Chapter 28:

Yu Xiangqing didn’t understand why she hadn’t mentioned anything in her letter, yet her father seemed to know something.

“Don’t worry about how I found out. You’re still trying to hide it from me now? Why didn’t you tell your family if something happened? Were you afraid we wouldn’t care about you?”

Yu Xiangqing shook her head, her voice lowering. “I didn’t think that. I know my family wouldn’t abandon me. I just… I just didn’t know how to say it.”

She sighed. “I didn’t know how to bring it up. I was wrong, Dad. You warned me before—you said this wouldn’t work. But I insisted on following him here to the countryside. I was stubborn, and now this happened. I was afraid you’d be disappointed in me.”

“What are you talking about? You’re my daughter. No matter how disappointed I am, what can I do to you?” Yu Qingshan’s expression darkened. Under his stern gaze, Yu Xiangqing chuckled sheepishly, admitting her mistake with surprising ease. “Now that you know, I don’t have to struggle with it anymore. Dad, I know I was wrong. Please forgive me.”

What could he do when his child had already admitted her mistake?

Of course, he had to forgive her.

Seeing her as lively and spirited as before, Yu Qingshan felt relieved. “Alright, just be more careful from now on. So, can you tell me exactly what happened?”

Yu Xiangqing shrugged, speaking as if it were nothing. “It’s actually pretty simple. Grandpa was sick for a while, so no supplies were sent to me. Some people started saying my family had abandoned me. He probably thought so too.” A faint sneer crossed her face. “He must have been holding back for a long time. It was just the supplies from home that kept him from making a decision. But this gave him the push he needed. He took the chance to cozy up to the daughter of a commune official. Now he’s working as a temporary laborer in the commune.”

Yu Xiang’an nodded. “Cutting your losses early is a good thing.”

“If you’d found out about his true character after marriage, it would’ve been too late. Did people know you two were together?”

Yu Xiangqing burst into laughter. “You’re right, little sister. Spotting it early and cutting losses is the way to go. No one knew—they just thought we were fellow villagers who got along well. I was too stupid back then. He said not to make it public, so I didn’t think much of it.”

“I always thought we were in a relationship, but turns out, we were just friends.” She shrugged. “Being friends is fine too. It doesn’t stop me from finding someone else.”

Listening to her self-deprecating tone, Yu Qingshan could barely contain his anger. “Where is he now?”

His expression was grim as he spoke, making Yu Xiangqing worry he might actually go after him and give him a beating.

She grabbed his arm. “Dad, don’t be angry. He’s at the commune. We’re done now, and everyone knows we have nothing to do with each other. That’s enough. He’ll get his comeuppance sooner or later. That official’s daughter isn’t in good health, and I’ve heard she was engaged before, but something happened. There’s probably more to that story. His life won’t be easy.”

Yu Qingshan was furious, but he still had his wits about him. To outsiders, their relationship had always been innocent. If he suddenly beat the guy up, it would only tarnish his daughter’s reputation.

He wouldn’t do something so reckless. If he wanted to hit him, he’d find a way to do it secretly—maybe with a sack over his head.

He wasn’t as young as he used to be, but he could still handle a young punk.

He wondered if he’d get the chance tomorrow.

Yu Qingshan gulped down several bowls of water to calm himself before asking Yu Xiangqing, “What are your plans from now on?”

She pursed her lips. “Take it one step at a time, I guess. I don’t have many options. Since I’ve been assigned here, I’ll just have to work hard in the fields and earn my work points. Dad, I’ve actually gotten pretty good at farming. People have even praised me for planting seedlings in perfectly straight rows, like I used a ruler.”

“And I’ve learned all about the different crops here. Remember when I used to pull up seedlings thinking they were weeds while helping Uncle? I don’t do that anymore.”

“There’s a local specialty here called cloud mushrooms. I really like them, and I think you will too. They’re out of season now, but I have some dried ones. They’re not as good as fresh, but still tasty. I’ll cook some for you tonight.”

They had arrived at the train station around one o’clock and reached the village by two. Since they’d already had lunch, dinner was the next meal to prepare. Yu Xiang’an stepped forward.

“Fourth Sister, I’ve gotten pretty good at cooking. Let me show you what I can do.”

Yu Xiang’an had taken a liking to this resilient sister of hers. Unlike herself—who had a completely different soul inside—this was a genuine 19-year-old girl who had gone through hardship yet remained strong.

Not many could do that.

Yu Qingshan was also pleased with her current attitude. Hearing Yu Xiang’an’s offer, he nodded. “Your little sister’s cooking skills have improved a lot. It’s like she suddenly had an epiphany—her dishes keep getting better. Let her cook for you tonight, and you’ll see.”

Yu Xiangqing was skeptical. In just a year, she’d changed that much? Their cooking skills used to be about the same.

“Alright, little sister, I’ll be waiting to taste your skills tonight. By the way, how’s everything at the food factory?”

Yu Xiang’an: “Everything’s fine. Sis, you don’t have to worry about me. What do you usually do in your free time here?”

Yu Xiangqing blinked. “Get up early to work in the fields, come back when it’s dark. After dinner and a bath, it’s already pitch black outside. Since I finished high school, sometimes I help teach literacy classes with other educated youths—reading newspapers and Chairman Mao’s quotes to the villagers. As long as the weather permits, there’s work every day.” No work meant no work points, and no work points meant not enough food.

