Chapter 151
It wasn't completely dark yet, and Bai Xiuxiu wasn't worried that anyone would be foolish enough to try to rob them at this time.
After all, there were still many people on the road.
When the family of four arrived home, it was just getting dark.
Wang Qinghe and Bai Xiuxiu carried the children down.
The lights in the surrounding houses were already on, and smoke was rising from the chimneys. Everyone had just gotten off work and was starting to prepare dinner.
Wang Qinghe locked the door, and Bai Xiuxiu led the two children inside.
As Wang Qinghe came in to light the stove, Bai Xiuxiu told him about the news she had heard from Zhao Cuihua in the village.
Wang Qinghe frowned; indeed, what Xiao Zhang had said matched up with this situation.
They were going to make their move!
"Qinghe, we can't handle these people on our own, so I've been thinking about turning them in..." Bai Xiuxiu shared her plan with him.
Wang Qinghe's face immediately turned grim, feeling once again how powerless he was.
"I know you're worried about me, but the best way to get them in is this one. It would be even better if we could turn in those old folks too. Then fewer people would have designs on us." Bai Xiuxiu was concerned he might disagree and kept persuading him.
Wang Qinghe looked at his wife. Xiuxiu's eyes were resolute, showing she had made up her mind.
No matter how much he argued, Xiuxiu wouldn't change her mind.
Just like last time.
"Xiuxiu, when you decide to be the bait, I'll go with you," Wang Qinghe made up his mind. Those people wouldn't escape, and he would follow the trail to catch everyone behind them.
Those they could catch should be turned in.
Those they couldn't... he would beat them until they never dared to have evil thoughts again.
Wang Qinghe hated this sense of powerlessness. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't keep up with the malice of others.
The Wang family really thought of everything!
Bai Xiuxiu realized that her husband was thinking along the same lines as her.
What was there not to agree to? Without him, she wouldn't feel at ease either: "Okay, I'll listen to you. But Yueyue mustn't be involved. We can't let them go back to the village."
"Let Xiao Zhang watch over them for a few days," Wang Qinghe agreed to his wife's request without hesitation.
If she wanted it, he would find a way.
After lighting the stove, Wang Qinghe skillfully heated some water. Watching the two children playing happily in the yard and seeing his wife's worried expression, he hugged her tenderly: "I'm sorry..."
"Why are you saying that again?" Bai Xiuxiu didn't understand.
He had been doing so well lately!
"I promised to keep you happy and protect you forever, but I got you involved in all this because of the Wang family. Every time, you have to face these problems with me, making you worry every day." Wang Qinghe felt more and more guilty as he spoke.
His eyes reddened: "Xiuxiu, I won't let you get into such situations again."
"What are you talking about?" Bai Xiuxiu sighed helplessly, seeing he was almost in tears.
"Aren't we a couple?"
Hearing his wife's comforting words, Wang Qinghe still felt heavy-hearted.
All he could think about was that without him, Xiuxiu wouldn't have to face any of this.
He loved her and begged her to marry him, distancing her from her family and failing to give her peace of mind, always making her worry.
A knock on the door interrupted the gloomy atmosphere in the room.
With the door closed, they couldn't see who was outside.
Wang Qinghe got up to open the door.
Outside, Xiao Zhang was carrying a scale, accompanied by Yu Cheng.
Today, Yu Cheng didn't come empty-handed. He had somehow obtained two cans of milk powder.
This was something truly hard to come by.
"Xiao Zhang, you can go back now," Yu Cheng wasn't quite at ease with Xiao Zhang around.
Hearing this, Xiao Zhang felt like crying.
What did they say about burning bridges?
This was exactly it!
"Brother Yu, I'll go to my buddy's house, the sixteenth house down the street. I'll play there for a while. When you're done discussing, come find me?" Xiao Zhang pointed ahead.
The houses nearby were easy to find.
Yu Cheng waved him away.
Once Xiao Zhang left, Yu Cheng gestured to the scale: "Shall we weigh it? I haven't had a chance to check the price of astragalus here, but you've sold it before. I'll go by your word."
Yu Cheng then brought the scale into the house.
Wang Qinghe didn't believe a single word of what he said.
Didn't ask around?
If it weren't for the fear of causing trouble in the future, he would have had someone inquire throughout the entire county.
He definitely did ask around.
"Hello, Sister-in-law. Where are the two kids? I brought them gifts; I love children." Yu Cheng entered the house and looked at Bai Xiuxiu sitting by the stove, warming herself. He smiled as he asked her.
In his heart, he couldn't help but think that Wang Qinghe's wife was indeed beautiful.
He had seen many pretty girls before, but compared to them, Bai Xiuxiu was still exceptionally beautiful.
Moreover, she exuded a delicate charm, well-nourished and graceful.
No wonder Wang Qinghe does everything both inside and outside the home. If it were him...
Forget it, even if it were him, he wouldn't be able to do it.
He still wanted to find someone who truly cared for him and could help him more.
Bai Xiuxiu noticed the look in Yu Cheng's eyes, sometimes filled with regret, sometimes something else. She wasn't sure what he was thinking. She accepted the gift from Yu Cheng and called out, "Mingming Yueyue, come back quickly. Your Uncle Yu brought you gifts. Come inside."
The two children were playing near the house and hurried back upon hearing their mother's call.
"These are the gifts your Uncle Yu brought. Thank him," Bai Xiuxiu said while wiping the dirt off their faces.
"Thank you, Uncle," the two children thanked Yu Cheng together.
Hearing this, Yu Cheng's smile grew wider. "They're so adorable. Go play."
After the children left, Wang Qinghe took the scale. "Here, the price for Huangqi at the pharmacy is one yuan per catty. Let me weigh these Huangqi."
"You do it? I'll help you..." Yu Cheng worried he might not be able to handle it alone.
Then he watched as Wang Qinghe effortlessly lifted a bag with one hand.
This bag of Huangqi weighed about fifty catties.
After weighing all six bags, the total came to three hundred and twenty catties.
Yu Cheng was stunned.
"Can you take these herbs back?" Wang Qinghe asked him.
"No problem, I have a way. But... can you still have this much next time I come?" Yu Cheng was concerned there might only be this much or less.
Wang Qinghe glanced at him.
But he didn't answer.
However, Yu Cheng felt reassured.
This was definitely settled!
Yu Cheng didn't know where he got the herbs, but as long as they were reliable and usable, that was enough.
People like them, who rely on the mountains for a living, having some secrets was normal.
Those without secrets couldn't bring him wealth either.
Yu Cheng immediately counted out the money.
Chapter 152
After counting the money, Yu Cheng looked at what was left and felt numb.
Just enough for a bus ticket?
Tomorrow he would have to rely on Xiao Zhang for food.
"These things need to stay here for three more days. I'll come back in three days to pick them up," Yu Cheng said, unable to resist looking into Wang Qinghe's eyes.
"Are you really your father's son? I mean... have you ever considered asking?" Yu Cheng thought they did bear some resemblance.
But it wasn't an exact match, and he had seen the other children from that family; none of them looked as good as this.
Yu Cheng was conflicted.
Seeing his expression, Wang Qinghe asked, "Do you hope I'm the son of the man who's looking for his child?"
Yu Cheng pondered for a moment and then his face twisted with distress. "Forget it. That family would be exhausting to deal with. However, if you were, your future would be much better than working at that canning factory."
"Don't worry, whether or not you are, I don't care. I just want to make money!
Their children are all great actors!"
Wang Qinghe didn't respond to his remarks. He listened to whatever Yu Cheng said, and when Yu Cheng came next time, he would guide the conversation.
