Chapter 34

The people at the Zhiqing point watched as Tang Zhiqing left in high spirits, only to return shortly after, looking dejected. Uh…what happened? Did Jiang Zhiqing bully him?

"What's wrong?" After all, they lived in the same house, and one of the Zhiqing showed concern upon seeing Tang Zhiqing like this.

"Nothing, it's just that I didn't expect that Man… Jiang Zhiqing is already married. It's only been a short while…" Tang lowered his head like a big, sad puppy, full of disappointment.

"We didn't expect it either. Out of all the people, Jiang Zhiqing chose the eldest of the Li family. But unfortunately, life was unkind, and he passed away early."

The Zhiqing shook his head as he spoke, sighing deeply. It was unclear who he referred to as "unfortunate."

The once dejected puppy immediately perked up, his bright eyes eagerly looking at the person in front of him, "What did you say? Jiang Zhiqing's husband… is already gone?"

In that moment of surprise and joy, he also felt heartache and guilt. If only he had gone to the countryside with Manzhu back then, she wouldn't have to suffer what she's going through now.

Boohoo, poor her.

However, he couldn't suppress that little spark of joy in his heart, and realizing this made him feel even more guilty.

Manzhu was already having such a hard time, and here he was, feeling happy about it. How awful and despicable!

After internally scolding himself, he focused on the issue at hand, looking up at the Zhiqing in front of him. "Can you tell me more?"

He had rushed away from the Li family just now because he didn't want to see Manzhu's husband. He couldn't bear the thought of seeing Manzhu being close and affectionate with another man.

But he didn't expect…

If only he had known earlier! If only he had asked before leaving so hastily! Now, who knows if Manzhu misunderstood him!

At this moment, Tang Shengyan learned what had happened to Manzhu after marrying into the Li family: first, her husband passed away, then her second brother-in-law and mother-in-law also died, and the villagers even ridiculed and criticized her as unlucky, blaming her for the deaths of her family.

How could Tang Shengyan not feel heartache? In the next second, he was ready to rush out the door again to find Jiang Manzhu, to hug her… no, to comfort her.

"Tang Zhiqing, are you going to see Jiang Zhiqing? Did you know each other before? It's better not to visit her too often. The villagers will gossip. Even if you don't care about your reputation, you should consider Jiang Zhiqing's," someone said, seeing Tang's impulsive actions, knowing he was about to run off to see Jiang Zhiqing.

You can ruin your own reputation, but don't ruin ours as Zhiqing.

Don't you know how strict the rules are these days between men and women?

The villagers don't care which Zhiqing you are; they only see Zhiqing causing chaos in their village, and that's enough to unite them in keeping a close watch on the Zhiqing.

Tang Zhiqing was reminded, and he stopped in his tracks. "Ah, right, right, you're absolutely right."

He needed to settle down first, then he could help take care of Manzhu.

…

On the other side, after sending Tang Shengyan off, Jiang Manzhu heard Li Linxi's words.

What does he mean?

Her beautiful eyes widened slightly. Why did it feel like there was a hint of… jealousy in Linxi's tone?

The next second, Jiang Manzhu shook off that feeling. How could there be jealousy? She and Li Linxi were just uncle and sister-in-law. Maybe…

He was upset on behalf of his brother, Li Lindong? That made sense. After all, she married Li Lindong after coming to the countryside. Maybe he was worried they were still in contact?

Jiang Manzhu thought about it for a while before slowly saying, "Since I came to the countryside, I haven't been in contact with Tang Shengyan."

As for the past, that wasn't something she did, so she wouldn't admit to it.

Besides, if Tang Shengyan had really liked her that much, he would have followed her to the countryside, or married her instead.

The countryside policy wasn't completely heartless. While only one Zhiqing was allowed per household, there were exceptions for those who were married or already had jobs.

Why else would so many parents either arrange jobs for their children or marry off their daughters when the policy was announced?

So Jiang Manzhu spoke confidently, "Don't worry, Linxi. I never had anything improper with Tang Shengyan. I wouldn't betray your brother."

Li Linxi's face, which had changed slightly, returned to its usual calm expression, as though nothing had happened. "Hmm, I wasn't asking about that."

