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Even some of the late-maturing plants, such as string beans and celery, were ready for harvest by now.
She was already experiencing some early symptoms of pregnancy, but the fortunate thing was that she did not have nausea. Instead, she had a very good appetite and wanted to eat everything in sight.
In order to be able to eat fresh fruits, she had also planted some fruits in the courtyard. There were strawberries, mulberries, grapes and cherries.
The strawberries in the courtyard had grown out densely and one could see a field of red fruits at a glance. It was also a gratifying sight to see the bunches of grapes hanging off the branches and the mulberries growing so well until it seemed that the supply was endless.
These fruits made Qiao Mei feel even happier than before.
Qiao Qiang stood in the courtyard and looked at the fruits growing all over the courtyard, feeling perplexed.
Aren't there too many fruits this year? We eat them every day, but we just can't seem to finish them all. The fruits just keep growing.
The vegetables in the courtyard were also growing exceptionally well.
The storeroom, which was originally used for growing bean sprouts, now had bamboo poles hung up all over with the seemingly endless supply of grapes hanging densely on them. This place was now used to dry the grapes into raisins. When the raisins are ready, they would make a delicious snack.
Qiao Mei was bored and even used the grapes to make some wine.
She made the wine specially for Qiao Qiang who liked to drink but had gastric problems. Every time he secretly drank a few mouthfuls of liquor, he would have a bad stomach for a few days.
Qiao Mei made this wine so as to satisfy Qiao Qiang's cravings.
This wine was made with the energy from the jade pendant, so it was naturally filled with spiritual energy and would be beneficial to health. Even if it could not help to nourish Qiao Qiang's stomach, it should not make him feel uncomfortable, right?
After harvesting the vegetables and fruits in the front yard, she walked to the backyard and started feeding the livestock there.
The chicks and ducklings had grown big and fat, and the piglets had also grown up well. They could eat a big bucket of food every meal and they played in the pen all day long, so they had all grown a lot bigger.
Qiao Mei even demarcated a zone for these livestock. Their activity zone was an area which was marked out and surrounded with fences, and they seemed intelligent enough to know that the zone was their territory and they should not leave it on their own.
…
Qiao Mei suddenly felt hungry. She took a big bucket and a big fishing net, together with a small bag of raisins, and walked towards a pond.
The fishes nearby liked to eat these raisins. As long as she threw some into the pond, she would always be able to get a net full of fishes.
Qiao Mei came back with a big bucket of fish and reached in to scoop out two big ones. She would cook these two fishes later. As for the remaining fishes, she would use half of them to make a nourishing soup for herself and make the other half into dried fish snacks to send to Xia Zhe.
Qiao Mei stood on the spot and smiled, thinking that Xia Zhe would be very happy to receive the dried fish snacks.
Mei Mei, come out and see who's here,
Auntie Dong came by and shouted into the courtyard. There was a hint of weirdness in her voice.
Qiao Mei looked up and saw Auntie Dong walking in with two people. As they approached her, she saw an old lady in her sixties and a slightly younger woman.
The old lady's clothes were neat and her hair was shiny.
The woman next to the old lady stared at Qiao Mei unblinkingly and sized her up as if she was appraising an item.
Aiyo, this Qiao Mei was not as fat and tanned as rumored. Although this girl had a slightly muscular body, she would not be considered fat at all.
Her skin was also fair, almost as white as tofu.
She looked good too.
She had a high nose bridge and big bright eyes that shone attractively. She also had a beautiful oval-shaped face and moist red lips.
By now, Qiao Mei had already lost a lot of weight.
She had a shapely figure with curves in the right places. Although she looked a little bloated due to her pregnancy, her figure still looked very good at a glance.
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Sun Ying was feeling a little regretful now. If she had known earlier that Qiao Mei had grown up to be so good-looking, she would definitely have introduced her to the eligible boys from her maternal family and not let an outsider gain the advantage.
Qiao Mei asked curiously,
Auntie Dong, who are these two people?
Auntie Dong blinked at Qiao Mei and her voice sounded different from before.
Don't you recognize them? They're your grandmother and aunt-in-law! But then again, you were only a few years old when you last met them. It's normal that you've long forgotten about them and can't recognize them now.
Sun Ying could tell what Auntie Dong meant. Wasn't that a veiled way of blaming them for not coming to visit Qiao Mei over the past few years?
Mei Mei, I'm your aunt-in-law. It's fine if you've forgotten about me. Now that you've met me, you won't be able to forget me in the future.
Sun Ying smiled and pushed the old lady beside her towards Qiao Mei.
This is your biological grandmother.
It doesn't matter if you don't remember anything. You'll remember us once we come here more often in the future.
After saying that, she looked around the courtyard. In this large courtyard, there were lush green vegetables and ripe fruits all over the place. It was a delightful sight to see bunches of grapes hanging on the vines.
Oh, so it's my grandmother and aunt-in-law. Then what are you two doing here?
Qiao Mei looked at them and asked curiously.
Auntie Dong, who was standing next to her, smiled and said,
They said they were here to visit their relatives.
Oh,
Qiao Mei replied coolly.
She had now recalled her memories of these maternal relatives. Her grandmother and grandfather were still alive and she also had three uncles whose names were Li Dong, Li Xiong and Li Tao. She also had an aunt named Li Juan.
Her mother's name was Li Gui.
There was nothing ordinary about the members of this family, all of them were very calculative people.
We should get your second aunt-in-law to come over and take a look another day. Only your youngest uncle isn't married yet.
Sun Ying was still sizing up the spacious courtyard.
Qiao Mei stood where she was and sighed softly.
Her family now consisted of only her, who was a married woman, and a sickly grandfather. It was normal for other people to be eyeing a place with such a big courtyard.
Well, grandmother and eldest aunt-in-law, you two haven't visited me for so many years, so why are you here to see me now?
Qiao Mei asked suddenly..
They were caught off guard by her words.
They really did not expect Qiao Mei, who looked mild and gentle, to be so sarcastic.
But neither of them was easy to deal with.
After being stunned for a moment, Old Madam Li spoke up. She smiled at Qiao Mei and said,
The two of us don't have any other intentions. It's just that we haven't seen you for so many years and wanted to come and visit you and Old Master Qiao.
Isn't it a little late to come and see me? It's been more than 10 years since we last met, and now you want to come and visit me? Is it because you heard from others that our village has set up a factory and become rich now?
Qiao Mei did not bother to mince her words.
Sun Ying's expression immediately darkened and she said with a scowl,
Listen to what you're saying. Our Li family isn't the kind of people who are money grubbers, right? We're here with good intentions. Being your maternal relatives, of course we have to visit you now that you're married and pregnant.
Alright, you've already seen me. Can you go back now? Grandmother and aunt-in-law, then I won't invite you both in. You can return home already.
Qiao Mei smiled brightly.
Sun Ying was at her wit's end. She stood rooted to the ground with a long face and did not speak.
Old Madam Li, who was by her side, quickly came to smooth things over. She smiled and patted Sun Ying.
Look at yourself, so old already and yet still taking a child's words to heart. I can't believe you're not ashamed of yourself.
Then, she smiled at Qiao Mei and said,
Mei Mei, you don't know how happy we are to hear that you're pregnant. Your eldest aunt-in-law is especially happy and has even brought eggs for you to build up your health. Look!
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As she spoke, Sun Ying showed everyone the eggs that she was holding tightly in her hands.
In her hands, there were two eggs the size of her palms.
There were still chicken feathers stuck to the eggs.
Qiao Mei was stunned for a moment, not knowing what to say.
Then Qiao Qiang, who had been in the house, walked out of the door.
He had not seen any member of the Li family for a long time and did not quite remember them. When he returned back then, he heard that the Li family had abandoned Qiao Mei at Qiao Zhuang's house.
If not for Zhao Liang, the village officer who was chief of the cadre, taking a tough stance and asking Qiao Zhuang's family to take Qiao Mei in, she might have already starved to death.
Neither family was willing to take care of Qiao Mei.
Qiao Zhuang's family did not take good care of Qiao Mei and left her so hungry that she was emaciated. The Li family was equally heartless and had not visited Qiao Mei even once for more than 10 years.
Without saying anything, Qiao Qiang made his way over with his walking stick and looked at the two sudden visitors from the Li family who were standing in the courtyard.
He had an unfriendly look in his eyes.
In the courtyard, the two Li family members immediately lost their imposing manner from earlier and suddenly appeared timid.
Mei Mei, we came all the way here from afar. Can we get a drink?
Old Madam Li asked.
Qiao Mei's eyes flashed as she pondered and then she said,
Alright, come in!
These two people were her biological grandmother and her aunt-in-law.
During this time, the people in the village valued relationships. If she did not let the two of them in, the people in the village would probably turn around and scold her, regardless of how she had suffered in the past.
Therefore, if Qiao Mei wanted to avoid being talked about, she had to endure the situation for a while.
Once they showed their true colors, no one would be able to criticize her.
Auntie Dong had a close relationship with Qiao Mei, so she also followed them into the house. She felt that these two people did not seem to be here for anything good, but looked intent on getting something.
She was afraid that Qiao Mei would be at a disadvantage since she was still young.
