Chapter 18

When a person is hurt, they will instinctively grasp at any lifeline for self-preservation.

For example, someone who falls into a river and is drowning will instinctively cling to their rescuer, making the rescue more difficult.

Jiang Manzhu, whose chin was being pinched by Li Linxi, was feeling the pain from his rough, labor-intensive grip. It was hard not to hurt.

She tried to swat Li Linxi's hand, but he felt her efforts were as light as a tickle and had no intention of letting go.

Li Linxi's deep, cold eyes fixed on her. "Jiang Manzhu, I kept you here to take care of Xiao Bei, not to use him."

The cold tone made Jiang Manzhu feel guilty, but her other hand had instinctively pushed the oil lamp toward him.

However, it seemed that Li Linxi could endure discomfort well; this slight heat didn't make him release his grip.

"Hehe, Linxi, I'm just having Xiao Bei help out… don't be angry. We made sure no one noticed. That Yuan Zhiqing wouldn't dare to do anything to Xiao Bei. If he did, the people in our village would not let him off."

Jiang Manzhu could only awkwardly explain, "I was just teaching Xiao Bei to be brave. It's better for him to bully others than to be bullied. I'm just setting an example."

"If someone bullies Xiao Bei in the future, even if he can't fight back directly, he can still get his revenge in secret."

Li Linxi sneered at Jiang Manzhu's words, thinking they were nonsense.

"Do you think your sweet talk can fool everyone?" Li Linxi knew Jiang Manzhu's past and how she had deceived his older brother and other men in the village with her pretty face.

Her mouth was quite persuasive, making people inevitably listen and follow her words.

Li Linxi didn't care before, even when she sweet-talked his mother and younger brother to make them happy. He saw her as merely a source of amusement.

But now, he had to take it seriously.

"It hurts," Jiang Manzhu said, still pinched by Li Linxi. It was hard to speak through the pain. She grasped Li Linxi's wrist, trying to pull his hand away.

Jiang Manzhu was not used to doing heavy labor. Even household chores had Xiao Bei helping her.

Her hands were not very rough, much softer compared to a man's.

The moment she grabbed his wrist, Li Linxi pulled his hand back with a frown, and Jiang Manzhu instinctively rubbed her chin.

With a mix of anger and grievance, she looked up, "Linxi, it really hurts."

Her tone, full of grievance and almost like a pout, aimed at Li Linxi, who saw her slightly reddened chin.

"You're not fit for work. In the Li family, you're just living off us. I kept you because you could take care of Xiao Bei. If there's a repeat of this, you should go back to your rural youth point."

Li Linxi's threat had a significant effect; Jiang Manzhu had no strength left to resist against his authority.

"Linxi, don't worry. Xiao Bei is my brother too. How could I not take good care of him?" Jiang Manzhu quickly swore, "I went today to have Xiao Bei help with getting a sack and dealing with people. It was all my idea, not a spur-of-the-moment decision…"

Jiang Manzhu felt she needed to clarify, as the previous owner's mistakes had caused her much trouble.

Only now, after changing Li Linxi's opinion of her, had she finally earned some trust, but now her impulsiveness might ruin it.

Seeing Li Linxi's mood was not as cold as before, Jiang Manzhu knew the matter was temporarily settled.

However, she still wanted to understand how Li Linxi had discovered her and Xiao Bei's wrongdoing.

"Linxi, how did you find out what Xiao Bei and I did?" Jiang Manzhu asked softly, looking at Li Linxi with curiosity.

Having just bathed, Jiang Manzhu still had a hint of moisture on her, with damp hair draped over her shoulders. In the dim room, lit only by a yellow oil lamp, she looked like a pretty woman speaking gently.

Li Linxi, tall and cold, looked at her with an expression of slight disbelief. "Did you really think you were being discreet?"

"Of course. I checked and made sure no one would notice. Linxi, could someone as smart as you guess it was us?"

Jiang Manzhu had to admit that the male lead was indeed a high IQ representative, otherwise, he wouldn't have reached such a high position.

However, in the village, only hard-working farmers were needed to earn labor points, and there was no need for him to use his brains.

Still, the people in the village must have noticed that Li Linxi was not stupid, considering he had made it to high school.

