Chapter 129 To Do or Not to Do a Deal?

In a month, Zhou Weiren's injuries had almost fully healed.

To delay his return, Zhou deliberately refrained from using the spiritual spring water to enhance his power. However, the time for his return still arrived.

During this month, Zhou Ye and Su Yunzhou broke up completely. In order to see each other less, she spent almost all her time on the mountain and in her virtual space.

I also had much less contact with the villagers.

She seemed unaware that a conspiracy was unfolding against her.

In mid-July, on this day, Zhou Ye's space had a bumper harvest of grains, and he also happened to find some very precious medicinal herbs on the mountain.

This is truly a double celebration!

Carrying a full basket on his back, he returned to Hongqi Village.

"Auntie..."

"snort!"

Zhou was surprised to find that more and more villagers were ignoring him lately... What happened?

She didn't deliberately ask.

They walked straight to the educated youth settlement.

On the way, they encountered a few educated youths who were talking with some older women. When they saw Zhou Ye, they immediately dispersed.

Zhou also noticed that everyone in Hongqi Village seemed to be talking about him.

The female educated youth looked at Zhou Ye, hesitant to speak.

Finally, Chen Lan called out to Zhou Ye.

"Zhou Ye!"

"What's wrong?"

Chen Lan looked around and suddenly pulled Zhou Ye to a secluded spot.

"How dare you come out like this?"

Zhou asked in surprise, "What's wrong? Why are you afraid?"

Chen Lan said anxiously, "Oh dear, I'm so worried! Zhou Ye, I know you're well-off and have money."

But now everyone in the village is eating bran and wild vegetables.

But you eat and drink the finest food every day!

Haven't you noticed that Bai Xue is making cooking simpler and simpler these days?

But even if it's simple, it's still just white flour and eggs, and you get plenty every day, don't you?

Zhou Ye noticed this, but she assumed Bai Xue was tired and never thought much of it.

Moreover, she has helped so many people in the village, yet she is still too naive!

No wonder Aunt Guihua has been looking like she wants to say something lately, but can't quite put her finger on it.

Oh……

Is that how it is?

How do they know what I eat every day?

Chen Lan shook her head: "We don't know either, but recently the villagers have been asking us a lot."

It seems like everyone knows. Everything you eat every day.

We were in the front yard, we didn't know either! Who told anyone?

Zhou Ye seemed to have the answer in his heart!

She smiled and said, "It's nothing, thank you for telling me."

Chen Lan said anxiously, "Why aren't you worried yet? The aunties in the village have a lot of complaints about you now."

You've helped the village so much, don't raise a bunch of ungrateful wretches!

I am...

I'm worried about you!

Zhou Ye touched Chen Lan's hair, and Chen Lan blushed all the way to her neck: "Hey...you..."

"I understand, thank you! Go back now! Don't let anyone see."

Chen Lan nodded and quickly ran back.

Zhou Ye's expression immediately changed. It's true what they say, a little kindness is appreciated, but too much kindness breeds resentment!

Emerging from the corner, she was greeted by Xie Jianshe's third aunt—Miao Zhaodi.

"Hey... Zhou Zhiqing is back? What are we having for lunch? Braised pork or pickled fish?"

"What's it to you? Or do you want to go back and eat with us?"

Zhou Ye looked at her with a light smile.

Miao Zhaodi chuckled: "Look at what Zhou Zhiqing is saying. We're all peasants, how could we possibly eat such good food?"

We women are worthless; the good stuff always goes to the men.

However... it seems that Zhou Zhiqing didn't have many men.

Otherwise, there wouldn't be such extravagance and waste.

otherwise……

"Would your aunt introduce you to someone?"

Miao Zhaodi's idea was too optimistic. She thought that if Zhou was also provoked and realized his mistake, he would feel unbearably guilty.

She would be extremely grateful if her own son came to her rescue.

Once she's married into her own family, ha...

Wouldn't that mean you could just eat whatever you want, big fish and meat?

I heard that the educated youth this week have 10,000 yuan. Even if they spent a lot before, it must be several thousand yuan.

I've never seen anything like it in my entire life!

"hehe……"

Zhou also covered her mouth and nose, actually showing her disgust.

"Auntie isn't pretty, but she's got pretty ideas! Introducing men? Since you're so thirsty, why don't you go find some yourself?"

Don't drag others down with you!

