Chapter 13

Gu Qinghuan went through the Original Owner’s memories once again, and suddenly, an idea formed in her mind.  

After Grandpa finished his meal, he urged her to return quickly. Seizing the opportunity, she picked up the insulated food container and walked back.  

In reality, she found a secluded spot and slipped into the space.  

She entered “vintage wristwatch” into the vending machine.  

Instantly, numerous modern high-quality replicas appeared. The craftsmanship was exquisite, making them indistinguishable from the real thing. The key point was that they were incredibly cheap.  

For about ten yuan, one could buy a high-quality imitation wristwatch.  

Without hesitation, Gu Qinghuan placed an order for a Plum Blossom brand men’s wristwatch, priced at 9.99 yuan, with free shipping.  

In the next second, she retrieved the watch from the dispensing slot. Even the packaging box was an exact replica, exuding a strong vintage feel.  

After confirming there were no issues, Gu Qinghuan took the watch and asked around for directions to the captain of Hexi Village’s brigade.  

The household had just finished their meal and was chatting in the courtyard.  

“Excuse me, is Captain Duan here?”  

“Young lady, what brings you here?” Captain Duan stood up and walked to the entrance.  

Gu Qinghuan lowered her voice and said: “Uncle, could we speak in private?”  

Seeing her serious expression, Captain Duan quickly led her into the main hall of his house. He seemed quite familiar with the place.  

Gu Qinghuan suddenly recalled a brief mention in the book—Hexi Village’s production team captain was reported for long-term bribery and was eventually dismissed. However, that was something that would happen much later.  

For now, local officials held more power than county officials. She urgently needed to free Grandpa and the others from their grueling labor, so this was the only choice she had.  

Once inside the main hall, Gu Qinghuan didn’t waste any words. She directly took out the watch box from her pocket and handed it over.  

Duan Shengfa opened the box, and upon seeing the brand-new Plum Blossom wristwatch, he was utterly stunned.  

He usually only dared to secretly accept small amounts of rice, flour, or grain—things that barely amounted to a few cents.

He had never received such an expensive gift before. A Plum Blossom wristwatch—this was something that sold for over three hundred yuan in the department store.  

Duan Shengfa swallowed hard, his eyes fixed nervously on Gu Qinghuan. “What do you want me to do? I can’t be involved in anything like murder or arson.”  

Gu Qinghuan burst into laughter. “Uncle, look at me. I don’t even have the strength to truss a chicken. How could I possibly do something like that? I just have a favor to ask of you.  

“The three people in your village’s Cattle Shed—they are my family. My mother just broke her arm, and my grandparents are old and weak. If they continue working like before, they won’t survive much longer.   You oversee the production tasks in Hexi Brigade. I hope you can look after them, assign them some lighter work, and offer them a little more care in their daily tasks.”  

Duan Shengfa was no stranger to accepting gifts from the villagers in exchange for arranging easier jobs or granting a few extra work points. He had done it many times before.  

However, this was the first time someone had come to him on behalf of people from the Cattle Shed.  

Those in the Cattle Shed were “Stinking Intellectuals.” Getting involved with them could bring trouble, and Duan Shengfa was wary of that. But at the same time, the Plum Blossom wristwatch in his hands was too tempting to refuse.  

Even if he didn’t wear it himself, he could sell it for over two hundred yuan—enough to match years of hard labor.  

Thinking it over, he realized that in the past two years, the political climate had eased significantly. Struggle sessions were rare, and the higher-ups barely paid attention to these people anymore. They weren’t even required to write ideological reports now.  

Besides, no one was watching the Cattle Shed all the time.  

Gritting his teeth, he made his decision. “Alright, I agree. Don’t worry. I may love money, but if I take something, I’ll make sure to handle the matter properly.”  

“I trust you, Uncle. I’ll leave this to you.” Whether she trusted him or not didn’t really matter—Gu Qinghuan had no other choice but to take this route.  

In essence, she was using money to reduce Grandpa and the others’ workload.  

Duan Shengfa needed money, and she had it to give. Once things were settled, there would be more benefits to come. They were both smart people—there was no need to spell everything out.  

Just as she was about to leave, a thought struck Gu Qinghuan. She turned back and said: “Uncle, there’s one more thing. My mother was pushed off the slope the other day. Could I trouble you to keep an eye out for the culprit?  

“If anyone lets something slip, please inform me. My name is Gu Qinghuan, and I live in Xu Family Village. If you find out anything, there will be a generous reward.”  

As she finished speaking, she reached into her pocket and pulled out a handful of White Rabbit Creamy Candies. “If you don’t mind, these are for the kids at home to enjoy.”  