"Not likely." Li Linxi seemed to understand Jiang Manzhu's intention behind the question and replied calmly.

He had no intention of staying to talk further and planned to return to his room after warning Jiang Manzhu.

Before leaving, he gave a final warning: "Don't let the matter with Yuan Zhiqing become a big deal in the village. The Li family cannot tolerate you."

Jiang Manzhu was momentarily stunned. What did it mean not to make a fuss? Could it be done privately?

"Linxi, wasn't your advice a bit vague? It doesn't seem right," Jiang Manzhu said, feeling that Li Linxi might not have mastered the art of speaking clearly yet. Indeed, one grows faster through societal hardships.

Li Linxi was just a young man who had entered high school but dropped out after a year. Jiang Manzhu suddenly felt a superior intellect, considering herself a clever child.

Li Linxi, who was about to leave, heard Jiang Manzhu's words, her tone rising with a hint of teenage raspiness. "Hmm?"

"How can you say not to make a fuss? Shouldn't you sternly warn me: 'Be careful in the future. If you insult the Li family's reputation, I won't spare you and will kick you out!'"

Jiang Manzhu, getting into the role, put her hands on her hips and scolded in a manner resembling a malicious character from a TV drama.

Her imposing manner was entirely absent in front of Li Linxi, appearing more like a little kitten pretending to be fierce.

Li Linxi looked somewhat speechless at Jiang Manzhu's words. "This is a new society; we don't do things like that anymore."

Jiang Manzhu immediately smiled sweetly. "Linxi, I knew you weren't that old-fashioned. But don't worry, I have no relationship with Yuan Zhiqing. He only used my kindness and sympathy. I've seen through him now."

Jiang Manzhu raised her hand in a vow, determined to stay with the Li family. She wanted to make sure Li Linxi didn't misunderstand.

Despite Li Linxi's seemingly generous demeanor, men often have inexplicable pride, and even if Li Linxi didn't, Jiang Manzhu felt it was necessary to clarify.

Whether he believed her or not was up to Li Linxi.

As a minor character facing the main lead's scrutiny, she could not afford to be proud and insist on being 'clear of suspicion.'

Li Linxi didn't say whether he believed her or not, only that he scrutinized her closely. Jiang Manzhu lifted her head, chest out, as if saying, "I'm not afraid of your investigation."

In the end, Li Linxi withdrew his gaze and left.

However, Jiang Manzhu felt that Li Linxi's look before leaving seemed a bit strange. Unable to figure it out, she quickly pushed it aside and focused on drying her wet hair.

She was also contemplating whether to get a short haircut in town, as it was quite popular and symbolized a heroic spirit for women. With winter approaching, it would be harder to dry her hair, and in those days without hairdryers, wet hair could easily lead to colds.

She also remembered something important—hair could be sold!

Meanwhile, back in his room, Li Linxi still felt the sensation on his fingers vividly. The skin was indeed smooth, and he rubbed his hands together as if to brush off the dust, trying to erase the feeling from his mind. His sharp eyes, as cold as a deep pool, closed gently after a few seconds.

Su Qianqian, by acting obediently, had convinced her mother that she had turned over a new leaf and was ready to marry into the city. Huang Yeying had recently visited a matchmaker to find a suitable match for Qianqian.

Su Qianqian had been sweet and submissive for several days and finally got permission to go out. Though she felt frustrated inside, she had to put on a 'I'm very obedient' act.

Indeed, she had to be obedient. Su Qianqian felt trapped, and her parents did not support her! They were the obstacles to her progress.

She had to bow her head and prove to her mother that she had changed before she could go out!

Frustrated, she finally managed to calm herself and prepare to go out.

Ha!

She planned to go to town, using the excuse of buying new fabric to make new clothes. If there were any potential suitors, she could make a good impression.

This idea made Huang Yeying think it was reasonable, and she prepared to accompany her.

Su Qianqian objected, wanting a chance to sneakily approach Li Linxi, "Mom, if I can't handle such a small matter, how can you trust me in the future?"

Huang Yeying thought about it and agreed that she couldn't handle everything for Qianqian.

Today, after work, the team leader was going to the commune, and the tractor was ready. Su Qianqian arrived at the tractor early with her father, the team leader.