He needed to know as much as possible about the provincial capital.
Only by understanding who they were could he make the best choice for himself in this matter.
To protect Xiuxiu, he had to leave this place.
Before that, he would use Yu Cheng to gather information thoroughly.
Seeing him silent, Yu Cheng felt even more compelled to speak. "Aren't you curious at all? If I were you, I'd be very curious."
Wang Qinghe looked at him and then at his wife. "I'm only curious about how to make Xiuxiu and our two children live well."
Yu Cheng was shocked. Was this what a married man sounded like?
No, he had met married men before, but none of them were like Wang Qinghe!
This guy must be thinking only about romancing his wife, right?
"I've settled my business, so I won't bother you anymore. But while I'm in the county these few days, if you have any trouble, just find me. As long as it's something within my power, like black market stuff." Yu Cheng smiled as he left the house.
Helping with black market matters was something he could do.
Other things, he wouldn't dare promise.
If there were any problems on this trip, the old man would beat him.
Who made him the least likable one?
Wang Qinghe gave the money to his wife.
Bai Xiuxiu skillfully counted the money.
"Xiuxiu, shall we have spicy stir-fried rabbit for dinner today?" Wang Qinghe asked gently.
"Whatever you say, everything you cook is delicious," Bai Xiuxiu replied, putting the money away. Now there was plenty of space in their storage, waiting for this business to succeed, which would bring a steady stream of income.
When the business couldn't continue, she and Wang Qinghe would still have confidence.
At least they wouldn't feel insecure when they finally met their relatives in the provincial capital.
Wang Qinghe prepared the meal while Bai Xiuxiu went inside to sew clothes for him. Once they dealt with the troublemakers from the Wang family, she would go to the supply store to buy fabric for the family's winter clothes.
After dinner, early the next morning, Wang Qinghe sent Bai Xiuxiu off to the village and took the two children to Xiao Zhang.
Chen Jinhua was always the first to arrive at the team in the village. Seeing Bai Xiuxiu, she called her over to sit down.
"Come rest for a bit. Starting tomorrow, it will just be the two of us working here. We're going to Shanghe Village later. Let me tell you, that old lady from the Ji family is no good. When we get there, don't get too close to her."
Thinking about how Miaomiao and Xiaohui looked when they returned yesterday, Chen Jinhua felt a headache coming on.
"Auntie, don't worry, I know what to do."
Bai Xiuxiu smiled reassuringly.
Soon, Miaomiao and Liu Xiaohui arrived.
Seeing them, Chen Jinhua gathered their things, and they headed to Shanghe Village.
Liu Xiaohui didn't need to come, but she came early to ensure everyone knew the way.
Joining them were Yang Chuanwen and Yang Chuanwu from the village.
These two were strong and reliable.
"When we get to Shanghe Village, don't let that old lady hit you," Liu Xiaohui warned.
Last night, she had gone to the Ji family as instructed, and after speaking to the old lady, she got furious.
If her husband hadn't been there, she would have been beaten again by that family.
Shanghe Village is not too far from Xiahe Village, and to get there, one has to pass through Zhonghe Village.
After walking for about half an hour, they finally arrived at the village.
At this time, almost everyone in the village was heading into the mountains.
They hoped to find some good things before the first snow of winter made it impossible to go out again.
The Ji family lived on the second street of the village.
It was the third house.
When Chen Jinhua and her companions arrived at the house, they saw an old lady with completely white hair sitting in the courtyard, watching a woman who looked to be around thirty washing clothes.
A small child was grinding cornmeal.
Seeing this, Chen Jinhua became angry.
She knocked on the gate unfriendly: "Is this the Ji family?"
Upon seeing someone approach, Grandma Ji's face immediately turned sour. "What now? It's you again? I ask you, will you ever stop? My own daughter-in-law—why should I let her remarry? What business is it of yours?"
"Grandma Ji, that's not how we see it. Times have changed. Your daughter-in-law, Xiao Hong, is an independent person. Since your son passed away, she has the right to remarry with her son. You're making trouble here, and we have to intervene.
Open the door quickly, or I'll report you for mistreating your daughter-in-law."
Chen Jinhua impatiently pushed the gate.
Mentioning the threat of being reported made Grandma Ji move.
Reluctantly, she opened the gate. "She doesn't want to remarry anymore. Don't believe me? Ask her yourself. If she doesn't want to, then you have no say in the matter."
Grandma Ji said this with a smug look on her face.
Xiao Hong, who was washing clothes, heard this and her eyes welled up with tears, unable to hold them back.
Seeing this, Chen Jinhua felt sorry for her. "Xiao Hong, I'm from the Women's Federation. Tell us what you really think. As long as it's your decision, your mother-in-law can't stop you."
Xiao Hong shook her head. "I don't want to remarry. Please... please tell Old Chen that this is how my life will be."
As she spoke, she grew more upset, crying in a way that didn't seem genuine.
Grandma Ji looked even more pleased. "See? You came all the way for nothing."
"Even if you promise not to remarry, your life won't improve much. Whatever promises this old lady makes, once we leave, she'll still treat you the same." Seeing Xiao Hong's state, Miao Miao became anxious.
Chapter 153
Xiao Hong shook her head and remained silent.
Her mother-in-law had threatened that if she dared to marry again, she would cause a scene at the Chen family's home, making life unbearable for all of them.
In the Chen household, only an elderly mother with poor eyesight remained.
He was a simple man; how could he withstand such a commotion?
She had a hard life, and this was how it would be for her. But not for Old Chen.
The more Xiao Hong thought about it, the more desperate she felt. She glanced at her son with a pang of reluctance and continued washing clothes mechanically.
Seeing that she wouldn't even speak, Miao Miao was at a loss.
"I say, my daughter-in-law has already said she won't marry again. Why are you still lingering here? Are you matchmakers instead of the Women's Federation? Do you want my daughter-in-law to marry again before you're satisfied?" Grandma Ji sneered and mocked them as she tried to drive them away.
Chen Jinhua felt extremely awkward in this situation.
"Xiao Hong, if you resign yourself to fate, do you want your son to suffer the same fate?" Bai Xiuxiu looked at the child who didn't seem as strong as Mingming. This child was much older than Mingming. If things continued like this...
Xiao Hong's hands paused as she washed the clothes.
She stared blankly at her son, who was working nearby, feeling unbearably heartbroken.
The other children were either staying warm inside or playing outside.
Only her son.
"Although I don't know what your mother-in-law told you, continuing like this will bring no change. Do you really want to live like this for the rest of your lives?" Bai Xiuxiu asked again and then left with the others.
Seeing them about to leave, Xiao Hong couldn't sit still any longer.
She dropped the clothes in her hands and cried out, "Wait! Please help me."
"You wretched woman, what are you saying?" Grandma Ji grabbed Xiao Hong by the hair and yanked her back, her expression terrifying.
The child who had been grinding cornmeal saw this and cried out, rushing over, "Don't hit my mom! You're so mean! Let go of my mom!"
Xiao Hong seemed to feel no pain, tears streaming down her face without any struggle.
As if she was used to it.
"Big Sister Ji, what are you doing?" Chen Jinhua, who had been about to leave, was stopped by Xiao Hong's cries. Turning back, she saw the old lady holding onto her daughter-in-law's hair.
Instantly enraged, they re-entered the courtyard. Chen Jinhua immediately stepped forward to separate the old lady from her daughter-in-law.
How could Grandma Ji let go so easily?
She rushed forward, but Yang Chuanwen and Yang Chuanwu held her back.
