Chapter 21

Before the principal posted the announcement, he had already spoken with the two teachers. At first, they were reluctant and wanted to cause a scene, but eventually, they felt ashamed and had no choice but to resign from their positions.

What else could they do? In the past, the school didn't have such high requirements; as long as you could read, you could teach in the literacy class.

The principal said, "Nonsense! There has never been a rule where you only needed to know how to read to become a teacher. None of the other elementary schools have that."

However, the advance notice from Principal Zeng Jianbai wasn't entirely without merit. At the very least, the teachers and their families didn't come to make trouble.

At this time, although it was midday, everyone rushed over quickly, eager to see if they had made the list as soon as possible.

It was like the ancient imperial examination results being posted, with everyone excitedly scanning the board.

But when the results came out, many found it hard to believe… Why them???

Luo Liangce couldn't accept it, and the other educated youths were also in disbelief, "Why Li Linxi? Isn't he just a mud-legged farmer?"

"Pfft, our Linxi was accepted into high school, but he dropped out after this year's autumn harvest," Jiang Manzhu retorted loudly, defending Li Linxi as soon as she heard the dissatisfaction.

He was the backbone of their family, and now with her becoming a teacher as well, their household income would be secure.

This way, Liu Jumai could take over her previous job, only needing to cut piggrass in the mornings, and she could spend the rest of the time at home taking care of Xiaobei.

She wanted to stay in the Li family, so naturally, she hoped the Li family would prosper in the coming years. Otherwise, if the Li family suffered, wouldn't she suffer too?

"And how did you score so high?" The other educated youths were upset. They were all in the same situation, so what made Jiang Manzhu so exceptional? What gave her the right?

"Because even after being sent to the countryside, I never stopped studying. I always maintained the hardworking and diligent spirit of learning, striving to contribute to the country's modernization efforts and aiming to one day contribute to its development."

Jiang Manzhu spoke with grand enthusiasm, giving one lofty explanation after another. "Moreover, children are the future of the nation. If the youth are strong, the country will be strong. Naturally, the teachers who educate them need to be outstanding, so the principal came up with this method. High scores, as you can see, are the result."

Upon hearing this, Wang Dongling, the other standout, immediately nodded and chimed in, "Exactly! The principal is a selfless, patriotic person who is doing everything for the country and its people. He's definitely not playing favoritism or letting people use backdoor connections."

By praising the principal, Wang Dongling was trying to ensure that no one, like the team leader or anyone else, would come and change the decision later. That would be unacceptable.

Wang Dongling wasn't stupid. With the scoreline so clear, if they hadn't found that the other two teachers weren't qualified, how would she have made it?

She was actually the most vulnerable candidate and had to secure this result right now.

Her final words, "definitely not playing favoritism or letting people use connections," sounded like they were aimed at someone, and many glanced subtly at the man who had been shouting—the educated youth Luo Liangce.

Luo Liangce looked at his score of 80 next to his name, his face twisted with anger and resentment. They had promised him the teaching position!

Now, not just one teacher had been selected, but three!

And among those three, he wasn't included. Why? The team leader had promised him the position.

Suddenly, he shifted his gaze, trying to lock onto Su Qianqian with his eyes.

To his disappointment, Su Qianqian hadn't come to check the results. He frowned deeply. What was going on? Did Su Qianqian not care whether or not he became a teacher?

As this thought formed, Luo Liangce let out a cold snort. Well, of course—her father was the team leader. Even if she didn't get the job, she would still live a carefree life.

Damn that woman!

His shouting made others glance at him again with subtle amusement. Oh right, Luo Liangce was the one who got the worst of it.

Although the village wasn't openly talking about it, there were surely people gossiping behind his back, pointing out how unqualified he was.

Maybe women didn't understand the frustration and humiliation of this situation, but men did. The male educated youths couldn't help but feel a bit schadenfreude.

Hahaha! Look at you—after all your sacrifices, you still didn't get what you wanted. It's truly satisfying.

Who doesn't dislike competing with people who use connections? Nobody likes it, especially someone as blatant as Luo Liangce.

