Chapter 3: The Koi Fish Painting of the 1970s, Part 3

In the book, Liu Xin, a woman who was reborn, had a very difficult life in her previous life due to her personality. However, her friend Chen Ying lived a very happy life. Chen Ying’s husband, Zhao Linjun, held a respectable position, and they had both a son and a daughter, truly a blessed family.

After being reborn, Liu Xin wanted to steal Chen Ying’s husband. She knew the circumstances under which Chen Ying and Zhao Linjun met and married, even the exact time. She planned to act ahead of Chen Ying because Chen Ying nearly drowned while rescuing someone, exhausted and barely saved by Zhao Linjun. Liu Xin carefully timed her own plunge into the water to coincide with that moment.

Unexpectedly, Liu Xin fell into the water, and Chen Ying risked her life to save her, pulling Liu Xin to shore while Chen Ying herself sank. Zhao Linjun eventually rescued Chen Ying, but Chen Ying did not survive.

The Chen family despised Liu Xin and caused her many troubles. But Liu Xin took the opportunity to feign innocence, sorrow, regret, and self-blame in front of Zhao Linjun, ultimately achieving her goal. This story was often criticized by readers for its skewed values, to the point where the author abandoned it midway. Unexpectedly, Liu Xin found herself transported into this very book.

She had only just realized she had crossed into this story, but it was too late to change the plot. Chen Ying was already unconscious with a high fever. People thought there was nothing she could do and felt some pity for the kind-hearted Chen Ying. Yet, perhaps due to the butterfly effect, Chen Ying survived.

Although relieved for Chen Ying, Liu Xin felt disgusted whenever she thought about her own cousin taking the chance to cozy up to Zhao Linjun with feigned worry and guilt. She couldn’t help but mention this to Chen Ying. In Liu Li’s eyes, Chen Ying was a good girl, well-matched with Zhao Linjun, and it was a shame for her to lose such a good marriage without cause.

Chen Ying paid no mind to Liu Xin’s musings or the talk about being rescued by Zhao Linjun—it was not the old days, after all. Why cling to someone just because they saved you?

“I actually didn’t know it was Brother Zhao who saved me. I’ll have to visit and thank him,” Chen Ying said, though inwardly she found it a bit amusing.

Seeing Chen Ying’s indifferent expression, Liu Li understood the girl either hadn’t woken up to the situation or simply hadn’t considered it. She was an outsider meddling for no reason. Besides, Chen Ying’s survival meant the story had changed.

“Well then,” Liu Li thought, accepting the situation, said goodbye to Chen Ying, and went home. On the way, she found a rabbit that had fallen into a ditch and happily took it home for an extra meal.

When Chen Ying returned home, her mother had already prepared dinner, and others had come back as well.

“Sis,” Chen Ting greeted Chen Ying cheerfully.

“I’m back. Wash your hands and eat,” Chen Ying’s father called.

“Okay,” Chen Ying nodded and went to the water barrel to wash her hands.

After dinner, Chen Ying brought up Zhao Linjun. “I heard it was the eldest Zhao brother who saved me. I plan to go thank him.”

“That’s right. Mom will take you there later,” her mother agreed.

“Do we still have eggs at home?” her father asked.

“Yes, a few,” her mother replied.

“Then take ten as a gift. And do we still have red sugar for the New Year? Bring a bag along,” her father instructed.

“Okay,” her mother said without objection.

Chen Ying watched quietly, pondering how to solve their family’s financial problems. But the environment and circumstances made it impossible for her to start a business. Unless all the money she earned was completely legitimate, she couldn’t eat in peace.

As Chen Ying accompanied her mother, she continued to reflect on this problem. But given her experience, she couldn’t think of a good solution. Soon, they arrived at the Zhao family home. It was already dark, but in the village, people were accustomed to walking the roads by moonlight, so the path was clear.

After knocking, a voice called out, “Who is it?”

“It’s me, from Chen Qiang’s family,” her mother responded.

“Oh, it’s Da Lan. What brings you here?” Zhao family’s mother opened the door and asked.

“Well, your Da Jun saved our Yingzi. She’s already better, so we came to thank you,” Chen’s mother said as she stepped inside. Her name was Zhou Lan, the eldest daughter, hence called Da Lan; she and Zhao’s mother were from the same village.

“I thought something had happened. That’s what soldiers are supposed to do. No need to thank us,” Zhao’s mother waved off the gratitude.

“Yes, no thanks necessary from the Chen family,” Zhao’s father also said.

“Da Lan Auntie, no, it’s the least we can do,” Zhao Linjun said, not taking it seriously.

“Da Jun did what’s right, but our thanks are our duty. Please don’t refuse,” Chen’s mother said, placing the gifts down.

“Please don’t bother,” Zhao’s mother tried to return the gifts.

“Mother Zhao, this is our sincere thanks. Without Brother Da Jun, I might have been in serious trouble,” Chen Ying stepped forward, bowing to Zhao Linjun in gratitude.

After some back and forth, the Zhao family accepted the gifts. “Is Yingzi feeling better now?” Zhao’s mother asked with concern.

“I’m fine now,” Chen Ying replied, assuring her health.

“That’s good. But next time, be careful when helping others,” Zhao’s mother said, aware of why Chen Ying almost drowned. She didn’t think much of Liu Xin—delicate and easily tearful, not seeming like a village girl.

“I understand. There won’t be a next time,” Chen Ying nodded.

“That’s the right attitude,” Zhao’s mother patted her hand.

After chatting a while, the two families took their leave. Zhao Linjun saw them to their door before returning home. Chen’s mother looked at her daughter and suddenly said, “Speaking of which, Da Jun is already 20. It’s time to consider marriage.”

“Mom, why are you bringing this up?” Chen Ying felt uneasy.

“You’re not studying anymore. Da Jun seems like a good man. What do you think?” Chen’s mother liked Zhao Linjun—handsome and a soldier, reportedly a captain with troops under him. Although military life was risky, there might not be a war anytime soon.

“Mom, I’m only 15,” Chen Ying said, speechless. She wasn’t even of marriageable age yet, and this wasn’t the old days when 15 meant adulthood.

“Alright, if you don’t want to, fine. But once you leave this village, you won’t get another chance,” her mother said, shaking her head at her daughter’s stubbornness.

“I won’t regret it. I still need to earn money for the family,” Chen Ying said, holding her mother’s hand.

“Okay, then earn some money first,” her mother replied, unconvinced but compliant.

Chen Ying knew her mother didn’t believe her and said nothing more. After the busy farming season, Zhao Linjun had already returned to the army. Chen Ying had heard nothing about any arrangement between the Liu and Zhao families, so it seemed Liu Xin’s plan had failed.