Chapter 301: Changing Surname
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Although it was the same to take revenge afterward, it was not as good as taking revenge on the spot.
In yesterday’s situation, his status was not even comparable to Shen Erkui’s.
After changing his surname, his identity was not just live-in son-in-law, no one would dare to bully Su Wen. His actions also showed his determination to stay in the Su family.
Zhou Hengyang put the household register in his pocket and headed straight to the supply and marketing cooperative. After handing the matter of collecting the accounts to Zhao Qianshan and Fatty, he returned to the Trinity village.
After a day of measuring the land in the village, it was finally time for the collective meeting.
Every household had to participate and bring their own chairs. Because the yard was not big enough, each household was only allowed to bring one stool. The others could only watch and not speak. If they wanted to say something, they had to discuss it at home in advance.
Everything depended on luck.
Su Wen was very enthusiastic and brought her six younger sisters along. As the saying goes, blood is thicker than water and they had to face it together. Even though they were all sisters and had no brothers, they were not afraid.
On the way out of the house, they met many people who were holding stools and heading to the headquarters. Some were envious, some were jealous, and some were indignant when they saw Su Wen.
“This is great. Su Wen, your good days are here.”
“Exactly! We have a family of seven and only have 35mu of land. When the three brothers get married and split up, it will be gone. But Su Wen, you are different. You alone have 40mu of land in your hands!”
“Su Wen, you’re really lucky. You’re going to make a comeback this time.”
“When that time comes, who in the entire Trinity village will have more land than you!”
You will be the landlord from now on.
Su Wen did not like what she was hearing, but she knew what most people were thinking. The girl’s family was assigned to the land, and after she married someone, it would belong to her family. Su Wen had six younger sisters. Once they got married, all these lands would belong to Su Wen.
Actually, Su Wen did not care about these things, but she wisely held back and did not say anything.
After all, it would be asking for a beating if she acted like she did not care about the land that others treated as their lifeblood.
“Big sister, I’ve decided to look for a son-in-law at home in the future.” Su Xiu whispered.
When Su Wen heard this, she looked at her in surprise. “Why do you suddenly have such an idea?”
“It’s not sudden. I’ve long thought about it.”
“You…” She wanted to ask what would happen to He Changming, but she thought that it was too early to ask.
She’ll talk about it when the time comes!
Su Wen was not in the mood to talk about anything else. The village meetil was about to start, but Zhou Hengyang was not back yet.
Where did he go?
He has not been back for a day.
Did he not say that he would definitely attend today’s meeting? Zhou Hengyang did not return to the city after so many days because wanted to for the land to be settled before he went back.
Although Su Wen was not afraid of facing it alone, she felt much more at with him around.
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This sense of security was what Su Wen lacked the most when she was wor alone in the city.
Now that she had someone who could give her a sense of security, she wou subconsciously think of him. Even she herself did not know that she had already begun to rely on Zhou Hengyang.
The reason why she was so cautious about relying on someone was actualh just for that irreplaceable sense of security!
Su Wen asked Su Qing to bring her sisters to help them reserve seats while went to the village entrance to wait for Zhou Hengyang.
As soon as they arrived at the village entrance, they saw Zhou Hengyang ri his bicycle over. He jumped up happily and waved non-stop..
Chapter 302: Breeze
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
“Zhou Hengyang.” Su Wen stood on her tiptoes and waved at Zhou Hengyang. When he was in front of her, she could not help but ask, “Where have you been?
Why haven’t I seen you for a day? Have you eaten lunch? What did you eat?”
“Sesame-seed pancake.” Zhou Hengyang got off his bicycle and glanced at her.
“Why are you eating sesame-seed pancakes? It’s too normal. Next time, you must eat something good. You can’t eat something too normal.” Su Wen thought to herself that the pancake did not suit his identity as the male lead at all!
Zhou Hengyang gave her a strange look. “It’s good enough to have sesame-seed pancakes. I often forget to eat when I’m busy in the city.” She seemed to dislike sesame-seed pancakes.
Su Wen was stunned. Then, she thought about how all male protagonists would forget to eat and sleep.
Eating sesame-seed pancakes was not worthy of his status, but it sounded normal if he did not eat them! Well… Male protagonists worked overtime for work and did not even eat. It sounded very inspirational and reasonable.
“Oh!” Hence, Su Wen replied coldly.
Zhou Hengyang reached out and touched her forehead.
“What are you doing?” Su Wen was stunned by his sudden action. “Why are you touching my forehead?”
Zhou Hengyang retracted his hand. “I’m checking if you have a fever.” She was judging him when he ate the sesame-seed pancakes but did not react at all when he said that he was so busy that he did not have time to eat.
