Chapter 239: Chapter 239: Treating Everyone to a Meal

Zhu Chunlin and his wife, Lin Shengnan, had both studied hard for the exam, but given their foundations, they still didn’t make it into the top twenty.

They ranked thirty-fifth and forty-second, respectively.

Zhu Chunlin was an easygoing person. He scratched his head and smiled, trying to hide his disappointment.

He had actually expected this outcome. With so many people competing, their chances were always slim. Now that it was over, he could let it go.

After congratulating Gu Qinghuan, Lin Xiaomeng, and the others who made it to the second round, he headed home by himself.

Lin Shengnan was still at home waiting for his news.

One unexpected result was Jiang Xue.

She actually made it into the top twenty, and not even at the bottom—she ranked eighth.

But she didn’t look happy about her results; there wasn’t a hint of a smile on her face.

Xujia Village had only three women who made it to the second round. The rest left disappointed.

After all, with more than a dozen production teams, it was already pretty good for Xujia Village to have three people in the top twenty. Some teams didn’t have a single person make it.

The crowd quickly dispersed. Just then, the teacher who had posted the results came over with a bamboo tube.

“Those who made it into the top twenty, come here. We’ll verify your information and then you’ll draw lots for your order.”

Gu Qinghuan was ranked first, so everyone instinctively looked at her.

She walked straight up to the teacher, confirmed her registration details, and then drew a bamboo stick from the tube.

Number nine.

A spot in the middle—not too bad, pretty decent.

After registering, Gu Qinghuan stepped back, satisfied, making room for the next person.

Everyone seemed to be drawing lots in order of their ranking.

The second place was a tall, thin young man. He drew number one.

Lin Xiaomeng was third. She drew number seven—her luck was as good as ever, another decent spot.

If you went too early, you’d be the “test subject” and your score might get marked down. Too late, and the judges would be tired after a whole day, so you wouldn’t get their full attention either.

Her spot was actually pretty good.

After drawing their lots and confirming the time for the next day’s assessment, the two of them got ready to leave.

It was rare for them to head home together.

They didn’t really care what number Jiang Xue drew, so they didn’t stick around.

“Qinghuan, you’re amazing! You actually got a perfect score. I wouldn’t even dare to dream of that. We’re only two spots apart in the ranking, but there’s an eleven-point difference between our scores.” Lin Xiaomeng said this from the heart.

After all, in any era, people admire the strong. You might be wary of someone neck-and-neck with you, but for someone way ahead, you don’t even feel jealous—just admiration.

Lin Xiaomeng even wondered if she should subtly remind Gu Qinghuan that the college entrance exam would be reinstated in the future.

With her academic ability, she’d definitely get into a good university.

Lin Xiaomeng herself had already started reviewing. The early bird catches the worm—one day she’d soar high.

That was her plan, but for now, she kept quiet and waited for the right moment.

She didn’t know that Gu Qinghuan’s soul came from the future, and she knew even more than Lin Xiaomeng did.

“Sister-in-law, it was just luck. The questions happened to be ones I’d memorized.”

Lin Xiaomeng could tell she didn’t want to talk about her grades, so she dropped the subject.

It was almost noon, so the two of them took the kids to the commune restaurant for lunch.

They were in a good mood today, so Gu Qinghuan said generously, “Sister-in-law, lunch is on me today. Order whatever you like.”

Lin Xiaomeng knew Gu Qinghuan wasn’t short on money, so she didn’t stand on ceremony. She could always treat her next time.

It was rare for the two of them to be so in sync about spending—they both had enough to live on, at least enough to not worry about food.

“That’s great! I’m eating on your dime today. I’ve had the braised pork here before—it’s pretty good. The stir-fried pork liver is tasty too.”

“Alright, let’s get a braised pork, a stir-fried pork liver, and a twice-cooked pork. That should do it!”

All three dishes were meat, but in winter there weren’t many good vegetable options—just endless cabbage and radish. Gu Qinghuan was tired of those. Since they were treating themselves, it had to be meat.