These two people came by often when Qiao Mei was much younger. Every time, they came with nothing but would leave with a bunch of things. They just liked to take advantage of others.
After the two Li family members made their way in, they smirked when they saw the sewing machine and new bedding in the house.
My goodness, is this a sewing machine? I heard that this thing can be used to make clothes very quickly and that clothes made on it are comfortable and have no thread knots. You still have a lot of fabric and thread here. Why don't you make something for your grandmother now?
Sun Ying spoke out.
Old Madam Li pretended to decline with a wave of her hand, but her gaze never left the sewing machine.
Auntie Dong found herself looking down upon the two people and she curled her lips. These two were really weird. She had never seen such shameless people who acted as if they were so upright.
I have to start making dinner. Have a seat here.
Qiao Mei was not in the mood to care about them and she turned around to leave.
Behind her, Sun Ying said,
Go, Mei Mei. We've walked a long distance and we're already hungry. Your grandmother hasn't had meat for a long time and has lost a lot of weight. The fishes in the courtyard would be good nourishment for your grandmother.
Qiao Mei left without looking back.
It was just two fishes. As long as they did not cause trouble at home, it did not matter.
What exactly are you doing here?
Qiao Qiang could not help putting on a harsh tone as he frowned at the two people.
Upon hearing Qiao Qiang's words, Old Madam Li got down from the stool and reached out to wipe the nonexistent tears from the corners of her eyes. She said,
Oh grandfather of the child, it was not our choice not to come and visit Mei Mei for the past few years. We really wanted to but we couldn't. Moreover, Qiao Mei's father passed away so early back then and I couldn't bear to let my daughter be a widow for the rest of her life, so I asked her to remarry.
In short, it's all solely my fault. Please don't blame the entire Li family.
Chapter 84
When we sent Qiao Mei to Qiao Zhuang's house, we did give them a sum of money and even left them the house. We have done everything that was possible.
Whatever happened after that was all Qiao Zhuang's family's fault. You can't blame our Li family. Mei Mei's grandfather, you have to make a clear distinction about this.
At this point, Sun Ying also nodded.
Qiao Qiang was completely not interested in listening to her shirking her responsibility. These two people did not feel any sense of guilt at all, even until now. Did they think that just by giving Qiao Zhuang some money and the house, they could leave Qiao Mei in the lurch?
What a joke!
I don't want to talk about the past with you. I want to ask you, why are you here at the Qiao family house today?
Qiao Qiang continued to speak with a cold expression.
If you are here today to take a look at Mei Mei, then you can go back now. Your village is only an hour and a half's walk from here. If you go back now, you can still have lunch at home.
After Qiao Qiang finished speaking, he became even angrier.
The distance could be covered by an hour and a half of walking, but the Li family members had not even come to visit Mei Mei once. It was really too much of them.
Old Madam Li and Sun Ying could not sit still anymore. The two of them hesitated for a moment before they decided to speak.
It's like this. We heard that this village is in the bean sprout business now? The earnings are more than 10 dollars a day. Is that right?
Sun Ying's eyes were bright as she looked at Qiao Qiang and spoke.
It was so profitable to be able to earn more than 10 dollars a day. After all, they could barely earn 40 to 50 dollars a year as an average villager. Moreover, even to make that small amount of money, they had to do very tiring work every day.
In the village, regardless of whether they worked or not, they had to use up the village's work points because they needed to buy food to survive.
Work points were the points given to a person by the village based on the amount of labor and time that one put in. With these points, one could get one's salary at the end of each year.
However, based on how the work points were distributed, it averaged out to everyone getting very little.
When the Li family heard that a factory had been set up in Datian Village and that almost every family that produced bean sprouts could earn more than 10 dollars, they became very excited.
Qiao Qiang did not speak when he heard this.
Sun Ying then looked at Auntie Dong.
Auntie Dong just turned her gaze to one side. She did not respond affirmatively but she did not deny it either.
The fact about setting up a bean sprout factory in the village was supposed to be a secret. However, it was difficult to control loose lips in the village. In addition, many villagers' daughters-in-law came from other villages and they might have also spilled the beans when they visited their parents' homes back in the other villages.
It was impossible to hide the news.
Just as the villagers were feeling worried, a strange thing happened. No matter how the daughters-in-law from other villages taught their families to use the same method to grow bean sprouts, the bean sprouts they produced were never as good as those made in Datian Village.
The bean sprouts produced at the other villages were not bitter and astringent, but they did not look good either. Naturally, the supply and marketing cooperative did not want to buy these.
This piece of news surprised everyone.
However, there were also rumors that the bean sprouts growing in Datian Village were so fresh because the water quality in the village was good.
Auntie Dong's behavior seemed to have confirmed this matter.
Old Madam Li finally could not sit still. She walked up to Qiao Qiang and begged,
Child's grandfather, I'm going to shamelessly ask you for a favor today. Please talk to the village officer, Zhao Liang, and let him know that our Li family wants to move to this Datian Village.
The water quality in this village is good, so the bean sprouts grown here are of good quality as well. If we move to our Datian Village, we can also help Qiao Mei, right? It's not easy for a girl to be pregnant alone.
Qiao Qiang did not even look at her. He picked up the tea on the table and drank it as he said,
Don't even think about it.
It was a very heartless statement.
He rejected the request in a very direct and blunt manner.
Chapter 85
He was not in good health now and did not know when he would die. He definitely did not want the Li family to move here as it would be equivalent to inviting wolves into the village.
He did not want her family to come and bully Mei Mei.
No matter what Old Madam Li said in front of him, he did not speak again. He savored the tea that Xia Zhe sent and did not respond at all.
Soon, Qiao Mei finished cooking and the two of them left after having dinner.
The two of them left just like that?
Qiao Mei looked at the two back views in confusion and disbelief.
These two people were never like this when she was young. This time round, they left right after dinner, and took only a large bunch of grapes from the courtyard and a handful of strawberries.
It was much better than when she was young.
In her memories, when she was young, these two Li family members would start going through the things in the house the moment they came over. When they left, they would carry away bags of items, and they behave completely like bandits.
Qiao Mei's father was also unhappy about it and had reprimanded them.
However, they just ignored him and still ransacked the Qiao family house all the time. The Li family was actually the reason why Qiao Mei's parents were always on bad terms.
In any case, the Li family was extremely greedy.
They did not seem like people who would let others off easily.
Determination flashed across Qiao Qiang's eyes. He would not let these two people do whatever they wanted at his house. He would let Qiao Mei take good care of herself in peace during her pregnancy.
In the future, there would be Xia Zhe to protect Qiao Mei.
Did you tell Xia Zhe that the dried fruits you sent him last time would taste very delicious when mixed together?
Qiao Qiang asked.
He often saw the young couple writing to each other and found it very interesting. From time to time, he would participate and add a sentence or two.
When Qiao Mei heard Xia Zhe being mentioned, she nodded happily.
I told him.
At the moment, they had an abundance of fruits at home. She had no way of sending fresh fruits, so she made them into dried fruits and packed them into bags to send to Xia Zhe.
When these different dried fruits were put together, they made a very delicious and nutritious snack of dried fruit mix. Qiao Mei was the one who taught Qiao Qiang to eat it in this way.
As for Xia Zhe, he sent her a packet of Camellia tea from the mountains in return.
Camellia tea was very fragrant and had a long aftertaste. It was a very delicious tea and Qiao Qiang liked it very much.
Xia Zhe also mentioned in the letter that he had picked these tea leaves from the nearby mountains and asked the local people to help him process them.
Qiao Mei then wrote back to ask him to find her the camellia tea plant as she had a use for it.
Right now, Xia Zhe was digging for saplings on the mountain.
If she wants it, I have to satisfy her wish. She is already pregnant with my child. Why can't I do this for her?
Have you thought about what foodstuff to send him this time?
Qiao Qiang asked out of curiosity.
Qiao Mei just laughed and said,
This time, I plan to make him some of my special dried fish snacks. This way, he can eat it as a snack or with his meal.
Sure.
Qiao Qiang nodded in satisfaction. Qiao Mei made some yesterday and it was indeed very delicious. If she sent it over, Xia Zhe would definitely like it.
…
The two Li family members made their way home leisurely.
At home, everyone was waiting for them. No one in the family went to work today. When they heard the news about neighboring Datian village, they were all very excited and did not feel like going to work.
Mom, how did it go?
Li Dong, the eldest son, could not help but ask.
The youngest son, Li Tao, took a look at the expressions of the two people who had returned and knew that they did not succeed. He did not say anything.
The second son, Li Xiong, curled his lips and said unhappily,
I knew it. They surely won't agree to our sudden request. I don't think Qiao Mei and Qiao Qiang are good people.
As for Old Madam Li, her smiling face suddenly darkened upon entering the house, and she hinted to Sun Ying to close the door behind her.
Then, she looked at Li Xiong and glared at him. She scolded,
You think you're the only one with a mouth, you're the only one who knows how to talk. If you're so smart, why don't you get Qiao Mei to also allow you to earn some money?
Chapter 86
Li Xiong lowered his head and stopped talking.