The educated youths didn't say anything, but they were thinking it.

But Luo Liangce didn't care about that now. What others thought of him was a temporary issue. Right now, he needed to find the team leader and ask what was going on.

Where was the teaching position he had been promised?

With a cry of despair, Luo Liangce's shout echoed long into the distance as he ran back to the village, his figure full of sorrow and desolation.

But no one sympathized with him. Some were happy their names were on the list, while others were disappointed they didn't make it.

"Linxi, let's go home and tell Mom the good news," Jiang Manzhu said excitedly, not caring about anyone else. She only knew she was overjoyed.

If it weren't for the large crowd of educated youths and villagers, she would have burst out laughing. Haha! The heavens haven't let her down.

Li Linxi nodded in agreement, and the two of them happily headed home.

Seeing Jiang Manzhu bouncing with joy, Li Linxi felt a little helpless. He hadn't wanted to come in the first place, but the two women in his family insisted he go.

Liu Jumai: How could we let Manzhu go so far by herself? You took the test too, so go with her and see.

Jiang Manzhu: If I don't pass, I can't be the only one embarrassed. You have to go too. If you pass, it's glorious; if you don't, we'll both be embarrassed together.

Of course, she couldn't use this reasoning when convincing Li Linxi.

"Great, but it's a pity the meat is all gone. It won't keep for long. For lunch, we'll each steam a bowl of egg custard. Or maybe scrambled eggs would be delicious…"

On the way back, Jiang Manzhu was already planning the celebration.

"Hmm," Li Linxi could only respond. What could he say? Apologize because the meat was gone? Promise to buy meat every day from now on?

Impossible. There was no way he would make such promises to Jiang Manzhu. Maybe for his beloved younger brother, Xiaobei.

"Mom will be so happy. I never thought we'd both get selected. Now she doesn't have to work so hard anymore."

Jiang Manzhu didn't care about Li Linxi's silence. She was more than capable of carrying on all the conversations for the family. You'd only worry that she might get thirsty from talking too much—drink more water.

Li Linxi was also surprised at Jiang Manzhu's motherly concerns. Was she being sincere, or just putting on an act for him?

Still, in matters like this, the results speak for themselves. Why bother overthinking the motives?

"Hmm." This time, Li Linxi's response was more genuine and warm compared to before.

Unfortunately, Jiang Manzhu does not appreciate it at all; she thinks Li Linxi is just shy and mainly doesn't want to talk to her.

"Linxi, being this shy won't do. When Mom finds you a match, you can't just keep saying 'uh-huh' all the time, right?"

It's no wonder this guy can't find a wife; she thought he was destined to be single, but it turns out his personality really isn't appealing to girls.

Li Linxi, who has no interest in marriage, finds many people foolish, unable to understand their perspectives.

"I'm not interested." How many times does he have to say it? Li Linxi looks down with slight impatience, "With someone as talkative as you, it's not like you're going to find…"

His sarcastic remark suddenly halts, shifting gears, "If you're interested, go find someone yourself and stop dragging me into it."

Upon hearing this subtly pointed remark, Jiang Manzhu perks up, "That won't do! I'm not interested either! I think life is great as it is!"

She never considered marriage, believing it to be a trap that has ensnared countless women.

"Not getting married ensures peace."

"So, don't pressure me." She gives him a look that says, "If you pressure me, I'll use this against you." Jiang Manzhu can't help but understand his gaze.

Could it be that some people really have a protagonist aura? Even their expressions seem to speak!

"Okay…" Jiang Manzhu retracts her earlier comments. Whether Li Linxi gets married or not is none of her business; that's for her beloved mother-in-law to handle.

"You're right, we shouldn't discuss this topic anymore." Jiang Manzhu nods. With her parents gone, she can't believe she's being pressured by her younger brother-in-law. Is there any fairness in that?

Really, shouldn't you hope I'll remain loyal to your brother for life?

Jiang Manzhu makes a pact with Li Linxi: no more marriage pressures; they'll live happily.