“Perfect! My husband isn’t home today, and I haven’t cooked a proper meal in days. Eating out is a treat.”

Lin Xiaomeng found herself liking Gu Qinghuan more—at least she wasn’t stingy, someone you could get along with.

Their relationship had been a bit tense before, and it would take some time to smooth things over.

There are no permanent enemies—just people willing to put in the effort.

Gu Qinghuan didn’t overthink it. She’d just take things as they came. After all, Xu Huaizhi was Xu Huaian’s older brother, so the two of them were sisters-in-law for life.

If they could get along, great. If not, so be it.

It was just after eleven, so the restaurant was still quiet. The dishes Gu Qinghuan ordered came out quickly.

Plating wasn’t like in the future—here, the plates were huge, and the food actually filled them.

And this was the northeast, so the three big plates of food on the table were hearty and substantial.

Two adults and three kids had more than enough to eat—they were stuffed by the time they finished.

“Burp! I’m so full!” Da Cheng let out a satisfied belch.

“We’re done too.”

Da Bao took out a handkerchief from his pocket, wiped his little sister’s mouth, then his own. Gu Qinghuan didn’t have to worry about these little things at all.

“Are you full?”

“We’re full, Mom,” the two kids replied in unison.

To be fair, the food here was pretty good, and everyone was in a great mood today.

On the way back, the two women chatted about the second round of selection the next day.

Gu Qinghuan was in a good mood and offered some practical advice.

“First, your appearance—don’t be too sloppy, but don’t overdo it either. Just look neat and proper. Put your hair up, look clean and tidy, and make a good first impression.

As for what class we’ll be teaching, we don’t know yet, but it’ll be one of the usual subjects. It’s all up to luck.

One thing to remember: try to speak at a moderate pace—not too fast, not too slow—and keep a smile on your face.”

Lin Xiaomeng thought this made a lot of sense and promised, “You’re right. If I get selected, lunch is on me tomorrow—same restaurant, and you can order whatever you want.”

“Deal! I’ll look forward to your treat,” Gu Qinghuan joked.

She actually thought that with Lin Xiaomeng’s luck, there was a good chance she’d make it.

Whoever got selected, as long as she herself didn’t get eliminated, that was enough.

When they got back to Xujia Village, the young women and wives immediately gathered around to gossip.

“I heard you two sisters-in-law both made it?”

“Comrade Gu, I’m surprised! You always keep such a low profile, but you’re such a good student.”

“Looks like the Xu family is going to have two teachers this time. Old Wang really built his house on good foundations—must be good feng shui, raising such talented people.”"

"Chapter 240: Human Nature and Gift-Giving

“Huai’an’s wife, Huaizhi’s wife, if you two get selected, will you teach our kids to read?”

“You two sisters-in-law have really brought honor to our Xujia Village! I heard not a single person from the neighboring village got picked.”

…

Everyone was saying something, even Yang Fengmei, who never liked Gu Qinghuan before, was now in the crowd saying nice things she didn’t mean.

No matter how people usually got along, at times like this, everyone suddenly became flattering and eager to please. That’s just human nature—something Gu Qinghuan had long since seen through.

“We’ve only just passed the first round. Whether we’ll actually get selected is still up in the air. There’s another exam tomorrow, so we’d better go home and prepare.” With that, Gu Qinghuan hopped on her bicycle and left.

Lin Xiaomeng quickly caught up, leaving the others far behind.

She caught up to Gu Qinghuan and said, “Qinghuan, do you believe it? If we don’t get picked tomorrow, those people will show a whole different face! They might even laugh at us and say we’re toads trying to eat swan meat.”

Gu Qinghuan turned and gave a mocking smile. “Exactly! That’s why we have to work hard and not give them a chance to laugh at us.”

“When I lived in the city, I’d always heard that country folk were simple and honest. But after coming here, I realized that’s not really the case.

Wherever there are people, there are cliques and drama. Truly kind and simple people exist, but they’re rare. Most people are just waiting to kick you when you’re down.