His mother was a very fierce person. She pretended to be nice and kind in front of outsiders, but in front of her own family, she was completely her true self.
In the past, she had kept all the things that her eldest daughter sent back home. She did not give a single one of those things to Qiao Mei and yet here she was, trying to use her connection with Qiao Mei for benefits.
So, is it true that a family can earn more than 10 dollars a day?
Li Tao asked in surprise.
If one can make more than 10 dollars a day, wouldn't that be 300 to 400 dollars a month?
The two people who just returned home, Sun Ying and Old Madam Li, nodded in silence.
In an instant, the expressions of the Li family members changed.
This was such a huge sum of money. Who wouldn't be tempted by it?
Li Shun, Li Dong's second son, could not help but say,
Grandma, please think of a way quickly. What should we do now? How can we move to Datian Village!
He was currently saving up to get married. Given that his family was poor and the circumstances were less than ideal, and the fact that his grandmother was a mean person, there was no matchmaker who would find a wife for him.
In addition, no one would fancy being related by marriage to their family.
If their family could earn 300 to 400 dollars a year, it would definitely be easy for him to find a wife.
At this moment, Old Madam Li walked to the back room and everyone followed her.
Old Madam Li sat on a stool and slowly drank a glass of water.
She then looked at everyone and said,
Eldest granddaughter-in-law, bring the child with you to Datian Village tomorrow and chat with her about your experience with pregnancy and giving birth.
Since their sudden visit had turned out to be useless, then wouldn't they be able to build rapport by paying continuous visits for a few months?
By then, wouldn't it be easy to get the Qiao family to help them with their move to Datian Village?
Okay,
a woman whispered from the back of the crowd, near the door of the room.
She was Zhao Hong.
She was currently pregnant and had a high baby bump, and holding on to a child's hand.
The eldest son, Li Dong, had four children. There were two boys and two girls. His eldest son, Li Jian, was married to Zhao Hong, who had given birth to a girl and was now pregnant with another baby.
She was not valued at home because she had only given birth to a girl.
At home, no one cared about her existence and she had to do the same type of work as everyone else. She did not dare to speak up and her status was very low.
…
The next day, Zhao Hong cleaned up the little girl's face and walked out of the house with her.
Qiao Mei did not know her at all.
After she stammered through her self-introduction, Qiao Mei let her in.
Come in. You must be tired after walking so far. Come in and have a glass of water.
Qiao Mei saw that she was pregnant and did not make things difficult for her.
Although she did not like the people from the Li family, she would not go to the extent of making things difficult for a pregnant woman.
It was an hour and a half's walk and it would have been tiring to walk so far.
Seeing that Qiao Mei had such a good temper, Zhao Hong heaved a sigh of relief and led the little girl into the house.
Furthermore, she felt that Qiao Mei was quite easy to get along with. She was not fat, but fair and gentle, and was quite good-looking.
Zhao Hong walked into the house and looked at the sewing machine, piles of fabric and all the new furniture, as well as fruits on the table. She felt really envious.
Qiao Mei was really lucky.
Qiao Mei brought out two plates of fruits for the little girl. There were grapes and strawberries on them.
In her other life, she had liked children very much. However, because she could not have children, she would get sad when she saw cute little kids. Therefore, she usually would not take the initiative to approach children.
But things were different at the moment.
She was in good health now. If Xia Zhe proved himself to a good father in the future, she could consider having a few more children.
Then there would be no need for her to be envious when she saw someone else's children.
The fruits filled up the plates. The grapes looked plump and juicy, and the strawberries were rosy red with water droplets on them, all looking extremely tempting and very delicious.
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However, Zhao Hong could not help but wave her hand and refuse. She said,
This girl doesn't need to eat such good food. It will be a waste of fruit.
It was not easy to get fruits in this season.
Even adults did not get to eat it often, let alone children. They may never even get to taste it.
The little girl looked at the fruits in front of her with longing in her eyes.
She looked so eager to eat some.
When Qiao Mei heard this, she took another look and realized that Zhao Hong was not pretending to be polite but expressing her real opinion. Her gaze turned cold and her attitude changed.
What's wrong with being a girl? Aren't you a girl? Didn't you give birth to this child?
Qiao Mei rebutted.
Zhao Hong clearly felt the change in attitude and could not help but feel the need to 'educate' Qiao Mei. She said earnestly,
Don't you understand? It's useless to raise this little girl. When she's young, she can't do any work. When she is finally able to work, she can only do light work. How can she compare with a boy who has more strength?
Besides, no matter how well you treat her, she will still have to get married in the future. Once she gets married, she won't be your family member anymore, but someone else's family member. In the end, isn't it all for nothing?
Qiao Mei was stunned and suddenly could not speak.
How could they do their calculations in this manner? The value of the relationship between relatives was measured by the amount of work done and the benefits a person could bring to the family?
Was there no trace of kinship at all?
Zhao Hong touched her protruding stomach lovingly before continuing,
A boy is different. From the beginning to the end, he is your family member. He can do heavy work and then he will find a wife who can then do chores for the family. This makes a boy the blessing of the family.
The money earned by the family will not be enough for him to spend. He will need his parents to pay for the betrothal gifts and the wedding, and he will use up the family's money. Is this the benefit of having a son?
Qiao Mei retorted.
Zhao Hong was speechless and looked uncomfortable.
That is what everyone says. Why should she just chide me? I don't see her refuting anyone else. Is she mocking me for having a daughter?
The more sons there are, the more grandchildren there will be. Then the more prosperous the family will get and the richer the family will be,
Zhao Hong spoke again, insisting on her point of view.
Without thinking, Qiao Mei replied,
Then when your grandson earns money and you're about to die, what benefits can you get? You might as well treat your daughter well. She might be able to provide for you in the future.
Zhao Hong pouted indignantly, but she had nothing to say.
The logic seemed to be fitting, but it also seemed a little wrong. She felt that they could not agree with each other and she did not want to stay here anymore. She could not win an argument against Qiao Mei, but she did not dare to go home.
When she returned home, she would definitely be caught by Old Madam Li and get a tongue-lashing.
Seeing that she was pregnant, Qiao Mei served her lunch at home before asking her to go. She dismissed her and said,
Don't come over in the future. I know that Old Madam Li asks you to come, but we don't get along so it's useless for you to come over.
Qiao Mei looked fair and gentle and her voice was soft.
Zhao Hong, who had had her fair share of Old Madam Li's tongue-lashings, was not afraid at all. Instead, she made up her mind to return tomorrow.
Zhao Hong carried her child and went home.
When she got home, she told her family that they got along very well and Qiao Mei even served her a meal.
The next day, Zhao Hong brought her child along for another visit.
She felt that being at Qiao Mei's house was such a great thing. She did not have to work or be scolded, and she could also eat fruits and enjoy a very delicious meal. It was so wondrous.
Qiao Mei spoke more with her and told her not to come over again. She still let her in though, and after serving her a meal, she warned her not to come anymore and that the Qiao family did not welcome her.
However, Zhao Hong came around again on the third day.
This time, in the face of Qiao Mei's reprimand, she looked as if she had gotten used to it. It was like the situation could not get any worse for her and she was not afraid at all. In the end, she left happily after eating her fill.
Chapter 88
Qiao Mei smiled and did not take it to heart.
She had already done everything she could and given the woman two chances. There would not be a third chance and she would no longer tolerate it if the woman came again.
Qiao Mei brought a basket of fruits to Auntie Dong's house.
Thereafter, Zhao Hong came around again but this time, Qiao Mei was not at home. Instead, she had gone up the mountain with Qiao Qiang.
Zhao Hong stood at the entrance of the courtyard and looked inside.
She did not see anyone when she looked through the crack in the door and she prepared to walk in.
Auntie Dong immediately walked out from one side and stopped her with a loud exclamation.
Who are you? Why are you barging in without a word? Aren't you behaving like a thief?
Auntie, I'm Qiao Mei's relative. I'm here for a visit,
Zhao Hong explained with a smile.
Relative, you come here for a visit empty-handedly?
Auntie Dong sized her up and asked.
Nowadays, who would visit someone without bringing something?
It was unheard for someone to barge into a house empty-handedly, like what Zhao Hong was doing. This was also against social rules.
Zhao Hong stammered,
My family doesn't have money. Qiao Mei's family is rich now and doesn't lack anything…
She said it as if it was an entirely natural thing to do.
Auntie Dong was left speechless by it. What does your family's wealth have to do with whether you bring anything with you when you visit someone? The gift that you bring is a token of your appreciation for the host. How can you have the cheek to sit for a long time in someone else's house without bearing any gifts?
Isn't this just trying to sponge off others?
Auntie Dong did not want to take the effort to educate her given that the two of them did not know each other at all.
Look, you've been coming over for the past few days. Is your Li family pestering Qiao Mei's family now? You're coming to visit now that you all know Qiao Mei's family is earning money now? How shameless of you.
Besides, you bring your child here every day as well. Do you also want the Qiao family to raise your child for you?
Auntie Dong had no intention of being polite at all. Zhao Hong's face turned red all the way to the tips of her ears. She was so dumbstruck that she could only stand on the spot and fiddle with her fingers.
