Chapter 32: The Steps

Li Yaqin, a botanist who had just graduated in the 20th century, was sent here by Chuangfei.

She was filled with curiosity about everything in this era, especially books characteristic of the time.

She was particularly fond of them, because she needed to understand the situation and avoid giving herself away.

Afternoon sunlight filtered through the leaves, dappling the ground.

Li Yaqin sat on a bamboo chair in the courtyard, holding a yellowed book, engrossed in reading.

The pages rustled softly as she turned them.

Completely absorbed in the world of the book, she was completely unaware of Li Panpan's arrival.

Li Panpan stood at the courtyard gate, her feet in the post-rain puddles and mud.

Her cloth shoes were soaked through, the wet uppers clinging to her feet, giving off a chill.

She looked at Li Yaqin quietly reading in the courtyard, a mix of emotions welling up inside her.

Now, Li Yaqin was the envy of everyone in the entire compound.

After all, not everyone has the luck to save a high-ranking official in the military region.

Everyone thought Li Yaqin had gotten this opportunity by sheer luck.

But they didn't know how much effort Li Yaqin had put in and how much meticulous planning she had made for this day.

In their eyes, Li Yaqin was just a girl from the countryside, helpless and alone; her ability to save someone was purely due to good luck.

Normally, seeing this young girl spending her days in the mountains and forests, people would gossip about her behind her back, saying hurtful things.

Li Panpan herself, out of jealousy or to fit in, had also echoed others' bad words about Li Yaqin.

But now, she had no choice but to bite the bullet and beg for forgiveness!

After all, her husband's future in the army depended on Li Yaqin putting in a good word for him with Zhao Chengyu!

Thinking of this, Li Panpan felt even more distressed, as if a heavy stone was pressing down on her.

She took a deep breath, struggling to suppress her emotions and forcing a smile.

“Yaqin…”

Li Panpan’s voice trembled slightly, carrying a barely perceptible hint of ingratiation.

She wanted to explain, to apologize, to reveal her purpose.

But the words caught in her throat, as if something was blocking her mouth, and she didn’t know how to begin.

Li Yaqin finally raised her head, her gaze shifting from her book.

She looked at Li Panpan standing at the courtyard gate, her eyes calm and undisturbed.

To her, Li Panpan’s arrival was merely an opportunity to exploit.

After all, in this compound, personal relationships were sometimes more important than money, and besides, she had longer-term plans.

“Sister-in-law, what’s wrong?”

Li Yaqin’s voice was soft, carrying just the right amount of concern.

“Yaqin!”

Li Panpan’s voice rang out again, this time more urgent, and she quickly walked to Li Yaqin’s side.

Li Yaqin looked up, noticing Li Panpan's slightly haggard expression, and put down her book with a puzzled expression. She slowly stood up.

"Sister-in-law, what's wrong?"

She asked softly, her voice filled with concern.

Li Panpan gripped Li Yaqin's hand tightly, as if grasping at a lifeline. Her eyes reddened, and tears welled up.

"Yaqin, I'm so sorry! I misunderstood you before!"

Li Panpan's voice choked with emotion, filled with deep regret.

Li Yaqin was taken aback, then understood; Li Panpan was apologizing for the rumors circulating before.

She gently patted Li Panpan's hand and said softly, "Sister-in-law, don't say that, I understand."

Li Panpan choked out, "No, you don't understand! I... I believed those gossips in the village, those long-tongued women spreading rumors, saying that you, a young woman, were always running up the mountain, that you weren't proper."

"I thought you... I thought you had done something wrong, and I actually believed those lies, even joining them in talking about you."

"Today, I found out that you actually saved a high-ranking official in our military region! Commander Zhao came personally to thank you and even arranged a job for you!"

"I... I was so blind, actually doubting you!"

As she spoke, Li Panpan could no longer hold back her tears, which streamed down her cheeks and dripped onto their clasped hands.

Li Yaqin quickly pulled a clean handkerchief from her pocket and handed it to Li Panpan, gently comforting her.

“Sister-in-law, don’t cry, I’m really fine. I didn’t take those rumors to heart at all. You’re just concerned about me, I understand.”

