Chapter 71: Hidden Motives

Everything unfolded exactly as Tang Banxia had predicted, without the slightest deviation.

In her previous life, at this very moment, Song Yu had tripped while climbing the mountain and stumbled upon a century-old ginseng root. She then used this ginseng as a favor to the director of the textile factory. It was thanks to this favor that her eldest cousin became the first worker in Guyue Village to secure an iron rice bowl—a stable government job.

Now that she knew about this opportunity in her current life, Tang Banxia was determined that the glory should belong to her family, and the worker’s position as well.

But fate is rarely so accommodating. Childhood memories from her past life had grown hazy; all she could recall was that Song Yu found the ginseng after the dam workers returned, but not the exact day. For the sake of the century-old ginseng, she had wandered the mountains daily since the workers’ return, yet not even a wisp of ginseng root appeared.

In the end, she had no choice but to fix her gaze on Song Yu, planning to follow her up the mountain and snatch the ginseng first. Yet after several days of observation, Song Yu showed no intention of going up. Unable to suppress her curiosity, she tried probing her, but gained nothing.

What she didn’t know was that, in her previous life, Song Yu had only climbed the mountain because Old Madam Song, distressed by her son’s emaciated state after working on the dam, took her beloved granddaughter along to fetch something nourishing. But in this life, thanks to Tang Banxia’s interference, the dam worker had actually gained weight instead of losing it, so Old Madam Song saw no need to go.

So Song Qing waited for days, but Song Yu never went up the mountain.

At this moment, Song Qing was carrying a basket towards the commune’s youth quarters, inside were freshly steamed white buns from her home. Upon arrival, she smoothed her wind-tossed hair and called out, “Is Young Comrade Yang here?”

Liu Liyun was airing bedding in the courtyard. Upon seeing her, she flashed a look of disdain.

Yang Zhibo emerged from the house. “Ah, Qing, what brings you here?”

Song Qing gave a sweet smile. “Brother Yang, my family just steamed some buns. I brought you a couple to thank you for teaching me to read last time.”

At the mention of buns, Yang Zhibo’s eyes brightened almost imperceptibly, and he straightened his posture. “It was just a small thing, not worth your thanks, Qing.”

Song Qing stepped over the threshold, lifted the white cloth covering the basket, and revealed two plump, fluffy buns. “It may be a small matter to you, Brother Yang, but to me, it’s a debt of gratitude.”

She took out the buns and placed them in Yang Zhibo’s hands. “Brother Yang, please accept them. Or do you think two buns are too few?” she added playfully, tilting her head.

Yang Zhibo opened his mouth, flustered. “I—it’s not that…” But, tongue-tied as he was, he could only blush and say, “Fine, I’ll accept them this once. But no more gifts next time.” He took the buns with a helpless smile.

Song Qing’s smile grew even softer. “As long as you accept them, Brother Yang, otherwise I’d be too embarrassed to trouble you again.”

“Nonsense, if you enjoy learning, I’m more than happy to help. Whenever you have questions, just come to me.” Yang Zhibo adjusted his glasses and gave her a gentle, scholarly smile.

Song Qing nodded eagerly, looking at him with admiration. “Brother Yang, the buns will get cold. You’d better eat them now.”

Yang Zhibo affectionately patted her head. “All right, I’ll listen to you.”

He picked up the buns and began to eat. His manner was refined and courteous—every movement revealed his upbringing. Song Qing’s eyes sparkled at the sight. In her heart, she thought, Yang Zhibo truly deserves to have been admitted to Huaqing University; even in humble circumstances, he is more pleasing to the eye than anyone else.

Thinking of how Song Yu would lose this support in the future, she wondered if that girl could still become the admired top student as before. The thought made Song Qing’s smile deepen.

When Yang Zhibo finished the buns, Song Qing smoothly drew out a book. “Brother Yang, there are a few things I still don’t understand. I’ll have to trouble you again.” She looked bashful.

Yang Zhibo was happy to oblige. “Show me what you don’t get.”

So, at the stone table outside the courtyard, one taught and the other learned—their silhouettes harmonious and peaceful.

Watching this, a peculiar light flickered in Liu Liyun’s eyes.

That entire afternoon, she lingered in her room, her attention fixed on the pair outside. Only as dusk fell and Song Qing departed did she finally stir.

She followed Song Qing, and after they had walked some distance from the commune, she called out with a beaming smile, “Sister Qing!”

Song Qing smiled politely, glancing at Liu Liyun. “Ah, Comrade Liu. Did you need something?”

“Sister Qing, you’re learning to read. If you ever get stuck, you can come to me, too.” Liu Liyun spoke with a tone of intimacy.

“Thank you for your kindness, Comrade Liu. I’ll be sure to ask you next time,” Song Qing replied, preparing to leave.

But Liu Liyun stopped her. “Wait, Sister Qing,” she said, “I really feel sorry for you.”

She continued, “You’re clearly smarter and more hardworking than Song Yu, so why does your grandmother always favor her?”

As she spoke, she closely watched Song Qing’s face.

“If it were me, I wouldn’t tolerate it.”

As expected, Song Qing’s expression grew sullen, to Liu Liyun’s delight.

“Poor you, still trying so hard to win your grandmother’s affection.” Liu Liyun’s voice grew soft and sympathetic. “Your cousin is only seven, yet she has completely charmed your grandmother—she’s certainly no simple child.”

With that, she paused, as if holding back a secret.

But Song Qing, her face filled with grief and indignation, remained silent. Undeterred, Liu Liyun leaned closer, as if sharing a confidence. “Once, I overheard Comrade Tang giving Song Yu advice,” she whispered. “Makes sense, doesn’t it? Song Yu’s only seven—how could she be so cunning? She’s being coached behind the scenes.”

She sighed. “Banxia has always been like that, never one to swallow her anger. After you embarrassed her last time, she… well…”

Song Qing clenched her fists, hatred flashing across her face.

“I just wanted to warn you, Sister Qing,” Liu Liyun ventured meekly. “Please don’t tell anyone. After all, Banxia is my best friend. Even if she misunderstands me, I’ll always regard her as such. I just can’t bear to see her go astray.”

Song Qing was sincerely grateful. “Thank you, Comrade Liu. Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone.”

A glint of satisfaction flashed in Liu Liyun’s eyes. “Well then, Sister Qing, I’ll head back now,” she said, turning away, her shoulders trembling as if stricken with sorrow.

Song Qing watched her retreating figure, her face twisting with scorn, then turned and left without hesitation.

Ha—trying to use her? That woman was not nearly up to the task!

Still, the mention of Tang Banxia had left a thorn in Song Qing’s heart.

Since her rebirth, things had gone smoothly—her only setback had been at Tang Banxia’s hands. Her gaze darkened. It seemed that ever since Tang Banxia survived, her days had grown more difficult.

When she tried her hand at black market trading, she was reported by that wretch Wang Siyun. If Wang Siyun weren’t wealthy, she’d never have chosen to work with her.

Short-sighted, weak-willed!

Just because she hadn’t helped when they encountered a wild boar, Wang Siyun had the nerve to report her.

The thought brought a fierce look to Song Qing’s face.

Just wait—she would make sure neither of them had it easy.

Returning home from the commune, she happened upon Old Madam Song coming to fetch Song Yu. Song Qing’s footsteps faltered, Liu Liyun’s words echoing in her mind. Even knowing that Liu Liyun was trying to provoke her, she still couldn’t help but feel unsettled.