Chapter 43: Envy

When it was Ye Xin and Shen Zhuo’s turn to collect their grain, the record keeper meticulously checked their work points and calculated their rations.

They were actually separated in this process; Ye Xin, as a sent-down youth, had her rations recorded in a separate ledger from the local villagers, which meant her situation was different. At that moment, she learned about the concept of basic rations—a safety net to ensure no one starved, particularly for the elderly and children who couldn’t work.

However, this didn’t mean that able-bodied workers could simply loaf around and still expect to receive grain. If a worker’s output surpassed their basic rations, they would earn more. But if their work didn’t meet the minimum, the production team would supplement the difference, which would then be considered a debt that needed repaying later.

Basic rations varied from place to place, and there were different amounts for adults and children. Here, the policy set the monthly allocation for sent-down youth at twenty-five pounds, totaling three hundred pounds a year. Given that an adult required one pound of grain per day, there was a significant shortfall to make up with work points.

Before Ye Xin arrived, the original owner of her identity barely managed to fish for three days and only sunbathe for two. After Ye Xin took over, although she worked hard, her inexperience initially slowed her down, and her frequent days off meant that her accumulated work points were quite low. After all the calculations, she found her grain ration was precisely three hundred pounds.

This was a tight fit—the production team wouldn’t have to supplement her rations, nor was there any surplus. But as it turned out, three hundred pounds of rice wasn’t all she would get. The distributed grain would include a mix of rice, wheat, corn, sweet potatoes, and peas. For example, one pound of rice could be exchanged for five pounds of sweet potatoes. There were specific regulations governing the proportions of staples to other grains, which meant that the total weight of her grain distribution would exceed three hundred pounds. Though she would have enough to eat, it wouldn’t be particularly satisfying.

While busy checking her own rations, Ye Xin didn’t pay much attention to Shen Zhuo’s; she only knew he would receive more than she did. Shen Zhuo had missed quite a bit of work only after his father’s accident, but prior to that, he had consistently earned eight work points a day. Once he regained his strength, he managed to secure ten points, which meant he had enough grain. When they exchanged for the coarser grains, his total weight was even greater.

After collecting their grain, they filled three bags—two in front of their bicycle and one on the backseat—while each carried a basket. With everyone watching, they hurriedly made their way home.

Carrying so much grain uphill was no small feat, but both of them had built up their strength and managed the effort. They entered the yard, quickly unloaded their sacks, and then set off for another trip; it turned out they couldn’t finish in one go!

It took three trips to haul everything back. In fact, during grain distribution, it was common for whole families to pitch in, making multiple trips. Shen Zhuo lived on a slope but had a bicycle, which balanced things out a bit.

After three trips, both were feeling quite tired. Once they finished unloading, Ye Xin wiped the sweat from her brow and told Shen Zhuo, “Alright, let me take care of the rest; you should hurry to your class.”

However, Shen Zhuo began moving the grain into the kitchen, saying, “I’ll help carry it first.” He knew if he didn’t lend a hand, she would end up finishing it all by herself during the day.

Ye Xin helped as well and replied, “I can take my time. It’s getting late; don’t be late for class.”

Shen Zhuo waved her off, “Being a little late isn’t a big deal. People miss class sometimes and arrive ten or twenty minutes late.”

Ye Xin furrowed her brows at his response, placing the grain into the kitchen with a serious expression. “Being late is unacceptable! You shouldn’t be picking up bad habits! The medical training is so important, and the timing is tight. How can you treat it so carelessly?”

Shen Zhuo was taken aback, quickly defending himself, “That’s not it! I just thought I could get things done quickly today, and even if I’m late, I can borrow notes from Huang Zhihao…”

Ye Xin interrupted firmly, “No! You can’t be late by even a minute! Borrowing someone else’s notes isn’t as good as attending the lecture yourself. Go to class now!”

With that, she didn’t give him a chance to argue.

Ye Xin gave him a gentle shove as she said, “You don’t need to worry about me at home! Are you underestimating my strength? It’s just a little grain to move—what’s a few steps? I can handle it! Laboring women can hold up half the sky!”

Shen Zhuo, concerned she might trip, was pushed along with her momentum. Fearing she might actually get angry, he grabbed his backpack, preparing to head out.

Though he knew she probably wouldn’t listen, before hopping on his bike, he furrowed his brows and cautioned her, “Don’t overdo it. It’s not raining today, so just leave the rest in the yard until I get back. You worked hard yesterday…”

Ye Xin shot him a glare. “Just go to school!” she insisted, slamming the gate shut behind him.

With a resigned sigh, Shen Zhuo pedaled away. As the sound of his bike faded into the distance, Ye Xin clapped her hands and smiled.

Finally, it was her time for freedom! What should she do today?

