Deep into the night, when silence had fully settled over the Li household, a lone shadow slipped soundlessly into the courtyard. The figure moved with careful precision.
Li Shuying's footsteps were light, almost weightless, as she circled the courtyard, her sharp eyes scanning every corner. At last, she found what she was looking for.
A window which was crudely patched with old, yellowing newspaper, its edges peeling from years of neglect. The wooden frame was loose, wide enough for a person to slip through if handled carefully.
Without hesitation, she took out a small blade and gently sliced through the brittle paper. The faint tearing sound barely disturbed the stillness of the night. With practiced ease, she slipped inside.
The room was dim, illuminated only by faint moonlight filtering through the torn paper.
It was Sun Guifeng's room. On the heated kang, Sun Guifeng and Zhao Hongmei lay asleep under a worn quilt, their breathing slow and even.
For a brief moment, Li Shuying stood still. Her gaze fell upon them cold and sharp. A flicker of something dark passed through her eyes, but just as quickly, it vanished.
Not tonight. There were more urgent matters to deal with. Reaching into her system space, she retrieved the sedative Heizi had given her. Moving silently, she approached the kang and released a measured amount near their noses. Within moments, their breathing deepened, their bodies sinking into an even heavier unconsciousness.
Satisfied, Li Shuying stepped back and exited the room as quietly as she had entered.
She moved along the shadowed walls, her pace steady, her senses alert. It took some time to locate the correct room, but eventually, she found Li Guofu's room.
Slowly, she pushed the door open. Inside, the air was thick and stale. Li Guofu lay sprawled across the bed, his bulky frame taking up most of the space. His snores were loud and uneven, completely unaware of the danger that had already entered the room.
He slept peacefully ss if nothing had happened. Li Shuying stood at the bedside, staring at him. Her expression changed and the calm in her eyes disappeared, replaced by something far colder… far more dangerous.
Images flashed through her mind, her brother's bloodied back. The memory of him enduring in silence while that so-called Master Kui carved into his flesh… and Li Guofu standing nearby, watching, calculating, thinking only of money.
Her fingers tightened and eyes reddened. A storm of suppressed fury surged within her chest. Without a word, she took out the sedative once more and sprayed it near his nose.
Li Guofu stirred slightly then fell completely still. Only then did Li Shuying move again.
From her system space, she slowly drew out a butcher's knife. The blade caught the faint moonlight, glinting coldly in the darkness.
She looked down at him. Her voice, when she finally spoke, was soft almost a whisper. "Didn't you want to earn money through my brother's suffering? Then now… I will make sure you pay for it, for the rest of your life." And with that she lowered the knife to his right hand and severed a thumb and index finger.
Blood splattered across the dim room, the metallic scent thick in the air. Two severed fingers lay grotesquely on the edge of the kang.
Li Shuying took a few steps back, her brows knitting tightly in undisguised disgust, "Filthy…" she murmured under her breath, as though even the sight of him sullied her eyes.
She did not spare Li Guofu another glance.
Turning sharply, she moved toward the wooden cupboard in the corner. Her movements were swift yet precise. She opened each compartment, sifted through the contents, and carefully restored everything to its original place, ensuring that no trace of disturbance would remain.
Time passed in silence and her patience began to thin, a faint crease forming between her brows. Just as she was about to abandon the search, her fingers brushed against something hidden beneath a loose wooden rack.
She paused and slowly, she pried it open and retrieved a small cloth bundle tucked deep within the shadowed corner.
Unwrapping it, she revealed a stack of crumpled bills. She counted them quickly and found twenty-eight yuan.
A faint, cold light flickered across her eyes. She turned her head slightly, casting a sidelong glance at the unconscious man on the kang, "This money was never yours to begin with."
Without hesitation, she tucked the money away and slipped out of the room, her figure melting back into the night. Moments later, she was gone from the Li family courtyard entirely.
When she returned home, Li Shuying moved with the same caution. She entered her room quietly, bolted the door from the inside, and only then allowed herself a moment of stillness.
With a thought, she entered the space. The familiar silence of the control room embraced her. After completing her usual routine, she sat down slowly, her mind inevitably returning to the events of the day.
The unease she had felt earlier had not vanished, it had merely transformed. What once lingered as fear now sharpened into urgency.
