Chapter 62

Jiang Ruan had only been in the detention center for two days when the police station decided to release her, saying there was a vehicle outside to take her to the township government.

Jiang Ruan was puzzled. Her brother’s investigation couldn’t have been completed so quickly, and if it were, he would have come to pick her up himself.

She asked, “Is the case resolved?”

The chief, aware that Jiang Ruan had been framed by malicious business tactics aimed at forcing her to negotiate, said, “The case is still under investigation, but you can be released on bail for now.”

Jiang Ruan responded, “I’m not leaving. I’ll wait here until the investigation is complete. My brother should be back soon, and I’d rather wait for him.”

The chief found it amusing that he couldn’t release someone who didn’t want to go. After a phone call to the township, Zhong Guangyuan arrived, expressing his wish to speak with Jiang Ruan.

Jiang Ruan asked if it was an interrogation. If it was, she would cooperate, but if not, she had the right to refuse until her innocence was proven.

…

Jiang Ruan’s refusal to accept bail was causing Linyan a headache.

She had privately adopted Zhuang Chengdong as her “godson” to have him accuse Jiang Ruan of fraud and murder, with the intention of forcing Jiang Ruan to negotiate. Her aim was to share the seed breeding methods and even consider merging their two fried chicken businesses into a single company. But Jiang Ruan did not play by business rules, instead, she was determined to go down fighting, dragging the entire village into chaos.

Linyan, massaging her furrowed brow, watched a TV interview with Zhong Guangyuan, where he casually mentioned his background and humorously denied having any relatives. He even joked that anyone claiming to be his kin was surely a fraud.

Zhong Wenwen, Linyan’s daughter, was nervous, sensing that the message was directed at her mother.

Trying to calm her nerves, she suggested, “Mom, maybe we should give up on the seeds and try something else. Mu Xuehui still has other ideas that could be profitable.”

Having heard the entire interview, Linyan put down her hand and replied, “You are my daughter, and you must stand with me. I’ve let you pursue your career, but you’ll have to listen to me when it comes to marriage. I think Qin Ao is a good match, and you should take the initiative.”

Zhong Wenwen protested, “But Qin Ao is already dating Ran Xiaorong.”

Lin Yan smiled confidently. “Social status has always been a barrier. Qin Ao may want to marry Ran Xiaorong to elevate his status, but her father won’t accept him with his current background. Just wait and see; they’ll break up once she’s in college.”

Wenwen was extremely worried. If Qin Ao did break up with Ran Xiaorong, her mother would stop at nothing to pair her up with him, just like she was doing with the seed business.

…

After the college entrance exam, Ran Xiaorong, satisfied with her estimated scores, followed her father’s advice and applied to schools outside the area. Once her applications were submitted, she eagerly sought out Qin Ao to discuss Jiang Ruan’s situation, offering to ask her father for help if needed.

Having waited until the applications were done, Qin Ao decided it was time for a serious talk. He told Ran Xiaorong about his earlier conversation with her father, recounting it objectively.

He said, “Xiaorong, I’ve come to terms with things. It was wrong of me to approach your father, and he was never fond of me. Now, with four years of separation ahead of us, I think it’s best we part ways and let fate take its course.”

Ran Xiaorong, heartbroken, said, “Do you not believe that love can overcome these obstacles? Why didn’t you tell me before I submitted my applications? I would have stayed.”

Qin Ao shook his head. “Xiaorong, I don’t even have confidence in myself. I’m not sure I can protect you for a lifetime. Jiang Ruan’s case opened my eyes. If you were ever taken into custody like she was, and I couldn’t help you, it would drive me mad. But your father can protect you, at least while he’s alive.”

Ran Xiaorong cried for an entire afternoon, mourning the loss of her first love just as it began to blossom. Later, she told her father calmly, “Dad, Qin Ao and I have broken up peacefully. You won’t need to worry about him anymore. But I want to ask if someday he proves himself to be a worthy man, will you regret your decision?”

Her father, seeing how much his daughter had matured, was suddenly uncertain whether he would regret his choice.

…

Han Changfeng had obtained a complete chain of evidence, with testimonies from villagers who helped dig through the snow, the doctors who treated the victim, and the family who hosted Jiang Ruan on the night in question, confirming her alibi.

