Chapter 131
Thinking about what happened today, Zhao Cuihua felt a chill run through her body.
Liu Xiaoe's injuries had healed quite a bit, so she went to the mountains with them today as well.
When it came to bad luck, no one could compare to Liu Xiaoe.
After they entered the mountains, Liu Xiaoe kept tripping and stumbling along the way.
Today, they went to a new place. As soon as they arrived, Liu Xiaoe slipped and hit her head, causing it to bleed profusely.
That was when they encountered the ginseng.
The moment Old Fifth's wife saw the ginseng, she almost kicked Second Sister-in-Law without a care for her condition and hurriedly started digging it up.
On the way down the mountain, she even carried Liu Xiaoe on her back!
When they returned home, the in-laws were even more frightening. Despite Liu Xiaoe being unconscious, they refused to take her to the hospital, insisting that Old Zhang should come and see her first. If he could bandage her up, they would do it at home.
Second Sister-in-Law was lucky; although her injuries looked terrifying, they weren't serious.
Seeing Liu Xiaoe's head wrapped like that, Zhao Cuihua couldn't bear to look at her anymore, especially since she had given Zhou Jiaojiao her eggs so eagerly!
It was simply ridiculous!
"Second Son, when you and Old Fifth go to work tomorrow, sell the ginseng. The money will follow the same rules: half to your mother and me, and the other half will be divided among the family," Wang Shoucheng said after finishing his meal.
Wang Qingqi and Zhou Jiaojiao were unhappy but had no choice but to agree since they hadn't separated from the family yet.
"By the way, about the black market?" Wang Shoucheng urged Zhou Jiaojiao to get down to business.
They had agreed to contact someone today, so why did it get postponed?
Thinking about having to share the profits with the family and still needing to repay Bai Xiuxiu, Zhou Jiaojiao wanted to separate from the family quickly. She wasn't enthusiastic about the black market trade anymore.
But she knew this had to be done.
She needed the money.
With this in mind, Zhou Jiaojiao smiled politely and explained, "Dad, I'll go tomorrow. I'll start preparing tonight. But you need to have the sisters-in-law help me. This is quite complicated, and I can't manage it alone."
"Alright, all of you go help Old Fifth's wife."
Wang Shoucheng instructed the daughters-in-law while still wondering what the eldest son and the team leader might be discussing.
Was the team leader and his wife being too kind to the eldest son and his wife?
He was curious and, once everyone left, tried to eavesdrop by pressing his ear against the wall near the western room.
Zhao Guifen, who had just tidied up the bed, noticed him and was startled. "What are you doing?"
Wang Shoucheng glared at Zhao Guifen but stopped listening when he heard nothing.
If only the wall were thinner, he might hear something.
But it was risky with the eldest son around, so he decided to wait until they were out.
In the western room,
Bai Xiuxiu and Wang Qinghe finalized the house transaction with Aunt Jinhua.
Everyone pressed their fingerprints and signed the agreement.
In the village, a house sale only required the village seal.
The team leader collected both agreements. "I'll go to the office later and stamp them. I can't bring the seal here."
Chen Jinhua sighed. "Your Uncle Chen is just that stubborn. He says bringing the seal here isn't proper. Once it's stamped, I'll bring it over."
As she spoke, she handed over the money.
Looking at the house, she felt grateful, knowing she had gotten a good deal.
Good deeds truly do bring good fortune!
"Auntie, you can give it to me when I go to the office tomorrow," Bai Xiuxiu said, not in a rush. It was late, so it was better to do it tomorrow.
"Alright, we'll leave now."
Chen Jinhua led her husband out of the house.
After they left, Wang Qinghe poured hot water for his wife.
After they washed up, they also helped their sleepy children wash up. Once everyone was settled, they went to sleep.
Pulling the curtain, Wang Qinghe skillfully held his wife in his arms...
Early the next morning, when Bai Xiuxiu woke up, Wang Qinghe had already finished building the wall and opened a door in the courtyard.
The stove was already lit, and the smell of rice cooking made Bai Xiuxiu feel hungry.
Through the window, Bai Xiuxiu saw the simple gate facing the window and the sealed wall.
In the small courtyard, Wang Qinghe was chopping firewood.
The children were still asleep. After getting dressed and washing up, Bai Xiuxiu went outside.
"Why did you get up so early?" Wang Qinghe was surprised to see his wife up so early.
It's not time to go to the team yet.
"Why don't you do this work at noon?" Bai Xiuxiu looked at all the chores in the yard. What time did he get up this morning?
"I'll go hunting in the mountains at noon. It won't be as convenient after we move. It's cold outside, so go inside. After we eat, I'll take you and the child to the team."
Wang Qinghe looked at his wife squatting beside him, breaking his usual silence. After speaking, he quickly kissed her.
Afraid she would get angry, he kissed her and then lowered his head to sort the firewood.
Bai Xiuxiu was amused by his actions and held his hand that was sorting the firewood. "If you want to kiss me, just kiss me. Why do you look scared?"
Wang Qinghe felt a surge of warmth in his heart and kissed her again, coaxing her, "Go inside quickly."
Bai Xiuxiu went back into the house.
Seeing that the children were still asleep, she rummaged through the chest and took out the nori. There was rice in the pot, and she planned to make a nori egg drop soup later. She also had some dried meat to steam.
After their family finished breakfast and estimated the time, they went to the team.
As soon as Chen Jinhua saw her arrive, she greeted her like a long-lost relative: "You're here! Quickly, Miaomiao, bring part of the accounts to Xiuxiu."
"Sister Xiuxiu, come help." Miaomiao pulled Bai Xiuxiu, afraid she would run away.
Bai Xiuxiu was momentarily stunned.
"The prices for our village's fish have been set by the supply and marketing cooperative. This list contains various items from the cooperative, and we need to calculate what to buy back that would be cost-effective. The cooperative is pressing us, and Accountant Wang doesn't have enough time alone.
Please help with the calculations."
Chen Jinhua carried Bai Xiuxiu's two children over to sit on a large bench to play and explained the situation to her.
Then, Chen Jinhua secretly handed her the stamped agreement.
After taking the agreement and putting it away, Bai Xiuxiu hurriedly helped with the accounting.
The accounting itself wasn't difficult, but there were many items, making it tedious.
By the time everyone finished the accounting, it was already afternoon.
Accountant Wang verified the results and confirmed there were no issues. The team leader rushed off with the list to the supply and marketing cooperative.
Before he could even leave the team office, someone came in: "Bad news, something happened to the team leader."
Chapter 132
"Who had an accident? I'm fine, aren't I?" Chen Zhuangshi looked at Yang Chuanwen, who was blocking his way. Recently, whenever he saw the Yang brothers, he panicked.
These two were always enthusiastic and could be found at the scene of any mishap.
Seeing them made him feel that something was wrong.
"It's not you; it's Wang Laoer from the Wang family." Yang Chuanwen was also anxious.
"Huh? Did he go up the mountain too?" The team leader was stunned, and his first reaction was this.
Inside the room, Bai Xiuxiu heard this and felt curious as well.
"What do you mean? Didn't Wang Laoer start working at the commune factory? During their lunch break, he went out for something and got beaten up. The person who beat him ran away, and now he's in the hospital."
After Yang Chuanwen explained, the team leader became anxious.
"In that case... Old Wang, quickly help me deliver this to the supply and marketing cooperative. I need to notify the Wang family and take them to the hospital."
He handed the list to Accountant Wang and hurried off.
"What is going on here?" Accountant Wang was bewildered, holding the list in his hands.
Sighing, he resigned himself to leaving the team office.
"It's getting late. Let's tidy up and head back. I'll stay here tonight. With winter approaching, don't forget to bring firewood when delivering supplies to the elderly living alone. Just bring it over from the team office every day; we've organized people to chop wood."
