Chapter 101

When the villagers heard the old party secretary's words, they all glared at Li Zeyu with hostility; after all, everyone in Li Family Village had received Su Ruo's favors and had sought her medical care.

"After hearing Branch Secretary Lao Zhishu's words, the surrounding villagers all looked at Li Zeyu with unfriendly eyes, after all, in Li Family Village, who hasn't received Su Ruo's kindness, who hasn't gone to see Su Ruo for a doctor."

We need to keep each clause. Ensure we don't add extra. Let's produce a single line.

【1】 After hearing Branch Secretary Lao Zhishu's words, the surrounding villagers all looked at Li Zeyu with unfriendly eyes; after all, in Li Family Village, who hasn't received Su Ruo's kindness, who hasn't gone to see Su Ruo for a doctor.

Check: we used semicolon; okay.

It's a deserted, run-down house that hasn't been occupied for ten years, yet Li Zeyu dares to ask ten yuan for it—how shameless.

Translate: "Such a dilapidated house that no one had lived in for ten years, Li Zeyu actually asked for ten yuan; it's really unsightly to ask for money like that."

For a dilapidated house that no one had lived in for ten years, Li Zeyu actually asked for ten yuan; it's really unsightly.

【2】 Such a dilapidated house that no one had lived in for ten years, Li Zeyu actually asked for ten yuan; it's really unsightly to ask for money like that.

Li Zeyu is the brigade commander's son-in-law, and the villagers, who fear the commander, would have already spoken harshly if it weren't for that.

Translate: "It's only because Li Zeyu is the Battalion Commander's son-in-law that the villagers, who fear the Battalion Commander, would have spoken harsh words already if not for that."

We need to use Battalion Commander from glossary. Also Li Zeyu. Let's produce.

【3】 It's only because Li Zeyu is the Battalion Commander's son-in-law that the villagers, who fear the Battalion Commander, would have spoken harsh words already if not for that.

Li Zeyu always looked down on the villagers as foolish and ignorant, yet he never imagined he would be scorned by the very people he despised.

Translate: "Li Zeyu had always looked down on these villagers, thinking them foolish and ignorant, but he never expected to be despised now by those very people he had always looked down on."

We need to keep meaning. Use Li Zeyu.

【4】 Li Zeyu had always looked down on these villagers, thinking them foolish and ignorant, but he never expected to be despised now by those very people he had always looked down on.

This is hard for the usually proud Li Zeyu to accept, but the speaker is the old party secretary—though he no longer manages much, his prestige among the villagers is immense, which Li Zeyu knows, so even if he's unhappy inside, he dares not talk back.

Translate: "This was hard for the perpetually proud Li Zeyu to accept, but the speaker was Branch Secretary Lao Zhishu; although Lao Zhishu no longer handled much affairs, his prestige among the villagers was something Li Zeyu knew well, so even if he was dissatisfied now, he dared not retort."

We need to use Branch Secretary Lao Zhishu. Also Li Zeyu.

【5】 This was hard for the perpetually proud Li Zeyu to accept, but the speaker was Branch Secretary Lao Zhishu; although Lao Zhishu no longer handled much affairs, his prestige among the villagers was something Li Zeyu knew well, so even if he was dissatisfied now, he dared not retort.

The brigade commander's face is grim; he appointed Li Zeyu as brigade accountant, but he's struggling to keep the post, as who knows how many villagers are eyeing it.

Translate: "The Battalion Commander's face had become extremely unsightly; letting Li Zeyu serve as Brigade Accountant, yet he had painstakingly secured this position, and who knows how many people in the village were eyeing it."

We need Battalion Commander, Brigade Accountant, Li Zeyu.

【6】 The Battalion Commander's face had become extremely unsightly; letting Li Zeyu serve as Brigade Accountant, yet he had painstakingly secured this position, and who knows how many people in the village were eyeing it.

If it weren't for his many years as brigade commander and the villagers' respect, Li Zeyu would never have secured the position.

