Upon hearing this, Secretary Zhou's face immediately darkened: "Zhao Jianjun is outrageous! Does he think he can do whatever he wants just because his father is the brigade secretary? Let me tell you, Wanqiu, I will definitely help you find out the truth and give you justice!"

Lin Wanqiu breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this and quickly said, "Thank you, Uncle Zhou! I don't know what I would have done without your help." Secretary Zhou waved his hand, "You don't need to thank me, it's what I should do. It's a good thing that you earned money to build your house through your own abilities, how could I let others bully you?"

Then, Secretary Zhou picked up the phone on the table and dialed the number of the brigade secretary. After the call connected, Secretary Zhou recounted how Zhao Jianjun had harassed Lin Wanqiu in collusion with local thugs, his tone stern: "Old Zhao, let me tell you, you'd better keep a close eye on your son. If he dares to bully Wanqiu again, I won't be so lenient! Not only will your son be punished, but you can forget about being the brigade secretary!"

The brigade secretary on the other end of the phone was so frightened that he immediately apologized, saying he would definitely discipline Zhao Jianjun and make him apologize to Lin Wanqiu. Secretary Zhou hung up the phone and said to Lin Wanqiu, "Don't worry, I've already spoken to your brigade secretary, and he will definitely manage Zhao Jianjun well. If anyone bullies you again, just come to the commune and find me."

Lin Wanqiu quickly thanked her and then left the commune with Aunt Li. On the way back to the village, Aunt Li smiled and said, "Wanqiu, you see, I told you Secretary Zhou would help you! Zhao Jianjun definitely won't dare to bully you anymore." Lin Wanqiu nodded, her heart filled with gratitude—she knew that the problem was resolved so smoothly this time thanks to Secretary Zhou's help.

Back in the village, Lin Wanqiu had just reached her doorstep when she saw Zhao Jianjun and his father standing there. Zhao Jianjun had his head down, his face full of remorse. Seeing Lin Wanqiu, he quickly said, "Wanqiu, I'm sorry, I know I was wrong. I shouldn't have teamed up with the thugs to harass you. Please forgive me." His father chimed in, "Wanqiu, you're a magnanimous person, don't hold it against Jianjun. I'll definitely discipline him properly in the future."

Lin Wanqiu looked at them, still angry, but knowing that it was best to be forgiving. She said coldly, "I'll forgive you this time, but I hope you won't cause trouble for me and my family again. If I find out you're bullying us again, I'll go directly to the commune to complain, and then things won't be so simple."

Zhao Jianjun nodded hurriedly, "I understand, I'll never dare to do it again." Then, he and his father slunk away. Watching their retreating figures, Lin Wanqiu breathed a sigh of relief—she knew that this trouble was finally resolved.

Shen Tingzhou came out of the house, smiling, and said, "See? I told you Secretary Zhou would help you." Lin Wanqiu nodded and leaned on his shoulder, "Yes, thanks to Secretary Zhou. Now we can build our house and make fermented bean curd with peace of mind." Shen Tingzhou patted her head, his eyes full of tenderness, "Yes, our lives will only get better and better from now on."

As the sun gradually set, it dyed the sky a vibrant orange-red. In Lin Wanqiu's courtyard, neatly stacked earthenware jars gleamed amber in the sunset. Shen Nian'an chased butterflies in the yard, his laughter ringing out. Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou stood at the doorway, watching their son's retreating figure, their faces beaming with happiness.

Lin Wanqiu knew that although this trouble was resolved, more difficulties would surely arise in the future. However, she was not afraid—she had Shen Tingzhou's companionship, the support of the villagers, and the resources and skills within her spatial dimension. She believed that as long as her family worked together, there were no insurmountable difficulties, and they would surely live a splendid life of their own in this era.