Chen Jinhua instructed the few people in the room.
After everyone left, Chen Jinhua kept Bai Xiuxiu for a moment: "Xiuxiu, wait a moment."
Chen Jinhua handed her a cloth bag she had prepared early in the morning: "This is a small token of appreciation from your Uncle Chen and me. It contains some lucky eggs and grains we prepared last night. Since you two are moving to a new house, your Uncle Chen and I might not have time to visit. This is Auntie's blessing for you. Take it.
Although we don't emphasize these traditions much anymore, we still want to bring good luck."
Bai Xiuxiu accepted the gift without hesitation: "Thank you, Auntie."
In their community, when younger generations moved into a new home, elders would prepare lucky eggs and grains as a blessing.
Her mother and sister weren't around, and as for the Wang family? That was even less likely.
"Alright, hurry back." Chen Jinhua noticed it was getting late outside and urged her to leave quickly.
Bai Xiuxiu took the children out of the team office. It wasn't too late yet, and when she returned home with the children, Wang Qinghe hadn't come back yet.
As she entered the courtyard, she could hear Zhao Guifen crying and cursing next door.
"Can you hurry up, Laoer's wife? Laoer's condition is unknown, and you're so slow cooking those eggs? As his wife, you should be quicker!" Zhao Guifen was worried, but her husband didn't let her go along.
Apart from Chen Fang, who had a bad temper and a limp, only Liu Xiaoe was available.
Compared to Chen Fang, Zhao Guifen preferred to make Liu Xiaoe do the work.
Liu Xiaoe felt dizzy and unsteady, and being scolded by her mother-in-law made her cry uncontrollably.
Why was her life so hard?
She didn't know how her husband was doing or if he had sold the ginseng. Why did he get beaten up?
If anything happened to him, how would she and her daughters survive?
"Do you have the nerve to cry? Other wives give birth to sons, but you gave birth to two girls. You still have the nerve to cry. I think Laoer's trouble is all because of you! Otherwise, why would he suddenly get beaten up?" Zhao Guifen's anger flared up even more seeing her cry.
Her husband wasn't dead yet, so what was the point of looking like she was mourning?
In the neighboring courtyard, Bai Xiuxiu stopped listening.
She thought she might learn the reason behind Wang Laoer's beating, but it seemed to be an unexpected incident.
Taking the children back inside, Bai Xiuxiu placed the grains and eggs from the cloth bag into her own box and then stored them in her space.
"Mama, did Grandma get angry again?" Yueyue asked curiously after being put on the bed.
Bai Xiuxiu looked at her daughter and then at her son, who was silent but seemed equally curious. She felt it was necessary to warn them about their neighbors.
"Yes, she got angry again. Mingming, Yueyue, remember, no matter where you see Grandma, don't get close to her, okay?"
"Okay." Yueyue nodded.
Mama had previously forbidden her and her brother from going out, so she was used to it.
"Good girl, Mama will get you some cookies to eat." Bai Xiuxiu's tone softened again.
After comforting the children, Bai Xiuxiu started packing things for the move.
Just as it was getting dark, the neighboring courtyard became lively.
Bai Xiuxiu sat on a stool at the doorway, satisfying her curiosity.
"Which heartless person beat my son like this?" Zhao Guifen cried and cursed as soon as she saw her son brought back by the team leader and Wang Shoucheng. Seeing Wang Qingfu's bruised face, she wailed even louder.
Beside her, Liu Xiaoe covered her mouth and cried, not daring to approach with her in-laws present.
"The case has been reported. Once we find the person who beat him, we'll inform you. Old Wang, you should also ask your second son if he offended anyone; it will help with the investigation," the team leader said sternly, handling the matter officially.
Thinking about this, Wang Shoucheng had some ulterior motives.
Since they couldn't find the culprit, maybe they could blame it on the eldest son?
Wang Qingfu also had his head down, thinking about the beating he received today. The person who hit him actually asked if he was Wang Qingqi and said that his wife had taken their money. He had taken the beating for Old Fifth, not knowing how much money Old Fifth's wife had taken.
Shouldn't that money be shared with the family?
"Move aside." Before he could figure out what to do, he suddenly heard a familiar voice from behind.
The Wang family glanced at the speaker—none other than Wang Qinghe.
He was carrying two pheasants in his hands, and there was something sizable in his basket on his back.
The sight made the whole family's eyes widen.
"You shouldn't be blocking the doorway. If you have something to discuss, go back inside and close the door," the team leader said coldly, seeing the way the Wang family looked at Wang Qinghe, as if they were about to swallow him whole.
Looking at Wang Qinghe, he couldn't help but sigh.
The eldest son of the Wang family is truly skilled at getting things done and can even bring back some game from the mountains to supplement the household.
Why does the Wang family treat him so poorly?
Wang Qinghe greeted the team leader before heading back to his own home.
The team leader pretended not to see it; in this village, everyone lived near these vast mountains. Occasionally, someone with skill would bring back some game, and he would turn a blind eye.
As long as it wasn't something excessive like dragging a wild boar, he would let it slide.
At this moment, the Wang family's eyes and minds were fixated on the game in Wang Qinghe's hands.
Wang Shoucheng was so angry he wanted to rush over and snatch the game away. Weren't the animals in the mountains supposed to be scarce? Weren't they supposed to be hard to catch?
Then what was that in the eldest's hands now?
Chapter 133
Bai Xiuxiu heard Wang Qinghe's voice and put away the small stool. Before she could go out to meet him, Wang Qinghe had already returned.
Seeing his wife, Wang Qinghe worriedly and tenderly said, "It's so cold outside, why didn't you go back inside?"
"I'm not cold, and besides..." Bai Xiuxiu pointed at the neighboring house; she wanted to watch the commotion.
Wang Qinghe had just come back from the mountains and didn't know what was happening next door, so he took his wife back inside to hear her explanation.
Next door.
As soon as Wang Qinghe left, Wang Qingqi couldn't help shouting loudly, "Dad! Could it be that everything Big Brother told us before was a lie? We can't let this slide; we need to get an explanation from him." Wang Qingqi stared intently at the wall between the two courtyards, wishing he could jump over and see what was going on in their house.
Wang Shoucheng was already feeling bad, and hearing his son's hurtful words, he gave him no good face and retorted, "An explanation? What explanation do you want? Hunting is about luck; if he says he couldn't catch anything today but got lucky tomorrow, what explanation can you demand?
Don't you think we've already lost enough face recently?
They're quite strange, let's go inside first."
Wang Qingqi had been craving meat for the past few days, especially after going to the factory and seeing the meat in the canteen that he couldn't afford. This made him even more miserable.
If he hadn't seen it, he wouldn't have felt so bad about not having meat, but now that he could see it but not eat it, he couldn't help himself.
If they could share one of those wild chickens and make some chicken soup, it would be wonderful.
Before the family split, all of that used to be theirs.
"Old Fifth, come inside first; I have something to ask you," Wang Qingfu said with a sinister look. Thinking about how he had helped Old Fifth and ended up getting beaten, he wished he could hit back right away.
Not only did Old Fifth and his wife secretly make money behind their backs, but they also caused him to get beaten first?
"Ask me?" Wang Qingqi was puzzled. What could he possibly ask? It wasn't him who had someone beat up Second Brother, and if it was about selling ginseng, they went together, so it shouldn't be possible.
The whole family went inside, and Wang Shoucheng looked around, noticing that the third son's wife and the fifth son's wife were not there.
"Where are the others? Why haven't they come back yet?"
