Traveling Through Those Years Of Farming (Quick Transmigration) - Chapter 24

“Runzhu, how do you feel? Were the questions difficult? Do you think you did well on the exam?”

On the last day of the college entrance examination, Jiang Runzhu returns home to find her mother waiting with concern.

Ten years have passed, and the Jiang family’s living conditions have changed dramatically.

Thanks to her understanding of the future, Jiang Runzhu encourages her father to contract the bamboo forest on the back mountain in the second year of her rebirth. That year, the price of bamboo shoots skyrocketed, and the Jiang family made a lot of money.

After experiencing success with this business, Jiang Sanshui and his wife begin to take their daughter’s advice more seriously. From that point on, whenever Jiang Runzhu suggests a way to make money, they rarely disagree.

Over the next ten years, the couple expanded their ventures, contracting a large piece of mountain land, planting fruits and vegetables, raising chickens and ducks, and managing a large pond to breed aquatic products. They have long become well-known big players in the local area.

Their original bungalow is demolished and replaced by a three-story country villa, and Jiang Sanshui even buys a second-hand truck. To the villagers of Xiaoyanggang, the Jiang family is now considered wealthy.

Jiang Sanshui and his wife believe all this prosperity comes from their daughter. In recent years, they have paid even more attention to her, often showing that they favor her over their son, Jiang Runtu. They are more willing to listen to her advice.

Jiang Runtu has gone to college and later works at the Municipal Design Institute. He doesn’t have much time to come home, which makes the couple even more attached to their daughter, who is always there.

“Do I really need to say it? Our daughter’s grades have always been in the top 20 of her class. She’ll definitely get into a third-tier university.”

Jiang Sanshui looks at his daughter with pride, his expression one of deep satisfaction.

Thanks to her rebirth, Jiang Runzhu has far better self-control than other children her age. In elementary school, she has never fallen out of the top three in her class. However, her IQ is still limited—otherwise, she wouldn’t have had to study so hard in her previous life and still not gotten into any school. Even in this life, despite her second chance, she still feels nervous when faced with more difficult material in junior high and high school, and her results aren’t as brilliant as they had been in elementary school.

Like Baobao, she attends the No. 1 High School in the county. Although it is the best high school in the area, the education level is still not on par with schools in larger cities. She has ranked in the top 20 in her class, but her provincial rank is relatively low. Nevertheless, she still hopes to get into a somewhat less prestigious three-year college.

When Jiang Runtu gets into a junior college, Jiang Sanshui and his wife are so proud. If Jiang Runzhu can get into a four-year university this time, they are certain to throw a celebration.

“Not bad, actually. It feels better than usual.”

Jiang Runzhu is deeply impacted by the college entrance exam, which has changed her life after her previous failure. She still vaguely remembers the Chinese composition questions and the difficult questions from other subjects that year.

She sighs with relief when she sees the test paper. Fortunately, the questions for this college entrance exam haven’t been altered due to the butterfly effect.

She feels confident about this test. She believes she has a good chance of getting into a second-tier university, and maybe even a first-tier one.

“Okay, okay. Your brother will bring his girlfriend home soon. By then, your exam results should be out, and we’ll have double happiness.”

Hua Yingxiu smiles with pride, looking at her beautiful and graceful daughter with great satisfaction.

This girl has truly brought the family good fortune. Now, their family is thriving—no worse off than Hua family. While Hua Yingpo’s family still rides a 28-bar bicycle, the Jiang family has already bought a small truck with four wheels.

Hua Yingxiu finds it laughable that she has ever envied Hua Yingpo. She is far more blessed than they are.

“Brother, is he really bringing his girlfriend back?” Jiang Runzhu’s expression shifts.

When her brother fills out his college application, she specifically suggests he apply somewhere different from where he had in her previous life. Sure enough, after graduation, her brother hasn’t worked as an accountant at a state-owned factory like in the past, but has instead gone to the Municipal Design Institute.

“What’s her name? What does she do?”