He hadn't meant to imply that, but Jiang Manzhu had misunderstood, so Li Linxi had no choice but to clarify.

He wasn't doubting her.

He was doubting… himself.

"Get some rest. We still have class in the afternoon," Li Linxi said, feeling doubtful about himself. He didn't intend to continue the conversation with Jiang Manzhu, wondering if there was something wrong with his own mind.

Jiang Manzhu couldn't tell what Li Linxi was thinking from his subtle and strange expression, but she didn't care and didn't ask.

Yawning, she truly felt tired. Her body clock, accustomed to taking afternoon naps, was urging her to sleep.

When she arrived at school in the afternoon, the weather was clear, but as class was about to end, dark clouds gathered, and a torrential downpour began.

Watching the rain outside the classroom, Jiang Manzhu thought, how did the weather change so suddenly?

Before dismissing the students, she reminded them, "Class, it's raining heavily. Be careful on your way home. Remember to take a hot bath and drink ginger tea when you get home, okay?"

As for waiting for their parents to pick them up? That wasn't going to happen. The villagers didn't have the time for that; they'd be waiting until tomorrow if they expected someone to come.

The best she could do was remind them to bathe, change their clothes, and drink ginger tea to avoid catching a cold.

"Yes, teacher," the fourth graders replied. They weren't little kids anymore, and they knew how to take care of themselves.

Jiang Manzhu was also concerned because she had only brought an umbrella. Who would have expected such a heavy rain? She worried that Xiao Bei might get soaked on the way home.

When class was over, not everyone had brought an umbrella. Some children had straw hats and rain cloaks stored under their desks.

Of course, there were also those who threw their backpacks over their heads and ran, while others simply ran home bareheaded…

Most, however, stood under the eaves of the school, hoping the rain would let up soon.

When the torrential rain eased into a drizzle, many students, afraid it would worsen again, rushed home.

Jiang Manzhu went to find Xiao Bei, brought him to the teacher's office, and frowned. "Your third brother's class was supposed to be the last one, right? Why hasn't he been dismissed yet?"

Xiao Bei's homework was already done, and he occasionally glanced outside. "Xiao Bei, go check if your third brother is still holding class."

"Okay." Xiao Bei packed up his homework and went out to look for his third brother, but after searching for a while, he couldn't find him.

"Third brother is so bad! He went home without telling us, making us wait for nothing," Xiao Bei complained to his sister-in-law, annoyed by his third brother's behavior.

"Maybe he had something urgent to deal with. Since he's not here, let's head home." Jiang Manzhu thought that perhaps Li Linxi had something pressing to attend to, and since she and Xiao Bei were both busy at the time, he couldn't inform them.

Holding an umbrella, they stepped out into the drizzle, but as soon as they reached the school gate, they saw Li Linxi arriving with a straw hat and raincoat.

So… did Li Linxi go home to get the raincoat earlier??? In the pouring rain???

"Linxi, when did you go back?" Jiang Manzhu was shocked. She remembered he had the last class, and it had already started raining by then.

"I swapped my last class with another teacher. When I saw the sky darkening suddenly, I knew something was wrong," Li Linxi explained, handing the straw hat and raincoat to Xiao Bei.

"Hurry and put these on. Don't get wet."

After helping Xiao Bei put on the gear, he handed another raincoat to Jiang Manzhu.

The so-called raincoat was a plastic fertilizer bag from the village. It was transparent and non-breathable, but it would keep you dry in the rain.

Jiang Manzhu held up her umbrella. Although the raincoat seemed clean, and there was no lingering smell of fertilizer, she refused.

"No need, I have an umbrella. You should wear it so you don't get wet. It's still chilly in late spring." Jiang Manzhu genuinely didn't think she needed it, and she thought Li Linxi needed it more.

Li Linxi glanced at her but didn't insist. "Let's go."

He carried Xiaobei's schoolbag, walking behind, watching the two people in front of him. In the misty drizzle, they headed toward the mountain village, reflecting the green hills and light rain in the distant fog.