“Why are you standing here?” Zhou Hengyang changed the topic to avoid being angered to death.
“I was waiting for you!”
“Ha!” A certain someone sneered and rode his bicycle away, completely ignoring Su Wen.
Ha! A woman’s mouth was a liar. He no longer believed that she was waiting for him.
Su Wen was dumbfounded. She hurriedly ran after him. “Zhou Hengyang, wait for me. Why are you riding so fast?” What a stupid male lead, this was too much. He rode the bike in front and let her chase after him.
“Stop right there.”
The person in front did not even spare her a glance. With the advantage of his height and long legs, he rode the bicycle confidently and easily. He pedaled at a moderate pace so that Su Wen could not catch up.
It was too hateful.
Stupid male lead. She had to make him look good. Su Wen secretly gritted her teeth. She had waited for him out of goodwill, but he did not even thank her. He actually dared to not give her a good look.
He rode in front and let her exhaust herself to chase after him.
Su Wen was so angry that she stomped her feet and ran away quickly. Seeing that she had caught up, she jumped onto the back seat of the bicycle and hugged Zhou Hengyang’s thin waist tightly to prevent herself from falling.
Zhou Hengyang, who was riding his bicycle, was stunned. His body tensed up and he felt that the body hugging him was fragrant and soft, causing his mind to go blank for a moment.
“Humph!” Su Wen finally did not have to chase after him anymore. She said proudly, “Let’s see if you still dare to leave me behind. Alright, you can use more strength now. I’m not afraid of falling even if you ride faster.”
Zhou Hengyang’s voice was hoarse. “You’re hugging me so tightly. You don’t have to be afraid of falling.” Although he said that, his speed was much faster than before. Su Wen could feel the cool wind blowing past her body.
The hair behind her ears fluttered in the air, making her feel much more relaxed. She raised her chin and narrowed her eyes, enjoying the feeling of the evening breeze. The air was filled with the fragrance of grass and unknown wildflowers.
There was also the fragrance of rice and reeds in the rice fields, as well as the unique smell of a man who was domineering and enveloped her body..
Chapter 303: Too Difficult to Serve Please
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
It was very refreshing and special. One had to be very, very close to smell it. However, once you smelled it, you would unconsciously remember it deeply in your mind.
It was as if this was the taste in the depths of her memories.
Su Wen could not help but think that as long as she was in the Trinity village in the future, as long as she smelled grass, wildflowers, and rice fields, she would be able to think of the most special scent among these familiar scents.
The most special person.
“You must want me to fall with you.”
The man in front of her suddenly said something that pulled Su Wen back from her good mood. She could not help but glare fiercely at his back, thinking that the stupid male lead would never disappoint. He would never forget to strike a blow at others.
Don’t glare at me.”
He used an affirmative sentence, not a question. It just so happened that Su Wen was glaring at him, which made Su Wen feel guilty.
“Do you have eyes on the back of your head?”
Zhou Hengyang did not look back. He turned the bicycle and headed toward the headquarters. “No.” “Then how did you know?”
“Then how did you know?”
“You’re too stupid.” The man in front snorted. “If I were you, I would never admit it.”
Su Wen was speechless.
This was too much! Was he mocking her for being too stupid?
How was this possible? How could Su Wen be stupid?
Little sister Su’s overconfidence in her intelligence was mostly learned from Su Wen. As the saying goes, one who stays close to vermilion gets stained red, and one who stays close to ink gets stained black. Little sister Su thought that she was especially smart and quick-witted. From this, it could be seen that Su Wen absolutely did not like to be ridiculed for being too stupid.
At that moment, Su Wen was filled with anger. She seized the opportunity when Zhou Hengyang wanted to focus on riding the bike and could not resist, and her fingers tickled his waist.
His originally straight back was suddenly scratched by her, and his body trembled violently for a moment as if he had been electrocuted.
Zhou Hengyang suddenly stopped with one foot on the ground. He turned his head sideways and did not smile or get angry. He just stared straight at Su Wen. His thin lips were tightly pursed, and his usually deep eyes seemed to be stained with a layer of water. Tears hung on his eyelashes.
“What… What’s wrong?” Su Wen retracted her hands guiltily. She felt uncomfortable under Zhou Hengyang’s gaze and did not dare to look into his eyes.
“Why did you stop?”
“Have you provoked other men like this in the past?” Zhou Hengyang suddenly asked.
Su Wen cursed in her heart. What kind of questions were these? They were ridiculous and too intrusive.
“This isn’t provoking you, you’re going too far. I just wanted to tickle you.” She was clearly just tickling him. How could it be considered provoking him? If she wanted to provoke him, she would not have used such a lousy trick.
It would make her seem so unintelligent.
