Chapter 106

"Sister-in-law, want some soap?" Emily Johnson whispered, leaning closer to the young woman beside her. "Fresh stock at the Supply & Market. No coupons needed."

Soap?

The young woman's eyes instantly lit up. These days, soap was a rare commodity, and she'd never managed to get any during her trips to town.

"Yes, of course!" she nodded eagerly.

Emily smiled faintly. "Come by my place later."

Aunt Zhang, sharp-eyed as ever, noticed the bulging basket on Emily's back and reached to lift the cover. "What goodies did you get, Emily?"

Snap!

Emily caught her wrist with just enough pressure to stop her. "Auntie, I don’t like people touching my things."

Aunt Zhang withdrew her hand awkwardly but couldn’t resist commenting, "More gifts from your family, eh?"

"Yes," Emily replied coolly. "My parents worry and sent some food and supplies."

The other women on the oxcart exchanged glances. Again? So soon?

Once off the cart, Emily hurried home. The young woman called after her, "I’ll come by soon!"

Pushing open the gate, Emily locked the door behind her. From her hidden space, she laid out the items on the bed—two sets of navy-blue thermal underwear in cotton fabric, three hand-sewn cotton-padded jackets with tight stitching, and two pairs of thick-soled cotton shoes.

"Better keep it simple in this era," she murmured to herself, then retrieved two pounds of yak meat, several cans of fruit, White Rabbit Candy, and peach shortbread.

Finally, she pulled out the letter. The envelope was already opened, the paper slightly yellowed.

[My dear Emily: I hope this finds you well.]

[Lately, I’ve been unable to sleep, thinking of you suffering in the countryside. My heart aches. Policies are loosening now—return to the city immediately to prepare for college.]

Emily frowned. The original host had failed the college entrance exam twice. Why the sudden urgency?

She read on:

[Your father’s old illness has flared up. He calls your name every day.]

[Sending you away was never our choice. We’ve regretted it every moment since.]

The handwriting grew frantic:

[Reply as soon as possible. The whole family awaits your return.]

A suspicious damp stain marked the bottom right corner, as if from tears. Emily traced it with her finger and let out a cold laugh.

"Nice performance," she muttered, folding the letter. "Too bad the original girl you ruined is already dead."

Footsteps approached outside.

"Emily, I’m here for the soap!" the young woman’s voice called.

Emily quickly tucked the letter under her pillow and grabbed the prepared soap. Sunlight glinted off the pale yellow bar, its faint jasmine scent drifting in the air.

"Here. Keep it hidden," she whispered. "Don’t let anyone see."

The young woman cradled it like treasure, tucking it into her clothes. Before she could thank her, Emily’s expression suddenly shifted.

"What’s wrong?"

Emily narrowed her eyes at the dust rising in the distance. "Someone’s coming."