At this moment, besides the sound of the rain, only Jiang Manzhu and Xiaobei's conversation could be heard, chatting about everyday concerns regarding Xiaobei's school life.

Looking at this scene, warmth flashed in Li Linxi's eyes.

Life is good now, and he doesn't want to lose the last family member he has left.

His gaze fell on Xiaobei's lively figure, full of energy and seemingly in a good mood.

However, halfway home, the rain began to pour harder, the wind driving the rain in slanted sheets. Jiang Manzhu quickened her pace, urging, "Hurry, hurry, we need to get home fast before the heavy rain starts."

They had been walking quickly already, but now it seemed they'd have to run to make it home in time.

When they got back home, Jiang Manzhu's clothes were soaked. No one else was home, so she hurried to start a fire and boil hot water, sighing, "Xiaobei, I kind of miss mom."

Upon hearing this, Xiaobei's mind also conjured up images of their late mother, and tears welled up in his eyes. "Sister-in-law, I miss her too."

Wailing…

"Don't say things like that in front of Xiaobei." Watching Xiaobei burst into tears, Li Linxi, unsure of how to comfort him, could only turn to Jiang Manzhu and say this.

Jiang Manzhu rolled her eyes at him. "What, I can't miss our mom? I'm allowed to think about her if I want."

Li Linxi pursed his lips, "Of course."

Because of Jiang Manzhu's words, the atmosphere in the kitchen became a bit gloomy. Time passed quickly as the water boiled. Jiang Manzhu took a bucket, Xiaobei took a bucket, and then they had to boil more.

Jiang Manzhu's bathing bucket was placed in her room since there was only one bathroom. It was Li Linxi who helped carry the water over for her.

After bathing, it was also Li Linxi who helped pour out the used water.

For this, Jiang Manzhu forgave Li Linxi's lack of tact and praised him, "Our Linxi is truly the pillar of the family, strong and hardworking. Without you, Xiaobei and I wouldn't know how to get by."

Well, if you weren't here, I'd definitely have run back to my education point by now. Xiaobei, left here alone, would probably starve to death in no time.

Jiang Manzhu added this in her mind. Sigh, after all, the male lead is like glue, holding the family together and supporting it.

Fresh from the bath, Jiang Manzhu was still using a dry towel to dry her hair. A faint fragrance wafted from her, her beautiful face blushing pink.

As she glanced at him, her bright, limpid eyes were pure and stirring.

Li Linxi didn't know what Jiang Manzhu was thinking, only interpreting her words at face value. His calm expression barely concealed the slight redness of his ears.

But soon, he carried the bucket out, not letting Jiang Manzhu notice anything unusual.

After dinner, Jiang Manzhu asked Li Linxi to check on Xiaobei during the night, just in case he had gotten wet earlier and caught a cold.

Compared to Xiaobei, Li Linxi was more worried about Jiang Manzhu. After all, no matter how immature Xiaobei might be, he was a sturdy young boy.

With his daily bouncing around, his body was quite strong.

But Jiang Manzhu? She had just had a serious illness before the New Year, after catching a cold wind. "I'll make you some ginger tea. Drink it before bed. You're weaker than Xiaobei and need to take more care."

Li Linxi wasn't just making ginger tea for Jiang Manzhu; he was worried about Xiaobei too. In his heart, Xiaobei was still a little child of five or six.

His last blood relative. As for uncles, they were just distant kin.

"Alright, add some brown sugar though. Just plain ginger tea is too spicy." Jiang Manzhu didn't mind the ginger tea, but too much spice was unpleasant. If you didn't add much, it wouldn't be effective either.

"Okay." Li Linxi nodded, took the jar of brown sugar from the cabinet, and added a generous amount.

Jiang Manzhu watched from the side and nodded in approval. "Looks like there isn't much brown sugar left. Next time we go to the supply and marketing cooperative, we'll need to buy more."

Her period was coming soon, and she needed to buy some feminine products. But with all the recent rain, "If it keeps raining like this, it'll be a problem."

Li Linxi didn't understand her worries. "I can get it for you when I go into town."

"No, I'll have to go myself." Jiang Manzhu shook her head, not because she was shy, but because she didn't want to embarrass Li Linxi.

