Chapter 28 Peng Zhigang’s Courtesy

Liu Yulan remembered Jiang Li slapping Sun Wenwen and felt a twinge of pain in her own face.  She didn’t dare to speak further, but Peng Zhigang lingered. Mu Jingxun saw Peng Zhigang’s intentions clearly; the older educated youth was trying to pursue Jiang Li.  He scoffed, considering Peng Zhigang unworthy of Jiang Li.

“Comrade Peng, don’t you have your own work to do? Jiang Zhiqing has clearly said she doesn’t need your help. Some people just don’t understand.” He smirked. Bai Ziyong added, “Comrade Peng, since you’re so free and want to help, why don’t you help me? Jiang Zhiqing doesn’t need help, but I do.” Peng Zhigang was furious. He had disliked the two new male educated youth, and now they were interfering.

 He glared at them. “You two big men, you want me to help you?” Bai Ziyong said nonchalantly, “Why not? Who says men can’t accept help? Comrade Peng, we’re all new educated youth; you can’t discriminate!” Peng Zhigang, realizing the situation, left, fearing Bai Ziyong would really make him work.

  Jiang Li chuckled; Mu Jingxun and Bai Ziyong were clever. She had a pheasant and some mushrooms left over; she would make chicken and mushroom stew and give Mu Jingxun and Bai Ziyong a bowl as thanks. Jiang Li continued weeding. It was easy for her; she finished quickly and efficiently.

 The educated youth and villagers were shocked by her speed. “Comrade Peng offered to help, but look at Jiang Zhiqing; she doesn’t need help.” “Yes, I thought Jiang Zhiqing was ungrateful, but she really didn’t need help.” “Comrade Peng works slower than Jiang Zhiqing; he was making a fool of himself.”

 “We finally have a capable educated youth; unlike the previous ones, who were weak and couldn’t do anything.” “I think Sun Zhiqing is also capable, but she’s far behind Jiang Zhiqing.” Sun Wenwen felt uncomfortable hearing the villagers’ comments. She had planned to make a good impression on Mu Jingxun, but Jiang Li stole the spotlight.  She decided Jiang Li couldn’t be allowed to stay. 

Without Jiang Li, she had confidence in winning Mu Jingxun over.  Jiang Li called the scorekeeper to record her work points. She received six work points instead of the usual four, due to a bonus for new educated youth.

  She asked Li Changping, “Brigade Leader, I’ve finished my work; do you need me to do anything else?” Li Changping, wanting to favor Jiang Li, wouldn’t give her more work. “Jiang Zhiqing, if you want to earn more work points, I can give you more work; the daily limit is ten. If not, you can rest after finishing your assigned work. 

We don’t waste time in the fields; once you finish your work, you can leave.” Jiang Li nodded. “Okay, Brigade Leader, I don’t need more money, so I’ll leave now.” Liu Yulan was envious; she had only weeded a little and her hands were already hurting. She would buy gloves next time. She couldn’t continue and went to Peng Zhigang.

“Comrade Peng, I can’t do this anymore; can you help me? Jiang Zhiqing didn’t need your help, but I do. Look, my hands are sore.” Peng Zhigang had helped Jiang Li to impress her; he wasn’t willing to waste his energy on Liu Yulan.

Before he could refuse, Bai Ziyong whistled. “Comrade Peng, we’re all educated youth; you won’t refuse to help Liu Zhiqing, right? As the educated youth center leader, you should help new educated youth overcome difficulties.

You’re not willing to help me, but Liu Zhiqing is a woman; you shouldn’t refuse, right? You were so enthusiastic towards Jiang Zhiqing; you can’t discriminate!” Peng Zhigang couldn’t refuse; if he did, it would show his intentions towards Jiang Li. He reluctantly agreed. Mu Jingxun and Bai Ziyong were pleased. Peng Zhigang hated them. Jiang Li returned to the educated youth center, meditated, and prepared lunch.

The educated youth returned, exhausted; Peng Zhigang looked the most tired. Jiang Li asked Mu Jingxun and Bai Ziyong, “Did anything interesting happen while I was gone?”  Mu Jingxun found her cute.