Chapter 128: Li Jing's Change

After the meal, Ling'er did not rush to assign them new tasks, but let them rest in the dining hall for a while.

She knew that for Li Jing, such a moment of relaxation was especially important.

Wang Hongmei and Chen Xiulan chatted about everyday matters; Li Jing, though not talkative, occasionally interjected a sentence or two, her voice soft but loud enough for those nearby to hear.

After resting, Ling'er led them to the backyard of the fortress.

This is the warehouse of the greenhouse, normally used to store food and tools.

Ling'er pointed to a pile of tools in the warehouse and said, "This afternoon we'll tidy up these tools—put away what needs to be put away."

Wang Hongmei and Chen Xiulan immediately got to work sorting, and Li Jing followed behind them; although her movements were still a bit slow, she could already take on some tasks voluntarily.

After finishing, Ling'er took out the cloth doll made by Shuang'er and handed it to Li Jing.

When Li Jing picked up the doll, her fingers lightly stroked its faded fabric, and a hint of tenderness flashed in her eyes.

This was the first time since arriving at the fortress that she showed such a natural expression.

Wang Hongmei and Chen Xiulan saw her change and felt greatly relieved.

They knew that Li Jing was gradually adapting to this new environment and slowly opening her heart.

After a day's work, Ling'er led them back to their lodgings; on the way, Li Jing took the initiative to hold Wang Hongmei's hand, and Li Jing's change made Wang Hongmei feel extremely warm.

After dinner, the three returned to their room; the day's workload was light, and none of them were tired.

After washing up, they lay in bed, with Wang Hongmei and Chen Xiulan deliberately placing Li Jing in the middle to sleep; they chatted intermittently, Li Jing occasionally adding a couple of sentences, and the atmosphere was much better than the previous night.

Outside the window, the night was as dark as ink, yet it did not affect the cozy atmosphere inside at all.

Li Jing lay on her side, listening to Wang Hongmei and Chen Xiulan whispering; their words were like a gentle lullaby, making her eyelids grow heavy.

Her hand still tightly gripped Wang Hongmei's, as if it were the bond reconnecting her to this world. In this warm atmosphere, Li Jing's mouth corners turned up slightly, bearing a barely perceptible satisfaction, and she gradually drifted into sleep.

That night she slept especially soundly, without the former fear and unease, as if she had truly found her own haven in this strange place.

Wang Hongmei and Chen Xiulan watched Li Jing's peaceful sleeping face, exchanged a smile, and slowly closed their eyes; on this tranquil night, they all sank into dreams together, anticipating the arrival of a new day.

The next morning, Li Jing woke up leisurely, blinked her eyes, and looked at the soundly sleeping Wang Hongmei and Chen Xiulan beside her; her eyes no longer held the initial panic and strangeness.

She gently moved her body without waking the two, instead lying still, recalling the kindness conveyed by everyone in the fortress, and her heart settled considerably.

After a while, Wang Hongmei and Chen Xiulan also woke up one after another.

After the three simply freshened up, they walked out of the room together.

At this moment the fortress remained quiet, and the three prepared to see what they could do.

Ling'er had been waiting not far off early; seeing the three approach, she broke into a bright smile and said, "Come on, let's go help in the vegetable garden today," then led them toward the garden.

Along the way, Li Jing watched the people in the fortress whose faces were full of hope and vitality, and the long-closed door in her heart seemed to open a little more.

She began to actively observe her surroundings, full of curiosity about the novel things.

Upon reaching the vegetable garden, Ling'er assigned them tasks, having them help move the mature vegetables from the warehouse.

Wang Hongmei and Chen Xiulan started working, and Li Jing imitated them, carefully lifting a basket full of vegetables.

Her movements were still a bit unskilled, but her eyes showed seriousness and focus.

During the moving process, Li Jing accidentally brushed against the edge of the basket, cutting her finger slightly.

She frowned slightly, but did not panic as she used to.

Seeing this, Wang Hongmei hurried over, concerned, and asked, "Does it hurt? Come, let me take care of it." She then took out a clean handkerchief from her pocket and gently wiped Li Jing's wound.

Li Jing looked at Wang Hongmei, her eyes full of emotion, and gently shook her head, saying, "It doesn't hurt, I'm fine."

At this moment, she genuinely felt the care and warmth from her companions, and the ice in her heart melted a little more.

After moving the vegetables, Ling'er led them to deliver the vegetables to the kitchen.

In the kitchen, Huang Rong and Shuang'er were busily preparing the meal.

Seeing them enter, Huang Rong smiled and said, "You've worked hard; these vegetables look really fresh."

Li Jing watched the bustling scene in the kitchen, and a sudden sense of familiarity welled up in her heart.

She stepped forward voluntarily and asked, "Do you need my help?"

Huang Rong glanced at her in surprise, then smiled and nodded, saying, "Sure, then you can help me wash these vegetables."

Li Jing happily agreed and began to wash the vegetables seriously.

Her movements became increasingly proficient, and her face broke into a confident smile.

Wang Hongmei and Chen Xiulan saw her change and felt happy for her, and the tacit understanding among the three deepened.

Watching Li Jing's life in the fortress become increasingly easy, she was no longer the timid, shy newcomer; instead, she began to actively integrate into the group, getting along well with everyone, and the faces of those around her lit up with smiles.

Huang Rong stir-fried dishes while occasionally glancing at Li Jing, her eyes full of approval.

She never expected that this girl, who had seemed timid and introverted before, would have such strong adaptability—in just a few short days she seemed like a completely different person.

Shuang'er also stood by, smiling, occasionally interjecting a few words and chatting privately with Li Jing, making the kitchen atmosphere especially harmonious.

Li Jing carefully washed each vegetable, thoroughly rinsing off the dirt and grime from the leaves, feeling that she could now help everyone and gaining a strong sense of accomplishment.

After washing the vegetables, she proactively asked Huang Rong if there was anything else she could do; Huang Rong thought for a moment and then had her help carry the washed vegetables to the chopping area.

Li Jing cheerfully agreed, carefully holding the vegetable basin, and placed the vegetables at the designated spot.

At that moment, Li Qingxuan walked to the kitchen doorway, saw Li Jing's busy figure, a flash of relief crossed his eyes, he gave a slight nod, then began chatting with Huang Rong about today's arrangements.

Li Jing listened attentively to their conversation; hearing that the two would go out on patrol today, she felt that everyone in the fortress was striving for this big family, and she could not fall behind.

After a while, the dishes were ready, Huang Rong began stir-frying, and the skilled motions and the aroma that assailed the nostrils made Li Jing involuntarily swallow.

She stood aside, quietly watching, wondering when she too would be able to learn to cook such delicious dishes.

After stir-frying a few dishes, Huang Rong had Li Jing help carry the plates to the dining hall; Li Jing held the tray, walking carefully, afraid of spilling the food.

Upon reaching the dining hall, she neatly arranged the dishes on the table, then returned to the kitchen to continue helping.

When all the dishes were stir-fried and the rice cooked, everyone came to the dining hall to get ready to eat.

Li Jing, Wang Hongmei, and Chen Xiulan sat together; as they ate, they chatted, and laughter and cheerful talk echoed in the dining hall.

Li Jing watched the lively scene, her heart warm, she knew that she had truly become a member of this fortress's big family.

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