"I won't pocket your money." Li Linxi had misunderstood. After all this time together, she still didn't trust him like family?

Li Linxi couldn't quite explain his feelings, but he felt a bit frustrated.

"Linxi, what I need to buy is for women. If you can bring it back for me, that would be helpful." Jiang Manzhu reconsidered. It was true—if it kept raining, she couldn't go out in the rain.

There wasn't much going on in the village recently. Even the tractor was covered in plastic.

People could bear the sun and rain, but the tractor couldn't; it would rust and break.

Li Linxi's face stiffened slightly. Women's… things? For a moment, a jumble of thoughts rushed through his mind, and he didn't know how to respond.

"Let's wait until the rain clears before buying it." Li Linxi didn't ask what exactly it was. Since Jiang Manzhu said it wasn't suitable for him to buy, then it wasn't.

With slightly flushed ears, he maintained a calm and indifferent demeanor, replying slowly.

"April rains come and go. It's been quite rainy this spring. I should've taken the ox cart to the supply and marketing cooperative earlier." Regret filled her words, but she didn't say much more, changing the subject to other matters. The atmosphere became warm and peaceful.

The next two or three days were filled with rain, making Jiang Manzhu quite frustrated. In the end, she had no choice but to look helplessly at Li Linxi.

It was as if her eyes were asking, "What should I do?"

Her tearful, watery eyes were full of grievance and confusion, making Li Linxi sigh. "I'll go buy it for you when I head to town next time."

What else could he do? Let her go out in the rain to the supply and marketing cooperative? She'd get soaked and sick. With her fragile health, who knows if she'd recover easily.

In the end, it wasn't even that private of a purchase, despite all his earlier mental preparation.

"Got it." Expressionless, he conveyed his dissatisfaction. She had made it sound so strange earlier, making him mentally prepare for so long—for nothing.

…

The rain persisted over the next few days, but spring plowing in the village couldn't stop. This was Tang Shengyan's first time working in the fields, carrying a hoe with a look of confusion.

He had never done hard labor before, but he was cheerful and talkative, tagging along with a big brother, asking him to teach him how to work.

The so-called "big brother" was a fellow educated youth who had been sent to the countryside in the early 1960s. He was always friendly and kind to other educated youths. Though nearly ten years had passed, he still harbored a faint hope of returning to the city.

Seeing the new arrival, Tang Shengyan, the older youth was eager to help. One glance at Tang and he could tell this newcomer wasn't used to manual labor.

He taught him how to use the hoe efficiently, how to plow the fields…

Tang Shengyan watched the older man's simple movements and confidently said, "No problem. This is easy. Once I finish my work, I'll help Manzhu—uh, Jiang Comrade…"

Tang Shengyan almost called her by her first name but remembered in time that this was the Leap Forward Production Brigade. In others' eyes, he and Manzhu had only a comradely relationship.

It didn't matter if people misunderstood him, but he couldn't let them misunderstand Manzhu.

The older youth was a bit surprised by Tang Shengyan's words, "Help Jiang Comrade? You mean Jiang Manzhu?"

"Yeah, who else would I mean?" Tang Shengyan nodded, feeling it was only natural. Perhaps, at that moment, he still didn't understand how hard the work would be.

"Jiang Comrade doesn't work in the fields anymore. She's a teacher now at the elementary school. You didn't know?" The older youth thought Tang had already visited Jiang Comrade. Didn't he know that?

"What? A teacher?" Tang Shengyan was genuinely surprised, but the next second, a proud smile spread across his face. "As expected of our… as expected of Jiang Comrade. She's already a teacher."

Knowing Jiang Manzhu didn't have to work in the fields, Tang Shengyan felt relieved. If that was the case, he needed to work even harder.

It wasn't even midday yet, but Tang Shengyan's hands were already red, and he felt like blisters were about to form.

Ugh, Manzhu really had it tough.

He could bear the light drizzle, but when the heavy rain poured, the captain would let them rest and wait until the rain stopped to continue working.

