The narrow mountain trail wasn’t designed for motor vehicles—it was barely wide enough for ox carts. As the group approached, Shen Zhihuan pulled Xiao Weidong aside to make way.

Walking ahead, Wang Meili spotted Shen Zhihuan from a distance. Seeing Shen Zhihuan’s increasingly fair and radiant face, Wang Meili couldn’t suppress the jealousy bubbling in her chest.

Why should we city folk toil under the scorching sun while she, a country bumpkin, gets to lounge around at home like a rich lady’s pampered daughter?

Thinking of her own once-fair skin now tanned and leathery like old jerky after just a month here, Wang Meili felt her teeth itch with resentment.

“Comrade Shen, tired of eggs and fatty meat already? Craving some wild greens, huh?” Wang Meili sneered, eyeing the basket in Shen Zhihuan’s hand. She masked her jealousy with a forced smile.

“My family’s not as well-off as yours, Comrade Wang. Even your stupid dog gets to eat meat,” Shen Zhihuan replied, her lips curling into a faint, mocking smile.

“Who are you calling a stupid dog?” Wang Meili snapped angrily.

“A creature that bites without reason—either rabid or stupid,” Shen Zhihuan said slowly, lifting her chin with defiance.

Wang Meili pointed at Shen Zhihuan’s nose. “You dare insult us educated youth—”

“Someone like you represents educated youth?” Shen Zhihuan cut her off with a derisive chuckle.

Wang Meili raised her hand to strike her. Before her hand could even touch a strand of Shen Zhihuan’s hair, a slender hand clamped down on her wrist. She struggled, but the grip didn’t loosen.

“Chuge, let go of me! I’m going to rip her mouth apart!” Wang Meili yelled, thrashing in frustration.

Any other day, being held by Chu Ge would have made her blush with embarrassment. But today, her flushed face was purely from rage at Shen Zhihuan.

Shen Zhihuan glanced down at the boy next to her. “Weidong, do you still want to be an educated youth? Do you still think they know everything?”

“No!” Xiao Weidong shook his head resolutely.

“Do you think a little country bumpkin like him is worthy of becoming an educated youth?” Wang Meili spat, her fury making her forget the sweet persona she usually tried to maintain around Chu Ge.

The other educated youth exchanged meaningful looks, sensing the facade slipping.

“You despise farmers so much, yet everything you eat is grown by them,” Shen Zhihuan retorted with a laugh.

She nudged Weidong forward and said, “Tell her, why did you want to be an educated youth before?”

“I thought educated youth knew everything and were the most knowledgeable. I wanted to be like them,” Weidong mumbled, his lips trembling slightly.

The educated youth’s expressions became a colorful mix of embarrassment and discomfort. Even Wang Meili blushed deeply, lowering her head in shame.

“We’re sorry, little brother. It’s our fault for disappointing you,” Chu Ge said, his face burning with shame.

“I have the right to report this incident to the educated youth office,” Shen Zhihuan declared, dragging Weidong along as she walked away, leaving the group of stunned young men and women behind.

Back at home, Shen Zhihuan asked Weidong to light the fire while she soaked the wild greens in a wooden basin by the well.

Weidong skillfully lit dry leaves with a matchstick, adding small branches until the fire was stable. Once it caught, he placed larger logs inside.

“Third Sister, are we having wild greens soup for lunch?” he asked, walking over to watch her wash the greens.

“No, I’m making something you’ve never had before,” Shen Zhihuan replied as she meticulously cleaned the greens.

In her past life, her grandparents often invited top chefs to prepare nutritious meals for her. Over time, she picked up a few culinary skills.

Their conversation was interrupted when Li Qiuhua entered, carrying a hoe over her shoulder.

“Mom, did you finish planting the rapeseed and wheat?” Shen Zhihuan asked, looking up with a smile.

“All done. Finally, we can rest for a few days,” Li Qiuhua said, setting the hoe by the woodpile and closing the courtyard gate.

“Are we out of rice?” she asked, noticing Shen Zhihuan washing wild greens, her face etched with concern.

“We still have plenty. I just heard from a classmate that wild greens steamed with flour are delicious. I’ve never tried it, so I thought I’d give it a shot,” Shen Zhihuan explained, placing the cleaned greens in a basket to drain.

Relieved, Li Qiuhua recalled another worry. “Did you go up the mountain again today?” Her voice rose in alarm.

This little troublemaker had barely recovered and was already causing mischief.

“No!” Shen Zhihuan quickly waved her hands in denial. “I just gathered some wild greens near the hillside. Weidong can vouch for me.”

“Mom, I went with Third Sister. We really didn’t go far,” Weidong chimed in, eager to back her up.

Li Qiuhua shot them a reproachful look before gathering some laundry off the line and retreating indoors with a basin of water.

Shen Zhihuan and Weidong exchanged glances before scurrying into the kitchen.

By the time Li Qiuhua finished washing clothes, Shen Zhihuan’s steamed wild greens were ready on the table.

“Sister Huan!”

A knock came from the courtyard gate, followed by a cheerful voice.

Realizing it was Xiaopang (Little Fatty), Shen Zhihuan went to open the gate.

“Have you eaten yet, Sister Huan?” Xiaopang asked with a grin, craning his neck to peek at her. He had just returned from visiting his uncle and couldn’t help but notice how much fairer and prettier she had become.

Such a radiant Sister Huan…
Would the 800-yuan dowry still be enough?
Having a beautiful fiancée was a blessing, but it sure was worrisome!

“Not yet. We’re having steamed wild greens. Want to try some?” Shen Zhihuan invited, playfully pinching Xiaopang’s chubby cheeks.

The plumpness felt quite satisfying under her hand.

“I already ate,” Xiaopang replied, glancing at the greens and gulping.

“A small taste won’t hurt,” Shen Zhihuan said, bringing him a bowl and chopsticks.

“Well… just a little,” Xiaopang relented, obediently sitting beside Weidong.

“Eat as much as you like. There’s plenty in the pot,” Li Qiuhua encouraged with a smile.

Over the years, Xiaopang’s family had helped them a lot, especially Old Doctor Hua, who often looked out for Shen Zhihuan. Watching her daughter recover day by day filled her heart with joy.

As they ate, a loud announcement blared through the village speakers.

Though it was lengthy, the key point was clear: It was time to distribute the grain.

When Shen Zhihuan’s family arrived at the threshing ground, it was already packed with villagers.

The moment they saw Shen Zhihuan, a hush fell over the crowd, replaced by astonished whispers.

Look at that glowing face! Who could’ve guessed she was at death’s door just a while ago?

“Your daughter Zhihuan is getting more and more beautiful as she grows up. She outshines all the girls in our surrounding villages,” remarked Liu Guiping, eyeing Shen Zhihuan with admiration.