As soon as the tractor driver saw the team leader, he started the tractor immediately, not waiting for others.

Su Qianqian looked around but did not see Li Linxi, feeling a bit disappointed.

At the moment the tractor started making noise, three figures appeared around the corner, silhouetted by the light.

The rising sun bathed the land in golden light. From Su Qianqian's perspective, Jiang Manzhu and Li Linxi were laughing and talking as if they were a perfect match… Ugh!!!!!

Su Qianqian was filled with jealousy and suddenly understood why she wasn't favored by Li Linxi.

Just look at Jiang Manzhu's exquisite, beautiful face and her figure—she seemed like a vixen who couldn't stay home!

She must have seduced Li Linxi; otherwise, why would he be unwilling to leave the Li family?

Hateful.

She attributed all her misfortunes to Jiang Manzhu's interference, causing Liu Shun'er to oppose her marrying into the Li family.

It must be her.

At this moment, Jiang Manzhu, who was hated by Su Qianqian, was only puzzled about why Li Linxi was also coming along.

Jiang Manzhu had promised herself to get a haircut today, and she would definitely go.

Little Bei was clamoring for meat, and Li Linxi, who was fond of his younger brother, couldn't refuse such a small request. Just buying meat.

Buy!

Li Linxi couldn't leave the two of them alone in town. Jiang Manzhu was weak and malicious and would certainly lead Little Bei into trouble.

Moreover, Li Linxi felt the urge to escape mostly came from his mother. His mother was very worried about his marriage and had already found a matchmaker.

No matter what Li Linxi said, Liu Jumei wouldn't agree and insisted that he dress nicely today…

He wasn't interested in getting married, especially not to a stranger.

He didn't understand why his mother was so anxious and stubborn. Was he of marriageable age already?

He wanted to show his mother that he wasn't ready for marriage!

He couldn't just argue with his mother, right?

Soon after he left, Liu Jumei, who wanted to take her son out to meet potential matches, realized, "Hey, where's my son? Where is my big son?"

...

Meanwhile, in front of the tractor, hearing its start, Little Bei was excited and pulled his brother towards the tractor.

Li Linxi was quite pleased with his younger brother's enthusiasm, but… don't drag me along!!

Unable to handle Little Bei's unsteady behavior, Li Linxi quickened his pace, with Jiang Manzhu trailing behind, looking helpless.

You only saw the tractor starting but didn't see that the team leader hadn't boarded yet! Would the tractor driver dare to start without the team leader?

Su Qianqian glanced at Li Linxi and the foolish Little Bei and was about to speak when she remembered her father was still there.

Looking at Jiang Manzhu's beautiful face, Su Qianqian thought she might need to adopt a strategy—perhaps getting Jiang Manzhu married off quickly might be a faster solution?

Suddenly, Su Qianqian thought she was very clever, coming up with two ideas at once.

She could befriend Jiang Manzhu to get close to Li Linxi and Liu Shun'er. At the same time, marrying Jiang Manzhu off would remove the threat of her remaining in the Li family.

What if Li Linxi, this young and impulsive guy, couldn't resist Jiang Manzhu's 'seduction' and fell for her?

"Jiang Zhiqing," Su Qianqian greeted Jiang Manzhu with a smile, "The tractor is about to leave, hurry up and get on."

Her friendly attitude puzzled Jiang Manzhu, who remembered that Su Qianqian had been envious and judgmental when they last met.

"Hmm." Despite being delicate, Jiang Manzhu was capable of work and grabbed the tractor's railing, climbing up.

However, Jiang Manzhu found it annoying that Su Qianqian, the team leader's daughter, seemed to be clinging to her.

"Jiang Zhiqing, what are you planning to buy in town?"

"Jiang Zhiqing, your little flower braids look great."

"Jiang Zhiqing…"

Jiang Manzhu found Su Qianqian's constant chatter trivial and felt that her attempts at conversation were merely superficial pleasantries. Jiang Manzhu replied with a polite smile, "Just going to have a look. Your hairstyle is also nice. You're great too…"

The exchange was insincere, and Jiang Manzhu had no real affection for Su Qianqian.

Liu Shun'er and Li Linxi had already clearly expressed their disapproval of Su Qianqian marrying into the Li family.