Qiao Mei is not free today so you can go back quickly. You won't be able to see her even if you wait here,
Auntie Dong said.
At the same time, Zhao Hong was cursing Auntie Dong in her heart for being a busybody. If not for this busybody, she would already be in the house and might even be eating grapes now.
Zhao Hong was insistent and said in a low voice,
I'll just wait here. No matter what, I need some rest since I've walked for one and a half hours.
Although Auntie Dong had already blatantly pointed out what Zhao Hong was thinking, Zhao Hong still wanted to have a meal at Qiao Mei's house. The food here was really delicious.
Zhao Hong was unwilling to leave just like that.
Then come with me to my house.
Auntie Dong glanced at Zhao Hong's stomach and sighed.
Qiao Mei was really too kind.
She knew that Zhao Hong would definitely be unwilling to leave, so she asked me to let her stay for a while and to also serve her a meal at home so that the child in her stomach would not starve.
However, there was really no need to tolerate the behavior of this kind of relative. She should be made to starve so that she would know it was not right to go to other people's houses to be a freeloader
Zhao Hong squeezed out a smile and agreed.
I am really hungry and also wanted to sit for a while. Although I do not like Auntie Dong, I am fine to take a rest at her place.
After having a meal at Auntie Dong's house, Zhao Hong still did not want to go back even though it was getting dark.
It will be even better if I can take the opportunity to stay over at Qiao Mei's house.
Unfortunately, Auntie Dong did not give her any chance. She said unhappily,
Look at you, you still can't bear to leave even when it's dark now. What are you trying to do?
You want to eat at someone else's house and now you want to sleep at someone else's house? Do you want Qiao Mei's family to raise the child for you? Tomorrow I'll go over to your place to ask whether this is because your Li family can't even afford to raise a child?
This is not right. Back then, your Li family refused to adopt Qiao Mei and now you want Qiao Mei to raise your children for you. Isn't this a joke?
She did not mince her words and stated all the facts in a blunt manner.
Auntie Dong also got especially angry and her voice became louder and louder until it could be heard beyond the courtyard.
Chapter 89
It was just after dinnertime and all the families were enjoying the breeze in their courtyards.
Many people came out to take a look when they heard the commotion.
What's going on?
What Li family? Is it Qiao Mei's grandmother's family?
Eh, isn't this Zhao Hong, the granddaughter-in-law of the Li family from the neighboring village? Why is she in our village?
Aiyo, did she get chased out by the Li family?
Someone recognized Zhao Hong and asked bluntly.
Zhao Hong's face was very red and she did not say anything.
The voice in the crowd continued to say,
Even if she is chased out, there's no need to go to Qiao Mei's house to beg for food, right? They're not even related!
That's right, that's right! This is quite awful.
These taunts made Zhao Hong's face turn red. She felt really awkward, especially since there were people she knew in the crowd.
She picked up her child and walked out the door.
It was dark when she returned to her place. Next to the big tree at the front door, she gave herself a hard slap to make her face swell up instantly. Then she smeared some dust from the ground on her body and messed up her hair before she dared to walk into the house.
The Li family was not surprised that Zhao Hong had returned in such a miserable state.
They heard that Qiao Mei had always had a bad temper and it was common for her to raise her hands at people. It was already a very good thing that she only took action after so many days.
Old Madam Li cursed fiercely,
You useless thing, you can't even build a good relationship with her like I told you to.
Is there any way to make Qiao Mei accept our family?
Li Dong did not care that his wife had been beaten up. He only wanted more money.
Old Madam Li looked at Zhao Hong and said angrily,
What did Qiao Mei say?
She said… no one from the Li family is allowed to go over, except for Li Gui. She won't let anyone else in. If anyone still dares to go over, she will beat them to death with a big stick.
Zhao Hong sobbed audibly, but did not dare to speak too loudly, and wiped her tears off with her hand.
This is not too bad!
Li Dong said happily.
At least this niece of his still acknowledged Li Gui as her mother and was willing to let Li Gui visit her. This was not such a bad thing.
Alright, then I'll go to the county to look for her mother tomorrow,
Old Madam Li nodded and said.
After Li Gui remarried, she followed her husband to go and work at the food factory in the county. It was quite easy to find her now.
Actually, Old Madam Li often went to the county to look for Li Gui. Sometimes, she would go to her house and sometimes to her workplace. From time to time, she would bring back some items or money.
Sun Ying hesitated for a moment and slowly said,
Then if she comes back, won't the things we're hiding be exposed? If she…
Before she could finish, the old lady stopped her with one look.
Back then, Old Madam Li would go over from time to time to ask Li Gui for money using Qiao Mei as an excuse. She would say that Qiao Mei was fat and tanned, always fighting and causing trouble, and also lazy and unwilling to work.
And that Qiao Mei even came to the Li family house and chased Old Madam Li around for food.
Li Gui felt responsible for her daughter. From time to time, she would take out some money to subsidize the Li family's expenses. Although her husband would beat her up every time she gave her family money and other things, she would still pass Old Madam Li some money.
If she knows, she knows. I'm her mother. Isn't it only right for her to give me some money and stuff?
Old Madam Li spoke nonchalantly.
Although she had indeed lied to Li Gui, it was her right to take these things as Li Gui's mother. She was the one to ask Li Gui to remarry early, otherwise how could Li Gui have such a good life in the county?
She deserved everything she got and there was nothing to be afraid of even if Li Gui knew the truth.
Li Tao could not help but interrupt the conversation.
What if she isn't willing to help? What if she finds out that we never passed Qiao Mei any of her gifts, and all the things were taken by us instead? Once she mends her relationship with Qiao Mei, will Qiao Mei be willing to help us?
Under such circumstances, no one would be willing to help, right?
However, Old Madam Li just smiled. She knew her own daughter well. If she could not control Qiao Mei, she would just control her daughter. When the time came, wouldn't everything be fine as long as she could control her own daughter?
Chapter 90
Li Gui has a soft character. She probably won't ask Qiao Mei why she came to snatch food from the Li family house. She also won't talk about the gifts she has given Qiao Mei all these years. So the two of them might not get to know everything.
Anyway, so what if they know? Why would I be afraid?
Old Madam Li picked up her teacup and smiled, as if victory was already in her grasp.
Li Tao nodded and smiled in satisfaction.
…
The next day, Old Madam Li went to the county to look for Li Gui.
Li Gui worked in a food factory in the county, but she was not treated well there because she used to be a villager. Moreover, she was not an official employee yet.
When Li Gui saw her mother coming by again, she sighed heavily and felt especially uncomfortable.
Why is my daughter such a person?
Sigh, my daughter became like this all because I remarried too early and did not bring her up well.
While Li Gui was lost in her thoughts, Old Madam Li had already come up to stand in front of her.
Li Gui took out the remaining $1.30 from her pocket and handed it all to her mother. She sighed and said,
This is all the money I have left. I don't have much this month. Now that the children are in school, the expenses are high and I can't seem to save any money.
She did not even have this bit of money at first. She had set aside the money meant for her dinner over the past few days just to have this bit of savings that is slightly over one dollar.
She had four children at home now, two boys and two girls. Naturally, a lot of their money was spent on the children.
It was a remarriage for both her and her husband. The children he had with his ex-wife would even come and ask her for money from time to time. If she did not give it to them, they would punch and kick her and even scold her.
There was helplessness written on Li Gui's face and her entire being was filled with misery.
It was like there was not a single ray of sunshine in her life. She was only in her thirties now, but she looked like an old lady in her fifties or sixties.
On the other hand, Old Madam Li was filled with disdain.
Even though she received money every month, she very much looked down on her daughter who was only a factory worker despite living in the county.
Her daughter had such a good environment but she made such a hard life for herself. How useless!
Old Madam Li put the money into her pocket and nodded at Li Gui.
Let me tell you a piece of good news. Qiao Mei's family has got money now, so you don't have to support her anymore.
Li Gui was stunned for a moment, then she became a little happier.
Is it because Qiao Mei's grandfather received more subsidies?
No, no!
Old Madam Li shook her head and whispered to Li Gui,
Do you know about the bean sprout business in the city now?
Li Gui nodded. Of course she knew that.
The news had spread in the city about the particularly delicious bean sprouts being sold in the supply and marketing cooperative. There was always a queue to buy the bean sprouts and it would be sold out every time. Someone from the Zhang family managed to buy it once.
She had tasted it and it was indeed delicious.
The bean sprouts are from the factory in Datian Village. They supply to the supply and marketing cooperative every day and now, every family can earn more than 10 dollars a day. That is a lot of money in a year! I heard that it was Qiao Mei who taught the villagers how to grow the bean sprouts!
These words caused Li Gui to be stunned for a moment.
Qiao Mei teaching the villagers how to grow bean sprouts?
She remembered that when she used to grow bean sprouts at home, Qiao Mei would watch her at the side.
Now that she has grown up, she also knows how to grow bean sprouts?
Why… Why would she teach the villagers how to grow bean sprouts? Isn't she lazy and bad-tempered?
Li Gui asked in confusion.