"Help! Someone, help!" The old lady screamed.
"Big Sister Ji, you dare to hit someone in front of us? Do you want me to report you?"
Chen Jinhua, her ears ringing from the noise, coldly questioned Grandma Ji.
The old lady glared fiercely at her daughter-in-law, panting with anger. "What? I can't discipline my own daughter-in-law? This wretched thing cursed my son to death and wants to remarry with my grandson? She's dreaming!"
"Auntie, didn't your son die from overworking himself for your family? Over the years, Brother Ji has taken on all the household chores. You never let him rest. Everyone in the village knows this."
Liu Xiaohui couldn't stand it and retorted.
Upon hearing this, the old lady lunged forward to attack, but being restrained, she couldn't move.
She struggled, her gaze frightening.
"If you hit anyone again, we'll report you. For assault, you'll be arrested, and your daughter-in-law can still remarry." Bai Xiuxiu spoke calmly.
These words struck the old lady's weakness; she was terrified of being arrested!
With red eyes, she glared at Bai Xiuxiu. "You people just want to marry off my daughter-in-law."
"What else? Let her suffer under your torment? We respect the wishes of the person involved. If Xiao Hong wants to remarry, you can't stop her." Chen Jinhua pulled Xiao Hong closer.
Seeing her almost unable to speak from crying, she comforted her. "Xiao Hong, don't worry. This matter is entirely up to you."
Xiao Hong glanced at her fierce mother-in-law and then at the others.
She picked up her son and finally made up her mind. "Aunt Jinhua, I do want to marry Old Chen. We've known each other since childhood, and he helped my husband a lot when he was alive.
Now that my husband is gone, he's willing to take care of us. I want to marry him.
At least it won't be like this anymore...
He promised me that my son will be his only child."
Xiao Hong couldn't bear to look at her mother-in-law.
"Big Sister Ji, did you hear that? You can't stop this. Xiao Hong, come with me for now. I'll arrange a place for you to stay." Chen Jinhua glanced at the murderous Grandma Ji.
She was genuinely worried that leaving Xiao Hong behind might cost her life.
"Thank you." Xiao Hong said, running back to pack her clothes.
Held back for so long, Grandma Ji shouted in anger, "What are you all doing? Hurry up and get out here to help! That wretched Xiao Hong is trying to run away!"
Not a single member of the Ji family came out.
Xiao Hong packed her things and left with them.
After they had gone, the Ji family finally emerged.
Chen Jinhua, seeing this from a distance, quickly led Xiao Hong toward Xiahe Village.
Just as they left the entrance of Shanghe Village, a man happened to be coming the other way.
He was carrying a basket, looking like he had just returned from outside.
Seeing Xiao Hong, he was taken aback and hurried over. "Xiao Hong? What's wrong? You're crying again. Did Aunt Ji bully you again?"
The man was tall and had a decent appearance, though years of working in the fields had left him with a dark, ruddy complexion.
"Old Chen, I'm fine," Xiao Hong said, her voice still trembling.
Old Chen sighed. "I know it's still about us. Don't worry, today I'll talk to your aunt properly. By the way, I went to the county today to buy eggs for you. From now on, you and the child should each have one a day. As usual, I've boiled them and left them outside your house."
"Old Chen, this is Aunt Jinhua. She's from our team's Women's Federation. She can help us. I've decided to marry you. Whether my mother-in-law agrees or not, we will live our lives together." Xiao Hong looked at Old Chen.
She was nervous, wondering if Old Chen would back out because of her mother-in-law's objections.
Hearing that Xiao Hong was willing, Old Chen was overjoyed, not knowing what to say. "Then, when can I marry you?"
"Let's wait. First, I'll take Xiao Hong to the brigade to settle her down. Once we've talked to the old lady, if you want to see Xiao Hong, come to the brigade." Chen Jinhua glanced at Old Chen and thought that Xiao Hong had made a good choice.
He seemed like a reliable person.
Together, they returned to the brigade. Upon arrival, they saw Zhao Guifen standing at the gate.
Chapter 154
Zhao Guifen was looking around at the entrance of the brigade when she saw these people return. She immediately noticed that Bai Xiuxiu had no children with her.
A wave of frustration washed over her.
How could this unlucky Bai Xiuxiu not bring the kids back?
They were all prepared to make their move today.
"Why is she here?" Chen Jinhua frowned upon seeing Zhao Guifen.
This old lady never has any good intentions.
Bai Xiuxiu glanced toward the entrance and wasn't surprised at all by Zhao Guifen's arrival.
With such a big scheme in play, how could they stay home and wait calmly?
Upon reaching the brigade entrance, Zhao Guifen rushed over.
She started off assertively: "Xiuxiu, how have you been these past few days? Why haven't you come back to visit after moving out?
No matter what, we're still family.
Your father sent me to check on you two."
Zhao Guifen, following the old man's instructions, began crying.
Accusing Bai Xiuxiu and Wang Qinghe of being heartless.
The old man had said that this time, they must clear themselves completely, so they needed to show the village that they had no grudges against the eldest couple.
It also allowed them to gauge Bai Xiuxiu's situation.
Those people should be making their move soon.
Zhao Guifen's crying moved everyone except Chen Jinhua, who knew the truth.
After all, they were still family.
Even after separating, they still cared.
Xiao Hong, who had just endured torment from her own mother-in-law, felt bitter seeing this scene.
Why were other people's mothers-in-law so different from hers?
Chen Jinhua found Zhao Guifen's words nauseating. They sounded better than a song, but she still remembered the ledger from that day.
If they truly cared, how could they have done those things?
Bai Xiuxiu watched Zhao Guifen cry and wail, feigning being touched: "Mom, you and Dad are truly kind-hearted.
My husband and I lack everything since moving out.
You must have brought something good, right?"
Zhao Guifen's crying abruptly stopped.
Her mouth opened wide, unable to respond.
The old man didn't say anything about bringing gifts.
"Mom, did you forget to bring anything? It seems you still haven't forgiven us for not giving you all our money.
If we could continue serving you like slaves, you and Dad wouldn't have separated us."
Bai Xiuxiu looked even more aggrieved than Zhao Guifen.
Zhao Guifen tried to explain but before she could speak, Chen Jinhua interrupted.
"Are you here to see your daughter-in-law's attitude? I won't bother mentioning how you treated your eldest son and Xiuxiu before.
What are you up to now?"
Chen Jinhua's tone was harsh.
Zhao Guifen quickly remembered her purpose and hurriedly defended herself: "Of course I'm here to see Xiuxiu. My husband and I know we've wronged our eldest son."
"Then you must have brought us many things, right?" Bai Xiuxiu countered.
Zhao Guifen felt both angry and resentful.
The eldest son and Bai Xiuxiu were indeed ungrateful brats who deserved their fate.
Despite her resentment, Zhao Guifen took out five eggs she had prepared for Old Fifth and his wife.
"These eggs are from your father and me. By the way, where are the kids? Where did you move to?" Zhao Guifen noticed no children around Bai Xiuxiu.
She wanted to find out where they had moved and what they were doing now.
The eldest couple had kept everything secret, leaving the family clueless about their situation.
They couldn't have gone to the county, could they?
After all, they had no jobs there.
Zhao Guifen was anxious.
Bai Xiuxiu accepted the eggs without responding, instead turning to Chen Jinhua: "Aunt Jinhua, don't we have something else to do?"
"Oh, right." Chen Jinhua immediately understood what Bai Xiuxiu meant and spoke coldly to Zhao Guifen. "We still have things to do here."
"If you have any questions, ask them privately when we have time later."
