Chapter 18

"Mom, we promise not to tell!" The two little boys shook their heads earnestly. Earlier, they had gone out wearing their new clothes, only for their cousin Richard to snatch them away. If people found out they had good food at home, it would surely be stolen too.

With their father away and their mother frail, they had to learn to protect themselves.

Emily Johnson crouched down and patiently explained the harsh realities of human nature through simple stories. The boys listened wide-eyed, absorbing every word.

"So remember, when we have something good, we keep it to ourselves. We don’t show off," Emily said, gently pinching their cheeks. "Otherwise, bad people will come and take it from us."

David and Tommy nodded solemnly, committing their mother’s words to heart. They didn’t know how many times these simple lessons would save them in the future.

Watching her sensible children, Emily felt both pride and sorrow. Once their father returned, she would have to leave. And if she tried to take the boys with her, that man would never allow it.

For lunch, she made egg noodles—nothing special, but the boys ate eagerly.

"Mom’s noodles are the best!" Tommy licked his lips.

Emily suppressed a laugh. Her cooking skills were barely passable, learned only from helping her own mother in the kitchen.

"After we eat, let’s gather firewood," she suggested. Truthfully, she wanted to explore the area. As a "transmigrator," not knowing the village would eventually expose her.

The boys quickly cleared the table and washed the dishes with surprising efficiency.

When they set out, Emily carried a bamboo basket, David a small woven pack, and Tommy insisted on holding the vegetable basket. The little family made their way through the village.

"Emily, where are you off to?" A woman in her thirties called out.

"Auntie, we're gathering firewood," David answered before his mother could.

The woman eyed Emily up and down. "Has Michael returned yet?"

Everyone in the production team envied Emily. Though married to a troublemaker, her husband doted on her—she never had to work in the fields.

"He’ll be back soon," Emily replied vaguely, ushering the children away.

Once they were out of earshot, the woman spat on the ground. "Fox spirit! Only Michael Stone would be fool enough to be bewitched by you. All the other educated youths have returned to the city, but you’ll rot in this village forever!"

Unaware of the gossip, Emily held Tommy’s hand as he skipped along. "Tired?"

"Nope! Full stomach means lots of energy!" Tommy chirped.

For the first time in days, the children had eaten their fill. Emily gazed at the distant mountains and river, her mind racing. Living off the land—this untouched countryside must have resources she could use.

She had once dreamed of retiring to a rustic cottage, embracing a pastoral life. Never had she imagined it would happen this way...