“Fourth Sister, do you still read books? Have you ever thought about submitting articles? I remember your essays used to be praised by teachers. Look, even I’ve had articles published in newspapers. You could try too. Postage isn’t expensive, and if it gets accepted, you’d earn back the cost a hundredfold. While working, you could gather material. You could write deeper pieces than me—just avoid the sensitive topics. I think you’ve got a real shot.”

Yu Qingshan agreed. “That’s right, you should give it a try. If it doesn’t work out, no harm done. But if it does, it could change everything.”

He didn’t want his fourth daughter to spend her whole life toiling in the fields. She wasn’t meant to stay in the countryside forever. He had worked hard to escape the mud of rural life—he didn’t want his children to return to the struggles he had endured.

Right now, there were no job openings for her to return to the city. But submitting articles didn’t require a job. She could send them freely. If she had a talent for writing, gaining fame could make it easier to return to the city later.

Yu Xiangqing fell into thought. Her? Submitting articles?

She’d never considered it. Could she really do it?

Well… maybe she could try?

“How did you submit yours before?”

“I asked around to see which newspapers accepted submissions and studied their styles. Then I picked the ones that matched and sent mine in.”

…

Yu Xiang’an explained the process in detail.

Meanwhile, she wondered how else she could help.

Maybe she could send her some books and newspaper clippings when she got back. That might be useful.

They had arrived the day before Mid-Autumn Festival. At noon the next day, they’d take the train back, so they only had one full day to celebrate together.

They had brought plenty of food—not just mooncakes for the festival, but also meat, candy, canned goods, and various sauces Yu Xiang’an had made. There was enough to last Yu Xiangqing a while.

After chatting for a while, it was getting late. Yu Xiang’an rolled up her sleeves and cooked the meat, setting aside a portion for Granny Chen’s family. The three of them celebrated Mid-Autumn Festival a day early.

Yu Xiangqing was overjoyed. Spending the holiday together—with her father, her sister, and homemade mooncakes from back home—was wonderful.

Having family by her side was the best feeling in the world.

She radiated happiness as she talked about their older brother, grandmother, grandfather, and all the things that had happened in the past year while she was away.

That night, they stayed up late.

But they slept soundly.

The next morning was bright and clear. After breakfast, Granny Chen and her grandsons left early. Yu Xiangqing was about to take her father and sister around Oxhorn Brigade when Mo Wenwen showed up.

The moment Yu Xiangqing saw her at the door, her expression darkened. “What are you doing here? I already told you—if you have something to say, don’t come to me. If I have something to say, I won’t come to you. We stay out of each other’s way.”

“Xiao Qing, why are you being so cold? After all the time we’ve spent together, are you really going to dismiss everything because of a few rumors? What I owed you is already settled. We still have a long time ahead of us here.”

She looked utterly innocent, but no matter how much she pleaded, Yu Xiangqing remained firm. “Are you done? If you are, leave. I have work to do. If you’re late, they’ll deduct your work points. Don’t blame me for not warning you.”

This was the roommate Yu Xiangqing had grown to despise—the one she’d rather move out to avoid. On the surface, Mo Wenwen seemed harmless, with her sweet smile and guileless demeanor. But as the saying goes, it’s the quiet ones you have to watch out for.

Seeing that Yu Xiangqing wouldn’t budge, Mo Wenwen turned to Yu Xiang’an. “You’re Xiao Qing’s little sister, right? Your sister and I are friends, but there’s been a misunderstanding. Could you help me—”

Yu Xiang’an cut her off. “No!”

She didn’t mince words. “You’re strange. This is my sister—of course I’ll believe her. And she’s made herself perfectly clear. Can’t you take a hint? If you’re this shameless, you must be up to no good.”

Mo Wenwen flushed red. “H-how can you say that? I just don’t want to lose a friend.”

“But my sister doesn’t want you as a friend. Friendship isn’t a one-way street. If it’s one-sided, that’s not friendship—that’s being clingy. That’s being a nuisance.”

Watching Mo Wenwen flee in defeat, Yu Xiangqing felt much better. She couldn’t believe how naive she’d been before.

She used to think Mo Wenwen was the best friend she’d made since coming here.

It wasn’t until her family stopped sending supplies that she realized how calculating the girl was.

As long as there were benefits, everything was fine. The moment the benefits stopped, she turned around and mocked her behind her back.

Just like now—after months of no contact, the moment she heard Yu Xiangqing’s family had visited, she came running.

All because she thought there was something to gain.

Yu Qingshan walked over slowly, watching Mo Wenwen’s retreating figure. “It’s fine. Just be more careful about who you trust from now on.”

Young people all had moments of poor judgment.

“Come on, show us around. And where’s your brigade leader usually at this time? I’d like to have a word with him…”

Since his daughter was assigned here, the brigade leader’s goodwill would be invaluable. He had generously lent them the oxcart yesterday—Yu Qingshan wanted to thank him properly.

More importantly, he hoped the man would keep an eye out for his fourth daughter.

Her temperament still worried him.

And as for Liang Yong—since he was only a temporary worker at the commune, his household registration was still tied to this village. If he ever wanted to transfer out, the brigade leader’s approval would be crucial.