The older workers never expected that this delicate-looking educated youth, Tang, could actually endure. "It's nothing, just a bit red. After a few days, you'll get used to it, and it won't hurt anymore."

Once you're used to it, your skin will toughen up.

Tang Shengyan didn't know that and assumed that once the blisters healed in a few days, the pain would go away.

There were also many curious people in the educated youth camp wondering about Tang and Jiang's relationship. Unfortunately, despite Tang Shengyan's carefree and sunny appearance, he was really good at keeping secrets.

No matter what they asked, he always said they were just friends, classmates from the city.

The other educated youths: Who are you trying to fool? As soon as you got here, you were rushing to find Jiang, and when you found out she was in this village, you hurried over.

But there was something else they were curious about, "I heard Jiang has an uncle in the Red Armband group?"

Tang Shengyan was startled. Uncle? As far as he knew, Uncle Jiang didn't have any brothers…

In the next second, Tang Shengyan realized what was going on. Manzhu was so beautiful. Coming to a place unfamiliar to her, she would definitely attract unwanted attention.

Manzhu lying about this was perfectly normal.

"Whether it's true or not doesn't really concern you. If you're curious, you can ask Jiang yourself. It's her family business, and it's not my place to say."

Tang Shengyan adopted a mysterious look, as if saying "I can't reveal anything." This only made the others more convinced of their assumptions.

Look, even Tang Shengyan is confirming it's true.

"So, Tang, did you come to this village voluntarily?" Yuan Fengxin, who was sitting next to him, spoke up. He had just learned about Jiang's background but had fallen out with her.

Otherwise, if he could have married Jiang, maybe her family would have helped her return to the city, and he could have gone with her… It was possible.

Looking at Tang Shengyan in front of him, Yuan Fengxin's eyes took on a more probing gaze.

Not bad-looking, handsome, and good at talking. Maybe Jiang's family was satisfied with Tang Shengyan, and that's why he was sent here?

The more he thought about this possibility, the more sympathy and relief filled his eyes.

If I had stayed with Jiang, there was a chance her family wouldn't have liked me, and even if she went back to the city, I'd still be left here in the countryside.

Though Tang Shengyan seemed carefree, he was sensitive inside. He could feel the sympathy coming from Yuan Fengxin. What the hell?

Thinking about his sympathy and the questions he asked, oh, he thought I was forced to come here to take care of Manzhu?

Ha!

"No, the government called on us educated youth to go to the countryside, and I responded eagerly to that call, ready to work hard in the vast rural land, striving to make progress in socialism alongside everyone…"

Tang Shengyan ignored Yuan Fengxin's insinuations and instead talked about his grand ambitions and goals, which were lofty and grand.

The other educated youths all turned to look at him, secretly rolling their eyes: This Tang sure doesn't seem very bright.

But their faces were full of admiration. "Not bad, Tang Shengyan, your understanding of ideology is really high. We're the same."

"Yeah, that's right. We came to the countryside to aid in modern agricultural development, to use our knowledge to help the farmers…"

Everyone started sharing their own thoughts, emphasizing that they weren't forced to come; they were driven by their ideals to help build the country.

Yuan Fengxin: I only came here to find out about Jiang's background, not to listen to all this nonsense.

"Me too!" Yuan Fengxin shouted loudly and earnestly when he noticed others looking at him.

Tang Shengyan, who had started this whole conversation, smiled brightly. It had been raining so much lately that he hadn't had the chance to see Manzhu.

Once he worked harder to earn more work points… Ah, the jar of dried meat he brought from home, he'd sneak it to Manzhu next time he saw her.

People always said that trouble surrounds widows, but the real problem was with these people, yet they blamed Manzhu. What did she do wrong?

If he kept visiting Manzhu, those village gossipers would start pointing fingers at her. He couldn't let that happen.

He had to put away the dried meat, the biscuits, and the candies—he'd give them to Manzhu next time.

Rainy days were perfect for staying indoors. Even though it was a Saturday, Jiang Manzhu hadn't gone out. She was at home, studying with Xiaobei in the living room. However, she was struggling a bit, feeling stuck. "Linxi, how do you solve this math problem?"

