After the favorability level reached 50, the unlocked storylines in the book revolved around the romantic relationship between the male and female leads—full of tenderness and sweet moments.

Among these, there were also plots Nan Sheng could learn from. The wave of the Revolutionary Committee had reached the village.

After the disaster in Huaishan County, life became difficult for the locals, making it an ideal place for educated youth to be sent down and for the “Black Five Categories” to undergo reform. As a result, the Revolutionary Committee had been causing quite a stir.

The male lead was initially unremarkable—nothing special except for his good looks. It was only after he unintentionally helped a high-ranking official sent down for reform that his fortunes turned, propelling him into politics and launching his rise to power.

Nan Sheng took notes, determined to cut short the male lead’s promising future. Let’s see if Su Jinyan would still cling to that butcher then.

As for the two lottery draws, she was saving them, afraid that another round of “Thank you for your patronage” would be too much for her fragile heart.

“Lin Han’s wife, the village chief wants to see you at his place. Says it’s important!”

“Ah! Thank you, sister-in-law!”

Nan Sheng’s eyes lit up, wondering if it was news from the town mayor. She put on straw hats for herself and her daughter, holding hands as they walked to the village chief’s house.

Along the way, they had to stop and chat with every auntie or granny they met. With little work to do, everyone liked gathering in the shade to gossip.

By the time Nan Sheng reached the village chief’s house, she had no idea she’d become the talk of the village again. Back then, everyone knew Lin Han’s wife was harsh with her kids and didn’t feed them enough.

But now? The children had filled out, looking lively and well-dressed. For a stepmother to do this much was truly admirable.

Those who disliked Nan Sheng muttered behind her back, “Don’t praise her too soon. Wait till she has her own child—see if she’ll still treat them equally.”

Still, they forced smiles when she greeted them.

“You’re here, Lin Han’s wife! Come, sit! Old lady, fetch some candy for the kids.”

Nan Sheng quickly waved it off. “No need for candy, just some water will do. Uncle Feng, did you need me for something?”

The village chief insisted on giving Siqi a few pieces of candy before getting to the point.

“The town sent word—they want you to go to the government office tomorrow. Didn’t say what for, but I reckon it’s about that stone business.”

Normally, he’d have gone himself for such a small matter, but lately, with the crops and labor disputes, the elders had been cursing him left and right.

Better to lie low.

As Nan Sheng left, she offered some comfort. “Uncle Feng, what you’re doing is truly good. The villagers don’t see it now, but they’ll realize your decisions were the wisest. When that time comes, don’t be too soft-hearted and forgive them too easily!”

The village chief grumbled about her being talkative, but her words eased his mind. This girl really knew how to speak!

On the way back, folks asked why the village chief had summoned her.

Nan Sheng couldn’t mention the town mayor—villagers had a poor impression of him—so she said, “My parents in Wangshan Town sent word. They’re struggling to buy rations and wanted to ask if my father-in-law had any connections.”

Grain was the top priority now, and her words sparked a flurry of chatter.

“They haven’t bought yet? It was a nightmare for us—barely managed to snag 300 jin. The lines were endless!”

“Don’t even get me started. My folks back home aren’t worried, but what if they can’t buy later? Nobody has spare grain these days!”

Despite their complaints, every household in Xiangyang Village had stockpiled grain—some 200-300 jin, others up to 600-700 jin.

Not all bought from the black market. The supply and marketing cooperative still sold grain, and the town mayor had ordered the grain station to release half its reserves. Those with ration coupons and money could buy cheaper there.

Someone advised Nan Sheng, “There’s a black market in town. Tell your family to check there—though prices are double the cooperative’s!”

Nan Sheng feigned distress. “That expensive? How much would it cost to feed the whole family?”

Zhou Ren’s wife, who often heard her husband praise Nan Sheng, chimed in warmly.

“Borrow money if you must. Many can’t even get in line to buy. Have you stocked enough for you and the kids? Don’t delay any longer.”

Nan Sheng smiled gratefully. “Thanks for the advice, sister-in-law. My father-in-law helped us buy 300 jin, and we’ve got a full sack at home—plenty for now.

But my parents… sigh, maybe I’ll share some with them.”

Her lie was believable, unlike others who exaggerated, claiming their single sack of grain wouldn’t even last a week.

Villagers who once envied her comfortable life—her husband sent money every month—now saw her as someone stretched thin supporting her parents.

Back home, Siqi pouted. “Why’d you cover my mouth, Mom? You’ll suffocate me!”

Nan Sheng pinched her cheek. “Good! You little rascal, trying to expose me!”

If she hadn’t acted fast, Siqi might’ve blurted out about their house full of grain sacks—luckily, the girl didn’t know the cabinets were packed too.

Siqi shielded her face. “Was I not supposed to say it?”

Nan Sheng nodded. “Of course not! If people knew, they’d come begging, and we’d starve. So if anyone asks, just say you don’t know, okay?”

Siqi solemnly agreed. Mom’s words were law.

“Tomorrow, I’m going to town again. Do you want to stay home or come with me?”

The day after was the anniversary of the children’s birth mother’s death. After meeting the town mayor, she’d buy biscuits, pastries, and canned food—offerings for the grave.

She also needed to check the black market for covertly made spirit money. The afterlife was tough without funds.

“Go with Mom!”

Siqi clung to her leg, grinning. She barely played outside anymore—Mom was way more fun, telling stories and playing string games.

That evening, Sizhe returned with another fish trap. Every day after school, he’d check it, bringing home the catch for dinner before resetting it. Nan Sheng dried shrimp and fish—already three or four jin stored.

“Mom, no big fish today—just small ones and shrimp.”

Nan Sheng wasn’t picky. “Smaller ones taste better. In winter when veggies are scarce, we’ll fry them to eat with porridge.”

Just hearing the description made Sizhe’s mouth water. He truly believed now—Mom knew how to manage a household, storing food and earning money. No more empty stomachs.

He’d move the trap tonight—get more dried goods before others caught on.

After dinner, Nan Sheng washed dishes while the kids did homework.

With clothes and grain piled on the kang in the west room, Sizhe wiped the table clean to write.

Nan Sheng watched for a while. “Your handwriting needs work. I’ll check for calligraphy books in town tomorrow.”

Sizhe grinned. “A classmate has one, bought from the county. None here, but I’ll practice more.”

Nan Sheng had already ordered a wooden chest and a desk set from the village carpenter—plain materials, just ten yuan.

The carpenter was quite pleased, as aside from village weddings, he rarely got much business.

He promised to do a proper job for her and even offered free delivery.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep