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The news of Aunt Zeng’s son, Lin Jianshan, being arrested for gambling had quickly become the hottest topic in Hehua Village.
Everyone knew he had always been a loafer—never once doing anything decent since childhood. Nobody in the village liked him, except for his doting parents who spoiled him rotten. Now that he’d landed in the police station, it was no surprise to anyone.
These past few days while farming, Lin Jianshu stayed unusually quiet. He no longer bragged with the neighbors, always feeling as though people were secretly laughing at him.
Aunt Zeng’s face remained swollen and red—no one knew whether it was from crying or from being beaten. She dared not complain to others, but wore a look of constant misery.
Her daughter, Lin Yun, had always strutted around the village proudly because of her brother’s so-called “connections” in town. She used to be arrogant among the village girls, but now she kept her head down.
Lin Yiran felt at ease knowing Lin Jianshan was finally in detention. She exchanged a glance with her second brother and the two shared a quiet smile—an unspoken understanding between them.
Even better, Uncle Lin and Big Brother had returned home, bringing gifts for the family.
That evening, just after dinner, a voice called from outside:
“Brother Jianguo, Sister-in-law Wang Fang, are you home?”
Uncle Lin entered with his son Lin Fei, carrying gifts. Lin Jianguo was pleasantly surprised. He had grown up with Uncle Lin, the two as close as brothers.
“You’re back!”
“You shouldn’t have brought gifts. It’s tiring enough for you to travel here,” Wang Fang tried to refuse.
But Uncle Lin set the items directly inside. “What’s the big deal between us? You and Sister-in-law have been looking after my parents all this time.”
Uncle Lin’s parents, Grandpa Lin and Grandma Guixiang, had only one son. After he married and had Lin Fei, his wife passed away within a few short years. Uncle Lin never remarried.
Later, by chance, he started long-distance transport work, leaving his parents and child in Jianguo and Wang Fang’s care.
The two families had always been close. Last year Lin Fei began joining his father in transport runs. Early this year, Uncle Lin had even suggested letting Lin Weimin (second brother) try it, since life was improving and opportunities were opening up.
As the families chatted warmly, Lin Fei, who had been away on the road for over a month, kept sneaking glances at Lin Yiran while talking with Weijun and Weimin.
Both the eldest sister-in-law and second sister-in-law noticed immediately. They exchanged knowing looks—Lin Fei clearly liked the younger sister. But they still thought Yiran would have a better life if she married into town.
Lin Fei was a good boy, but long-distance drivers were often away from home. With no mother-in-law around, if Yiran married him, she’d be left alone during pregnancy and childcare—it would be far too tiring.
Even the eldest sister-in-law, with two grown children, still wouldn’t have allowed her husband to travel long-distance if not necessary. The mother-in-law, Wang Fang, clearly felt the same—otherwise, she wouldn’t remain silent despite Lin Fei’s obvious affection.
Wang Fang sighed inwardly. Her daughter was growing up. No matter how reluctant she was, one day Yiran would marry. Though Lin Fei was a good boy she had watched grow up, she couldn’t bear for her daughter to suffer a hard life.
Lin Yiran herself remained oblivious to Lin Fei’s feelings. To her, he was like a brother. When he came over to chat, she simply laughed along happily.
…
“Is the village chief at home? We’re from the Educated Youth Courtyard.”
Xiao Ziyi and Chen Tai arrived at the village chief’s house, only to find guests there.
As soon as Xiao Ziyi entered, he noticed a young man talking closely with Lin Yiran. Whatever he was saying had her laughing heartily.
Xiao Ziyi frowned. So impolite—standing so close to her.
The courtyard fell quiet as everyone turned to the gate.
Chen Tai gave an apologetic smile. “Sorry to disturb you, Village Chief. Uncle Lin, you’re back too!”
Chen Tai had lived in Hehua Village for over two years and knew Uncle Lin well. Whenever the Educated Youth Courtyard needed items that couldn’t be bought in town, they often asked Uncle Lin to help bring them.