Old Madam Li paused for a moment and said with a guilty conscience,
She's grown up now and is different from before. Now that she's married and pregnant, she's naturally a better person.
What? She's married and having a child? Why didn't you tell me before? I don't even know anything!
Li Gui said in shock.
Old Madam Li got even more tongue-tied.
This was because she had deliberately hidden the fact. She was afraid that Li Gui would not be willing to give her money anymore if she knew that Qiao Mei had gotten married.
Chapter 91
Do you think I know? Qiao Mei didn't tell our Li family either and didn't invite our family to the wedding banquet at all. We also only found out not long ago. Are you blaming me?
Old Madam Li put on an imposing manner and glared at Li Gui when she spoke.
Oh I see…
Li Gui lowered her head again when she heard the explanation.
So the thing now is that our Li family wants to move to Datian Village. Qiao Mei has already earned quite a bit of money recently. If her grandfather dies, there will be no one to take care of her and she will be quite pitiful.
Li Gui looked at her mother and could not understand the underlying meaning behind the lines. She could only understand what she just said.
Old Madam Li naturally knew that and continued,
Go and tell Qiao Mei to let Qiao Qiang know that our Li family wants to move to Datian Village.
However, Li Gui asked curiously,
Then why don't you go and talk to her yourself? Given that you have been taking care of Qiao Mei all this time, her grandfather would listen to you, right?
According to the information she received from her mother, Qiao Mei would beat up and scold Old Madam Li all the time. Qiao Qiang also got bullied by Qiao Mei as well. Both elderlies were having a hard time.
At the very least, they are both on the same side. What can't they talk about?
Old Madam Li stomped her foot angrily.
What you don't know is that this Qiao Qiang doesn't know how to be grateful and he doesn't know how to be thankful for favors from others. He's always cursing about how little money you sent back.
You have no idea how much I've been bullied by him…
At this point, Li Gui finally understood what she was being told.
However, she also felt very uncomfortable in her heart. Although she did not give much money, it was what she had painstakingly saved up. Yet now, Qiao Qiang was unhappy about the amount.
After she remarried into the Zhang family, the family members would punch and kick her all the time because she always gave money to Qiao Mei. Furthermore, every time her husband got drunk, he would hit her with a rod. Her children were also instigated by Old Madam Zhang not to be on her side.
Qiao Mei is the reason for all this…
Even so, the money still isn't enough for Qiao Qiang?
When Old Madam Li saw the strange expression on Li Gui's face, she quickly interrupted her thoughts. It would not do if her daughter ended up being unwilling to go over.
Gui Gui, those things are in the past and we have to move on. Given that Qiao Mei is already a mother as well, it's about time that you visit her,
Old Madam Li said.
When Li Gui heard this, she tried to look away.
When Qiao Mei was young, she had left Qiao Mei behind in the village to go and get married. She heard that if Qiao Qiang had not returned, Qiao Mei would have starved to death.
She had not dared to go and see Qiao Mei because of this.
She felt that she had let down her daughter!
Don't think about the past anymore. The future is most important. Now that your daughter is having a child, this is the time when she needs you the most,
Old Madam Li said.
This time round, she even told me to ask you to go back and see her. She misses you.
At this point, she pretended to lament the fact.
Li Gui could not bear to see her mother like this. She had not seen Qiao Mei for so long and did not know if Qiao Mei was doing well.
What Li Gui did not know was that the entire story was a lie fabricated by Old Madam Li.
Old Madam Li felt that Qiao Mei definitely would not want to see Li Gui. If she made Li Gui go back now, it would definitely make Qiao Mei furious. It would be best if the two of them ended up quarreling and getting into a fight.
It would be even better if they got into a fight and the child was lost as a result.
Who asked Qiao Mei to be so insensible!
When Li Gui heard this, her thoughts wavered. It was indeed time to meet Qiao Mei.
This daughter of hers is grown up now.
She is having a child of her own as well.
Right now, she could use the marriage as an excuse to go and meet Qiao Mei. Otherwise, she did not know what reason she could use in the future.
How's her husband's family?
Li Gui asked.
However, there was worry in her eyes. She heard that no one in the village was willing to marry her. Could she have… married a disabled person?
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She married very well. It was actually an arranged marriage between children. He's a young man from the city and a soldier. I heard that he's very handsome,
Old Madam Li said sulkily.
If she had known that Qiao Mei's arranged marriage partner was from the city and a soldier with such a good family background, the Li family might have been willing to raise her.
If the Li family raised her…
Then wouldn't her betrothal gifts, the bicycle in the courtyard and the sewing machine all belong to the Li family?
What a loss!
Hearing this, Li Gui happily heaved a sigh of relief. It was as if the turbid breath in her chest had finally been expelled and she felt much better.
Now that she knew Qiao Mei had married into a good family, she felt so much better.
I'll go tomorrow, I'll go and see her tomorrow!
Li Gui spoke up.
Aye, okay, okay, okay. When you go and visit her, remember to remind her to tell her grandfather to let our Li family move into your Datian Village.
Old Madam Li glanced at Li Gui and then reminded her.
When you go over, don't talk about the past anymore. Now that Qiao Mei has changed, don't go asking for trouble. Otherwise, I'm worried she'll be unhappy.
Li Gui nodded repeatedly.
Yes, yes, yes!
She felt that her mother was really very good to Qiao Mei, doing the best to think for the child in every way.
It must be because my mother likes children, so she dotes on Qiao Mei very much. Although she did not treat me well, it is unquestionable that she really treats Qiao Mei very well. Surely only a biological grandmother can do that!
Old Madam Li was very happy. She placed her hands behind her back and walked away with a swagger.
Following Li Gui's conversation with Old Madam Li.
Li Gui found the team leader of this production line and expressed her intention to take a day off tomorrow.
Sister Wang, I have something on at home tomorrow. I'm wondering if I can take a day off as I really have something on and can't come.
Li Gui stammered her way through.
Oh my, I wonder what issue can make a person who works as hard as an ox want to take leave. You're the type who doesn't even take a day's leave in a year. If you take leave, your pay will be deducted. You know that, right?
Wang Qiu glanced sideways at her and mocked loudly.
The people around them stopped what they were doing and looked at Li Gui in unison. Someone even laughed out loud.
Li Gui was from the countryside, unlike these people who were from the city. They all had a registered residence in the city and were not the same as these women from the countryside. Besides, they thought that Li Gui was as useless as an old ox.
I… have to go back. My daughter has gotten married and she is pregnant now. I'm worried about her so I have to go back for a visit now,
Li Gui continued to speak softly, but there was a hint of determination in her eyes.
But her statement made the people around her exclaim in surprise.
Your daughter? Aren't your daughters still too young for school? One is six and the other is three. How can such a young child get married?
one of the women wearing patched clothing said.
No, no, no…
Li Gui immediately explained,
It's not one of those two daughters. It's my other daughter from the village. She just became an adult this year and has gotten married and she is currently pregnant.
Everyone there knew that Li Gui had gotten married twice.
This was even one of the reasons why people around her looked down on her. They felt that she was a jinx to her husband and a bearer of bad luck.
Oh? Which daughter are you talking about?
Team Leader Wang dragged her voice out in a strange tone and then pretended to ask her casually,
Then did she marry into the village again? What kind of family is she married into now?
Before Li Gui could speak, the person beside her immediately jeered and said,
What kind of family can she marry into? She's just a country bumpkin, a villager from the countryside. Do you think she can like Cinderella?
That's right, that's right!
Oh right, Li Gui's other family should be from the countryside, right? Who would be willing to marry a woman without her parents by her side? Did she marry a disabled person?
93
Hahaha, that's how it should be.
Everyone in this group of people looked down on Li Gui, her rural status, as well as the fact that she was married twice. The thing they despised the most about her was how hard she worked every day, like an ox.
Anyway, they just looked down on her!
Li Gui had wanted to tell everyone that her daughter had married into a good family, but she could not say it now in this situation, so she spoke again.
Sister Wang, I still want to apply for leave!
Li Gui spoke again.
Seeing that everyone was almost done with the discussion, Wang Qiu said,
Alright, given that your daughter is pregnant, you should go back for a visit. Don't forget to bring back some wedding candy for us.
Li Gui nodded and turned to leave immediately.
Behind her, the voices saying those mocking words were still going on and on.
Her daughter has just gotten married and is already pregnant, yet she is only going for a visit now. It's so rare to hear of something like that.
Maybe the daughter doesn't acknowledge her as the biological mother at all?
I think so too. She didn't even invite her mother for an occasion as important as her wedding. It must be because she resented her mother for not going back for so long. If it's me, I won't acknowledge such a mother too!
Although Old Madam Li often came to get money and other things from her, Li Gui would never tell any outsider about it. After all, it was her daughter who wanted to snatch her grandmother's food and caused her grandmother to become so pitiful.
Therefore, outsiders all thought that she had a heart of stone and did not care about her child.
Li Gui kept walking forward and soon could not hear anything behind her. Only then did she let out a long breath and walked towards the Zhang family house.
After she returned home, she washed all the dishes and cutlery used at lunch as well as the dirty clothes that had piled up. She then prepared dinner for her family.