Su Qianqian had previously boasted about marrying Li Linxi, and now she was approaching Jiang Manzhu, so Jiang Manzhu could easily guess her intentions.

Using her as a stepping stone?

If it were a genuine attempt at friendship, Jiang Manzhu might accept it, but she wasn't interested in fake pretenses.

Noticing Jiang Manzhu's indifference, Su Qianqian felt displeased, thinking: "I'm the one who made the effort to be friendly, why are you still so cold? Do you look down on me?"

Su Qianqian had been flattering Jiang Manzhu for a long time but noticed that Jiang Manzhu was ignoring her, a hint of impatience flashing in her eyes.

Her impatience made Jiang Manzhu even more annoyed. She turned to the woman next to her, "Auntie, I heard you found a bunch of tiger mushrooms the other day. Oh, I'm so envious!"

The neighboring Aunt Niu was delighted by this compliment and proudly said, "Of course! I worked hard to find them. They're very fresh."

"How did you find them?" another aunt asked enviously. "I went up the mountain and didn't find anything, just dug up some bamboo shoots."

Listening to the two aunts boast, Jiang Manzhu, who was socially awkward, found the conversation quite engaging.

Jiang Manzhu learned a lot from their chat, like where to find mushrooms, which forest has the best bamboo shoots, and where there are mountain yams!

The aunts were quite pleased with this appreciative listener, as it satisfied their need to boast.

When they arrived at the town, Jiang Manzhu not only learned about the local gossip, such as who was doing what with whom, but also felt quite entertained by the conversation.

Meanwhile, Su Qianqian, seeing Jiang Manzhu's lack of interest in her, focused her attention on Li Linxi, who was on the same tractor.

She gazed at Li Linxi's handsome and imposing face, her heart racing. As expected of a man who had become the richest, he was different.

Li Linxi, noticing the intense gaze on him, looked in the direction of the attention and saw Su Qianqian staring at him.

Her eager gaze made Li Linxi uncomfortable, especially as the bumpy road caused the tractor to shake. The people in the vehicle swayed along with it.

Li Linxi wondered why some people had to squeeze in so close. He didn't care for Su Qianqian or any other woman at the moment.

Marriage was never a consideration for him, nor did he think it was a necessary part of his life.

Women only slowed down his money-making pace.

He discreetly switched places with Xiao Bei, who thought it was just because of the bumpy road. He grumbled that the tractor driver was unskilled.

"Third Brother, I want to learn to drive a tractor too. Then I can drive you around and always give you the front seat," Xiao Bei said with youthful ambition.

His comment made everyone around him laugh mockingly.

"Xiao Bei, you want to drive a tractor? Hahaha, just you?"

"Are you planning to buy a tractor? They're quite expensive! How could you afford one?"

"Where would you find another tractor in the village? Are you going to compete with your brother for the tractor driver's job?"

"Hahaha…"

They thought he was dreaming. In this era, tractors were as precious as Rolls-Royces in later times.

Only two teams in the entire commune had tractors!

Why do they take villagers to town? It's either to deliver grain or buy something, or because the team leader or village head has small matters to handle at the commune.

Currently, the tractor is busy, so they allowed villagers to ride along. When the tractor is "out of service," they won't be able to transport them to town.

"Hmph, I will succeed. In the future, I will…" Xiao Bei started to respond but then realized the tractor's rarity and that he couldn't afford one.

Moreover, being a tractor driver wasn't something just anyone could do.

Seeing his little brother's distressed look, Li Linxi couldn't bear to let him be upset. "Third Brother believes in you. Everyone should have dreams. What if one day you achieve it?"

He patted his brother's head. Even if it's just a tractor, he was determined to get one for him.

Su Qianqian, watching Jiang Manzhu soothe Xiao Bei with a few words and seeing Li Linxi seem to value his brother, felt that Jiang Manzhu was definitely a rival.

Looking around the tractor, Su Qianqian wondered who would be a suitable match for Jiang Manzhu.

A local man? Jiang Manzhu might not be interested, but if she could fall for Li Linxi, perhaps she could find someone suitable.

Su Qianqian didn't want Jiang Manzhu to have a good life and thought that introducing her to a good match would be unfair to the man.