They resent others having what they don’t, and hope others will lose what they have. When you’re doing well, they smile and flock to you; when you’re struggling, they avoid you like the plague and pile on.”

For Lin Xiaomeng to say all this, she must have suffered a lot in Xujia Village over the years and seen through many people and things.

Hopefully, she’d realize this in time and stop doing things that hurt others without benefiting herself.

“You’re right. That’s why we can’t become people like that,” Gu Qinghuan said, looking into her eyes.

Lin Xiaomeng met Gu Qinghuan’s clear gaze and suddenly felt a little ashamed. She remembered the things she’d done before and quickly turned away, not daring to meet her eyes again.

Gu Qinghuan’s eyes were like a mirror reflecting inner darkness, and in them, Lin Xiaomeng saw the parts of herself she didn’t want to face.

It was as if Gu Qinghuan knew everything, and yet nothing at all.

Seeing Lin Xiaomeng lost in thought, Gu Qinghuan reminded her, “We’re almost at your place. Let’s split up at the crossroads. Go home, get a good night’s sleep, and tomorrow will be a great day.”

Lin Xiaomeng snapped back to reality and steered her bike.

“You too.”

When Gu Qinghuan got home, she had her two children take their afternoon nap—a routine they never skipped, since good rest was important for growing up tall.

Then she gathered up a pile of things, planning to pick out some gifts for Lin Shengnan to congratulate her on her pregnancy.

After a long winter, there were quite a few pregnant women in the village, popping up like bamboo shoots after the rain.

Among those she knew were Xu Meiling, Yan Lijun, Qiu Shuxia, and Lin Shengnan, plus a few young wives she wasn’t familiar with.

She didn’t want to have anything to do with Xu Meiling—not close, and she didn’t like her.

Yan Lijun had given her kids red envelopes last time, and she still owed her a return favor.

It was Friday, so Yan Lijun would probably be home tonight. She could bring her something then.

That poor girl—pregnant and still having to work in this freezing weather to support that useless Xu Huaiyu.

As for Qiu Shuxia, she’d skip her. They weren’t close, and she’d already given her a generous New Year’s gift—any more would be overdoing it.

But Lin Shengnan, the tall girl, had helped her out more than once, intentionally or otherwise, according to the original owner’s memories. She was a kind-hearted person.

They were both educated youth, so it would be good to keep in touch. After all, Gu Qinghuan still had more than a year left in the village—she couldn’t always be a loner. It was good to have a friend or two.

Lin Shengnan was pregnant and had no elders around to help—life must be tough for her.

With that thought, Gu Qinghuan grabbed a basket and started packing things.

Two jin of brown sugar, three meters of soft fabric, a bag of red dates, and a big chunk of pork liver weighing several jin.

She’d slaughtered several wild boars before and the organs smelled too strong, so after Xu Huaian cleaned them, Gu Qinghuan stored them outside to freeze, so they wouldn’t stink.

They rarely ate pork liver at home, so there was still a lot left. If she didn’t use it up soon, it would go bad when the snow melted in spring.

Just as well—Lin Shengnan was pregnant, and pregnant women are prone to anemia. Eating more organ meat, especially pork liver, is great for iron and perfect for her.

So Gu Qinghuan packed up about three jin of pork liver for her—about half a pig’s worth.

Gu Qinghuan was always generous to those who had shown her kindness—provided they deserved it.

There was too much to fit in one basket, so she split it into two. Luckily, they had plenty of baskets at home, all hand-woven by Xu Huaian and quite handy.

Carrying the baskets, Gu Qinghuan headed to the educated youth compound where Lin Shengnan lived. At this hour, the other educated youth were either still at the commune or resting, so only Lin Shengnan and her husband were in the yard, trying to figure out how to weave a cradle.

“What are you two up to?” Gu Qinghuan asked, puzzled by the pile of bamboo strips on the ground.

The couple seemed to be in good spirits, so the morning’s results hadn’t dampened their mood.