Zhang Qian was the eldest son of the Zhang family and lived together with his parents and four children. The big basin was filled with used clothes on a daily basis.
After dinner, she cleaned up the table and then the house. After that, she continued doing other household chores and kept herself busy.
Just like that, she waited for everyone to rest before going to sleep.
Otherwise, she was bound to be picked on at home. She really did not want to hear those intolerable words.
…
The next day, Zhang Qian was still sleeping soundly when she woke up.
Li Gui did not wake him up. Instead, she got up quietly and hesitated for a moment. In the end, she did not tell her husband that she was going to see Qiao Mei.
She went to a cotton coat in the corner of the closet and used scissors to cut the thread at the cuffs. From inside the coat, she took out 17 dollars and put it in her pocket.
She had saved this money for Qiao Mei over the years.
It was for her dowry.
Initially, she had wanted to save up a little more so that Qiao Mei would have some standing in front of her husband's family, and would not be looked down upon by them. However, over the years, she had expenses coming from everywhere, and her young children got sick from time to time and needed money for their medical fees.
Old Madam Li also came over from time to time to ask for money, so she did not manage to save much.
Li Gui looked at the 17 dollars in her hand and was silent for a while. She felt a little sad and could only sigh softly.
She had thought that she would have a few more years.
This is because every time Old Madam Li came over, she would tell stories about how Qiao Mei had eaten too much, who Qiao Mei had fought with again, and how Qiao Mei had broken other people's things. Therefore, Li Gui thought that Qiao Mei's path to getting married would not be smooth.
Given what she had heard, Qiao Mei definitely would not be able to get married too early.
At least… not this year.
However, Li Gui really did not expect Qiao Mei to get married so quickly and already be pregnant now. She even married a handsome soldier from the city. This was great news!
Her daughter was much luckier than her.
As she thought of this, Li Gui smiled happily. Under the morning sun, her smile actually looked very beautiful. Although her skin was aged, her facial features were quite faultless.
She must have been beautiful when she was younger.
94
Li Gui got up and prepared breakfast. She put on her usual clothes and left without doing anything out of the ordinary.
She walked to the entrance of the train station in town.
After taking the train and walking for more than 10 kilometers upon reaching the station at her destination, she finally arrived at the entrance of Datian Village.
She stood in the village and looked at the familiar scene.
However, for a long while, she did not dare to walk in.
She had too many acquaintances in this village. The fact that she returned so suddenly might lead to a lot of gossip and mockery, or even worse situations than that.
When Li Gui remarried and left the village, she still looked relatively young. Given that she moved to the city after her remarriage, everyone thought that she would have a good life there. There were even people who envied her.
Yet her aged appearance now made her look like a completely different person from before. Nobody would have expected this.
Li Gui took a deep breath and quickly walked in.
Since she was already here, she definitely had to go in. It would be good to see her child. She could not be a mother who did not take care of anything, right?
Fortunately, there were not many people in the village at the moment. Everyone was busy with the farm work.
Li Gui quickly walked towards Qiao Zhuang's house and soon arrived at the doorstep. As this was where she and her ex-husband used to live, she thought that Qiao Mei was still staying here.
Every time Old Madam Li went to look for Li Gui, she would tell her how tired she was from taking care of Qiao Mei and what bad things Qiao Mei had done. In short, Old Madam Li liked to talk about how much she had suffered.
However, she never mentioned any positive things related to Qiao Mei. She also did not talk about anything that had nothing to do with her.
For example… to her, this house was an unimportant matter.
Who are you? Who are you looking for?
Wang Qin was the village accountant. She was usually not very busy and was resting at home at the moment.
Being Qiao Zhuang's second daughter-in-law, she was not very familiar with Li Gui. In the past, she also did not pay much attention to Li Gui.
After so long, Li Gui had aged a lot.
However, Li Gui immediately recognized Wang Qin. She walked forward and asked curiously,
You're Wang Qin? Are you here… Is Qiao Mei at home?
Wang Qin froze.
She did not quite understand how someone could come here to look for Qiao Mei given that this was no longer where Qiao Mei lived. How strange.
Who are you?
I… I'm Qiao Mei's mother. I'm Li Gui.
Li Gui averted her eyes and did not dare to look at Wang Qin directly. She thought it was normal that Wang Qin did not recognize her given the way she looked now.
What?
Wang Qin was shocked. She checked out this woman in front of her, who looked like a wizened old lady, and really could not recognize her at all.
The skin on her face and hands, and almost everywhere else that was exposed, was wrinkled. Her skin tone was sallow and tawny and she looked like someone in her fifties.
A person like this… could she be the person who was previously known as the most beautiful girl from Datian Village?
Oh my goodness!
Oh it's you… Hahahaha!
Wang Qin took a few looks and laughed as she pointed at Li Gui. However, she quickly covered her mouth and asked,
Why are you looking for Qiao Mei?
Li Gui looked at her reaction and felt terrible.
But she continued,
Mei Mei got married, so I'm here to see her.
Why are you only here now? She's already pregnant. What kind of mother are you…
Wang Qin continued to speak with her mouth covered.
I… I just found out,
Li Gui said honestly.
Wang Qin looked at her worn-out clothes and patched up shoes and asked,
How is it? Life in the city is good, right? Are you doing well?
She asked about Li Gui.
Old Madam Li had never told anyone that her daughter was not doing well. Li Gui herself had also never returned to the village, so the villagers naturally did not know anything about her.
When we first got married, we were in the city. These past few years, we've moved to the town and we've been working in the town's factory.
Li Gui said truthfully.
95
Wang Qin curled the corners of her lips, crossed her arms and said,
Look at the kind of mother you are. Your child is already married and all grown up, yet you have never come back for a visit. How heartless of you.
In the past, Li Gui's relationship with Wang Qin was not too bad.
Wang Qin was eloquent and Li Gui did her work quickly. The two of them were relatives and did not have any conflicts. On the surface, they got along with each other.
But now…
Wang Qin put on an arrogant attitude to look at her and talk to her and she felt uncomfortable. Besides, it was not as if she did not care about Qiao Mei.
She had saved all the money she had at the risk of being beaten up by the Zhang family and given it all to Qiao Mei.
Although I didn't come over, I asked my mother to give Qiao Mei some money and stuff every month. I didn't treat her badly!
At this point, Li Gui felt a little aggrieved.
Although her mother had told her not to tell outsiders about Qiao Mei's past, Wang Qin was a fellow villager and not an outsider.
It was fine to talk about these things now.
After all, they were all from the same village and everyone knew Qiao Mei's character.
Li Gui did not want everyone to misunderstand her either.
She was not a heartless mother but was very concerned about Qiao Mei instead, and she should not have to end up with such a reputation.
Wang Qin widened her eyes and looked at her in disbelief. She said in shock,
What did you say? You give Qiao Mei some money and stuff every month?
Yes!
Li Gui said without hesitation.
I will give Qiao Mei some money every month. My mother said that she sent it to Qiao Mei's house every month so that she won't starve.
My mother had been coming over to give Qiao Mei money and stuff all these years. Had Wang Qin never seen her before? Why did she look so surprised?
Wang Qin stood on the spot, took a deep breath and lowered her hands from her chest to stop herself from laughing.
I can't believe it!
It is unbelievable that such a thing had actually happened in the village. Hahahaha…
Wang Qin endured it for a while before saying,
Let me tell you, your mother has never come to our Datian Village once. We've never seen any of your money or stuff or whatever.
It's been more than 10 years… and she hasn't been here once!
This statement sent Li Gui into a state of shock and disbelief. She immediately retorted,
That's impossible, you're lying!
Oh right, she did come here. A few days ago, she came to Qiao Mei's house and was chased away. She then got her granddaughter-in-law to go to Qiao Mei's house every day to be a freeloader. Everyone in the village knows about it.
Wang Qin continued,
Go and ask around if you don't believe me! If anyone says that I have lied to you about this, I'll let you take over my position as the village accountant!
After promising that, Wang Qin covered her mouth and laughed again.
Li Gui was completely petrified and rooted to the spot. Given that Wang Qin spoke so confidently, it was very likely the truth.
Wang Qin grabbed Li Gui's hand.
Come on, let's go. I'll take you to Qiao Mei's house and you can ask her yourself. Although that child has a bad temper, she's also honest and doesn't like to lie. You'll know everything once you ask her. Don't say that I lied to you!
…
At this moment, Qiao Mei was standing in the courtyard watering the vegetable field.
Now that the saplings at home had already borne fruits, they were about to die. Although it meant that she had a lot of fruits to eat, the growth cycle of her plants was very short.
She did not want a situation whereby the vegetables and saplings in her courtyard got all withered when the plants in other people's houses were still green and flourishing. It would look a little out of place.
After Qiao Mei tidied up the courtyard, she picked a sweet watermelon and placed it inside the big basin in the courtyard. The basin was filled with cold water from the well and it would definitely be very delicious when they eat it later.
She wiped her hands happily and was about to sit down to rest.
A voice that was filled with uncontrollable joy came from the courtyard door.
Mei Mei, come and see who's back. Look!
Wang Qin's voice sounded at the door.
