Zheng Shan had already heard the news of Shen Anran opening a stall at the county market.
Although the two were childhood friends, Zheng Shan never held much affection for Shen Anran. Her family's conditions were far better, and that sense of superiority had followed her since childhood. Shen Anran had always been quiet and timid, easy to push around, and Zheng Shan had long grown used to standing above her.
What Zheng Shan hated most was that they had once liked the same man.
In the end, that man did not choose Shen Anran.
That alone made Zheng Shan feel vindicated.
When news of Shen Anran's incident spread through the village, Zheng Shan never went to visit her or offer any consolation. She waited instead—waiting for Shen Anran to recover and come looking for her. By then, she planned to pretend she was busy, offer a few sweet words, and maintain her sense of superiority.
She had even conspired with her mother to arrange a marriage with Mr. Zhang's fourth son.
When Madam Zheng brought Shen Anran's name up, Mr. Zhang's fourth son agreed almost immediately after hearing how young and beautiful she was. He promised generous betrothal gifts—the four big items and a substantial sum of money—if the Shen family accepted.
But things did not go as planned.
Shen Anran had chased Madam Zheng away with a stick.
Worse still, when the village head raised the issue publicly, the usually timid Shen Anran spoke up clearly, denying everything. She stated outright that Madam Zheng had tried to force a match between her and Mr. Zhang's fourth son, and that she had refused.
She even said that if Mr. Zhang's fourth son was truly capable, he would not insist on marrying someone unwilling.
That statement humiliated Zheng Shan completely.
She left the crowd that day seething with anger.
Later, her mother was forced to personally apologize to Shen Anran and Liu Meilan, promising never to interfere in Shen Anran's marriage again.
Now, Shen Anran was planning her future, preparing to improve her life.
And Zheng Shan—despite having better family conditions—was still stuck in the village, unable to even step foot into Yuxi County.
Jealousy brewed in her heart.
She formed a new plan.
She would use their past friendship, beg Shen Anran for a job at the stall—even as a simple helper. Then, once she gained trust, she would slowly destroy the business… and escape with the money.
When Zheng Shan arrived at the Shen family's shabby home, she saw Shen Anran and Liu Meilan just locking the door, their hands clasped together.
Her eyes narrowed.
Shen Anran was wearing brand-new clothes, light makeup enhancing her already delicate features. Liu Meilan looked younger and more energetic than before, her hair tied into two pigtails—clearly styled by Shen Anran. Even her dress was new.
Zheng Shan's heart twisted.
A new plan quietly formed.
"Shanshan!" Shen Anran called out happily, searching her memory. She remembered—this was the original owner's best friend.
"Anran…" Zheng Shan fiddled with her clothes. "I came to see you. It seems you're both heading out."
Shen Anran pretended not to notice the jealousy flickering in her eyes. "Yes, we're going to open our stall today. You can come along and take a look."
Zheng Shan hesitated, temptation flashing across her face. "Auntie, really?" she asked, turning to Liu Meilan.
Liu Meilan smiled faintly. "Yes, Shanshan. You can come along."
In truth, she hoped Zheng Shan would refuse.
"I'd love to," Zheng Shan said slowly, "but my mother… I need to ask her permission."
She made it sound troublesome.
"Aiya, forget it," Liu Meilan replied with apparent sympathy. "Don't disturb her. You can come another day."
Zheng Shan caught the tone and felt a stab of irritation. She nodded stiffly and waved them goodbye, anger simmering beneath her calm expression.
Why did she feel mocked?
After Zheng Shan left, Shen Anran and Liu Meilan laughed softly together and climbed onto the cart heading for Yuxi County, their prepared goods loaded carefully behind them.
At the same time, Li Yichen, Wang Shulan, and Chen Mingyu were also on their way to Yuxi County.
Chen Meixiu, Chen Meilan, and Chen Liangliang had already gone to school.