With that, she led the group back to the brigade.
Zhao Guifen was stunned. How could she have given away her eggs without getting any information?
Zhao Guifen slunk back home.
Seeing his wife return in such a state, Wang Shoucheng frowned. "What happened?"
"Don't even mention it. That ungrateful Bai Xiuxiu took five of my eggs and I couldn't get anything out of her."
Zhao Guifen recounted the incident to her husband.
Wang Shoucheng felt frustrated too. It was clear that the eldest son and his wife had turned against them.
What if they succeed in the future?
No, they can't be allowed to succeed.
"At least we've done our part. Those people will make their move soon, right? Once they do, whether it's Bai Xiuxiu or those two unlucky kids..."
"As long as we succeed, I don't believe the eldest won't pay up. He dotes on his wife so much; he'll agree to whatever we ask."
Wang Shoucheng suppressed his anger.
Zhao Guifen thought about it and agreed.
The eldest's wife is quite attractive; it would be best to sell her off so she can't come back.
Those two brats, we'll find them eventually.
Outside the main house, Zhao Cuihua was practically pressed against the wall, trying to overhear the old couple's conversation, but she couldn't hear clearly.
She could only grasp the general idea, which sent chills down her spine.
If this family fails in their schemes, who knows how crazy they might become.
Once she saves up some more money, she'll buy a job for her husband and insist on separating from this family.
She absolutely cannot be dragged down by them.
The brigade helped Xiao Hong find a temporary place nearby, making it convenient to look after her.
Chen Jinhua and Bai Xiuxiu planned to work on persuading Grandma Ji over the next few days.
As dusk approached, Wang Qinghe arrived at the agreed time to pick them up.
Chen Jinhua watched through the window, feeling nervous.
She didn't know exactly when those people would make their move.
If their guess was correct, it should be three days from now. If Wang Qinghe doesn't come to pick them up, they'll likely act then.
But if they're impatient, they might move sooner.
So it was truly worrying.
Bai Xiuxiu and Wang Qinghe returned home, where Xiao Zhang was already waiting with the two children at the door.
Seeing them, Xiao Zhang looked relieved.
"Wang Ge, Sister-in-law."
Wang Qinghe took the children, while Bai Xiuxiu went to open the door.
The family entered the house, and Xiao Zhang followed.
"Wang Ge, I asked my brother to help with the matter you asked me about. We'll have news soon, so don't worry."
"Thank you," Wang Qinghe gratefully thanked Xiao Zhang. The two children, who hadn't seen their parents all day, stayed in Wang Qinghe's arms instead of playing.
Bai Xiuxiu made sugar water for Xiao Zhang. "Xiao Zhang, did the kids give you any trouble today?"
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"No, no." Mentioning the two children, Xiao Zhang's face lit up with a smile.
"Both Qinghe and Yueyue have been very well-behaved. I haven't had anything to do these days, and they've been quiet and peaceful with me, which is perfect."
Xiao Zhang looked at the two children, feeling envious. If only his future children would be this well-behaved when he got married.
But finding a wife was not easy for him. He didn't look favorably on ordinary families, and good families thought he lacked a proper job.
The black market business couldn't be casually mentioned either.
So everyone knew he had some money, but no one considered him reliable enough to introduce their own children to him.
"I'll need you to take care of Qinghe and Yueyue for a few more days until things are settled, and then I'll come back to pick them up.
This time..."
Wang Qinghe frowned.
"Brother Wang, don't thank me. Let's not be too formal; if I ever need your help in the future, I'll definitely ask."
Seeing that Wang Qinghe was about to express gratitude, Xiao Zhang quickly stopped him.
He finished his sugary water. "Brother Wang, Sister-in-law, I still have something to do for Brother Yu. Just bring the kids to me tomorrow morning."
With that, he left.
Wang Qinghe put the two children down and prepared to make dinner.
"Qinghe, Xiao Zhang has really helped us a lot this time," Bai Xiuxiu said as she put away the clothes and sat next to her husband.
Wang Qinghe wasn't troubled by it; he understood what Xiao Zhang meant.
"Don't worry. When the time comes, I'll help Xiao Zhang with whatever he needs. You don't have to be afraid; I'm here."
Wang Qinghe comforted his wife.
Bai Xiuxiu grew more worried. "Will it be dangerous?"
"No, this time, they might even benefit from it." Wang Qinghe thought about his plans and looked at Xiuxiu.
He hugged her. "From now on, I won't let you worry anymore."
"What's all this talk? Go cook, I'm hungry."
Bai Xiuxiu smiled and urged him.
At the Wang household.
After dinner, they divided the money Zhou Jiaojiao had brought back.
Zhou Jiaojiao felt depressed looking at the family, especially after hearing the news from Brother Hu.
"Mom and Dad, I asked Brother Hu to inquire about the move of Big Brother and his family. It turns out, one of his relatives saw them moving.
They moved to the county and used the compensation money to secretly buy a house there.
They probably bought jobs too?
Otherwise, they wouldn't be able to stay long without a work unit."
Zhou Jiaojiao barely controlled her anger as she relayed the information.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Guifen exploded first. "What? How dare they? Do they still have any money?
If they don't have any money..."
Zhao Guifen was about to say that kidnapping would be useless if they had no money, but she quickly realized she shouldn't say it aloud and closed her mouth.
Zhou Jiaojiao knew the plan of the old couple, which was why she mentioned it.
If they had no money, they would kidnap them and demand both money and people.
Once they got the money, they would sell the people.
Most importantly, if they had jobs, they could get those jobs too.
She and Wang Qingqi could live in the house.
Wang Shoucheng furrowed his brow but soon figured it out.
"The eldest couple has drained our whole family's blood to live well themselves.
That's outrageous! Too outrageous!
Jiaojiao, ask that person named Hu to find out where they live now and what kind of work they're doing."
Wang Shoucheng had a plan: give the job to the third or fourth son, and see who among the second and fifth son's families could live in the house.
"Don't worry, Dad, I've already asked someone to find out." Zhou Jiaojiao was full of anticipation. What could Bai Xiuxiu do to her?
These things still need to return to her hands!
The three days did not pass quickly.
The whole family at Old Wang's place was both tormented and hopeful.
Bai Xiuxiu and Chen Jinhua made repeated trips to Shanghe Village for Xiao Hong's sake.
Midday.
Chen Jinhua led Bai Xiuxiu and the two Yang brothers back to Shanghe Village again.
"This time, we must get through to them; we've been here for three consecutive days. Old Lady Ji is really something..."
This was the first time Chen Jinhua had encountered such a headache-inducing old lady.
She had almost agreed before, but then she insisted on one hundred yuan.
Even if Xiao Hong were to give money, it would be to her own family.
However, her family was far away and there wasn't anyone left.
Old Lady Ji shouldn't be asking for this money.
Arriving at the Ji household again, Old Lady Ji was sweeping the courtyard. Seeing them approach, she immediately put on a cold face. "What? Have you brought the money?"
"No, but we discussed it with Xiao Hong. Since you don't agree to her marriage, then she won't marry."
Bai Xiuxiu looked at Old Lady Ji and said with a smile.
"What?" Old Lady Ji was stunned. Was this real or fake?
If she doesn't marry, they could continue working for the family.
That would be good too.
After all, they didn't eat much, and once her son grew up, she could marry her off again and get several dozen yuan.
Old Lady Ji had her calculations well thought out.
Seeing her expression, Bai Xiuxiu guessed her intentions and mercilessly shattered her fantasy.
"The life Xiao Hong has lived in your home makes the brigade very concerned about living together. Logically, if you don't want her to marry, that's fine.