The case was officially declared a false accusation, and Jiang Ruan was released.

News about the wrongful accusation of the farmers in Dawang appeared in the newspapers, which alarmed the county governor of Yunshui County. He wondered how such a significant issue had not been reported to the county.

Yunshui County was a poverty-stricken area, and it was crucial not to lose industries that were helping the locals. Determined to keep the farming community from relocating, the governor himself visited Dawang, where the villagers, clad in tattered clothes and barefoot, tearfully pleaded for help.

Moved by the sight, the governor asked Zhou Chengzhong if there was a way to negotiate with the farmers.

Zhou Chengzhong replied, “The farmers were detained for no reason. How can we expect them not to be upset? They’ve notified me about their decision to relocate, but I haven’t been able to meet with them. How can we negotiate?”

The governor was frustrated with the village chief, saying, “This is unacceptable! I’ll find a way to resolve this. If the farmers are dissatisfied with Dawang, there are several other townships in Yunshui County where they can move.”

Zhou Chengzhong responded, “But what about Dawang?”

The governor said, “The farmers signed a 30-year lease with your village, and they’ve already invested in breeding and farming here. Moving would be costly. We can rezone and include Dawang in the new poverty alleviation project, relocating you to the Daliang Village area to help lift it out of poverty. Would you be willing to do that?”

The economy of Daliang Village ranks among the worst in the county, but in order to keep the farmers from moving, Zhou Chengzhong nodded in agreement, “We will follow the leadership’s arrangements.”

…

Jiang Ruan was released, and Chang Linyan felt deeply frustrated, knowing that there were still follow-up matters to handle.

She found Zhuang Chengdong and said, “After Jiang Ruan is released, she will accuse you of false allegations. I will hire the best lawyer for you. You won’t be in jail for too long. Chengdong, when you get out, you will be like a son to me. In the future, everything I have will be divided equally between you and Wenwen. Do you understand what I mean?”

Zhuang Chengdong understood. Chang Linyan wanted him to take the blame for the false accusations.

Even if he implicated Chang Linyan, he would still end up in jail. It was better to accept the deal.

Not trusting just verbal promises, he said, “Godmother, I want 20% of your business shares in writing. Since you said that half of what you own will be mine in the future, this written agreement serves as a guarantee. That’s not too much to ask, right?”

Chang Linyan readily agreed, “Sure. Now you see my sincerity, don’t you? When you get out, you will be my right-hand man. Don’t lose hope; I’ll hire a good lawyer for you.”

…

Jiang Ruan returned home.

Grandma Huang had prepared pomelo water and sprinkled it on Jiang Ruan, who stood at the door spinning around to ensure every side was covered. She was cooperative, feeling the need to ward off bad luck. Grandma Huang was pleased, and Jiang Ruan shared in the happiness.

Liu Jinyun, who was watching from across the street, had mixed feelings. She originally thought Jiang Ruan would be afraid and compromise to collaborate with Chang Linyan. It would have been so much better for both families to merge their businesses and make money together.

However, Jiang Ruan refused. She thought Jiang Ruan would end up in prison, which would also work out fine—no one would get to use the breeding method.

But now that Jiang Ruan was released and Chang Linyan’s godson was likely facing jail time for making false accusations, Liu Jinyun regretted not treating Jiang Ruan better from the beginning.

She ran over and said, “Ruan ruan, while you were in detention, Qingqing and I were very worried.”

Jiang Ruan replied impatiently, “It’s impossible for you to reconcile with me now, but it’s still not too late to mend your relationship with my elder brothers. However, you’ve always been so muddled in your ways that I think it’s better if my brothers keep their distance from you.”

Liu Jinyun became angry, “Jiang Ruan, I’m your adoptive mother. No matter what, I raised you for over ten years. Don’t you feel any gratitude?”

Jiang Ruan said, “Of course I’m grateful. I thank you for treating me poorly before, so I no longer owe you anything.”

Grandma Huang, being the elder, did not hold back, “Didn’t you hear the baby’s crying? She’s been taken away again by Dabao and Xiaobao. You should go check.”

Liu Jinyun hurried back to her house, finding the back window open and the baby missing. It was surely Dabao who climbed in and took her. She frantically went out to search for the baby, even asking Qin Yan and Jiang Ruan for help.