Tomorrow, the winter planting would begin and she still had no clear solution. She lowered her gaze slightly, her thoughts drifting back to her privious life she could never forget.
In her previous life, the winter harvest had been a complete disaster. After handing over grain to the state, nothing remained for the villagers, not even scraps to sustain themselves. When famine struck with full force, it came like a silent executioner.
No one was prepared. The communal canteens, once seen as a symbol of collective strength, shut down one after another. And when the villagers looked toward the state for relief, they found none. Because the famine had spread far beyond their village, engulfing the entire country.
Yesterday's conversation with Zhang Wenhao echoed clearly in her mind. "If you confront them directly, no one will believe you. People will not risk their lives based on mere words." And he was right.
No villager would defy the commune's orders simply because of her warning. Not when grain, work points, survival was tied to collective obedience.
But if she did nothing and the wheat was sown, the ending would be no different from her previous life, a dead end.
She exhaled quietly, her eyes growing sharper, "No," she whispered to herself, as if making a vow. "That path cannot be repeated."
Her gaze drifted, almost unconsciously, until it settled upon the warehouse icon glowing faintly on the control panel. She frowned in confusion and then, as if guided by instinct, she reached out and tapped it. A translucent panel unfolded before her eyes, rows upon rows of stored items appearing in neat order, each carefully recorded with precise quantities beside them.
Chicken meat… corn… eggs… sweet potatoes… millet… sorghum… soybeans… Chinese cabbage…
The list stretched on, abundant and almost overwhelming.
Li Shuying's eyes moved slowly across the panel, her expression gradually sharpening as she examined each entry with care.
Then she paused on sweet potatoes. The number beside it made her pupils contract slightly. More than twenty one hundred jin. For a moment, she simply stared. When had it accumulated to such an extent?
Her brows drew together faintly as she recalled the past few days. The only time she had ever taken out sweet potatoes was during her early morning trips to the black market. After that, she had scarcely touched them at all. They had simply continued to pile up… unnoticed.
A memory surfaced. Zhang Wenhao's voice echoed faintly in her mind when he said Sweet potatoes are the fastest to grow. With proper conditions, they can even be harvested in cycles… resilient and dependable.
Li Shuying's eyes flickered. A thought, sudden and sharp, struck her. If that is the case than what if… instead of wheat the villagers planted sweet potatoes? The idea lingered bold… yet undeniably tempting.
Her eyes brightened, a faint spark igniting within them. Her gaze than shifted to soybeans. Eight hundred jin, though not as abundant, it was still a considerable amount.
She remembered clearly, early soybean pods required far less water and could mature within a month and a half. According to Zhang Wenhao, in times of scarcity, they could serve as stepal.
Then her attention moved further down to chinese cabbage, twelve hundred jin.
Among the elderly villagers, there were many who still retained the old knowledge of how to regrow cabbage from scraps, how to cultivate it quickly without relying on seeds.
And more importantly it had one of the shortest growth cycles. If handled correctly even three cycles before the first frost settled over the land.
Li Shuying slowly leaned back, her thoughts now aligning with precision. The fear that had lingered earlier was no longer there.
She murmured softly, as if speaking to herself, her tone calm yet resolute, "When the river is too strong to cross… one must learn to walk along its banks."
She could not stop the wheat from being sown. She could not openly oppose the commune's orders.
But she could change what grew along with it. If even a portion of the villagers could be guided and even a fraction of the land could be used differently then when famine came, they would not be left with nothing.
Her eyes gleamed faintly in the dim light of the control room. The plan was not yet complete. But for the first time she could see a way forward.
The only question that remained now was how to persuade the villagers.
Li Shuying lay back in her seat, her brows slightly furrowed as countless possibilities turned over in her mind.
She thought… and thought… Until, at some point, exhaustion quietly overtook her. Without realizing it, she fell asleep right there in the control room.
When she awoke, the world around her was still the same cold, silent, and dimly lit by the faint glow of the system interface. For a moment, she remained still, her thoughts sluggish from sleep.
Then voices, faint at first, then clearer rang in her ears. Her brows knitted together and with a single thought, she exited the space.
