Chapter 108: Yun Yingying, Something's Off Between You Two Sisters

Wei Chunlan truly did not care about what was being orchestrated in other villages; her objective had already been achieved. Leaving Shanghe Village at this moment was actually the best choice, as it at least preserved her reputation on the surface. Otherwise, if Zhang Dagang’s wife were to find out, she certainly wouldn't let it go, and by then, her reputation would be completely ruined. Furthermore, she remained extremely respectful toward those two individuals; since they were capable of facilitating her transfer, they undoubtedly had countless ways to make her life miserable. As long as she couldn't return to the city, she had no standing to turn against them. Wei Chunlan stood at the gate, respectfully watching them leave.

Once they were out of sight, she looked at the money Zhang Dagang had paid her, her expression complex. However, her face gradually grew composed. She returned to her room, grabbed her shoulder bag, and headed toward the commune. She intended to use this money and those ration coupons to do some shopping and then treat all the educated youths to a meal. She wanted to leave in style, leaving behind a wake of envy in the eyes of others. As for if the truth were to surface after she left, she could simply claim it was a rumor spread by those jealous of her. Once she had washed herself clean, who would dare say she wasn't a respectable woman? Of course, that would require her to maintain a facade of virtue once she reached the other village.

Wei Chunlan was in luck; there were live chickens for sale at the commune today. She generously bought one, along with various other items, and returned to Shanghe Village. The others had just finished their shift and were preparing lunch. Seeing her return with a pile of goods, they were all quite surprised, but that was exactly the effect Wei Chunlan wanted.

"I’m going to Hongqi Tun to be a teacher tomorrow. I’m treating all the educated youths to a meal tonight, and I specifically bought these things from the commune."

"Really? Chunlan, why are you suddenly going over there to teach?"

"The autumn harvest is almost here; I’m so envious that you’re able to go teach at a time like this!"

"Congratulations, congratulations!"

Amidst the chorus of congratulations, Wei Chunlan put away her items and said with a smile, "It was pure luck that there was a vacancy, and with some help from relatives, I managed to secure the teaching position. You all carry on with your work; I’m going to tell the people in the other courtyards."

The first place Wei Chunlan visited after leaving the youth dormitory courtyard was the home of Hao Hongmin and Yang Xiuying. It would be a lie to say she didn't harbor any jealousy toward those who could afford to build their own houses, but so what? They still had to work in the fields every day, while she was going to be a teacher. Thinking of this, she walked in with a hint of smugness on her face.

"Hongmin, Xiuying, are you making lunch?"

Hao Hongmin was surprised by Wei Chunlan’s visit, as they didn't interact much, though Yang Xiuying often visited the youth dormitory and they got along reasonably well. She replied, "We are indeed. We only have this little bit of time at noon to grab a bite; if I don't lie down for a moment, I'm afraid I won't be able to last through the afternoon. By the way, is there something you need, Chunlan?"

"You should prepare yourself mentally, because during the autumn harvest, there’s basically no time for rest. You have to work from before dawn until it's too dark to see the road, and you can only grab a quick bite at the edge of the fields."

Hao Hongmin and Yang Xiuying felt like cursing. They had already heard this from the villagers; did she really need to come over and repeat it? Wasn't she just ruining their mood?

Wei Chunlan continued, "Oh, I almost forgot the main point. I’m leaving for Hongqi Tun to be a teacher tomorrow. I’m treating everyone to a meal at the youth dormitory tonight; remember to come over early to help."

After hearing this, the two women felt even more like cursing. So, you really just came here to show off.

***

Wei Chunlan was very satisfied with their expressions. Perhaps they knew there was no hope of returning to the city, which was why they were putting all their effort into building houses to put down roots here; otherwise, why would they work so hard in the fields every day?

Meanwhile, Han Li was feeling frustrated. Yun Yingying had been acting very strangely today. Ever since they finished work in the morning, she had been clinging to him, practically hanging off his body. Although Han Li felt a flicker of temptation, her sister, Yun Jingjing, was standing right there. And to make matters worse, her sister was just standing by, smiling and watching, neither saying a word nor stopping her sister’s actions. She had the air of someone who had just come over to help cook, acting as if they should just do whatever they wanted and pretend she wasn't there.

This left Han Li feeling quite uneasy. He thought to himself: *If you weren't here, Yun Jingjing, I would have taught your sister a lesson in minutes, letting her experience what it’s like to deal with a man’s frustration.*

Just then, Wei Chunlan walked in and saw Han Li squatting there, teasing some puppies. Yun Yingying was squatting tightly beside him, one arm draped over Han Li’s shoulder, looking just like two buddies chatting. Meanwhile, her sister, Yun Jingjing, was busy washing vegetables and cooking. What was going on? Did people from Beijing always interact like this?

