Chapter 22: Finding Opportunities

Li Yaqin quickly calculated in her mind.

She needed to continue attending classes and learning, at least to the point where she could live and communicate normally in this era.

Then, it was time to find a partner.

Her goal was clear: a soldier, from a wealthy and simple family, and preferably with a kind mother-in-law.

Yes, that's it!

Li Yaqin made up her mind.

However, she couldn't appear too hasty; she had to take it slow.

After all, marriage was a serious matter, not child's play.

One wrong step, and everything would be lost.

She'd start by getting to know her surroundings…

Li Yaqin's gaze fell out the window.

Night had fallen, and the village was quiet, save for the occasional chirping of insects.

Although resources were scarce in this era, there were advantages; at least there was less pollution and the air was fresh.

She took a deep breath, savoring this rare tranquility.

Tomorrow, starting tomorrow, she would study while keeping an eye out for suitable soldiers.

Li Yaqin silently cheered herself on.

She believed that as long as she worked hard, she would definitely achieve her goals and live a happy and fulfilling life.

She absolutely couldn't repeat the mistakes of the original owner, being schemed against by her family and betrayed by a man!

Her eyes hardened.

I will take control of my own destiny and never let anyone manipulate me!

Li Yaqin clenched her fists.

This space is my greatest asset!

A slight smile played on her lips, revealing a confident smile; she was definitely not someone who would give up easily.

The most important thing now was to keep her transformation a secret.

She thought again of the beauty pill dissolved in the well water.

Hopefully, it really worked…

Li Yaqin closed her eyes and prayed silently.

Days passed, and the small river at the village entrance flowed quietly, seemingly calm, but never ceasing.

Li Yaqin's parents finally contacted Li Qiang and learned that their daughter had come to take care of her second sister-in-law, who was about to give birth.

A whole month has passed since then.

During this month, Li Yaqin has been unusually diligent.

When you're under someone's roof, you have to bow your head, Li Yaqin thought to herself, gritting her teeth.

This diligent act had to be genuine; otherwise, how could she fool this family?

Since she was there to help with postpartum care, she couldn't slack off.

This work was truly tedious, especially cooking—it was harder than identifying those strange and unusual plants.

Fortunately, she was a quick learner, and after some trial and error, she was already doing a decent job.

While it couldn't compare to a professional chef's skills, at least it was edible.

Hmph, once she had the means, she'd definitely let them taste what real deliciousness was!

In fact, with Li Yaqin's careful preparation, even simple ingredients could be made into something extraordinary.

It was just that, limited by the resources of this era, every day it was either cabbage, radishes, or potatoes.

To make something fancy out of such ingredients is practically impossible.

Every evening after finishing her chores, Li Yaqin would quietly slip away to the back mountain.

The back mountain was lush and verdant, its canopy blocking out the sun.

Li Yaqin moved through the woods with practiced ease, carrying a basket filled with a few wild vegetables and some dried mushrooms.

This month's harvest had been quite good.

Li Yaqin pondered to herself.

She already had a good supply of mountain produce stored in her storage space, enough to last for a while.

However, this wasn't enough; she needed to find a way to get some fine grains and meat.

It seemed she'd have to find an opportunity to go to the black market, or… trade these mountain produce with the villagers?

Sigh, she couldn't even eat openly, since the origins were unknown.

She walked along, glancing around.

That officer should be appearing soon, right? According to her memory, he was injured around here…

Li Yaqin's gaze swept over every bush and every rock.

If I can save him, I can get a good job.

A warehouse manager is the best choice—high pay, low workload, and access to all sorts of supplies…

She must make good use of this opportunity and plan for herself.

She quickened her pace.

That way, she could finally escape this dependent life and live a free and easy life!

Li Yaqin's eyes were filled with anticipation.

This was a crucial step that could change her fate; she absolutely couldn't miss it!

She took a deep breath, calming her excited heart.

She couldn't rush things; the more critical the moment, the more calm she needed to be.

Li Yaqin told herself.

Find the person first, worry about the rest later.

She continued walking, carefully observing her surroundings.

Suddenly, a rustling sound came from the bushes not far away.

Li Yaqin's heart skipped a beat.

They're here?

She held her breath and tiptoed closer.

However, when she parted the bushes, she didn't see the wounded officer, but a frightened rabbit.

"..."

Li Yaqin was somewhat disappointed, but quickly rallied.

It's alright, keep searching, she'll find him eventually.

As long as she persevered, she would succeed!

She silently encouraged herself.

The most important thing now was not to arouse her sister-in-law's suspicion.

Li Yaqin remembered Li Panpan's increasingly strange gaze lately.

She needed to find a way to convince her she was just there to pick wild vegetables.

She glanced down at the wild vegetables in her basket.

This wasn't enough…

She decided to pick more, and gather some wild fruits as well.

That way, she could have an explanation when she went back.

Besides, interacting more with the villagers would allow her to gather more information.

Having made up her mind, Li Yaqin began to concentrate on searching for wild vegetables and fruits.

"Panpan, what's wrong with your Yaqin lately? She's been running to the back mountain every day?"

Under the big locust tree at the village entrance, several women chatted idly while sewing shoe soles.

Li Panpan, needle and thread in hand, answered absentmindedly.

"Hey, what could she possibly be doing? Just digging some wild vegetables."

"Digging wild vegetables? I've heard things haven't been peaceful in the back hills lately."

A plump auntie lowered her voice, speaking mysteriously.

"I heard some city hooligans are hanging around there."

Li Panpan's heart skipped a beat.

"Really? Don't scare me."

"Why would I scare you? It's all over the place. You'd better keep a close eye on your Yaqin, don't let anything happen to her."

The plump auntie looked serious.

"..."

Li Panpan fell silent.

She thought of Li Yaqin's recent unusual behavior, and her unease grew.

No, I have to ask her.

Li Panpan put down her needle and thread and stood up.

“You two chat first, I'm going home to check on things.”

She hurried home.

“Yaqin, come here for a second.”

Li Panpan called Li Yaqin into the room and closed the door.

“Second Sister-in-law, what's wrong?”

Li Yaqin pretended to be nonchalant.

“Tell me honestly, what have you been doing running to the back mountain every day?”

Li Panpan stared into Li Yaqin's eyes, her tone serious.

“I…I just went to dig some wild vegetables.”

Li Yaqin felt a little guilty.

“Digging wild vegetables? Do you think I'm a three-year-old?”

Li Panpan sneered.

“Who can you fool with those few wild vegetables in your basket?”

“I…”

Li Yaqin was speechless for a moment.

“Have you…met someone outside?” Li Panpan asked tentatively.

“No! Absolutely not!”

Li Yaqin quickly denied it.

“Second Sister-in-law, don’t talk nonsense. How could I do such a thing?”

“Then why do you run to the back mountain every day?”

Li Panpan pressed on.

“I…I…” Li Yaqin stammered, inwardly cursing herself for her carelessness. It seemed she would have to be more careful in the future.

“You’d better be honest!”

Li Panpan warned.

“If I find out you’ve done anything shameful, I won’t let you off the hook!”

“…”

Li Yaqin lowered her head, not daring to speak.

It seemed she would have to be even more careful in the future.

She thought to herself.

I absolutely cannot let my second sister-in-law discover my secret.

Once I rescue that officer and get the job, my situation will be different.

Li Yaqin clenched her fists.

I must change my situation!

I will not let anyone stop me!