Zhou Hengyang suddenly pinched her chin and forced her to look at him. His gaze was deep and intense, but it gave people a sense of danger.
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“Answer my question.” Zhou Hengyang’s calloused fingers caressed Su Wen’s delicate skin, inadvertently bringing about a series of soft and numb sensations. It made Su Wen jump off the seat.
No. Never”. It was as if she had been forced into a corner. She shouted randomly, “This is ridiculous. Zhou Hengyang, you’ve gone too far. I’m warning you, don’t be willful just because I’m good to you.”
Humph! If it was not for the fact that she had to cling to him, she would have chased him away long ago.
There were countless benefits to keeping this stupid male lead, but he was too difficult to please.
They had just arrived at the entrance of the headquarters. Su Wen simply went in angrily, ignoring Zhou Hengyang behind her..
Chapter 304: Old Thinking
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Seeing her fleeing back, the previously unpredictable man’s eyes gradually softened, and a slight smile tugged on his lips.
Everyone had arrived save for Zhou Hengyang. Li Youcai was so anxious that he almost got someone to look for him. No sooner had he decided on a course of action than he noticed Zhou Hengyang standing at the door. “Hengyang, you’re finally here!”
“Something bad has happened; I just heard the news.” Li Youcai pulled Zhou Hengyang aside, worry coloring his words, “I’m afraid Little Wen might have bitten off more than she can chew.”
They had discussed this matter mere days before. Indeed, in the time since, Zhou Hengyang managed to deal with the other notable families in the village. Not only had he settled the matter regarding the division of land, but he also pushed for greater support for his newest plan. It was not a bad plan by any means. Other than the food handed over to the country as tax, the surplus belonged to individual households.
As long as one had a pair of hardworking hands, one need not fear starving.
The people in the village had been farmers for generations. If the land were distributed to their families, they would be willing to work hard and suffer. They would not need to fight with those who fished in troubled waters once the land was divided.
Naturally, no one objected to the plan or that they would need someone to take the lead. Zhou Hengyang promised to take charge of this initiative, bringing Trinity Village and the entirety of Canter Village – Greater and Lesser – under his management. The water supply of these three villages would be diverted accordingly.
Zhou Hengyang’s promise carried a lot of weight.
Lesser Canter Village was infamous for being unreasonable and overbearing, and its reputation was well-known throughout Clear Water County. The people of Lesser Canter Village alwavs ignored the countv insDectors whenever thev came around to conduct inspections. Every spring, when rice was sown and required water, the people of Lesser Canter Village would dam up the Clear Water River.
throughout Clear Water County. The people of Lesser Canter Village alwavs ignored the countv insDectors whenever thev came around to conduct inspections. Every spring, when rice was sown and required water, the people of Lesser Canter Village would dam up the Clear Water River.
The villages downstream would immediately lose most of their water supply.
Trinity Village only got some water when Lesser Canter Village had had its fill.
The situation improved after Zhou Hengyang’s arrival the previous year. With him around, Lesser Canter Village no longer dared to bully Trinity Village. Zhou Hengyang’s promise benefited the village, so everyone supported his suggestion and, eventually, leadership.
This matter had kept Zhou Hengyang and Li Youcai busy the past few days.
Since Li Youcai said something bad had happened, it must mean some people were up to old tricks again.
“Please speak.” Zhou Hengyang’s reacted to Li Youcai’s news with calm restraint. Compared to Li Youcai’s anxiety, Zhou Hengyang might have seemed indifferent.
“The rest of the Su family has joined forces against Su Wen!” Li Youcai sighed. “They’re eyeing the land. After Su Qing and the others get married, the rest of the land will belong to Su Wen alone; her share is greater than anyone else in the village.”
What about Liu Erniu and your third cousin’s families?”
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The two families that Zhou Hengyang mentioned had more daughters than sons. Liu Erniu’s family had five daughters and only one son. In the future, when all five daughters were married off, all that land would belong to his only son.
Li Youcai’s third cousin’s family was in a similar situation, but his family had seven daughters and one son. The land that one son would get far outstripped Su Wen since it did not include the shares belonging to Li Youcai’s grandparents, parents, daughters, and granddaughters combined. The total land area they possessed was more than 100 mu.
“This… Does your family have a son?”
Zhou Hengyang sneered. “It’s still bullying even though Su Wen’s family has not produced a son!”
“I agree, but neither can I blame them. It’s all the fault of old-fashioned thinking. Don’t they know the era we’re now living in? Women can hold up half the sky, but those stuck to the old ways will hear nothing of modern ideology. There’s nothing I can do about them..”
