Chapter 31 : Huge sum of money

“Do you think I can get the job of herding cattle?” Yun Siying thought that all she had to do was let the cattle out to graze on the mountain each day, and as long as they ate well, she wouldn’t need to carry or lift anything heavy.

“This job isn’t suitable for you,” Nangong Ruochen said sincerely, wearing a charming smile.

Yun Siying stared at the man in front of her, momentarily dazed. His face was as delicate as a divine sculpture, like a masterpiece crafted by nature. His smile was as gentle as the moonlight and the breeze, warm and calming.

Every gesture he made exuded a unique aura, confident yet graceful, agile yet composed. Every movement of his seemed so natural and fluid, yet somehow he still stood out from the surrounding environment.

Luckily, she snapped out of her daze after a brief moment, swallowed hard, and asked in confusion, “Why not?”

“Herding cattle involves carrying a backpack and picking up cow dung after them,” Nangong Ruochen said with a hint of mischief, watching Yun Siying’s changing expression closely.

“That really doesn’t suit me.” Yun Siying imagined herself picking up cow dung with her hands and her expression shifted slightly. She felt relieved she had asked beforehand; otherwise she would have been mortified doing it unknowingly.

Seeing the subtle change in her expression, Nangong Ruochen couldn’t help but smile. He added, “But you can go collect pig grass two baskets a day, worth two work points.”

“That’s fine,” Yun Siying said, satisfied. It seemed she needed to grow more pig grass in her space so she wouldn’t have to worry about not finding enough.

Han Yuecheng and Chen Banghua returned but didn’t see their boss around. After looking around, they noticed him at the old house, sitting on a long bench with a female comrade. The two were chatting and laughing together, looking quite close.

They quickly hung up their clothes. Han Yuecheng said, “Banghua, that female comrade is so pretty could it be that the boss really likes her?”

“Don’t you think she looks familiar?” Chen Banghua asked.

“Kind of. Now I realize why the boss was so quick to change the subject earlier. He was distracting us to avoid further questions. So sneaky.” Han Yuecheng looked regretful and moved his hands faster.

After they finished hanging up the clothes, the two of them rushed over to the old house to see the female comrade up close. As they got near, they both froze in shock and shouted in unison, “Shu Siying, why are you here working in the countryside too?”

“Han Yuecheng, Chen Banghua? You two joined the team in Xinghong Brigade as well?” Yun Siying was a little surprised to see them. She hadn’t expected to run into people who knew the original owner here.

“Yes! We came to join the team with Nangong Ruochen,” Han Yuecheng replied. His eyes scanned the pair. Back in the military compound, the boss and Shu Siying hadn’t been close, how did they suddenly seem so close now?

“I’ve changed my surname. You can call me Yun Siying from now on,” she said with a smile. She could tell the two of them didn’t bear her any ill will, just some confusion.

At that moment, Shu Ruxue came out with a bowl of steamed corn bread and saw Yun Siying and Nangong Ruochen sitting together, chatting and laughing. Han Yuecheng and Chen Banghua also seemed very friendly toward her. A flash of jealousy flickered in her eyes, though she quickly masked it.

“Siying, you’re finally awake. I was just about to wake you up once the food was ready,” Shu Ruxue said warmly as she placed the corn bread on the table, smiling like a caring older sister.

“I was afraid of being robbed on the train these past few days, so I didn’t dare to sleep at night. That’s why I slept a bit longer today. Ruxue, did you and Comrade Shen get back the money that was stolen?” Yun Siying glanced at Shu Ruxue and began her act.

Acting? Who couldn’t act? She had survived eight years in the apocalypse and had mastered all these skills. Unfortunately, she had trusted those two people too much and paid a heavy price for it. Luckily, the heavens had been kind, allowing her to come to this peaceful world and start over.

Shu Ruxue nearly gritted her teeth in anger when she heard that, but she kept her smile and said sweetly, “The money can’t be recovered. Siying, you have 2,000 yuan on you could you lend it to me and Subai for an emergency? We’ll pay you back as soon as we get money from home.”

The surrounding educated youths were shocked to hear that Yun Siying had such a large sum 2,000 yuan! Some of them had a flicker in their eyes, and the way they looked at Yun Siying changed. Everyone had their own thoughts.

Nangong Ruochen immediately understood what Shu Ruxue was trying to do. Just as he was about to speak, a soft hand tugged on his sleeve.

Yun Siying’s eyes dimmed for a moment, but she still smiled and said, “I paid five years’ rent today and bought 60 yuan worth of furniture. I don’t have any cash left on me. I’ll lend it to you after I go to the post office and withdraw money tomorrow.”

Shu Ruxue smiled smugly and gave Shen Subai a wink. Then she said, “Then Subai and I thank you in advance, Siying.”

At that moment, more than a dozen female educated youths brought the dishes out one after another and set them on the courtyard table. Of course, they had also heard about Yun Siying’s wealth. Some of them felt jealous that she was receiving special treatment from Nangong Ruochen, and their emotions were mixed with resentment.

Li Laidi gave a scornful look and said in a harsh tone, “Comrade Yun, that money of yours came from Ruxue’s parents. And now you’re asking her to repay it?”

“Comrade, did you personally see the Shu family give me the money?” Yun Siying smiled as she glanced at Shu Ruxue. She knew Shu Ruxue must have spread rumors among the group.

“I didn’t see it with my own eyes, but how else could someone like you, who’s basically a freeloader, have that kind of money?” Li Laidi looked disdainful and spoke as though it were self-evident.

“Tsk.” Yun Siying clicked her tongue. “Comrade, didn’t Shu Ruxue tell you that I came to the countryside as repayment for the Shu family raising me? I also published an announcement in the newspaper cutting ties with them.” She pulled a folded newspaper from her pocket and laid it on the table.

Looking at Li Laidi, she continued, “Before I came to the countryside, I had a proper job, which I gave up for 1,000 yuan. And because Shu Ruxue framed me, I was seriously injured almost died. To hush things up, her family compensated me with another 1,000 yuan.”

When Nangong Ruochen heard that she had almost died, his heart tightened. His fists clenched, the veins on the back of his hands bulged, and he shot a chilling glare at Shu Ruxue. Han Yuecheng and Chen Banghua also looked upset. How much had Yun Siying suffered to be pushed to the point of severing ties with the Shu family so publicly?

The educated youths all leaned in to read the newspaper notice, which confirmed the severance of ties. It was undeniable proof that Yun Siying hadn’t lied. Li Laidi opened her mouth to speak but ultimately couldn’t say a word.

At that moment, Li Zhengyang came out to diffuse the awkwardness. With a smile, he said, “The food is ready, everyone, please come to the table. Today is a welcome banquet hosted by us old educated youths for the newcomers. On behalf of the old team, I’d like to welcome all the new educated youths to our big family, as we work together to build our motherland.”