Li Linxi glances at her disdainfully, thinking Jiang Manzhu is quite childish. No wonder she gets along so well with Xiao Bei; there's no generation gap.

"Linxi, what delicious food can we cook today to celebrate?" Jiang Manzhu is still looking forward to this. After all, she got a good job, even if it doesn't compare to city workers. It's a fresh start, a beginning!

Li Linxi thinks she's just like Xiao Bei, only interested in eating.

"Eggs." Li Linxi responds blandly. Despite seeming indifferent, he answers every word Jiang Manzhu says.

This means Li Linxi has already included Jiang Manzhu in his circle of friendly relations.

"Hey, besides eggs, don't we have anything else at home? By the end of the year, we should save the cured meat and not eat it all at once; otherwise, next year…"

Jiang Manzhu sighs, life is hard. The road to daily meat consumption is challenging and arduous; they still need to strive.

"The annual meat allocation isn't much…" Li Linxi wonders why Jiang Manzhu thinks the meat allocated at year-end could last all year round.

"Especially this year, the work points might not be as good as last year's, so you should forget about that idea." His voice turns slightly low and melancholic.

This year will be tougher than before.

With the elder brother gone.

And the second brother too.

He must ensure his mother and Xiao Bei live well!

As for the woman before him, if she continues to be so good to his mother and Xiao Bei, it's not impossible to support her.

Lowering his gaze to hide his melancholy, his handsome face appears calm yet resolute.

Jiang Manzhu doesn't realize what decision Li Linxi made in that moment; she only knows they won't get much meat this year.

"Can we buy more meat?" Jiang Manzhu contemplates how to get more meat, thinking she could contribute half of her money to buy some!

"You need meat tickets." Jiang Manzhu seems a bit clueless, thinking money alone can buy it? Those tickets were left by the second brother.

Jiang Manzhu: …

She feels her life has lost hope, left with nothing but "uh-huh" responses.

Once upon a time, she could eat pork to the point of nausea and loved beef, lamb, and seafood…

She was wrong; scarcity is real, and her understanding is refreshed. She quietly asks, "How many jin of meat will we get this year?"

"Forget it, let's not talk about it. I'll just wait until I have something to look forward to." Jiang Manzhu quickly interrupts before Li Linxi can speak. With two or three months left, nobody will seriously work the fields for points, and this year's meat allocation will likely be less.

Oh no, can we go hunting in the mountains?

Oh no, can't eat wild game, I was wrong!

Jiang Manzhu's mixed expressions of excitement, frowning, and despair seem to Li Linxi like signs of a slightly troubled mind.

Smart people think too much, which makes them resourceful; when Jiang Manzhu thinks too much, it's hard to keep up with her thoughts.

So, Li Linxi decides not to inquire about her thoughts, walking ahead quickly without waiting for her.

Jiang Manzhu catches up, bouncing lightly, "Linxi, the principal didn't say when we'd start teaching. Should we go this afternoon or find the principal tomorrow?"

"I've never been a teacher, and I'm nervous."

"I don't even know which grade I'll be teaching."

"Should I prepare lesson plans? No, I need to ask the principal first. I don't know if it's this semester or next semester when I'll be a teacher…"

Jiang Manzhu keeps babbling, full of anticipation for the future, not waiting for Li Linxi's reply until they get home.

"Mom, we did it! Linxi and I both got accepted!" Jiang Manzhu joyfully calls to Liu Jumai, who has already prepared dinner for their return.

Hearing Jiang Manzhu's voice, Liu Jumai immediately smiles, truly delighted.

Indeed, the fortune teller said, Manzhu is the blessing of the Li family.

"Great! Mom cooked scrambled eggs with chives for you, and tonight we'll kill a chicken to celebrate." Liu Jumai had it ready; if they succeeded, it's a celebration, if not, it's consolation.

"Good." Jiang Manzhu nods with a smile, while Xiao Bei is so excited he's already clapping and shouting, "Kill the chicken! Kill the chicken!"

Then suddenly remembering an important issue, "Mom, I can't kill a chicken…"

They've been working; dinner is for her and Xiao Bei to prepare, and Jiang Manzhu doesn't believe Xiao Bei can handle killing a chicken.