"They haven't returned yet. The third son's wife and the fifth son's wife went to the mountains with Fourth Sister-in-law from the fifth son's wife's family," Zhao Guifen said angrily, thinking that Zhao Cuihua was a lazy fool.
Even if the fifth son's wife wanted to bring her family along to share the benefits, she shouldn't have agreed.
What was she agreeing to?
Can't she tell who her own family is?
"We're back."
Outside, Zhao Cuihua's voice was loud and clear.
Before Zhao Guifen could scold her, Zhao Cuihua had already entered.
Compared to Zhao Cuihua's radiant appearance, Zhou Jiaojiao looked rather gloomy behind her.
"Mother, the wife of the fifth son is indeed fortunate, just look at this?" Zhao Cuihua displayed the rabbit she had inadvertently killed and a basket brimming with Astragalus membranaceus.
This year, the mountains were abundant with the yellow ginseng; the majority of their discoveries were of this kind.
Other herbs were rare, and with fewer items, they couldn't sell them for much.
Seeing the harvest, Zhao Guifen's first reaction was to look at the two daughters-in-law.
Based on past experience, someone always ended up being unlucky whenever they went out.
But this time, there wasn't anyone?
Chapter 134
What reason is there now to still be worried and scared?
Zhou Jiaojiao was worried and glanced at Zhao Guifen, only to find that her mother-in-law seemed completely unaware.
Zhao Guifen wasn't just unaware; she was even angrier than Wang Qingfu.
She looked at Zhou Jiaojiao and said, "Old Fifth's wife, what's going on? Both my sons say this has nothing to do with them. Is it you? Whose money did you take? Where is the money?"
Zhao Guifen's words shocked Zhou Jiaojiao.
Does this old lady know how to speak properly?
Money?
How dare she even ask?
"Mom, don't you remember this money?" Zhou Jiaojiao decided not to hide anything anymore and said while crying.
"What's going on here?" Wang Shoucheng felt something was amiss.
Is this related to his old woman too?
His old woman never did any good deeds; she only did foolish things.
"How would I know what money?" Zhao Guifen was puzzled.
Zhou Jiaojiao cried harder: "Mom, isn't this the money we found when we went to sell herbs in the county? At the time, I said it was some cloth strips, but it was actually money we picked up. I gave all of it to you then. I think this person must be after that money.
Qingqi and I always give everything we have to the family. How could we possibly hide anything?"
Zhou Jiaojiao's words made everyone stare at Zhao Guifen, who immediately turned pale: "How long ago was that? How could it be those few dozen dollars?"
"Mom, several dozen dollars can last a family for quite a while. Who wouldn't miss their money if someone took it?"
Zhao Cuihua started making sarcastic remarks, feeling equally speechless inside.
So, Zhou Jiaojiao picked up the money, and her mother-in-law took it, then forgot about it?
And now the aggrieved party beat up Second Brother?
What kind of situation is this?
Wang Shoucheng couldn't hide his displeasure either. Several dozen dollars...
He also remembered.
But how many days had passed since then?
"Dad, I never knew about Old Fifth's wife and Mom picking up money. If it weren't for this beating, would you have kept it hidden? What happened to being a family?" Wang Qingfu felt justified and began questioning them aggressively.
Zhao Guifen's eyes darted around.
Wang Shoucheng thought for a moment and found an excuse: "Second Son, unexpected wealth is someone else's luck. Your mother and Old Fifth's wife not sharing it isn't wrong. The money we earn together should be shared among the family.
Did you ever pick up money?
Old Fifth's wife was filial and gave all the money to your mother.
But no one expected something like this to happen.
As the second son, consider this as protecting your younger brother."
"Dad, I got beaten up like this..."
Wang Qingfu wasn't satisfied. He wanted at least half of the money!
"Old Fifth, Old Fifth's wife, your Second Brother suffered for you. How much money did you pick up?" Wang Shoucheng asked his youngest son and daughter-in-law.
"A total of over seventy dollars." Zhao Guifen pouted, blaming these few dollars for causing her second son to get beaten up.
"Let's call it seventy. I'll decide: give thirty dollars to your Second Brother. The rest, Old Woman, keep twenty, and give another twenty to Old Fifth and his wife. You can't keep it all yourself," Wang Shoucheng thought. With the family's already meager funds decreasing by another twenty, he felt even more unlucky.
"I understand." Zhao Guifen was unwilling.
The money was long gone. How much did they have left?
She took out the money, and although Wang Qingfu was still somewhat dissatisfied, he knew when to stop.
However, he still harbored resentment towards Old Fifth and his wife.
"We're a family; we can get through anything. Second Son, Fifth Son, how much did you make from selling ginseng today?"
After dealing with this mess, Wang Shoucheng asked a more important question.
"Two hundred and thirty dollars. They said the quality wasn't great." Wang Qingqi took out the money.
Wang Shoucheng directly took one hundred and thirty dollars: "We still need to repay the money to that ungrateful eldest son. Keep one hundred and thirty with me, and the remaining one hundred will be divided into five parts. Old Woman, you cook today."
Wang Shoucheng looked at his second son's injuries and thought his second daughter-in-law should take care of him first.
The potential conflict within the family was temporarily quelled by Wang Shoucheng.
Zhao Cuihua took her share of twenty dollars and decided to tell her sister-in-law about this juicy gossip later, hoping to get some good food in return.
Bai Xiuxiu and Wang Qinghe were unaware of the situation next door. Their family of four had dinner and then started working.
In addition to the rabbits and wild chickens, Wang Qinghe brought back a wild goat.
This thing isn't often encountered, and it's even rarer to catch one.
It runs fast and is highly alert.
In the mountains, Wang Qinghe was afraid of attracting wild beasts, so he could only handle it once he brought it back.
Bai Xiuxiu pulled the curtain shut on the children's side so they wouldn't get scared.
After cleaning up and tidying the house, it was already late.
The family washed up and went to bed early.
The next morning, Bai Xiuxiu woke up early to the aroma of chicken soup filling the house; she had been woken by her craving for it.
In the courtyard, Wang Qinghe was neatly arranging firewood.
Bai Xiuxiu got up, kissed the sleeping children, and went outside.
At the courtyard gate, Zhao Cuihua had been waiting for a while. Seeing Bai Xiuxiu, she quickly waved from the entrance: "Sister-in-law!"
She kept her voice low, afraid that someone in her own yard might hear.
Last night, she wanted to share the big news, but her husband talked nonstop about family matters, and the yard was lively, making it impossible to leave.
So she had to wait until today.
Taking advantage of Liu Xiaoe cooking, she hurried over to talk.
Bai Xiuxiu gestured for her to come closer.
Zhao Cuihua then entered the courtyard.
"Sister-in-law, yesterday Old Fifth and his wife, and Second Brother..."
"Let's talk inside." Bai Xiuxiu also wanted to ask Zhao Cuihua about the situation, as knowing both sides would help make their lives even worse.
Zhao Cuihua quickly followed her into the house.
Upon entering, seeing the children still asleep and smelling the chicken soup, Zhao Cuihua's eyes turned envious; her sister-in-law's life seemed too good.
Swallowing her saliva, she quickly got to the point: "Sister-in-law, Second Brother was beaten because of Zhou Jiaojiao picking up money! Zhou Jiaojiao didn't find any scraps; she picked up money.
She picked up someone else's money and made them hate her.
They were supposed to beat Old Fifth and her, but ended up beating Second Brother."
Picked up money?
Bai Xiuxiu remembered; Zhou Jiaojiao had tried to trick her into going back there to pin the blame on her for picking up the money.
"Third Sister-in-law? Third Sister-in-law?"
A voice called out from outside.
Chapter 135
Zhao Guifen's angry shouts carried over the wall and into this courtyard.
