Zhang Yunxi thought of chestnut-braised pork ribs.

Tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs paired with sweet, soft chestnuts—perfect for early autumn.

If the meat easily slid off the bone, blending with the rich chestnut flavor… absolutely divine. And using the chestnuts to mix into rice…

No, stop.

Just thinking about the flavors she had tasted before made Zhang Yunxi’s mouth water with nostalgia.

Zhao Mo finished her noodles and handed the bowl and chopsticks to her aunt. “Aunt, I’m heading home to do some chores.”

“Go on.”

After the autumn harvest, fieldwork had lessened, but there was still plenty to be done at home.

The roof of the educated youth dormitory, for one, was in bad shape.

During the autumn harvest, there had been a moderate rainfall, and Zhang Yunxi had felt water droplets hitting the floor.

It hadn’t landed directly on the bed, but the roof definitely needed repairs.

Then there was the personal plot, winter clothes, and the dried vegetables needed for the colder months—so many things to take care of.

With that in mind, Zhang Yunxi took the dishes home and got to work.

On her way back, Zhao Mo ran into Zhao Rencheng.

She took one look at her uncle and saw his dark expression, sharp brows, and tense demeanor—clear signs that someone had pissed him off.

Carefully, she edged away, distancing herself to avoid getting caught up in whatever lecture he was about to deliver.

Back home, Yuan Dabao, with his sharp nose, immediately sniffed out the scent of meat on Zhao Mo.

Jealousy twisted his face into something ugly.

Zhao Hongqiang, staring at the ungrateful brat in front of him, felt a vein throb on his forehead.

If not for the thought of that one yuan, he would have smashed a bowl over her head just to get her out of his sight.

Sensing her father’s furious glare, Zhao Mo hoisted her small school bag and left for class.

Lately, her father had been getting liquor from Grandpa and drinking alone every morning like some lunatic.

Then—

“Ah! My hair—Zhao Hongqiang, what are you doing?! It hurts! I’m bleeding—stop, please! Don’t do this… wuu wuu wuu wuu…”

The sound of sobbing came from behind her.

Zhao Mo paused for a moment before continuing forward.

Her father was scum—an indisputable fact.

As for her stepmother…

That woman had nearly killed her multiple times.

Forgive her for feeling not even the slightest bit of sympathy for Yuan Guixiang’s suffering.

Zhang Yunxi, along with Damei and Xiao Xiao, had gone to work.

These days, they only worked half-days since there wasn’t much to do.

When Deng Damei appeared in front of everyone, she instantly became the center of attention.

Before, people had thought she was just somewhat pretty—mainly because of her bright eyes and charming dimples.

But now, at a glance, while she might not be a stunning beauty, she had the delicate charm of a refined village girl.

Her face had always been a little round and plump, but before, when she tied her hair back tightly, it wasn’t obvious.

Now, with newly cut bangs framing her face, her youthful round cheeks stood out.

Big, round eyes.

Defined eye bags that enhanced her expression.

A well-proportioned, straight nose.

Delicate dimples.

She looked fresh and naturally attractive.

Many young women noticed and immediately wanted to ask how she had styled her hair—it looked fantastic!

In rural areas, people rarely went to barbershops.

Going there required a ration coupon.

Most would just use scissors and copy someone else’s hairstyle.

Seeing how well Deng Damei’s hair had been cut, many young women were itching to try it.

Especially those who were about to meet potential suitors.

Gathering their courage, a few girls approached Deng Damei and asked how she had cut her hair.

Deng Damei, being warm and outgoing, was absolutely delighted.

Not only was she getting compliments on her looks, but people were also interested in her hairstyle!

She beamed and told them, “Yunxi cut it for me. Zhang Yunxi, the educated youth.”

“Zhang Yunxi…?”

The girls hesitated.

They knew Deng Damei—she had been in the village for years.

But Zhang Yunxi was different.

She was stunningly beautiful, which made her seem unapproachable.

And she was fierce—she had once held a kitchen knife against Zhao Hongqiang and could decide someone’s fate with just a few words.

What if they offended her?

Could they handle the consequences?

Noticing their concerns, Deng Damei reassured them.

“My Yunxi is very easy to talk to! She’s warm and kind, truly one of the best people you’ll ever meet!”

The girls thanked her and left.

Word spread quickly.

Soon, people were asking about who had cut Deng Damei’s hair.

Zhao Erhua was among them.

She felt that her relationship with Wu Donglin was getting serious.

And a woman in a relationship couldn’t afford to be sloppy.

She needed to look her best.

A transformation could turn her into a stunning beauty.

Wu Donglin would definitely be mesmerized by her then—he’d see her as the most wonderful girl in the world!

“Who cut it?”

The village girls didn’t really like playing with her, but at the end of the day, they were all just teenage girls.

Not mean-spirited enough to keep the answer from her.

Someone hesitantly told her, “It was Zhang Yunxi. The educated youth.”

“What?!”

Her?!

She was already so pretty—what was the point of cutting her hair?!

Zhao Erhua’s eyes nearly popped out of her head.

During the autumn harvest, Zhang Yunxi had worked just as hard as everyone else.

She had been exhausted like the rest of them.

But when it was time to line up for work points, it was as if she lived in a completely different world.

Everyone else looked completely wrecked.

Yet she somehow still looked delicate and pitiful.

They were just plain ugly!

And now…

She could even cut hair?!

How was that fair?!

Zhao Erhua was fuming.

Meanwhile, the village girls exchanged glances, still debating whether to ask Zhang Yunxi to cut their hair.

Zhang Yunxi, humming a little tune, worked at a leisurely pace.

This was the rhythm she liked—light work, yet fulfilling.

As she organized supplies, she happened to glance up—

And spotted Zhao Rencheng in the distance.

He was scolding a group of young men, his face cold and his voice sharp.

The intensity in his gaze and his unyielding stance momentarily startled Zhang Yunxi.

So, he had two sides to him.

Zhao Rencheng turned and, across the crowd, locked eyes with her.

Zhang Yunxi made a funny face.

Instantly, Zhao Rencheng jerked his head away, his gaze darting in panic.

Last night… he…

Um…

He had a dream.

A very inappropriate dream.

And the main character in that dream… was Zhang Yunxi.

At the thought of it, his entire head felt like it was steaming.

His face and ears burned.

At that moment, he was incredibly grateful for his dark skin—at least no one could see him blushing.

“You lot, stop messing around and get back to work on the water channel! Do you hear me?!”

“Yes, sir!”

The group responded in unison.

Zhao Rencheng waved them off.

He had originally planned to work in Zhang Yunxi’s direction.

But now, his feet unconsciously carried him the other way.

Just seeing her made him feel like a complete beast.

And they still had work together later that night…

How was he supposed to face her?!

“Uncle.”

Zhao Tongsheng called out to him.

“What?” Zhao Rencheng frowned.

“I heard you took a leave of absence these past few days. What were you up to?”

“I… never mind. What do you need?”

“My fiancée and I decided to hold off on marriage for now. We’re getting engaged first. My dad asked me to let you know—come to the banquet on the 23rd. You’ll be sitting at the main table.”