Seeing Gu Qinghuan, Lin Shengnan was delighted and quickly sent Zhu Chunlin to pour some water, then invited Gu Qinghuan inside.

“We haven’t seen you in ages. This is your first time at my place, isn’t it? Sorry it’s so small.

My due date is late August or early September, when it’s still hot, so we thought we’d make a bamboo cradle for the baby—nice and airy.

People back home love to put babies in bamboo baskets to play. The only problem is, we’re both clumsy and haven’t figured it out yet,” Lin Shengnan explained a bit sheepishly.

She’d lost her earlier awkwardness and was now full of maternal warmth—gentle and serene in every gesture.

Gu Qinghuan couldn’t quite understand how pregnancy changed a woman, but it was clear Lin Shengnan was very happy and looking forward to her baby, and that was enough.

This child would have two loving parents and would surely be happy after being born.

“Being your kid must be wonderful! You two are model parents!

I was going to come comfort you, but looks like there’s no need,” Gu Qinghuan teased.

“Oh, we’re just doing what we can. Our abilities are limited, so this is all we can manage.

Your future kids will be the lucky ones! You and Comrade Xu both look good, so your children will be even better looking! Haha.

Honestly, when we went to take the exam, we didn’t have high hopes, so there’s no disappointment,” Lin Shengnan said cheerfully.

Her and Xu Huaian’s child?

Gu Qinghuan couldn’t imagine it.

She didn’t know if she’d ever choose to have a child, but she knew that if she ever did, she’d be a good mother and make sure her child grew up happy.

“By the way, I brought you some things.”"

"Chapter 241: Only Gifts, Not for Sale

Gu Qinghuan took out the things one by one as if she were showing off her treasures, laying them out on the kang bed.

“I once heard the elders in the village say that women need brown sugar after giving birth—the more, the better. I’m not sure why, but I got you two jin, just in case.

And these red dates—I know these are good for nourishing the blood and energy. Eat two every day, it’s good for your health.

And this piece of cloth, feel how soft it is. It’s a creamy yellow, suitable for both boys and girls—perfect for making clothes for a newborn. You keep it.”

Lin Shengnan’s eyes widened in shock.

Any one of these items would be considered a generous gift. Was Gu Qinghuan bringing her entire household’s valuables?

“Gu… Qinghuan, this is too much. I can’t accept all these gifts. Please, take them back.” Lin Shengnan was so surprised she could barely get the words out.

“I’m not done yet, don’t be so quick to refuse. These are all things you need. And here’s the most important one—look, pig liver!

Pregnant women tend to be weak and are prone to anemia. Anemia isn’t just bad for you—if it’s severe, it can even affect the baby’s development. So you really need to prevent it.

Pig liver is rich in iron and can help prevent anemia.

Every day, when you’re making porridge or gruel, have Zhu Chunlin slice in a few pieces. Pig liver congee tastes pretty good.

Or you can stir-fry it with chili.

You can even make soup with it—whatever you like.

If your morning sickness is bad and you can’t eat much, stir-frying it makes the smell less strong.”

Lin Shengnan was a bit dazed. In her mind, she and Gu Qinghuan were just ordinary friends—not distant, but not particularly close either.

Back when Gu Qinghuan was down on her luck, she had only occasionally spoken up for her, but hadn’t really helped much.

She never expected Gu Qinghuan to bring so many valuable gifts. It made her feel a bit ashamed.

And Gu Qinghuan’s words were so sincere and thoughtful that she was deeply moved.

She had left her hometown to work in the countryside, with no family or in-laws to rely on. Being pregnant and about to give birth in a strange place, she was honestly anxious and afraid. But at this moment, her friend’s care filled her heart with warmth.

“Qinghuan, thank you for thinking of me like this. Fate brought us together, and although we didn’t know each other well before, we should definitely keep in touch more from now on.

But these gifts are too much—I really can’t accept them.” Lin Shengnan earnestly held Gu Qinghuan’s hand.

