Chapter 17: Terrible Rumors

After the meal, Jiang Qingzhou picked up the rabbit and strode into the courtyard to prepare it. The rabbit was hefty, weighing around six jin (about 3 kilograms). Meanwhile, Fang Yingyue kept busy, continuing to wash the wild strawberries. After draining the water, she poured the berries into a pot, added sugar at a 10:1 ratio, and brought it to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Once the mixture bubbled, she reduced the heat and continued stirring until it thickened, then squeezed in half a fresh lemon, stirred evenly, and set it aside to cool. She retrieved three glass jars and carefully sterilized them with high heat. Once the wild strawberry jam had cooled, she filled the jars and sealed them tightly.

Looking outside, she saw Jiang Qingzhou chopping the rabbit. She hurriedly reminded him to save half, planning to marinate one half and cook the other that evening. After chopping half the rabbit, he filled a large basin. Jiang Qingzhou also took care of washing the dirty clothes while preparing the rabbit.

“Today I confirmed with Aunt Xie; she’ll take me to register tomorrow,” Fang Yingyue said. Jiang Qingzhou looked up at her. “If you like the work, keep at it. If not, don’t. The family doesn’t lack for your meals.”

“Can’t you hope I enjoy it a bit?” she teased.

That evening, the rabbit simmered in the pot, filling the air with a savory aroma that made the children of nearby neighbors cry out, craving some meat. Fang Yingyue scooped a bowl and brought it to Liu Jin Hua.

“Aunt Liu, Aunt Liu!”

Opening the door, Liu Jin Hua saw the rabbit and waved her hands. “Oh no, this is meat!”

“It’s for the kids to try. I made plenty tonight,” Fang Yingyue replied.

Liu Jin Hua hesitated, but Fang Yingyue’s eyes landed on the lemons in her courtyard. A clever idea struck her.

“Aunt Liu, could you give me two of your lemons?”

Liu Jin Hua turned, smiled, and picked eight, handing them over.

“That’s too many, just two will do,” Fang Yingyue said.

Liu Jin Hua insisted, “Not too many. We have plenty at home. They’re too sour to eat, but smell good.”

“See, if you don’t accept the rabbit, I can’t take the lemons either.” Fang Yingyue said. Liu Jin Hua finally relented, reminding her, “Next time you need lemons, come to me.”

Fang Yingyue nodded, cradling the lemons as she returned home.

In the evening, Jiang Qingzhou walked along the path home, already catching the aroma of dinner from afar. When he arrived, the meal was neatly set on the table. Fang Yingyue called him to sit and poured some lemon water for him.

“Want some?” she asked.

“This stuff is too sour and astringent. Not my taste.”

Fang Yingyue took a sip. “It’s fine; I added sugar, so it’s not that sour.”

Jiang Qingzhou, skeptical, tried her cup and frowned. “Even with sugar, it’s still sour.” He set the cup down and dug into the meal.

The rabbit meat was firm and flavorful, paired with fresh wild vegetables. Jiang Qingzhou devoured it quickly, even finishing an extra bowl.

The next morning, sunlight streamed into the residential compound as Aunt Xie arrived as promised to take Fang Yingyue to register at the publicity department. Fang Yingyue was dressed in a well-tailored, fitted outfit that perfectly highlighted her competent yet gentle aura. The simple color scheme and refined details made her look neat and spirited.

Neighbors noticed Aunt Xie frequently visiting and gathered around curiously.

“Director Xie, where are you and Fang Yingyue headed? Oh, Yingyue is dressed so beautifully!”

“Yingyue found a job. I’m taking her to register at the publicity department today and to help her get acquainted,” Aunt Xie replied and hurried off with Fang Yingyue.

As they walked away, the neighbors whispered among themselves.

“Fang Yingyue just arrived and already found a good job, in the publicity department no less! We’ve been here so long, still no work. Maybe Director Xie is showing favoritism because this couple saved her grandson, treating them differently.”

Wu Liuzhi approached. Others remarked, “Liuzhi, you graduated from technical school—why hasn’t Director Xie arranged something for you?”

Actually, Aunt Xie had introduced several jobs to Wu Liuzhi before, but she had rejected them all, complaining about the distance or the work being too tiring. Now, hearing the neighbors’ comments, she blushed, snorted coldly, and turned to leave.

That night, Wu Liuzhi vented her frustration to her husband, Zhou Tiejun. As deputy commander, he listened and sighed, “Director Xie offered you several opportunities, but you weren’t satisfied. What can we do?”

Wu Liuzhi’s eyebrows shot up, twisting her body. “I want to work in the publicity department too. Why does Fang Yingyue get to go?”

“She earned it with her own ability. Who are you blaming?”

Feeling unsupported, Wu Liuzhi started crying and pounding on Zhou Tiejun. “Why is her house better, her work better? It’s all your fault. The Second Regiment commander is retiring this year—you should get me promoted!” Frustrated and overwhelmed, Zhou Tiejun left to smoke outside.

Meanwhile, Aunt Xie led Fang Yingyue into the publicity department. Group leader He Lingrou saw Director Xie enter, quickly stood, and greeted her respectfully.

“Hello, Director Xie!”

“As I mentioned yesterday, I’m bringing someone to register today. This is Fang Yingyue, a military spouse. Please take care of her, and guide her if she doesn’t know something.” She patted Fang Yingyue on the shoulder. “I’ll leave you to it.”

After Aunt Xie departed, He Lingrou warmly showed Fang Yingyue her workspace and carefully explained her salary and benefits.

“The monthly salary is 66 yuan, with various allowances. If anything’s missing or unclear, just let me know anytime.”

He Lingrou’s eyes were full of expectation. After all, she had already reviewed Fang Yingyue’s file: a graduate from the top university and formerly a director in the planning department of a state-owned garment factory. With such credentials, this position here was arguably beneath her abilities, but He Lingrou believed Fang Yingyue would quickly get the hang of things.

Fang Yingyue sat at her workstation, methodically organizing her desk and studying the documents He Lingrou had given her. Judging by the work content, it was relatively easy for her, and before long she felt completely in control. Her confidence in this new job grew steadily.

In the cafeteria, Jiang Qingzhou ran into her and casually asked, “How’s work?”

“Pretty good. We’ll eat dinner at home tonight.”

“Alright.”

Thus, a month passed peacefully. At first, Fang Yingyue’s work went smoothly, though there were occasional idle whispers. Yet some people couldn’t stand to see her life go so well. Rumors began to spread, claiming that Director Xie gave her a good position out of gratitude for saving someone’s life, and even more ridiculously, that Jiang Qingzhou had secretly bribed the leadership to get her the job. The gossip was detailed and convincing.

During that period, whenever Fang Yingyue returned home, the neighbors’ looks at her were strange, and whispered comments followed her everywhere, even reaching her ears. She knew the matter could be trivial or serious, but the main worry was that it might affect Jiang Qingzhou’s career.

That night, Fang Yingyue tossed and turned in bed. Jiang Qingzhou noticed her unease and gently pulled her into his arms.

“What’s wrong? Don’t carry it all on your own.”

Fang Yingyue sighed and told him about the rumors.

“Don’t worry. Those who are innocent are always clear. These rumors will eventually collapse on their own.”