Actually, Jiang Le had simply cut his hair short—there was no particular hairstyle to speak of. If it looked good, it was entirely thanks to Yu Hezhong’s handsome face carrying the look.  

However, both of them were quite satisfied with the haircut.  

Jiang Le cleaned the clipped hair off the scissors, then followed Yu Hezhong to sweep up the stray strands in the yard before helping him gather some firewood.  

Yu Hezhong used the wild vegetables he had picked to make a soup and paired it with the leftover braised chicken and mushrooms from before, making for a relatively hearty meal.  

Yu Hezhong invited Jiang Le to eat with him. Jiang Le had initially wanted to refuse, but after a moment’s hesitation, he held back his refusal and said, “I’ve been eating so much meat these past few days that I’m sick of it. I’ll just have some wild vegetable soup.”  

Yu Hezhong panicked a little at his words. “It… doesn’t taste good.”  

If he had known Jiang Le would want to drink it, he should have made it more flavorful. But there weren’t any ingredients at home to improve the taste of wild vegetables. The thought made Yu Hezhong’s mood sink.  

“Who says it doesn’t taste good? I love wild vegetable soup,” Jiang Le said. Back in modern times, it was already hard to find purely organic, pesticide-free wild vegetables like these.  

He remembered how many wealthy people would pay high prices just to eat wild vegetables.  

Yu Hezhong could tell Jiang Le was just trying to comfort him. Who actually liked drinking wild vegetable soup?  

He had been about to tell Jiang Le not to force himself, but before he could, Jiang Le actually served himself a bowl and took a sip. The soup only had salt in it, with no other seasonings. It wasn’t particularly delicious, but it wasn’t bad either.  

Jiang Le drank a whole big bowl. “It’s great!”  

After finishing, he turned to Yu Hezhong and said, “You know, I’ve been craving mushrooms lately. Take me to pick some when you have time, okay?”  

Yu Hezhong replied, “It’s been getting hotter lately, so there aren’t many mushrooms left in the mountains. We should go after it rains—some might sprout then.”  

Jiang Le nodded repeatedly and didn’t head home until it was almost time to clock out.  

After dinner, while there was still a sliver of light in the sky, Jiang Le sat by the window and started reading.  

Before, he had just skimmed through casually, but now he was taking serious notes, planning to drag Yu Hezhong and Jiang Huan into studying with him when he got the chance.  

It wasn’t until the sky had completely darkened that Jiang Le finally yawned, put away his books, and closed the window. As he washed up, he muttered to the system:  

[Guagua, I think our family needs a long-term way to earn money.]

A one-time windfall could temporarily improve their difficult situation, but it wouldn’t solve things in the long run.  

Were the people in his family lazy? Not at all—in fact, they were extremely hardworking.  

While Jiang Le had been reading, they hadn’t rested either, watering the vegetable garden, chopping firewood, and so on. Even after a full day’s work, they still busied themselves with chores at home.  

But this kind of diligence alone couldn’t change their family’s circumstances.  

So, Jiang Le was pondering—what could they do to ensure a steady income? It didn’t have to be a lot, just something consistent.

Guagua: [I think you’re right. So, do you have any ideas?]

Jiang Le already had some thoughts in mind: [What do you think about growing mushrooms?]  

Back in modern times, a few households in his village had grown mushrooms. Though it was labor-intensive—since mushrooms required constant moisture and specific temperature conditions—he’d heard the income was steady.  

However, since people had other options, like working in the city for similar pay, most chose to leave. After all, growing mushrooms was tiring and required constant attention, whereas manual labor just demanded physical effort.  

But right now, his family didn’t have that choice. Jiang Le felt that mushroom cultivation was a solid option.  

Guagua enthusiastically praised him: [Host, that’s a great idea! This system has done a preliminary calculation for you—the probability of making money from growing mushrooms is very high~]  

Hearing this, Jiang Le felt even more confident. But: [I don’t actually know how to grow mushrooms.]  

He only had a rough idea. If they were going to turn this into a family business, a rough idea wouldn’t be enough.  

Still, he wasn’t willing to give up on the idea because, at the moment, mushroom cultivation seemed like the best option.  

First, mushrooms could be grown indoors. Unless someone barged into their home, it would be hard to discover—keeping things safe.  