Ah! Why does the college entrance exam include math? The real issue is… she hadn't studied math for years.

She could handle fourth-grade math because it wasn't difficult, but now that she was reviewing high school second-year math, some problems were stumping her brilliant mind. She could only look at Li Linxi helplessly.

Linxi, I need you. It's time to show your intelligence!

Jiang Manzhu, with her beautiful face and limpid eyes reflecting his figure, puffed out her cheeks in frustration, resembling a cute little dolphin, adding a touch of adorableness to her beauty.

Li Linxi lowered his gaze and looked at her book. The question was a bit difficult. "This isn't a required topic; you can skip it."

"No way, what if it's on the exam?" Jiang Manzhu shook her head. Since it was in the book, who knew if it would show up on the test?

"Linxi, you should study too. Even though you dropped out, you can't give up on learning, okay?" Jiang Manzhu reminded Li Linxi, stressing its importance.

"Come on, sit down. Xiaobei and I are studying, so as part of the family, you need to join in!" Seeing that Li Linxi wasn't cooperating, she quickly, in a playful and commanding tone, ordered him to sit down with them.

And while you're at it, teach me how to solve this problem. It's not enough to know the answer; I need to understand the process. You can't improve if you don't know the reasoning behind things.

It'd be even better if you gave me a few extra problems to practice, to solidify my understanding.

With that sweet and soft tone carrying a hint of playfulness, maybe a hot-blooded young man couldn't resist the temptation. Her rosy lips made the already dark look in his eyes even more dangerous.

"Third Brother, I don't understand this either," came a hoarse voice from the side, breaking Li Linxi's train of thought.

The dark look in his eyes faded as he turned to patiently teach his younger brother, though the effort made his forehead vein bulge. All of his previous emotions had been swept away.

Jiang Manzhu looked on, laughing softly. "Linxi, be patient. Xiaobei is already doing great."

The sound of rain pattering outside created a peaceful and warm atmosphere indoors.

Half a month later—

Finally, the weather cleared up, and it was time for the mid-month break. The captain wasn't pleased, though, thinking the weather was mocking them.

It rained constantly during workdays, but as soon as it was time for a break, the sun came out. What was that all about?

"This won't do. You've all been resting for half a month now, so this month's break is canceled! Get back to work!"

Seriously, they didn't work that hard, but when it came to resting, they got all excited.

If spring plowing got delayed, the autumn harvest wouldn't be good. Do you all still want to eat?

"Come on, Captain! We worked in the rain for over half a month. How can you cancel our break?"

"Yeah, even landlords weren't this harsh back in the day!"

Mentioning landlords and their exploitation of laborers darkened the captain's face slightly. "Watch what you say! I'm doing this to avoid delaying the spring plowing. But since you all feel so strongly, fine, take one day off."

"I'll make this clear first: the day after tomorrow, you all better work hard. If not, don't expect any rest for the second half of the month! If we delay the harvest, do you want to go back to the way things were a few years ago?"

"You're farming for yourselves now, not for those filthy landlords anymore!"

The brigade leader scolded them with a stern face, thinking to himself that none of them had as much foresight as he did.

After finishing his lecture, he clasped his hands behind his back and walked home slowly, convinced of his own cleverness.

The others didn't care much about what he said. After all, once work was over, they could focus on their own things—whether it was taking care of household chores, buying supplies at the cooperative, or going to the town post office to send or collect parcels.

Jiang Manzhu's rest days were different from the villagers'. For example, while they took the sunny day off, she still had to attend classes.

As she looked out the window at the rare sunny day, the sunlight bathed the earth, and the green leaves shimmered in the light, full of life.

After school, Xiaobei noticed that his sister-in-law seemed upset and asked, puzzled, "Sister-in-law, are you unhappy? Why? Did someone bully you?"

"No, I'm just sighing because it's sunny today, but we don't have a break." Jiang Manzhu sighed but still appreciated the sunny day. After all, the muddy roads during the rainy season were difficult to walk on and would easily dirty her shoes on the way to and from school.

Although she liked rainy days, it was more enjoyable to watch the rain from the comfort of home without needing to work. Working in the rain was no fun.

