    Jiang Xinyu didn��t refuse further, thinking she��d repay the favor later.


    Wei Kaiyun didn��t even take an hour to reach the village, which was quiet at this time. Jiang Xinyu opened the door and invited Wei Kaiyun inside.


    "Director Wei, would you like to eat before leaving?"


    "No need, it��s late, I��ll be leaving."


    "Wait, Director Wei, can you take the rice back to Old Yang?"


    "Sure, no problem."


    "I��ll go down to the cellar, Director Wei, you wait up here."


    Jiang Xinyu brought out four bags of rice, then packed them into burlap bags in the dark.


    Just when Wei Kaiyun was getting anxious waiting, Jiang Xinyu called from below.


    The two bags of rice were indeed two hundred pounds and quite heavy.


    After coming up, Jiang Xinyu found two more burlap bags and added a layer.


    She placed one bag on the front beam and another on the rear seat.


    Jiang Xinyu felt pretty bad about it; carrying a weight of two hundred pounds was indeed tough.


    "Don��t worry, just help me well in the future."


    After Wei Kaiyun left, Jiang Xinyu finally relaxed, saw it was past seven, and hurried to start a fire, feeling it was quite a tiring day.


    She took a bath, then started chopping firewood. Without watching the fire, she prepared food.


    Rice, steamed egg, braised pork.


    It wasn��t until nearly ten that Jiang Xinyu managed to eat dinner.


    After eating her fill, the bed was warm, lying down made her feel the soreness all over her body.


    After lying down for a bit, she drifted into a sweet dream.


    Early next morning, before seven, there was a knock at the door.


    Jiang Xinyu was instantly annoyed, but she could understand Kong Mengjie��s feelings. So she put on the cotton coat she found last night.


    "Jiang Xinyu, what time did you get back yesterday?"


    "Are you the police station? You��re meddling quite a bit."


    "So, when can I start working?" Jiang Xinyu decided not to fuss with her.


    "Next Monday, you and Wang Ailing can go together. Bring your luggage, after reporting, you can start working right away."


    "Really?"


    "Would I lie to you?"


    "What about my household registration?"


    "I forgot to ask, you��ll have to inquire when you start work. I was exhausted yesterday walking all day, don��t knock again." She finished and closed the door yawning.


    "Alright, I��ll come find you in the afternoon."


    Jiang Xinyu: What do you need to find me for?


    Going back inside, she didn��t feel like lying down again, so she decided to start a fire, the house was quite cold.


    Jiang Xinyu was wary of anyone coming over again, so she didn��t cook, just had a bowl of milk powder and a sugar bun. This time, there was no chance to eat eggs.


    Indeed, Jiang Xinyu guessed right; she just finished eating, and without having cleaned, the door was knocked again.

 Chapter 41 Seclusion

    Chapter 41: 41 SeclusionJiang Xinyu checked everything and, finding nothing amiss, felt relieved.


    She opened the door and saw Wang Ailing outside. "Sis, why are you here so early?"


    "It��s not that early. I was just worried about disturbing you, so I waited until now to come over. What time did you get back last night?"


    "I got home around nine, I guess?"


    "Why so late? Did you come back by yourself? If I had known, I would have accompanied you."


    "No, it was Director Wei who gave me a ride back on his bike.


    Sis, have you eaten? Should we have some malted milk drink?"


    "I��ve eaten already, you go ahead. When I was on my way here, Kong Zhongyou came to my house looking for my dad. What��s going on?"


    "Kong Mengjie is working with you, registering on Monday."


    "You mean it��s all set?"


    "What��s so hard about it? Actually, this is a busy time for the textile factory. Having workers show up is a good thing, isn��t it?


    My job is something I requested myself; I want to start after the New Year. I��ll just inform the textile factory.


    And my household registration was sorted out yesterday."


    "So quickly? Did my dad tell Kong Zhongyou to think it over?"


    "Haha, Kong Mengjie was worried about losing her job, so she came to see me first thing yesterday morning. I went along with it and said that if she wanted me to help with her business at the textile factory, she should get my residency proof done.


    Of course, she agreed to let me change my registration for the sake of her job." Sear?h the nov��lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Haha, so Kong Mengjie turned out to be your helper in a way?"


    "Pretty much."


    "Then why did Kong Zhongyou come to my house?"


    "I guess he was discussing with your dad how to get to the county. Did your dad tell you? Do you have a lot to carry?"


    "Yeah, bedding, clothes, personal items. My dad said we��d borrow a donkey cart from the team.


    It��s good that Kong Mengjie is going along. At least Kong Zhongyou won��t object."