Second, mushrooms fetched a good price. When he’d delivered the pheasant to Third Brother and run into that burly man, offering a bag of mushrooms had clearly made the man happier, even if he hadn’t shown it outright.  

Judging by the man’s clothing, his living conditions were decent, and his robust physique suggested he wasn’t lacking food. In short, Jiang Le believed mushrooms had great potential.  

Lying in bed, Jiang Le sighed: [Forget it, I’ll think of a way.]

The next day, he made a point to ask around and found out that no one in the area was specifically cultivating mushrooms. Most people figured, If they grow wild in the mountains, why bother growing them ourselves?

After visiting the town market, he became even more convinced that mushrooms had a market. His determination to grow them only solidified. If there were obstacles, he’d just tackle them one by one.  

As he walked home lost in thought, he spotted Jiang Huan standing at the gate, peering around excitedly with a big grin.  

What’s got her so happy? Jiang Le wondered.  

Before he could dwell on it, Jiang Huan noticed him and waved eagerly: “Little Brother, hurry up! Come see who’s here!”  

Seeing Jiang Huan’s excitement, Jiang Le had a hunch. He quickened his pace, and as soon as he stepped into the yard, he saw a woman in her early twenties sitting with Grandma Jiang, chatting.  

She looked like a younger version of Zhao Meilian, occasionally bursting into hearty laughter: “Grandma, hearing you say that puts my mind at ease. The kids have been clingy lately, so I couldn’t get away, but I’ve been worried about home.”  

“Everything’s fine here,” Grandma Jiang said, “but you—don’t think I won’t scold you—why do you always bring so much stuff? Aren’t you afraid Zhongxin will take it the wrong way?” She was worried her granddaughter might cause friction with her in-laws over this.  

“He wouldn’t dare!” Jiang Weihong retorted immediately. “When our family was doing well, his family benefited plenty. What’s wrong with me bringing a few things back?”

Grandma Jiang shook her head, about to lecture her granddaughter some more, when she noticed Jiang Le approaching. “Eldest Sister,” he called out.  

To be honest, Jiang Le still felt a little unfamiliar with Jiang Weihong. Aside from the original host’s memories, this was his first time meeting her.  

Jiang Weihong was the eldest in the family, more than a decade older than Jiang Le and Jiang Huan, almost like a second mother to them.  

The moment she saw Jiang Le, she walked over and ruffled his hair. “Little Brother, it’s only been a short while, but you’ve grown taller! Let me see—our Little Brother is getting handsomer by the day.”  

In an instant, Jiang Le’s awkwardness melted away. He grinned. “Eldest Sister, you’ve gotten even prettier too.”  

“Oh my, our Little Brother has learned how to sweet-talk!” Jiang Weihong said, amused. “Grandma said you’ve become more sensible, and now I can see it’s true.”  

Jiang Huan, standing nearby, couldn’t hold back. “Eldest Sister, what about me? What about me?”  

Even though Jiang Weihong had already praised her once earlier, she wanted to hear it again.  

To be fair, Jiang Weihong’s compliments were pretty much the same every time—”You’ve grown taller” or “You’ve gotten prettier”—but Jiang Huan was easily pleased, beaming every time.  

This time, Jiang Weihong had brought two pounds of meat and about a dozen eggs.  

When Zhao Meilian and Jiang De returned, they scolded her too, telling her not to bring such expensive things next time. At the end of the day, they were just worried that Jiang Weihong’s frequent gifts might cause resentment in her husband’s family.  

More than the joy of having meat and eggs, the family was more concerned about Jiang Weihong’s happiness.  

Having read the original novel, Jiang Le knew their concerns weren’t unfounded.  

But Jiang Weihong didn’t seem to care. Maybe her in-laws hadn’t shown any displeasure yet—or if they had, she was too straightforward to notice.  

Either way, the whole family was happy to have Jiang Weihong home. That evening, they had a lively dinner together, and Jiang Weihong shared a room with Grandma Jiang and Jiang Huan.  

The next day, Jiang Weihong helped with chores around the house until noon. After lunch, she prepared to head back.  

She had married into the Zhang family, which lived a few villages away from Kanzi Village—about a two-hour walk, even farther than the town, located on the opposite side.  

