Chapter 15: Playing the Zhao Sisters

Luo Qiao thought of the clay xun in the instrument room of the bamboo pavilion within her space. In her past life, she had studied various musical instruments; although she hadn't mastered them, she could play them well enough to get by. By now, the sky had begun to dim slightly.

The youth hostel was still some distance from the village, and the closest residence was Lu Yichen's. Over the past few days, one or two of the Zhao family's daughters had been coming over every day to try and curry favor with her, which she found truly annoying.

After a moment's thought, Luo Qiao turned and walked toward the backyard. There was a small gate there that connected to the male youths' courtyard, though the latch was on the female side. Luo Qiao had opened it before to access the men's area.

Finding a secluded spot, she entered her space, went upstairs to retrieve a clay xun, and tested a few notes. Satisfied, she exited the space.

Once the two figures were about a hundred meters away from her courtyard, Luo Qiao began to play an eerie, haunting melody. The two Zhao sisters were so terrified that they bolted, running for their lives while screaming at the top of their lungs.

*You've been spoiled, coming over here to annoy me whenever you feel like it. Let that scare you! Hmph!*

Standing in his own courtyard, Lu Yichen heard the commotion and looked toward the youth hostel with some confusion.

Hearing the two Zhao sisters running near his house, incessantly wailing about ghosts and how terrifying it was, he couldn't help but feel a bit worried about that little girl.

When Luo Qiao heard the knocking, she asked irritably, "Who is it?"

Hearing the fiery tone, Lu Yichen replied, "It's me, Lu Yichen."

One was inside the courtyard gate and the other was outside. "Is something wrong?"

"Nothing. I just heard some noise and came to check. I'm glad you're alright."

"I'm fine. Thank you, Brother Lu. It's getting late; you should head back and rest."

Hearing his footsteps depart, Luo Qiao finally returned to her room. Looking at the empty house, she sighed, then closed the doors and windows before entering her space.

Lately, she had been sleeping in her space almost every night. For one, she could hear any movement outside; more importantly, she really didn't want to sleep under anyone else's old quilts. She was currently using fresh bedding taken from the space's storage.

The ten acres of land in her space had already been planted with various grains: upland rice, wheat, corn, sorghum, millet, broomcorn millet, and soybeans. In the corners, she had also planted some mung beans and red beans.

She had also planted plenty of sweet potatoes and potatoes along both sides of the valley; she hadn't even left the areas by the stream empty, planting various vegetables everywhere.

Looking at the space she had filled with life, Luo Qiao felt in high spirits. She hoped that when she went to the commune tomorrow, she might run into someone selling chicken, duck, or goose chicks. She had already tested the space's ability to sustain life with the mice from her room.

Since living creatures could survive in her space, she decided to raise some chickens, ducks, and geese for her future culinary enjoyment. That way, she would have eggs and meat to eat in a few days—how wonderful.

Seeing the vibrant life in her space, her mood was excellent, but remembering her current lack of funds, she realized she would have to find a way to make some money tomorrow.

She had been so busy working lately, wanting to leave a good impression on the commune members, that she hadn't had time to wander the mountains.

If she returned from the commune early tomorrow, she would definitely take a trip up the mountain.

After exercising in her space for another half day, she noted that the original owner's body was quite tall, at least 163 cm, but far too thin. She didn't even need a doctor to know it was due to malnutrition.

However, over the past few days, she had used her ability to cleanse and regulate her body. Combined with the fact that her daily cooking and drinking all utilized the well water from her space, her body might still look frail on the outside, but it was entirely different on the inside.

The grain the brigade leader's wife had given her would only last about a month. She had to find a way to acquire more grain through legitimate channels; otherwise, people would become suspicious.

Today's update complete! Thank you all for your support!

(End of Chapter)