Jiang Runzhu hasn’t liked her sister-in-law in her previous life. Her family was obsessed with money and, despite knowing Jiang Runzhu’s family wasn’t well-off, they had insisted on asking for a house and a dowry, even threatening her parents with the baby in her belly.

In Jiang Runzhu’s opinion, her sister-in-law’s character was questionable.

“Her name is Lin Miao. She’s from the city and works as a clerk in a textile factory. It’s a good job, respectable, and she works in an office, which isn’t tiring at all.”

Hua Yingxiu’s smile widens as she speaks of her future daughter-in-law.

Although the reputation of state-owned factories isn’t as high as it once was, a stable job is still an important criterion for many elders when choosing a daughter-in-law or son-in-law.

Hua Yingxiu is very pleased to hear that her son’s girlfriend not only has a city registration, but also has a stable and respectable job, as well as good parents and siblings.

“I heard from your eldest brother that the girl is quite tall,” Jiang Sanshui says, puffing on a cigarette with a satisfied look on his face.

He has always had opinions about the height of his family members. He himself isn’t very tall, standing at just 1.62 meters, and his wife is even shorter by half a head. Their son, Jiang Runtu, is only slightly taller than his father.

While everyone says Jiang Runtu is 1.70 meters tall, that’s only the height with shoes on. In reality, his actual height is closer to 1.67 meters.

In her previous life, Jiang Runzhu was very short, only a little over 1.5 meters. After her rebirth, she focuses on improving her nutrition and exercising moderately before puberty. In this life, she has finally reached 1.58 meters.

Thanks to her good proportions and careful weight management, she looks much more delicate and attractive now than she had in her previous life.

Jiang Sanshui hopes that marrying a tall daughter-in-law will improve the height of their future grandchildren, so he is very pleased with his future daughter-in-law, whom he has not yet met.

However, Jiang Runzhu is the only one in the family who doesn’t look forward to the arrival of that sister-in-law.

Lin Miao… Wasn’t that the name of her greedy sister-in-law in her previous life?

She hadn’t expected that despite changing her eldest brother’s career in this life, the two of them had somehow ended up together again after all these years. Could it be that, aside from the Hua family, everything else is following the same path as her previous life and can’t be changed?

Jiang Runzhu feels a little confused.

Fang Aihong, who lives in Xiaoyanggang, has been feeling uneasy and restless lately, as if something big is about to happen at home. This vague worry leaves her unable to eat or sleep properly, and her face looks much worse than before.

The more she thinks about it, the more it seems wrong. Finally, she can’t help but call the place where her son, Lin Huajun, works. The person who answers the phone tells her that her son has gone on a field training trip and can’t be reached for the time being.

Not hearing her son’s voice makes the old lady even more depressed.

“Aunt Lin.”

That day, she has just returned from the fields with some fresh corn and runs into Jiang Runzhu. The younger woman greets her warmly and offers to help carry the basket of corn.

“Aunt Lin, you look a little haggard lately. You must take care of yourself. Everyone in our Xiaoyanggang knows that Brother Huajun is the most filial. When he comes back from his training and sees that you’ve lost weight, he’ll surely be worried and talk to Brother Aijun about it.”

Lin Huajun had been Jiang Runzhu’s ex-husband in her previous life. He was the man who had been injured during a mission and had to retire early.

When Jiang Runzhu had been reborn, she thinks about preventing the incident that led to Lin Huajun’s injury, but after careful thought, she realizes that she probably can’t change it.

First of all, the military’s missions are confidential. Before Lin Huajun’s accident, his parents had only known that he was away for field training. Jiang Runzhu doesn’t know which mission had caused his early retirement.

Moreover, Jiang Runzhu had been reborn a bit late. The age gap between them is quite large. By the time she was reborn, Lin Huajun was already 15 years old. To join the army, he had lied about his age by two years, which was common at that time. Jiang Runzhu, still a young girl, had no way of persuading someone like Lin Huajun, who saw the army as a way out, to retire. The army wouldn’t let someone who had just enlisted leave without a valid reason.