Just separate households. Her husband worked hard when he was at your place. The brigade has records of how many work points he earned over the years.
We can find those records.
You should allocate a house and money to her.
Oh, and this year's grain..."
The more Bai Xiuxiu spoke, the darker Old Lady Ji's face became.
"No way, absolutely not! She's just a woman, why should she share anything with us?" Old Lady Ji panicked.
"She's a woman, but she's also your son's wife. The things your son left behind, she certainly has the right to share."
Bai Xiuxiu looked at the anxious old lady, even more composed.
"Tsk! She's an outsider, does she deserve it?" The old lady puffed up with anger, as if she would hit Xiao Hong if she were there.
"Then why do you care about her marriage if she's an outsider? Do you deserve it?" Bai Xiuxiu countered.
Old Lady Ji was like a fish out of water, unable to utter a single word.
Chen Jinhua wanted to applaud Bai Xiuxiu and coughed twice. "I say, Sister-in-law Ji, what's your decision?
Either you divide the property and separate households, and we'll handle it from our end.
Or let her remarry, and the other family will take care of her, and we'll arrange it."
Old Lady Ji felt like she had swallowed a fly and finally managed to say, "I'll discuss it with my family."
"Let's go." Chen Jinhua felt the matter was settled and looked at Bai Xiuxiu with even greater approval.
Indeed, she hadn't misjudged her.
As they walked back, Chen Jinhua felt nervous. "Xiuxiu, today is the day we set..."
Chapter 156
When it came to this matter, Chen Jinhua's face was filled with worry.
Those people were just as they had guessed— they hadn't made a move yet.
She didn't know if they would lose patience today. According to what Xiuxiu had said before, Wang Qinghe had been coming over these past few days.
If he suddenly didn't show up, they might make their move.
Although everything had been arranged well, it still caused concern...
"Xiuxiu, if it doesn't work out today, we should just report it to the authorities. As long as they hear about it and get scared off, that's enough."
Chen Jinhua felt a bit regretful for agreeing to Xiuxiu's plan that day. She had been too impulsive.
Seeing Aunt Jinhua's worried expression, Bai Xiuxiu felt warmth in her heart. "Don't worry, Auntie.
We're well-prepared. If we're careful, we can definitely handle this.
If we alert them prematurely, once the wind dies down, they'll come back. We might as well take advantage of this opportunity and have them all arrested."
Chen Jinhua frowned, knowing she couldn't argue with that logic. But... the danger Xiuxiu faced was too great. If this operation succeeded, she must ensure Xiuxiu received credit.
This would also help her figure out how to discuss Xiuxiu's situation with Director Wang.
With such a significant achievement, it might really help Xiuxiu.
Chen Jinhua had made up her mind but didn't speak first.
"I'll follow your lead, Xiuxiu. Rest assured, everyone involved was chosen by Uncle Chen. They are all reliable villagers.
There won't be any leaks."
The two returned to Xiahe Village in the afternoon.
At this time, only Bai Xiuxiu and Chen Jinhua were in the Women's Federation office; Miao Miao and Liu Xiaohui were both on leave at home.
They worked until late evening.
Outside.
Behind an old poplar tree on the path behind the village committee, three men were hiding.
With winter approaching, it was getting dark earlier.
"Big Brother, do you think we can make our move today?" asked a thin man with a dark complexion, consulting his companion.
The one called Big Brother looked frustrated. "Who knows? As we discussed yesterday, if that woman's husband doesn't come and there's no child with her,
we'll take her tonight.
I don't believe a man would travel so far every day to pick up his wife. I've heard he works at the canning factory in the county. He can't keep doing this, right?
He's not some superhuman."
"But it's been several days already..." The third person, who had been silent, was also frustrated.
For three days, they had been waiting here every afternoon, taking the mountain path to avoid being seen at the village entrance.
It wasn't easy making these trips.
If they couldn't kidnap someone soon, he'd give up.
"Hush, someone's coming," the leader whispered.
Bai Xiuxiu walked out of the village committee and onto the path.
Villagers were hidden nearby, so Bai Xiuxiu wasn't afraid.
She walked slowly, and the men hiding behind the poplar tree noticed she was alone. Their eyes lit up.
Finally, someone!
They held their breath and suddenly lunged out when Bai Xiuxiu approached.
A sack was aimed at her head.
Bai Xiuxiu saw them and quickly stepped back, causing the three men to miss.
"Damn! Bad luck! I've been waiting for you for days, and you dare to dodge?" the leader cursed angrily.
Bai Xiuxiu deliberately shouted, "Who are you? Why are you blocking me?"
The middle-aged man called Big Brother sneered. "Who I am doesn't matter. What matters is that you've offended someone.
Whatever happens to you afterward, don't blame us.
Number Two, Number Three, hurry up and tie her up."
The three men immediately surrounded Bai Xiuxiu.
But before they could close in, a flashlight beam appeared.
"Don't move!" Yang Chuanwen shouted, and the others who had been hiding rushed over.
The middle-aged man, upon seeing the scene, cursed inwardly and rushed over to grab Bai Xiuxiu.
Before he could touch her, he was taken down.
Wang Qinghe, who had been behind Bai Xiuxiu, pulled her into his arms.
"Brother, are you alright?" The other two men tried to come over to help their fallen comrade, but Wang Qinghe stepped on their leader's head.
"Don't come any closer." His eyes were fierce, and his tall stature, combined with others gathering around, made the two men freeze in fear, thinking that any movement might get them killed.
Soon, the villagers bound all of them up.
Several flashlights from the village shone on them.
Yang Chuanwen looked at the captives with disdain. "Ugh! They really are kidnappers, daring to come to our village.
Captain, what do we do now?"
"First, take them to the headquarters and find out what's going on. Our villages haven't seen kidnappers for years.
Why did they target us? And they even said they have a grudge against Xiao Bai.
Once we get the information, send them to the police station." Chen Zhuangshi, following the plan discussed earlier with Bai Xiuxiu, led them back to the headquarters.
They handled the matter discreetly.
Inside the headquarters, everyone got a clear look at the three men.
The leader was a middle-aged man with a scar between his eyebrows, looking quite menacing. He was covered in dust, and his face was bruised from the fall.
The other two, one slightly overweight and now terrified, and the leaner one trembling in fear, remained silent.
In the room, the villagers who had been lying in wait, along with Bai Xiuxiu and others, were present.
"Xiao Bai, these people came to kidnap you. You ask them," the captain said, only mentioning the discovery of kidnappers without revealing who had hired them to avoid any leaks.
Now, they needed to play it out fully.
Bai Xiuxiu looked at the man with the scarred face. "You said I should blame someone I offended. Who did I offend?
Who sent you to kidnap me?"
The other two glanced at their leader.
All three remained silent.
"What? Do you think staying quiet will save you?" Seeing their attitude, Chen Jinhua became furious.
"Auntie, don't be angry." Bai Xiuxiu consoled Chen Jinhua, her gaze fixed on the captives.
"I know you're hoping that by not talking, this can somehow be swept under the rug. The only person who can get away with this is the one who hired you.
If you dared to kidnap someone, surely you must have some record.
Once reported, there's no escaping for you.
When you go in, the one who hired you gets off easy.
And... don't you wonder why we are hiding here?"
Chapter 157
Bai Xiuxiu questioned the leader of these few people.
Hearing this, the middle-aged man's face immediately changed. "What do you mean?"
"Nothing much. Someone tipped me off, so I found out. Tell me, how come you didn't plan this properly?
Or did someone leak the information intentionally?