She did this deliberately—to show Duan Shengfa that if he handled things well, she had plenty of good things to offer.  

Duan Shengfa accepted the candies eagerly, nodding quickly. “Of course, of course! Don’t worry. If I hear anything, you’ll be the first to know.”

This was White Rabbit Creamy Candy—something only city folks could afford. What a rare treat!  

“Alright. By the way, my Grandpa is still working in the fields. Could you…?”  

“Of course, of course! Let the old man stop working. I’ll arrange for someone else to take care of it tomorrow.” Duan Shengfa replied without hesitation, nodding eagerly.  

“Then I’ll have to thank you, Uncle.”  

Gu Qinghuan pedaled her bicycle toward the fields to pick up Grandpa.  

“Girl, why are you back again? I just need to finish up a little more, then I’ll head home. You should go back first.” Zhong Weiqian said, glancing at her while wiping the sweat from his forehead.  

“Grandpa, I’ve already spoken with Captain Duan. He promised to take care of you all and assign you easier tasks. You don’t need to worry about working in the fields anymore—he’ll arrange for someone else to handle it tomorrow.” Gu Qinghuan whispered.  

“Duan Shengfa? That man never does anything without personal gain. Did he…?” Zhong Weiqian looked at his granddaughter anxiously, fearing she might have done something foolish for his sake.  

“Aiya, Grandpa, it’s not like that. I gave him money.” Gu Qinghuan reassured him.  

Zhong Weiqian let out a sigh of relief. For a brief moment, the worst possible thoughts had flashed through his mind, and he had broken out in a cold sweat, afraid his granddaughter had been taken advantage of.  

Gu Qinghuan escorted Grandpa back to the Cattle Shed and left behind some of the supplies she had specially prepared—dried noodles, canned food, and other essentials.  

She didn’t dare leave too much at once, fearing it might raise suspicion.  

After making sure Grandpa was settled, she wasted no time and hurried home. There were still three more mouths waiting for dinner.  

Fortunately, the roasted chicken in her space had already finished cooking—she only needed to bring it back, and they could start eating right away.  

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By the time she returned to the village, it was nearly pitch dark. Gu Qinghuan rode her bicycle straight to the Educated Youth Courtyard. She had borrowed it for a day—it was time to return it.  

To be honest, after running around all day, she realized just how essential that bicycle was. Traveling without it would have been nearly impossible.

The educated youths in the courtyard had clearly finished their dinner. Some were washing up in the courtyard, while others were tidying up their sun-dried clothes.  

When Gu Qinghuan entered, curious gazes turned toward her.  

She acted as if she didn’t notice. The original owner of this body had always been a loner and had never formed particularly close friendships.  

Following her memory, she locked eyes with Chen Jianghe’s bright and handsome face and thanked him seriously: “Comrade Chen, I left in a hurry this morning and didn’t get a chance to thank you in person. I asked Comrade Zhu to pass the money to you. Here’s your bicycle, returned in perfect condition. Thank you.”  

Chen Jianghe was the wealthiest among the educated youths, and everyone usually tried to stay on his good side.  

Gu Qinghuan had always possessed outstanding looks, exuding the grace of a well-bred young lady. When she first arrived for her rural assignment last year, she had stirred the hearts of many male educated youths—Chen Jianghe being her most persistent admirer.  

Because of this, Jiang Xue, who had her sights set on Chen Jianghe, constantly targeted Gu Qinghuan with hostility.  

Later, when Gu Qinghuan distanced herself from everyone, burying herself in her own world and working tirelessly, none of the male educated youths, despite their best efforts, managed to win her over.  

Only then did things gradually settle down.  

At this moment, Chen Jianghe clenched his fists tightly, his face filled with sorrow as he looked at Gu Qinghuan.

He hated himself for coming back too late.  

When Gu Qinghuan had been in desperate need of money to treat her mother, he had been away on a family visit. He had only just returned yesterday.  

And the moment he arrived, he heard the news—it was already too late.

The deed was done.

No matter what he said now, nothing could change it.

The frustration ate away at him, making it hard for him to even eat these past two days.  

Perhaps he didn’t love Gu Qinghuan as much as he had imagined. He was simply furious that after all his efforts, the unattainable flower he had longed for had ended up marrying the Madman for a mere hundred yuan for medical expenses.  

“If there’s nothing else, I’ll head back first.” Gu Qinghuan said, ready to leave.  

This Chen Jianghe—his gaze was so sappy, it was unbearable to look at. Absolutely nauseating.  

Jiang Xue stood to the side, her eyes widening in rage.

This Stinking Intellectual—she had already married, yet she was still lingering around Chen Jianghe?  

Gu Qinghuan took two steps but suddenly remembered something.