In fact, it might not have been a bad thing for Lin Huajun to retire early, considering his temperament. Had the accident not happened, he likely would have stayed in the army his whole life. At the time of his injury, he was already a company commander. If he hadn’t been disabled, he would’ve certainly been commended for completing the mission and could have been promoted.

For a soldier with no connections, advancing as quickly as he does is already impressive. If he stays in the army, he might not have a bright future.

However, Jiang Runzhu knows from her experience in the future that even if Lin Huajun becomes a battalion commander, his income will still be limited, and he might never achieve the success he later finds as a businessman.

In her previous life, Lin Huajun becomes a successful entrepreneur. After making his fortune, he doesn’t forget his neighbors, building bridges and roads for his hometown and helping the villagers become prosperous. He is the pride of Xiaoyanggang.

His slightly disabled right leg also gradually recovers through more advanced treatment in the future. Jiang Runzhu still remembers seeing Lin Huajun on the local TV news—he is full of ambition and dignity, a far cry from the gloomy and silent man he was when they first married.

Jiang Runzhu can’t help but feel that Lin Huajun might also be grateful for that accident. It has ultimately led him to the life he has now.

In addition, the military has strict oversight, so she can’t use anonymous letters or phone calls to warn Lin Huajun to be cautious during his missions. Jiang Runzhu also fears that once everything is uncovered, the military will trace the clues back to her and discover the truth of her rebirth.

So, she decides to let things unfold as they did in her previous life. She will stand by Lin Huajun when he hits rock bottom, comfort him, encourage him, and make up for the debt she owes him from her past life.

“Hey, your brother Huajun went off for training, and I haven’t been able to contact him for a while. I’m a little worried,” Fang Aihong says with a sigh.

Fang Aihong likes Jiang Runzhu very much. She sees her as kind-hearted, always willing to help carry heavy loads and always greeting her with a smile whenever they meet. If their family situations weren’t so different, Fang Aihong would have hoped for Jiang Runzhu to be her daughter-in-law.

“Aunt Lin, don’t worry. Brother Huajun has such big earlobes. He looks blessed,” Jiang Runzhu says, trying to ease her concern.

Jiang Runzhu knows that Lin Huajun is very filial. In her previous life, she always resented Fang Aihong for begging her father to marry her off to a disabled man to get the betrothal money. As a result, Jiang Runzhu never liked Fang Aihong. Initially, Fang Aihong tolerated her, but later on, their relationship deteriorated, and they frequently quarreled.

Lin Huajun always sided with his mother, and the breakdown of their relationship is partly due to this incident.

This time, Jiang Runzhu is determined to be a good daughter-in-law, one who will be praised by everyone.

“By your good words,” she replies with a smile.

Her words are pleasant to Fang Aihong’s ears, and she can’t help but pat the back of Jiang Runzhu’s hand, her gaze growing more gentle and kind.

If only such a good girl could become her daughter-in-law. Fang Aihong sighs inwardly. But she knows that Jiang Runzhu is from a good family and will go to college in the future. The Jiang family is one of the best families in Xiaoyanggang, while her own family is ordinary. Her two sons depend on the small allowance sent by the youngest son. They aren’t worthy of someone like Jiang Runzhu.

“Our class will have our last meeting tomorrow. What about you? Didn’t you say the whole class would have a dinner together before graduation?”

A clear voice rings out from a distance, and Fang Aihong and Jiang Runzhu turn to see who it is.

Chunming and Baobao are approaching. Baobao is wearing a square-necked short-sleeve dress today. The dress, a goose yellow with small white and blue flowers, reaches her calves. The sun is bright, and her exposed arms and legs look pale and glowing.

Chunming wears his usual white T-shirt and blue washed cloth trousers. He walks on the outside, holding a bag of sugarcane in his right hand and a makeshift garbage box made of newspaper in his left. Baobao can spit out the sugarcane residue she chews into it.

“Should there be?” the young man says with a bright and refreshing voice, as though the heat and dryness of the summer have faded.

Seeing the two approach, Jiang Runzhu’s smile fades somewhat.