Who exactly is causing trouble here?"
Bai Xiuxiu questioned them further.
Upon hearing this, the man was no longer calm.
Damn, had they really been tricked?
The more Liu Erhu thought about it, the more he believed it was possible. After all, their arrival in the village was kept secret. If they hadn't leaked it themselves, how could anyone have known to intercept them?
For the past two days, he had constantly asked those two old men to keep an eye on things, fearing failure.
And yet, something still went wrong?
Liu Erhu, with his already frightening appearance, now looked even more chilling.
If they were caught, there would be no escape.
If those two old men had betrayed them, they might as well expose them too.
"It was a family named Wang in your village. They have two elderly members who said you are their daughter-in-law. When you and your husband separated from them, you took a lot of money.
Since you both have plenty of money, they asked us to kidnap your children.
We would then split the money.
When your children didn't show up, they changed the plan to kidnapping you instead.
After getting the money, we would sell you far away.
With no mother around, we would then take your children.
This was their plan, and to urge us to act quickly, they promised to give us extra money."
Liu Erhu blurted out everything.
Hearing this, everyone else was shocked.
"Which family? The Wangs?" Yang Chuanwen was the first to express disbelief. He had a decent relationship with Wang Laoer, so how could his family do such an inhumane thing?
The two elderly members of the Wang family, although biased at times, couldn't possibly do this, right?
Not just the Yang brothers, but everyone else present was equally stunned.
They all cast sympathetic glances at Wang Qinghe and Bai Xiuxiu.
This was truly tragic!
Wang Qinghe, who had been standing silently beside Bai Xiuxiu, spoke up to the team leader. "Captain, you must give my wife justice.
You also need to explain this to the village. They brought kidnappers into the village. Even if my wife is safe, there are many children here.
They are putting the whole village at risk.
I will report this incident, and you must help us testify.
If not for our luck, we wouldn't know what was happening."
Wang Qinghe's eyes were red-rimmed.
Usually quiet and hardworking in the village, his grievances resonated with everyone.
In their case, would it be losing their wife first, and then their two children?
The heart is truly weary of living!
"You can rest assured; we can all vouch for this. Chuangwen, go and call Old Wang's family over."
"Today's matter cannot just be let go like this."
Although the captain had already known about the situation, he was still very angry upon hearing from Guai Zi about Old Wang's family's intentions.
"All right, I'll go right away."
The Wang Family.
The Wang family was having dinner together. Over the past couple of days, Wang Shoucheng had been feeling anxious, and he had developed several blisters on his mouth.
The pain made it difficult to eat.
Although Old Fifth's wife earns money for the family every day, his biggest concern right now is the couple, Big Brother and his wife.
Those traffickers aren't exactly professionals, are they?
It's been three days and there's still no news.
Just as anxious as Wang Shoucheng is Zhou Jiaojiao.
Zhou Jiaojiao found even the food tasteless, as Bai Xiuxiu's courtyard was so much better than theirs.
The factory where her brother worked was also good.
Today, she had even passed by Bai Xiuxiu's house, with its spacious rooms that Bai Xiuxiu didn't deserve at all!
Her in-laws were taking too long to get things done; they needed to act sooner.
Then the job would be her husband's, and the house could be hers to live in.
"Is everyone home? The team leader is calling your whole family over," Yang Chuanwen shouted into the courtyard, heading toward their house.
Everyone inside was stunned.
What did that mean?
Wang Shoucheng was already on edge, and hearing about going to the team felt bittersweet.
He quickly went out. "Little Yang, what's going on? Why did the team leader suddenly call our whole family? Can't just my old lady go?"
"Uncle Wang, how would I know? The team leader said to bring you all over together.
Are you eating? Stop eating and come with me now."
Yang Chuanwen didn't reveal what it was about, to prevent them from preparing.
Wang Shoucheng didn't want to go at all.
But if the team leader called them, wouldn't he come looking if they didn't show up?
"Alright, we'll go."
Wang Shoucheng had no choice but to gather his family.
Seeing that the whole family was being summoned, Zhou Jiaojiao had a bad feeling.
Could it be that they had failed?
Could those people be so stupid?
On the way, Zhou Jiaojiao tried several times to find out what was happening, but Yang Chuanwen remained tight-lipped, making her even more uneasy.
Soon, Yang Chuanwen led their entire family to the team headquarters.
As soon as they entered, Zhao Guifen saw the trafficker she had been in contact with and nearly collapsed from fear.
Wang Shoucheng steadied her.
Wang Shoucheng glared fiercely at his wife.
What was this wretched woman afraid of?
"You're here? Do any of you recognize these three people?" the team leader asked, looking at the whole family.
Zhao Guifen shook her head first. "I don't recognize them."
The others also shook their heads. Compared to them, Zhao Cuihua knew more and was shocked.
How could it have come to this?
She had only wanted her sister-in-law to avoid being trafficked.
How did her sister-in-law end up catching the traffickers?
Wasn't this making things worse?
Zhao Cuihua dared not speak up.
Liu Erhu, the head of the traffickers, seeing Zhao Guifen pretending not to recognize him, became furious. He sneered. "You don't recognize me?
Zhao Guifen, wasn't it me who beat your face swollen?
And didn't you say your family had just divided the property, and your son and daughter-in-law got quite a bit of money? They had over a thousand in hand.
And there was still debt owed to you, which you hoped to get rid of along with the promissory notes.
Didn't you say all that?
The promissory notes showed you owed over three or four thousand, right? Not many people know about that, do they?"
The more Liu Erhu spoke, the more shocked everyone became.
The team leader, enraged, smashed his enamel mug. "You still claim you don't know them? Your family's promissory notes were certified by me!
You've bullied your eldest son all along.
His division of property was also certified by me!
Zhao Guifen, Wang Shoucheng, what's wrong with you two?
How dare you hire traffickers to harm your own daughter-in-law? Are you even human?"
Chapter 158
"I didn't do anything, Captain. These are my son and daughter-in-law. How could I? Even though we've separated households, we're still family."
Wang Shoucheng was in a panic and quickly explained that he hadn't done anything.
As soon as he entered the room, he had a pretty good idea of what was going on.
After explaining, he worriedly asked Bai Xiuxiu and Wang Qinghe, "Qinghe, Xiuxiu, are you two alright? How did you end up encountering kidnappers?
You have to believe me; I'm not that kind of person.
Even if your mother and I sometimes favor your younger brothers, it's because you're the eldest. As an older brother, you should be more understanding towards them.
We would never harm you like this."
Wang Shoucheng's words were full of concern, but he deliberately left Zhao Guifen out of his explanation.
After hearing Wang Shoucheng's explanation, Wang Qinghe understood what he was trying to do.
Looking at the old couple, he found it ironic.
Following Wang Shoucheng's lead, Wang Qinghe continued, "Is that so? We have evidence that it was you. If you say it wasn't you, where is your evidence?"
"What? Do you need evidence for what your father says? Have you lost all sense of filial piety? If we knew you'd turn out like this, we should have killed you when you were born."
Zhao Guifen was losing her temper.
Smack!
Wang Shoucheng slapped Zhao Guifen across the face.
Everyone in the room, except Wang Qinghe, was stunned.
Zhao Guifen was also shocked, covering her face with a look of bewilderment.
The other members of the Wang family were equally startled.
Without giving Zhao Guifen a chance to react, Wang Shoucheng pointed at her nose and angrily shouted, "What are you saying? That's our son.
How many times have I told you? Even though we were poor when the eldest was born, you can't say he's unlucky.
Always talking behind my back about him!