    "The two of you have so much luggage it needs a big cart. I was thinking of moving some of my stuff there too, but maybe not. We��ll see."


    "What do you want to move? And where to?"


    "I found a place to stay yesterday, just waiting for me to move in."


    "Alright, that��s impressive."


    "Director Wei helped out. Otherwise, how would I know people in the county?"


    As they chatted, Jiang Xinyu tidied up, then went to the cellar to get some broken yams. She wanted to make yam pancakes.


    After all, with enough firewood, why not treat herself well?


    "Xinyu, I��m heading back now, I��ll be going to my grandma��s for lunch."


    "Alright, I��m resting today; I was too tired yesterday."


    After seeing off Wang Ailing, Jiang Xinyu locked the door. She sat by the stove, stoking the fire and reading.


    When the yams were cooked, she set them aside to cool, peeled them, and then mashed them with flour and starch.


    Unfortunately, without oil to fry, she could only steam them. With brown sugar and crushed peanuts, they would taste amazing.


    Checking the time, they were done steaming by eleven o��clock.


    Jiang Xinyu ate two in one go and stored the rest.


    She started making dough. Taking advantage of the cold winter to keep the fire going and make extra food. Living alone in the county later, she might not have time to cook.


    While she was busy at home, the Kong Family was all in a bustle.


    Tian Shulan was preparing bedding for her daughter. Afraid others would laugh, all the bedding she brought was new, with new cotton.


    Seeing this, Kong Mengjie��s younger sister, Kong Menglin, wasn��t happy. Being the youngest and quite spoiled at home, she started acting up as she watched their mother give all the good stuff to her sister.


    "Menglin, when you grow up and have a job, I��ll prepare the same for you." No one knows their kids like a mother does; she understood her younger daughter��s thoughts well.


    "Mom, when I grow up, will you also spend money to find me a job?"


    "As long as there��s a chance, I would. Having a good job means being able to find a good husband for a girl.


    Menglin, a good job also requires education, so you better study hard."


    "Okay, Mom, I got it. I study better than my little brother."


    "As long as you study well, I��ll do whatever it takes to get you an education."


    Kong Mengjie listened quietly on the side. She knew her sister was jealous. But thinking about the money spent to secure her job, she felt it was up to her to repay it; why was it the family��s expense?


    However, she wasn��t the type to make a scene, so she simply kept silent.


    As mother and daughter prepared things, Kong Zhongyou was attending a meeting at the brigade headquarters.


    Right now, the villagers had no food left, and the members were starting to stir up trouble. Without food, who cares for anything else?


    "Village chief, what are we going to do? My family has no food either," Zhou Jiaxing said, looking glum.


    "The members are restless, but they should have food at home. It��s just lazybones like you who really have nothing.


    After distributing the grain, everyone went up the mountain to look for food, except your lazy family. Who can you blame now?


    You all know that there��s no grain in our warehouse. No matter how much trouble you make, it can��t be produced."


    "Village chief, isn��t there still two thousand jins of grain left?" Zhou Xiangxing spoke slyly.


    "You��re talking nonsense. That��s next year��s seed grain, untouchable by anyone. If we don��t plant next year, where will the grain come from?


    Let me tell you, anyone who dares to mess with the seeds will end up facing severe consequences."


    "Village chief, is it that serious?"


    "At the last meeting, the township head specifically addressed this issue, stressing that each village must save enough seeds for next year. If anyone dares to mess with it, they��ll end up in the detention center for undermining socialism.


    You two better stay on your toes and keep your hands clean."


    "Sigh! How will we survive then?" Zhou Jiaxing sighed, genuinely worried.


    "You better hurry up the mountain; if you starve, there��s no one to save you.


    I��m telling you, even if you have money and food tickets now, you might not be able to buy grain."


    "Village chief. Is it really this serious?"


    "Yes, it��s a national disaster. The grain that��s collected first goes to the army, then to factory workers and urban non-agricultural areas."


    "I should quickly gather my family and head to the mountain. Who knows what edibles we might find?" Zhou Jiaxing hurriedly ran off.


    "Serves them right for being lazy."


    "Village chief, I��m heading home too. Our two families will go up the mountain together for safety.


    Village chief, the Jiang family contacted me yesterday, asking for that little girl��s house, but I said no."


    "Opportunistic money-grubbers. If they had maintained good relations, they could��ve taken care of things when the others left. Don��t pay them any mind."


    "Understood." Zhou Xiangxing also left. He and Zhou Jiaxing were close cousins, sharing the same grandfather.


    "Go, and pay attention to safety."


