When She Stops Being Dramatic

But it was different for the female educated youth. Some of them, for the sake of their futures, wouldn’t hesitate to sacrifice what was most precious to them as women. In the end, after being thoroughly taken advantage of, all they got was an empty promise to "go home and wait for news."

One girl even became pregnant. After causing a massive scene, she eventually threw herself into the river in despair and drowned.

Just as Chi Yun’er had thought, the brick factory wasn’t just well-known at the base; it was infamous. It was a local tyrant, a name that made people turn pale with fear.

When the factory’s leaders saw their shameful deeds exposed, not only did they fail to restrain themselves, but they grew even more audacious, dreaming of turning the base into their personal pleasure den.

It was only because the male educated youth had picked up tools and formed patrol teams that the women were temporarily spared from the den of wolves.

Now, a young, beautiful girl like Chi Yun’er was to enter the brick factory all by herself. Would there be anything left of her but bones?

He refused to believe that Jiang Zishi, after a year here, hadn’t heard of the brick factory’s foul reputation.

’Heh. He could just imagine it. After Chi Yun’er was bullied, Jiang Zishi would innocently push all the blame onto the Bian family and onto him—the "brother" who was supposed to be looking out for her.’

"You sit here for a bit, I—" Any trace of the romantic feelings Jiang Yihua had felt moments ago vanished. He spoke expressionlessly, but then he remembered that the base was still a strange place for Chi Yun’er. He changed his mind. "Never mind. Come with me. We’ll go see the person in charge of the base."

He grabbed two pairs of chopsticks from the room, placed them in the bamboo basket, and, carrying it, led Chi Yun’er toward the base’s main office.

Chi Yun’er nodded obediently, not asking any questions, and walked by his side like a dutiful young wife.

Jiang Yihua let out a soft sigh. A mixture of relief and lingering fear made his back feel even more drenched with sweat.

’He couldn’t imagine what fate would have awaited the young woman if he hadn’t spoken to her beforehand, or if she hadn’t become upset and come looking for him.’

’The moment he let himself think about it, a violent impulse threatened to break free from its cage—a ruthless urge to strangle every last one of those fiends.’

Jiang Yihua was in no mood to reflect on why he felt so anxious and enraged.

After calming himself for a moment, he asked in a slightly gentler voice, "Chi, what would you say you’re good at?"

"I was thinking, rather than going to a brick factory full of men, you might as well come to our farm."

"You can’t do the ordinary strenuous labor, but I figure with your good family background, you don’t have to rely on work points to get by. That actually gives you more options."

"Besides, there are some specialized jobs with less competition."

Chi Yun’er turned to look at the man beside her.

’He was like the midday winter sun—not scorching, but carrying a gentle warmth that could chase away the deepest chill. He was like a great ship on the ocean; no matter how the storm raged outside, anyone he sheltered within his cabins would be perfectly safe!’

After a brief moment of daze, Chi Yun’er lowered her head to look at her dust-covered cloth sandals, her eyes exceptionally clear.

She chuckled softly and said, "Brother Hua, I know how to do lots of things."

"I know you’re brilliant, practically revered as a god of academics. And while I might not be able to compete with you, among my peers, I was an unrivaled top student!"

"In middle school and high school, I often submitted short pieces to newspapers and journals and got them published, so my writing skills are decent."

"My dad had to check the hospital’s accounts every month, and the workload was so heavy he had to bring it home to work overtime. When he did, I’d help him with the abacus..."

"Back in school, I was the on-air announcer..."

The young woman recounted her past glories with a triumphant air, looking lively, flamboyant, and dazzling.

Jiang Yihua truly couldn’t understand how Jiang Zishi could have been so cruel to a girl like this.

He listened with a faint smile, nodding continuously. When they arrived in front of the office building, he had Chi Yun’er wait in the shade of a tree while he set down the bamboo basket and entered one of the rooms.

It was almost time for lunch. The director of the base office had just returned from a tour of the fields, drenched in sweat. He was now washing his face with a towel and a basin of water.

"Oh, Little Jiang, you’re here! Come in, have a seat," the director greeted him with a warm smile. After wiping his neck with the towel, he went to pour some tea.

Jiang Yihua quickly stopped him. "Director Qi, please don’t trouble yourself. It’s almost lunchtime. Are you trying to make me fill up on water so you can save on grain?"

Director Qi chuckled and pointed at him. "Alright, I’ll drop the pleasantries. Tell me, what brings you here? It’s almost lunch; don’t tell me you ran all this way just to chat."

Jiang Yihua hesitated, wondering in what capacity he should be acting on Chi Yun’er’s behalf.