"What...what nonsense are you talking about?"

"I'm talking nonsense? That auntie is a young woman like me, and she keeps talking about men. Isn't it you who's thinking about men?"

There are quite a few bachelors in Hongqi Village, why don't you give it a try, Auntie?

"You...you're talking nonsense! You little slut, what are you so smug about? Let me tell you, everyone hates you now."

If you have so much food and money, why would you lie to everyone?

Are you telling us to go up the mountain to find food ourselves? What if we encounter danger?

Haven't you thought about that?

Upon hearing this, Zhou Ye did not feel guilty or ashamed as Miao Zhaodi had imagined... Instead, he looked at her intently and said, "Auntie, what you said makes so much sense! I heard that you have a sack of brown rice hidden at home, and your family sent over some sausages a few days ago."

Logically speaking, since my aunt is a native of Hongqi Village, she should be more united and caring towards everyone than me, an outsider!

But why didn't I see my aunt take it out?

Isn't it time yet?

Um? "

Miao Zhaodi looked guilty: "You're talking nonsense! When did our family ever have such a thing? Don't listen to outsiders' nonsense!"

"Listen to outsiders' nonsense? Unbelievable? Then who did you hear it from, your wife? Why are you so convinced?"

Zhou also looked at Miao Zhaodi with a mocking expression.

"You... Zhou Ye, you're completely impervious to reason!"

Miao Zhaodi felt guilty for only a few seconds before her face broke into a smile again: "Zhou Zhiqing, your auntie is just too blunt!"

You know that too!

My aunt doesn't have bad intentions.

As a young woman, you are easily the target of rumors. Isn't that the reason you don't have a man?

Women need someone to rely on!

"What does your aunt mean?"

Miao Zhaodi smiled and said, "Zhou Zhiqing, I have a son who is a few years older than you and is incredibly handsome!"

It's much prettier than Xie Jianshe's!

"He's honest, hardworking, and a rare find among young people. If you have time, let's meet up later."

You'll definitely like it!

"When you marry into our Xie family, you'll have a powerful backer. Who will dare to gossip then?"

Miao Zhaodi looked at Zhou Ye as if he were a golden brilliance, her eyes sparkling.

So that's what you were planning?

Zhou also knew that Miao Zhaodi's son did look very much like Xie Jianshe, except that he was shorter, less handsome, and less educated...

"Since it's so good, you can keep it for yourself!"

"Hey... what are you saying? You don't know what's good for you! I'm doing this for your own good!"

Miao Zhaodi saw that Zhou was not interested and was about to leave, so she called out anxiously.

"Auntie, I'm doing this for your own good!"

Without the slightest hesitation, he turned and left.

Zhou had met Miao Zhaodi's son; he was indeed a good person, honest and kind, and always followed Xie Jianshe around. He was a reliable person.

But how did Miao Zhaodi end up as a mother...?

Back at the educated youth settlement, the educated youth in the front yard had just returned from their meal. The communal meals were getting worse and worse, so those who were relatively well-off would cook something else to fill their stomachs when they got back.

"Zhou Ye is back?"

"Um!"

They greeted her as usual, but there was a hint of wariness in their eyes, as if they were afraid of being overheard by outsiders.

Zhou returned to the backyard, but to her surprise, a man quietly followed her.

Bai Xue doesn't eat out; she's currently cooking over a fire.

When Zhou Ye realized someone was behind him, he was almost at the door. He turned around and looked at the man in front of him in surprise—Deng Jie.

"What do you need?"

Deng Jie smiled gently: "I'm fine, but I just wanted to remind you to be more careful when you eat in the future."

Don't eat too well, or outsiders will gossip.

Zhou Ye then looked seriously at Deng Jie, the person who had come to the countryside with him.

"you mean?"

Upon hearing this, Deng Jie's smile widened.

"Zhou Ye, may I call you that? We came to the countryside together, so our bond is naturally much stronger than with others."

There are rumors flying around outside, saying that you're living the high life while everyone else is eating chaff and wild vegetables.

So, for your safety, I still advise you to eat something ordinary, or secretly have something nice to satisfy your cravings.

Don't let outsiders gossip.

Seeing Zhou looking at him with considerable surprise, Deng Jie's face flushed slightly.

She pursed her lips and continued, "I'm here to advise you as if you were one of our own! Or, if you have a lot of food, you could share it with everyone?"