Zhao Cuihua, who was talking inside the house, heard the shouts faintly and was startled. "Oh no, they're calling me over there. I think it's time for dinner. Sister-in-law, I'll come back later to discuss this with you in detail. I need to go now."
With that, Zhao Cuihua rushed out hurriedly.
However, before leaving the gate, she looked around to make sure no one had seen her there, then darted away.
Back at her own courtyard, Zhao Guifen stood holding a large basin, her eyes sharp.
Seeing her third daughter-in-law return, she tossed the basin to her. "Where did you go so early in the morning?"
"Mom, I just went out for a walk since breakfast wasn't ready yet. What's going on?" Zhao Guifen looked at the basin, not understanding what the old lady meant.
Zhao Guifen snorted. "The fifth daughter-in-law said we need to soak some glutinous rice. Go to the storage room and get the rice out to soak. If you delay this, don't blame me for not giving you any money later."
"Such a big basin?" Zhao Cuihua was stunned. How much glutinous rice did they have at home?
This year, the village hadn't planted any, and they only had a few pounds left, reserved for the New Year.
Using such a large basin, it probably wouldn't even fill the bottom. Was the old lady looking for trouble?
"What are you complaining about? I've already sent the fourth son to trade with others. Once he gets it back, soak it all. If it's not enough, we might have to use food coupons to buy more from the supply store," Zhao Guifen said in a low voice, glaring at Zhao Cuihua.
This third daughter-in-law really meddles too much.
"I understand. I'll go do it right away." Zhao Cuihua felt scared. Was this family going crazy?
Using so much glutinous rice, how much food were they planning to make?
Was Zhou Jiaojiao's talk about a found recipe reliable?
If they couldn't sell it, wouldn't the whole family be in trouble?
For the first time, Zhao Cuihua began to doubt her decision. No, she needed to watch closely. If this family was really going to ruin themselves, she couldn't follow them down that path.
She would take her son and husband and separate from them.
In Bai Xiuxiu's courtyard, the family had finished their breakfast.
Wang Qinghe sent his wife and children to the brigade and quickly left.
At the brigade, it was bustling with activity. The supply store had delivered everything, and the brigade members were sorting and counting the items.
They planned to distribute them after finishing, allowing villagers to choose what they needed.
It was still early, and Chen Jinhua and the others had just started working. Seeing Bai Xiuxiu arrive with her children, Chen Jinhua called out to her, "Xiuxiu, leave your children here and come help us."
"Okay, I'm coming." Bai Xiuxiu placed the two children inside the house.
"Mommy…" Yueyue looked outside longingly, wanting to follow.
Mingming, as usual, remained silent.
"It's cold outside. Stay inside and don't go out," Bai Xiuxiu refused her daughter's pleading gaze.
After closing the door, she joined them to help.
By the time they finished sorting everything, it was almost noon, and everyone got a chance to rest.
Chen Jinhua poured hot water for the women in the Women's Federation room. "Drink some hot water to warm up. This is the busiest time for our brigade. Once we finish distributing everything, there won't be much work left. The brigade leader promised to give each of us two enamel cups for our efforts these past two days."
Chen Jinhua spoke with anticipation.
These cups were hard-won; they managed to secure thirty extra ones for the village.
Besides distributing them among the brigade members, the remaining cups would be given to those who performed well during spring work, as model workers.
Hearing about the rewards, everyone felt less tired.
Chen Jinhua sat next to Bai Xiuxiu. "Xiuxiu, did the Wang family cause any trouble yesterday? Did they bother you again? If they do, come directly to Uncle Chen. You've already separated from them, so don't get involved in their affairs.
Yesterday, Uncle Chen told me what happened. They probably know what's going on themselves.
Otherwise, with Wang Laoer's never-losing attitude, he wouldn't have stayed quiet."
Chen Jinhua had no good feelings towards the Wang family.
She was worried that they might harass the newly separated couple.
Bai Xiuxiu accepted the hot water, touched by Aunt Jinhua's concern. "Auntie, don't worry. They didn't bother us. They were busy with their own issues yesterday and had no time for us. And if they did, we wouldn't let them get away with it like before."
"That's good. Your husband is kind and honest. I was afraid you wouldn't stand up to that family and end up getting bullied."
Liu Xiaohui and Miaomiao initially listened in confusion but finally understood that Xiuxiu had successfully separated from the family.
That meant better days were ahead.
Although it wasn't encouraged for families to live separately, few dared to do so in the village.
Most followed their parents' wishes.
Being able to live independently meant they could make their own decisions.
Liu Xiaohui looked at Bai Xiuxiu with envy.
"Xiuxiu Jiejie." Outside, a young girl entered the room. She appeared to be in her early twenties, lively and energetic, with two braids.
As soon as she came in, she headed straight for Bai Xiuxiu.
"Isn't that Zhao Xiaoru?" Chen Jinhua was surprised to see her. Why did this young girl come here?
And to look for Xiuxiu?
Zhao Xiaoru is the daughter of the carpenter from the east side of the village. After finishing junior high school, she started working at the commune and rarely visited the village. Last year, she got married and moved to the county, where her in-laws found her a job.
Many people in the village haven't even seen her since then.
Zhao Xiaoru nodded and greeted Chen Jinhua before approaching Bai Xiuxiu. "Xiuxiu Jiejie, I have something to discuss with you. Can we talk outside?"
Bai Xiuxiu wasn't familiar with Zhao Xiaoru, but she knew about her in-laws. She had married into a family surnamed Gao, and her husband was close friends with Xiao Zhang.
She must be here because of Xiao Zhang?
"Let's talk in the courtyard," Zhao Xiaoru suggested, seeing that Bai Xiuxiu didn't respond, assuming she didn't want to go out with someone she didn't know well.
Bai Xiuxiu thought for a moment and agreed. "Sure."
The two left the house, and Zhao Xiaoru led her to a spot near the entrance of the village committee, where no one was passing by at the moment.
"Xiuxiu Jiejie, it was Brother Zhang who asked me to deliver a message for him. He came to the village earlier, and I was visiting my mother back home. We happened to be on the same route, but when he arrived at your place, no one was there.
He had urgent matters to attend to and was worried that coming to find you would draw too much attention.
So, he asked me to pass on a few words to you."
Chapter 136
"Thanks for your trouble. What did Xiao Zhang say?" Bai Xiuxiu finally started to believe it.
Zhao Xiaoru's voice was even softer: "Brother Zhang said that the matter you entrusted him with has been taken care of. You can go to the canning factory early tomorrow morning. The rest, he will take care of once you get there. Oh, right, there's also a note Brother Zhang wrote just now."
Zhao Xiaoru handed the note to Bai Xiuxiu.
"Thank you. When I get home later, come over for dinner." Bai Xiuxiu put away the note and thanked Zhao Xiaoru.
"No need. Brother Zhang and my husband are friends; it's no big deal. Sister Xiuxiu, I'll be off now. If anything comes up, let me know." With that, Zhao Xiaoru left.
Bai Xiuxiu glanced at the note, which read: 300.
This must be the price for working at the county's canning factory.
For more details, she would have to ask Xiao Zhang tomorrow.
The county's canning factory is famous in the city, which is why they opened a branch in the commune.
Being able to work at the county's canning factory for this price is indeed a good deal.
Bai Xiuxiu put away the note and went back inside.
"Xiuxiu, is something the matter?" Chen Jinhua asked worriedly.
"Nothing. I met her a few days ago when I went to the county. She said she was coming back, so I told her I'd take her mushroom picking in the mountains when she returned. Now that she's back, I thought we could make plans." Bai Xiuxiu made up an excuse.
"I thought it was something serious. It's good that it's nothing. But you shouldn't go mushroom picking now; it's already late afternoon. Besides, the season for mushrooms is over." Chen Jinhua sighed in relief, thinking the Wang family might have caused some trouble for Xiuxiu.
