Chapter 18 Refusing to Eat Together

The three new arrivals were very handsome, looking like movie stars. Jiang Li and the others felt uncomfortable being stared at.  The old educated youth’s attention was quickly diverted when Liu Yulan complained about the food. “Is this all we get to eat? It’s tasteless; even dogs wouldn’t eat this.” Her complaint angered the old educated youth.  A female educated youth sarcastically said, “This is what we have in the countryside.

 You complained about the living conditions, and now you’re complaining about the food.  You’re still acting like you’re at home! Either adapt or get your family to find a way for you to return to the city.” This female educated youth, Ma Gui Xiang, disliked pretentious women. The other old educated youth, though not as direct, warned Liu Yulan not to complain; being able to eat was good enough in the countryside.

  Liu Yulan’s face flushed. She had spoken the truth; why were they criticizing her? Were they bullying her because she was new? Jiang Li sneered; Liu Yulan had already offended the brigade leader and the old educated youth; she wouldn’t have an easy time. Peng Zhigang, seeing the tension, said, “Let’s introduce ourselves.

”  The new and old educated youth introduced themselves. When it was Jiang Li’s turn, hearing that she, Mu Jingxun, and Bai Ziyong were from Beijing, the old educated youth looked at them differently. Peng Zhigang was even more determined to pursue Jiang Li.  She was from Beijing and well-off; marrying her would be beneficial.

After the introductions, they ate. Jiang Li only ate a small bowl of rice; the food didn’t suit her taste. She had stocked up on food in her spatial storage; she would have a better meal in her room. She didn’t plan to eat with the old educated youth.

 She would cook her own meals.  However, her room didn’t have a stove; she needed to build one or buy a coal stove. She had exchanged for many coupons before leaving; she had coal stove coupons and coal coupons.

 Buying a coal stove would be more convenient; she wouldn’t need to gather firewood. She would just need to store some firewood for boiling water and heating in winter. Mu Jingxun and Bai Ziyong planned to do the same. They also didn’t like the food at the educated youth center. They had money and could buy better food.

 They also had coal stove coupons and would buy a stove and pot in the county town. They had learned from Peng Zhigang that they had a day off before starting work. They would collect their belongings from the county post office tomorrow. Sun Wenwen, having been reborn, remembered that Mu Jingxun and Bai Ziyong cooked their own meals in their past lives. She thought that if she cooked for them, she could get closer to them. She knocked on Mu Jingxun and Bai Ziyong’s door.

 Bai Ziyong opened the door and frowned upon seeing Sun Wenwen. He impatiently asked, “What?” Sun Wenwen didn’t like his attitude but had to endure it for Mu Jingxun. “Comrade Bai, I want to ask you and Mu Jingxun something. Can we share meals? I’m good at cooking. We can share meals; you two can gather firewood, and I’ll cook.” Sun Wenwen thought they wouldn’t refuse. They weren’t good cooks; having her cook for them would be convenient.  Bai Ziyong refused. “No, it’s not convenient.

” He didn’t want to deal with her. He also knew Sun Wenwen was interested in Mu Jingxun. He didn’t want to give her a chance to get close to Mu Jingxun. Sun Wenwen was unwilling. “We’re all educated youth; shouldn’t we help each other? What’s inconvenient?” Mu Jingxun came out. “We’re different genders; it’s not convenient. If you want to share meals, ask someone else.” Sun Wenwen, though unwilling, had to find another way to approach Mu Jingxun. Jiang Li smiled, knowing Sun Wenwen’s intentions.

  She was glad Mu Jingxun wasn’t stupid and didn’t give her a chance. Jiang Li started cleaning her room. It was dirty; she needed to clean it before moving in. She didn’t clean it herself; she chanted a few spells, and the broom and mop started cleaning automatically.  The room was clean in half an hour.