Chapter 34: Unable to Calculate Jiang Li

Mu Jingxun didn’t hide anything and told Lin Cheng the truth. “Teacher Lin, we did come to Shengli Production Team partly to look after you, but more importantly, we have something important to do here.  We can’t tell you what it is yet; please understand.” Everyone has secrets, and Lin Cheng knew his students had their reasons.

He wasn’t the type to pry. Since Mu Jingxun said that, he wouldn’t push further. “Alright, I understand.  Since you have something to do, I won’t say anything more. The countryside is different from the city; take care of yourselves.” Mu Jingxun and Bai Ziyong nodded. “Yes, Teacher, we will. We brought you and Teacher’s wife some things.” Mu Jingxun handed Lin Cheng two large packages.

 Before coming to the countryside, Mu Jingxun had sent things here, but due to Lin Cheng’s status, they couldn’t openly send good things. Lin Cheng and Zhang Jing had a hard time, but Mu Jingxun’s previous packages had helped them avoid starvation.

Now, Mu Jingxun delivered the goods personally, avoiding scrutiny, sending nutritious items. Lin Cheng saw milk powder, brown sugar, dried meat, cured meat, and sausages—nutritious items unavailable in the countryside.

 Knowing the Mu and Bai families’ conditions, Lin Cheng didn’t hesitate to accept. Lin Cheng asked about the situation outside, estimating it would take several years to resolve. Until then, he couldn’t return to the city.

He wasn’t worried; he and his wife had help, and now his two students were here, so they could endure until they could return.  Worried about causing trouble for Mu Jingxun and Bai Ziyong, Lin Cheng urged them to leave.

 If someone saw them with him, it could implicate them. Mu Jingxun and Bai Ziyong listened and promised to visit again soon. 

They were in the same production team, making it easy to meet. They returned to the educated youth quarters without incident.  Unaware of Jiang Li’s awareness of their actions, they were relieved their trip hadn’t been discovered.  Knowing their secret, Jiang Li didn’t reveal it.

 Seeing them safely home, she withdrew her spiritual sense and went to sleep. The next day, Jiang Li made breakfast.  She made extra portions for Mu Jingxun and Bai Ziyong. She cooked millet porridge, thin pancakes, and stir-fried potato shreds. The pancakes with potato shreds were delicious.

She also stir-fried pickled vegetables Wu Meixia had given her. The breakfast was simple but tasty. Mu Jingxun and Bai Ziyong enjoyed it. They didn’t expect Jiang Li’s cooking to be so good. After a couple of hard days, they were now eating better than at home.

After breakfast, Jiang Li went to work. The team leader assigned light work to the new educated youths—weeding peanuts. 

They had to be careful not to mistake peanut seedlings for weeds. The team leader assigned a partner to each new educated youth—experienced women who would teach them to distinguish peanut seedlings from weeds.

Jiang Li knew this, so she didn’t need a partner.  Her partner was an older woman named Chen Jinhua. Chen Jinhua was happy to be partnered with Jiang Li, knowing she was capable and could take advantage of her. Chen Jinhua only gave instructions, letting Jiang Li do the work. Jiang Li saw through her and only said, “Okay,” without starting.

Chen Jinhua urged her. “Jiang Zhiqing, don’t just say okay; weed!” Jiang Li smiled. “Aunt, you should help too. We’re partners; you can’t expect me to do all the work.” Chen Jinhua had planned to do just that, but Jiang Li’s words were another matter. “Nonsense! I’m not that kind of person. I’ll help.

” Chen Jinhua started weeding slowly. Jiang Li followed suit. Chen Jinhua, remembering Jiang Li’s speed yesterday, complained. “Jiang Zhiqing, you were so fast yesterday; why so slow today? Are you doing this on purpose?” Jiang Li smiled faintly. “Aunt, you’ve been doing this for decades; you shouldn’t be this slow.

 My speed is similar to yours; how can you criticize me? Let’s not judge each other!” Chen Jinhua realized Jiang Li was being deliberate.  She couldn’t slack off; she needed work points for food. Mu Jingxun saw Jiang Li’s actions and admired her cleverness.

 It was hard to take advantage of her. While working, an older woman asked Mu Jingxun, “Mu Zhiqing, you’re not young. Do you have a girlfriend? I can introduce you to my daughter.”  Mu Jingxun glanced at Jiang Li and shook his head.

 He would marry someone he liked; no one could arrange it.  “Thank you, Aunt, but I don’t need it. My parents will arrange it for me.” The woman’s expression dimmed.