Chapter 96
This incoming visitor's voice was very loud, as if she wanted everyone nearby to hear her.
Qiao Mei sighed and got up from the stool to take a look.
Now that her family had some money, people came visiting one after another. These people never came by in the past, but now they all came by due to the whiff of money .
Money really made the world go round.
She walked over and saw someone right in front of her. However, she could not recognize the person, and really could not find this person in her memories.
Based on her only memory of her mother, she was a beautiful woman. Although she was not very eloquent, she was very gentle.
She was famous not only in the village, but also in the county.
When Qiao Mei's father managed to marry Li Gui, the fact broke the hearts of countless men. However, no one would be able to recognize Li Gui from her current appearance.
She looked like… Old Madam Li's sister or someone.
Li Gui was stunned when she saw Qiao Mei. The fair-skinned girl in front of her was completely different from the Qiao Mei she had imagined.
Isn't she supposed to be a dark and fat bear?
With a body that is so full of fats that it can be used to make fried lard bits. And that she has a fierce expression on her face and fights with people all the time.
But the person in front of me has such fair skin and exquisite eyes. She looks like me when I was young but even more good-looking.
Every move she makes is indescribably classy.
Just like the city people I have seen in the past.
No!
She is classier than those city people I have seen before.
Wang Qin stood outside the door and was also stunned when she saw Qiao Mei. Her eyes darted around furtively.
Recently, a few older women in the village had been saying that Qiao Mei had become prettier and fairer and looked completely different from before. She did not believe it and thought that they were just trying to curry favor with Qiao Mei.
Now it seemed that they were telling the truth!
Haven't I said it before? No one from Second Master Qiao's family is allowed to come to my house again!
Qiao Mei had been busy with her pregnancy recently. Coupled with the fact that she was having a good income, she was naturally in a mood to be nice and did not put on an aloof face like before.
Now, with her cute voice and fair little face, she did not exude an imposing aura at all.
Instead, people tended to find her adorable.
Wang Qin did not say anything else and pushed Li Gui towards the door so that Qiao Mei could see Li Gui's face clearly.
Qiao Mei, do you see who's back?
Li Gui fidgeted with her hands and lowered her head to look at the ground.
Qiao Mei took a closer look and asked in surprise,
Mom! You're back?
When Li Gui heard that Qiao Mei recognized her and was willing to acknowledge her, there were tears at the corners of her eyes and she sniffled.
Wang Qin did not get the reaction she had expected and pursed her lips. She thought it was amazing for Qiao Mei to be able to recognize Li Gui when she looked like this now.
She said she came to see you.
Your mother is really too much. You've been married for so long and already gotten pregnant, but she only came to see you now. Don't you think your mother was sent by your grandmother to persuade you and that her main purpose is to get you to help the Li family!
It was very normal for the Li family to want to move to the village.
At the moment, there were also many outsiders who wanted to move to Datian Village. It was only due to the resistance of the village officer, Zhao Liang, that there was not a large-scale movement of new residents.
The Li family wanted to come over, but Qiao Qiang did not allow it, so they took the path of asking Li Gui to persuade Qiao Mei.
Wang Qin felt unhappy looking at the exceptionally calm Qiao Mei and pursed her lips. She looked at her and continued,
You don't know how ruthless your grandmother is. She takes money and things from your mother every month, saying that they are for you. Now that more than 10 years have passed, have you received anything?
Qiao Mei was stunned. This was far beyond what she had expected.
In the memories of the original owner of the body, her mother had abandoned her so as to have a good life. Other than Qiao Qiang, no one cared about her anymore. The original owner of the body still hated her mother, Li Gui, very much.
Qiao Mei walked up to Li Gui and looked at her seriously.
I didn't receive anything, including money.
97
Li Gui stood on the spot with a complicated expression on her face. She looked sad as she grabbed the sides of her pants with both hands.
It had been so many years!
Every month… her mother would use Qiao Mei as a reason to come to her place to get money and other things. Due to the fact that this happened so many times, the Zhang family did not treat her well at all. They even said that she was a heartless person who helped others while they provided for her.
This even became the reason for Li Gui being beaten up countless times.
Was this the truth?
Her mother had lied to her and Qiao Mei had never received anything!
How much money did she take from you? Is it all because of me?
Qiao Mei looked at the poor woman in front of her and sighed in her heart.
She had seen her fair share of pitiful people.
However, it was rare to see someone who had been scammed by her own mother for more than 10 years.
Every month, it was about two or three dollars… Sometimes if something happened, I'd have to give more…
Memories flashed across Li Gui's empty eyes.
She had to turn in her salary every month. In addition to her salary, she might get some loose change and could manage to save up a few dollars.
She would give two to three dollars to Old Madam Li and another portion of the money to the children that her husband had with his ex-wife. She would then only have a few cents left for her biological children. All her money was spent cleanly and clearly.
You gave her so much money?
Wang Qin was shocked. She was an accountant, so she naturally could work out the sums quickly. Based on two to three dollars a month, that worked out to three to four hundred dollars over the years.
In the current day and age, three to four hundred dollars might be the entire monetary assets of a family in the countryside.
This Old Madam Li was really black-hearted!
Wang Qin took a look at Li Gui and could tell that she had scrimped and saved all these years just to save up this money. She probably did not even have many pieces of clothing, right?
The money had all gone into Old Madam Li's pocket.
How pitiful and pathetic!
Li Gui, are you even your mother's biological daughter? All these years, she took money from you like a vampire sucking blood. In the end, the money all ended up in her pocket and not a single cent went to Qiao Mei. It's really rare to see such a mother!
Although Wang Qin currently felt that Li Gui was very pitiful, she would not pity her, nor would she stop mocking her. She would only be happy when she saw Qiao Mei and Li Gui feeling uncomfortable!
Li Gui knew that Wang Qin had said that on purpose.
However, she could not help but feel sad. She believed what Qiao Mei said about not having received any money or stuff.
This was because Qiao Mei was standing right in front of her, looking so fair and beautiful and classy. How could anyone still believe what Old Madam Li said?
Li Gui felt that she had been deceived by the entire world and got very depressed.
Wang Qin took a look and realized that Li Gui was really sad. She felt a little happier and continued,
Mei Mei, you have to take back the money your mother gave your grandmother. That was your mother's hard-earned money. Look at how tired your mother is now, she looks as if she has aged 10 years.
Qiao Mei looked at her without any expression and said,
This is my business. You can leave now. Remember my words and don't come over again.
With that, she pulled Li Gui into the house and closed the courtyard door with a bang.
There was still a big wooden stick at the door. If she dared to come in again, she would not be polite.
Wang Qin shook her head in disappointment and left.
She felt that not being able to see the mother and daughter in a fight was her loss and that she had made a wasted trip.
After Li Gui entered through the door, Qiao Mei led her into the house.
Li Gui saw Qiao Qiang the moment she entered the house.
She was a little afraid now. After all, she was the one who got remarried and did not take good care of Qiao Mei.
Take a seat. Tell me what happened all these years? What did my grandmother tell you?
Qiao Mei asked her to sit down and poured her a glass of water before pushing the plate of fruits on the table in front of her.
98
The grapes on the plate had a glistering appearance from the water droplets on them and looked especially tempting. There was also a pile of blueberries that smelt very fragrant.
Try some of the fruits from our courtyard!
Qiao Mei took a few grapes and handed them to Li Gui. She was afraid that Li Gui would feel uncomfortable and wanted her to open up more.
Li Gui tasted a grape and was immediately captivated by how sweet it was. Her eyes lit up, it was as if she had not eaten such delicious fruits in a long time.
She slowly relaxed as well.
It's like this. Not long after I got married, your grandmother came to look for me and said that you were going hungry…
Li Gui said, her eyes looking like they were filled with memories.
Even after she went to the city, Old Madam Li would come and look for her every few months to ask for money and other things.
The round-trip train fare was not cheap, but Old Madam Li would evade the fare and steal a ride. When she saw the ticket inspector, she would find a place to hide, then she would find a seat again after the inspector left. Anyway, the long distance did nothing to dissuade Old Madam Li from looking for Li Gui.
In any case, in the past decade or so, she had never stopped giving Old Madam Li money and other things.
As Li Gui told her story, she looked at Qiao Mei and asked again with an indignant expression,
She… really didn't come over even once? She didn't give you money even once?
There was a tremor in her voice.
Yes, the entire village can be my witness. She didn't come over even once, and I didn't take anything from her,
Qiao Mei said firmly.
Li Gui felt terrible. She lowered her head in silence and placed her hands together helplessly.
Qiao Mei did not say anything and just looked at her.
The original owner of the body was particularly disgruntled about the fact that Li Gui got remarried, left her alone in the village when she was still young and caused her to almost starve to death. She was very fixated on this matter and even hated Li Gui very much.
The original owner of the body had previously told Qiao Yu that she wished she could fight with her mother.
However, Qiao Mei was not the original owner of the body. She had transmigrated here and naturally did not share the same emotions, so she did not hate Li Gui. In fact, from Li Gui's standpoint, she could understand some of the actions taken.
She had almost starved to death when she was young not because her mother was unwilling to support her, but because her mother was not smart enough.