Translate: "If it weren't for his many years as Battalion Commander and the villagers giving him face, Li Zeyu would never have gotten the position."

If it weren't for his many years as brigade commander and the villagers giving him face, Li Zeyu would never have gotten the position.

Let's produce.

【7】 If it weren't for his many years as Battalion Commander and the villagers giving him face, Li Zeyu would never have gotten the position.

But even now that Li Zeyu holds this position, who knows how many people are secretly waiting to catch his slip-ups.

Translate: "But even now that Li Zeyu has taken this position, who knows how many people are secretly waiting to catch him making a mistake."

【8】 But even now that Li Zeyu has taken this position, who knows how many people are secretly waiting to catch him making a mistake.

Li Zeyu doesn't even keep a low profile and honestly stabilize the position; instead he actively seeks trouble—no wonder the brigade commander is furious.

Translate: "Li Zeyu didn't even keep a low profile and solidify his position first; instead he actively sought trouble—how could the Battalion Commander not be angry?"

We need Battalion Commander.

【9】 Li Zeyu didn't even keep a low profile and solidify his position first; instead he actively sought trouble—how could the Battalion Commander not be angry?

You're just an accountant—keep your books in order. Why are you stirring up trouble and giving people leverage? Even the brigade commander loses face because of you.

You're just an accountant—keep your books in order. Why are you stirring up trouble and giving people leverage? Even the brigade commander loses face because of you.

We'll use Battalion Commander.

【10】 You say you're just an accountant, you should just keep your books straight; why are you causing trouble and giving people ammunition? Even the Battalion Commander loses face because of you.

The brigade commander's anger has reached its peak; if his son had done this, given his temper, he would have already kicked him.

Translate: "The Battalion Commander's anger had reached its peak; if the one who did this were his son, given his temper, he would surely have already kicked him."

【11】 The Battalion Commander's anger had reached its peak; if the one who did this were his son, given his temper, he would surely have already kicked him.

But after seeing Li Zeyu's leg, the brigade commander finally held back his anger.

Translate: "But the Battalion Commander looked at Li Zeyu's leg and finally suppressed his anger."

【12】 But the Battalion Commander looked at Li Zeyu's leg and finally suppressed his anger.

After all, concerning Li Zeyu's leg injury, he is the one who owes Li Zeyu.

Translate: "After all, regarding Li Zeyu's leg injury, he was the one who owed Li Zeyu."

【13】 After all, regarding Li Zeyu's leg injury, he was the one who owed Li Zeyu.

The brigade commander consoled himself, thinking perhaps Li Zeyu couldn't accept his leg injury right away, which made him mistaken; he hoped it would improve over time, and even if he was reluctant, he'd have to step in and clean up after Li Zeyu.

The brigade commander consoled himself, thinking perhaps Li Zeyu couldn't accept his leg injury right away, which made him mistaken; he hoped it would improve over time, and even if he was reluctant, he'd have to step in and clean up after Li Zeyu.

We'll translate accordingly.

【14】 The Battalion Commander consoled himself, thinking perhaps Li Zeyu's leg injury made him temporarily unable to accept it, leading him to think wrongly; he hoped that later it would gradually get better, and even if he was unwilling in his heart, he would have to step forward and clean up after Li Zeyu.

The brigade commander, holding back his anger, said: "Alright, Accountant Li is still young; it's inevitable to make mistakes, but his intentions are good—he also wants to increase some income for the village so everyone can get a bit more money at year's end."

The brigade commander, holding back his anger, said: "Alright, Accountant Li is still young; it's inevitable to make mistakes, but his intentions are good—he also wants to increase some income for the village so everyone can get a bit more money at year's end."

【15】 The Battalion Commander suppressed his anger and said: "All right, Accountant Li is still young, it's inevitable to make mistakes, but his intentions are good; he also wants to increase some income for the village so that everyone can get a bit more money at year's end."

But Doctor Su has contributed to the village; letting her stay in this house is appropriate. This whole thing is a misunderstanding; now it's fine, everyone can go home.

