Chapter 11: The Three Strange Women

Lu Jiaor didn’t join in the commotion. Soon, about a dozen people boarded the train car.

Three women came to the hard sleeper compartment where she was stationed. Lu Jiaor overheard them dividing the beds among themselves—one taking the lower berth, one the middle, and one the upper.

Suddenly, her compartment was nearly full, and the atmosphere grew noisy.

“Sister Qing, you sleep on the lower berth; Xiao Zhen and I will take the upper ones.”

“Yes, Sister Qing, it’s more convenient for you to have the lower bunk. We’re still young.”

The two young women flattered the slightly older woman, eagerly offering her the best lower berth.

The older woman naturally did not refuse, smiling warmly as she readily accepted, politely responding, “I’ll take this advantage, then. I knew you two had good character; otherwise, I wouldn’t have thought of bringing you out with me.”

She was clearly pleased with the girls’ behavior, her eyes gleaming as she discreetly sized them up several times, growing happier the more she looked.

“Sister Qing, Xiao Fang and I won’t forget you. If we really marry well, we’ll definitely send you a generous red envelope.”

“Me too, Sister Qing. I’ll give you half of my bride price.”

The two—Xiao Fang and Xiao Zhen—were glowing with pride at the praise from Sister Qing and grew even more attentive to her.

The three women all spoke in the Guiliu dialect. Lu Jiaor, originally from the Guangxi province in a previous life, could understand many regional dialects. She pricked up her ears and soon realized what they were saying.

Lying on her berth, she hadn’t paid much attention at first, but as she listened, something felt off. Suddenly, she recalled her fourth aunt who had married far away in Zhejiang province in a past life and had been tricked into marrying there.

So, these three women were...

The train resumed its punctual departure. The middle-aged cadre returned and, seeing three more female passengers, awkwardly yet politely nodded to everyone before taking his place on the lower berth.

The three women sat together on the berth below Lu Jiaor’s, continuing their lively chatter. The two younger ones were especially excited and curious, eagerly looking around at everything as the train moved, finding it all new and thrilling.

They chattered nonstop until they pulled out some eggs and steamed buns to share with Sister Qing.

Lu Jiaor lay on her berth reading. Knowing the journey would be long, she had prepared several high school textbooks: algebra, physics, and chemistry.

With nothing else to do, she took out the algebra book first. Her academic performance had never been stellar in her past lives, and this one was no different.

Fortunately, she had once been to the cultivation world, where countless elixirs existed. Pills like Clear Vision and Meditation, which enhanced spiritual energy, were common there. She had consumed many herself and even refined dozens of bottles to keep.

Such elixirs suited her perfectly now. Before opening her algebra book, she tossed a Clear Vision pill into her enamel cup and swallowed it to test its effects.

True to its name, the Clear Vision pill was remarkable. As soon as Lu Jiaor focused on the textbook, she quickly became engrossed and was able to grasp the material after just a couple of readings.

The Clear Vision pill was indeed highly effective.

Lu Jiaor was so absorbed that she didn’t notice Sister Qing glancing at her for quite some time from the lower berth, as if wanting to strike up a conversation.

Unfortunately, Lu Jiaor had her back turned while reading, making it difficult for anyone to approach her.

Since boarding the train, Sister Qing had been tense but finally relaxed after the train was underway and dinner was done. She began to observe the occupants of their carriage.

Besides them, there was only Lu Jiaor and the middle-aged cadre.

Lu Jiaor was young and had an elegant appearance, which caught Sister Qing’s attention.

Several times, Sister Qing wanted to tap Lu Jiaor and chat. She hoped to get some words from the girl, and if she could trick her, it would be a fortune.

But Lu Jiaor kept her head buried in her book, never even glancing at them, showing no curiosity, leaving Sister Qing no opportunity.

Lu Jiaor had no idea someone intended to deceive her. Even if she did, she would feel no fear.

Life outside in this era was chaotic, especially for a young woman. Without some skills or resources, she might have been anxious and wary. But now, she had no such worries or troubles. Those who dared to make a move could come on.