Chapter 19

Zhang Youlin raised his voice:

“Everyone knows the college entrance exam has been restored, right? There’s just over a month left before the test. I’ve decided that the students in our village preparing for the exam may take leave from farm work. The whole village will support you. But of course, if you don’t work, you won’t earn work points. I won’t play favorites.”

“To silence complaints, those taking the exam must still work at least ten days this month, no less. If you want to find someone to cover your work, that’s your own business.”

“Some of the educated youths have also promised that once they pass the exam and return to the city, they’ll leave their review materials for the village kids. So villagers and educated youths alike, please understand each other. Don’t think anyone’s being lazy just because they’re not working in the fields.”

“The country is in a time of rebuilding, and it needs talent. The college entrance exam is your best chance to leave the village behind. Work hard, examinees. Now—any objections? If you do, raise your hand and let everyone curse you out.”

To cut off someone’s future was like killing their parents—no one would be foolish enough to object.

Some of the educated youths really had the talent for university. People might even come begging them for favors one day.

Seeing no opposition, Zhang Youlin continued, “All right, that’s settled. Off to work, everyone. As for the Gu family’s matter, the police have already been notified. Be cautious these days.”

—

After the work assignments were handed out, Song Wanyue went with Yang Liu to plant rapeseed.

The educated youths agreed it was best to get their ten required workdays done first. Right now, it was just planting rapeseed—digging pits, turning soil. Once this busy stretch was over, they could focus entirely on studying.

Song Wanyue knew that among them, Li Jiaojiao was the smartest. In her previous life, she’d also been the top scorer in the village. So she planned to discuss problems with her often.

Math was her weak point, but luckily, the first restored exam wouldn’t be too difficult.

Even during farm work, Li Jiaojiao didn’t stop reciting lessons. Song Wanyue admired her dedication.

“Jiaojiao, what university and major are you aiming for?” Song Wanyue asked.

Li Jiaojiao was from the county seat, so it was very possible she’d be admitted to a provincial capital university.

“Me? The provincial agricultural university, majoring in agronomy. I want to research grain seeds. I hope that in the future, no one will go hungry again.”

Song Wanyue was surprised. “That’s ambitious! As for me, I like making money. I want to return to the capital and study accounting.”

Her lifelong dream was to become a wealthy woman as soon as possible.

Better to stick with a familiar subject—it would be easier to study.

By the end of 1980, she could start her own stall or shop. The only worry was balancing business with schoolwork.

Li Jiaojiao chuckled, “Hehe, my aunt teaches at the agricultural university. I’ve liked following her around since I was little. It’s best to choose something you’re genuinely interested in. Oh, and once I get to the capital, I’ll come visit you.”

Academically, she felt confident she could score in the top few places. But with so many exam candidates this year, she just hoped she’d be able to return to the city.

The capital was a place everyone dreamed of—she was no exception.

“Wanyue, I’m already this old and have never even left the province. Mostly because I didn’t have the money, but also because my family wouldn’t allow it, and no one had the time to accompany me. Back then, I even wanted to join the Red Guards to see the palace.”

The world had been too chaotic.

Song Wanyue smiled. “Of course! You’re welcome in the capital anytime. Let’s exchange addresses.”

Among the educated youths, Song Wanyue liked Li Jiaojiao the most—straightforward, quick-witted, and easy to talk to.

—

Near the end of the workday, the Gu family returned from the county with Zhang Shufen.

Their faces were full of despair.

Song Wanyue lowered her head and smiled. At this point in time, there was simply no cure for such an illness. Even fifty years later, medicine couldn’t fix it. Paralyzed meant paralyzed.

Cui Hehua curled her lip toward Zhang Shufen’s daughter-in-law. “Lin Xia, is your mother-in-law done for? What did the doctor say?”

Lin Xia was Gu Dashan’s wife.

Her expression was gloomy. She had never heard of anyone recovering from paralysis.

Who in the village had money to seek treatment from some big hospital?

Lin Xia wept. “The doctor said there’s nothing to be done. Her anger made her collapse. From now on, she’ll be bedridden. And of course, it’ll fall on us to do the work.”

