Jiang Li felt her whole body heat up, as if she had been thrown into a pot of boiling water.
“Cough, cough…”
Suddenly, a light cough came from the courtyard entrance.
The two of them turned toward the sound and saw Wang Xuelian standing at the gate, a teasing smile on her face.
“Oh my, did I come at the wrong time? Look at you two—such a loving couple, not even bothering to hide it in broad daylight.”
“But it’s fine, you’re legally married after all, nothing to be afraid of.”
Hearing this, Jiang Li and Si Nanchen finally reacted, springing apart as if shocked by electricity.
They both avoided each other’s gaze, fussing with clothes that weren’t even messy, yet the blush on their faces refused to fade.
“Sister Xuelian, what are you saying…”
Jiang Li said softly, her face red with embarrassment.
Si Nanchen nodded at Wang Xuelian, then turned and walked back into the house.
As he passed Jiang Li, he spoke hoarsely,
“I’ll go cook.”
Once Si Nanchen went inside, Wang Xuelian walked over with a cheerful smile and grabbed Jiang Li’s hand.
“Alright, alright, I won’t tease you anymore.”
“Come on, girl, let me show you—the seeds I planted are growing really well! But it still feels like they’re not as strong as the ones in your yard.”
“Help me take a look—did I do something wrong?”
Pulled along by Wang Xuelian, Jiang Li followed her to the vegetable patch.
At the entrance, she saw the radish seedlings had already sprouted—lush and green, though not as robust as hers.
Jiang Li crouched down and gently brushed the leaves.
The issue was likely that these seedlings hadn’t been enhanced with her ability.
“Sister, your seedlings are growing well. Maybe they just need a bit more fertilizer.”
“Next time when you water and thin them, try adding some fertilizer water and see if it helps.”
Seeing Wang Xuelian nod with a smile, Jiang Li stood up and dusted off her hands.
Then Wang Xuelian looped her arm through Jiang Li’s and lowered her voice, looking mysterious.
“Girl, let me tell you something—Xiao Ya got what she deserved.”
“What happened to her?”
“It’s about that report she made against you—they’ve already investigated it. It was her!”
Wang Xuelian slapped her thigh indignantly.
“I heard she was taken in for questioning and criticized for a long time. They said she has issues with her ideological awareness.”
“Sounds like she has to write a self-reflection. Not sure if she’s been suspended.”
As Wang Xuelian spoke, there was a hint of satisfaction in her tone, while Jiang Li let out a soft chuckle.
People like that really bring trouble upon themselves…
After chatting for a while, Jiang Li got up and returned home.
As soon as she pushed open the door, the aroma of food drifted out.
Si Nanchen was in the kitchen, wearing an apron and busy cooking.
His movements weren’t particularly skilled, but they were steady and orderly.
Jiang Li gently closed the door, leaning against the frame as she watched him.
Perhaps this man couldn’t have children due to injuries from past missions.
But he was capable, responsible, and even willing to take off his uniform cap and cook for her.
A man like this… was quite admirable.
At the very least, far better than her husband in her previous life.
After dinner, Jiang Li insisted on cleaning up the dishes.
Since Si Nanchen had cooked, she couldn’t just sit back and enjoy.
But unexpectedly, the peaceful atmosphere was suddenly broken.
Hearing noise and chatter outside, Jiang Li wiped her hands and walked to the courtyard gate.
She saw Xiao Ya returning to the compound, head lowered and face pale.
The women who had been sitting outside to enjoy the evening breeze immediately gathered around her, talking over one another.
“Comrade Xiao Ya, you’re back. Everything okay?”
“It’s rare to have individual ideological education like this. After this, your awareness should improve quite a bit.”
“Listen to me, girl—don’t make foolish mistakes again. Look at Comrade Jiang Li—so composed!”
Their words sounded like concern, but were laced with sarcasm, and Xiao Ya could clearly hear it.
She bit her lip tightly, her whole body trembling with agitation.
Just as she was about to respond, she looked up—and saw Jiang Li standing at her courtyard gate.
All the pent-up grievance and resentment exploded in an instant.
She could no longer pretend to be gentle and composed.
Pushing through the crowd, she rushed straight toward Jiang Li.
Pointing a finger at her, her voice sharp with emotion,
“Jiang Li, you must be very pleased with yourself now, right? The whole compound revolves around you—are you happy now?”
“In the end, this is all your fault! If you hadn’t insisted on digging that well just to show off, would I have been investigated? Would I have been suspended?”
“You’re the one who caused all of this!”
Xiao Ya’s twisted accusations left the onlookers stunned.
Jiang Li had only intended to watch, but now her gaze turned cold.
She walked slowly toward Xiao Ya and met her eyes.
“Comrade Xiao Ya, I hope you understand—I was looking for a water source to save crops. That’s a public matter, not ‘showing off’ as you claim.”
“Secondly, you were investigated because you submitted a false report. That’s a matter of principle. What does that have to do with me? Did I tell you to write that report?”
With just a few calm sentences, Jiang Li rendered Xiao Ya speechless.
Xiao Ya stomped her foot, her face flushed red.
“Don’t give me those useless excuses! It’s all because of you! Ever since you came here, everything has changed!”
Seeing her emotions spiral out of control, Jiang Li frowned.
At that moment, a loud voice rang out behind them.
“What’s all this noise about?”
Everyone turned to see Liu Defa striding over.
His face was glowing, clearly in a good mood.
He already knew about Xiao Ya’s anonymous report, so his attitude toward her was far from friendly.
“Comrade, your ideological awareness has problems. You should reflect on yourself instead of blaming others. Otherwise, you’ll have to undergo further education.”
Xiao Ya’s face turned even uglier under his blunt words.
Then Liu Defa walked up to Jiang Li, his tone much gentler.
“Comrade Jiang Li, good news!”
“I reported your performance in Li Village, including your theoretical foundation, practical skills, and observational ability.”
“The leaders in our bureau appreciate you greatly and take you very seriously! After discussion, they’ve specially approved a position for you as a trainee technician!”
“Although it’s a trainee position, as long as you work hard, your future will be very promising!”