Chapter 72: Afraid That Girl Won’t Be Able to Handle It

The four female educated youths couldn’t help but feel a tinge of envy. Why hadn’t they met someone willing to build a house for them?

Liu Wei, who was tending the fire, tightened her grip on the firewood in her hands.

Wu Yun’s voice was filled with both admiration and jealousy. “Educated Youth Li, you’re really generous, huh? Paying to build a house for Educated Youth Liu? That must cost at least a few dozen yuan, right?”

Li Xinyue replied nonchalantly, “Just a little over twenty.”

The older educated youths: “……”

Just a little over twenty?!

That was nearly two months’ worth of full work hours…

The male educated youths were already seething with jealousy toward Zhao Zirui!

Jealous that Zhao Zirui had found such a beautiful and wealthy partner!

“Tsk tsk tsk.” Zhu Jing sneered sarcastically. “Educated Youth Liu is really lucky, having someone build a house for her.”

Li Xinyue retorted, “I’m willing to do it. What’s it to you?”

Zhu Jing continued with her snide remarks, “Of course, it’s none of my business. You have money, you can spend it however you want.”

“As long as you don’t regret it later.”

Li Xinyue scoffed, “Whether I regret it or not has nothing to do with you. Just shut your mouth, you’re getting on my nerves.”

“Of course, it has nothing to do with me,” Zhu Jing said in a singsong voice, refusing to let up.

Li Xinyue wasn’t one to back down either and started cursing.

Fueled by jealousy, Zhu Jing fired back.

A full-blown shouting match ensued.

Meanwhile, Song Yue remained unfazed. She continued eating while watching the spectacle unfold.

Not bad.

A meal with fish—and a side of drama—was quite satisfying.

By the time she finished eating, the argument had also come to an end.

In the end, the experienced educated youths made Li Xinyue cry.

Li Xinyue lost for two reasons:

First, she was new here and still reserved. She hadn’t yet learned the village women’s way of hurling insults, nor had she mastered the art of verbal sparring.

Meanwhile, the older educated youths had been in the village for years. They’d had countless arguments with the local women and had already honed their swearing skills to perfection. The moment they got fired up, the foul words flew like a storm.

How could Li Xinyue possibly win?

Second, she had no backup.

Zhao Zirui was a man—it wasn’t appropriate for him to get involved in a women’s fight.

Liu Wei tried to step in and help but was immediately shut down. The older educated youths accused her of leeching off Li Xinyue, effectively silencing her.

Defeated, Li Xinyue sobbed and made a fuss. Zhao Zirui had no choice but to comfort her.

Watching the scene unfold, Song Yue rubbed her temples.

Just watching gave her a headache.

…

After finishing her meal, Song Yue tidied up and considered checking on the house construction site.

She also thought about bringing some water for the workers.

Just as she was about to go, Lin He’s voice called out. “Educated Youth Song, are you heading over to check on the construction?”

Song Yue turned to look at him. “Something like that.”

“I can go take a look, or we can go together?”

Song Yue replied, “You go ahead. It’s easier for you men to communicate with them.”

“I’m heading to Uncle Li’s place.”

Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked away.

This “Uncle Li” was, of course, the brigade leader.

She was going to ask for half a day off tomorrow to visit the commune.

The post office workers had told her to pick up her package in three days.

Was today the third or fourth day?

Either way, the time had passed, so the package should have arrived.

She just wasn’t sure if the letter she sent to Yang Duo had reached her yet.

While Song Yue was contemplating this in her dormitory, over in Rong City, Yang Duo had just received the letter from the mail carrier.

After taking the letter, she rushed into the kitchen, excitedly calling out to her parents, who were preparing dinner.

“Mom! Dad! Quick!”

“Yueyue sent us a letter!”

Mother Yang’s eyes crinkled with a smile. “Oh my, it’s been almost half a month! The letter finally arrived.”

Father Yang glanced at her with amusement. “You have to consider how far Hei Province is from here. Even if Yueyue mailed it immediately, it still takes days to reach us.”

“So, ten days to half a month passing is normal, isn’t it?”

“You’re right,” Mother Yang nodded. “I keep forgetting she’s not in Rong City anymore.”

Yang Duo grinned. “Mom, Dad, you two have been chatting so much. Do you want to hear what Yueyue wrote or not?”

Mother Yang didn’t hesitate. “Of course, we do.”

Father Yang said warmly, “Duo Duo, you read it aloud. We’ll listen.”

Yang Duo nodded and began tearing open the envelope. “Alright.”

She carefully unfolded the letter.

Before reading, she even cleared her throat. “Ahem, ahem…”

Then, she glanced at her parents. “Mom, Dad, listen carefully. I’m starting now~”

Father Yang and Mother Yang nodded.

Yang Duo started reading seriously, “Dear Godfather, Godmother, and Duo Duo,

I hope this letter finds you well.

I’ve arrived safely at my assigned village…”

The letter mostly reassured them that Song Yue had arrived safely and told them not to worry.

She asked about their well-being and reminded Yang Duo to take her medicine properly.

She didn’t mention anything about the hardships of her new life.

Mother Yang’s eyes reddened as she sniffled. “That silly girl…”

Yang Duo sighed. “Mom, it’s just a letter. Why are you crying?”

Mother Yang wiped her eyes with her sleeve.

“I just feel bad for Yueyue. Such a kind girl, yet she ended up with those parents…”

Yang Duo’s expression darkened. “Right! Mom, speaking of that, Yueyue probably doesn’t even know what happened at home yet.”

“We have to tell her when we write back.”

Father Yang frowned. “Maybe we shouldn’t. Life is already tough for her in the countryside. If she hears about this, I’m afraid she won’t be able to take it.”

Mother Yang’s heart skipped a beat. “Then what do we do? We can’t keep it from her forever.”

Father Yang said, “We can. We’ll send some money in her father’s name every month.”

Mother Yang was taken aback.

Yang Duo reacted quickly and immediately said, “Alright! Dad, I’ll cover the money.”

Father Yang glanced at her. “With what? How much do you even make in a month?”

Mother Yang interjected, “Your father and I will take care of it. It’s like having another daughter.”

Father Yang said firmly, “No. From the moment she called me ‘Godfather,’ I’ve had two daughters.”

Yang Duo cheered, “Thank you, Dad! Thank you, Mom!”

Mother Yang shook her head, exasperated. “You silly girl, what are you thanking us for?”

Father Yang patted her head. “Go write the reply. Show us once you’re done.”

“Okay!”

Yang Duo dashed off to write the letter.

After letting her parents review it, she set it aside, planning to send it out the next day.

After dinner, Yang Duo went to bed early.

Meanwhile, Father and Mother Yang finished cleaning up and lay down.

Mother Yang turned to her husband. “How much should we send Yueyue each month?”

“Fifteen yuan should be enough, right?”

Father Yang nodded. “That should do. Let’s send some ration coupons as well.”

“Alright, fifteen yuan it is, plus some coupons.”

“Mm. Sleep now.”

…

The next day, Song Yue got up early to catch the ox cart to the commune.

Just like last time, a few village women were also on board.

After paying the round-trip fare to the driver, she took her seat.

Immediately, the women’s gazes converged on her.

One of them spoke up, “Educated Youth Song, I heard you bring bad luck to men? I know a man who brings bad luck to women. Want me to set you two up?”