"But isn't the sunshine great? In a couple of days, you'll have time off, and you can do whatever you want then." Xiaobei spoke with such innocent optimism.

From his perspective, there was nothing worth worrying about. Was there anything so urgent to do?

"Mm, there's really nothing urgent." Jiang Manzhu glanced at the simple-minded Xiaobei, thinking that all he ever cared about was eating and drinking.

Not expecting much from Xiaobei, she changed the subject, "What should we have for lunch today?"

Just as they arrived home, they saw a shadowy figure lurking around their house, trying to stay hidden. Jiang Manzhu noticed it right away, and so did Li Linxi.

"Linxi, do you think our house is being targeted by a thief?" Jiang Manzhu wondered if their recent good fortune had caught the attention of thieves.

"Probably not. It seems to be someone you know, someone who's come to see you." Li Linxi's sharp eyes had already recognized who it was, and he answered casually.

Someone I know?

Who could it be?

Given Li Linxi's calm demeanor, it was clear that this person wasn't an enemy and had a decent relationship with her. And it seemed to have little to do with Li Linxi himself.

Jiang Manzhu thought for a moment—could it be one of the educated youth?

She hadn't been in contact with them for a long time, except for Wang Dongling, who was a bit more familiar, as they both worked at the same school as teachers. Sometimes they would run into each other on the way to or from school.

But since she had just arrived home, it couldn't be Wang Dongling; she wouldn't have arrived this much earlier, and certainly wouldn't have been sneaky about it.

Then suddenly, a figure flashed in her mind, and after two seconds of silence, she said, "I know who it is."

She walked over, and sure enough, the figure was Tang Shengyan. His handsome face lit up with joy when Jiang Manzhu approached, his eyes sparkling. If he had a tail, it would have been wagging furiously in excitement.

"Manzhu… Comrade Jiang." Tang Shengyan smiled and eagerly presented a cardboard box, "This is for you. Please take it."

Jiang Manzhu didn't have much of an impression of Tang Shengyan. His shining eyes looked at her like a puppy eyeing a bone… Ugh. Anyway, Jiang Manzhu truly felt that there was no need to maintain the same relationship with Tang Shengyan as the original owner had.

Besides…

She wasn't the original owner, and her temperament was different. If Tang Shengyan found out, who knows what he might do.

"Tang Shengyan, this is yours, so you don't need to give it to me. I'm doing quite well. You've only just arrived here, so you don't know how hard it is. If you can go back to the city, you should go back as soon as possible."

"If you can't return to the city, then take care of yourself. Farming here is nothing like the leisurely life in the city. These things are better used to take care of yourself."

Jiang Manzhu didn't know what was inside the box, but it was probably something valuable. Otherwise, Tang Shengyan wouldn't have shown such an expression.

Hearing Jiang Manzhu's refusal, the sparkle in Tang Shengyan's eyes dimmed with disappointment. "Why won't you take it? I brought it just for you."

"You live with another family. Are they treating you well?" Tang Shengyan asked with concern, imagining that she wasn't having a good time.

Hearing the villagers gossip and speak ill of her, calling her unlucky, had made him furious.

"Manzhu, if you're not happy at the Li family, why not move back to the educated youth dormitory? I've learned how to chop wood, carry water, and cook now. You wouldn't have to do anything."

Tang Shengyan asked cautiously, looking at her with hopeful eyes.

With him around, she wouldn't have to lift a finger. He would take care of her and protect her.

"I think things are fine now. The dormitory is too crowded, and there's been a lot of conflict. I don't want to go back." Jiang Manzhu recalled the original owner's delicate temperament and let out a snort of disdain, clearly displeased with the situation at the dormitory.

Tang Shengyan didn't think there was anything wrong with her reaction. He was just worried about her staying at the Li family, concerned she might be taken advantage of.

After all, there were only two unmarried men left at the Li family, both in their prime. With Manzhu being so beautiful, who knew if they harbored any bad intentions?

"Manzhu, if you don't want to return to the dormitory, you could live on your own. Isn't staying at the Li family a little… inappropriate? Not that I'm saying anything is wrong, I'm just worried about you…"

Tang Shengyan carefully tested the waters, trying not to upset her.

