RYEY – Chapter 8 Tearing Off the Mask

“Owe? What do I owe you?”

“Pfft…”

Disdainful sounds rippled through the crowd.

Chai Jianmin’s face flushed red. Everyone knew deep down whether or not he owed Cheng Qiao money and things. The truth was clear, but because Cheng Qiao used to be a fool, everyone bullied her in one way or another.

Chai Jianmin could only glare viciously at Cheng Qiao before turning to run toward the male educated youths’ dormitory. But Cheng Qiao’s cold voice stopped him.

Cheng Qiao pulled one hand from her pocket, revealing a notebook.

The moment Jiang Guangrong saw it, he stiffened. Yesterday, when Cheng Qiao brought out that notebook, he already had a bad feeling. Today, it came true.

“Chai Jianmin, I’ve been here in the countryside almost nine months. In that time, you’ve asked me for soap five times, half a bar each time. Today is the sixth—though I didn’t give it to you, I still need to note it down.

You’ve taken grain from me eleven times: three jin of fine grain and eight jin of coarse grain. You borrowed one half-jin oil coupon and two one-jin grain coupons. As for cash, you took three yuan and eighty cents, claiming you didn’t have enough to buy a thermos. You still haven’t returned it.

Also, when it was your turn to cook, you said you weren’t feeling well and made me do it for you—a total of seven times. I’ve recorded all of it.

As for the small chores like watering and harvesting vegetables in the back garden, I couldn’t even be bothered to record them—they’re too many. If I did, one whole notebook still wouldn’t be enough.

This afternoon, I’ll tell the Village Head everything. You’ve been exploiting both my labor and my rations. Your capitalist mindset is terrifying.”

“You… you wouldn’t dare!”

Chai Jianmin had known since yesterday that she kept a notebook, but he never imagined she’d be so meticulous—down to details even he himself had forgotten.

“And another line: threatening and intimidating a revolutionary comrade, attempting to use violence to suppress a fellow educated youth.”

Cheng Qiao calmly took out a pen and began writing. The midday sunlight illuminated her flawless, porcelain-like face. She was stunningly beautiful—but in Chai Jianmin’s eyes, she was a demon.

Xu Laidi swallowed nervously. For some reason, she suddenly felt relieved. Turns out Cheng Qiao wasn’t only targeting her. Sneaking toward the kitchen, she was caught by Cheng Qiao’s smiling eyes, who then turned to Jiang Guangrong and asked:

“Squad Leader, from today on, I won’t be providing food. Every meal will come from the rations Chai Jianmin owes me until it’s all repaid. Also, when it’s my turn to cook or water the garden, Chai Jianmin will do it instead. Is that acceptable?”

Jiang Guangrong nodded stiffly. Cheng Qiao had completely changed. She was no longer the naive pushover who endured humiliation in silence. The educated youths’ camp was about to get lively.

Sure enough, Chai Jianmin couldn’t hold back anymore and shouted: “Cheng Qiao, don’t go too far! Everyone ate that food together—why put it all on me? As for the coupons, you gave them to me willingly. Why should I return them?”

“I gave them to you? You and I have no ties at all. Why would I ‘gift’ you anything? If you want to default, just admit it. No need to be so shameless.”

“Who’s defaulting? I… you… Anyway, I don’t have money or coupons.”

Chai Jianmin decided to play dead. He was broke—what could she do?

“No money, no coupons? That’s fine. I’ll just tell the Village Head. After autumn harvest, your work points can repay it—just like Xu Laidi. I’m not in a rush.”

Chai Jianmin: “…”

Regret hit him hard. All this over a piece of soap? He had some in his own cabinet! If he’d just used his own, she’d never have remembered to settle accounts. Now not only had their relationship soured, but he also had to repay both money and coupons. What a loss.

The atmosphere in the courtyard grew heavy.

Cheng Qiao licked her lips; after talking so much, her mouth was dry. She was about to head back to drink some water when Xu Laidi suddenly called: “Cheng Qiao, I don’t have any food left today. Could you lend me some?”

Xu Laidi had gone to the kitchen to prepare a meal, only to find her grain sack empty. She suddenly remembered she’d already returned everything to Cheng Qiao. Not a single grain left. Taking a deep breath, she rubbed her eyes hard before approaching Cheng Qiao pitifully. Her small eyes were red, with two teardrops trembling at the corners.

The sight made Cheng Qiao feel sick. In her past life, she must have been truly blind and foolish not to see through such a fake act.

“No. And for the record, I’ve already weighed my grain sack. If it’s even an ounce short, I’ll report you to the Public Security Bureau for theft. I’ll have you, the rat, caught.”

Xu Laidi stared at her in shock. Did this wretched girl actually know something? Otherwise, why would she turn so heartless? Looks like she needed to write a letter and report the situation.

Han Chunmei, the eldest among the educated youths, chuckled. She’d never liked Xu Laidi’s scheming, but Cheng Qiao had always indulged her, leaving Han Chunmei angry yet helpless. She hadn’t expected Cheng Qiao to finally fight back.

“Cheng Qiao, since your foot’s injured, I’ll gather firewood for you from now on.”

“Thanks, Sister Chunmei.”

Cheng Qiao had collected firewood for Han Chunmei before. This was just returning the favor.

“Chai Jianmin, could you lend me some food? I’ll repay you after autumn harvest—or when my parents send money.”

Xu Laidi turned her pitiful eyes on Chai Jianmin. He didn’t want to lend—his rations were barely enough to last until harvest. But when he noticed Cheng Qiao’s mocking gaze, he straightened his chest and declared:

“Take it. As long as I have a bite, you’ll never starve. Not like some people who’d rather watch others die than help.”

Xu Laidi quickly thanked him. Under the crowd’s complicated stares, she rushed to the kitchen and scooped two bowls of sorghum flour from Chai Jianmin’s sack.

“Chai Jianmin, when rations are distributed after the harvest, you must repay Cheng Qiao’s money and coupons. And the rest of you—if you owe her, return it yourselves. Don’t let the villagers say we’re bullying a young girl.”

Jiang Guangrong’s voice was cold. If the Village Head found out about all these shady dealings, not only would the educated youths be a laughingstock, but his position as squad leader would be gone.

The others exchanged glances. Maybe later they’d better check whether their names were in Cheng Qiao’s notebook. If they were, it’d be wiser to pay up.

“Cheng Qiao, I remember I borrowed three yuan from you. But things are tight right now. Could I repay you later? My idea is, when rations and cash are distributed, I’ll give it back.”