She initially thinks that Hua Yingpo and his wife have changed from their previous life, but to her surprise, not only have they not changed, but their actions have become worse. In this life, the amount of money they swindle has grown larger.

The couple has wrapped their crimes in a charitable cloak, and Jiang Runzhu, having read many news reports in her previous life, knows just how murky the waters of charity donations can be. She doesn’t believe that they have truly donated half of their income.

And even if they have donated, it can’t erase the fact that they are scamming people.

Looking at Sheng Baobao, who dresses herself up beautifully with stolen money, Jiang Runzhu can’t help but feel sympathy for her.

She wonders just how pitiful this little princess, spoiled by her parents, will be once they are caught.

“Aunt Lin.”

Baobao and Chunming notice Fang Aihong and Jiang Runzhu and greet the elders, nodding briefly to Jiang Runzhu.

“Hello,” Fang Aihong responds with a smile. “I haven’t seen you for a while. Baobao has become even more beautiful,” Fang Aihong comments, looking at Sheng Baobao with curiosity.

In this life, Sheng Baobao’s appearance is quite rare in the eyes of the older generation. She has a round face, a straight nose, a plump nose tip, and large, round almond eyes, which make her look lucky and adorable.

Because of her love for food, she has never managed to lose weight since puberty. However, her small frame makes her body soft and tender without appearing bloated. To others, she is curvy where she should be and slender where she should be.

Compared to her, Jiang Runzhu appears too thin for the elders’ taste. With a sharp chin, she doesn’t fit the idea of “luck” as much as Sheng Baobao does.

“The college entrance exam results will be out soon. You three are the best in our village! Auntie is already looking forward to your entrance banquet.” Fang Aihong speaks enthusiastically about Sheng Baobao. “You must have worked hard recently. I see you seem a bit thinner than before. It’s not good for a young girl to be too thin. You should take good care of yourself and try to put on some weight.”

Not to mention that Baobao is a rare talent. Even for her mother, Fang Aihong can’t help but show the kindness of an elder.

“Really?” Baobao asks, touching her cheek in surprise. Could it be that all the weight she thought she had gained is just an illusion? Is she really thinner than she thought?

It must be like that. She can eat another lion’s head tonight.

Baobao immediately finds another reasonable excuse to delay her weight loss plan.

While chatting with Aunt Lin, Sheng Baobao notices Jiang Runzhu, who is helping carry things for Aunt Lin.

Compared to when they first met ten years ago, Jiang Runzhu’s presence feels much more grounded, confirming her suspicions that Jiang Runzhu has been reborn. If it were time travel, the soul wouldn’t feel so harmonious.

Over the past ten years, their interactions have been minimal. Aside from sharing the same class in elementary school, they have been in different classes in junior high and high school.

Sheng Baobao can sense that Jiang Runzhu is rejecting her.

But to Sheng Baobao, even if Jiang Runzhu is reborn, what does it matter? She is an insignificant person in her life. With just a glance, Baobao averts her gaze.

After exchanging pleasantries, Sheng Baobao and Chunming pass by them, turning down another path.

“Lady Hua is truly an extraordinary person. With a biological mother like that, this girl is very fortunate,” Fang Aihong comments, looking at Sheng Baobao’s retreating figure.

Everyone says that over the years, Lady Hua has been donating money in her daughter Sheng Baobao’s name. Huang Xian claims this is to cultivate merit and accumulate good fortune. With a mother who always thinks of her daughter, Sheng Baobao’s future seems promising.

The money Lady Hua has donated over the years and the help she has provided to the people have likely accumulated good fortune for Sheng Baobao’s next life.

Jiang Runzhu sneers inwardly at this. Don’t they know whether Hua Yingpo truly has any ability?

“Hey, I wonder how Hua Jun is doing. But with the amulet given by Lady Hua, he should be safe,” Fang Aihong whispers, still a little concerned.

Jiang Runzhu is aware of this. Parents whose children are in the military can request an amulet from Lady Hua for free. While there is no war at the moment, being a soldier still comes with risks. When Lady Hua made this offer, many people praised her for her noble character and righteousness.