"Just let Linxi do it." Liu Jumai isn't worried; after all, girls can be a bit delicate.

Li Linxi is different; he must learn to kill a chicken~

Otherwise, when he marries and his wife is in confinement, won't they have nothing to eat?

"Mm." Li Linxi doesn't understand what his mother is thinking; he simply believes that as the only man in the house, if he doesn't do it, who will?

Xiao Bei remains excited, talking about eating chicken. This afternoon, he boasted to his friends.

"Wow, you're having chicken?"

His envious friends are drooling, wishing they could rush home and ask for a chicken to be killed.

"Today isn't a holiday; why kill a chicken? The New Year is still a long way off." Some families wouldn't kill a chicken even for the New Year, thinking Xiao Bei is just bragging.

"Hmph, both my third brother and my sister-in-law became teachers. They'll be school teachers in the future," Xiao Bei said proudly, puffing out his chest, having received no order to keep this a secret.

"What? A teacher? Your sister-in-law? What grade will she teach? She won't be teaching us, will she?" His friends looked on in disbelief.

"I don't know; my sister-in-law didn't say," Xiao Bei shook his head. "But she will definitely be your teacher, so you all better listen to her."

His sister-in-law is the best!

In the minds of the children, any adult who praises them daily and gives them a bit of candy is the best in the world.

He might not fully understand the care that Li Linxi shows him, or maybe he does, but sometimes his third brother is scary, and he feels afraid.

The other children were still shocked. Isn't Xiao Bei's sister-in-law Jiang Zhiqing? She seems… not too fierce?

Well, she seems okay?

These days, parents send their kids to school hoping they will learn well, so they often tell the teachers, "If my child misbehaves, feel free to hit them."

Hearing their parents say this, the kids usually behave, fearing the adults who also respect their teachers.

This implicitly gives the children the idea that a teacher's status is higher and more intimidating than that of a parent.

Now that they know Xiao Bei's sister-in-law, the beautiful Jiang Zhiqing, who speaks so gently, they can't help but think… this kind of teacher shouldn't hit them or punish them, right?

"I hope she teaches our class."

"That's hard to say."

"Didn't she just pass the exam? Maybe she won't be the homeroom teacher until next semester."

They chattered excitedly, recalling the time Liu Shengguo got his hands slapped by a teacher and cried for days, only to be scolded by his doting grandmother.

They particularly hoped for a teacher who wouldn't hit students… forgetting that Liu got punished for being naughty and bullying others.

On another side, Luo Liangce went to confront the captain about his grievances. He couldn't swallow this anger.

"Captain, you need to give me an explanation. What happened? Didn't you say I'd get a spot? Now there are three openings, and none are mine."

He didn't bother with pleasantries as he directly questioned the captain.

Hearing Luo Liangce's voice, the captain felt uncertain about how to respond.

"This… I didn't expect you to perform so poorly, Luo Zhiqing. The principal already said there would be three teachers hired, and you couldn't even secure the third spot…"

The captain couldn't approach the principal anymore and had to gently persuade Luo Liangce, as he couldn't outright say he wasn't good enough.

"It's not that I'm incapable, but you didn't want me to become a teacher," Luo Liangce insisted, feeling he was close in scores to Wang Dongling and should have been selected.

He was sure that if the captain had wanted, he could've easily given him a few extra points to surpass Wang Dongling.

"I've sacrificed so much, and now everyone in the village is laughing at me. You're pushing me to the edge." Luo Liangce felt like he was losing it, his eyes red with anger, as he sensed the scornful gazes of the youth around him.

With years ahead in the village, how could he endure this?

Seeing Luo Liangce so frantic, the captain hurried to comfort him, "Luo Zhiqing, nobody wanted this situation. I want you to succeed too."

"How about this? The village still has some easy jobs available. I can arrange for you to oversee the warehouse."

The captain felt the old lady and Qianqian were stirring trouble, forcing him to speak in such a low voice.

