Reborn with a Space: Building a Fortune Amidst Famine

Zheng Lanying looked at the low mud-brick house, empty inside. Only her luggage sat upon the kang.

But she felt a sense of stability. Yes. A sense of stability.

After coming to this world, she was scared, confused, at a loss.

She felt a strong sense of rejection towards this place, just feeling out of place here. However, she didn't have the courage to die, afraid that if she tried, it would be for real.

Having died once makes a person cherish life even more.

In that village, she really couldn't stay longer. It felt like everyone harbored malice towards her, and she had to be extremely cautious every day. Afraid that she'd be discovered as being different.

So she decisively went to find the brigade leader, saying she wanted to go visit her mom's relatives. Maybe she was too pitiable, or maybe she really wasn't welcomed; the brigade leader didn't try to keep her and quickly issued the introduction letter.

She sold all the grain from home; it was the only thing that could be converted into money.

On the train, she pondered her future path. Originally a university student who hadn't yet graduated, she was inexperienced in society and her thoughts were very simplistic.

Arriving in the city where her aunt was supposed to be, she found no one there.

Thinking she had skills for living, yet when trying to find a job, she realized she was nothing.

Coming here was truly the worst option. Returning was impossible, so she moved far away to start a new life. Only upon arrival did she realize how difficult life would be.

Thinking about this, Zheng Lanying's face broke into a smile. Now she was settled. Luckily, it's winter, giving her some buffer time.

Others can farm for money and support themselves, and so can she.

She wasn't ignorant of other's disdain and contempt, so now that she had everything she needed, she wouldn't bother others anymore.

In the evening, Zheng Lanying cooked porridge for herself. While there were no vegetables and the corn mush was rough on the throat, it was enough to fill her stomach.

Lying in bed at night, she still wore a smile, all hopeful smiles for the future.

Because it was so cold outside, Zheng Lanying didn't go out, just lay on the kang. Yet life was too boring like this.

Three days later, she couldn't stand it anymore, so she went to find Ma Dongmei. Then she learned Su Yuanyuan had gone to get fertilizer again.

She felt a bit uncomfortable inside. That girl younger than herself showed such excellence.

You could see it from the way Director Feng spoke to her.

Envious? Certainly. Now she regretted being so juvenile before. She decided that when Su Yuanyuan returned, she must find a way to befriend her.

"Lan Ying, shall we go see Su Yuanyuan?"

"Isn't she not here?"

"You want to be near her plot, right? Think about it, if you really can be over there, you'll surely get Su Yuanyuan's help. She's pretty skilled in work."

Zheng Lanying was moved by Ma Dongmei's words, so the two walked over.

"Lan Ying, that's Su Yuanyuan's house. Look? Isn't that house the best around here?"

"Yes, it looks larger than the house we live in. Taller too."

"That's the one she and Tan Shaoting built together. When she came, she somehow got together with Tan Shaoting."

This was the first time Zheng Lanying heard Tan Shaoting's name.

"Is he the one living with her?"

"Yes. Now they've left here, surely because of their donation, someone arranged for work above."

"Then why didn't Su Yuanyuan go?"

"I guess it's because there's only one job."

"So Su Yuanyuan gave it to Tan Shaoting?"

"Why give? Their donation was from both."

"Doesn't Su Yuanyuan want to stay here? Working outside is much better than farming here, surely? And they donated together, meaning either of them could go."

"Hmf, I'm just waiting to see Tan Shaoting ditch Su Yuanyuan in the future."

Zheng Lanying thought the same. When a man acquires good conditions outside, it's normal for him to change his mind, isn't it?

As they chatted while walking, Zheng Lanying didn't feel it was far.

With Su Yuanyuan's house locked up, they went directly to see the land.

"Next to Su Yuanyuan are a grandmother and two grandchildren. That house belongs to a girl from Su Yuanyuan's hometown, who has a great relationship with her and is also very skilled, named Zhao Yanli.

Originally, the plot next to her was still empty this year, but Zhao Yanli's eldest sister split from her man and moved here, and took that plot after the harvest."

"Lan Ying, you could go talk to them. Their Zhao family wasn't part of our group before, but Su Yuanyuan brought her sisters over."

"Really?"

"You can try, can't you?"

Zheng Lanying knew Ma Dongmei was using her as a pawn, yet she still wanted to go there. Su Yuanyuan was too attractive. She knew she herself lacked the ability to work; Su Yuanyuan was so good, she'd surely beg her for help in the future.

It was fine if she was close, but if too far, there'd be no way if no one came. So she was willing to be Ma Dongmei's pawn.

The two arrived at Zhao's door. Her sisters were making shoes, hearing voices outside, Zhao Yanli came out.

She knew Ma Dongmei. "What's the matter?"

Ma Dongmei didn't speak. She just couldn't stand Su Yuanyuan, thus disliked those who befriended her.

Zheng Lanying took half a step forward with a smile, "Hello, I'm the newcomer, Zheng Lanying."

"Comrade Zheng, what brings you here?"

"I have a matter I'd like to discuss."

"Go ahead then."

"I want that plot next door. Not sure if we could swap it."

Zhao Yanli got angry immediately. Who is this person? Daring to speak such words?

"No swap."

"Mr. Zhao, can't you show some generosity?

I'm clueless about farming and thought being near Su Yuanyuan, I could consult her often."

Zheng Lanying spoke these words with tears, expressing this way in front of others made Zhao Yanli really unclear. Her reputation was already intimidating, and saying such words really caused misunderstandings.

"Don't cry at my door, I find it unlucky.

Besides, we won't change the land. If you have skills, find a way your own."

"But you all aren't originally from this team."

Zhao Yanli sneered, "I'm part of this team now, and no matter which team, we're all workers of the Second Farm. Don't you feel your words are inciting?"

This truly angered people more. Isn't it just using tears when things don't follow her heart?