Chapter 305: Striving Toward One’s Goals
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
“If they all possessed your wisdom, Uncle Cai, they would have already become our village chief.” Zhou Hengyang was not in a hurry; he had long guessed this would happen. Why else had he rushed to change his surname?
“Don’t worry. I’m already prepared. The meeting is about to start. Let’s head inside!”
“Alright.” Li Youcai felt more assured, knowing Zhou Hengyang was not anxious. To speak plainly, this matter had little to do with him. The only reason he had stepped in was because of Zhou Hengyang.
As an aside, Li Youcai did not feel ashamed to admit how difficult it was to deal with Su Wen now. She was no longer the Su Wen of the past; she was not so easily bullied as she was before.
What happened regarding Sun Dahai’s matter was only the first of many such incidents that would occur if people continued to anger Su Wen. As the village chief, Li Youcai could not allow the matter to blow up, or he would face the consequences; hence, he supported Zhou Hengyang’s plan unquestioningly.
The courtyard hosting the meeting was packed like sardines. Su Qing had managed to get a seat in the front row for Su Wen. It allowed them to hear whoever it was on the temporary stage that had been erected. In full view of those present was a box from which the lots would be drawn.
To their left was Xu Xiangdong. Seated diagonally behind him was one of Su Wen’s neighbors who lived nearby. In this round of land distribution, all parties had a share, including the five households which had received guarantees.
Most of those in attendance were men.
Xu Xiangdong was the youngest; the rest of the congregation comprised middle-aged men in their forties and fifties. In some ways, it related to the gender roles associated with men and women in the village. Where women ran the household, men were expected to maintain their livelihoods. This included matters such as the division of land.
Among those present, Su Wen was an anomaly.
“Big Sister, I saved you a seat.” Su Qing waved, calling Su Wen over. She quickly got up, saying, “I’ll be off now,” before retreating to stand with the others lining the wall.
Spectators, mostly women who had come to watch the proceedings, formed a line at the back. None of them wanted to miss the selection of a representative to draw the lots out of the box. Su Qing took her place at the back beside Su Xiu, Su Xue, Fifth Sister, Sixth Sister, and Little Sister Su.
Su Qing was glad to be with her younger sisters. Earlier, she had felt uncomfortable seated amid a large crowd of men. Now that she had done her duty by saving Su Wen a seat, she no longer had to sit with the rest and felt much relieved.
Su Wen did not take Su Qing’s actions as a snub against her, knowing her sister well enough to note her anxiety. Su Wen sat where she did like it was the most natural thing in the world; she even looked around leisurely. Even though men surrounded her, Su Wen was neither intimidated nor embarrassed by their presence or her presence among them.
As the village accountant, Su Xuewu stood on stage, hoping to see Su Wen make a fool of herself. However, reality dashed his hopes, leaving him disappointed. Not only did Su Wen comport herself with casual grace, but she also seemed completely unperturbed by her situation.
Man proposes, but God disposes.
If one is not assertive, behaving timidly around others, they open themselves to disdain, giving others the means to take advantage of them. However, if one acts with generosity, presents themselves with confidence, and bears an open mind, no one would dare look down on such a person.
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Many people in the crowd were as disappointed as Su Xuewu was. Their plan to see Su Wen embarrass herself had failed. Worse still, some women took Su Wen’s actions as a license to sit with the men, jostling those who would not give way out of their seats and freeing up space around Su Wen.
Go, go, go. Hurry up.” “Don’t be an eyesore here. Can’t you see this section is for women?”
“Hurry up. Shoo!”
Five women browbeat the men around Su Wen into giving them their seats.
The sight of this deeply amused Su Wen. Those women were all widows. After their husbands died, they chose not to remarry; instead, they became the heads of their respective households. They had probably felt awkward since hardly any women were seated in the crowd. By taking the initiative, Su Wen gave them the courage to find seats for themselves and attend today’s drawing of lots openly..
Chapter 306: Giving A Brick
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Su Wen’s actions served as the impetus for other women to step up to the plate.
Happy that her actions had instilled courage in her fellow women, Su Wen helped them chase away the few stragglers clinging to the seats around her.
However, it was easier said than done. Many of the men around her refused to be chased away. They could not accept the presence of women in what was traditionally a male-dominated field. The sudden intrusion of women into a male-dominated sphere of influence sent waves in their hearts, with most unwilling to give in. The rest did not want to give up the front-row seats they had obtained.
If they relinquished their seats, they would have no choice but to stand in the back with all the other women.
Thus began their back-and-forth, with neither side willing to give in, eventually devolving into a heated argument.
Why should we give up our seats?” A man asked indignantly.
A woman with a particularly fierce personality put her hands on her hips and rebutted, “Hah! How shameless! Are you so enamored by Little Wen’s looks that you can bear the thought of not sitting beside her? What would your wife say, you pervert!”