Translate: "But Doctor Su has contributed to the village; lending her this courtyard is appropriate; this whole thing is a misunderstanding, it's fine now, everyone can disperse."

We need Doctor Su. Use "Doctor Su". Also "courtyard" from glossary.

【16】 But Doctor Su has contributed to the village; lending her this courtyard is appropriate; this whole thing is a misunderstanding, it's fine now, everyone can disperse.

Hearing the brigade commander's blatant favoritism, the villagers all sneered, but since Li Zeyu is his son-in-law, his bias is unavoidable.

Translate: "The villagers, hearing the Battalion Commander's blatantly partial remarks, all sneered, but since Li Zeyu is the Battalion Commander's son-in-law, his favoritism is unavoidable."

【17】 The villagers, hearing the Battalion Commander's blatantly partial remarks, all sneered, but since Li Zeyu is the Battalion Commander's son-in-law, his favoritism is unavoidable.

Su Ruo ignored the brigade commander's remarks, walked straight to the old party secretary, produced fifty yuan, and handed it to him: "Uncle, after coming to the countryside, I've been cared for by the villagers, and I'm deeply grateful."

Translate: "Su Ruo didn't accept the Battalion Commander's words; she walked straight to Branch Secretary Lao Zhishu, took out fifty yuan, and handed it to him: 'Uncle, after going down to the countryside, I have been cared for by the villagers; I am deeply grateful.'"

We need to use Branch Secretary Lao Zhishu, Su Ruo.

【18】 Su Ruo didn't accept the Battalion Commander's words; she walked straight to Branch Secretary Lao Zhishu, took out fifty yuan, and handed it to him: "Uncle, after going down to the countryside, I have been cared for by the villagers; I am deeply grateful."

Since Accountant Li said rent is required for this house, I feel embarrassed to stay for free and don't want to cause you trouble; I'll give you this fifty yuan as a token of my goodwill toward the village.

Translate: "Since Accountant Li said this courtyard requires rent, I feel embarrassed to stay for free and don't want to cause you trouble; these fifty yuan I give you also count as my little contribution to the village."

We need Accountant Li.

【19】 Since Accountant Li said this courtyard requires rent, I feel embarrassed to stay for free and don't want to cause you trouble; these fifty yuan I give you also count as my little contribution to the village.

Su Ruo doesn't care about this money, but she hates being threatened; she gave the money to the old party secretary, believing he will put it to good use.

Translate: "Su Ruo didn't care about that money, but she hated being threatened the most; she gave the money to Branch Secretary Lao Zhishu, believing he would put it to good use."

【20】 Su Ruo didn't care about that money, but she hated being threatened the most; she gave the money to Branch Secretary Lao Zhishu, believing he would put it to good use.

Su Ruo's action is undoubtedly a naked slap to Li Zeyu's face.

Su Ruo's action is undoubtedly a naked slap to Li Zeyu's face.

We'll translate: "Su Ruo's action was undoubtedly a naked slap to Li Zeyu's face."

【21】 Su Ruo's action was undoubtedly a naked slap to Li Zeyu's face.

Su Ruo looked at Li Zeyu's increasingly grim face, unfazed; she wanted to tell everyone: I, Su Ruo, have money, but I can spend it however I like; if you want to threaten me, you have no chance.

Translate: "Su Ruo watched Li Zeyu's face grow increasingly grim, but she didn't care at all; she wanted to tell everyone: I, Su Ruo, have money, but I can spend it however I like; if you want to threaten me, you have no chance."

【22】 Su Ruo watched Li Zeyu's face grow increasingly grim, but she didn't care at all; she wanted to tell everyone: I, Su Ruo, have money, but I can spend it however I like; if you want to threaten me, you have no chance.

Li Zeyu's face turned livid with anger as he turned and walked away, but because he walked too fast, his cane stumbled, nearly making him fall, yet no one went to help him.