We can all eat better, and no one will say anything unpleasant anymore.

What do you think?

Zhou Ye, I'm doing this for your own good!

Ha... Everyone's doing this for my own good!

So...who should I do this for?

Zhou Ye moved closer to Deng Jie and said with a smile, word by word, "I have a hundred catties of flour here, but there are so many people in the village, how do you suggest we divide it?"

Deng Jie genuinely thought he was being asked a question, and his smile widened.

"A hundred catties of flour is indeed too little, but something is better than nothing! How about I go with you to talk to the village chief and put this flour in the storeroom so we can eat it together?"

That way, everyone will be grateful to you!

Zhou Ye suddenly burst out laughing: "What if we finish eating all 100 jin of flour?"

“If you’ve finished eating, you can buy more. Aren’t you rich? Our Hongqi Village is united, and we can always get by.”

Zhou Ye looked at Deng Jie, wondering why he hadn't noticed this person before.

What a talented person!

What a clever plan! Using his own food and money to build a good reputation for him?

They really have a big heart.

"I remember you received a package from home a few days ago, which contained candy and cookies sent to you by your parents."

Deng, being such a generous and kind-hearted educated youth, should have been going to separate these things, right? When should they be separated?

Should they be distributed directly to the children, or given directly to the village chief so he can decide?

Zhou Ye smiled and looked at Deng Jie, waiting for his answer.

Deng Jie's face grew paler and paler, and he said guiltily, "This... is just a little thing, they wouldn't even look at it."

So I didn't give it to them!

Moreover, everyone is short of food, especially grain, right?

How could Zhou Ye let him off so easily...?

He said softly, "Deng, I do have a way. I can find someone to exchange your candy and biscuits for an equivalent amount of grain."

Food is something everyone needs. Someone as good as you should be willing to exchange it, right?

Deng Jie was furious and embarrassed: "Zhou Ye, are you playing me? You have so much money, why are you always eyeing me?"

Do my parents have it easy?

They finally managed to gather some food and send it to me; what's wrong with me eating it myself?

How could you be so selfish?

"I did all this for your own good, and I could have done nothing and watched you be hated by everyone. Was I wrong?"

Why isn't the e-liquid going in?

Zhou Ye's eyes turned cold, and he stepped forward and slapped her hard across the face!

"Deng Jie, I really underestimated you before! You have some nerve! Just because your parents have it tough doesn't mean other people's parents have it easy!"

Is it your right to eat something nice? But it's selfish for others to eat something nice?

"Aren't you generous? Kind? Why are you acting all high and mighty while taking other people's things? What brand of trash bag is that?!"

"If you can speak properly, then speak properly; if you can't, then go sit at the same table as a dog!"

Not satisfied with just hitting and scolding, he kicked Deng Jie hard and looked at him groaning on the ground, saying sternly, "If you're so bored, go lick the toilets. There are plenty of toilets in Hongqi Village, enough for you to lick!"

roll! "

Deng Jie never expected that Zhou would also take action.

Clutching his aching stomach, he dared not say anything. He felt deeply wronged, but why?

I was just trying to do what was best for her, why doesn't she appreciate it?

After Deng Jie scrambled away, Bai Xue emerged from behind the door, clapping her hands and exclaiming, "Sister Zhou is awesome!"

That felt so good!

What's for lunch?

A hint of embarrassment flashed across Bai Xue's face: "Um... I was afraid they would gossip, so... I steamed some cornbread buns."

I stir-fried some cabbage!

Zhou sighed inwardly.

"Bai Xue, let's eat separately!"

If Bai Xue really cares so much about what others think, then there's no need for them to be together.

Bai Xue said in a panic, "No...no...Sister Zhou, I didn't do it on purpose. They just kept asking, asking every day."

I was worried... so... I did some simple things.

Zhou chuckled, "Since you're so worried, let's eat separately! That way it won't concern you, right?"

Bai Xue looked up at Zhou Ye, her face covered in tears: "No, I don't want to! Sister Zhou, they're talking nonsense. You've helped them so much, why are they saying such things about you?"

You are so good, so kind.

Zhou interrupted Bai Xue, "Alright! There are two stoves in the house. I can cook for myself, so you don't need to worry about my meals from now on!"

"As for food, take whatever you want to eat!"

This is already the biggest concession Zhou can make!