Li Shuying stepped out of her room and saw Widow He, Liu Lingmei, and Grand-Aunt Li gathered together, speaking animatedly with Chen Meilan.
Even her brothers Li Jianmin and Li Jianguo chuckling openly, while Li Jianhua, who rarely showed such ease, wore a faint but unmistakable smile.
At a glance, Li Shuying understood. So… it has already spread.
Widow He was the first to speak, her voice full of relish as she slapped her thigh lightly. "Aiya, you should have seen it with your own eyes," she said, her tone brimming with satisfaction. "That old shrew Wang Chunhua was crying as if her son had died, wailing to the heavens, beating her chest. Hah! Truly, 'evil deeds invite retribution, sooner or later'."
She leaned in slightly, lowering her voice in a conspiratorial manner, "And because that Li Guofu was tangled up with a dangerous criminal gang… aiya, it felt even more satisfying. Heaven has eyes, after all."
Liu Lingmei nodded in agreement, her expression carrying a trace of cold practicality, "After this, that Li Guofu is finished," she said. "With his thumb and index finger gone, his right hand is as good as useless. Even if he wants to stir trouble again, he will have to think twice." She paused, then added thoughtfully, "But… who do you think did it?"
Li Jianmin, unable to contain himself, chimed in eagerly, "I heard from others that the person entered through the window of Aunt Sun Guifeng's room," he said. "And she didn't notice anything at all. The strange thing is that the intruder did nothing else. Only cut off Li Guofu's fingers and left." His tone carried both awe and curiosity, "It's as if they came only for revenge."
Chen Meilan, however, did not share their lighthearted mood. Her expression remained tense, her hands unconsciously twisting the edge of her sleeve, "But… could it be dangerous?" she asked hesitantly. "If someone like that can enter a house so easily, what if they come again? What if next time… it's someone else in the village?"
Her concern caused the atmosphere to shift slightly.
Widow He waved her hand dismissively, though her voice softened a little, "Aiya, Meilan, don't frighten yourself," she said. "In our village, who has grudges deep enough for such things? That boy Li Guofu has done too many wicked deeds. Now that he has lost his backing, someone naturally dared to take revenge." She clicked her tongue, "We honest folk have no such enemies. Why would anyone harm us?"
Grand-Aunt Li, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke up. Her aged voice was slow but steady, carrying a weight that made others listen, "But did you not hear what the barefoot doctor said?" she asked.
"The fingers were severed cleanly yet roughly, but with a very sharp blade," she continued. "Most likely a butcher's knife." She paused meaningfully before adding, "But during the Great Leap Forward's backyard steel campaign, did we not melt down nearly all our metal tools? Even the village butcher no longer has a proper cleaver. So tell me, if no one in the village possesses such a blade… then where did it come from?"
Silence fell and each person exchanged uncertain glances, their earlier excitement slowly giving way to unease.
Grand-Aunt Li's final words lingered in the air like a shadow, "…If not from within the village then perhaps…" She did not finish the sentence, but everyone understood.
At the doorway of her room, Li Shuying stood quietly. Her expression remained composed, yet her eyes held a faint trace of disbelief.
These people… their imagination truly runs wild. What had been a simple act of calculated revenge had already twisted itself into something far more mysterious in their minds.
Widow He, unable to contain herself, lowered her voice and spoke with a grave expression, "Don't you all feel it? These days, misfortune has been clinging to our village like a stubborn shadow. First the food shortage, then the water crisis, then the delay in planting… and now this matter with Li Guofu." She clicked her tongue, her face tightening, "This is too inauspicious. It feels as though… something unclean has entered the village."
Chen Meilan's face immediately changed. She glanced around nervously and stepped closer, lowering her voice to a hurried whisper, "Sister He, don't speak such words," she said urgently. "These are feudal superstitions. If someone hears you and reports it, there will be consequences. In these times, one must be careful with their tongue."
Widow He snorted softly, clearly unconvinced, "Hmph… just because we pretend not to believe doesn't mean such things don't exist," she muttered. "Heaven above, earth below, there are things beyond what we see. Let us be honest… who among us truly does not harbor such thoughts in their heart?" Her gaze swept across the group knowingly, "Everyone believes it, only no one dares to say it aloud."