It seems that Fang Aihong has also asked for a peace charm for her son.

Jiang Runzhu’s expression turns slightly strange. If Lin Huajun returns injured this time, will anyone question Lady Hua’s ability?

Of course, the couple might argue that the peace charm saved Lin Huajun’s life, and if not for it, he might have been worse off.

She is certain that many will believe that explanation. After ten years, Lady Hua’s business has thrived, and she has lost all faith in the intelligence of those around her.

Five days later, before the college entrance exam results are announced, Fang Aihong receives a call from the army.

It is her son, Lin Huajun, whom she hasn’t heard from in a while. He has been injured during a military exercise. Since he hasn’t been home for two years, his leader has approved a ten-day leave for him to recuperate at home.

On the phone, Lin Huajun reassures her that his injuries are superficial, not bone-deep. He also hints that his performance has been exceptional, and the higher-ups might be considering promoting him. With this good news, Fang Aihong’s worries are greatly eased.

Xiaoyanggang is a small town, and news travels fast. Fang Aihong’s family doesn’t have a landline, so when she answers the phone in the store, many people overhear the conversation.

Soon enough, the news that Lin Huajun is coming home to recover spreads. But by the time it reaches Jiang Runzhu’s ears, the rumor has turned into something entirely different: Lin Huajun has been seriously injured and might not return to the army.

Hearing the rumor, Jiang Runzhu lets out a breath of relief. As expected, aside from the Hua family, everything else is following the same course as her previous life.

She even forgets about the college entrance examination results and her difficult sister-in-law, Lin Miao, who will be coming to visit in a few days. All she can focus on is looking forward to Lin Huajun’s arrival.

“Come on, come on, help me check the results! I’ll help you check yours, you go first. Don’t tell me when you find out, we’ll share them together.”

To make communication easier with business partners, Hua Yingpo has spent a hefty sum of 2,000 yuan to install a landline years ago. Today is the day the results are to be checked, and as soon as it hits ten o’clock, Baobao pulls Chunming to sit next to the landline.

Hua Yingpo, her husband, and the old monk are nearby, eager to find out the results quickly, but they pretend to be calm.

“Okay.”

Chunming dials the number and gives the operator Baobao’s name and admission ticket number.

As they wait for the results, Baobao covers her ears, but her eyes remain wide open, studying Chunming’s expression for any clues.

“It’s your turn.”

It must be said that after ten years together, Chunming and Baobao have picked up some tricks. Just now, she couldn’t read anything from his face.

When the call ends, Chunming hands the microphone to Baobao.

“I think we both did well on the exam.” Baobao mutters to herself, holding the microphone, before redialing. This time, she gives Chunming’s admission ticket number.

Chunming doesn’t cover his ears like she does but keeps his eyes on her. Baobao thinks he might be trying to eavesdrop, so she quickly slides her chair back and covers the microphone with her hand.

When the broadcast ends, Baobao places the microphone back in position, her face showing no expression.

“Okay, now let’s share our scores! Three, two, one—”

“678!”

“689!”

Baobao has scored higher. After all, she has the advantage of two lifetimes of memories. In her first life, she went through the fierce competition of the college entrance exam, and though those memories are a bit hazy, they laid a solid foundation for her studies in this life.

With the perfect score being 750, both of them have done exceptionally well.

“Great! Last year, the cutoff score for provincial universities was 652. This year’s exam was much harder, especially math. Many candidates were in tears after leaving the exam room, so I think the cutoff might be lowered. With these scores, you can apply for top programs!”

Baobao jumps up with excitement. “Chunming, with this score, you can definitely go to Harbin Buddhist University! Aren’t you happy?”

As someone who grew up with him, Baobao has often heard Chunming mention his dream university.

Though she feels a pang of regret that Chunming has chosen to become a monk, she fully supports his decision.

But the smile on Chunming’s face slowly fades. How can he tell this excited girl that he might have found an ideal that surpasses his original dream of Harbin Buddhist University?