Chapter 32: Befriending the Village Auntie
“Comrade Ji, sorry for letting you witness that scene.” Zhang Dawei said with a forced smile, “Normally, our team is very harmonious.”
Ji Yanming waved it off. “It’s fine, as long as no one makes those who do good deeds feel disheartened.”
“No, no, of course not. Everyone in our team is good people. We’d never let a good comrade feel discouraged.” Zhang Dawei was afraid that what had just happened would affect the public security officer’s impression of their team — their “Advanced Collective” title mustn’t be compromised.
The team leader continued praising his team for a while, and only when he saw that Comrade Ji truly didn’t mind did he finally relax.
…
On the other side, Ning Xiyue had already struck up a conversation with the auntie who had been laughing at Ning Xiaoxiao’s limping earlier. The two of them chatted and laughed like they were old friends, completely engrossed in conversation.
From their talk, Ning Xiyue learned that the auntie’s daughter-in-law had just given birth to a chubby baby grandson. She had taken time off from work in the past few days to take care of them, which was why she had the time to sit here and chat.
Moreover, this auntie was the wife of the brigade secretary and also the head of the Women’s Committee — in the team, she was someone with a lot of influence.
Ning Xiyue felt her luck was truly incredible.
Although she had only tried to get close to this auntie because she was well-dressed and carried herself differently from the other village women — and because people around her listened to her — Ning Xiyue had deduced that this woman held a special status in the team. But she hadn’t expected the auntie’s background to be this powerful, nor that they would hit it off so coincidentally.
After chatting idly for a while, Ning Xiyue, seeing that they were getting along well, took a small handful of sunflower seeds from her bag and handed them over. “Aunt Qiuju, have some seeds — we can snack and chat.”
Aunt Qiuju was delighted. As she cracked the seeds, she thought to herself: This new comrade Ning Xiyue really knows how to handle things. No wonder she received a commendation letter from the police.
Aunt Qiuju was also a sharp woman. She patted her chest and said confidently, “Little Xiyue, if there’s anything you don’t know, just ask me. There’s nothing in this team your Aunt Qiuju doesn’t know.”
“Auntie, I really do have something to ask. I want to buy some household essentials and was wondering if you know anyone in the team who makes furniture like cabinets, tables, benches, that sort of thing. I’d like to get a set made — the room I’m living in is completely bare.”
In fact, Ning Xiyue had already gathered some information from Wu Guifang earlier. She knew which households could trade household items and which could provide furniture.
The secretary’s family was one of them — and they had close ties with the local carpenter’s family.
When luck comes, it’s unstoppable — who would’ve thought that the random auntie she picked out of the crowd would turn out to be the secretary’s wife?
Thinking of Aunt Qiuju’s newborn grandson and her daughter-in-law in confinement, Ning Xiyue leaned closer and added softly:
“Auntie, I brought quite a few ration coupons from the city — sugar coupons, milk powder coupons, meat coupons, soap coupons, all sorts. I can trade them. You know these have expiration dates, so it’s better to use them early rather than waste them.”
Ning Xiyue deliberately mentioned coupons useful for mothers and babies to tempt Aunt Qiuju — interest-based relationships are the most stable.
Sure enough, the moment Aunt Qiuju heard “sugar coupons” and “milk powder coupons,” her eyes lit up several degrees. Her smile became more genuine, her attitude toward Ning Xiyue even warmer and more attentive.
“Oh my, Little Xiyue, you’ve come to the right person. We may lack other things, but furniture isn’t one of them. My grand-uncle is a carpenter — people from several nearby teams come to him for furniture. His craftsmanship is top-notch. Everyone who’s had furniture made by him has nothing but praise.”
Aunt Qiuju linked arms with Ning Xiyue and said cheerfully, “Come on, Little Xiyue, I’ll take you to him. My uncle should be home today. I’ll take you to have a look — he might even have some finished furniture you can take back today.”
“As for other household items, don’t worry. I’ll take you to my tool shed and let you pick what you want. My husband and I made most of it ourselves — sturdy and durable. You can take anything you like. But I do want to ask if you could prioritize trading those sugar and milk powder coupons with me. My daughter-in-law just gave birth, and I want to get something for her and the baby.”
Ning Xiyue replied sweetly, “Of course, Aunt Qiuju. It’s all the same who I trade with, and since we’re so fated to meet, of course I’ll trade with you first.”
On the way, Aunt Qiuju never stopped talking, constantly asking if Ning Xiyue was adapting well to the team and if there was anything she was missing — offering to help however she could.
Ning Xiyue knew that with Aunt Qiuju’s status, having her on her side would be invaluable, so she shared a few more of her thoughts.
“Aunt Qiuju, there’s actually one more thing. I want to pay for it myself and apply to the team leader to build a small side room next to the educated youth dorm — as a kitchen and storage space. I’m not sure if that’s allowed, and I don’t really know how to get the materials.”
She glanced at Aunt Qiuju a little shyly and added, “It’s mainly because I like strong flavors — very spicy. I don’t want to affect everyone else’s meals or cause unnecessary conflict, so I thought about cooking separately.”
Building her own kitchen would mean hiring someone to build a stove and having a place to store kitchen utensils and firewood. A small side room was perfect for that, but she needed materials and labor — things she couldn’t manage as an outsider.
Having a local guide would make things much easier.
“Auntie, money and coupons aren’t an issue. As for building, go ahead. My parents are senior technical workers in a factory, so they get lots of subsidies and coupons. I have an older brother in the military and a second brother in the nearby Dahuai team — they’ll all support me.”
Aunt Qiuju’s eyes practically burned with enthusiasm.
Good heavens, this little educated youth’s family background is incredible.
Ning Xiyue knew she had succeeded. In the countryside, if one person knew something, everyone knew.
No matter where you are, money, coupons, and family background always make people treat you with more respect — especially those who hope to benefit from you.
Reborn into this life, she had no intention of wronging herself — she’d eat what she wanted, use what she wanted, and make full use of her “golden finger.”
Later, she could even trade things she didn’t need for items she did — or for local specialties to send home.
In the process, she’d win people’s hearts — killing several birds with one stone, and paving the way for her next two years in the countryside.
And if anyone with ill intentions tried to covet her money? She wasn’t worried — she’d deal with them one by one and establish her authority.
With all the information Ning Xiyue had “accidentally” revealed, Aunt Qiuju now cared about her more than she did her own son.
What was most lacking in the countryside? Coupons, of course. And clearly, this new educated youth had no shortage of them. As long as they stayed on good terms, Aunt Qiuju would never have to worry about running out again — even her grandson’s milk powder supply was now secured.
“Little Xiyue, you’ve got yourself a lifelong friend in this auntie. If you ever need anything, just come to me. In this team, your Aunt Qiuju’s words carry weight. As for that side room and kitchen — leave it all to me. I’ll take care of the people and the materials.”
Aunt Qiuju’s words were sincere.
This was exactly what Ning Xiyue wanted.
She smiled brightly. “It’s my honor to have Aunt Qiuju as such a wonderful friend despite our age difference. I’m truly happy. Then I’ll thank you in advance, Aunt Qiuju. I’ll definitely come to you for help in the future.”
