Bai Zhizhi quickly ran to her room and retrieved the medicinal herb she had snatched from the big white’s mouth. Seeing that it was still fresh, she sighed in relief and began to mash it.  

Then, she entered the room and applied the crushed herbal paste to Liao Guizhi’s swollen area.  

“What’s this?” Liao Guizhi asked, puzzled.  

It looked a bit like the herbal poultices the old man used to apply when treating people. It was a shame he was no longer around—if he were still alive, a minor sprain like this would’ve been nothing.  

Just as she was feeling regretful, Bai Zhizhi said, “It’s a medicinal herb called yellow water branch. It reduces swelling and relieves pain.”  

She added, “I’ve seen Grandpa prepare it before.”  

Liao Guizhi didn’t doubt her at all. Even if it were just a weed, she’d believe Bai Zhizhi if she said it was medicine.  

But she couldn’t help asking excitedly, “You still remember your grandpa?”  

Bai Zhizhi had been too young to understand much when Old Bai passed away, so Liao Guizhi had assumed she wouldn’t remember.  

Bai Zhizhi nodded. “I remember. Grandpa used to take me herb-gathering and tell me stories about traditional medicine.”  

A look of nostalgia crossed Liao Guizhi’s face. “Yes, when you were little, your grandpa adored you. He carried you everywhere. He always said you were a late bloomer but understood everything in your heart.”  

“Now it seems he really did see you clearly.” Liao Guizhi smiled warmly. “How much of what he taught you do you still remember?”  

Bai Zhizhi: “Most of it.”  

She needed a credible source for her medical knowledge, and Old Bai was the perfect choice. Besides, she wasn’t lying—he really had taught her a lot.  

“Good, good.” Liao Guizhi nodded repeatedly, though she didn’t elaborate on why it was so good.  

Still uneasy, Bai Zhizhi added, “Let’s still go to the clinic tomorrow to get it checked.”  

She had never actually practiced medicine before and was merely following what she’d read. She wasn’t sure if it would work.  

Liao Guizhi agreed with a smile.  

…

The next morning.  

When Liao Guizhi got out of bed, she was pleasantly surprised to find the swelling in her ankle had significantly subsided. Though it was still a bit stiff, it felt much better.  

Knowing Bai Zhizhi had been worried, she immediately told her, “Zhizhi, your herbal medicine worked! The swelling’s gone down.”  

Bai Zhizhi, still groggy from sleep, blinked in confusion. “Really?”  

Liao Guizhi proved it with the facts.  

She was astonished too. Though she trusted Old Bai’s medical skills and knew Zhizhi remembered his teachings, she hadn’t held out much hope since the girl had never formally studied medicine.  

The results were a shock—she never expected such a good effect.  

Bai Zhizhi was overjoyed, practically dancing on the spot. This was her first time treating someone, and the success made her indescribably happy.  

Liao Guizhi gazed at her with deep affection. “Alright, alright, come eat now.”  

“Mm!” Bai Zhizhi nodded, her mood remaining bright. The already-delicious breakfast tasted even better to her.  

But just as they were finishing the meal, Bai Fumin said something.  

“Second Son, after breakfast, go to the commune and pick up this batch of educated youths.”  

Bai Junwu responded, “Got it.”  

But he couldn’t help grumbling, “Why more educated youths? Our brigade already has plenty.”  

The youth dormitory was almost full.  

Bai Zhizhi listened quietly, deep in thought. If she remembered correctly, her future unlucky husband was among this group of educated youths.  

At that realization, she grew serious.  

“Dad, can we refuse them?”  

They didn’t need that unlucky guy.  

Bai Fumin shook his head. “No. This is assigned by the commune. We have to take them.”  

Truthfully, many brigades were reluctant to accept educated youths—they couldn’t work well and often caused trouble, becoming a burden.

Bai Fumin wasn’t happy about it either, but it wasn’t up to him. He sighed, “Let’s hope this batch of educated youths behaves.”  

Even as he said it, he knew it was unlikely. These city-bred youths, raised in comfort, could never endure the hardships of the countryside without making a fuss first. It would take time before they resigned themselves to their fate.  

Hearing this, Bai Zhizhi frowned. Was there really no way to avoid it?  

Too much contact with that unlucky guy could affect her own fortune.  

So when Bai Junwu was packing up to leave, she sidled up to him. “Second Brother.”  

“What’s up, little sis?” Bai Junwu asked, stuffing provisions into a bag.  

This trip wasn’t just about picking up the educated youths—he was also delivering supplies to their eldest brother, Bai Junwen, and youngest brother, Bai Junyu.  

One was working, the other studying, and neither could return home often, so whenever there was a chance, the family would prepare food and other necessities to send to them.  

This time was no exception, and the errand happened to be on the way.  

Bai Zhizhi hesitated, wanting to warn him to stay away from the unlucky guy but having no good reason.  

Finally, she just said, “Come back early.”  

“Got it.” Bai Junwu ruffled her hair. “I’ll bring you candy when I return.”  

Bai Zhizhi’s eyes lit up. She wanted some.  

Her mood instantly brightened, and the thought of the unlucky guy was tossed aside. He wasn’t here yet, anyway—she’d figure out how to deal with him when the time came.  

Then she waited excitedly for her brother to return with candy, a wait that lasted all morning.  

Meanwhile, Bai Junwu drove the tractor straight to town after leaving home. First, he delivered the supplies to his eldest brother’s place and his youngest brother’s school, then headed to the commune to pick up the educated youths. Three were assigned to Qinghe Brigade—Song Jing’an and his companions.  

Aside from them, over a dozen other educated youths stood outside the commune, waiting to be sent to different brigades.  

“Qinghe Brigade! Who’s going to Qinghe Brigade?” Bai Junwu called out from the tractor.  

Hearing him, Lin Bangguo looked over. “Is that our ride?”  

No one answered. Song Jing’an strode forward without hesitation, and after exchanging glances, Lin Bangguo and Wang Ting followed.  

The closer Song Jing’an got, the more stirred he felt. Just like in his past life, it was Bai Junwu who came to fetch them.  

An old acquaintance—his second brother-in-law from his previous life.  

Approaching him, Song Jing’an buried his emotions and smiled. “Comrade, are you here to pick up the educated youths for Qinghe Brigade?”  

Bai Junwu gave him a once-over and nodded. “Yeah. Just you?”  

He remembered there were supposed to be three.  

Lin Bangguo and Wang Ting caught up and quickly spoke. “And us.”  

“Hello, comrade. We’re all assigned to Qinghe Brigade.”  

Bai Junwu carefully checked their documents before letting them board.  

“Let’s go. We’ll make it back before noon.”  

The other waiting educated youths watched enviously as they left, unsure how much longer they’d have to wait.  

Along the way, Lin Bangguo kept trying to chat with Bai Junwu. “Comrade, I’m Lin Bangguo. What’s your name?”  

“Bai Junwu.”  

“Comrade Bai, could you tell us a bit about the brigade?” Lin Bangguo put on an earnest expression. “We’re new here and want to learn how to fit in as soon as possible.”  

Bai Junwu wasn’t overly warm, but he did his duty.  

He briefed them on key points—where they’d live, how work assignments were organized, and how daily life in the brigade functioned.  

Song Jing’an stayed silent, listening to their exchange with hidden mockery in his eyes. Lin Bangguo was just as smooth-tongued as ever, effortlessly winning everyone’s favor while he became the unfavorable contrast.  

But not this time.  

Song Jing’an closed his eyes briefly. He was waiting for an opportunity.