Her mother-in-law was only fifty-two. If she lived to seventy, that meant eighteen years of care.

Her fate was too bitter.

At that moment, she didn’t even care that the one standing nearby was her mother-in-law’s rival.

Zhang Shufen glared with wide eyes. Seeing Cui Hehua, she drooled from the corner of her twisted mouth and forced out a few slurred words: “Get… lost… Hehua.”

She had always hated Cui Hehua. Now, showing her disgrace in front of her enemy, Zhang Shufen wished she could die on the spot.

Cui Hehua smirked. “Oh dear, Shufen, what are you trying to say? Speak louder, I can’t hear you.”

From the rapeseed field, Song Wanyue and Li Jiaojiao saw it all but kept quiet.

It was enough to laugh in their hearts—no need to be too obvious.

Sure enough, only she could really grind an enemy down.

Zhang Shufen’s tears spilled over. Her limbs no longer worked, only her eyes moved. She couldn’t fathom how a simple bump against a wall, combined with the robbery, had left her in this state. She’d never fallen ill this easily before.

Gu Weimin shouted angrily, “Why are you still here? Can’t you see she’s crying? She’s upset—go home already. Stop embarrassing us.”

Now Zhang Shufen was a hot potato. He couldn’t shake her off so easily.

After dividing the family, all that was left was a house. The money was gone, and they’d even gone into debt for her treatment.

When Gu Weimin’s gaze landed on Song Wanyue, he felt unsettled. This girl seemed uncanny—could someone be guiding her from behind the scenes?

She was untouchable, too eerie. Several of them had schemed against her, only to be outwitted in return. Who was backing her?

As he scrutinized her, Song Wanyue kept her face expressionless.

If he had any sense, he wouldn’t provoke her again without knowing her true cards.

Originally, she had wanted to deal with Gu Hongmei. But then she thought: Gu Hongmei had married into the village. With Zhang Shufen paralyzed, she’d be forced to contribute.

She had no choice—her in-laws lived close by. Back when Gu’s father was brigade leader, her husband’s family had held their tongues. Now, it was another story. If she failed to help her own mother, she’d be drowned in spit for being unfilial.

But if she helped too much, her in-laws would resent her for neglecting her duties at her husband’s home.

Either way, she was stuck between two fires.

—

Later, Song Wanyue and Li Jiaojiao discussed when to go into the county.

Her parents had sent a package, and it should have arrived.

After work, the two strolled and chatted on their way back.

Suddenly, Li Jiaojiao signaled her to be quiet. Following her gaze, Song Wanyue saw Jiang Dazhuang picking a fight with Jiang Ze.

The two crouched in a corner to watch.

Jiang Ze was hurrying home with a basket on his back when Jiang Laosan blocked him. No doubt, it was about money.

“Fourth, lend me ten yuan. I know you have it. Once I make a big profit, I’ll pay you back,” Jiang Dazhuang said, grinning shamelessly.

Jiang Ze clicked his tongue twice. “Beg me. If you beg me, I’ll lend it to you.”

Toying with him was rather amusing.

Once he found his biological parents, the Jiang family would be branded as descendants of profiteers. The thought alone delighted him.

Jiang Dazhuang urged, “Fine, I’m begging you. Now give me the money.”

After all, the only way he could win money was by gambling. Working in the fields every day was unbearably dull.

Jiang Ze’s tone turned cold. “I was just saying that to mess with you. And you actually believed it? Third brother, you’re still as stupid as ever. You know, I’ve hated you since we were kids. You’re older than me, but always bullied me, stealing my food. Tell me, why didn’t you drown me that winter when you had the chance? My life must be too tough to snuff out, huh?”

Jiang Dazhuang had always been the greediest one, constantly snatching food from him. Most of the time, Jiang Ze had ended up beaten and scolded. His mother’s slaps had stung the most.

At those words, Jiang Dazhuang’s heart skipped a beat. He stammered, “It’s only because you wouldn’t share your roasted sweet potato. I’m your third brother—what’s wrong with asking for one? Father and Mother said you were picked up anyway, so you should contribute more to the family.”

“You’re an outsider eating Jiang family food, drinking Jiang family water. Shouldn’t you be grateful beyond words?”