Translate: "Li Zeyu's face turned livid with anger as he turned and walked away, but because he walked too quickly, his crutch stumbled and he almost fell, yet no one went to help him."

【23】 Li Zeyu's face turned livid with anger as he turned and walked away, but because he walked too quickly, his crutch stumbled and he almost fell, yet no one went to help him.

The old party secretary looked at Su Ruo with a gaze full of affection, saying: "Girl, Uncle knows you have money, so I won't refuse."

Translate: "Branch Secretary Lao Zhishu looked at Su Ruo, his eyes full of kindness, and said: 'Girl, Uncle knows you have money, so I won't decline.'"

【24】 Branch Secretary Lao Zhishu looked at Su Ruo, his eyes full of kindness, and said: "Girl, Uncle knows you have money, so I won't decline."

But Uncle, I'm putting this out there today: you can stay in this house as long as you like, and from now on treat this place as your second home; come back whenever you wish.

Translate: "But Uncle, I'm putting this out there today: you can stay in this courtyard for as long as you like, and from now on treat this place as your second home; come back whenever you wish."

【25】 But Uncle, I'm putting this out there today: you can stay in this courtyard for as long as you like, and from now on treat this place as your second home; come back whenever you wish.

Su Ruo felt a surge of emotion; she could see that the old party secretary truly cared for her, which certainly had to do with her saving his son, but there was still genuine feeling.

Translate: "Su Ruo felt a surge of emotion; she could see that Branch Secretary Lao Zhishu genuinely cared for her, although part of it was because she had saved his son's life, there was still sincere feeling."

【26】 Su Ruo felt a surge of emotion; she could see that Branch Secretary Lao Zhishu genuinely cared for her, although part of it was because she had saved his son's life, there was still sincere feeling.

Su Ruo knows that after leaving this place, she likely won't return, because in her previous life it left her with too many bad memories.

Translate: "Su Ruo knew that after leaving this place, she would likely never return, because in her previous life this place had left her with too many bad memories."

【27】 Su Ruo knew that after leaving this place, she would likely never return, because in her previous life this place had left her with too many bad memories.

Now Su Ruo has already taken revenge; everyone who harmed her has paid the price, and after leaving this place, she prepares to completely forget.

Translate: "Now Su Ruo has already taken her revenge; everyone who harmed her has paid the price, and after leaving this place she intends to forget everything completely."

【28】 Now Su Ruo has already taken her revenge; everyone who harmed her has paid the price, and after leaving this place she intends to forget everything completely.

No longer entangled with bad people and bad affairs, she begins a brand-new life.

Translate: "No longer entangled with bad people and bad affairs, she begins a brand‑new life."

【29】 No longer entangled with bad people and bad affairs, she begins a brand‑new life.

But under the old party secretary's gaze, Su Ruo still solemnly nodded; perhaps, perhaps after many, many years, when she has completely let go, she will return here again.

Translate: "But under Branch Secretary Lao Zhishu's gaze, Su Ruo still solemnly nodded; perhaps, perhaps after many, many years, when she has completely let go, she will return here again."

【30】 But under Branch Secretary Lao Zhishu's gaze, Su Ruo still solemnly nodded; perhaps, perhaps after many, many years, when she has completely let go, she will return here again.

Take a look at the mountains and rivers here, take a look at the people here……

Translate: "Take a look at this place's mountains and waters, take a look at its people……"

【31】 Take a look at this place's mountains and waters, take a look at its people……

On the third day after Su Ruo returned, the college entrance exam scores were released; out of a total of 500 points, Su Ruo scored 475, placing her in the top ten of Black Province; when this score came out, everyone was shocked.

On the third day after Su Ruo returned, the college entrance exam scores were released; out of a total of 500 points, Su Ruo scored 475, placing her in the top ten of Black Province; when this score came out, everyone was shocked.

We need to use College Entrance Exam, Black Province.

【32】 On the third day after Su Ruo returned, the College Entrance Exam scores were released; out of a total of 500 points, Su Ruo scored 475, placing her in the top ten of Black Province; when this score came out, everyone was shocked.