“Something terrible has happened. Please help me find Zhuzhu.”

Qin Yan chuckled coldly, showing no concern for her distress.

Jiang Ruan was inclined to help, but Grandma Huang stopped her.

“Dabao and Xiaobao wanted to see their sister, but Jiang Jianchun wouldn’t allow it, so they broke in and took her. They treat Zhuzhu very well, always carrying her off like this, and she never cries when she sees them—she enjoys playing with them. I believe Zhuzhu and Dabao and Xiaobao are siblings.”

Grandma Huang then prepared a fire basin, and Jiang Ruan stepped over it to dispel bad luck. She also called Qin Yan, “Brother Qin Yan, step over the basin as well to ward off misfortune.”

Qin Yan didn’t believe in such things, but he thought, if it made Jiang Ruan happy, there was no harm in going along with it.

He stepped over the basin.

…

That evening, several people awaited Jiang Ruan to dine together, including Han’s parents, Xun Li, and even Zhong Guangyuan’s secretary, who had extended an invitation.

Qin Yan asked, “Ruanruan, who would you like to have dinner with tonight?”

Jiang Ruan hadn’t given it much thought, “I’m not going out tonight. Let’s have dinner with Grandma Huang. I want fish and chicken. Although I had enough to eat at the detention center, there was no chicken, duck, or fish. I want some meat.”

Qin Yan’s heart ached for her. All thoughts of Dawang Village and strategic goals for shared prosperity faded. “You and Grandma Huang heat the water and prepare the chicken. I’ll go buy the fish and pork ribs.”

Since it wasn’t a weekend, after dinner, Jiang Ruan urged Qin Yan to return to school. Qin Yan said, “I’ve already taken leave. I’ll go back in the morning.”

Jiang Ruan was a bit worried, “I spent a week in detention. Will this affect you, Brother Qin Yan?”

Her reputation wasn’t good, and Qin Yan could face criticism. The forced relocation of the livestock farm, which Chang Linyan had instigated, had already stirred public sentiment, with many people saying Jiang Ruan was heartless and inflexible.

Qin Yan was already familiar with what it meant to have a bad reputation, in his past life, he had been infamous. In this life, he still didn’t care to sacrifice his and Jiang Ruan’s happiness for the sake of public approval.

He said, “It doesn’t matter. Even if I don’t get a job after graduation, I still have an antique shop. Even if you can’t support me, I can support you.”

“But we agreed that I would support you.”

Qin Yan whispered in her ear, “It’s okay. You don’t ask for much, so I’m easy to take care of.”

Jiang Ruan couldn’t help but laugh, feeling relieved as she drifted into a restful sleep.

Qin Yan left early the next morning. Jiang Ruan had just finished breakfast and was heading out when Zhong Guangyuan’s secretary, Sun Xiaohai, came to intercept her. He approached with a friendly smile, “Miss Jiang, Secretary Zhong would like to discuss the livestock business with you. You won’t refuse, will you?”

Qin Yan had said to wait for a heavyweight to negotiate with her, and Zhong Guangyuan was several levels above the county chief. Initially, she would have agreed to talk to the county chief, so of course, she could talk to Zhong Guangyuan.

…

They met at noon at Chang Fuxiang’s restaurant, where Zhong Guangyuan treated Jiang Ruan to a newly launched roasted duck. It was expensive at fifteen yuan per duck, and reservations were required.

Without a reservation, Jiang Ruan joked with a smile, “I know you’re paying for this out of your salary, so I’ll ask Boss Chang to give you a 20% discount.”

Zhong Guangyuan chuckled to his secretary, “Look at her. She’s a natural optimist, eating and chatting with her puts one in a good mood.”

His secretary, helping to steer the conversation, asked, “Miss Jiang, under what circumstances would you agree not to relocate the livestock farm?”

Jiang Ruan replied, “It’s a matter of principle. Since you can’t remove Mayor Chu, I absolutely won’t work with him again—he’s too off-putting.”

Zhong Guangyuan said, “The county chief of Yunshui has proposed a new plan to reassign several townships for poverty alleviation efforts. Daliang Village has one of the worst economies in the county and needs support. We plan to merge Dawang Village with Daliang Village. Though Dawang Village isn’t doing well itself, would you consider staying to help Daliang Village prosper?”