The faces of several men turned black, though whether it was from embarrassment or anger was anyone’s guess. Fists clenched, and hands were raised. However, before the situation could escalate, they stopped, sensing a pair of cold eyes trained on them, almost as if a predator were stalking its prey.
That feeling seemed to emanate from somewhere along the courtyard wall. The men with raised fists felt a shiver run down their spines, and they quickly urged their compatriots to leave.
“Let’s go!”
Several pairs of eyes turned in a particular direction, meeting Zhou Hengyang’s icy gaze. Dejectedly, they made their way to the back.
The women who had successfully defended their usurped seats cheered happily. One by one, they settled in the now vacant seats around Su Wen. “Fortunately, we have you, Su Wen. Had it not been for you taking the lead, we would have had to beg our grandparents for help like before instead of representing ourselves. ”
They had had enough.
Why couldn’t they represent themselves? Were they any less than men just because they were women?
Why couldn’t women attend the conference openly? The country had recognized their status as individuals with equal rights as men. If they wanted to remarry, they could. But the opposite was also true. They could live a good, long life even if they did not want to get married.
Yes!” Su Wen’s eyes sparkled as she nodded along. She was very happy for them. “We have as much right as any man here to sit and represent ourselves,”
Su Wen said.
“That’s right, Little Wen is right.”
“We should take charge of our lives as Little Wen has. I regret not doing so in the past. If I had had more courage, I would have stood up for myself.”
Why should she be afraid of gossip or what other people thought of her? A widowed woman worked just as hard as any other man or woman, married or not. They supported their families from the shadows, looking after the children of their deceased husbands all by their lonesome.
They did not need to feel guilty for attending an important meeting that would affect their livelihoods.
Many people were paying attention to Su Wen and the spectacle that occurred. The men began to whisper among themselves, their voices filling with barely concealed contempt. The consensus among those men present was that women ought to remain as homemakers and care for the children.
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To sit in place of where a man should sit was simply shameless. The men saw Su Wen’s behavior as an affront to womanly principles and secretly criticized her for being shameless in their heart of hearts.
The women standing at the back, forming a line against the courtyard wall, also discussed what had transpired in hushed tones. Some muttered with acid in their words, while others commented on Su Wen’s actions sarcastically. A greater number, however, were filled with envy.
Those in the third category all hoped to be like Su Wen and become representatives of their respective families.
He Yulan was one of them. “Ah! If I had known, I would have gone up instead of letting Xiangdong represent us.” She had moved out of the house with Xu Xiangdong, and the latter listened to her.
She could not care less if anyone disagreed with her. She would introduce them to the brick if they did, taking a leaf out of Su Wen’s book..
Chapter 307: A Wall
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
He Yulan’s mother-in-law glanced at her daughter-in-law but said nothing. Instead, she turned her head and looked at her old man from afar with an unreadable expression.
She wanted to go too.
Despite wanting the same thing, He Yulan’s mother-in-law remained silent, if only to preserve her dignity.
“Big Sister is amazing!” Su Xiu was stunned.
“She is, isn’t she?” Su Qing went over the feelings of discomfort that she had felt while seated amid the crowd. It was as if she were sitting on a bed of thorns. She dared to look anyone in the eye for fear of what she might see reflected in them. Su Wen’s fearlessness was a source of inspiration, and she could not help but admire her.
‘One day,’ she told herself, ‘I’ll be as brave as Big Sister is.’
Zhou Hengyang observed the situation from his spot in the corner of the courtyard, his hands in his pockets. While he may have seemed lazy leaning against the courtyard wall, his demeanor was anything but, with his eyes narrowed and threatening. Intense desire pooled within those obsidian depths as he stared hungrily at the woman at the center of attention.
It seemed as if he could not get enough of her.
“Alright, everyone. Quieten down.” Li Youcai and the village’s department director stepped on stage.
Su Wen had a general idea of how the speech would go, as far as speeches in the 1980s went anyway. First, they would recite some inspirational quote, bearing the hallmarks of patriotic duty to one’s country, before moving on to serious matters, including some emotional display by their village chief, Li Youcai. Afterward, the crowd would be expected to applaud.
Yet, some people insisted on recording the process.
After Li Youcai gave his speech, the village’s department director took over.
This was Su Wen’s first time participating in a village meeting since transmigrating. Moreover, according to her memories, it was one of the most important because it involved land distribution. Naturally, everyone was paying attention. Finally, the results of the votes were announced.
Li Youcai had led his team, going from door to door to survey and gather the villagers’ votes, so much of the legwork had already been completed. The votes were conclusive and jointly approved the division of land based on the consensus he and his team obtained.