Now that our family is in such a mess, why are you still trying to drive a wedge between our son and us?
What do you mean by killing him?
Even if it means sacrificing my own life, I would never kill my son.
I ask you, did you collude with these people?"
Wang Shoucheng was extremely angry.
His relentless questioning and expression of regret made those who didn't know the truth instantly believe him.
He had always been well-respected in the village, and it was Zhao Guifen who had a bad reputation with the daughter-in-law.
For such a straightforward man to suddenly get so angry, his credibility was quite high.
Zhao Guifen, already dazed from the slap, was further stunned and heartbroken by Wang Shoucheng's betrayal. She couldn't even utter a word in response.
Wang Shoucheng turned to the others and asked, "Did any of you see me?"
Liu Erhu was also shocked. He had never seen Wang Shoucheng before, as he had always dealt with Zhao Guifen and another man.
They claimed to be relatives, but Liu Erhu never believed it.
So, they weren't actually a couple?
"Captain, you can't just believe his side of the story. I hardly ever leave the village. How could it be me?"
Wang Shoucheng was almost in tears.
At his age, his performance was convincing enough to make the captain doubt his own judgment.
Could it be that Zhao Guifen did this on her own?
"Are you here to kidnap people from our village? Do you know me?" Wang Shoucheng continued to question them.
Liu Erhu shook his head. "I don't know you, but I know her. Everything about your family was told to us by her.
She said this was a plan you all agreed on."
Liu Erhu stared at Zhao Guifen.
Under multiple pressures, Zhao Guifen was about to faint.
Seeing everyone looking at her, she trembled and tried to deny it: "I... I didn't..."
"Really? Then how did our family's affairs get out? You're truly a troublemaker. You've driven our eldest son away and separated the household.
How much have you secretly taken from our eldest son?
You're his mother!
Do you have any heart at all? You've blinded yourself with greed and now you want to drag me into this too."
We still have so many sons in this family. How can you make us face others? If they all get into trouble, who will stand up for them?
How could you do business with those traffickers!'
Wang Shoucheng pointed at Zhao Guifen and asked repeatedly.
Zhao Guifen finally understood the situation. After all, she had seen something similar not long ago!
The Old Zhou family treated their third daughter-in-law like this, making her take the blame for Zhou Jiaojiao.
She thought it was fine as long as her own daughter-in-law was safe.
She even felt lucky about it.
But now, it was her turn?
Zhao Guifen's already sallow and wrinkled face seemed to age ten years in an instant.
After all these years with her husband, he would treat her like this?
Zhao Guifen was heartbroken, but no matter how much she argued, she couldn't pin this on her husband.
No wonder he wanted her to contact people before?
'Zhao Guifen, stop crying here. Your eldest son and his wife aren't even crying. Did you do this?'
The team leader felt it was bad luck.
He thought about it and believed Wang Shoucheng must be involved somehow.
But he had no evidence.
'Mom, did you really come up with this idea by yourself? If you did, working with those traffickers to kidnap me, you might not get out for ten or more years.
If not...'
Bai Xiuxiu reminded Zhao Guifen to go in alone and leave Wang Shoucheng outside, where he could still come up with more schemes.
This old man was thoroughly corrupt.
It would be best if Zhao Guifen implicated him too.
Ten or more years? Hearing that number, Zhao Guifen felt terrified.
That wasn't ten or eight months; she was already of a certain age. If she went in, would she ever come out alive?
Would her husband still want her?
'Eldest daughter-in-law, what kind of talk is this? Your mother did this alone, yet you insist on implicating me?
Do you hate this family so much?
Do you want to see everyone without a backbone?'
Wang Shoucheng frowned and spoke more urgently.
Zhao Guifen mentioned her sons and realized she couldn't prove her husband was involved in the plot.
She felt utterly hopeless.
Closing her eyes, she gritted her teeth: 'Stop trying to sow discord. Ever since you entered our home, I've never liked you as a daughter-in-law.
You're lazy and disobedient.
I've never met a worse daughter-in-law than you!
Now you're even trying to split the family. Why don't you just die? If I could, I'd stab you myself.
Yes, I found someone to kidnap your two children and you.
Why should we give you so much money?
What? Isn't it natural for my son to be filial to me?
You even incite him against us.
You deserve this!
It's only because the heavens are blind that this didn't succeed!'
Chapter 159
Zhao Guifen wished she could grind these words between her teeth, glaring at Bai Xiuxiu with pure hatred.
If it weren't for Bai Xiuxiu's fault, would she and the old man have to deal with this mess?
Their family had been living a peaceful life until Bai Xiuxiu started causing trouble, and since then, everything had gone downhill.
No matter what, she couldn't let this little wench live comfortably.
Even if she went in and her life was over, at least the old man could still avenge her.
"Auntie, you're being too vicious. I've never seen such a cruel old lady before."
Yang Chuanwu was shocked by Zhao Guifen's words.
This old lady is too ruthless?
The old ladies in the village are not to be trifled with.
The others present also began to feel uneasy.
Those who had wives felt even more anxious.
Could a wife and mother-in-law really end up like this?
It seems that from now on, they shouldn't pretend not to see their arguments. If it gets to this point, life would become unbearable.
Zhao Guifen remained silent after being spoken to.
Seeing that he wouldn't get any more information, Chen Zhuangshi turned to Bai Xiuxiu and Wang Qinghe: "We'll follow your lead on this. What should we do next?"
Wang Qinghe didn't hesitate: "Report it to the authorities. Send them all to the police station. Kidnappers are the most despicable."
"Alright. You few come with us; we'll go to the police station. Wang Shoucheng, you need to come along too.
This is your wife, and our questioning won't be enough. We need to report it first, and then the authorities will handle it. As for the rest of you, disperse.
This incident was unexpected. I didn't expect it to be Zhao Guifen looking for people, but regardless of who it was, Bai Xiuxiu, you've done us a great service by helping catch the kidnappers.
No one can take credit away from you."
Chen Zhuangshi publicly credited Bai Xiuxiu for the achievement.
He had discussed this with his wife beforehand, and indeed, Bai Xiuxiu had taken the initiative to risk herself to catch the kidnappers.
"Alright, let's go report it."
Wang Shoucheng led a group away from the assembly hall. Seeing that the rest of the Wang family was still stunned, Chen Jinhua urged them to leave.
"What are you still doing here? Hurry up and go."
"Yes, Auntie Jinhua is right. We should leave now," Zhou Jiaojiao spoke softly, feeling a bit regretful.
Clearly, both the old couple were involved. It would have been better if the father-in-law had been implicated too.
Then they could have separated the household, and these people wouldn't be able to leech off her anymore.
She could then bring Wang Qingqi to stay with her parents. After all, her black market business needed someone to help.
It would be better to let her family leech off her than her in-laws.
Zhou Jiaojiao felt regretful but kept quiet.
Zhao Cuihua found it terrifying that when things got serious, the old couple pushed the blame onto the mother alone.
What if they pushed her out in the future?
She realized that in this family, only those who were useful could live well.
Once she saved enough money to buy a job for her husband, she would quickly separate the household!
The family returned home in silence.
With Wang Qingqi's parents taken away, he seemed to lose his backbone, listless and dejected.
Seeing him lie down on the bed as soon as he entered the room, Zhou Jiaojiao sneered: "You can still lie down? Your father is heartless, pushing all the blame onto your mother.
Last time, he also pushed the responsibility for compensation onto my family.
I bet if our business gets into trouble, he'd push it onto us too."
Wang Qingqi curled up, sounding impatient: "What good does it do to say this now? Our parents are already in this state.
