Auntie, what treasure have you found? Count me in!

The few exchanged glances, and the one who had first grabbed Huanya said, “Even drug dealers want fresh stuff. Besides, there aren’t many good ones left—who’d want them anyway?”

One person hadn’t even picked half a catty yet. Spending half a day here for a few coins and even trekking deep into the mountains—none of them were fools.

Huanya didn’t ask further, fearing they might truly covet those few perilla leaves. She said, “I’ll go gather firewood first. Aunties, do you know the way?”

“Yes, yes, you go on,” they replied.

This time, even Aunt Xu didn’t follow Huanya.

Huanya hurried off in another direction and only relaxed after walking a good distance and making sure no one was tailing her. Then she began picking up firewood.

“Xiao Guiying, Xiao Guiying, you really are a big mouth! Auntie’s right—your mouth’s like a waistband on cotton pants, can’t hold anything in,” she muttered, picking up sticks.

“What treasure? I was hoping to find treasure, but they’re already eyeing a few perilla leaves. If I make big money someday, won’t they be even more jealous?” Huanya grumbled.

“That’s true!” She paused, stood up, and looked down at the village below.

She was definitely going to earn money in the future. If everyone kept watching her, she wouldn’t be able to do anything at all!

The more she thought about it, the more convinced she became. Suddenly, she slapped her thigh and said, “I have to talk to Auntie properly when I get back. She can’t keep spoiling things for me!”

With that plan in mind, Huanya returned to gathering firewood.

---

After chopping and collecting, she soon had a yoke full. Testing its weight, she found it manageable and began heading down the mountain.

Passing through the woods, she took a detour to gather some wild vegetables and fruits, then ambled slowly downward.

Along the way, she spotted a hare and a wild chicken, but if others found out she had caught wild game in the mountains, she’d be in even more trouble.

After a moment’s hesitation, she gave up on her original plan and descended the mountain at a leisurely pace.

At the foot of the mountain, she ran into Aunt Xu and her group again.

Huanya’s eyes flickered as she quickened her pace to approach Aunt Xu, the one who had tried to get close to her earlier, and asked, “Auntie, you’re coming down too? Did you find anything?”

Aunt Xu’s warmth vanished. She forced a smile and said, “Nothing much. Huanya, oh, you really gathered a lot of firewood? You’re amazing!”

Huanya could tell from that perfunctory tone.

But she didn’t mind and smiled, “Not amazing at all. You’re the amazing ones, Aunties. By the way, Aunt Xu, you found some treasures, right? I saw your basket was full! Why don’t you take me along next time?”

Aunt Xu’s already forced smile stiffened for a moment. “No, I’m heading back first.”

Without another word, Aunt Xu bypassed Huanya and walked toward the village.

---

Huanya turned to the others. “Aunties, what about you? Find any treasures? Take me with you next time!”

They smiled, saying no, no, but hurried away as if chased by ghosts.

Huanya called after them, “Hey, don’t rush! Wait for me!”

The faster she ran, the faster they walked, especially when passing by the Song family’s gate—their pace was as if taking off.

Once they disappeared down the road, Huanya snorted softly and slowed her steps, heading home.

“Aunties, I’m back!”

Pushing open the door, she met Song Tiancheng’s gaze. Pausing, she smiled at him, her tone a bit more reserved:

“Brother Tiancheng, where’s Auntie?”