At the entrance of Wang Family Village,
Shen Nanchu walked home with light steps, in high spirits after collecting the allowance Pei Zhengnian had sent from the commune and treating herself to a meal at the state-run diner.
"Oh, isn't this Comrade Shen?" A shrill voice called from behind.
Without turning around, Shen Nanchu knew exactly who it was—Jiang Shuyi.
The woman's tone dripped with artificial sweetness.
Before Shen Nanchu could even seek her out, Jiang Shuyi had delivered herself right to her doorstep.
Perfect!
A glint flashed in Shen Nanchu's eyes.
"Ah, Educated Youth Jiang," Shen Nanchu turned around, plastering on a fake smile. "Such scorching weather—shouldn’t you be resting at the youth outpost? What if you get even darker under the sun?"
"But then again, it doesn’t matter. You’re already dark enough—a little more won’t hurt."
[Dislike Points +50]
Jiang Shuyi realized that every word out of Shen Nanchu’s mouth had the power to infuriate her.
Taking a deep breath, she suppressed her anger.
"Comrade Shen, you jest. We educated youths answer the call of our leaders, embracing re-education from the poor and lower-middle peasants. How could we fear a little tan?"
Jiang Shuyi’s eyes darted slyly, lingering on Shen Nanchu. "But you, Comrade Shen—with Company Commander Pei away in the army, all dressed up like this… who are you meeting?"
Shen Nanchu’s eyebrow arched. Jiang Shuyi was clearly insinuating she was unfaithful.
"Oh? Are you concerned about me?" Shen Nanchu grinned mischievously.
"Don’t worry—my Zhengnian may not be home, but he trusts me completely!" She deliberately drew out her words.
"In fact, he even sent money, telling me to buy pretty clothes! He said he loves seeing me all dolled up~"
Jiang Shuyi’s already sun-darkened face turned even darker with rage.
[Dislike Points +80]
"Shen Nanchu, what are you implying?" Jiang Shuyi gritted her teeth.
"Implying? Nothing at all." Shen Nanchu blinked innocently. "I just think you’re acting strange."
"Shen! Nan! Chu!" Jiang Shuyi’s voice rose an octave.
"Oh dear, someone’s getting worked up." Shen Nanchu leaned in with a smirk.
"Jiang Shuyi, tell me…" She gave Jiang Shuyi a once-over. "Have you looked in a mirror lately?"
"A toad lusting after a swan?"
[Dislike Points +100]
Jiang Shuyi’s fingers trembled with fury. "You—you—!"
Shen Nanchu sighed dramatically. "Pining after another woman’s man—how pathetic."
Jiang Shuyi’s face flushed red and white in turn, her secret exposed.
"Shen Nanchu, don’t get too cocky! Everyone in the village knows you—"
"Knows me what?" Shen Nanchu suddenly raised her voice, drawing the attention of passing villagers. "Go on, Jiang Shuyi, say it loud!"
Jiang Shuyi faltered. She had wanted to accuse Shen Nanchu of impropriety—but without proof, she was helpless.
"Hmph!" Jiang Shuyi tossed her braid and stormed off.
"Jiang Shuyi, take care!" Shen Nanchu called after her. "Don’t forget your hat—wouldn’t want that already dark face to get darker!"
Chin held high, Shen Nanchu sashayed home triumphantly.
Round one—victory!
A few days later, Shen Nanchu lounged under the old locust tree at the village entrance, gossiping with a group of women.
From a distance, she spotted Jiang Shuyi approaching with a few fellow educated youths.
Her eyes lit up.
Ah, the joys of stepping outside—always full of surprises.
Straightening up, Shen Nanchu deliberately raised her voice.
"Ah!"
"My man’s away, so I have to handle everything myself."
The women murmured sympathetically.
Jiang Shuyi couldn’t resist edging closer.
"Comrade Shen," she feigned concern, "With Company Commander Pei gone for so long… don’t you get lonely?"
The women perked up—nothing juicier than scandalous talk of men and women.
Shen Nanchu popped a peanut into her mouth. "Lonely? Not at all! Every time I look at my belly, I think of him."
[Dislike Points +30]
The women cooed in admiration, praising Shen Nanchu’s glowing pregnancy.
Jiang Shuyi pressed on. "A household still needs a man around."
Shen Nanchu shot her a sidelong glance. "Jiang Shuyi, why so invested in my family affairs? Unless…" She gasped theatrically. "Oh my! Could it be—you’ve got your eyes on my Zhengnian?"
[Dislike Points +30]
"Don’t spout nonsense!" Jiang Shuyi snapped.
Of course she coveted Pei Zhengnian—but admitting it?
Crushing on a married man?
She’d be drowned in scorn!
"Good, then." Shen Nanchu shook her head.
"My Zhengnian can’t stand shameless women. Just yesterday, he called me—said some girl from the youth outpost keeps throwing herself at him, even sent him letters. Disgusting, really."
[Dislike Points +500]
Jiang Shuyi paled.
Had Pei Zhengnian really read her letters to Shen Nanchu?
Shen Nanchu turned to the women. "Honestly, what’s wrong with girls these days? Knowing a man’s married, yet still chasing after him like a stray dog."
[Dislike Points +1000]
The women exchanged glances, whispering as they studied Jiang Shuyi. Humiliated, Jiang Shuyi stomped away.
"Jiang Shuyi, don’t leave!" Shen Nanchu called after her. "I wasn’t done!"
Round two—Jiang Shuyi, obliterated!
A few more days passed.
Shen Nanchu strolled by the riverbank, chatting with women doing laundry. Soon enough, Jiang Shuyi arrived with two other educated youths.
The moment she saw Shen Nanchu, Jiang Shuyi ducked her head and focused on scrubbing.
Trying to hide?
Not a chance.
Shen Nanchu launched into a tragic tale. "Some people act all high and mighty as educated youths, but behind the scenes—such disgraceful behavior!"
The women fell silent, riveted.
More drama incoming.
Tears suddenly welled in Shen Nanchu’s eyes. "Did you all know? A certain educated youth wrote to my Zhengnian, accusing me of cheating! Said I wasn’t good enough for him—that she was the better match!"
Gasps erupted.
[Dislike Points +2000]
Jiang Shuyi’s face turned ashen.
She had indeed sent such a letter to Pei Zhengnian days prior.
"And the contents!" Shen Nanchu wiped her tears. "'My dearest Company Commander Zhao, unless mountains crumble and heaven and earth collide, I shall never part from you…'"
[Dislike Points +3000]
Jiang Shuyi slammed her clothes into the basin. "Shen Nanchu, you’re lying!"
Yes, she’d written a letter—but not like that!
This wretched woman was slandering her!
"Oh? Jiang Shuyi, how would you know I’m lying?" Shen Nanchu tilted her head innocently. "Unless… you’re the one who wrote it?"
All eyes locked onto Jiang Shuyi.
[Dislike Points +3800]
Round three—Jiang Shuyi fled in defeat!
From then on, Jiang Shuyi took detours to avoid Shen Nanchu.
No matter how many times Shen Nanchu tried to corner her, she never succeeded.
Ah…
Maybe she’d played too hard.
Time to ease up a little.
