Chapter 39: Troubled by Clothing and Food

The faces of the onlookers and the brigade leaders turned green with shock! Was she really planning to get rich off something like this?

After distributing the candy and making sure the children had all eaten, Lin Jingyue finally felt at ease. She turned to Jiang Xun, “Let’s go home.” Jiang Xun picked up her basket, cast a cold glance at the few people cowering on the ground, and followed behind her as they left.

Once Lin Jingyue was gone, the crowd broke out in curses. Still, seeing those troublemakers beaten up, most people felt a deep sense of satisfaction—they deserved it! In their hearts, everyone agreed: Lin Jingyue was not someone to be trifled with; her fighting skills were truly formidable.

After this incident, the Educated Youth commune became even quieter. People in the brigade whispered among themselves that these female Educated Youths were each more impressive than the last.

That same day, the children who had spoken up for Lin Jingyue mostly went home to a meal of stir-fried pork with bamboo shoots. Especially Zhaodi, who was beaten soundly by her mother. Yet she didn’t regret it at all. That meal was the best she’d ever tasted in her life.

The next day, when Lin Jingyue went to cut pigweed, she noticed three children missing—two girls, one of whom was Zhaodi, and one boy.

“Sister Lin, Zhaodi’s family won’t let her help you cut pigweed anymore,” said Iron Egg, his lips pouting in confusion. He couldn’t understand it—Sister Lin treated them so well, why would Zhaodi’s family act this way?

“Zhaodi was even beaten yesterday,” added Niuniu, the only little girl left, her head hung low. “Her mother doesn’t treat her well at all.”

“Zhaodi was beaten? Was it serious?” Lin Jingyue’s brows furrowed.

“I don’t know. But Sister Lin, Zhaodi told me not to tell you—she said she’s fine.” Niuniu stuck out her tongue sheepishly.

Lin Jingyue nodded. She understood well enough—Zhaodi probably wasn’t valued at home. Even though Lin Jingyue gave out candy and meat in return for help, if Zhaodi’s mother didn’t see any benefit for herself, she wouldn’t approve.

She sighed. “If you ever feel troubled, just tell me, all right?”

“No trouble at all, Sister Lin. My grandma said that if I stick with you, there’ll be meat to eat!” Iron Egg replied eagerly.

The other children nodded in agreement. Their families knew what was what—Sister Lin was generous, gave out plenty of good things. If they could get a bite or two, their families were more than happy.

Seeing their delighted faces, Lin Jingyue couldn’t help but laugh. After they finished cutting pigweed and she handed out their rewards, she sent the children on their way.

She herself sat on a hillside to read. The evening sun bathed her in golden light; the sky was ablaze with clouds, and calmness lingered between the girl’s brows.

It was past five when Lin Jingyue delivered her last basket of pigweed and returned to the commune. Wang Xueping, who had been sent to the hospital, was back. The brigade secretary’s family had sent five yuan and a bag of gifts as an apology—a grand gesture. Lin Xinyou had delivered them in person.

As Lin Jingyue entered, she saw the two women facing off, while others gathered in the courtyard to watch the spectacle. Zhao Hua and Lin Xinjian stood behind Lin Xinyou, silently backing her. Wang Xueping stood alone, yet seemed unfazed. The gloom that once shadowed her face had receded, the restlessness in her eyes was gone, and she seemed calmer, though still carrying a hidden sharpness.

“I apologize on Lanlan’s behalf,” Lin Xinyou said gently.

Wang Xueping felt nauseated at her pretense. “Anything that’s passed through your hands—I’d be afraid to eat, lest I die without knowing how.”

“Comrade Wang, about last time…” Lin Xinyou began.

“Last time, after drinking the water you brought, my man became your husband,” Wang Xueping cut her off, her disdain for Lin Xinyou undisguised. “I wonder, does Sun Zhiyuan ever sleep easy, lying beside a woman as venomous as you? People like you are capable of anything.”

She cast a malicious glance toward the people outside the courtyard. “The Sun family must not fear sleepless nights.”

Lin Xinyou took a deep breath. She knew she had thoroughly offended Wang Xueping. But she had no other choice. She was alone in this new world, without a single relative to rely on—she had to plot her own way forward. Sun Zhiyuan was her target, and she would not give him up.

“There’s no need for you to worry about the rest,” Lin Xinyou replied, her tone stiff. She quickly composed herself, placed the net bag and the money beside her feet. “One more thing, Comrade Wang—Lanlan is my sister now. I won’t allow anyone to bully her.”

With that, she glanced meaningfully at Zhao Hua and Lin Xinjian, then turned and left the yard.

“Tch.” Wang Xueping sneered at her departing figure. Disgusting.

“Sister.” As Lin Xinyou passed Lin Jingyue, she paused and nodded in greeting. Whether Lin Jingyue responded or not, she didn’t care and left at her own pace.

“…Brazen, isn’t she?” Wang Xueping wanted to vent her anger at Lin Jingyue upon seeing her return, but didn’t have the nerve. She eyed the net bag on the ground in annoyance.

Still, no one despises money. She took the cash, and inside the net bag were two cans of preserves and a pound of peach crisps.

“Brother Luo, Wenjuan, if you don’t mind, let’s share these things.” It was also a good way to win people over. She had already fallen out with Chen Chunlan and Sun Liangdong; Lin Xinjian and Zhao Hua were on the other side. It was important to keep good relations with the rest—otherwise, being isolated would be a disadvantage.

Her words pleased the others. Everyone was poor enough, and food was even scarcer. “Then we won’t be polite. Thank you. If you need anything, just say the word.”

Wang Xueping had always been generous, and people had a good impression of her.

“Alright,” Wang Xueping replied with a smile.

“Comrade Jiang…” Xie Wenjuan offered two peach crisps to Jiang Xun, who was rolling up his sleeves to cook and didn’t even look up. “No need, I don’t like peach crisps.”

Xie Wenjuan paused, and Wang Xueping’s face stiffened for a moment. She glanced subtly at Jiang Xun, then at Lin Jingyue, who was calmly washing her hands and preparing to cook. A flicker of calculation crossed her eyes.

Lin Jingyue made herself egg drop soup, heated a steamed bun and a stuffed bun, and carried her meal into her room. She mixed herself a cup of malted milk before eating.

After cleaning up, she bolted her door, entered her private space, and began to read. She was determined to take the college entrance exam, but as for the future, Lin Jingyue had not yet decided on a path.

In her previous life, she had studied medicine but had never worked a single day as a doctor, only interned for half a year. Her mentor had praised her talent and learning ability, but she had found the profession too exhausting. With a family fortune, wasn’t it nicer to eat and idle away her days?

She remembered how the year she graduated, her mentor had recommended her to a hospital in the capital. She declined, and her mentor, realizing she was hopeless, had lamented for a long time.

Lin Jingyue took a sip of spring water, setting aside her plans for the future. It would be hard to keep slacking off in this life. Worrying about basic necessities—well, at worst, she’d just have to work hard for a few years.

The weather was dry and scorching. It hadn’t rained in half a month, and even the brigade leader was starting to get anxious. With the autumn harvest approaching, what did such a drought mean at a time like this?