To put it in another way…
Li Gui was simply too unlucky to have such a top quality mother.
Qiao Mei originally had no feelings for Li Gui, but after hearing what Li Gui said, she gave a long sigh.
She pitied her a little and wanted to help her.
Let's get grandmother to take out the money,
Qiao Mei said.
Li Gui shook her head repeatedly and kept saying no.
Qiao Mei found it strange and questioned her back,
Are you still concerned about the kinship between the two of you? She had lied to you so terribly!
A person can be stupid, but not foolishly filial.
Otherwise, even if she wants to help, there is nothing she can do.
No, no, no, that's not what I meant,
Li Gui shook her head again and said.
No, you… you can't beat her. She's very shrewish.
Her mother was very shrewd and vicious when it came to the things she cared about. Qiao Mei was still young and was unlikely to be a match for Old Madam Li. Moreover, Qiao Mei was currently pregnant.
It would not be worth it if anything should happen to her while dealing with Old Madam Li.
After saying that, she looked at Qiao Mei's stomach with concern.
Qiao Mei felt her gaze and instantly understood what she meant. She smiled immediately.
Not bad, it would be worth helping her.
Besides, I'm afraid there's not much left of that money. By now, it would be almost all spent. When her eldest grandson got married, they spent a lot of money.
Li Gui could not help but sigh.
The betrothal gift alone cost 60 dollars for that wedding and it was considered a high price for that time. She had wondered why her family still had so much money and also why her mother had not asked her to subsidize part of the costs.
It turned out that… she was the one who had actually paid for everything.
Qiao Mei smiled again and sized up Li Gui's face. Suddenly, she had a little bit of affection for this instant mother of hers.
Well, then how is your life now? Is Zhang Qian good to you? Do you have any new children?
Li Gui looked at Qiao Qiang uneasily.
Chapter 99
Talking about her new family in front of Qiao Qiang always made her feel a little awkward and weirded out.
Qiao Qiang immediately stood up and said as he walked away,
Mei Mei, let's prepare a good meal later. It's not easy for your mother to come all the way here. I'll go to bed and rest for a bit. I'm feeling tired.
Alright,
Qiao Mei replied.
In the past, Qiao Qiang did not even want to look at Li Gui at all. He thought it was really too cold-blooded of her to remarry when her child was still so young.
However, after hearing about what happened, he thought differently now.
He no longer harbored any prejudice against Li Gui. Instead, he could be more objective about the situation with his daughter-in-law.
When Li Gui heard what he said, she put her head down on the table and sobbed.
She did not make any sound, but anyone could feel how agitated she felt.
Qiao Mei sighed. It seemed that she was not doing well.
Tell me about it. How are you doing? Is your life alright?
Qiao Mei asked and patted her back.
Li Gui looked up and wiped her tears.
She saw Qiao Mei's curious gaze which had no trace of resentment. Instead, Qiao Mei was like a kitten, strangely likable.
Hmm… should be the same as everyone else.
Li Gui stammered her answer after thinking for a moment.
Qiao Mei continued to ask,
So does the same as everyone else mean good or bad? Does he hit you?
Li Gui answered,
Only when he's drunk. If he doesn't drink, then it's less likely to get beaten up by him.
She seemed to think that this was normal.
On the other hand, Qiao Mei was shocked. She looked at Li Gui and could not help but continued,
He actually hit you. What a scumbag.
Qiao Mei had only asked what she thought was a casual question, but she did not expect Zhang Qian to have the worst trait that a husband could have. A man who hit others was definitely not a good man.
Li Gui just replied naturally,
It's normal for people to get beaten up. Whether in the city or the village, isn't it the norm for men to hit women?
There were very few men who did not hit women!
It was hard to imagine which woman would be lucky enough to meet such a man. Perhaps only those cultured and knowledgeable men would not hit women.
Qiao Mei did not argue with her about this given that their value systems were different.
And did you have any more children?
she continued.
Li Gui sighed. She did not expect that Qiao Mei did not even know about the existence of her younger siblings. Her mother really did not convey these details at all…
Then, she continued,
I have two boys and two girls. The two boys are the eldest and second brother, Zhang Wei and Zhang Chao. The younger sisters are Zhang Qin and Zhang Miao.
She answered every question Qiao Mei asked.
However, there was none of the familiar feeling between family members. Instead, the two of them were like strangers who had just met. The whole situation actually made Li Gui quite happy.
At least it was much better than I had expected.
My daughter did not hate me!
In the end, Qiao Mei looked at her and asked softly,
Do you want to earn more money and save more money?
When she said that, Li Gui could not help but look at her.
Li Gui quickly nodded and said,
Of course I want to, but this is not something I can think about!
She was from the countryside, so she could at best work as a temporary worker at the factory as the others were unwilling to let her be an official employee. This was the limitation of the household register system in this era.
Then come back! Come to our village and grow bean sprouts. You can earn at least two to three hundred dollars a month. It's better than working yourself to death in town,
Qiao Mei said.
Hearing this, Li Gui immediately became interested.
She fixed her eyes on Qiao Mei and kept thinking about the feasibility of what Qiao Mei said.
She really needed money!
She still had four children at home. In the future, the educational and living expenses would make it harder and harder for her to live with the money she had.
In accordance with the current policy, the children had to follow their mother's household register. As she was a villager but did not participate in the labor in the village, the four children could not eat the food provided by the city and they had to pay for their own food.
That was all money wasted for nothing!
Chapter 100
The money she earned as a temporary worker was not enough to buy food for the children all year round. She had to rely on the Zhang family to support her, so her status in the family was exceptionally low.
Now that there is a chance to earn money… Why not give it a try?
Won't it be better than sitting around at home and being under someone's watchful eyes?
At the thought of this, Li Gui looked up at Qiao Mei and asked carefully,
Am I able to come back to our village?
Why not? Your registered residence and household register is still in Datian Village, so you're naturally a Datian Village resident,
Qiao Mei said.
The most important thing is whether you want to come back. If you do, we just need my grandfather to tell Uncle Zhao. There's nothing difficult about it.
Li Gui felt a little embarrassed though.
Having to ask her former father-in-law for a favor because she wanted to return to the village to earn money was something she never expected to happen.
But at the same time, she really wanted to come back.
Can you really earn so much in a month by growing bean sprouts?
Li Gui looked at Qiao Mei and asked again.
Isn't two to three hundred a bit too much money to make in a month?
She could not even earn 300 dollars a year. It was a huge sum of money to her and she found it difficult to even earn that amount in town.
We can't be sure yet,
Qiao Mei replied.
We haven't completed the first month's sale, so we don't have an accurate tabulation of the earnings yet.
The villagers had only been selling bean sprouts for slightly more than half a month and the money from the sale had not been given to them yet, so they were not sure how much they could make.
However, this was actually under Qiao Mei's control. She was able to regulate the production level of each family, so whichever family she wanted to produce more would be able to produce more. However, in this era, the average annual income was not very high.
Therefore, she could not let everyone earn too much at once.
If other people got envious and reported it, she would get caught in a very dangerous situation, being the initiator of the business.
Qiao Mei's intention was to let the villagers earn around 50 to 60 dollars a month in the future as that would be safer.
Li Gui was a little worried and she hesitated after hearing what Qiao Mei said.
Seeing her like this, Qiao Mei stood up and said,
Come and take a look with me.
Li Gui followed Qiao Mei to the storeroom. As soon as she entered, she was shocked by the small mountain of food in the storeroom. There were grapes drying on the shelves and messy piles of potatoes and pumpkins on the ground, as well as bags of dried vegetables.
Heavens!
When would they be able to finish so much food? That would be a lot to eat.
It suddenly occurred to Li Gui that there were benefits to being in the countryside. People had their own vegetable fields and could grow whatever they wanted to eat. The harvest all depended on their planting skills.
These foods would be enough reason for her to come back and live here.
This was because she did not want to have to starve anymore. In the past, she would go hungry often as there was no guarantee of regular meals. She felt hungry so often that she was scared of that feeling.
She looked at Qiao Mei and asked,
Will you be able to earn 20 dollars this month?
This was because her salary was 20 dollars.
As long as she could earn more money in the countryside than working as a temporary worker, it would be worth it for her to come back. She still had a large piece of land in her courtyard.
I can definitely make 20 dollars from the sale.
Qiao Mei nodded. Even if the city's supply and marketing cooperative did not take in their bean sprouts and the village sold the bean sprouts on its own, the villagers would still be able to sell them for this price on average.
Li Gui nodded but there was still hesitation flashing across her eyes.
Come back. There's land here as well as the bean sprout business. It's got to be a better situation than what you're going through and you can even bring some food to your children. It's much better than you being a temporary worker,
Qiao Mei said.
Yes.
Li Gui nodded, but she was still feeling unsure.
Seeing that she was still hesitating, Qiao Mei asked,
What other concerns do you have?
Li Gui asked directly,
Is there still a place for me to stay in our village?
She couldn't possibly stay with Qiao Mei when she came back, right?
Now that she had remarried and Qiao Mei was living with her grandfather, it did not seem right for her to come and live here!
However, if she had nowhere to live, it would be a very difficult situation.