No one objected to the results.
Su Xuewu then took the reins as the village accountant and reported the specifics regarding how the land was measured, etc. Many villagers were involved in the process, so they had ample opportunity to ensure accurate measurements. Once confirming that all was in order, the villagers signed the official document, pressing their fingerprints on the land distribution deeds.
One by one, the representatives of each household came forward to sign and press their fingerprints on the official deeds. Those who were illiterate were asked to press their right and left thumbs, affixing their acknowledgment to the document.
Soon, it was Su Wen’s turn. When she pressed her thumbs against the papers, she felt something amiss. It was all going too smoothly; it did not make sense! Su Wen was not surprised the other families had not run into trouble. She was, however, surprised that it had been smooth sailing so far for hers.
Su Wen snuck a few glances toward Su Xuewu, Su Xueqiang, and the others. True enough, they were exchanging furtive looks.
They had to be up to something bad!
The signing of land deeds ended quickly. After which was the time to draw the lots. That did not go as well. Those who obtained favorable lots were overjoyed, laughing and jumping to their heart’s content, but not everyone had equal luck. Those who did not draw good lots left looking crestfallen.
One such family saw the husband’s wife dragging him by the ear for what would later be a painful chastisement for his abysmal luck.
Order descended into chaos in the courtyard. It was so noisy that Su Wen felt the beginnings of a headache. The courtyard was not very big, to begin with. It got to the point that Su Wen decided to excuse herself to get some fresh air. That was when she bumped into someone.
To say she had bumped into someone might have been an understatement since it felt like she had crashed into a wall, causing tears to pool in her eyes.
Fortunately, Zhou Hengyang caught her before she crumpled into a heap on the ground.
“When did you arrive?” Su Wen recognized the scent of the person she had bumped into. Now that she thought about it, it made more sense.. Other than that certain someone, who else could make her feel like she had slammed into a wall?
Chapter 308: Desolate Mountain, Treasure Mountain
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
“I’ve been here for a while.”
“How was I supposed to know when you move around so stealthily?”
Zhou Hengyang glanced at her but said nothing. Still, it was more than enough for Su Wen to sense his disdain.
He must have thought she was too unobservant.
Su Wen was so annoyed that she tossed the thought of getting fresh air to the back of her mind. She pushed Zhou Hengyang away, saying, “Make way. Don’t block the path.”
She was going to draw her lot.
Zhou Hengyang naturally made way.
Su Wen plucked a lot from the proffered box, not feeling a hint of nervousness despite the situation. She nearly cackled when she checked the lot she drew.
Her luck was phenomenal!
Those are all barren mountains!” Zhou Hengyang frowned in confusion. He shot a few discreet looks at the assembled crowd, his expression turning stormy.
The lots were arranged according to the seating order, with Su We in front. While it may have appeared as luck to most, few knew that the lots were predetermined. Events were unfolding unscripted, and he refused to believe that nothing fishy was happening behind the scenes.
“It’s fine.” Su Wen knew there was a problem with the lot she had drawn but did not want to pursue the matter. Recently, she found herself in the public eye because of a series of disputes. She did not mind taking a small loss if it meant she could avoid trouble involving the division of land.
The land allotted to her was by no means terrible. It was no great loss since she did not know how to work the rice paddies, let alone the dry, sandy soil of the barren mountains. Besides, the Su family’s aspirations were far greater than the humble life of honest formwork
Su Wen was determined to ensure her business succeeded.
Why should she care about a little piece of land when her business took off, and she became successful? By then, it would not matter if she had been cheated she could buy as much land as she wanted!
Su Wen was not being generous or a pushover; she simply knew where her priorities lay. The barren mountains provided her with another opportunity that suited her goals better.
The barren mountains had gone to Sun Yunyun’s family in the novel. There, they discovered several tea trees of considerable age—one gram of tea leaves from those trees sold for around a thousand yuan.
Sun Yunyun’s family relied on those ancient tea trees to make a fortune.
Therefore, Su Wen did not see the allocation of those barren mountains as a loss. Instead, she saw them as a treasure chest full of gold.
Best of all? It had fallen right into her lap!
Su Wen nearly pumped her fists in victory. For the first time since she transmigrated, she was getting the treatment the protagonist of a story should get.
Su Wen was giddy with joy.
She had not dared dream about those ancient tea trees on the barren mountains since she believed they would remain out of her grasp. Yet, just as she was drawing lots, her mind wandered to the possibility, and almost as if fate had willed it, she got exactly what she had thought about.
That was why she had nearly burst into laughter earlier.
Not only was she happy to receive the land she wanted most, but she also managed to deprive Sun Yunyun of an advantage the latter could have used against her.