Li Panpan took the handkerchief, wiped away her tears, and looked up at Li Yaqin earnestly.

“Yaqin, you’re a good girl! I was wrong before, but from now on I’ll treat you like a sister! If you need any help, just ask!”

Li Panpan’s tone was firm, her eyes sincere.

Li Yaqin smiled slightly, revealing two shallow dimples, making her look exceptionally sweet.

“Sister-in-law, you’re being too polite. We’re all family, helping each other is only right.”

At this moment, several women from the village also gathered around, chattering amongst themselves.

“Wow, Yaqin is amazing! She actually saved a high-ranking officer from the military region!”

A woman with a loud voice exclaimed.

"Indeed! Our village has produced a big shot!"

Another woman chimed in.

"Those gossipers have been proven wrong!"

A third woman said gleefully.

"That girl, Yaqin, always seems so quiet and reserved, I never expected her to be so capable!"

A fourth woman exclaimed.

Listening to the surrounding chatter, Li Panpan became even more determined in her decision.

She grabbed Li Yaqin's hand and declared loudly, "Listen up, everyone! If anyone dares to say another bad word about Yaqin, I, Li Panpan, will be the first to object!"

Li Yaqin looked at Li Panpan's sincere expression, but felt little emotion.

Li Panpan's change was simply due to her current worth.

Although it shocked these gossipy people, she felt no joy.

Because all of this was what Li Yaqin deserved.

Haven't she meticulously planned for this day?

Li Yaqin looked at Li Panpan, her mind perfectly clear.

These days, a woman going out and doing things can easily be the subject of gossip and criticism; the spittle could drown her.

She herself didn't care; after all, she had a special ability and wasn't afraid of such things.

But she also understood that sometimes 'the innocent are innocent' didn't entirely apply in this era.

She understood that perfectly well.

To live a good life here, you can't rely on just one person going it alone.

Some things really require a certain approach, otherwise, troubles will keep piling up and never end.

Li Yaqin lowered her eyes, her long eyelashes trembling slightly, concealing the shrewdness that flashed in her eyes.

She had to carefully navigate each step, keeping a low profile and quietly amassing wealth—that was the key.

Right now, the most important thing was to rely on the treasures in her spatial dimension to become stronger.

With Zhao Chengyu's support, she could soar to new heights, achieve financial independence as soon as possible, and live the life she wanted.

Seeing that Li Yaqin remained silent, Li Panpan assumed she was still upset about what had happened before, and felt even worse.

She secretly prayed that Li Yaqin would forgive her and speak well of her husband to Chief Zhao in the future.

Li Panpan's voice rang out again, this time more urgent, ignoring the mud on her feet.

She rushed to Li Yaqin's side, nearly tripping over a protruding stone.

Stepping forward, she gently took Li Yaqin's hand, her tone sincere.

"Yaqin, I know you're feeling wronged. Don't worry, I won't listen to those people's nonsense anymore."

"I believe you! You're a good girl, I know that very well!"

She paused, a hint of expectation in her eyes, and tentatively asked.

"Yaqin, I'm about to give birth, and I'll need someone to take care of me during my postpartum period..."

"If it's convenient for you, could you lend me a hand?"

"Of course, I won't let you do anything for free. If there's anything I can help you with, just ask, and I'll do my best!"

Li Panpan spoke cautiously, her eyes fixed on Li Yaqin, afraid she might refuse.

Li Yaqin's heart stirred slightly.

She looked up at Li Panpan's face, which was filled with expectation and anxiety, and a faint smile appeared on her lips.

Li Panpan was trying to befriend her, giving her a way out, and also testing her attitude.

"Sister-in-law, look at what you're saying, we're all family, there's no need for help."

Li Yaqin's voice was gentle, yet carried a reassuring strength.

"Just focus on recovering, I'll take care of everything during your postpartum period."

Li Yaqin agreed without hesitation.

Li Panpan's face lit up with joy, and she tightly grasped Li Yaqin's hand, thanking her repeatedly.

"Oh, Yaqin, then I'm really counting on you! Don't worry, I definitely won't mistreat you!"

Li Panpan said excitedly, her smile as radiant as a flower...