Bai Xue was still worried: "Sister Zhou, let me go with you, really, I'm not afraid! I'm not afraid!"

"Snow White!"

Zhou Ye shouted sternly.

Bai Xue was startled and dared not say another word!

"Bai Xue, the reason I'm nice to you is simply because we're getting closer! If I want, you can move into the front yard too!"

Don't blame me for being ruthless!

Bai Xue immediately lowered her head, not daring to say a word!

Zhou checked the ingredients and made himself a braised pork and eggplant rice dish! That's right, he only made one portion for himself.

Su Lanlan next door smelled the fragrance and was furious.

She glanced at Su Yunzhou, who had no expression, and could only walk out, only to find the fragrance even stronger.

This must taste like meat.

Zhou Ye is really going too far. Rumors have been flying all over the place for a month, and she still dares to eat like this? Why hasn't anyone caused her any trouble?

This is infuriating!

Useless peasant!

The more I smell it, the more unbearable it becomes...

The chef who cooks for Yunzhou always prepares tonics or medicinal dishes tailored to Su Yunzhou's tastes.

The taste was truly indescribable.

I really don't like it at all.

No, I have to do something...

Su Lanlan went to the village and swaggered around for a long time before finally returning satisfied.

However, that very night, a dozen or so villagers suddenly stormed into the educated youth settlement, shouting that they wanted Zhou Ye to come out.

Seeing that the situation was not good, Chen Lan immediately ran to the backyard.

"Zhou Ye, run! They're here, get out of here!"

Zhou had already heard the sound and was slowly putting on his shoes.

Chen Lan breathed a sigh of relief, but then saw Zhou Ye heading towards the front yard. She quickly grabbed him and said, "Zhou Ye, where are you going? Hurry up and go through the back yard; there's a ladder there."

Those people clearly came with ill intentions.

Zhou Ye looked at Chen Lan seriously: "Chen Lan, what did I do wrong?"

"No...no!"

"Then why should I hide?"

Zhou said seriously.

Chen Lan knew, of course, but...

Zhou Ye carried the basket on his back and walked straight to the front yard.

Unexpectedly, Deng Jie even chimed in, which was quite amusing.

"Do you think that's too much? A little girl has so much food and drink, she could just wave her hand and we'd be full, but instead she makes us go up the mountain to find food ourselves."

My son's injury hasn't healed yet.

"Yes, Auntie, you've worked so hard. I tried to persuade Zhou Zhiqing, but it was no use. Look at the injuries on my face."

She did it!

Deng Jie tried his best to make it seem like he was on their side.

"Zhou, come out here! Get out here right now! You have to give me an explanation..."

"that is!"

At this moment, a group of people also arrived at the gate, their faces full of embarrassment and annoyance!

"What are you doing? Get out of here, don't disturb the educated youth!"

The speaker was Xie Jianshe's third uncle, and the person he was stopping was his wife, Miao Zhaodi.

That's right, Miao Zhaodi was the leader this time, and behind her were Wang Haiying, Zhao Cuihua, and some other people who weren't quite right in the head.

"I'm not leaving. Zhou Ye must give everyone an explanation today!"

Miao Zhaodi shouted in dissatisfaction.

Uncle Xie said angrily, "What nonsense are you spouting, you old woman? Haven't the educated youth Zhou helped us enough?"

Did someone else help with the crops in the field?

If it weren't for Zhou, the educated youth, we would have had no hope for the future.

What are you thinking? What are you doing?

Zhao Cuihua snorted: "Uncle Xie, that's not right of you. We're on Aunt Miao's side."

She, Zhou, was an educated youth from our Hongqi Village. Since she was from our Hongqi Village, she should share the hardships with everyone.

Why should she eat meat while we eat bran and wild vegetables?

"Do you know how much we want to eat ourselves up every day from the smell of meat in her kitchen?"

"You're talking nonsense!"

A figure rushed in; it was Hei Zi.

Hei Zi, a muscular man, said aggressively, "You're all ingrates, what do you know?"

When I was injured, I made a pact with Zhou Zhiqing. She developed medicine, and once I recovered, we went hunting in the deep mountains together. When we caught a wild boar, we distributed the meat to the villagers!

Zhou, the educated youth, was a man of great principle; what about you? You're nothing but ingrates!

Let's not go hunting at all. If you want meat, eat shit!