“Brother Jianguo, Lin Fei and I will head back first. We just returned and haven’t unpacked yet. We’ll talk tomorrow.”
Jianguo nodded—he understood the educated youths must have business.
Lin Fei left reluctantly with his father, glancing back more than once. Only then did Xiao Ziyi’s expression ease.
Lin Jianguo turned to Chen Tai and Xiao Ziyi. “Comrades Chen and Xiao, is something the matter?”
Chen Tai quickly explained, “It’s like this. Today while cooking at our Educated Youth Courtyard, the kitchen floor collapsed. Likely from all the rain soaking it. We came to ask if the village could take a look—we’re not good at repairs ourselves.”
Jianguo nodded. Their quarters were old houses in need of maintenance. He had already raised the issue at a meeting. The town said they’d send someone to inspect, and if necessary, approve materials for repairs.
The village chief went with them. Yiran felt curious. Why would Xiao Ziyi personally come for such a matter? One person would’ve been enough.
Chen Tai thought the same, but he knew why: Xiao Ziyi wanted to escape the constant bickering between Jiang Lanru and Zhuang Wenting back at the courtyard.
Sure enough, at the Educated Youth Courtyard, Lanru and Wenting were still arguing. With the kitchen collapsed on Wenting’s cooking day, she finally got her chance to vent.
Every time it was her turn to cook, Lanru nitpicked and complained in front of Brother Ziyi. So now Wenting mocked her in return.
Lanru was furious. She had been reborn nearly a month, yet Xiao Ziyi still ignored her—no progress at all. She had tried sabotaging his time alone with Wenting, but Wenting always blocked her.
Will I really have to wait until autumn, when wild boars come down the mountain, just to save Xiao Ziyi and make him notice me? In my last life, it was Wenting who got in the way, making him soften toward her.
…
The days grew hotter, though the farming season was nearly over. One more busy week, then they could rest.
On the next rest day, Yiran rose early to accompany her mother into town. The night before, they had arranged with Aunt Yang to visit Sister Hua and buy some supplies.
Her eldest brother would soon set out for another long-distance run. Wang Fang wanted to prepare items for her son, so she agreed readily.
Just as they were leaving, Yiran’s Uncle Wang arrived—exactly as she had guessed. The only thing that could get this lazy uncle out of bed early was borrowing money.
He grinned shamelessly. “Brother-in-law, is my sister home? She’s not here?”
Lin Jianguo’s face darkened. “She went out. What are you here for?”
Hearing his sister wasn’t home, Uncle Wang realized he wouldn’t get money today. Still, he put on a pitiful look.
“Brother-in-law, you must help me. Lend me 100 yuan—I swear I’ll pay it back.”
In truth, he owed over 200 already, but he asked for half, knowing he’d never get the full amount.
Both Jianguo and his sons, Weijun and Weimin, nearly exploded with anger. One hundred yuan was no small sum—even now when life was improving.
Weimin had one of the best jobs available: a formal employee at the tractor factory, yet his monthly salary was only 25 yuan.
“Uncle, didn’t you borrow 20 yuan from us before? Why don’t you pay that back first?” Weimin sneered.
“You know we have growing children and endless expenses. We’ve been meaning to ask you to repay, but since you’re here now, it’s the perfect time.”
Uncle Wang’s face flushed with anger. “How dare you speak to your uncle like that! So rude!”
Weijun stepped forward to shield his younger brother. “And you call yourself an uncle? All you do is eat, laze around, and gamble.”
Uncle Wang blustered but shrank back when faced with the tall, broad-shouldered Weijun. He muttered angrily, “Just you wait! When your mother comes to my house, I’ll make sure you all cry and apologize!”
Weimin leaned out from behind his brother. “Did you know someone from our village just got arrested for gambling? Keep it up, and you’ll be the next one.”
Uncle Wang stomped his feet in rage. “Fine! Fine! Is this how you treat your uncle? Bah!” He spat on the ground and stormed off.