Chapter 3

The sun hung low in the sky by the time Li Wei finished her meager breakfast of congee, its bland warmth settling uneasily in her stomach. As she stared out the small window, the distant sounds of villagers preparing for the harvest drifted into the room—laughter, chatter, and the rhythmic clinking of tools against one another. This was her new reality—a life filled with challenges but also potential, vibrant and alive.

"Are you ready?" Mei's voice broke through her thoughts, bright and eager. She entered the room with a bounce in her step, her face lit up like the morning sun. "Mama and the others are waiting for us outside."

Li Wei nodded, her heart racing at the thought of stepping outside. The air felt thick with the promise of a new beginning. "Yes, I'm ready."

As she followed Mei out of the small shack, the vibrant colors of the village came to life around her. The earth was rich and dark, the scent of freshly tilled soil mingling with the sweet fragrance of blooming wildflowers. The sunlight painted everything in golden hues, and she saw other villagers gathering tools, their laughter echoing like a melody.

Li Wei took a deep breath, trying to suppress the anxiety churning in her stomach.

Mei led her to a group of villagers assembling near the edge of a field. "We'll be working over there," she said, pointing to a stretch of land filled with stunted corn and scraggly beans. "Mama said we need to clear out the weeds before we can harvest the good stuff."

Li Wei watched as the villagers exchanged laughter and stories, their camaraderie palpable. A sense of longing swelled in her chest—she wished she could seamlessly blend in with them. Yet, flashes of the original Li Wei's memories surfaced—the warmth of the people, the familiar faces, the feeling of being part of something bigger than herself. It gave her an odd sense of belonging, despite her initial hesitations.

"Let's start working," Li Wei said, steeling herself and stepping forward with determination. She could do this.

The villagers welcomed her with smiles and nods, their kindness wrapping around her like a comforting blanket. As they handed her a hoe, she gripped it awkwardly, the weight unfamiliar in her hands. Would she be able to do this? The self-doubt crept in, but she shook it off, determined to prove herself.

As she began to work, her initial clumsiness transformed into a steady rhythm. Hours passed, and soon she found herself lost in the task. The sun bore down on her, its heat seeping into her skin, and her muscles burned from the labor, but a strange sense of satisfaction filled her. Each weed she pulled was a small victory, a reminder that she was here to make a change—not just for herself but for those around her.

With each passing minute, Li Wei engaged with the villagers more. She asked questions about their farming techniques, listened to their stories, and even offered her insights. Surprisingly, they seemed to respect her opinions, encouraging her to share more.

"Where did you learn so much?" an older man named Li Yong asked, leaning on his hoe. His gray hair glinted in the sunlight, and his eyes sparkled with curiosity.

"I've always been interested in reading about farming techniques," Li Wei replied, improvising quickly. "i read about it in the book at school." It wasn't entirely a lie—after all, she had read books like that in her former life.

"Then you're in luck," Mei chimed in, "because our harvest is going to be the best yet! Uncle Zhao is excited about the crops this year. If we work hard, we'll have enough to sell at the market."

"Market?" Li Wei's interest piqued. "Tell me more." Her heart raced at the thought of commerce, of trade—the very lifeblood of her previous life.

Mei and Li Yong exchanged glances, and then Mei explained, "Sister don't you know about it already. Every few weeks, people from nearby villages come to trade. It's a chance to sell our crops and buy things we don't have, like salt or fabrics. Sometimes, we can even get a decent price for our produce."

Li Wei filed that information away, her mind racing with ideas. This was her moment—a chance to learn the ropes of local trade, to see how the economy functioned at ground level. If she could understand the flow of goods and services, she could position herself advantageously when the time was right.

"I will go along with you to the market tomorrow" Li Wei said, excitement bubbling beneath her calm exterior. The thought ignited a flame within her.

"Of course!" Mei said, her face lighting up like the sun rising anew. "You'll love it. It's busy and loud, but there's so much to see! And everyone brings their best goods to sell."

As the afternoon wore on, Li Wei found herself feeling more at ease. The laughter and camaraderie enveloped her, making the labor feel lighter, almost joyous. She still had a long way to go to understand the intricacies of village life, but with each passing moment, she felt herself integrating more deeply into this new existence.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the fields, Li Wei turned to Mei. "What are some of the best things to sell at the market?"

Mei thought for a moment, her brow furrowing. "Well, it depends on the season. Right now, everyone wants fresh vegetables, but later on, fruits and grains will be in high demand."

"What about handmade items? Do people sell those?" Li Wei asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Oh yes! Some women weave beautiful baskets and make clothes. If you have a skill, you can earn quite a bit at the market." Mei's eyes sparkled with excitement. "You should ask mother if you can learn to weave! She's really good at it."

"That's a great idea, Mei! I'd love to learn," Li Wei replied, already envisioning how she could diversify her skills and increase her value in the village.

As the afternoon wore on, Li Wei found herself feeling more at ease. The laughter and camaraderie enveloped her, making the labor feel lighter, almost joyous. She still had a long way to go to understand the intricacies of village life, but with each passing moment, she felt herself integrating more deeply into this new existence.

However, as the day drew to a close, Li Wei couldn't shake the nagging feeling that she needed to start laying the groundwork for her ambitions. The village offered opportunities, but she had to be strategic in her approach. She remembered her previous life and the importance of building networks, and the seed of an idea began to take root.

That evening, as she sat outside, the cool air brushing against her skin, Li Wei gazed up at the stars twinkling overhead. There was an unfamiliar sense of peace within her, yet she knew this was just the beginning.

She needed to gather information and make connections that could lead her toward the success she had once known. With the village on the brink of change, she could be the catalyst for that transformation. It wouldn't be easy, but nothing worthwhile ever was.

She would need to formulate a strategy, learn about the crops that would yield the best profits, and establish relationships with key figures in the village. She had the original Li Wei's memories—and they would serve as her guide. The connections she inherited could provide her a strong advantage.

Tomorrow, she would attend the market. She could almost taste the vibrant energy of the stalls, the colorful displays of produce, the hum of negotiations, and the laughter of familiar faces. And in time, she would show everyone who Li Wei truly was—a force to be reckoned with, a woman destined to thrive in this new era of opportunity.

"I can do this," she whispered to herself, the resolve growing stronger. "I will rise again."