Miao Zhaodi's eyes reddened, and she retorted, "How can you talk like that, child? I didn't know you were going hunting."

Besides, it's been a month already, isn't your injury healed yet?

"I think you're just trying to help Zhou Ye out of a tight spot, that's why you said that on purpose, right?"

"You..." Kuroko was not good with words, and his face turned red with anger!

Miao Zhaodi seemed to have found a breakthrough and said with a smile, "Oh, so you've taken a liking to Zhou Ye?"

That little brat is definitely not someone to be trifled with.

Oh……

"So that's why I went to so much trouble to save you! Turns out it's your little lover!"

Hei Zi clenched his fists, wishing he could tear this person apart.

Miao Zhaodi wasn't afraid. Hei Zi was a very kind and honest boy who wouldn't hit people randomly, especially women.

What can you do?

"Heh... You want to hit someone? Come on then! Come on then! Let's see if you dare. She's still your aunt, after all."

Come on!

With a loud thud, Miao Zhaodi was hit hard on the forehead by a basket, instantly leaving a gash in the middle of her forehead.

"Ah...ah...blood...ah...I'm bleeding...I'm going to die! Ahhh..."

Miao Zhaodi was screaming and jumping around wildly...

In her blurred vision, Zhou Ye walked towards her step by step, like the King of Hell arriving in the dead of night...

It seemed like it could kill her at any moment!

Miao Zhaodi felt panicked: "What...what are you going to do?"

Zhou Ye: "Auntie, what are you afraid of? Didn't you want someone to beat you up? Tsk... that's a really strange request!"

I'm fulfilling your request!

Aren't you happy? I see you're dancing with joy.

"You...you're going to kill someone?"

"How could that be? But speaking of which, why did Auntie bring so many people to see me?"

Uncle Xie quickly grabbed a piece of cloth and covered Miao Zhaodi's head: "I'm so sorry, Zhou Zhiqing, my wife is confused!"

"I'm not confused, I have something to say!"

Miao Zhaodi remembered what the man had said: if she could embarrass Zhou Ye and make him bleed today, he would give her fifty yuan.

That's fifty! How long can that last for meat?

"Zhou Ye, you're not human! At such a young age, all you know is how to enjoy yourself! That's capitalist behavior! You're hoarding the good stuff and eating and drinking well, with meat at every meal!"

But they made us eat coarse grains and wild vegetables!

Where is your conscience?

I'm telling you, either you produce food today, or you produce money!

This is your contribution to society, helping poor farmers, and you'll earn a good reputation! Otherwise, you'll be criticized and denounced!

Today we must take you to the cowshed for re-education!

Zhao Cuihua retorted, "That's right, you're just a little girl, why do you get to eat so well?"

He's our village doctor from Hongqi Village, shouldn't he be serving us?

Although Wang Haiying was a little scared, she mustered up her courage and said for the sake of money: "That's right, we should go for reform!"

If they don't give it to you, you'll have to undergo re-education!

"Take it out!"

"Take it out!"

"It must be taken out!"

Arguing? Zhou had already lost his patience.

At this moment, Xie Jianshe rushed in and stood in front of Zhou Ye, saying, "What do you want to do? Zhou Zhiqing is our benefactor!"

He is the benefactor of the entire Hongqi Village!

Are you all ungrateful wretches?

Xie Youfu and Wang Guihua also stepped forward at this time.

Uncle Xie was in a panic. This...this is terrible!

Pulling at Miao Zhaodi, he said, "Go home, hurry up and go! Come on, stop talking, let's go!"

Miao Zhaodi forcefully shook her off: "What do you know? It's fifty yuan, you know that, you idiot!"

Uncle Xie was taken aback, looked at his elder brother, and lowered his head guiltily!

The two sides faced off, with Miao Zhaodi and her group displaying an arrogant attitude.

"I'm giving you one last chance, get out!" Zhou Ye said in a deep voice, suppressing his inner rage.

Xie Jianshe looked at Zhou Ye with concern...

“You…you think we’re afraid of you? I don’t want this chance!” Miao Zhaodi shouted loudly.

Zhou also looked up...

Several people walked in from outside; it was Brother Luo and his group.

Looking at the people in the courtyard, he looked at Zhou Ye with surprise: "Comrade Zhou, what's the matter?"

Zhou Ye's lips curled slightly: "A business deal, shall we do it?"