I became the Counterpart of the Winner in a Period Novel-Chapter 399 - 339: Jixiang of the Desert’s Edge

"Wow! Such beautiful candies, sister, are they really for me?"

"Yes, take them."

"Thank you, sister, but my grandma said that I shouldn’t take other people’s things casually. Sister, I’ll be your guide then."

He even knows the word "guide", it seems that people often come here.

After getting acquainted, Jiang Mingyue realized that due to the unique geology and the national research base deep in the desert, this small village often welcomed experts and professors from all over the place.

"Well, thank you."

"Didn’t you give me candies, sister? We call that mutual benefit."

Oh! That’s quite a progressive thought.

Upon understanding, Jiang Mingyue discovered that this child was dependent on his grandma, who was blind. The child was sensible and actively reduced his grandma’s burden by constantly engaging in the village. He warmly greeted strangers like her, and if they needed a guide, he would take on the task, hoping for some benefit in return.

If guests knew he only had a blind grandma, they would sympathize and give the boy some money, making life not too difficult for the grandson and grandma.

Thinking about the child’s situation and her own Xiao Ran at home, Jiang Mingyue felt even closer to the child in front of her.

"Right, sister, my name is Jixiang." He originally didn’t have a name; the clan chief gave him one and took good care of the grandson and grandma.

"That’s a great name! Jixiang, why don’t you show me around the entire village first?"

They roamed for a whole morning, visiting over ten households.

Jiang Mingyue gained a basic understanding of this village.

It was named Biansha Village because it bordered the desert, the only oasis within a hundred miles. However, farming was impossible here; it consisted of steep hills piled with rocks where grass grew lushly in crevices. But in this season, the green grass turned to dry grass.

Seventeen households lived off raising cattle and sheep, but due to the scarce land with water and grass, the number of livestock was limited, which explained their overall lack of wealth.

In recent years, thanks to favorable national policies, they didn’t have to pay taxes on livestock. Authorities regularly sent people to provide free pest and disease prevention for their animals, gradually improving their quality of life.

Jiang Mingyue learned that the small number of families wasn’t because of a lack of population; their ancestors never divided their families, all living together. One household she visited for water had forty-eight people, not including four pregnant daughters-in-law. There were no households like Jixiang’s with only him and his grandma.

These families lived separately across several hilltops that were fortunately not large mountains, allowing panoramic views from their doorsteps, though walking among them was challenging.

Getting water was inconvenient, relying entirely on rainwater. Instead of fruit trees, every yard had massive water storage tanks made of bricks. Every rainy day was like a festival, with everyone filling the tanks, storing water for future household use.

Low swampy ponds where watergrass thrived were directed to collect rainwater and could overflow during summer downpours, providing water for livestock—a reason why despite few families, they lived scattered and sparse. Just the rivalry over water resources deterred potential crowding.

Jiang Mingyue thought of the desert research base; their water situation must be tough as well.

She recalled the courtyard Yan Jinzhi had newly bought, headache mounting at the barrenness. No wonder there wasn’t even a hint of green—it was another place waiting to live off rootless rainwater.

Who would live in such a place?

"Sister, come to my home for a meal. My grandma loves having guests to talk to."

Jiang Mingyue thought: Your grandma is lonely, but that doesn’t mean giving up food rations.

Though she had witnessed the generous hospitality of the villagers all morning.

"No, you go home and eat first. After eating, if you aren’t busy, come find me." I’ll compensate you, little guy; you’ve been hard at work all morning, and you deserve more than just a couple of candies.

"Alright, goodbye sister!" The kid ran faster than a rabbit, probably eager about his grandma at home.

Jiang Mingyue felt somewhat sentimental; many pampered children disregard gratitude, throwing tantrums and hitting their elders, whereas Jixiang’s filial piety was rare and invaluable—a true treasure difficult to surpass despite their poor material conditions.