"Haha, you’re all here?"

"Wei Chunlan? What are you doing here?"

"Comrade Wei, what a rare visitor. Come inside and sit for a while."

Out of politeness, Han Li forced himself to stand up, though he looked a bit strange, holding a puppy in front of him. Wei Chunlan took a casual glance and noticed something off. She thought: *Is this Han Li even human? Even the new donkeys in Shanghe Village aren't as rowdy as this!*

"Haha, I won't go inside; I just have two things to say. I’m going to Hongqi Tun to be a teacher tomorrow, and I’m treating everyone to a meal at the youth dormitory tonight. Make sure you come over early."

"Haha, then congratulations to Comrade Wei! From now on, you'll be free from the hardship of bending over in the fields."

"I just had a bit of luck..."

Hearing her prattle on, Han Li couldn't reconcile her with the label of a "good person."

Wei Chunlan left Han Li’s house satisfied and turned toward He Mi’s place. Once Wei Chunlan was out of sight, Yun Yingying stomped her foot on the ground and said, "What a piece of work! Showing off in front of us... if you're so capable, why don't you just go back to the city? With the meager work points of a village teacher, if she doesn't work in the fields, she won't even be able to fill her stomach. What is there to show off about?"

"To each their own. Everyone has different thoughts and expectations. However, according to our Beijing customs, one doesn't visit empty-handed. You should discuss with your sister what to bring."

Yun Jingjing added, "What’s left to bring given our current conditions? After work, we'll go trade for a few eggs to take over as an extra dish; that should be plenty."

Han Li nodded, "That's true. Food is more precious than anything else. I'll bring some food as well."

Yun Jingjing asked, "Han Li, why do you keep so much firewood in the outer room? It’s blocking the entire north wall."

To hide the washroom that couldn't be operated without charcoal, Han Li had specifically stacked a lot of firewood in that spot to obstruct others' views, never expecting Yun Jingjing to notice the anomaly.

"Haha... that’s just for convenience in cooking, so I don't have to run out into the yard."

"No, Han Li, what are you hiding? That small hut in the back yard is already fully formed, and both are in the same line. There must be something fishy going on."

***

"Haha, what could be fishy about it? It’s just not ready to be shown to everyone yet. Once it’s finished in a couple of days, I wouldn't be able to hide it even if I wanted to, right?"

Yun Jingjing said seriously, "Han Li, we are no longer in Beijing. Our friends and family can't offer us any help, so be more careful in what you do; don't give us cause for worry."

Regardless of the reason, Yun Jingjing’s words were sincere, warming Han Li’s heart. Whether based on the literature he had read in the past or the reality he had encountered since arriving in this world, Han Li had always maintained a three-part distance from people and events, living his life as if behind a thin, ethereal veil. Even with the lingering habits of a shut-in from his past life, he still felt a sense of loneliness. After all, humans are social animals, and he hoped to confide in others at some point. In his previous life, when he felt depressed, he could at least go online and vent about his frustrations to soothe his nerves. But in this era, there were too few people he could safely talk to; even someone who shared his bed might not be safe.

At that moment, Han Li felt a sudden urge to open up to Yun Jingjing. As long as it didn't involve his own safety, he was willing to pour his heart out to her. Unfortunately, at that moment, Yun Yingying asked, "What are you planning to bring when you go to the youth dormitory?"

"Ah, there's still the whole afternoon, right? Let me consider it; since the three of us received the news together, we shouldn't bring the same thing, right?"

"Pfft, what does that matter? Look at our situation now; we don't have the luxury of being so particular. Why don't the three of us just count as one group?"

Yun Jingjing said angrily, "Yingying, where are your manners? This is only because you're in front of Han Li, and he tolerates you and doesn't take what you say to heart. If you were in front of others back in Beijing, you would have offended someone today, do you understand?"

Yun Yingying seemed to realize something, and she suddenly ran toward Han Li’s room in tears.

*Han Li, even though this is my house, isn't this behavior a bit inappropriate for sisters?*

Yun Jingjing said apologetically, "Yingying might be sad because I was too harsh just now. I shouldn't go over to comfort her at this moment. Could I trouble you to go help me talk to her? She usually admires you quite a bit."

Han Li’s heart wanted to have a good talk with Yun Jingjing, as she had touched a chord within him just moments ago. But looking at these two faces that were indistinguishable without hearing their voices, Han Li found himself unable to say no.

"Haha... okay, I'll go try. If it doesn't work, I'll call you immediately."

"Mhm, thank you for the trouble."

Han Li walked into the room, feeling somewhat reluctant, but as soon as he stepped inside...