Glancing at the pile of grain on the ground, she felt a wave of joy, even if it wasn’t the best quality. She decided that today she wouldn’t go into her space to farm; instead, she’d cook something delicious to celebrate.

“Hmm, let’s see… corn cakes, sweet potato cakes…”

While Ye Xin was brainstorming meal ideas, Shen Zhuo hurried to town. He timed his arrival perfectly, just as the teacher walked into the classroom behind him—he had narrowly avoided being late.

Huang Zhihao leaned over, whispering, “Did you oversleep again?”

Shen Zhuo gave him a puzzled look as he took out paper and pencil, remaining silent. He had never actually overslept.

Huang Zhihao, used to Shen Zhuo’s demeanor, shrugged it off and asked, “So, did my brother deliver those bricks to your house yesterday? Did you get them?”

Shen Zhuo nodded, “Yes, we received them.”

Just as Huang Zhihao was about to say more, the teacher began the lesson, silencing him. Each day’s instruction was packed with important information critical for treating the villagers, and no one dared to miss a single word.

After a busy morning of classes, the atmosphere finally relaxed during the lunch break. Everyone began pulling out their lunch and boiling water, chatting as they ate.

Shen Zhuo quietly opened his water bottle and lunchbox, enjoying his meal in peace. After moving all that grain in the morning, he was starving. Yet, no matter how hungry he got, he wouldn’t devour his food like others. With his striking features and fair skin, he appeared cultured and composed.

Many in the classroom were stealing glances at him, especially the female students.

As time went on, the students grew accustomed to the rhythm of the training sessions, giving them extra energy to observe each other. Shen Zhuo stood out with his good looks, refined demeanor, and quality belongings, making him the most interesting topic among the female students.

They speculated that his family must be wealthy, explaining why he was so well-groomed and used new things. The gossip escalated after hearing that his family had bought red bricks to build a new house, further solidifying the impression that he came from a rich family and was the pampered son.

As some female students whispered and exchanged glances at Shen Zhuo, many blushed at their audacity.

Li Guangyao, overhearing snippets of their conversation, frowned. He felt especially concerned when he noticed that Meng Chunlan was also involved in the gossip.

Living close to Liangshuitang, Li Guangyao was aware of Shen Zhuo’s family situation, knowing it was nothing like what they described. He realized he couldn’t let this rumor continue unchecked. So after lunch, he called Shen Zhuo out of the classroom.

Confused but compliant, Shen Zhuo followed him outside to a secluded corner. Li Guangyao got straight to the point, saying, “You’ve probably heard some of the rumors about you in class. I think it’s best if you clarify things to prevent any wild tales from spreading.”

Hearing this, Shen Zhuo furrowed his brows.

He had indeed picked up on whispers about him and sensed people observing him closely. He was particularly attuned to others’ gazes and remarks lately, his senses becoming sharper—he could even catch snippets of conversations when people spoke quietly.

However, regarding…

He paid little attention to the wild speculations about him. After all, people would talk no matter what, and there was no stopping it.

However, now that Li Guangyao had pointed it out, he realized he could no longer ignore the situation. In times like these, being part of the poor and lower-middle peasant class was a safe identity; wealthy farmers were a risk. The more they painted him as someone who didn’t work the fields, who only enjoyed good food and was spoiled at home, the more they compared him to the pampered sons of landlords.

Even if the rumors hadn’t escalated to a serious level, having a seemingly wealthy family during a time when everyone else was struggling would inevitably draw jealousy.

He recalled two recent incidents where someone had let the air out of his bicycle tires. The first time, he dismissed it as a natural deflation from lack of use. The second time, he sensed someone had deliberately caused it but couldn’t fathom why anyone would do such a thing.

Now it dawned on Shen Zhuo—this was the reason behind those incidents.

But knowing was one thing; asking him to clarify things would seem a bit odd. He wasn’t exactly skilled at handling such matters.

Seeing him frown and remain silent, Li Guangyao guessed his thoughts and said, “If you’re not comfortable talking about it, I can help you clarify things next time I hear more rumors.”

Shen Zhuo let out a sigh of relief and nodded. “Okay, thank you.”

Li Guangyao smiled, “What’s with the thanks? We’re in the same brigade; we’re supposed to help each other out. The brigade leader specifically reminded us of that.”

After their conversation, Li Guangyao excused himself to the restroom, and Shen Zhuo headed back.

Huang Zhihao made room for him and sat down again, then suddenly asked, “Shen Zhuo, do you have a sister?”

Shen Zhuo was taken aback. “No, I don’t. Why do you ask?”

Huang Zhihao recalled how his brother had inquired about Shen Zhuo the previous night. He opened his mouth as if to say something but noticed Shen Zhuo had already taken out his notebook to study. He decided against pursuing the topic, shaking his head. “It’s nothing.”