"You're right; we'll have to wait until next year."
Bai Xiuxiu responded casually.
As soon as it got dark, the team finished work, and Bai Xiuxiu took the two children out. At the gate, they ran into Wang Qinghe, who had returned early.
"Well, I was going to see you off, but your husband is here to pick you up. Go home quickly." Chen Jinhua handed the children to Bai Xiuxiu and turned to leave with a smile.
This couple truly had a good relationship. He always came to pick her up whenever he could.
Wang Qinghe carried the children and looked at his wife. "Shall we go home? I've already lit the stove. I'll start cooking when we get there."
"Okay!" Bai Xiuxiu followed him back.
On the way, she told him about Xiao Zhang.
Upon hearing this, Wang Qinghe was somewhat surprised. "Xiao Zhang works fast. I'll go check it out tomorrow."
"I'll pack things at home. If everything goes well, we'll move." Bai Xiuxiu originally wanted to go along, but if she did, she'd have to bring the children, who were already exhausted from all the running around recently.
It would be better to let them rest in the village for now.
"Alright, I'll borrow a cart from the team when we move." Wang Qinghe felt sorry for his wife and children; Xiuxiu had lost weight recently.
The couple chatted happily on their way home.
Compared to their relaxed atmosphere, the Wang family was not feeling so easy.
In the room, Wang Shoucheng looked at the injured Wang Qingfu and the equally beaten-up Wang Qingqi, wishing he could kick each one of them.
"How could you two come back like this? They beat you once, but why again?"
Wang Shoucheng was both heartbroken and angry. How could those people be so excessive?
Wang Qingqi, upon hearing this, felt extremely wronged. "Dad, it's all Second Brother's fault. We agreed that I would go to the black market to pick up my wife after work, but Second Brother insisted on coming along. I told him it's better not to go with too many people.
He didn't listen. As soon as we went out, the people who beat him yesterday recognized him.
They were waiting for us on the road.
They found out where Second Brother worked and were lying in wait near the factory!"
"Your Second Brother got beaten because of you, understandable. But what about you?" Wang Shoucheng looked at the bruised face of Wang Qingqi.
"Second Brother pointed at me when he saw them, saying they had mistaken someone else before. So they beat both of us."
Wang Qingqi's resentment towards Wang Qingfu deepened when he mentioned this.
Why couldn't he take the beating alone?
Why drag him into it?
No one spoke in the room.
Zhao Cuihua tried hard not to laugh, knowing that if she did, the whole family's anger would be directed at her.
Wang Shoucheng was so angry he was trembling.
He sat down on a stool to calm himself.
"You two are useless! Couldn't you fight back? If this keeps happening, how will you ever leave the village? Will you even be able to work? They beat you outside now, but what about in the future?" Wang Shoucheng nearly shouted hoarsely.
Wang Qingqi lowered his head and remained silent.
Wang Qingfu had lost a tooth this time and was seething with anger.
But the thought of possibly losing his job scared him.
For this job, the family has paid too high a price.
They can't lose the job!
"Dad, why don't we return the money to them? When they beat us today, they asked where the money had gone. They also said... it was a total of two hundred yuan. Dad, did Old Fifth's wife and Mom really only pick up seventy or so?"
Wang Qingfu grew suspicious.
Upon hearing this, Wang Shoucheng immediately looked at Zhao Guifen.
Zhao Guifen hurriedly assured them, "Really, that's all we got. Could I deceive others, but deceive you? Old Fifth's wife hasn't returned yet, but when she does, you can ask her. We really only picked up that much!"
"Enough, no need to ask further. This is their attempt to extort money. We have to find a way to deal with it, otherwise, this matter won't end."
Wang Shoucheng didn't want to offend those people, considering they would be living in the county in the future.
"Mom and Dad, Second Brother and Old Fifth came back, but what about Old Fifth's wife? How will she manage on her own?" As the family stewed in silence, Chen Fang brought up a new concern that jolted everyone awake.
Right.
They both came back, but what about Zhou Jiaojiao?
Who will bring her back?
At this hour?
"Bad! My wife!" Wang Qingqi immediately rushed out.
"Third and Fourth, you two follow him, don't let him get beaten again!" Seeing his youngest son go alone, Wang Shoucheng quickly instructed the other two to accompany him.
On the road from the county to the commune.
Zhou Jiaojiao walked back with a grim face, carrying a basket.
She felt extremely wronged. For whose sake was she doing this?
And yet, Wang Qingqi, that ungrateful man, hadn't come to fetch her?
Beside Zhou Jiaojiao, a man glanced at her, harboring some ulterior motives: "Jiaojiao, not to speak ill of anyone, but your husband isn't much, letting you return home alone at this hour.
By the way, regarding what you told me last time, I've agreed. It's just about kidnapping a couple of kids; I'll help you."
"Don't worry, Big Brother Hu, I won't treat you unfairly for this." Zhou Jiaojiao was secretly elated.
"Jiaojiao? Is that you, Jiaojiao?"
In the night, Wang Qingqi's voice echoed from the direction of the commune.
Zhou Jiaojiao thanked the man beside her and hurried over to Wang Qingqi, immediately taking the offensive: "Why did you take so long to come?"
Chapter 137
Wang Qingqi was already feeling guilty, and Zhou Jiaojiao's question made him stutter: "I, I..."
"Old Fifth, why did you run so fast? What happened?" Behind them, Wang Laosan and Wang Laosi also caught up.
The three brothers had been walking fine when Old Fifth suddenly dashed off, forcing them to follow.
"There's nothing, nothing at all." Wang Qingqi glanced at the figure heading towards the county.
He muttered to himself, then looked at Zhou Jiaojiao, planning to ask her again later.
If there really was something, his Third and Fourth Brothers would know, and he would lose face.
Seeing Wang Qingqi's reaction, Zhou Jiaojiao knew he had seen something. But she wasn't worried; after all, she and Brother Hu were upright and honest!
"You said you'd pick me up from the black market today, but you didn't show up. The market closed, and I was left there alone, feeling like dying. If I hadn't bumped into an old classmate who kindly gave me a ride back, I might still be waiting there.
I risked my life for our family, and you have no conscience at all?
How could you forget about me?"
Zhou Jiaojiao questioned Wang Qingqi while crying.
Her tears washed away Wang Qingqi's suspicions. It was true; if there was anything between her and someone else, she wouldn't have mentioned it herself.
Moreover, on the way home, they wouldn't dare to be seen together, let alone give her a ride back.
Thinking this, Wang Qingqi felt even more guilty.
"Jiaojiao, it was an accident. Second Brother and I got beaten up today, so..." Wang Qingqi pointed to his face.
It was pitch dark, and one couldn't see the injuries on his face clearly. Zhou Jiaojiao hadn't noticed at first, but now she saw that he had indeed been beaten.
After Wang Qingqi explained what the attackers wanted, Zhou Jiaojiao became even more frustrated.
Why were the Wangs always so unlucky?
Even with good luck, she couldn't carry such a bunch of unfortunate people.
But she was already married, and divorce was not an option.
Zhou Jiaojiao had absolute reasons not to divorce Wang Qingqi, so she put aside other thoughts and tried another approach.
"You said... can we pin this on Big Brother? They just want money, right? Big Brother and Sister-in-Law took so much money when they separated from us. If they heard about this, they might even beat up Big Brother."
Thinking about Wang Qinghe getting beaten up and Bai Xiuxiu crying, Zhou Jiaojiao felt happy.
Why should only her husband get beaten up?
"Big Brother?"