    "By the way. Village chief, do we still need to send our village��s pigs to the supply and marketing cooperative?"

 Chapter 42 Closed Cultivation

    Chapter 42: 42 Closed Cultivation"You can��t keep any less. The tasks from above haven��t reduced one bit." Kong Zhongyou sighed.


    "But everyone is unwilling."


    "This isn��t about whether they want to or not. An arm can��t twist a thigh."


    "Village Chief, I heard from the people in L Village that they aren��t submitting their task pigs. They��re preparing to slaughter them these days."


    Kong Zhongyou furrowed his brows; he knew the law doesn��t punish the masses, but if he really gets too forceful in the village, he will definitely offend many. Whatever he does now, it��s like being caught between a rock and a hard place.


    "What are the other villages saying?"


    "I don��t know, I think they��re all waiting for L Village to take the lead and see what happens."


    "Hmm, let��s wait and see too. I feel the feasibility isn��t high; the town folks are still waiting for this pork for the New Year. If we eat it all, it certainly won��t work."


    Kong Zhongyou was also worried, without food, it��s not something he can solve by finding grains or coming up with solutions.


    Back then, they reported false yields, but it was decided in meetings and everyone agreed, so he certainly won��t take the blame for this.


    With his hands behind his back, he went to the warehouse and looked at the tightly locked door. He breathed a sigh of relief. These seeds cannot be touched no matter what.


    Today, the Zhou Brothers came by. Their idea is probably shared by most people; it won��t do, tonight a meeting has to be called to make them understand the importance of these seeds.


    Regardless of Kong Zhongyou��s worries, Jiang Xinyu kept cooking, not daring to use oil. So she steamed rice, one big pot after another. Buns, sugar buns, flower rolls, making them while thinking about the taste of bean paste buns, but there wasn��t any bean filling.


    By afternoon, she sat on the kang. Feeling hot, she finally finished. There��s still plenty of time.


    Due to the tension and busyness of the past month, Jiang Xinyu finally had some free time, always feeling hungry and unable to fully wake up.


    After eating a homemade meat bun and drinking a bowl of powdered milk, she fell asleep in bed before eight o��clock.


    Life was cozy here, while Wei Kaiyun was so busy that he couldn��t even touch the ground.


    After sending Jiang Xinyu back that day, it was too late, and he didn��t get the rice to Old Yang. He directly placed it at his own house, which was seldom lived in, lacking any human presence.


    Yesterday was once again busy with shipments, extremely hectic until tonight when he finally had some time.


    Old Yang was the type who eats alone and doesn��t worry about hunger for the whole family, so he directly lived in this compound.


    "Xiao Wei, why are you here so late? Did you eat? I have some good food today."


    "I could smell the meat from afar, where��s it from?"


    "Dog meat, a big pot. You��re lucky to have food. Hurry, what��s in that cart? Two hundred catties of rice?"


    "Yes, I carried it over the night before last, but hadn��t had the time. Where should I put it?" S��ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Let��s carry it into the house together; I need to take a look."


    They were both young and strong, so each grabbed a bag and directly moved it inside.


    Old Yang impatiently opened it, grabbed a handful and looked at it. "Haha, this rice is good. Where did that girl source this?"


    "Old Yang, just take it. Don��t you know the rules?"


    "Aren��t we just the two of us? I still know to avoid taboos with others. Let��s chat while eating. Had you come sooner, we could have made some rice; I haven��t tasted rice for almost half a year."


    "What are we eating tonight, just dog meat?"


    "And two cornbread rolls, one for each of us. Break them up and scoop them with the meat broth, really delicious."


    Wei Kaiyun wasn��t modest; honestly, he had a stake in Old Yang��s place, but couldn��t show himself.


    "Xiao Wei, that little girl looks unremarkable; she must have a lot on her mind, right?"


    "She reads faces."


    "What? Fortune telling? Weren��t you a non-believer in that?"


    "I kind of believe it now."


    "Is that why you made her your secretary?"


    "Yes, my intuition says she should stay by my side."


    "Haha, luckily the girl is young and looks average, or I��d be thinking the wrong way."


    "That��s a last resort. If she turns out valuable and thinks of leaving me, I��ll make her willingly stay."


    "You haven��t changed, still cunning as ever. But that girl gives me the impression she isn��t easy to manipulate."


    "Women��they��ll be obedient once they settle down."


    Old Yang smiled; Wei Kaiyun was a tough and capable guy, but he was too smart. Being too smart isn��t good, as the old saying goes, ��extreme wisdom will cause harm,�� holds some truth.


    "Alright, I��m full, gotta go. Too tired these days."


