Chapter 11: The First Day on the Job

The four of them chatted while they ate, creating a fairly harmonious atmosphere.

"I noticed the yard outside was tidied up earlier. Are you planning to plant something?" Mu Xingjue asked.

"Yes, spring is here, so it’s a good time to plant. When you two are out gathering firewood, keep an eye out for bamboo. If you have some spare time later, we can fence off the yard."

"Sure. Just tell me how you want it done, and Xingyu and I will turn the soil over later."

"Alright."

After dinner, Ye Simin took charge of the dishes, with Xu Xingyu helping her. Su Yao and Mu Xingjue went out to the yard, where Su Yao gestured to the ground. "Turn over these two sections, leave a small path in the middle, and then we'll enclose the perimeter."

"Got it. Xingyu and I will handle it shortly."

"There's no rush. You’ve both been working hard all day. Just do it when you have a free moment."

"It's fine, it won't take long."

"Alright then, I'm going to get some rest."

Mu Xingjue nodded. He watched Su Yao walk back into the house, pressed a hand to his chest to steady an inexplicable flutter, and then went to work.

Once inside, Su Yao locked the door and entered her private space. After drinking a cola and filling her canteen with spiritual spring water, she took a shower in the portable stall. Examining herself in the mirror afterward, she noticed her skin was slightly fairer, though still sallow, and her hair remained coarse. She had gained a little weight since arriving, but she still needed to put on more.

Back in the real world, Su Yao went to bed early. She was genuinely exhausted and fell asleep almost as soon as her head hit the pillow.

She woke at the first crow of the rooster. Wanting to check the time but realizing she had forgotten to bring a watch out, she popped back into her space to select a vintage-style women’s watch.

After returning, she changed into durable clothes, washed up, and began breakfast. Honestly, she was at a loss; without fresh meat or vegetables, cooking was a real challenge. She decided on steamed corn buns with a touch of sugar to improve the flavor, paired with pan-fried egg cakes and cornmeal porridge.

As she worked, Mu Xingjue walked in. "Morning, Comrade Su."

"Morning. By the way, Comrade Mu, do you happen to know the time? I want to sync my watch."

"It’s 6:32," Mu Xingjue said, checking his own.

Su Yao adjusted her watch and fastened it to her wrist. Mu Xingjue’s eyes flickered; the watch didn't look cheap and would likely require foreign exchange coupons to purchase. Yesterday, Xingyu had mentioned that Su Yao had also bought a bicycle, yet looking at her plain clothes, one would never guess she had money.

"Do you need any help?" he asked.

"Everything is almost ready. We can eat in a moment."

Soon, the first bell for work rang. Xu Xingyu and Ye Simin got up, and the four sat down to eat. Afterward, Ye Simin and Xu Xingyu cleaned up. When the second bell sounded, Su Yao and Ye Simin followed the men to the assembly point.

They arrived early, but a crowd soon gathered. The other educated youths from the dorm arrived last, looking rather grim.

Once everyone was present, Brigade Leader Wu Hongtao stood up. "Folks, as you know, we have new educated youths with us today. Let’s give them a round of applause."

A smattering of lukewarm applause followed.

Wu Hongtao continued, "Since they’ve been assigned to our brigade, they are now part of our community. I hope you all get along and work hard; that’s the only way we’ll have a good life. We rely on work points for our grain, so I don't want to see anyone slacking off. If you come crying to me at the end of the year because you don't have enough food, don't expect any mercy."

After his speech, he asked the newcomers to introduce themselves. The local women watched with curiosity, while the young girls stared at Mu Xingjue and Xu Xingyu, who were much better looking than the other male newcomers. The men, meanwhile, kept their eyes on Zeng Yue and Ye Simin, whose clothing clearly signaled wealth. Some also glanced at Su Yao, having seen her ride her bicycle into the village the day before.

With spring planting approaching, the newcomers were assigned to weed the fields, while the others handled plowing, fertilizing, and clearing irrigation channels.

Su Yao and Ye Simin were assigned to the same area. It was fine at first, but within twenty minutes, Ye Simin couldn't keep up. Her back ached, and her hands were covered in small cuts. She threw down the weeds in frustration and sat on the ground, refusing to move until the scorekeeper reminded her to keep going.

Su Yao was tired, but she could endure it. Having survived much worse in her past life—even eating raw insects and meat—this was nothing to her.

Soon, Su Yao had left Ye Simin far behind. Wu Hongtao, who came by to inspect the work, nodded with a smile. He hadn't expected the frail-looking Su to be so capable; at this rate, she would be finished before nightfall.

By noon, Su Yao had completed two-thirds of her task. She stopped, cleaned up, and headed home to cook.

Back at the house, she washed her hands and started lunch. The main course was the leftover corn buns, stir-fried cabbage with salted meat, steamed sausage, and the seaweed and egg drop soup from the night before.

Only after the meal was prepared did she have time to treat her cuts. Touching the water had been agonizing, so she applied medicine and wrapped them in gauze.

Stepping out of her room, she saw Ye Simin looking miserable. "Yao-yao, look at my hands. I can't go on like this for another day."

"Wash them, and I'll put some medicine on and bandage them for you."

Ye Simin obeyed, crying out when the water hit her wounds, then tearfully sought Su Yao’s help.

Watching from the side, Mu Xingjue looked at Su Yao’s bandaged hands and frowned. "I’ll come back with you for lunch these next few days and help with the prep. Xingyu can handle the dishes and cleaning."

Xu Xingyu nodded in agreement.

"Comrade Su, your cooking is truly excellent. You make even these simple ingredients taste delicious," Xu Xingyu praised sincerely.

"It’s just that you haven't had a proper meal in a long time," Su Yao replied with a wry smile. "Honestly, I’ve been racking my brain just to put these few meals together. There’s so little to work with." She felt the frustration of a chef without ingredients.

"Xingyu and I will head to the back mountain tonight to see if we can find any game," Mu Xingjue offered.

"I’ll go too. I want to see," Su Yao said, looking at him.

Ye Simin nodded eagerly. "Brother Xingjue, I want to go too! I’ve never seen the back mountain."

"Fine. We’ll go after we finish work."

After lunch, the men handled the cleanup, and Su Yao and Ye Simin retired to their rooms to rest.