The hustle and bustle of the event was disrupted by the appearance of an off-road vehicle speeding into Trinity Village. In the driver’s seat was Xu Xiaoxiao. Seated beside him in the front passenger seat was Liu Chun. The third was a surprise.
It was Sun Yunyun.
As soon as the vehicle entered the village, it attracted a group of children. Many villagers had never seen a car, while some older folk, who had never visited the capital, hobbled over to get a better look.
“It’s Sun Yunyun and the others!”
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The backseat window was open, allowing the onlookers to see who was in the car.
“Yunyun, is this your classmate?” A voice sounded a question on everyone’s mind.
“Yunyun, is that a car you’re sitting in? Can you let us sit in it too?” A child clung to the car and refused to let go.
Pleased with the attention, Sun Yunyun preened, her posture straightening and pride filling her form. Demurely, she said to Xu Xiaoxiao, “Big Brother Xu, I’m sorry for causing you trouble. Those in the village live simple, rustic lives in the countryside, so they’re unfamiliar with many things.”
Sun Yunyun did not forget to show off while using her fellow villagers as stepping stones to highlight her uniqueness..
Chapter 309: You Are Free to Take Your Leave
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Sun Yunyun trembled with excitement. Ever since Su Wen snatched away her pendant, she had not dreamed for a long time.
It was not until the previous night that she finally had a dream.
However, for reasons she could not understand, she did not dream of Zhou Hengyang as she had before. She dreamed about the division of land via the drawing of lots. Her family had been allocated the best paddy field closest to the river, which made irrigation much easier.
His parents and brothers were overjoyed.
On the other hand, Su Wen’s family was allocated the barren mountain that everyone despised. It was overrun with weeds and thorns, where no grain would take root.
Su Wen became the laughingstock of the town. Everyone laughed at her, making snide comments, saying she deserved what she got for committing so many sins that even the heavens had cursed her with bad luck.
However, her dream showed something more. In it, the barren mountain was wreathed in a halo of golden light.
Although she did not know what the barren mountain hid, she knew the golden light was a promising sign, indicating it was a treasure mountain.
Based on her experiences interpreting her dreams, Sun Yunyun knew the barren mountain was very important and that a great opportunity likely awaited her. The heavens smiled upon her once more, rewarding her for her diligence, kindness, and willingness to bow her head to avoid confrontation with the wicked.
The barren mountain belonged to her.
When Sun Yunyun woke up the next day, she knew she had to return home. It had been a while since she had gone home because she had been preparing for her college entrance exams. However, for the sake of the barren mountain, she had to return; she even took some time off, requesting a leave of absence from her school.
En route home, she thought of how she could get Su Wen to relinquish her right to the barren mountain. As long as she showed up when everyone mocked Su Wen for her bad luck, Sun Yunyun believed she could convince Su Wen to exchange her lot with hers. In doing so, she would kill two birds with one stone, appearing selfless while still reaping the rewards her dream had led her to.
Not only would she gain Su Wen’s gratitude, but she would also change her fellow villager’s opinion of her.
By then, Sun Yunyun would be known as someone deserving of praise.
Sun Yunyun vowed she would not allow this opportunity to slip through her fingers.
While on her back, she bumped into two large men.
In particular, the man in the driver’s seat was unbelievably handsome. He seemed irritable, but with some luck, Sun Yunyun felt it would not take too much effort to wrap him around her thumb. A little kindness went a long way, and even the stoniest exterior could be overcome in time.
Xu Xiaoxiao rolled his eyes and ignored Sun Yunyun. He had seen many people like her since he was young; any of them had been more effective than Sun Yunyun’s pathetic display to woo his affections. Honestly, did she take him for a fool?
Did she think he, Xu Xiaoxiao, was an idiot?
If not for the fact that he and Liu Chun had never been to this obscure village and did not know the way, they would not have needed Sun Yunyun to act as a guide. Just as they were about to ask for directions, Sun Yunyun approached them, offering to show them the way. Worse still, it was some country girl who lived in the village he was looking for! The mere thought of her sitting in his car filled him with disgust.
It must have been divine retribution, but the girl was so obnoxiously pretentious that Xu Xiaoxiao nearly blew a gasket as she chattered throughout the journey.
It was all because of Zhou Hengyang that he suffered this indignance. When he returned, he would exact vengeance with the help of his grandfather and uncle.
You can get out now.” Xu Xiaoxiao did not mince his words, brutally making his opinion known to the still oblivious Sun Yunyun.
“Ah?” Sun Yunyun thought she had heard wrong and looked at Xu Xiaoxiao in shock.
“I beg your pardon?”