Jiang Manzhu didn't deserve it; she was destined to elope and be abandoned…

Oh, then I should introduce someone good… Luo Liangce seems suitable. He is destined to return to the city, and Jiang Manzhu was previously abandoned by someone…

Damn, it's been so long that I forgot who exactly abandoned her. Without the memory of this body, the past seems like a distant dream… Oh, indeed it is, as there are some unfamiliar people who I've forgotten…

It's all because the past self didn't pay attention to this issue, thinking it was none of her business.

But Luo Liangce is definitely a heartless man. With Jiang Manzhu's looks, I don't believe Luo Liangce wouldn't have any interest.

Jiang Manzhu…

At this moment, Su Qianqian didn't believe anyone else was like her, blessed by the heavens with reincarnation.

She saw herself as the "chosen one," unique and unparalleled.

Li Linxi didn't let Su Qianqian get close. After arriving at the town, they split into two groups: one to buy meat at the meat shop and the other to the hair salon to sell hair.

They even found a young female intellectual who wanted to sell her hair. When getting off the tractor, Jiang Manzhu directly asked the aunt where to sell hair.

Not every city person had money. Some young intellectuals from the countryside wanted to sell their hair.

This girl was named Wang Dongling, with a beautiful name. Her hair was a long, thick braid, looking very nice.

"Your hair looks well-maintained," Jiang Manzhu said with a smile. As the saying goes, a smiling face is hard to resist, and Wang Dongling didn't have any particular feelings about Jiang Manzhu.

Since they were traveling together, Wang Dongling knew it was impolite not to answer. "It's okay, I didn't take good care of it. Just washed it with plain water."

"Your hair is very pretty, shiny and black. Are you sure you want to sell it?" Jiang Manzhu continued the conversation.

"Your hair is pretty too. Why do you want to sell it?" Wang Dongling asked in return.

"Haha, I just want a new hairstyle. Cutting it off would be a waste." Jiang Manzhu was practical, and who knew hair could be sold for money?

The two women smiled at each other.

Jiang Manzhu and Wang Dongling both had beautiful black hair, and the old master was very satisfied, paying nearly two yuan each.

In this era where pork cost only five cents a pound, this was enough to buy four pounds of pork!

The two young women happily went to the supply and marketing cooperative with their money. Wang Dongling touched her new short hair and said, "When my hair grows long again next year, I'll come back."

"Indeed, an extra income," Jiang Manzhu agreed. It was a good idea, though she wasn't interested in long hair recently as it was hard to dry.

The two went together to the supply and marketing cooperative, where she had agreed to meet Li Linxi later.

Wang Dongling went her way to the post office.

Soon, they saw that Li Linxi was carrying meat and walking over with Xiao Bei. When he saw Jiang Manzhu carrying a bag, Xiao Bei was quite curious and asked, "Sister-in-law, have you finished shopping? What did you buy?"

He whispered, "Did you buy any candy or snacks?"

"No, I didn't. I haven't finished the ones I bought before, so I'm saving them for our little Bei!" Jiang Manzhu patted his head. Xiao Bei's enthusiasm for helping out was certainly influenced by the candy.

Xiao Bei grinned, a bit embarrassed, and touched his hair. "I didn't mean it like that."

How did it sound like he was craving Sister-in-law's candy?

He wasn't that kind of Xiao Bei.

"Linxi, doesn't our home need some brown sugar and white sugar? And salt. I wonder if the supply and marketing cooperative has any eggs for sale…"

Jiang Manzhu only bought personal items and didn't want to bring the two men along, so she bought everything in advance.

As for the household expenses?

She didn't have much money. It was up to Linxi, the main man of the house, to handle it.

"Sure, we'll buy them." As expected, Linxi agreed readily.

Brown sugar was good, but if not, yellow sugar was also fine.

Xiao Bei looked eagerly at every item to be purchased. Regardless of whether it was for him or not, if it was bought, it was theirs.

Next, Jiang Manzhu mentioned going to the recycling station to see if there were any suitable books. With the weather getting colder, she wouldn't be able to sit in the 'open-topped' tractor to the town.

She intended to buy everything needed for winter and the New Year.

