Chapter 56 Now…Give it to her

She held the bottle in her hand and turned back into the room. These items were usually stored in Chang Meili’s space, but recently, she had placed them separately—right across from the money box that disappeared last time. When she previously had the opportunity to manipulate Chang Meili’s space, she mostly took supplies. After all, nothing caused more anxiety than watching your belongings dwindle away before your eyes.

The trouble was, these things couldn’t see the light of day—she couldn’t even hide them outside, since the educated youth dorm wasn’t that big. She had enough supplies in her own space to last her entire life, but where could she possibly store them?

So lately, Chang Suisui had become even more reckless about taking and placing things in Chang Meili’s space. To figure out what items were most important to Chang Meili, she deliberately took various materials from the exact spot where the money box disappeared. That way, Chang Meili would mistakenly believe she had figured out the pattern behind the disappearing items, and would automatically start placing more valuable things in that spot.

This saved Chang Suisui the trouble of picking through items.

She locked the door behind her and opened the small porcelain bottle in her hand, taking a whiff—it had a pleasant medicinal fragrance. Looks like this was what Chang Meili planned to rely on at the village clinic. Suisui decisively took out an empty jar from her own space, scooped out more than half of the ointment, and mixed in some powder ground from her mutated chili peppers.

The most notable feature of this mutated chili was its absurd spiciness. But since the peppers were white and not very appetizing-looking, people usually avoided using them in cooking. In the apocalypse, this kind of chili powder had been used as a weapon against mutated animals.

Now… a little gift for Chang Meili.

If she remembered correctly, the book said that when Chang Meili interned at the village clinic, a few of her simping admirers deliberately injured themselves so she could practice her medical skills on them. Tsk tsk… with love that “true,” how could she not help strengthen their bond? That chili powder would surely help with that… blessings, indeed.

Meanwhile, Chang Meili—who had been trailing behind the village head, trying her best to explain—was suddenly stopped by him.

“Comrade Chang, I won’t concern myself with what you’ve done in the past,” said Village Chief Xie Gui sternly, his wrinkled eyes sharp and penetrating. “But once you marry Jianguo, I hope you’ll reform yourself and stop associating so closely with other male comrades.”

Chang Meili pouted and immediately tried to look pitiful. “Uncle Xie, I truly love Jianguo gege, I…”

“Enough, you don’t need to say more. The manure at the village head’s end hasn’t been hauled yet. If you want to study medicine at the clinic, you better not give the villagers a reason to gossip. Go do your work.”

He cut her off before she could finish her sentimental act. Her expression almost cracked. She had planned to use the village clinic excuse to get out of hauling manure, but the chief was surprisingly uncooperative!

Her face stiffened as she tried to adjust her expression again. “Uncle Xie, if I’m going to the clinic to learn medicine, won’t people refuse to let me treat them if I smell bad?”

The village chief stared at her like she was an idiot for a few seconds before sighing in exasperation. “Then clean yourself up better. You’re a young lady, don’t go around looking filthy.”

“……”

Chang Meili looked down at her dirty clothes, her face alternating between red and purple. She wanted to say more, but the chief waved her off.

“Just go do your work. I have to go make an announcement to the brigade.”

With that, he left without looking back.

Chang Meili’s face twisted with fury. She clenched her fists so tightly her nails dug into her palms. Why did Chang Suisui get to go to the clinic looking fresh and clean, while she had to haul manure first?

Seething, she decided she needed someone to speak to the chief on her behalf. Making sure no one was around, she ducked behind a haystack and began taking things from her space. She pulled out a basket, placing a piece of meat and ten eggs inside—when she suddenly heard footsteps approaching.

She cursed inwardly. Who was so stupid to be here at this time?

She hesitated, wondering if she should put everything back, when a familiar voice called out: “Comrade Chang?”

It sounded like Xie Xiaohua, but she wasn’t sure.

At the roadside, Xie Xiaohua looked puzzled. She had just spoken to her father and heard that Chang Meili was somewhere nearby. Thinking of her plan with Zhao Hang, she had hurried over. Moments ago, she had clearly seen Chang Meili’s figure in the distance—but now that she’d arrived, the girl had vanished. She looked around at the short road and frowned. Did Chang Meili return to the dorm? Or go haul manure?

As she considered heading to the manure site, a figure emerged from behind the haystack.

“Xiaohua,” called Chang Meili.

Xie Xiaohua turned around and saw her holding a basket. Her previous annoyance faded slightly. “Comrade Chang, what were you doing behind the haystack?”

Chang Meili forced a smile and made up an excuse, “I saw some wild vegetables near the haystack and wanted to pick a few.”

Xie Xiaohua wasn’t really paying attention and didn’t care much about the lie.

Chang Meili noticed her glancing toward the basket behind her and quickly changed the topic. “Xiaohua, did you come looking for me for something?”

Xie Xiaohua glanced around and lowered her voice, “Comrade Chang, do you really want to marry my big brother?”

She said this while seriously staring at Chang Meili, as if trying to read her mind.

Chang Meili immediately reassured her, “Of course! I know there are a lot of rumors about me in the village right now, but it’s all because my cousin is jealous and trying to frame me…”

She spoke with a pitiful look, trying to gain Xie Xiaohua’s sympathy.

But Xie Xiaohua wasn’t moved at all. She disliked educated youth girls like Chang Meili and Chang Suisui—too educated and self-righteous. If she didn’t still have use for Chang Meili, she wouldn’t even bother being polite.

She patted Chang Meili’s hand and said, “Don’t worry, sister-in-law. I believe you.”

The moment she heard Xie Xiaohua call her sister-in-law, Chang Meili’s eyes lit up. She hadn’t expected Xie Xiaohua to accept her so quickly!