Chapter 83: A Clear-Headed Girl

In truth, Jiang Yuan had long come to terms with everything—after experiencing life and death, what could she possibly not understand?

“Miánmián, what about you? I’ve never heard you mention a boyfriend.”

“Sis Yuan, I really don’t have a boyfriend. You know my family situation—where would I find the time to date?”

That answer caught Jiang Yuan completely off guard. After all, with a face like hers, she should have had plenty of admirers.

“You’re so beautiful, and you don’t have a boyfriend? I bet you’ve had a lot of people chasing after you, right?”

“There were quite a few before, but I never cared. Sis Yuan, you know? I only graduated from middle school and have done all kinds of jobs. I’ve seen a lot of the world, the coldness and warmth of humanity. I’ve come to believe nothing can be relied upon. Compared to men, making money is way more important. You might think I’m materialistic, but you haven’t lived my life—there’s a lot you wouldn’t understand.”

That definitely sounded like someone with a story. Jiang Yuan immediately shook her head.

“That’s not being materialistic—that’s being clear-headed. If I had your sense back then, I wouldn’t have suffered through so many years of pain!”

“Sis Yuan, sometimes I really envy you.”

“Envy me?”

Now it was her turn to be shocked. Her life was a mess, and yet someone actually envied her? She was caught off guard.

“Yeah!

I don’t know everything you went through in your marriage, but I do know your parents truly love you. Last time you didn’t return, Uncle and Auntie were so worried. That kind of love—willing to risk everything just to protect you—I’m really envious of that.

You didn’t know, but when we tried to stop your dad from coming with us, he was almost frantic. I really admire you.”

Jiang Yuan hadn’t known any of this, and her heart was overwhelmed with emotion.

“Yeah, the only ones who never abandoned me were my parents and my daughter.

The worst suffering I’ve endured in this life came from my last marriage. Looking back now, I was unbelievably foolish.”

Xia Chaoyang… you really are a bastard.

“Luckily, it’s all in the past. This is a new beginning now. Sis Yuan, you’re going to get better and better.”

“Yes, we’re all going to get better. Believe me—as long as you’re willing to work hard, you’ll be your own queen.”

“Mm!”

She drank that bowl of motivational “chicken soup” with gusto.

Jiang Yuan appreciated Ye Miánmián more and more—she was driven, clear on what she wanted, had the potential, and didn’t rely on shady shortcuts.

This kind of clear-headedness made her truly outstanding among women.

Still, Jiang Yuan didn’t dare let down her guard completely. People’s hearts could change easily.

Especially with the existence of the space—how should she put it—she was selfish too, wasn’t she?

---

“We’ve moved everything downstairs. How about your side?” Zhang Kaiyang had returned, with Song Yi right behind him.

“We’re about done. With all these storage boxes, we can save a lot of space.”

Say what you will, but gift boxes were the worst—two-thirds of the volume was just packaging.

Cardboard, foam, plastic—what was actually useful or edible was barely a fraction of that.

“Look at these people—so fake. Just a few mooncakes, yet packed in these huge boxes. Such a waste.”

“Gifting is all about appearances. If you want something practical, give rice, oil, or flour instead.”

“You’ve got a point!”

Zhang Kaiyang instantly brightened up—thinking this way, it all felt pretty good.

The group started moving the goods downstairs again. The two inflatable rafts they had wouldn’t be able to carry everything in just two trips.

Sitting nearby to rest, they were all thrilled at the haul—but also worried about transport.

If they couldn’t get it home, all this would be for nothing.

“How about this—we take a short break, then make a trip back. The wind seems lighter than in the morning.

I bet more people will be out scavenging tomorrow. It’d be best if we worked overtime and moved this stuff back tonight—otherwise, it might not be safe.”

“But not too early—if most people are still awake, that’s dangerous.”

Everyone still remembered what happened last time—no one wanted to take that risk.

Song Yi agreed with Zhang Kaiyang’s reasoning and nodded.

“Exactly. Leaving later is safer.”

“I don’t think so,” Jiang Yuan suddenly said.

Her words stirred surprise—three pairs of eyes stared at her, confused.

Jiang Yuan cleared her throat and began explaining: “Lately, everyone’s been stuck at home. Other than sleeping, they’re still sleeping. Their body clocks are totally messed up.”

“Yeah, sleep too much during the day and you can’t fall asleep at night. I’ve been like that too lately.”

Jiang Yuan ignored him and continued her analysis.

“Anyway, nighttime is still safer. It’s dark. There’s no electricity, so fewer people are likely to be out.

We should go back at night, but not too late. Just a reasonable time is fine.

Those who aren’t going to sleep simply won’t sleep. That can’t be helped. There are too many people.

We’re in the light, they’re in the dark. You can’t guard against everything.”

“Sigh, it’s really tough,” Zhang Kaiyang said, head drooping in frustration.

“Let’s set off in a bit. But instead of going back to the neighborhood, let’s hit the highway service area first.”

“Sis Yuan, we’re already overloaded—going to the service area too? That’s a lot.”

“My idea is this—hear me out and see if it’s workable:

You and Song Yi go back home first. Miánmián and I will check out the service area. If there’s anything useful, we’ll pack it up.

Once you’re back, get my dad to help, and your little guy too. Guarding the building against those people inside shouldn’t be too much trouble.

Now that people think the storm’s ending and the typhoon’s over, social order will slowly return—at least some won’t be thinking of doing anything bad.

Then, go to my house and grab my inflatable raft. With three rafts, we can carry way more.”

Making a move now seemed like the smart play.

This way, they could maximize both scavenging and transport.

“I’m fine with it, Sis Yuan. I’ll go with you,” Miánmián said.

Jiang Yuan smiled at her, then looked at the two men.

“I’m good. What about you, Song Yi?”

“The service area’s pretty big. Are you sure you two can handle it?”

He was genuinely concerned—after all, leaving the two girls behind didn’t sit well with him.

“It’s fine. Not many people are out in this situation.

And service areas usually don’t have anyone to begin with.

If it’s dangerous, we’ll just hide and wait for you to come back.”

Jiang Yuan had already laid out the pros and cons. It was up to them now.

“Alright then. Safety first. Let’s rest a bit, eat something, and then head out.”