"I don't want that. I only want the teaching position!" Luo Liangce refused, as this was far from what he envisioned.

He wanted king crab, but the captain was offering him a common fish—totally not the same.

Unable to accept this disparity, Luo Liangce firmly insisted the captain resolve the issue.

The captain, not lacking in temperament himself, managed a production team; surely, there were troublemakers in the village too.

As Luo Liangce pressed him again, the tone of his voice became unpleasant to hear.

"The announcement has already been posted throughout the whole team; it can't be changed now, Luo Zhiqing. You can either accept the compensation I offered, or know that these easy jobs are only for our villagers."

The captain felt irritated, his tone becoming a bit more assertive as he didn't want to continue this petty argument.

"Besides, it was you who approached me first to request this opportunity. The principal was going to send teachers from the commune, but I thought, given your abilities, it would be easy for you to pass. Didn't you just come to the countryside this year?"

His words hit hard—if he hadn't studied well in the city, how could he have failed compared to the other three?

So, city folks weren't as remarkable as they seemed…

Feeling humiliated, Luo Liangce's anger flared, but he realized the situation had become a binary choice: guarding the warehouse or nothing.

Seeing Luo Liangce hesitate, the captain knew the young man was smart; a strong dragon couldn't suppress a local snake, especially since Luo Zhiqing was no strong dragon.

"Luo Zhiqing, calm down and think about it," the captain didn't pressure him to decide immediately, wanting him to reflect and not feel cheated.

But if Luo Liangce went home and thought it over, he would likely accept the offer.

After leaving the captain's house, Luo Liangce was still troubled by the issue. He sensed the captain's impatience and knew making a scene was pointless; the decision was made.

But how could he swallow this anger?

On his way back, he encountered many villagers who greeted him cheerfully, but to the sensitive Luo Liangce, it felt like mockery.

How infuriating!

In recent days, with all the pointed looks and whispers, he knew he wasn't incapable, but it left scars on him.

The key was he believed he was capable, but no matter how he explained, people thought otherwise.

Being a warehouse manager was indeed an easy job as long as he managed it well.

But could he bear the unusual stares from others for years to come? Could he endure it?

Back at the youth center, while showering, he occasionally heard others discussing him outside, "Look at all the sacrifices he made, thinking he could become a teacher…"

Such mockery came in waves, stirring up Luo Liangce's already sensitive psyche.

Anger and frustration!

That night, while trying to sleep, he overheard two other youths quietly whispering, and he assumed they were mocking him, making it hard to rest.

Tossing and turning, the still night air made it easier to dwell on pessimistic thoughts.

The next day, he angrily declared: the village gossip had nothing to do with him! They were being too much, speaking ill of their comrades and tarnishing his reputation.

At that moment, many were around, and as they began their work, they looked bewildered at Luo Liangce, "Huh? Did Luo Zhiqing just find out today that people were talking about him?"

"It's possible, isn't it? At that time, wasn't the captain telling everyone not to spread rumors? Maybe it just didn't reach Luo Zhiqing's ears."

"Who said that? I heard Luo Zhiqing applied for the elementary school teacher exam but didn't pass, and he's been upset about it."

"What does that have to do with this?" The villagers, surprised, responded without thinking much, learning new information.

"Oh, why would Luo Zhiqing tell us this? We didn't say anything…" Some of them pretended not to know, awkwardly assuring him, "We didn't think anything of it, don't worry, Luo Zhiqing."

"Not at all, comrades and villagers! I'm still unmarried, still a virgin, and I haven't messed around with anyone. I really don't understand why you all have to slander me like this."

Luo Liangce's eyes turned red with grievance as he passionately and sorrowfully explained, almost wanting to bang his head against a wall to prove his innocence.

It seemed everyone just woke up to a realization: "Oh, right! Why did they believe it was the truth?"

Perhaps it was because they had heard the shocking 'truth' from others and couldn't help but share it with friends and relatives, leading to the rumors spiraling out of control…

"Oh dear, Luo Zhiqing, you're right! It's all the fault of those who slandered you in the first place; they're too wicked!" An old woman suddenly realized, slapping her thigh in epiphany. How did she not think of this flaw before?

