The moment Song Wei entered the courtyard, all eyes turned to her. Calmly, she greeted everyone without changing her expression.

“Song… Song Wei, Uncle Erzhu is here to put in your door,” Li Juan finally said, snapping out of her daze.

There was a hint of envy in her gaze as she looked at Song Wei. If she had that kind of strength, she thought, maybe she wouldn’t have to worry about going hungry.

“Got it,” Song Wei replied, setting her things down by the door and then went into her room.

Like Li Juan, Song Wei planned to install a door in the back wall of her room that would lead to the backyard, where the open space was perfect for storing things—and even planting some vegetables to eat.

“Uncle Erzhu, is it alright for us to use some of the land in the backyard as a private plot for ourselves?” she asked, her interest clearly piqued as she took in the expanse of land.

Uncle Jiang Erzhu, who had just finished installing the door, shook his head. “I don’t know; you’d have to ask the team leader about that.”

Technically, the whole backyard could be divided up among the educated youth however they wanted. She noticed Li Juan had already planted a few vegetables there, some of which were ripe. But as she glanced over it, she realized part of Li Juan’s garden looked a bit…bare.

When Uncle Erzhu finished, Song Wei handed him five yuan for his work—both for the new door and for building her brick bed, since he had brought his own materials, which raised the price a bit.

“Thank you, Uncle Erzhu.”

Er Zhu, a simple, honest farmer, grinned in satisfaction. He seemed especially happy, his face creasing up into a genuine smile—maybe because of the money and the bowl of snake soup she’d shared with him the day before.

“Song Zhiqing,” he said, “you’ve just moved here and don’t have much food yet. Auntie Ma wanted me to tell you to come by our place and pick some vegetables to get you started.”

Song Wei flashed a bright, toothy smile. “Thank you! I’ll go see Auntie Ma tomorrow.”

After sending Uncle Erzhu off, Song Wei grabbed her hatchet and got to work, chopping wood from a large tree branch into neat, manageable pieces. She piled up the firewood in the backyard until it was a good supply.

But then, she heard voices rising in an argument from the front yard.

Curious, she craned her neck, tossing the mushrooms and chestnuts she’d gathered into her room and quickly headed to the front. She didn’t want to miss out on the drama—how could she pass up a show like this?

“Enough is enough! Every time, you take my vegetables without a word, not even a thank you, and when I say something, I’m the one called selfish!” Li Juan’s voice trembled with anger as she wiped away tears.

“Seriously, what’s the big deal? It’s just a few vegetables. That whole backyard is technically for everyone, so what’s wrong with taking some?” Most of the group looked indifferent, even slightly irritated, except for a few who looked uncomfortable. Liu Linlin and Xu Laidi in particular were eyeing her disdainfully.

Xu Laidi rolled her eyes. “I watered those plants, so I have a right to them, too.”

Li Juan’s body shook with anger. “All you did was pour out your morning face wash water or evening foot wash water on them! I didn’t even want you doing it—sometimes the water was so hot it burned the seedlings, and I had to replace them myself. You should be ashamed!”

Xu Laidi huffed. “It’s still water, isn’t it? Just wash the vegetables before eating. People in the countryside use manure to grow their vegetables—why don’t you go complain about that?”

Liu Linlin muttered, “Are we eating or not? I’m starving, and they’re still going on and on.”

Everyone was preparing to pay the public grain, and while it wasn’t the busiest season, everyone still worked hard each day. So they’d agreed to take turns cooking meals together. Today, it was Xu Laidi and Bai Yunjiao’s turn, and they’d taken a good amount of vegetables from the backyard for their meal.

Bai Yunjiao said softly, “I’m sorry, Li Juan. We just thought that since everyone’s been working so hard, and we don’t have Song Zhiqing’s luck in catching meat, we could at least add more vegetables to keep everyone healthy. I didn’t think you’d mind.”

Wow, Song Wei thought, arms crossed as she watched from the doorway. Bai Yunjiao’s sweet, gentle tone made it seem like she was making a generous sacrifice, despite using someone else’s food to boost her reputation while stirring resentment against Li Juan.

Sure enough, everyone’s looks toward Li Juan grew colder after Bai Yunjiao’s words.

“It’s just a few vegetables; we’ll replace them later,” said a male Zhiqing, who was trailing after Bai Yunjiao. It was obvious to everyone that he was one of her admirers.

Luo Yecheng looked disappointed as he turned to Li Juan. “We’re all in this together as educated youth. Bai Yunjiao and Xu Laidi only wanted to help everyone. Li Zhiqing, you need to have a spirit of giving.”

Li Juan’s face turned pale, her expression showing the frustration of being blamed for wanting fairness and respect. They took her food and turned against her.

“What a show,” Song Wei said, leaning against the doorframe with her arms folded. “The shamelessness of some people here is truly eye-opening.”

Liu Linlin glared at her. “And what’s it to you? You’re not sharing your grain, so you don’t have a say in this!”

Song Wei scoffed. “Oh, please. You all talk a big game about being generous, yet I don’t see any of you setting the example. Luo Yecheng, since you’re so passionate about giving, why don’t you share some of your own grain with Li Juan?”

Luo Yecheng tensed, his posture stiffening. “Why should I?”

Song Wei’s eyes widened with feigned surprise. “Weren’t you just saying that people shouldn’t be selfish, that everyone should be giving? I’m just giving you a chance to practice what you preach. You should be thanking me.”

She had a lively charm to her, and her playful tone seemed to make her all the more spirited. Yet every word stung her targets, especially Bai Yunjiao and her admirers, who now looked at her with gritted teeth.

“Oh, and Bai Yunjiao,” Song Wei continued, “I remember you just picked up a package from home three days ago. Didn’t it have a piece of cured meat in it? You’re so worried about everyone’s health—why don’t you share it with the group?”

Bai Yunjiao had practically flaunted the package, showing off the items inside for everyone to see. Now, with Song Wei’s words, she was left with nowhere to hide. Her smile faltered as her eyes darted away.

“What’s the matter?” Song Wei pressed. “You’re not one to preach generosity and then be selfish yourself, are you? Impossible! After all, you’re the kindest, most selfless, and considerate comrade Bai Zhiqing!”

With each exaggerated compliment, Song Wei effectively put Bai Yunjiao on the spot, as if tying her to a post. Bai Yunjiao’s chest heaved in silent anger as she replied, “It’s already late, and the vegetables we have are enough.”

“Oh, it’s never too late for meat!” Song Wei replied smoothly.

Li Juan, watching as they stood speechless under Song Wei’s calm yet biting words, felt a wave of satisfaction.

“Exactly. Didn’t you say you cared so much about everyone’s health? Vegetables can’t provide the nutrition that meat can!”