Wang Qingqi thought about Wang Qinghe's brute strength and felt scared: "That's unlikely. Those guys combined probably couldn't take on Big Brother alone. You don't know..."
"Can't they think of other ways? It's not the theft that worries me, but their intentions. They can make Big Brother and Sister-in-Law miserable. Why should they live comfortably with our money? Besides, whether it's Big Brother and Sister-in-Law being uncomfortable or those who beat you getting beaten, it's all to our benefit.
Let them fight each other!"
Zhou Jiaojiao grew increasingly agitated.
"I think we should discuss this with Father when we get home," Wang Laosan said, seeing his sister-in-law's enthusiasm. He thought they were going crazy.
How could they even consider this?
And why didn't they learn from past experiences? How could they still covet Big Brother and Sister-in-Law's things after being tricked by them?
"That's right, let's talk about it at home," Wang Laosi quickly agreed.
This idea was terrifying. If it failed, they might anger the attackers further, which would be disastrous.
Seeing the three of them acting so timid, Zhou Jiaojiao sneered inwardly.
A bunch of useless people.
Zhou Jiaojiao followed them back to the Wang household, where the Wangs looked at her as if she were gold.
"Old Fifth's wife, how did your trip go today?"
Zhao Guifen controlled her tone, trying to sound gentle.
Everyone else also looked at her expectantly.
Feeling a bit proud under their gaze, Zhou Jiaojiao said, "My old classmate has some influence in the black market. He said we can sell our goods there anytime. He thinks highly of the items I brought, and if we're willing to give him ten percent, he'll help us resolve any issues in the black market.
Everything I brought sold today, earning over twenty yuan."
Zhou Jiaojiao then took out the money.
The sight of the money made everyone envious, as she had used sweet potatoes and a bit of glutinous rice flour, which cost very little.
No wonder everyone wanted to do business; it was so profitable.
"If only our glutinous rice had been soaked properly, I could have made more varieties and earned even more." Zhou Jiaojiao was quite proud of her skills, which not everyone possessed.
She had had this recipe for a long time but never shared it with her family. If she had, her mother would likely have given it to her other siblings and their spouses.
Where could there be such benefits now?
Besides, they are timid; it would be a waste to tell them.
Moreover, she had heard that if a family's daughter can work hard, the relatives keep her at home and don't let her get married.
She wasn't that foolish!
"Alright, alright. Our Old Fifth has married a good wife. Jiaojiao, from now on, all the grain in our family, except for what we need for daily consumption, will be under your management. You decide what to do with it! Your sisters-in-law will assist you.
However, we need to handle this matter discreetly.
Old Third and Old Fourth, you two should go to other counties to buy some grain. Yunjiu's novel
Now that the grain has just been distributed, many families might secretly sell their grain. Buying within our county would be too conspicuous, so you should go to other counties."
Wang Shoucheng, looking at the money Zhou Jiaojiao brought back today, felt a burning desire inside.
It was only the first day, and they hadn't made much yet. The cost of this business is low. If they could continue earning like this, what kind of life would they lead?
Although everyone says the black market is dangerous, no one has really suffered any consequences over the years.
Why shouldn't their family participate?
Zhou Jiaojiao, having gained control, was also extremely happy: "Thank you, Dad."
Alright, we'll keep half of today's earnings, and the rest will be divided among you.
Two yuan per family. Don't complain about the amount being small. Go around the county and ask how much a worker earns in a month?
About twenty yuan a month!
If you can get two yuan every day, you should be secretly delighted.
In our village, this year was a good harvest. Look at previous years?
One year, our whole family only got how much?
This year, look at the villages in other counties that didn't have a good harvest. They barely get two hundred yuan per family in a year!
Seeing that the family didn't seem to care much about the two yuan, Wang Shoucheng became instantly wary.
Chapter 138
In the past, when the eldest brother hunted, the income he brought home was different from that of other families in the village.
Now, Old Fifth's wife's good luck has also brought more income to the family, causing them to look down on these two yuan. He had to remind this family; otherwise, they would be difficult to manage in the future.
Wang Shoucheng's words also made everyone else in the family suddenly sober up.
Indeed, it's not a small amount.
Zhao Cuihua silently listened to her father-in-law and put away the money, with a thousand complaints in her heart.
Talking sounds better than singing, but is it really the same thing?
Before the eldest brother separated from the family, their earnings came from hunting in the mountains, which was tacitly accepted by the village.
Although the eldest brother didn't sell at the black market, his parents would have others handle it.
Through the uncle's connections, the goods were sold to factories.
There wouldn't be any trouble!
But now, can this work? This is going to the black market.
If caught, the whole family would suffer.
However, regardless of how the money was earned, it was still money, and as long as it was money, it was fine.
She would save enough money and then separate from the family.
Everyone else also had their own thoughts and took the money back.
After taking the money, Zhao Cuihua thought for a moment and secretly went to find Bai Xiuxiu when no one was around.
When she arrived, Bai Xiuxiu was sewing clothes for the children for the New Year, while Wang Qinghe was just finishing cleaning the prey he had hunted today.
Hearing the knock on the door, Bai Xiuxiu put the prepared meat into her space.
Only then did Wang Qinghe go to open the door.
As soon as Zhao Cuihua entered the house, she felt a warm sensation.
The stove in the eldest brother and sister-in-law's house was burning brightly, warming her entire body. Zhao Cuihua immediately wanted to go home and scold her husband.
Both are men; why can the eldest brother hunt and chop wood, yet he does nothing?
A few days ago, he could say he was helping expand the house, but now that the house is done for Second Brother, he's still slacking off!
"Come in and sit?" Bai Xiuxiu saw her standing at the door and invited her in.
After all, she hadn't finished the gossip from earlier.
Zhao Cuihua then came in.
After adding more firewood to the stove, Wang Qinghe went out.
Inside the house, only Bai Xiuxiu and the two sleeping children who were tired from playing remained.
Zhao Cuihua sat next to Zhou Jiaojiao: "Sister-in-law, today, Second Brother and Old Fifth got beaten again."
Beaten again?
Bai Xiuxiu couldn't help but laugh out loud.
It seems the other party wants to get back the money they found and extort some more.
However, they might be in for bad luck.
If Zhou Jiaojiao owed someone, and they wanted it back, they might not be unlucky. But if someone tried to take from Zhou Jiaojiao, they would certainly be unlucky!
"They want two hundred yuan, and Father agreed," Zhao Cuihua said, though she didn't mention the black market business.
She came here to get some benefits from Bai Xiuxiu, share a bit of gossip, and if possible, get some favors. Even if there were no favors, maybe in the future, if Sister-in-law and Eldest Brother lived well, they might help her.
Agreed?
Bai Xiuxiu was even more surprised. It seemed the Old Wang family didn't want any trouble recently.
Unfortunately, it was a dream.
Seeing Zhao Cuihua looking at her expectantly, Bai Xiuxiu understood her intentions.
She grabbed three handfuls of sunflower seeds that Wang Qinghe had brought back: "These are freshly roasted this year. Want to try some?"
Zhao Cuihua quickly stuffed them into her clothes, feeling she had come to the right place.
Although sunflower seeds weren't worth much, free things were always welcome.
Besides, she still had something to say.
"Sister-in-law, you must take care of the children. I heard the parents still resent your decision to separate and have talked several times about kidnapping your children for money. It's scary to hear."
Bai Xiuxiu had already guessed this, but hearing it confirmed made her hate those two old ones even more.
"Thank you for the warning." Bai Xiuxiu thought for a moment and gave Zhao Cuihua the rabbit Wang Qinghe had prepared to stew tomorrow.
"You haven't separated from the family yet, and you're willing to tell me these things. I appreciate it. This rabbit is already cleaned. Find a way to cook it secretly in your room. If there are more such matters, just let me know, and I won't forget your kindness."