    "Haha, you know what tiredness is too?"


    "I��m human too; how could I not know tiredness? By the way, if you and Jiang Xinyu need grain, I think she still has quite a bit."


    "Okay, got it. I��ll swap two bags of rice for cornmeal or coarse grains at night; with a run around the black market, it might even flip. When the girl comes over, I��ll give her some nice stuff, really a lucky star."


    "Suit yourself. I��m leaving." At the end of the year, the supply pressure was really high. With only six workshops, the output was just like that, and although the units didn��t idle, that��s all there was to produce.


    But local leaders were unsympathetic and continued to demand goods.


    Wei Kaiyun felt very stressful, but there was no choice but to endure. He returned to his dormitory, washed his feet, and went to sleep.


    Saturday came; he got up early fearing Wang Ailing might come, so after breakfast, he prepared yam, mixed with cornmeal and yeast, which should be good.


    Jiang Xinyu was indeed right; Wang Ailing came over at eight o��clock.


    "Sis, what��s wrong with you? Why so down?"


    "It��s nothing, just feeling upset about my maternal family��s lack of food, seeing my cousins like that."


    "It��s the same everywhere; we were just lucky to find yams, otherwise we��d be the same."


    "Last night, my brother secretly sent over a basket of yams to my grandmother��s place."


    But that won��t last long. Today, my brother is taking my uncle and them to the mountains to see if there are yams over there."


    If it snows and the mountain is blocked by heavy snow, there��s nothing left but starvation."


    "Sis, I still have quite a lot of yams here; since I��m eating alone, tell Aunt, if there��s nothing at home, come here to get some."


    "You better keep them; my family has more than yours. I won��t be eating at home from now on, somehow I��ll get through to next year."


    Besides, we still have some squash at home; I checked the cellar yesterday, and there were over ten big squashes."


    Now in the village, regardless of adults or kids, everyone is going to the mountains to find food during the day. I saw the village kids eating yam beans the day before yesterday; luckily we discovered them early, otherwise I can��t imagine."


    "Isn��t anyone curious about who dug up the yams?"


    Wang Ailing shook her head, "I haven��t heard of it; my parents haven��t mentioned it either. Probably they don��t know the tubers are still buried in the ground."


    "Did Aunt��s family go to the mountains too?"


    "Yes, my dad says there��s never too much food, and besides, he��s afraid others might suspect."

 Chapter 43 Seclusion

    Chapter 43: 43 SeclusionThe aroma of yams wafted out from the pot. "Sis, have a piece."


    "No, I��ve already eaten."


    "You��ll eat if I give you one. I eat here when I��m full."


    Jiang Xinyu handed a piece to Wang Ailing, and she broke off a small piece for herself.


    "Xinyu, you peel the skins to eat? That��s so wasteful."


    "Sis, the skin isn��t much, besides, I feel like I can��t swallow without peeling them."


    "Such fussiness. You should save a bit more."


    "Alright, alright, I know. By the way, do you have vegetable seeds at home?"


    "Yes, we have cucumber, eggplant, pepper, and beans."


    "Ask my aunt and see if I can get ten seeds of each kind to plant in the yard in the county. By the way, do you still have a lot of cabbages? I have some here, you can take two back."


    "No need, we still have some. My home��s yard is bigger than yours, my mom plants vegetables in both the front and back yards."


    At eleven o��clock, Wang Ailing went home. Jiang Xinyu closed the main gate and mixed the cornmeal, planning to steam after waking from her midday nap.


    Having the chance to nap during the day feels so comfortable, this kind of life is so captivating.


    In the afternoon, she steamed two pots of cornbread. Just out of the steamer, the taste was especially good. It was soft and fluffy to bite.


    Everything was put into the space, where the bowls were not enough, so she cleaned up the two large wooden basins and two small wooden basins bought at the market last time. She��ll buy a few more next time.


    Jiang Xinyu felt lacking in vegetables. In the past life, she frequently had mouth ulcers, which is due to a vitamin deficiency. She plans to go to the hospital to inquire if they have any B2 vitamins. She still has a few bottles in her space, so she��ll just make do for now, hoping not to run into a situation near the holidays of having meat to eat but not being able to.


    She had finished reading all the novels on hand, really missing the online novels of all genres and types, which are not like now?


    Suddenly remembered, back then she listened to English on a tape recorder with a radio function, hurriedly excitedly got it out, slowly tuning the channels; really, she got a signal, though the sound quality wasn��t great, but it was better than being in the dark.


    At this time, it was just the news hour, listening to the flashy and superficial reports inside, genuinely felt helpless, but there was movement in the house, it wasn��t quiet anymore. However, she could still hear some useful information.