The atmosphere grew subtly uneasy, the earlier lightness fading into something more uncertain.
Li Shuying, who had been listening silently, immediately sensed the direction of the conversation. If allowed to continue, it would spiral into baseless fear and idle speculation so she stepped forward calmly, her voice clear yet gentle.
"Aunt He, whatever the cause, it has already happened," she said. "Instead of worrying about unseen things, shouldn't we focus on what lies before us? Today is the first day of fieldwork after the rest period. If we delay any longer, the land will not wait for us."
Her words were simple, but they grounded the drifting conversation.
Liu Lingmei nodded in agreement, seizing the shift, "That's right," she said. "Today we must begin by loosening the soil again. Although it was done before, the land has already hardened after so many dry days. If we do not break it up properly, the seeds will not take root."
Grand-Aunt Li sighed deeply, leaning slightly on her walking stick, "Aiya… this old body of mine already aches at the thought of it," she said. "The work this year is heavier than ever. But what can we do? When the bell rings, the monk must chant."
Li Jianguo, who had been listening quietly, suddenly spoke up, "Mother, since we have a labor day off today, Jianmin and I will go to the fields with you," he said. "We will help instead of working in the school fields."
Chen Meilan looked at her sons, a faint warmth flickering in her tired eyes. She gave a small nod, though she said nothing.
Thus, it was decided. Except for Li Jianhua, who still had regular classes at school, everyone else would head to the fields.
By the time they arrived, the fields were already bustling with activity.
Villagers had gathered in clusters, their breath visible in the cool morning air. The production team leaders stood at the front, distributing tools.
Li Jianmin and Li Jianguo quickly joined the queue, their youthful energy evident as they waited their turn.
Li Shuying stood slightly to the side, observing quietly.
Suddenly two small figures came running across the field like little bursts of wind.
"Mother! Mother!" The twin boys, Liu Weiguo and Liu Weimin, rushed toward Liu Lingmei, their cheeks flushed and eyes shining with excitement. They tugged at her sleeves eagerly, "Mother, we want to earn work points!" they declared in their childish, slightly slurred voices.
Widow He burst into laughter, her face lighting up with affection, "Aiya, look at these two little monkeys," she said, bending slightly to pinch one of their cheeks. "Still smelling of milk, and already thinking of earning work points?"
The twins nodded vigorously, their small faces full of determination, "We can do it!" Liu Weiguo insisted, puffing out his tiny chest.
"Yes! We will work hard!" Liu Weimin echoed.
Their earnestness drew chuckles from those nearby.
Liu Lingmei shook her head helplessly, though a smile tugged at her lips, "You can go collect pig grass by the riverbank," she said. "But… You two are still too young so production won't give you any tools
Liu Weiguo immediately stretched out his small hands, "We will use our hands!" he said proudly. Liu Weimin also nodded just as firmly.
Their seriousness made the adults laugh even more.
Liu Lingmei finally relented, "Alright, alright. Go then but don't wander too far. Stay near the bank."
The twins cheered in delight and ran off without another word, their small figures quickly disappearing toward the river.
Chen Meilan watched them go, a trace of concern crossing her face, "Isn't it a bit risky to let them go alone?" she asked softly.
Liu Lingmei shook her head, "There are many children their age collecting pig grass there," she replied. "They will not be alone, and the river bank is all dried up now."
Grand-Aunt Li, however, frowned slightly, "Still… children are children," she said. "The other boys can be mischievous. It is not always safe."
Her gaze shifted thoughtfully before landing on Li Shuying, "Little Shuying," she said, "why don't you go with them? You can also collect pig grass. The work points may be fewer, but it is more suitable than laboring under the sun like the others."
Chen Meilan nodded in agreement, "Yes, your Grand-Aunt is right," she added gently. "Go along and keep an eye on the twins."
Li Shuying paused for a moment, considering. For her, work points were merely a formality, just to maintain school records. With her system space, survival was no longer tied to the commune's rationing.
More importantly the riverbank meant distance from the crowd and distance meant opportunity to think of a plan.
She nodded quietly, "Alright, Mother."
Without delay, she turned and headed in the direction the twins had run, her figure moving steadily across the open field.
By the time she reached the path leading to the riverbank, the two small boys were already out of sight.