"Yes, yes, Luo Zhiqing is still just a young lad; who spread such terrible rumors? How despicable!" Everyone nodded in agreement, refraining from provoking him further.

Seeing Luo Zhiqing's face filled with suppressed anger, they didn't want to provoke him; if he went crazy, he might just stab them with a knife!

If they didn't believe it, they could gossip quietly behind his back.

They began to investigate who originally spread this rumor.

You look at me, I look at you.

"I heard it from Old Chen next door."

"I heard it from Aunt Li next door."

"I heard it from the sweet potato lady."

"I heard it from…"

Everyone continued chatting while working, and Luo Liangce sighed in relief. Well, working hard is fine; at least no one will look down on him.

"I was so focused on studying that I didn't notice the gossip in the village. If I had known earlier, I would have stepped forward right away. Such rumors can be very damaging to a man."

Seeing a man in tears made the aunties feel even more pity for him.

"Oh dear, look at this kid, he's crying."

They say men rarely cry, so he must have suffered a lot, feeling like the heavens and earth have betrayed him…

Nonsense, how would you know what Luo Zhiqing really thinks?

Of course, some thought he was quite delicate. As a big man, crying like a girl, it really embarrassed all the men.

The villagers weren't simply believing what others said; they discussed whether this was a slander or if there was some truth to it, and who originally spread the rumor.

They were determined to uncover the truth—no innocent person should be wronged, and no wrongdoer should escape justice.

Huang Ye Ying felt a bit anxious. Why are they starting to dig for the truth now? What if it turns out to be her fault?

She rushed to find her husband, saying, "It wasn't intentional! I just thought it would help our Qianqian!"

The captain felt his wife really needed her head examined. Why did everything turn out wrong?

What could he do? If it became known that it was his wife who had set up Luo Zhiqing, wouldn't he lose credibility with the youths? There would definitely be whispers behind his back.

Damn!

Then he had to clean up the mess for his wife.

"From now on, don't meddle in village matters. And Qianqian, it's time for you to find a good match." The captain was annoyed; if it weren't for Qianqian, would he need to be so troubled?

With autumn harvest approaching, he had to clear the mountains to plant cassava.

Cassava is drought-resistant and high-yielding; it can be grown on mountainous land, but by the 1990s to the early 2000s, it gradually disappeared from rural lands.

Huang Ye Ying felt guilty. It was about time for Qianqian to start looking for a partner; if she got older, her chances of finding a good match would decrease.

In her view, marrying a good family was the best choice and destiny. Independent career? A life without marriage? Impossible.

Huang Ye Ying's beliefs did not allow such rebellious behavior; she thought if Qianqian got older, it would be harder to marry.

"I understand." Huang Ye Ying knew she couldn't let Qianqian continue being reckless. She had heard from Juanzi that Qianqian hadn't given up on that boy from the Li family.

On the day of the teacher recruitment exam, she even approached that boy from the Li family, but unfortunately, her warm greeting was met with cold indifference; he completely ignored Qianqian.

Fuming, Huang Ye Ying thought about pulling Su Qianqian out for a proper lecture. What's so great about that boy from the Li family? Why should you lower yourself like that?

In Huang Ye Ying's understanding, she wouldn't have anticipated that a few years later, the college entrance examination would resume, markets would open up, and the reforms would greatly impact everyone's lives.

She only knew that the Li family boy hadn't even graduated from high school, and wanting to go to the city to become a worker was nearly impossible.

He's just a muddy-legged kid, and the key is that there are three more burdens at home; he's definitely not a suitable match.

Besides, their Qianqian wasn't hard-working or capable; she was a bit spoiled—how could she possibly be suitable for the Li family?

If she married over, her family wouldn't frequently meddle in her in-laws' affairs. So they could only choose a good family before marriage.

Su Qianqian was unaware of her parents' plans; she just felt a bit anxious as the village gossip shifted direction—would they find out it was her?