Jiang Ruan knew of Daliang Village, separated from Dawang Village by a river. The hilly terrain there wasn’t suitable for large-scale farming, but it was good for raising livestock.

She asked, “Is the mayor of Daliang Village easy to work with?”

Did this mean she agreed?

Zhong Guangyuan felt gratified, “Sun Xiaohai here is the newly appointed deputy mayor of Daliang Township. Do you think he’s up to the task?”

Jiang Ruan glanced at Sun Xiaohai, a young man in his twenties with black-framed glasses, looking scholarly.

She said, “He seems capable, but he’s quite young. I’m worried he might not be able to handle things.”

Zhong Guangyuan laughed heartily, “You’re so young yourself, yet you think others are too young. The two of you should work well together and aim to lead the villagers of Daliang Village out of poverty as soon as possible.”

…

The elderly township head of Daliang is nearing retirement in a year or two. He took Sun Xiaohai and Jiang Ruan to visit six villages in the area, all of which were even poorer than the last.

Now, Dawang Village has become the seventh village under Daliang Village’s administration. Accompanying them was Zhou Chengzhong, who felt uneasy seeing the dire poverty of Daliang compared to Dawang.

He said to Jiang Ruan and Sun Xiaohai, “Daliang has a lot of mountains but little arable land. During the collective farming years, their annual work point was worth only a dime. In comparison, it’s hard for us to even claim we’re poor.”

The immediate priority now was to help Daliang out of poverty.

Sun Xiaohai suggested, “Miss Jiang’s 15,000 chicks are about to hatch. Can we distribute them to the villages in Daliang to raise?”

Zhou Chengzhong took the lead, saying, “Sure, I’ll go back and convince the villagers.”

Jiang Ruan added, “I’ll handle the breeding. The location for raising the chicks doesn’t matter to me, so long as the policies and plans are in place.”

…

The breeding farm no longer needed to relocate. Jiang Ruan also secured an extended contract with Dawang Village for the mountain land lease, adding another 20 years, totaling 50 years at a rate of 600 yuan per year.

Jiang Ruan sensed that Daliang Village wanted to closely tie its development with her breeding base, which suited her just fine. If no one caused trouble, she wasn’t keen to move, either.

With the revised contract in hand, she hurried to share the good news about the stable location and production with everyone.

She found Qin Ao already passed out on the roadside, while Zhong Wenwen stood under a streetlight, a few steps away from him.

Qin Ao had just gone through a breakup, so it made sense for him to get drunk. But Zhong Wenwen showing up there seemed too coincidental.

Jiang Ruan thought it was a bad situation and approached to help lift Qin Ao.

Suddenly, Liang Yong emerged from the shadows, reaching Qin Ao before her.

Liang Yong chuckled and said, “Qin Ao got drunk at my stall, and I’ve been watching him all the way. When I saw this young lady coming over, I stepped aside to see if she had any ulterior motives.”

Jiang Ruan thought: … Fortunately, Zhong Wenwen hadn’t made any rash moves, or she’d have embarrassed herself.

Zhong Wenwen’s face turned red with shame. “You’re shameless.”

Liang Yong laughed indifferently. “Who’s shameless is for their own conscience to know.”

Mortified, Zhong Wenwen ran off.

Jiang Ruan looked at the unconscious Qin Ao and said, “It’s a hassle for you to help him. Let me do it.”

“No, not at all. It’s no trouble,” Liang Yong replied.

He then tactfully explained, “Little sister-in-law, if you carry Qin Ao home, rumors will start again tomorrow.”

Realizing he had a point, Jiang Ruan helped Liang Yong bring Qin Ao back.

Qin Ao clung to the courtyard gate, refusing to go inside. He wanted to keep drinking with Liang Yong, but Jiang Ruan hoisted him up and threw him into the house, causing enough noise to wake his mother, which settled the matter.

After sending the heartbroken Qin Ao back, Liang Yong whispered, “Little sister-in-law, did you notice Ran Xiaorong has been following us this whole time? It’s late, and as a girl, she probably feels uneasy. If something happens on the way, her father might blame Qin Ao.”

Jiang Ruan replied, “You head back. I’ll make sure she gets home safely.”