Li Zhaodi and Bai Xin'ya knew Su Ruo did well, but they didn't expect it to be this good; now her admission to Peking University is secure.

Translate: "Li Zhaodi and Bai Xinya, although they knew Su Ruo had done well, never expected it to be this good; now Su Ruo's admission to Jingda is certain."

We need Li Zhaodi, Bai Xinya, Jingda.

【33】 Li Zhaodi and Bai Xinya, although they knew Su Ruo had done well, never expected it to be this good; now Su Ruo's admission to Jingda is certain.

Initially Bai Xin'ya knew that when Su Ruo filled out her application, she only listed Peking University, which seemed too risky, but now it appears that at that time Su Ruo already had full confidence in her scores.

Translate: "Initially Bai Xinya knew that when Su Ruo filled out her application she only listed Jingda, which seemed too risky, but now it appears that at that time Su Ruo already had full confidence in her score."

【34】 Initially Bai Xinya knew that when Su Ruo filled out her application she only listed Jingda, which seemed too risky, but now it appears that at that time Su Ruo already had full confidence in her score.

To celebrate Su Ruo, the two families gathered together and had a good meal; now they're just waiting for her admission notice, after which they can set off for the capital.

Translate: "To celebrate Su Ruo, the two families gathered together and had a good meal; now they are just waiting for Su Ruo's admission letter to arrive, after which they can set off for Kyoto."

We need Kyoto.

【35】 To celebrate Su Ruo, the two families gathered together and had a good meal; now they are just waiting for Su Ruo's admission letter to arrive, after which they can set off for Kyoto.

Zhou Feng, after this period, has more or less handled his affairs, and is just waiting for Su Ruo to receive the notice so they can leave together.

Translate: "Zhou Feng, after this period, has more or less handled his affairs, and is just waiting for Su Ruo to receive the admission letter so they can leave together."

【36】 Zhou Feng, after this period, has more or less handled his affairs, and is just waiting for Su Ruo to receive the admission letter so they can leave together.

After the previous incident, Zhou Feng dares not let Su Ruo and them act alone anymore; otherwise, his wife might be abducted again.

Translate: "After the previous incident, Zhou Feng dared not let Su Ruo and her companions act alone; a moment's carelessness and his wife would be abducted again."

【37】 After the previous incident, Zhou Feng dared not let Su Ruo and her companions act alone; a moment's carelessness and his wife would be abducted again.

While Su Ruo's side is filled with laughter and joy, Li Shiruo, who also scored highly, has no happiness on her face.

Translate: "While Su Ruo's side was filled with laughter and joy, Li Shirou, who also scored highly, had not a hint of happiness on her face."

【38】 While Su Ruo's side was filled with laughter and joy, Li Shirou, who also scored highly, had not a hint of happiness on her face.

Li Shiruo looks at her score sheet of 454 points, her expression gloomy to the extreme.

Translate: "Li Shirou looked at her score sheet of 454 points, and her expression was gloomy to the extreme."

【39】 Li Shirou looked at her score sheet of 454 points, and her expression was gloomy to the extreme.

She doesn't understand why, despite her obvious hard work, she still can't surpass Su Ruo, and why Su Ruo is stronger in every way—this is unfair!

Translate: "She couldn't understand why, despite her obvious hard work, she still couldn't match Su Ruo, why Su Ruo was stronger in every way—this was unfair!"

【40】 She couldn't understand why, despite her obvious hard work, she still couldn't match Su Ruo, why Su Ruo was stronger in every way—this was unfair!

The people at the youth point, upon hearing Li Shiruo's scores, came to congratulate her, but after seeing her gloomy expression, they were all startled, and the congratulations died in their mouths.

Translate: "The people at the Educated Youth Point, upon hearing Li Shirou's score, came over one after another to congratulate her, but after seeing her gloomy expression, they were all startled, and the congratulations stuck in their throats."

We need Educated Youth Point from glossary: Zhiqing Dian.

