"Yanguo?" Jing Yanguo's eyelid twitched.

She and Fang Xianzhi had barely exchanged words before—today, they'd spoken maybe a handful of sentences total. They weren't close. Calling her by her given name like that was practically an invitation for misunderstandings.

Fang Xianzhi stepped closer, brushing a blood-matted strand of hair behind her ear. "I'll head back now."

Jing Yanguo felt... flirted with. In her past life and this one, no one had ever flirted with her. She blinked dumbly, nodding like an idiot.

He chuckled at her dazed expression, then let the villager help him hobble away.

Liu Chunhua and Jing Xiaoyue stood frozen until he disappeared from view.

Liu Chunhua rounded on her daughter immediately. "Yanguo, tell me the truth. How were you with Fang Xianzhi? What did he mean by that?"

Jing Yanguo lowered her voice. "We just ran into each other by chance. I... I don't know what he meant either."

She ducked her head, feigning shyness—which, to Liu Chunhua's eyes, looked exactly like a blushing maiden's embarrassment. In reality, Jing Yanguo was genuinely baffled. Did he actually mean to take responsibility? Or worse... was he interested in her?

The absurdity of the thought made her want to laugh. Men like Fang Xianzhi were the most sought-after in the village. But she also knew the chasm between them.

She remembered something from her past life—Fang Xianzhi's background wasn't as simple as being the principal's son.

Liu Chunhua wore a smile, but inside she was screaming.

Today's plan had been to ruin Jing Yanguo completely, forcing her into labor to support the family. Instead, Jing Yanguo had somehow inveigled herself with the village's most eligible bachelor?!

This needed careful handling.

Jing Xiaoyue, unable to contain herself, blurted out: "Sis, did you and Fang Xianzhi do something shameful in the woods?"

Cold fury surged through Jing Yanguo, but her face registered only shock. "What makes you think that?"

Jing Xiaoyue: "..."

Damn it, she guessed right! She wanted to scream.

Jing Yanguo pretended to blush. "It's nothing really. We're from the same village. When someone's hurt, you help them out. Holding hands isn't a big deal..."

Jing Xiaoyue nearly exploded. That was supposed to sound innocent?!

Liu Chunhua, ever the pragmatist, knew she had to sever any connection between Jing Yanguo and Fang Xianzhi. The last thing she needed was gossip spreading.

"Nonsense," she snapped. "A girl shouldn't talk about such things—it's disgraceful. Fang Xianzhi is out of your league. Don't breathe a word of this to anyone."

Seeing Jing Yanguo's puzzled expression, she softened her tone. "I'm doing this for you. Fang Xianzhi would never marry you. If rumors spread, no decent family will want you."

Jing Yanguo felt a chill. In her past life, when Er Lai Zi had carried her back, Liu Chunhua had loudly proclaimed her fate—now tied to that thug forever.

But there was no point arguing. She knew how this game worked.

As they left the woods, Jing Yanguo spotted slogans painted on a wall: "One child per family!" "Daughters are the nation's future!" Nearby, farmers toiled under the sun, their skin bronzed from the dual harvest.

This was the second year of the household responsibility system in Yangcheng. Last year's bumper crop had the whole village energized.

Jing Yanguo hadn't seen such industriousness in years. A small smile tugged at her lips.

Back at the Jing household, Liu Chunhua predictably refused to call a doctor. "Yanguo, you know our situation. We can't afford a doctor. It's just a scratch—be sensible."

This refrain had haunted her entire previous life. Liu Chunhua's constant gaslighting had made her believe she should suffer in silence. Now, with her modern medical knowledge, she knew she could treat herself with wild herbs.

Before she could respond, the village barefoot doctor arrived.

Liu Chunhua gaped. "How did you know Yanguo was hurt? It's nothing serious—she'll be fine after a few days' rest. We don't have money for medicine!"

The doctor chuckled. "Fang Xianzhi told us. Don't worry—the Fang family insists on covering all expenses since Yanguo got hurt saving him."

Liu Chunhua's face darkened. Jing Yanguo had claimed Fang Xianzhi saved her, but Fang Xianzhi was spreading the opposite story?!

She'd assumed he'd never acknowledge their connection, letting the incident fade away. But now?

Forcing a smile, she said, "Yanguo's my daughter. The Fangs shouldn't be burdened with this."

The doctor, however, refused payment, repeating that the Fang family had already settled the bill.

Jing Yanguo's mind raced. What exactly is Fang Xianzhi playing at?

Liu Chunhua, sensing her plans unraveling, glared at Jing Yanguo. "Your injury doesn't look serious. Go pull weeds in the vegetable garden."

"As the eldest daughter, you should set an example instead of being lazy. Look at us—we've all endured hardships. We're not spoiled girls!"

Jing Yanguo knew the mother-daughter duo was already plotting her next downfall. Too exhausted to argue, she nodded numbly and shuffled toward the garden.

Liu Chunhua watched her go, her expression thunderous. Not only had they failed to ruin Jing Yanguo, but now the Fangs were treating her like a heroine.

Jing Xiaoyue fumed. "Mom, what do we do now?"

Translation Notes: Cultural Context:

Household responsibility system: Highlights post-Mao economic reforms, showing how rural life was changing.

Barefoot doctors: Reflects China's grassroots healthcare system in the 1980s. Character Dynamics:

Liu Chunhua's hypocrisy: Her sudden concern for "family reputation" contrasts sharply with her past exploitation of Jing Yanguo.

Jing Yanguo's restraint: Her controlled reactions showcase her growth from passive victim to strategic thinker. Foreshadowing:

Fang Xianzhi's actions: His manipulation of the narrative hints at deeper motives, setting up future conflicts.

Liu Chunhua's schemes: Her rage suggests upcoming attempts to sabotage Jing Yanguo. Tone:

The blend of dark humor ("disgraceful") and tension keeps the narrative engaging while underscoring the characters' struggles.

This passage masterfully balances character development with societal commentary, advancing the plot while deepening reader investment in Jing Yanguo's journey.