Bai Xiuxiu didn't beat around the bush.
Zhao Cuihua was a person who prioritized her own interests, so with enough incentives, she could always manage to get some information about the Wang family from her.
"This... This is too much, I feel embarrassed."
Despite her words, Zhao Cuihua naturally accepted the items.
She didn't say much more to Bai Xiuxiu but chatted idly for a bit before leaving quickly.
If her mother-in-law saw her come over, there was no telling what kind of scene it would cause.
After Zhao Cuihua left, when Wang Qinghe returned, Bai Xiuxiu told him what had happened.
Wang Qinghe frowned, and his handsome eyes showed a colder expression than usual.
It made one feel a bit intimidated.
"The water is warm. Let's wash up and go to bed." Wang Qinghe didn't mention the matter again but instead brought water for his wife to wash up.
In his mind, he silently counted the factories where Wang Laoer and Old Fifth worked, as well as the factory where Zhou Jiaojiao's family members worked.
The next morning, Wang Qinghe went to the county early to meet Xiao Zhang as agreed.
Bai Xiuxiu stayed home to pack things up.
She had taken leave from the Women's Federation with Chen Jinhua.
By the time she finished packing, it was already noon.
Sitting on the kang, Bai Xiuxiu opened the space in her bracelet. The water screen displayed that the ginseng had matured, along with several batches of astragalus.
There were so many batches of astragalus that her storage space was almost full, so she could only wait until they moved to harvest them.
As for the ginseng, the longer it grew here, the better.
There was no need to worry about it.
Wang Qinghe didn't return until late afternoon, just as the sun was setting.
Seeing his relaxed demeanor, Bai Xiuxiu guessed that things had gone well.
Wang Qinghe entered the house, hugged his wife, and kissed her. "My dear, it's done. For now, I'll be working at the canning factory doing loading and unloading. The work isn't heavy, and the shifts end early. It pays twenty-seven yuan and fifty fen per month, and we can move tomorrow."
Bai Xiuxiu was also happy.
However, the physical labor worried her a bit.
"Don't worry, I'm strong, and this job won't tire me out. Plus, I can travel with the factory's truck to carry things around, which will benefit us." Wang Qinghe reassured her.
Bai Xiuxiu felt a pang of sorrow, yet she was aware of the challenge in securing a formal position in the county, particularly for someone like Wang Qinghe, who had limited education. Attaining this job was already a significant accomplishment, facilitated by networking.
"You don't have to strive too hard at this factory. You mustn't exhaust yourself trying to impress others." Bai Xiuxiu instructed the man in front of her.
Hearing this, Wang Qinghe felt as satisfied as if he had eaten a big meal of red-braised pork.
"I'll do as you say, my dear. Shall we go to sleep? We have to move tomorrow. By the way, Xiao Zhang said today... A friend of his brother from the provincial city came to visit us."
Chapter 139
"Friends from the provincial capital?" Hearing the mention of the provincial capital, Bai Xiuxiu was reminded of Wang Qinghe's unknown biological parents.
"Hmm, according to Xiao Zhang, they were entrusted by someone to come here and look for someone," Wang Qinghe said while cooking, addressing his wife.
Bai Xiuxiu perked up. "Could it be that they're looking for you?"
Wang Qinghe didn't particularly care whether they were looking for him; he would proceed according to his own plans.
"If they are, would you go back with them?" Bai Xiuxiu looked at her husband, curious.
This matter was beyond her ability to predict.
After all, nothing like this had happened in her previous life.
She couldn't be sure what lay ahead.
Wang Qinghe tossed the last piece of wood into the stove and gazed tenderly at his wife and the two children playing on the bed. "We'll live our own lives. If they really come looking, I'll only accept benefits, not risks.
I have no familial ties with them, and we've never even met.
Even if we meet in the future, who knows how it will turn out?
I don't even know if they have other children.
Xiuxiu, we'll just live our own lives."
There was a hint of pleading in Wang Qinghe's tone.
Bai Xiuxiu understood his meaning—perhaps he feared she might want him to recognize his biological parents?
After all, Wang Qinghe never refused her requests.
Thinking about it, Bai Xiuxiu echoed him: "I'll follow your lead on this. I don't think recognizing them would make our lives much better than they are now. I'm content with our current life. As long as we're together with our two children, we can still have a good life."
Wang Qinghe realized that his wife was speaking very wisely today.
He was so pleased he didn't know how to respond.
That evening, Wang Qinghe stewed a rabbit he had caught the day before and made an egg drop soup. The aroma of steamed rice filled the house.
In the neighboring courtyard, Zhou Jiaojiao watched with a dark expression as her family took half of the forty yuan she had brought home today, leaving her with twenty, which amounted to four yuan per person.
She had worked hard all day and only got four yuan!
"Alright, let's eat. We'll have something nice today. Second daughter-in-law, steam some rice and fry some eggs," Wang Shoucheng felt quite generous.
Liu Xiaoe, who was named, resignedly went to cook, her heart full of unspoken grievances.
As she left, Liu Xiaoe touched her belly, wondering why she hadn't conceived yet.
When would she have a son?
"Dad, Mom, we're back." Outside, Wang Qingqi and Wang Qingfu stumbled in.
Zhou Jiaojiao had returned early today, and when they entered the room, she was shocked.
The two men, already bruised from their earlier beating, looked even worse now.
Her husband's face was swollen like a pig's head.
"What happened to you two?" Wang Shoucheng was furious upon seeing his sons beaten again.
"Those people, we told them we'd give them money, but they insisted we were lying to avoid getting beaten. They said they'd hit us every day until we paid," Wang Qingqi said, feeling bitter. When had he ever endured such treatment?
Before the eldest brother moved out, whenever anyone in the family was bullied, the eldest brother would take care of it.
Wang Qingfu was in too much pain to speak.
He truly blamed Old Fifth for his misfortune; he would settle this score with him.
Wang Shoucheng also felt a surge of anger: "Fine, give them the money, but tell them that if they keep hitting you, even a rabbit will bite when cornered. If they won't let you live, you won't let them live either.
The case isn't closed yet. Even if we can't live like this anymore, we can't let them continue to beat you.
Tell them that.
They assume we won't risk losing our jobs, but we need to be more assertive.
Once they get the money, they won't want to escalate things further."
Wang Shoucheng was ready to fight back; the family had been too unlucky lately.
"Will it work?" Wang Qingqi, beaten and scared, lacked courage.
"Why wouldn't it? Dad, I'll go with Second Brother and my husband. The person helping us in the black market is an old classmate of mine, and he has some influence now," Zhou Jiaojiao thought that if she handed over the money herself, those people might suffer.
Anyone trying to cheat her wouldn't get away easily!
"Fine, then Old Fifth's wife, you go with them. Third daughter-in-law, go to the Zhangs' and bring Old Man Zhang here to treat Second Brother and Old Fifth," Wang Shoucheng called out to Zhao Cuihua.
Zhao Cuihua, who had been enjoying the drama, was unhappy at being summoned.
Old Fifth's wife wasn't crippled; why couldn't she go instead?
However, no matter how unwilling she was, she only complained in her heart, as she still had her eyes on Zhou Jiaojiao's money.
After all, she had just taken four yuan from her; she couldn't turn around and deny it now.
Once everyone had left, Wang Shoucheng glanced at his wife.
"Old woman, is the person you mentioned today reliable?" Wang Shoucheng pondered that the matter of abducting the children needed to be handled immediately.
The eldest couple was becoming increasingly vigilant.
"Don't worry. I've asked my brother-in-law for help, and he said he would find someone in the county. It's very reliable. When the time comes, neither of those two brats will be able to come back, and we'll get the money too. We can split it evenly with them, and it'll be very secure."