【41】 The people at the Zhiqing Dian, upon hearing Li Shirou's score, came over one after another to congratulate her, but after seeing her gloomy expression, they were all startled, and the congratulations stuck in their throats.

They don't understand why Li Shiruo scored so highly yet is so angry; they can't figure it out, so they all ask Wu Qingqing.

Translate: "They couldn't understand why Li Shirou, who had scored so highly, was so angry; unable to figure it out, they all turned to ask Wu Qingqing."

We need Wu Qingqing from glossary.

【42】 They couldn't understand why Li Shirou, who had scored so highly, was so angry; unable to figure it out, they all turned to ask Wu Qingqing.

Wu Qingqing could guess a bit, but at this moment she has no mood to explain to these people.

Translate: "Wu Qingqing could indeed guess a bit, but at this moment she had no mood to explain to these people."

【43】 Wu Qingqing could indeed guess a bit, but at this moment she had no mood to explain to these people.

Wu Qingqing is already twenty-five this year; she once held to her bottom line, desperately wanting to return to the city, swearing she would absolutely not stay in the countryside.

Translate: "Wu Qingqing is already twenty‑five this year; she once held to her bottom line, desperately wanting to return to the city, swearing she would absolutely not stay in the countryside."

【44】 Wu Qingqing is already twenty‑five this year; she once held to her bottom line, desperately wanting to return to the city, swearing she would absolutely not stay in the countryside.

Over these years, watching her fellow educated youths who came with her all get married and have children, her prospect of returning to the city remains distant and uncertain.

Translate: "Over these years, watching the educated youths who came with her in the same batch all get married and have children, her prospect of returning to the city remained distant."

【45】 Over these years, watching the educated youths who came with her in the same batch all get married and have children, her prospect of returning to the city remained distant.

Nevertheless, Wu Qingqing has never thought of giving up; she works hard, takes responsibility for all affairs at the youth point, all in order to obtain a recommended university spot.

Translate: "Nevertheless, Wu Qingqing never thought of giving up; she worked hard, took full responsibility for all affairs at the Zhiqing Dian, all in order to obtain the recommended university spot."

【46】 Nevertheless, Wu Qingqing never thought of giving up; she worked hard, took full responsibility for all affairs at the Zhiqing Dian, all in order to obtain the recommended university spot.

For this, she has already endured five years; this year is the closest she has come to that spot.

Translate: "For this, she had already endured five years; this year is the closest she has ever come to that spot."

【47】 For this, she had already endured five years; this year is the closest she has ever come to that spot.

But just as she was about to succeed, the country suddenly reinstated the college entrance exam and canceled the spots for worker-peasant-soldier universities.

Translate: "But just as she was about to succeed, the state suddenly reinstated the College Entrance Exam and abolished the Worker‑Peasant‑Soldier university places."

We need College Entrance Exam.

【48】 But just as she was about to succeed, the state suddenly reinstated the College Entrance Exam and abolished the Worker‑Peasant‑Soldier university places.

Wu Qingqing's hopes were instantly shattered.

Translate: "Wu Qingqing's hopes were instantly shattered."

【49】 Wu Qingqing's hopes were instantly shattered.

Wu Qingqing also wants to go to college, but although she is a high school graduate, she has already set aside her books for nearly ten years; all her knowledge has been worn away by daily labor, so how could she possibly get in?

Translate: "Wu Qingqing also wanted to go to university, but although she was still a high school graduate, she had set aside her books for nearly ten years; all her knowledge had been worn away by daily labor, so how could she possibly pass the exam?"

【50】 Wu Qingqing also wanted to go to university, but although she was still a high school graduate, she had set aside her books for nearly ten years; all her knowledge had been worn away by daily labor, so how could she possibly pass the exam?

No one knew Wu Qingqing's resentment in her heart; at the moment the College Entrance Exam was restored, it was destined that all her previous efforts became a joke, and even if Wu Qingqing remained unwilling, she could not change it.