Chapter 50: So, You Like Jiang Xun?

Life in the Sun family became unbearable for Lin Xinrou. Every day, she was tormented by Qian Guihua, forced not only to cook for the whole family but also to work in the fields. Within two days, she was exhausted and wilted. Qian Guihua, having grown clever, feared that something might happen to the child Lin Xinrou carried. So after two days of labor, she allowed her to rest for a day, and thus nothing serious occurred.

...

"Are you done with work?" On the hillside, Lin Jingyue sat on the grass reading. Hearing footsteps, she looked back—it was Jiang Xun.

"Just about finished," he replied. The brigade leader turned a blind eye to the educated youth; as long as the tasks were completed, they could leave early.

"I have news about what you asked me to investigate." He sat down beside Lin Jingyue.

"Really?"

Her eyes sparkled, and Jiang Xun couldn't help but smile. "Yes."

Then he carefully explained what he had learned and shared the suggestions his family had for places to submit her writing.

"Think it over and decide where you want to send your work," he said.

Lin Jingyue's face bloomed with a radiant smile. "Thank you."

Jiang Xun had done his homework well; he gave three recommendations, all of which she'd considered. She had written a little over the past few days, and after some polishing, she could send it out.

"If you're interested in earning some money, you could translate for the newspaper," Jiang Xun suggested.

"No need. Writing suits me well enough." She didn't have the energy to take on translation work; it was taxing.

"As long as you like it."

Lin Jingyue was momentarily dazzled by his charming smile. "Your smile is dangerously disarming."

"Ahem..." Jiang Xun turned away, a little embarrassed, coughing lightly.

His ears were tinged with red.

Lin Jingyue's fingers itched; she pinched them together, resisting the urge to act on her mischievous thoughts.

"Have you... encountered anyone with ill intentions?" Jiang Xun hesitated, but decided to confide in her.

He wasn't sure what she thought of it; he didn't want his good intentions to backfire.

"You mean those two from yesterday?" Lin Jingyue was surprised he knew.

"Yes, Sun Jiabao mentioned it," Jiang Xun said, promptly exposing Sun Jiabao.

"It's fine. I can handle it."

"I had someone look into them; I'll give you the information when it's ready." How to deal with them was her decision.

Lin Jingyue was curious about Jiang Xun's family. How could he have connections even here? Was it another of his father's comrades?

But she didn't ask.

...

"If they've really broken the law, I won't have to do anything. Just send them to reform through labor," she said, not wanting to dirty her own hands.

"I have Lin Xinrou's situation under control."

"I had Sun Zhiyuan come home before the New Year," he added.

Lin Jingyue turned sharply, her eyes unusual. "You know about Lin Xinrou?"

Bringing Sun Zhiyuan home wasn't just so he could watch his mother torment Lin Xinrou.

"Ahem, I saw it myself that day," Jiang Xun admitted, uncomfortable. "Later, she met Sun Tiezhui again."

"..." Fair enough.

Sun Tiezhui was idle in the brigade, but with his doting parents, he was spoiled beyond measure. His older brothers, the whole family, even his seven-year-old niece, all worked, so there was no shortage of labor points. His mother adored him and didn't make him work.

Thus, he occasionally brought home good things. But Lin Xinrou, strictly managed by Qian Guihua, barely had enough to eat, let alone enjoy anything special.

She had little money—seventy yuan in total, some of which had already been spent on necessities. Now only thirty or forty remained, and she dared not use it.

Before leaving, Sun Zhiyuan had either forgotten or deliberately withheld any money for her.

Lin Jingyue had noticed that the meat Lin Xinjian and Zhao Hua ate came from Sun Tiezhui.

Jiang Xun changed the subject. "Are you heading back?"

"In a bit. I'll gather some firewood first." Picking up firewood had become a habit for Lin Jingyue whenever she returned.

She hadn't expected to adapt so well.

"I'll help you."

"Alright."

They exchanged smiles and collected firewood together on the mountain before returning to the educated youth dormitory.

Seeing them arrive together, everyone there had grown used to it. In the past, someone might have commented, but now... no one dared. Neither of them were easy to deal with.

Chen Chunlan felt jealous but, with Sun Liangdong nearby, managed to restrain herself miraculously.

Lin Jingyue stacked the firewood in her pile, washed her hands, and went back to her room. She wasn't hungry, so she decided to polish her book first.

Her writing wasn't lengthy; after a night, it was nearly done. The next day, she rode Jiang Xun's bicycle into town.

After mailing her manuscript to the newspaper, Lin Jingyue prepared to leave, but was stopped by a postal worker—the same young woman as last time.

"Lin Jingyue, wait, there's a letter for you."

Lin Jingyue turned back, "A letter for me?"

How strange—after the last parcel, someone else had written to her?

She received a letter from An City. Her feelings were complicated—could it be another scolding from her father or the Wu family?

...

"Thank you. If there's ever another letter or parcel for me and I'm not here, let Jiang Xun pick it up for me."

The postal staff were well-acquainted with Jiang Xun; after all, no one else collected parcels so frequently.

Zhou Mingxue's eyes sparkled, "Lin Jingyue, what's your relationship with Jiang Xun?"

"That's rather presumptuous," Lin Jingyue frowned.

"Sorry, but..." Zhou Mingxue hesitated, her cheeks reddening, "I kind of... like him. If you two aren't involved, I'll make a move."

She looked at Lin Jingyue with bright, expectant eyes.

Lin Jingyue glanced at her, "A lady should be reserved."

"If I keep waiting, I'll miss my chance."

Lin Jingyue was momentarily at a loss. "Well, we're not involved yet, but soon will be."

"So you like him?"

So why are you so excited? Isn't he the one you like?

"Haha, I knew it. Last time Jiang Xun said he'd pick up your parcel, but I didn't let him." Zhou Mingxue laughed so hard she could hardly stand straight.

She was smart—she'd gotten her answer in one question.

"He told me not to meddle, haha."

Lin Jingyue: "..." She'd been outmaneuvered by a young girl.

"You know Jiang Xun, right?"

Zhou Mingxue smiled brightly. "Yes, my dad and his father are comrades."

"Lin Jingyue, it's not easy being close to Jiang Xun—you should be prepared," she said meaningfully. "But Jiang Xun cares about you; he'll clear all obstacles himself. Tsk, I've never seen him treat a girl like this before."

She'd only asked one more question and was immediately warned off.

"Is that so?" Lin Jingyue raised an eyebrow, but didn't ask further.

This surprised Zhou Mingxue again. She didn't ask about Jiang Xun's family background?

Clearly, she was confident—though Zhou Mingxue couldn't know where that confidence came from, she admired it.

"I'm almost off work. Do you have time? Want to grab a meal? My treat." She was curious about Lin Jingyue.

"How will you treat me?" Lin Jingyue glanced at her. "I don't care for roadside noodles."

"..."