Li Juan has a submissive personality and, despite being an experienced Zhiqing, often found herself bullied and unable to argue back. Situations like today’s had happened repeatedly, and every time, either she was brushed off or left with nothing but humiliation.

It was her own garden, her own vegetables—everything planted and tended by her own hands. But these people would take what they wanted without asking, and if she dared to complain, they accused her of being selfish and uncooperative. Today, if not for Song Wei’s help, she would have lost her vegetables and been blamed and ostracized once again. Just thinking about it made her angry.

Right now, Song Wei was like her anchor. Bai Yunjiao, seeing she had no comeback, quickly put on a helpless, pitiful expression.

Bai Yunjiao and Song Wei had come to the countryside together, so her skin hadn’t yet been hardened by the harsh sun. She also knew how to get the men to help with work, so her skin was still fair. With that distressed look, her admirer’s heart melted instantly.

“But it’s different! That’s meat—Bai Zhiqing’s personal belongings—why should she have to share it? Li Zhiqing’s vegetables, on the other hand, are planted in the Zhiqing compound’s communal garden, so they’re for everyone to eat!”

With Song Wei around, Li Juan finally had the courage she needed. Her voice was louder than ever.

“They’re mine! I tilled the soil, bought the seeds myself from a villager with two eggs, and did all the weeding and watering. What did any of you do?”

“Why should you all get to eat my vegetables for free when you didn’t lift a finger? I don’t owe you anything. And you,” she turned to the young man, “are a man! If you want vegetables, plant it yourself.”

“The communal land in the backyard is huge. If you all wanted vegetables so badly, why didn’t you plant your own instead of waiting to pick mine?”

Once Li Juan got going, her anger kept rising.

After rebuking the young man, she turned her fury toward Xu Laidi.

“And you! You call me selfish and petty, but take a good look at yourself. You’re lazy, greedy, and shameless.

“You’ve used my tooth powder more than once, promising every time to buy your own, yet you never have. You borrowed one of my dresses ages ago and never returned it. You even owe me a yuan from before—are you ever planning on paying me back?

“I don’t need you watering my plants with your leftover foot water, which reeks! My plants keep dying from your so-called ‘help,’ yet instead of gratitude, you accuse me. You’re just an ungrateful leech!”

At that moment, Li Juan seemed to be venting every bit of frustration she’d ever felt, her voice booming and brooking no argument.

Red-faced, Xu Laidi shrank back under the barrage, and Li Juan turned her sights on Liu Linlin next. Her fighting spirit was unstoppable.

Song Wei sighed inwardly, wishing she had some sunflower seeds to snack on as she enjoyed the show. What a scene! For once, those who had been ganging up on Li Juan were left speechless, too stunned to even defend themselves.

Finally, Li Juan scooped up her vegetables, crying angrily as she did, but moving quickly and efficiently.

“Ungrateful, every last one of you! Trying to eat my food—dream on!”

Grabbing Song Wei by the arm, she led her back to her room.

Song Wei, thoroughly satisfied with the spectacle, glanced at the grim expressions on the others’ faces before following Li Juan inside.

The Zhiqing in the courtyard remained silent for a while. Then, a tall, slightly chubby young man finally stirred, grabbing his share of the meal—some coarse bread—which he ate silently.

Rolling his eyes, he muttered, “Unbelievable. Looks like those vegetables weren’t for the group after all. We didn’t even eat a bite, yet we still got cursed out for it.”

The guy next to him also picked up his food and left without a word.

One of the senior Zhiqing in the group spoke up, saying, “Let’s eat. We’ve got work early tomorrow.”

Meanwhile, in Li Juan’s room, she stared at the vegetables she’d placed on the table, a bit dazed. When Song Wei came in, she gave her a sheepish smile.

Her eyes, however, sparkled with newfound determination.

“You are quite courageous. How’d you let them push you around like that for so long?” Song Wei teased.

Li Juan blushed. “I never thought I’d be able to say those things out loud like that.”

Now that her anger had settled, she was a little surprised at herself. But, truth be told, it felt amazing to finally let it all out, like she’d released years’ worth of pent-up resentment.

“Song Wei, come eat. I saved a plate of vegetables even though they cooked them,” Li Juan said with gratitude.

To Li Juan, Song Wei was now a trusted friend. When everyone else had attacked her, only Song Wei had stood by her. It was also thanks to Song Wei’s support that she’d dared to confront Xu Laidi and the others.

Song Wei didn’t hesitate and joined her. “I’m planning to ask the team leader if we can fence off part of the backyard for ourselves. If he agrees, I want to make a small kitchen back there and grow my own vegetables.”

Song Wei shared her idea. After witnessing Li Juan’s ordeal, she realized it would be best to have her own plot clearly marked to avoid these disputes.

Li Juan’s eyes lit up, but she hesitated. “Do you think the team leader will agree?”

Song Wei shrugged. “No harm in asking. Let’s finish eating, then go talk to him.”

Li Juan nodded enthusiastically. If she could get her own little plot, she wouldn’t have to worry about Xu Laidi and the others freeloading off her garden again.

Excited, she scarfed down her food, eager to set off.

“Hold on,” Song Wei stopped her. “We should bring a little something.”

Not exactly a bribe, but it wouldn’t hurt to bring a gift to make a good impression. Song Wei’s family hadn’t sent much with her, but she had few mushrooms on hand. She filled a small basket with them to make it look presentable.

Inspired, Li Juan did the same, gathering some of her own things, including a few candies and five eggs.

“These eggs were from a village auntie—I didn’t even eat them myself.” But she was willing to make the sacrifice if it meant getting her own plot of land.

So, the two set out under the evening sky toward the team leader’s house.

It was only about eight o’clock, and with the full moon overhead, they could see their way perfectly.

The moon was so bright it illuminated everything clearly, from the fields to the courtyard, and several children were playing under its glow without a care.

What a beautiful sight, Song Wei thought, smiling. In ten years, scenes like this would probably be rare.

When they arrived at the team leader’s house, they knocked politely. From inside, they could hear a dog barking, followed by a child calling for his parents.