With transportation being so limited these days, relying solely on walking, that distance was considered quite far.  

To make sure she got home before dark, Jiang Weihong didn’t dare delay and set off early.  

The family packed some things for her to take back—nothing extravagant, just some vegetables and dried wild mushrooms they had foraged and saved for winter.  

“I’ll be off then,” Jiang Weihong said. “I’ll swing by the fields to say goodbye to Mom and Dad.”  

She was in high spirits today—because her little brother had given her a red hair ribbon. When she first received it, she had been stunned—the ribbon was a vibrant, beautiful shade of red.  

Without hesitation, she untied her old, faded one and replaced it with Jiang Le’s gift, tying it proudly into her braid.

This was the first time her little brother had ever given her a gift, and Jiang Weihong couldn’t stop smiling as she worked.  

“Eldest Sister, wait—take this with you.” Jiang Le handed her a bag containing items he had exchanged from the system’s shop.  

Jiang Weihong took it, feeling its weight with curiosity. “What’s inside?”  

“It’s getting late—open it when you get home,” Jiang Le said.  

Knowing she couldn’t afford to delay, Jiang Weihong nodded and carried the bag as she set off.  

The family watched until she disappeared beyond the village before finally turning back inside.  

The path from Kanzi Village to Zhang Village was one Jiang Weihong had walked countless times. She moved briskly, maintaining a steady pace for over an hour without slowing.  

She arrived at the Zhang household just before sunset.  

Most of the family was still out working, leaving only her mother-in-law at home preparing dinner.  

When Old Lady Zhang saw Jiang Weihong return, she said nothing, continuing to wash vegetables. Jiang Weihong rolled up her sleeves and stepped forward. “Mother, let me do that.”  

Old Lady Zhang finally spoke. “How’s your family?”  

“They’re doing well,” Jiang Weihong replied cheerfully. Then, unable to contain her excitement, she added, “Little Brother even bought me a red hair ribbon. That kid’s really growing up!”  

Old Lady Zhang stayed silent. Thinking of the meat and eggs Jiang Weihong had taken back to her family, her heart ached. All that good stuff, just for a measly ribbon? What’s there to be happy about?

But what could she say? Back when the Jiang family was doing well, they had helped the Zhangs plenty. She hadn’t forgotten their kindness.  

So when the Jiangs fell on hard times, she never stopped Jiang Weihong from taking things home. Every family has struggles—if we can help, we should.

Her eldest son, Zhongyi, and second son, Zhonghai, had wives who often grumbled about it. But Old Lady Zhang always shut them down.  

What right do they have to complain? When the Jiangs were doing well, their families benefited too. Meanwhile, their own parents never lifted a finger for the Zhangs—if anything, they took from us! The nerve!

Deep down, Old Lady Zhang sympathized with Jiang Weihong. Just because she married into our family doesn’t mean she should abandon her own parents in their time of need. 

But over time, resentment still crept in. That meat and those eggs—we can’t even afford to eat like that ourselves! How can I not feel bitter? 

Especially since she particularly disliked Jiang Weihong’s youngest brother—a good-for-nothing troublemaker, yet the Jiangs doted on him like he was made of gold. Even now, they’re still sending him to school!

If those gifts had gone to her parents or grandma, fine. But the thought of them ending up with that little hoodlum just makes my stomach churn.

And Jiang Weihong? It was like she’d been bewitched—no one could say a word against her precious brother.  

Ugh, better not dwell on it. The more I think, the angrier I get. 

She glanced at her daughter-in-law, who was practically floating over a stupid ribbon. Sure, it’s nice, but compared to all that meat and eggs? What a fool.

Old Lady Zhang sighed. Third Daughter-in-law is too simple-minded. The other two are always making snide remarks, and she doesn’t even notice—leaving me to shield her.

For now, she could keep the other daughters-in-law in check, but who knew how long that would last? Such a headache.

Lost in thought, Old Lady Zhang began unpacking Jiang Weihong’s belongings. After storing the vegetables in the kitchen, she noticed the bag. “Weihong, what’s in here?”  

Jiang Weihong glanced up from her work. “Not sure—Little Brother gave it to me. Haven’t had a chance to look yet.”  

Curious, Old Lady Zhang opened it. When she saw the contents, her eyes widened. “Good heavens!” she gasped.