Zhao Guifen spoke with excitement.
The eldest son and his wife were thorns in her side.
Every time she saw the eldest, she was reminded of what she and her husband had done years ago, and she felt afraid.
As the eldest grew up, her fear only increased.
Later, when the eldest got married, his wife was disobedient, which fueled Zhao Guifen's hatred for them to the point of boiling over.
As long as she could see them suffer, she would feel relieved.
Wang Shoucheng thought about having to give half the money away and felt pained.
But if they wanted to avoid getting implicated, there was no other way.
It would be best if something happened to the eldest and his wife, so the family wouldn't have to repay any money, and he wouldn't have to worry about anyone coming to look for the children or hold him accountable.
How wonderful would that be?
Unfortunately... it wasn't easy.
They would have to take it step by step.
Wang Shoucheng thought with some regret.
"Did they say when they would make their move?" Wang Shoucheng asked the most crucial question.
"They said they would act tomorrow. I've already told them that the people next door go to work at the brigade every day. The best time would be when they return from the brigade." Zhao Guifen spoke with excitement.
Wang Shoucheng also found this plan reliable.
"That's good. Once we get some money back, our lives won't be so hard. Every time I need money now, I feel scared." Speaking of this, Wang Shoucheng regretted giving the money to those two rascals from the provincial city.
Early in the morning.
The Wang family had just woken up, and Zhao Guifen had just called the second daughter-in-law to prepare breakfast when she saw a cart parked outside the neighboring courtyard, loaded with quite a few things.
Chapter 140
On the ox cart, bags of grain caught Zhao Guifen's eye, making her feel uneasy.
Why would the eldest move all the grain out?
Zhao Guifen immediately ran out and saw Wang Qinghe loading boxes onto the cart, accompanied by two young men she didn't recognize.
Zhao Guifen couldn't keep calm: "Eldest, what are you doing?"
Wang Qinghe, being pulled, had to turn and look at her before silently moving away from Zhao Guifen.
Bai Xiuxiu led the two children out and saw Zhao Guifen's hungry expression.
"Isn't it obvious? We're moving," Bai Xiuxiu said, placing the children on the ox cart and sitting down herself.
Their important belongings were all on this cart; the next one would carry furniture.
They could get Xiao Zhang to help them move the rest.
Zhao Guifen was truly furious and grabbed Bai Xiuxiu: "No, you can't leave. Where are you moving to? Do you even have a house?"
Bai Xiuxiu shook her off: "Mom, we've already separated households. I'm moving with my husband. Are you going to interfere? I've never heard of such a thing. Qinghe, let's go quickly; we still need to tidy up our new place."
"A new place? When did you buy a new house?"
Zhao Guifen felt like she was in a dream.
How did they secretly buy a house without her knowing?
"We bought the house right after separating households. Any other business? If not, please move aside." Wang Qinghe frowned, then started driving the cart away.
Zhao Guifen chased a few steps but Bai Xiuxiu and Wang Qinghe didn't wait for her, almost causing her to fall.
She got up, her face dark, and ran to the eldest son's courtyard, where she found those two young men moving furniture.
"Who are you? Where are they moving? You can't touch anything; these are my son's things, and I say what happens." Zhao Guifen started causing trouble.
The two young men looked at each other.
The younger one sneered: "Auntie, why are you so troublesome? We don't know anything; we're just helping. Move aside, don't delay us. We need to deliver this to the county."
He then dragged Zhao Guifen out of the courtyard.
The ox cart was borrowed from the team leader for one yuan per trip, totaling two yuan for two carts.
With Zhao Guifen's commotion, the neighbors also heard the noise.
Wang Shoucheng arrived late, seeing his wife sitting at the gate cursing, confused: "What's happening?"
"Bad news, they, they moved away." Zhao Guifen cried, pointing to the neighboring courtyard.
Wang Shoucheng nearly stumbled: "Who? Who moved away?"
"The eldest, that ungrateful wolf! They bought a house somewhere, without telling anyone, and left early this morning." Zhao Guifen felt more aggrieved, having endured for days to take the children.
Now their family of four was gone.
When would they get their money back?
Wang Shoucheng was also stunned but was smarter than Zhao Guifen. He looked around the courtyard.
His eyes flickered: "Although the house was given to the eldest, now that they've moved, this house should revert to us. This courtyard isn't small and can be considered a separate home. If we sell..."
Before he finished, Chen Jinhua appeared at the alley entrance with her sister and brother-in-law, carrying large bags.
Seeing this, Wang Shoucheng was stunned.
"What are you doing?" Zhao Cuihua stopped Chen Jinhua.
Chen Jinhua smiled happily: "Moving, of course. Didn't you know? Xiuxiu sold this courtyard to me. We've signed the papers; this courtyard is now mine. My sister and brother-in-law will live here.
Don't think you can bully them because they're honest. I, Chen Jinhua, am not someone to mess with."
She then brought her younger sister into the courtyard.
Chen Jinhua's sister was much younger, the youngest child of their parents, nearly twenty years younger than Chen Jinhua.
She entered the courtyard nervously: "Sister, are we really allowed to live here? I..."
"Don't worry, stay here with peace of mind. I'll take care of everything."
Outside, Zhao Guifen and Wang Shoucheng were petrified.
Wang Shoucheng's heart bled!
This house, which he had hoped to sell if Wang Qinghe moved, had already been sold to Chen Jinhua, the shrew.
If it were someone else, they might have caused a scene, but who dared to argue with Chen Jinhua?
"What do we do now?" Zhao Guifen was frantic.
Everyone had moved away, and she didn't even know where they went. If the traffickers came and couldn't find them, wouldn't they blame her?
Zhao Guifen thought of this, and Wang Shoucheng did too. He quickly dragged his wife back into the house.
In the courtyard, the others had also heard about the eldest brother and sister-in-law moving away.
Zhao Cuihua looked envious; no wonder the sister-in-law had been so quiet lately.
Thinking this, she glanced at Zhou Jiaojiao. She noticed that Zhou Jiaojiao was holding a washbasin with an expression that seemed ready to explode at any moment.
The water in the basin had all spilled out.
She didn't even notice the hot water scalding her feet!
Zhou Jiaojiao felt as if she were being stabbed by needles.
Why? Why could Bai Xiuxiu buy another house? Where had their whole family moved to?
No, she had to find out.
Zhou Jiaojiao couldn't bear the thought of Bai Xiuxiu and Wang Qinghe living a life she could never reach. She felt it would be better to die than endure this.
"Hey, Old Fifth's wife, doesn't your foot hurt?" Zhao Cuihua pointed at Zhou Jiaojiao's foot.
Only then did Zhou Jiaojiao react, screaming from the heat of the water.
This startled Wang Qingqi, who was sleeping lazily in the room: "What happened? What's going on?"
Wang Qingqi ran out.
Seeing her husband, Zhou Jiaojiao's anger flared: "The eldest brother and sister-in-law have moved away. Our parents are worried. You should go to work now and find out where they've moved to after you get off."
With that, Zhou Jiaojiao went back into the house.
Clearly upset, Wang Qingqi looked bewildered, not understanding why his wife was angry.
Meanwhile, Bai Xiuxiu and Wang Qinghe arrived at their new home in the county.
Xiao Zhang had arranged for the small courtyard to be cleaned again, leaving it neat and empty, waiting for them to move in.
Bai Xiuxiu opened the front gate, and Wang Qinghe started carrying things into the house.
In the neighboring courtyard, a woman in her early thirties came out to see what was happening. Seeing Wang Qinghe carrying things and Bai Xiuxiu helping by the ox cart, she approached them.
"Are you the new neighbors?"