"Those Li boys are of age now, full of youthful energy. And you're so pretty. I can tell that Li Linxi has bad intentions. The way he looks at you isn't right. Manzhu, how about I help you find a new house?"

Tang Shengyan didn't think much of Li Linxi, just worried that Manzhu might be taken advantage of.

If something happened to her, he would regret it for the rest of his life.

Jiang Manzhu understood what he was implying: leave the Li family, rent a new house in the village, and have him help with the work.

Tsk, how would that be any different from staying at the Li family?

Besides, she'd been living with Li Linxi and Xiaobei for half a year now, and she knew their personalities well.

As for Tang Shengyan… she didn't know him, and she had no desire to unravel the mystery of their relationship.

And if she accepted Tang Shengyan's help, what would that make her?

Certainly not as justified as she was now. After all, she had been officially approved as the 'ideal daughter-in-law.' She didn't want to risk changing her life and starting over elsewhere.

"No need, Comrade Tang. You should save the money and take good care of yourself. Don't worry about me; I'm doing just fine, and I don't even have to work right now."

Jiang Manzhu waved her hand dismissively. If speaking kindly didn't work, Tang Shengyan pretended not to hear.

"Alright, thank you for your concern. You should go now. If people in the village see you coming by often, they'll start gossiping behind our backs."

Don't keep coming over, or you might figure out that I'm not the original.

"Manzhu, don't you want to ask about your parents? How are they doing?" Tang Shengyan suddenly looked at her and asked in a light tone.

"Aren't they already gone? Why would you think I don't know?" Jiang Manzhu cursed herself inwardly. She had forgotten the most basic role of being someone's child. But it wasn't a big deal—she could handle it.

With a self-mocking smile, she added, "Doesn't Comrade Tang know? Or are you saying this on purpose to make me sad?"

She snorted coldly and turned to leave without even glancing at the box in Tang Shengyan's hands, quickening her pace.

Jiang Manzhu wasn't sure why Tang Shengyan had suddenly asked that question, but she kept up the spoiled and feisty attitude perfectly.

Tang Shengyan frowned in regret, his face filled with frustration. He had said the wrong thing and made Manzhu angry. He was so useless…

He glanced down at the box he hadn't managed to give her and felt even worse.

However, after glancing at the entrance of the Li family house, he hesitated for a long time between going in and leaving. Finally, scratching his head, he chose to leave, dejected and disappointed.

He would apologize to Manzhu next time.

When Jiang Manzhu returned home, Li Linxi was cooking, and Xiao Bei was doing his homework. Neither of them paid particular attention to what she and Tang Shengyan had talked about.

Feeling a sense of relief, she thought to herself, "This is bad. Why does Tang Shengyan seem like a goofy golden retriever but is actually so sharp?"

It was better to stay away from him next time. Fortunately, the original owner's parents had passed away; otherwise, if they had known, they would have been heartbroken.

After thinking it over, she realized she wasn't that close to Tang Shengyan anyway, so there was no need to feel guilty.

After weighing her thoughts, Jiang Manzhu decided to put Tang Shengyan out of her mind. She went into the kitchen and asked, "Linxi, do you need help with anything?"

"You can watch the fire while I go to the garden to pick some vegetables," Li Linxi replied, his mood somewhat gloomy, though he didn't show it in front of Manzhu. He remained as gentle and composed as ever.

"Okay." Jiang Manzhu didn't bother to explain anything to Li Linxi. After all, they weren't in any sort of intimate relationship. Besides, having an ordinary friend and some social interactions was completely normal.

She sat down to tend the fire.

Meanwhile, Tang Shengyan was still lost in thought, wondering why Manzhu seemed upset. Was it because he had mentioned something that hurt her feelings?

It made sense. After all, her parents had passed away, and she was alone in the countryside. She must have been heartbroken.

Compared to her former spoiled and headstrong nature, it seemed like Manzhu had learned to be more considerate after enduring hardships.

With a mix of heartache and helplessness, he still didn't know how to cheer her up. No doubt, she would dislike him even more now.