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“I said: feel free to get out of the car. We’ve already arrived; what more are you waiting for?” Xu Xiaoxiao snarked snidely. Was she hoping to do more? Well, he did not want her help.
Xu Xiaoxiao showed no mercy to those he despised, his words as biting as the winter winds.
Sun Yunyun immediately burst into tears. On the one hand, it was because she was embarrassed, and on the other, it was almost second nature for her to put on an act.
No man could remain indifferent to her tears. As soon as she cried, everyone would ask how she was. Not even her high school principal’s son was immune to her tears.
Xu Xiaoxiao certainly was Zhou Hengyang’s cousin in thought, if not words. While Hengyang did not bother remembering Sun Yunyun’s name, Xu Xiaoxiao eyed Sun Yunyun with unconcealed displeasure, bordering on disgust. The two were very much alike..
Chapter 310: Get Out of the Car
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
“I…” Sun Yunyun dried her tears, feeling wronged. She looked at Liu Chun pitifully. Her eyes reflected her grievances, but more than that, they sparkled with a glimmer of anticipation.
Amid her tearful performance, she could tell Liu Chun had been consoling her. The other man had remained indifferent. Regardless of the topics she raised, the man who had driven them to the village treated her like air. Liu Chun had been the one to converse with her if only to dispel the awkward atmosphere.
Sun Yunyun placed all her hopes on Liu Chun.
She did not want to be chased out of the car in front of the villagers. If that happened, her visions of grandeur and the image she had tried to cultivate would immediately collapse. She did not even know the driver’s name! Liu Chun had almost let the cat out of the bag but was cowed into silence by his companion.
She had not even managed to dispel the tension in the air!
“Big Brother Liu Chun…” Sun Yunyun mewled pitifully.
Liu Chun wanted to put in a good word for Sun Yunyun. But he wisely shut his mouth when he was reminded of Xu Xiaoxiao and Zhou Hengyang’s tempers, despite expressing themselves differently.
Xu Xiaoxiao would not hesitate to kick him out if he dared speak up.
Liu Chun shook his head helplessly.
“Why are you still sitting in my car?” Xu Xiaoxaio demanded, uncaring how he might have sounded at this point.
Sun Yunyun did not need to be told a third time. Still, it did nothing to make her feel less wronged. She did not tarry once she exited the car, not wanting to embarrass herself or draw unwanted attention. Moreover, the drawing of lots had already begun at the headquarters. She had to convince her parents to switch with Su Wen.
Convincing her parents would not be a big deal – they always listened to her. Since she was young, her parents had learned to trust her dreams which brought countless blessings to their family. They would go with her words as long as she told them what she had dreamt.
Her dreams never failed to bring them good luck. The person Sun Yunyun was most concerned about was Su Wen. The Su Wen of the past would have listened to whatever she said. The Su Wen of the present was a changed woman. She had become evil and loathsome.
Sun Yunyun was truly heartbroken. Her best friend had betrayed her. To think she would become someone so vicious… It was heartbreaking! Not only had she trampled on their friendship, but she also schemed against her!
It was the reason all the villagers looked down on her.
It was such a depressing turn of events; one Sun Yunyun could not accept. Only recently had she regained her confidence after spending time away from the village and studying hard in school. The time she had spent away was not without downsides, however. No one was willing to associate with her. Sun Yunyun hoped things would change once she showed her fellow villagers how hardworking she was. Afterward, she would convince them of her innocence through acts of kindness.
In doing so, she would show how her kindness complimented her natural beauty.
If Su Wen agreed to her proposal, Sun Yunyun would let bygones be bygones. She would even forgive Su Wen for framing her in the past.
This way, everyone could see how good she was, and Su Wen once again be her friend, having turned over a new leaf.
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After chasing Sun Yunyun out of the car, Xu Xiaoxiao immediately felt that the air had become fresher, and his sour expression melted into relief.
‘Xu Xiaoxiao, at this rate, you’ll be single for the rest of your life,’ Liu Chun thought, clicking his tongue in wonder. He certainly did not do his name justice.
Xu Xiaoxiao was well known for the association the name had with Zhou Hengyang. Almost no one did not know of the incident where Xu Xiaoxiao provoked Zhou Hengyang. His tale was a blemish he would carry for the rest of his life.
Rumour had it that Xu Xiaoxiao was given that name because Madam Zhou was into Wuxia novels, in particular, a novel entitled The Dharma Protector of Mingjiao, and its protagonist, Yang Xiao. Madam Zhou was pregnant then and decided to pay tribute to the work by naming her child Xu Xiao.
She had hoped her child would lead a carefree life like Yang Xiao. Hence, Xu Xiao became Xu Xiaoxiao, doubling down on the carefree nature the word ‘Xiao’ was supposed to represent..