3. Eccentricity

Yao Taotao, kicking and chasing, forcibly brought Yao Ningning back. Yao Zhizhi was busy weaving a second basket and, hearing the commotion, paid no attention, completely absorbed in her work. The more Liu Yue observed Yao Zhizhi, the more she liked her; this meticulous spirit reminded her greatly of her own youth. Excited to speak with Yao Zhizhi, she was disappointed when two other young girls arrived in the courtyard.

Liu Yue glanced at them and thought, “Oh, these two aren’t bad either.” Yet, she still favored Yao Zhizhi most. She exchanged a glance with the man and smiled, “Are you the second young lady of the Yao family? Come, sit.”

Yao Taotao pushed Yao Ningning forward and pressed her onto a small stool. Smiling, she said, “Uncle, Auntie, you should take Ningning with you. She’s the most obedient, does whatever she’s told, and will definitely care for you in the future, truly!”

Curious, Liu Yue asked, “And what about yourself?”

“I? I’m not worried about marriage. It’s just that the boys in the countryside are too wild; I don’t fancy them. I’m only twenty-two, why rush? I’ll find someone slowly.” Yao Taotao seemed quite open-minded.

Liu Yue couldn’t help but look at her with newfound respect—she wasn’t competing but instead pushed forward her more timid younger sister to seize the opportunity. Just for this protective sisterly affection, Liu Yue felt inclined to favor her.

Then, glancing at Yao Zhizhi, who only had eyes for her basket, she sighed and thought, “Forget it, let’s pick someone else.” This generous and selfless girl was quite impressive.

Liu Yue asked, “Which child are you?”

“Auntie, I’m the second. Taotao, my eldest sister, is still threshing wheat. She also wants Ningning to go to the city. Ningning’s a sincere child, really, trust me, Auntie! You can’t go wrong choosing her!” Yao Taotao sounded like a matchmaker.

The more she spoke, the stronger the impression she made on the uncle and aunt. The couple exchanged glances, showing little interest in the silent, sharp-tongued Yao Zhizhi beside them.

Liu Yue smiled and asked, “What if we choose you instead?”

“Then you’d be mistaken. I have a terrible temper. When pushed too far, I’ll even use a knife. If you pick me as your daughter, you’ll get sick from the stress sooner or later. You want a daughter to care for you, not to cause chaos. Choose Ningning; she won’t say a word against you, I promise!” Yao Taotao patted Yao Ningning’s shoulder, signaling her to speak.

Yao Ningning opened her mouth but, frightened by the prospect of their parents’ anger, hesitated and stayed silent.

Yao Zhizhi reminded sharply, “If you don’t hurry, none of you will have a chance.”

Yao Taotao agreed and hurriedly urged, “Ningning, say something!”

“I... better not,” Yao Ningning replied just as the second uncle returned.

“I knew it! Where have you two been running off to? It was Mengmeng who told me. I found out the fifth brother sneakily called you three aside to recommend yourselves for selection by your uncle and aunt. What nonsense! All of you are worthless! Lowly things, bah!” The second uncle was furious, bursting into curses as soon as he entered.

Yao Zhizhi dropped her basket and glared angrily. “Keep insulting me and I’ll burn down this shabby house!”

The second uncle was stunned. “Fifth brother, what are you thinking?”

Without wasting words, Yao Zhizhi grabbed a box of matches from the kitchen, bundled some straw, and went to set fire to her room.

She meant business!

Terrified, the second uncle rushed in, snatched the ignited straw from her hands, and threw it outside, suffering burns on his arm from the flames.

The pain made him gasp.

Yao Zhizhi stood in the courtyard, face cold. “I warn you, I don’t care what filthy schemes you plan, but I won’t tolerate your foul mouth! Today’s a warning. If you insult me again, I’ll rip your mouth apart!”

“You’ve gone mad! I’m your father!” The second uncle was so angry his eyes bulged like brass mirrors; his nostrils flared, almost revealing the emptiness of his mind.

Yao Zhizhi sneered, “Then that’s laughable. You’re our father, we’re lowly scum, so what makes you so noble? Pray tell.”

The second uncle opened his mouth but had no retort.

After all, the son of a rat digs holes. Those who give birth to lowly things must be lowly themselves.

The second uncle was dumbfounded but couldn’t lose face and tried to hit Yao Zhizhi. Zhu Ben and the Liu Yue couple quickly intervened, calming him down.

Yao Zhizhi had no time to waste on this feudal poison. She grabbed her bamboo strips and basket and went to sit under the tree by the door to continue her work.

Yao Taotao watched her sister’s arrogant demeanor, both surprised and delighted.

“Oh, wonderful! From now on, I won’t be the only one in this family challenging authority. Maybe next time, we can both fight off the scoundrels together!”

---

Yao Taotao was overjoyed and, ignoring Yao Ningning, squatted under the banyan tree to watch Yao Zhizhi weave baskets.

Yao Zhizhi frowned. “What are you looking at?”

“You’re amazing!” Yao Taotao gave a thumbs-up.

Yao Zhizhi rolled her eyes. Just now at the threshing floor she had snapped at her; now she was trying to cozy up again—what nerve!

She warned coldly, “Go deal with Yao Mengmeng. It’s all her fault for gossiping!”

Right! Almost forgot the main task!

Yao Taotao took off running; after all, with their father back, Ningning had no chance. If she herself didn’t fight for it, no one else could push her into it.

Yao Ningning, not wanting to make a fool of herself, also left.

Yao Zhizhi sighed. Maybe Ningning was the clearest-headed one because she understood their stingy parents best.

Suddenly, Yao Zhizhi felt a pang of disappointment. Just because the opportunity came didn’t mean the courage to rebel came with it.

No wonder she failed and ended up in this world.

Perhaps she had tried to force a confrontation with the zombie king without considering the hesitation and fear in her team.

In other words—she had been a tyrant for too long, used to ruling alone.

Like today, insisting her sisters fight for a chance.

Thinking calmly, it was hopeless.

After all, the Yao couple had firmly decided to favor their son; no rebellion could change that.

She put down her bamboo strips and looked up at the sky.

There were white clouds and dark clouds, wind and light.

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