Gu Qinghuan was about to reply when Zhu Chunlin walked in with a glass of water.

He had already overheard their conversation outside the door.

To be honest, Gu Qinghuan had thought of everything. As a man, he wasn’t as attentive to such details.

And the truth was, their situation wasn’t great. They had to support themselves and prepare for the baby, so money was tight. Lin Shengnan couldn’t bear to buy anything extra for herself.

“Shengnan, Comrade Gu is right. You need all these things. Yesterday you said you felt dizzy—that’s probably a sign of anemia.

Comrade Gu, thank you for thinking of us. Let me pay you for these things, okay?” Zhu Chunlin was an honest man and didn’t want to take advantage of others.

Lin Shengnan didn’t want to spend money carelessly, but on the other hand, she didn’t want to reject Gu Qinghuan’s kindness. These were all really good things.

And she was worried about what Gu Qinghuan had just said—anemia could affect the baby’s development.

So she chimed in, “Yes, Qinghuan, let me pay you for these! I actually need all of this, and you brought them at just the right time. You can’t even buy these things outside.”

Gu Qinghuan smiled helplessly. These two really were cut from the same cloth.

“Only gifts, not for sale! You two can take your pick!”

“No, Qinghuan, we really can’t. We… we’re not in a position to accept such a big favor…” Lin Shengnan said awkwardly.

“She’s right! We can’t just accept such valuable gifts for nothing,” Zhu Chunlin agreed.

“Oh, you’re overthinking it. I do things based on how I feel. I’m giving you these because you need them, and I happen to have them.

That’s how relationships between people are built.

I believe that if I ever run into trouble, you wouldn’t just stand by and do nothing.

Just take them. To me, these things aren’t a big deal, but if they can help you, I’m happy.” Gu Qinghuan tried to reassure them.

The couple exchanged a glance.

Zhu Chunlin gritted his teeth and said, “Then we’ll accept your kindness.

With Comrade Xu not at home, if you ever need help with any heavy work around the house, just call me.”

If his wife didn’t really need the nutrition, he definitely wouldn’t have accepted the gifts.

But he couldn’t just take them for nothing, so he decided he’d help Gu Qinghuan out whenever possible to repay the favor.

Gu Qinghuan didn’t really need help, but to put them at ease, she said, “That’s great! I was just worrying that with Huai’an gone, there’s no one to help with the heavy chores at home.”

Lin Shengnan, under the sway of pregnancy hormones, usually a cheerful girl, couldn’t hold back anymore—tears welled up in her eyes.

Choking up, she held Gu Qinghuan’s hand and said, “Qinghuan, I really don’t know how to thank you. Honestly, I never realized how hard it would be for two people to support a family on their own.

We’re both the eldest in our families, with younger siblings to help. We can’t expect much support from home—sometimes we even have to send things back.

Here in the countryside, as long as we work hard, we won’t starve, but making money is incredibly hard.

We’re still living in a village house. Aside from our own bedding and clothes, we have nothing.

The baby’s about to be born, and we need to save up some money. After working hard all last year, we barely saved anything.

Now that I’m getting bigger, I can’t earn full work points, so all the burden falls on Chunlin.

Sometimes I worry so much I can’t sleep at night.”

Gu Qinghuan’s generosity made Lin Shengnan open up and pour out her heart.

Zhu Chunlin had never realized how much pressure his wife was under. He punched himself in frustration, blaming himself for not being more capable.

Gu Qinghuan completely understood her anxiety. She’d been through similar hardships herself—working hard but never having enough to eat, and still having to care for elders.

She gently patted Lin Shengnan’s arm. “Don’t worry, everything will get better. As long as you two work together and pull in the same direction, your days will only get better.”

At the same time, she was thinking about how she could help them earn some money together.

And there was the Erdan family—Chen Fengqin had always been good to her, standing up for her several times, and Xu Huaian had even suggested she become a teacher.

She had to find a way to help them, too."

"Chapter 242: Feelings Between People Are Mutual