Capítulo 1383: Chapter 1384: The Little Widow of the Courtyard 111 Xue Li knew that rural life was very hard, but she never expected that the rural areas in the Northwest would be this arduous. Due to the water scarcity, the crops that grew were sparse, and even without any experience, she knew that the harvest wouldn’t be much. What she found even more unbearable was that this place was truly suited to lack water; the water for drinking and using all had to be fetched from a river five miles away. The crucial point was that they were halfway up the mountain, and the areas near the river are all farmland. Every day, in order to solve the problem of drinking and using water, Xue Li felt like she was about to collapse; every day for her could be described as torment. While the other intellectual youth complained, Xue Li never complained, not because she adapted to the environment, but because she knew that complaining was useless. Her family wouldn’t give her any assistance; she shouldn’t even think about a job, let alone expect anything in terms of food, clothing, and daily necessities. What Xue Li was considering now was whether she could improve her life through marriage. However, marrying a man from the Northwest was something Xue Li fundamentally rejected; even if life in the Capital City was ordinary, she was still a Capital City person. But if she didn’t marry, she had no idea how long this kind of life would last; Xue Li felt she was really about to collapse. At that moment, she received a letter from the Capital City, hoping she’d return to the city to take over Xue Fan’s job, only her salary would generally be given to her family, even after marriage. Xue Li was dissatisfied with this demand; why should she give half of her salary to her family? Yet, no matter how unwilling she was, looking at the surrounding environment, she had no choice but to agree. It was still better than staying here and getting married. People in the Educated Youth Courtyard were quite surprised to know that Xue Li was going back to the city for a job transfer. She was only here for little over a year, and now she was allowed to return to the city. Looking at the crowd congratulating her, Xue Li’s mindset changed once again; no matter what, at least she was returning to the city. The people in front of her still had to stay here, continuing to deal with the yellow land. Xue Li happily went to the commune to settle the procedures, and then with her luggage, boarded the northbound train. All along the way, she kept wondering why the job was given to her and wasn’t it supposed to be left for Xue Zhan? Could it be that something happened to Xue Zhan and he was no longer alive? Xue Li felt particularly happy at the thought that her annoying brother was gone. When she arrived in the Capital City, she didn’t rest or inquire about the cause, and Wang Xia led her to the factory quickly to complete the job transfer procedures. Of course, half of the salary was directly deducted, and it was recorded at the finance department. Once Wang Xia finished the procedures, she realized the way others looked at her was quite odd. There was scorn and a pitiful glance which puzzled her, not understanding what exactly had happened. Wang Xia had been persevering for days, worrying that there might be an issue preventing Xue Li from taking over. Now that the procedures were complete, she explained, “Your brother really isn’t mentally ill; it was all because of your father.” “And Zhang Yu too, we even knelt to her, begging her to let your brother go. You have no idea how vile she was.” Wang Xia kept talking about how excessive Zhang Yu was. Did Xue Li dislike Zhang Yu and the others? Of course, she did, but in this matter, she absolutely agreed with Zhang Yu’s actions. If it weren’t for her, could Xue Li have returned to the city? Absolutely not. As for whether Xue Zhan was truly a mental patient, since the hospital admitted him, it means there was indeed something wrong with his mind. “Mom, what’s done is done, let’s just live our lives,” Xue Li sighed, “it’s just the two of us now, so let’s keep a low profile.” Xue Li thought that since Xue Fan was gone, as long as she didn’t act recklessly, the job in her hands would definitely be secure. Looking at Wang Xia, who was still chattering away beside her, Xue Li simply ignored her and let her babble on. In a few years, both the job and the house would be hers. Even the valuable items hidden at home would all belong to her, while that lunatic Xue Zhan would stay locked away in the mental hospital for life. ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ novel~fire~net These days, Zhang Yu was also somewhat dazed, knowing Xue Fan wouldn’t live long. Xue Zhan was indeed vicious to their old father. The doctor had said at the time, even if he was rescued, he wouldn’t live long. It had to be said, Xue Fan really held on; he lived for over a year. Upon seeing Xue Li, Zhang Yu wasn’t too surprised; Xue Fan’s formal work couldn’t be wasted. The most important thing was, there was still the monthly cost for Xue Zhan’s medication; Wang Xia’s salary was absolutely incapable of covering this cost. Upon seeing Zhang Yu, Wang Xia couldn’t help but snort, “Xiao Li, have a rest, you start work tomorrow.” If she wasn’t worried about pushing Xue Li too hard, Wang Xia would indeed prefer her to start work immediately that day. Xue Li also wanted to start working as soon as possible. Only by working could she have money in her hands. She had already decided that after paying half her salary for Xue Zhan’s expenses, she wouldn’t contribute a single penny more to household expenses. No, there was also rental money, which she was willing to pay. Once her job stabilized, she planned to change the name of the house lease to hers. Even if it was a rented house, Xue Li had made up her mind, it had to be hers, it shouldn’t be under Xue Fan’s name. Otherwise, after a few years, when the situation calms down, she’s really worried that Wang Xia would ask her to give up the house. Unaware of Xue Li’s thoughts, Wang Xia was incredibly happy at the moment. Starting tomorrow, there would be two people working in the family; income would increase. Seeing Wang Xia’s smiling expression, Zhang Yu knew she was definitely figuring out how to spend both of their salaries. But was she really sure she could take Xue Li’s salary away? Xue Li already had significant dissatisfaction with the favoritism towards Xue Fan’s family. Even though she was the one stepping into this role, she also understood why she was taking over, she wouldn’t be afraid. Zhang Yu withdrew her gaze, avoiding looking at the neighbors; she was thinking about Zhao Xi who was about to turn three soon, planning to send him to kindergarten then. She wasn’t sure about Xiao Min’s pregnancy and physical condition this time. Indeed, after a few years, Xiao Min was pregnant again, but this time after their mutual discussion, she wasn’t going back to the Capital City to give birth. The research institute had stabilized after the initial rush, but there were still many madmen outside. If something happened, they’d truly be unable to even cry in time. Over there, the Xiao Family elders were present, even if Zhao Lei was busy with work, the elders were around. As for Xiao Min, Zhang Yu was really worried, they were a pair of workaholic couples. Zhang Yu actually wanted to ask if the child would be sent to the Capital City after turning one. Even if they send the child to the Capital, how would they send them was a problem. When Zhao Hong got home after work and saw Xue Li, she paused slightly and then walked past her. At any rate, now that the two families had their falling out, there was no need to continue pretending. Xue Li’s expression turned gloomy as she watched Zhao Hong enter her home; she was barely a few years older than Zhao Hong, but now, looking at them, she could practically be Zhao Hong’s elder. Clearly, she was just a girl in her early twenties, yet Xue Li touched her own face and found her hands even more calloused than her face. Both of them working in the machinery factory, she worked in the cafeteria doing logistics like washing vegetables, cutting vegetables, serving food—all physical labor, with a meager salary. In contrast, Zhao Hong worked in the data room during her shifts.