As for the things to buy for the New Year? Well, there was Linxi to handle that.

Books were important for learning. Hard work could make up for lack of talent, and she hoped to achieve good results in the future.

With her 'diligent student' aura, Jiang Manzhu picked up a few more books happily and carried her bag back.

Before leaving, Linxi bought two large meat buns for his little brother.

Seeing Jiang Manzhu's longing expression, he bought her two as well, and also bought some for his mother and himself.

When they returned to the tractor waiting area, the brigade leader was still away on business at the commune, so everyone was waiting for him.

Although the weather had turned cooler, it was still quite warm near noon, so they all hid in the shade of trees or eaves, occasionally chatting about what they had bought.

...

At home, Liu Jumei could only apologize to the matchmaker, explaining that her child didn't understand.

The matchmaker rolled her eyes, "I've already made arrangements for you, and now you're saying this?"

"Liu Jumei, do you not want a daughter-in-law? Don't you want your Linxi to get married?" The matchmaker thought Liu Jumei was playing games with her. "I've gone through a lot to find a match for your Linxi!"

Liu Jumei forced a smile, thinking that when Linxi came back, she would have to give him a good scolding.

As for the current matchmaker, Liu Jumei tried to appease her, saying she would bring someone over in the afternoon.

The matchmaker, annoyed, said, "Good girls are in high demand. With your standards, I went through a lot to find someone. Your Linxi isn't exactly a hot commodity, and if he's so rude, who knows if anyone will still want him."

From the woman's perspective, the rude attitude before even meeting made it seem like there would be more trouble once married.

Any girl who was close to her daughter would refuse, since the Li family only had one able-bodied man, a silly younger brother, and a widow…

Even though they had some savings, they would still need to work hard in the future.

The family was concerned about their diligent and capable daughter. They felt the Li family was barely acceptable, and it was surprising that they had a high school graduate. But who knew…

Humph! If it's not a good match, it's better not to have it!

Oh, wait, they haven't even met yet, so it's not a deal. Their daughter is capable and attractive. There are many who want her within a few villages!

Liu Jumei was so angry she slapped her thigh. When Li Linxi and his group returned home, Liu Jumei, furious, went up to him and twisted the eldest son's ear.

She yelled loudly, "Li Linxi, do you think you're invincible now? Not listening to your mother?"

Jiang Manzhu watched with bright eyes, thinking, "Oh, our grand hero Li Linxi is getting his ear twisted?"

This won't do, it's not satisfying unless there's a bamboo stick or broom involved!

"Mom, I'm sorry." Li Linxi apologized sincerely, not being stubborn at all. Jiang Manzhu was surprised, wondering if his image as a composed business tycoon was collapsing.

Hmm, it seemed like Li Linxi's persona was indeed crumbling, revealing his more genuine, youthful side.

Personas are just for paper characters, but Li Linxi is a real person, who is complex and multifaceted.

"Mom, Linxi knows he was wrong. Please don't be too hard on him. Maybe he thinks he's still young and hasn't fully matured yet." Jiang Manzhu comforted Liu Jumei. Although the scene was funny, she had to act as a mediator.

Liu Jumei knew Linxi was grown up and couldn't really use a bamboo stick. She reluctantly backed down, letting out a sigh.

"Do you still want to get married or not?" she asked angrily, wishing she could just force him to get married and have kids.

"No, I don't." Li Linxi answered indifferently, seeming uninterested in the topic.

Liu Jumei was frustrated and helpless, sighing. "Then forget it."

She couldn't force him, so she had to wait. But she couldn't wait that long…

"Mom, I bought two meat buns for you. Let's have corn porridge for lunch." Li Linxi changed the subject and also took out the meat to chill in the well.

Liu Jumei understood her son's intention. With a cold snort, she took the meat and left, while Li Linxi went to fetch water from the well.

In the afternoon, there was a small piece of news in the production brigade: A teacher from the school had returned to the city, and now they were looking for a teacher from their brigade!

For the villagers, it might not be a big deal, but for the educated youth, it was a great job away from hard labor!

It was rumored that this news came from the brigade leader's home.

It was said that Educated Youth Luo had already gone to the brigade leader's house.

It was said that there was a fight at the educated youth point.

It was said that…