    This needed a type five battery, not sure how long the radio could last? Should she go to the city to take a look?


    Now her household registration is in the county, so there��s no restriction on leaving the village.


    Finally found some joy, abrupt stopping would feel too uncomfortable.


    So Jiang Xinyu decided to take a bus to the city tomorrow, to buy batteries, type one for the flashlight use, type five for the radio.


    Also, there aren��t many fabrics at home, but for the house in the county, she should prepare curtains and door curtains. Might as well search for these in the city; the county might not have them.


    There wasn��t much to do today, Jiang Xinyu listened to the radio while dismantling Jiang Xinyu��s old bedding, preparing to make a big mat, a thick kind, to lay on the kang, and then put a nice bedsheet over it. She��ll use her own for sleeping.


    Jiang Xinyu��s needlework is excellent, past life she did all the dismantling and washing of her grandparents�� bedding, also made winter clothes for the two elderly.


    So for her, this was nothing; very simple.


    Saturday morning, got up at 6 am, had breakfast, and left in the dark.


    Half an hour to the township. The early bus hadn��t left yet. After boarding, she initially wanted to take off her cotton coat, but the bus was no warmer than outside, kept on her arrival attire, didn��t dare take it off.


    After arriving in the city, the building had just opened. Jiang Xinyu inquired with the salespeople and found out the batteries were on the third floor.


    Finally bought the much-longed-for batteries, especially the type five, directly bought ten, luckily there were industrial tickets. Then went to the second floor, the floral fabrics were quite nice, but too expensive, now she simply couldn��t afford to waste money.


    Right, she works at a textile factory, wonders if they have fabric ends, or defective products, etc.?


    Thinking of this, lost the mood to shop further.


    Jiang Xinyu saw everything as good, needed everything, but had no tickets on hand, a single ticket could topple a hero.


    After leaving the building, went directly to the recycling station, wanting to pick up a few books, it��s too boring.


    At the recycling station was the same old man watching the gate, Jiang Xinyu was no longer the dark-skinned, thin little girl from a month ago, had grown taller, gained weight, skin also lightened significantly.


    The gatekeeper didn��t recognize her, Jiang Xinyu didn��t volunteer to recognize him either.


    She greeted him and directly went to the book warehouse.


    The pile had grown bigger, Jiang Xinyu squatted on the side, patiently flipping through book by book, this time the old man didn��t give her a time limit, besides, she wasn��t in a hurry to go back.


    Put the ones she liked aside, squatted tired, then sat on the books.


    Two hours later, Jiang Xinyu had picked over twenty books.


    Two wishes fulfilled, just lacking curtains, door curtains, and bedding sheets.


    Took the bus directly to the county, got off at the Public Security Bureau stop.


    Went directly home, put some firewood in the woodshed, the cellar was dry, didn��t dare store grain there, fearing attracting mice.


    Took out a tape measure from the space, measured how large curtains and door curtains needed to be.


    With dimensions ready, Jiang Xinyu sat down to eat lunch. sea??h th�� N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Went to the textile factory in the afternoon, Wei Kaiyun and Qian Jun weren��t there, Jiang Xinyu found the union president.


    "President, does our textile factory have any defective goods or fabric ends or something?"


    Lu Changchun smiled, "These things are very popular, do you want to buy?"


    "Yeah, I��m short of two curtains, two door curtains, and two bedding sheets."


    "Come, I��ll take you to the warehouse to check."


    "President, buying defective goods doesn��t require tickets, right?"


    "No, even buying genuine products internally doesn��t require tickets. But can��t buy too much, or hard to explain."


    "That��s good, if no defective goods, I��ll buy genuine products. Now just short of tickets."


    "Haha, workers at our textile factory have these little conveniences."


    Jiang Xinyu laughed, "According to this, the best job is at the grain station, can buy grain."


    "You��re dreaming. In this environment, how could there be such great things?"


    "Xiao Jiang, does your village lack food too?"


    "President, rural areas lack even more food. Task grain has been surrendered, due to disaster, our village has started to starve."


    "Sigh! This is a natural disaster, can��t be helped."


    "Exactly, it��s like this."


    "What about you? If you��re out of food, hurry and come to work, at least you won��t starve."


    "I��m alright, my parents are careful in living, there��s still food stored at home, just me left, won��t starve."


    Lu Changchun knew Jiang Xinyu��s situation, didn��t want to touch upon sad topics, so stopped the conversation.


    Took Jiang Xinyu to the warehouse, explained the situation, the warehouse keeper led them into a nearby small room.