Later, the villagers searched everywhere but couldn't figure out who was so despicable as to spread the rumor in the first place.

Perhaps… some thought it started from the captain's family. However, everyone was gossiping quietly, pretending they knew nothing.

In this era, the captain still wielded a lot of power; all production resources, including grain distribution, were handled by him.

Time returned to the previous day, where Jiang Man Zhu and Xiao Bei excitedly squatted beside Li Linxi, watching him process a chicken. "Linxi is awesome!"

"Third Brother is amazing!"

Li Linxi thought, Can you both step back a bit?

Li Linxi ignored their childish antics, thinking they believed he was still a three-year-old who needed praise for everything he did.

"Xiao Bei, learn from your Third Brother well. Once we can eat chicken every day, you'll be the one to handle it."

Jiang Man Zhu knew she wasn't cut out for that, so she brought Xiao Bei along instead.

She patted Xiao Bei's shoulder encouragingly; after all, he might grow to be more than just a five- or six-year-old!

Look at how much Xiao Bei has improved!

Li Lin Dong, the eldest brother, used to take care of the work but didn't know how to coax kids. Liu Ju Mei wasn't so gentle and friendly at the beginning either. She raised four sons on her own, and her fierce spirit hadn't worn off.

With a silly boy who wanted to be gently coaxed while also busy with other things, Li Lin Nan and Li Linxi weren't home, so Li Lin Dong could only beat up anyone who bullied Xiao Bei. However, that would only leave Xiao Bei alone again.

Jiang Man Zhu wasn't free to provide encouragement and keep Xiao Bei happy, providing him with tasty treats and fun.

She even helped him with addition and subtraction. Although it was just single digits, it was really hard to convince him with "if someone takes your candy, you won't even notice."

"Mm, I can definitely do it! I'll be the one to kill chickens for sister-in-law every day!" Xiao Bei nodded vigorously, raising his tiny fist in a gesture of determination.

"Ha ha ha, good job, our Xiao Bei is so ambitious! I'll count on you then, brother-in-law!" Jiang Man Zhu laughed proudly, her face beaming.

"Mm-hm!" Xiao Bei nodded again. After saying that, he remembered his Third Brother was still there, so he quickly added, "I'll also kill chickens for Third Brother to eat!"

Li Linxi didn't even spare him a glance, but Xiao Bei worried his Third Brother might be upset, so he hurried over to help with the chicken innards.

"Third Brother, I'm serious! You have to believe me!" Xiao Bei looked at Li Linxi with pleading eyes. He hadn't meant to forget about his Third Brother; he just wanted to include him!

"Mm, I believe you," Li Linxi replied softly, looking at his brother's innocent expression, providing comfort.

Immediately, Xiao Bei's gloomy face brightened up, and he started imagining a future where they could eat chicken every day.

Slurp—

Jiang Man Zhu chuckled, thinking how adorable Xiao Bei was.

Seeing Xiao Bei's carefree and optimistic demeanor, Li Linxi knew that recently, it had been Jiang Manzhu taking care of his little brother.

He lowered his head and continued working on the chicken offal, the corners of his mouth slightly curving upward.

Isn't that nice?

"Let's go, Xiao Bei, let's pick some vegetables! The greens for the chicken soup will definitely be fragrant!" Jiang Manzhu waved her hand, leading her little brother to conquer the vegetable garden while leaving the chicken to Li Linxi.

"Okay!" Little Brother No. 1, Xiao Bei, immediately abandoned his beloved Third Brother and hopped after his sister-in-law.

That evening, a delicious chicken soup left all three of them with round bellies, half sitting and half lying on their chairs, rubbing their stomachs.

Oh, it smells so good.

Only Li Linxi maintained his composure and style. Seeing the two of them like this, he simply cleaned up the dishes.

Jiang Manzhu was still discussing with Liu Jumei about the work that would lighten her burden. Although cutting pig grass had low work points, it was a light job suitable for her.

This job was snatched by Liu Jumei from the team leader back then, and it was highly sought after, with many people keeping an eye on it.

