Chapter 21 Entering the Mountains

Seeing Jiang Li accept her gift, Wu Meixia was even happier. “Auntie, thank you.  I only helped a little; you don’t need to worry about it. If you need my help again, just ask.” Wu Meixia liked Jiang Li even more.

 After giving Jiang Li the gifts, Wu Meixia chatted with her, offering help if needed, and then left. Jiang Li took the things back to her room. She would cook once she bought a pot. The old educated youth went to work; the new arrivals had nothing to do. Jiang Li, having cleaned her room, was idle.

The other new educated youth also finished cleaning.  Having nothing, Sun Wenwen asked Liu Yulan to buy some things.  Sun Wenwen disliked Jiang Li and could only go with Liu Yulan.  Jiang Li planned to go out, gather firewood, and explore. The villagers were working in the fields.  Seeing Jiang Li, many villagers looked at her. She was beautiful, attracting the attention of the young villagers.

“This is the new educated youth. She’s so pretty!” “Yes, she’s the prettiest woman I’ve ever seen.” “Her skin is so white; city girls are different from us.” Jiang Li ignored the comments; as long as they weren’t malicious, she didn’t care.  Some bold young girls greeted Jiang Li. “Sister, you’re so pretty, like a fairy!” “Yes, sister, you’re the prettiest person we’ve ever seen!” Jiang Li was in a good mood.

 She noticed that the girls were thin and malnourished.  Jiang Li felt sympathy.  She took out some Da Bai Tu milk candies and gave them to the girls. “You’re so sweet; I’ll give you candy.” The girls hesitated.  Jiang Li said, “I need firewood; help me gather some, and I’ll give you candy.” The girls readily helped.

They often gathered firewood for their families.  Soon, each girl brought a bundle of firewood.  Jiang Li carried the firewood back to the educated youth center.  She would ask them again if she needed more firewood.

 Jiang Li, seeing it wasn’t late, decided to go into the mountains. The mountains were abundant with spiritual energy, suitable for cultivation.

  If she was lucky, she could find some game. The Shengli Production Brigade was near the mountains.  The mountains were rich in resources; villagers gathered vegetables, mountain products, and firewood.  They might even find game. Jiang Li walked towards the mountains. The children who had received candy reminded her, “Sister Jiang, are you going to the mountains?” Jiang Li nodded.

“Yes.” “Sister Jiang, be careful; the mountains are dangerous. Stay near the foot of the mountain and don’t go deep into the mountains.” “Yes, Sister Jiang, my grandma said there are ghosts in the deep mountains; don’t go there.

” Jiang Li thanked them and went into the mountains.  Jiang Li found that the spiritual energy was stronger the higher she went. This was a good place for cultivation.  She found a suitable spot to meditate.

After an hour, she felt her spiritual energy was abundant.  She then searched for game. She chanted an incantation, and several rabbits and pheasants ran towards her.

They then froze. Jiang Li controlled them, tied them up with grass, and took three rabbits and four pheasants.  She was satisfied and prepared to go down the mountain.