Liu Jumei had never considered not working in the fields, as no one in the village did that. Even the elderly in their fifties and sixties had to work the land.

Seeing Jiang Manzhu willing to do the low-point job of cutting pig grass, she was particularly reluctant, thinking how could she support the family this way?

In her view, work points were the most important, affecting the grain distribution during the autumn harvest and the meat shares at the end of the year. What good was money?

After three years of hardship, didn't she have money back then? Yes, but what good was it? It couldn't even buy food.

The distributed grain was barely enough to eat; who would be willing to sell it?

"Mom, Li Linxi and I can take care of this family now. You've worked hard too, and besides, with both of us at work, doesn't Xiao Bei need care?"

"Moreover, with Li Linxi and I both teaching, we leave early and return late. When would we have time to cook and tidy up?"

Seeing that Liu Jumei still didn't listen, believing she could wash clothes, work, and cook in the morning…

Jiang Manzhu: "Mom, don't you realize this will make Li Linxi worried?"

"Just think about it, while we're working outside, you're the pillar of our family, our warm harbor. If not, Li Linxi will surely come back to help you in the fields."

Jiang Manzhu took Liu Jumei's hand, feeling a bit emotional and sighing, filled with concern and worry for her.

"Mom, I know you're doing this for our family, but we worry about you too. You treat me like your own daughter, and I see you as my own mother. How can I not be concerned?"

As she spoke, her eyes turned red, genuinely moving Liu Jumei.

A real daughter…?

Liu Jumei hadn't expected her position in Jiang Manzhu's heart to be so high, and she was deeply touched.

If Jiang Manzhu had a system, it would definitely show a notification for affection points +1+1+1+1+1+1+1, achieving full affection.

From today on, Liu Jumei decided that Manzhu would be her own daughter.

Under the emotional appeal from Jiang Manzhu, Liu Jumei finally agreed to her request.

For this, Jiang Manzhu specially went to Li Linxi to brag, "Linxi, Mom agreed! Starting tomorrow, she won't work in the fields anymore; she'll just need to cut pig grass every morning. At first, she didn't agree, and I had to spend a lot of effort convincing her."

She looked at Li Linxi with sparkling eyes, her beautiful face clearly asking for praise.

She really is just like Xiao Bei, making Li Linxi silent for two seconds before finally responding, "You're impressive."

Mom is a stubborn person. With the eldest and second brothers gone and so many mouths to feed at home, she has always worked hard for full work points.

But what he said, she wouldn't listen to, always worrying that he wouldn't be able to support the family.

Looking at the smiling Jiang Manzhu, his gaze flickered a bit.

Sure enough, he had said it before: Jiang Manzhu's sweet words were quite effective.

What he didn't know was that his mom had already taken Jiang Manzhu as her own daughter, successfully gaining the sincere recognition of the two people he valued most.

It would be even harder for him to drive Jiang Manzhu away later.

Jiang Manzhu, who received praise from Li Linxi, smiled happily, "It's all for our mom's good. Since she treats me so well, how can I not care for her?" Everything is for the people.

Oh, the male lead is starting to recognize her. How exciting!

Jiang Manzhu felt she had achieved quite a lot today. Good fortune flowed in like a raging river, unstoppable.

Li Linxi looked at her sweet and obedient smiling face, softly responding with a gentle "Hmm," his expression warm and… even slightly smiling.

Jiang Manzhu displayed a shocked expression as if she had encountered a ghost. "Male lead, what's wrong? Why are you smiling at me? What happened to your character?"

Seeing her startled expression, Li Linxi smiled even more deeply.

"Linxi, are you… thinking of something bad?" Something's off; there must be a trick behind it. Is Li Linxi plotting against her?

Li Linxi didn't want to argue with someone he thought was crazy. "Alright, it's late. Get some rest; we have to go to school tomorrow."

Because of the matter with Mom, Li Linxi's attitude towards Jiang Manzhu had improved significantly, finally not turning around and leaving without a word.

"You're right. You should rest early too, so you have the energy to face new challenges tomorrow." Mentioning this made Jiang Manzhu's fighting spirit soar.