Mom has always been good to me..."
"So what? It wasn't me who made them do this. In the future, when people find out your mother was involved with kidnappers, our family's reputation will be ruined.
I say we should separate the household.
Then you and I can go live with my parents, and they can help us with the work."
Zhou Jiaojiao took the opportunity to persuade her husband.
Wang Qingqi was tempted but still reluctant.
Isn't that just like being a "son-in-law by marriage"?
"Wife, how can they be as reliable as my own brothers? As long as Dad is around, our family won't fall apart. It's just a pity that if this had worked out, I could have taken over Big Brother's job.
Big Brother works at the canned food factory in the county, and I work at the commune's factory.
There's quite a difference between the two. I heard their salaries are higher than mine, and they even get gifts during holidays.
And there's also that house...
I've been thinking about it ever since you mentioned it."
Wang Qingqi felt more and more upset as he spoke. Why couldn't they be more capable?
"This might not work out, but it doesn't mean we can't still get the house and the job. I heard from Brother Hu that those traffickers all have leaders.
If they put these three away, the others will surely settle accounts."
Zhou Jiaojiao thought it was necessary to mention this to Brother Hu. He was now a powerful figure, and who knows what the future holds.
Her dreams were strange; she always dreamed of a good life in the future but never saw the process.
"Let's just wait and see."
After saying this, Zhou Jiaojiao got up and left. Seeing her husband lying on the bed doing nothing made her anger boil over.
It was better not to see him at all!
If it weren't for that beautiful future, she wouldn't tolerate this!
In the kitchen, Liu Xiaoe was cooking, her eyes swollen from crying.
Just as she was crying hard, Zhou Jiaojiao came over.
Seeing Zhou Jiaojiao, Liu Xiaoe wiped away another tear.
Zhou Jiaojiao looked at her with some confusion: "Second Sister-in-Law, what's wrong with you?"
"I'm fine, I just feel wronged. In the past, we took turns cooking. But somehow, this task ended up being mine.
When the in-laws were home, they always ordered me around.
Today, they finally aren't here, but who knew your Second Brother would make me cook again.
He said since Mom and Dad aren't home, he's the older brother and I'm the sister-in-law, so I should take care of you.
Sounds nice, but it's really because I can't give him a son."
Liu Xiaoe spoke sadly.
Looking at the silent Zhou Jiaojiao, she then said hopefully: "Jiaojiao, you're so lucky. Your family members all have sons. Can you help me?"
"What's the problem? As long as Second Sister-in-Law treats me well, you'll have a son. All my sisters-in-law had sons like that.
By the way, Second Sister-in-Law, I want to go to the mountains tomorrow. Just the two of us, secretly.
You go to the mountains directly, and I'll sneak over from the black market.
We'll meet up in the mountains. If we find something good, I'll give you one-third. How about that?"
Zhou Jiaojiao whispered to her.
Liu Xiaoe was both excited and scared.
The idea of splitting the loot between the two of them was tempting. But... going to the mountains with Old Fifth's wife?
That would require some serious luck!
Chapter 160
What if I get up the mountain and have another bad fall? Wouldn't it be obvious when I come down that something happened?
Liu Xiaoe wasn't feeling as cheerful anymore.
She racked her brain trying to figure out how to refuse without upsetting Zhou Jiaojiao.
Seeing Liu Xiaoe's attitude, Zhou Jiaojiao's face darkened. "What's wrong? Second Sister-in-Law, didn't you just say you wanted to be nice to me? Don't worry, when we go to the mountains, I'll take care of you too.
If we're careful, we won't get hurt.
If anything happens, I'll cover the medical expenses, and you can just say it wasn't because we were in the mountains, okay?
Besides... don't you want to earn some extra money for yourself?
Only the two of us will know about this, and we can split the money."
Zhou Jiaojiao was convinced that Liu Xiaoe had to go with her.
After all, Liu Xiaoe was the easiest to manipulate among those present.
Everyone else would demand half of the earnings.
Liu Xiaoe dared not refuse!
Zhou Jiaojiao's words made Liu Xiaoe's heart flutter.
After thinking it over, she nodded. "Alright then..."
Since marrying Wang Qingfu, she had never had any private savings. She couldn't even buy anything for her family or herself.
If she had money, she could at least help her husband regain his strength.
Then wouldn't having a son be closer?
"Old Fifth's wife, we've agreed, right? If we go tomorrow, we can't do it like last time." Liu Xiaoe was eager to go to the mountains.
But she was also genuinely scared of getting hurt.
"Don't worry, Second Sister-in-Law, we've agreed."
The news that Wang Shoucheng and Zhao Guifen had been taken away spread quickly throughout the village.
The Wang family had finished dinner but hadn't gone back to their rooms.
They were all waiting to see what would happen tonight.
Zhao Cuihua was exhausted, holding her son in her arms, her mind restless.
If her father-in-law was taken in, the Wang family would have to split up.
What about the debt owed to her eldest brother and sister-in-law?
She wasn't as naive as others, believing they would forgive the debt.
Over the years, the whole family had relied on them.
Compared to Zhao Cuihua wanting Wang Shoucheng back to shoulder the debt, Zhou Jiaojiao didn't want him back at all!
The family agonized until almost midnight before the team leader arrived with Wang Shoucheng.
Seeing Wang Shoucheng return, the family's hearts sank; some felt relieved, others felt despair.
Wang Shoucheng was hunched over, looking lifeless.
Team Leader Chen Zhuangshi accompanied him back, noticing the entire Wang family gathered. He scolded Wang Shoucheng: "Old Wang, your wife has been detained.
She confessed straightforwardly, and the others said it was her, not you.
I'll assume you're not involved.
However, Zhao Guifen must be publicly criticized tomorrow, and your family must reflect privately on why such a big issue went unnoticed.
Also, you must learn from this."
The team leader gave Wang Shoucheng a stern lecture, which he dared not refute, almost breaking into tears.
He humbly accepted: "Team Leader, you're right; it's all my fault. If I had managed Guifen better, things wouldn't have turned out this way.
She wouldn't have chosen this path.
Leader, I'll go to the team tomorrow to make amends. I'll take responsibility for Guifen's mistakes. As a man, I can't hide from this."
Seeing Wang Shoucheng's demeanor, Chen Zhuangshi let it go. "Fine, if you want to go, go ahead.
I have a lot of work to do. You should all get some rest."
As soon as the team leader left, Wang Shoucheng changed his tone. "What are you all still doing here? Go inside already.
With such a big incident today, none of you cared about me at the team meeting.
You're all ungrateful."
Wang Shoucheng entered the house, followed by the others, each with their own thoughts.
Once everyone was inside, Wang Shoucheng drank some hot water to calm himself down.
Looking at the family waiting for him to speak, he finally said, "Regarding your mother's actions, don't feel ashamed.
And don't think she's being too harsh.
Who do you think she's doing this for? She's doing it all for you, because she heard that your eldest brother and his wife have a good life in the county, so she wants to get rid of your sister-in-law and those two kids.
Then our whole family can go to the county too.
When your eldest brother loses interest in work, won't his job be available for us to take over?
We won't have to pay back any money either.
This is all because of that woman Bai Xiuxiu.
If not for her, your eldest brother wouldn't treat us like this."
Wang Shoucheng spoke with great emotion, blaming everything on Bai Xiuxiu.
Hearing these words, Wang Qingqi felt they hit the nail on the head.
"Dad, you're right. Eldest Brother has been incited by his wife. Without her, our family would still be as good as before."
Wang Qingfu didn't say anything but nodded in agreement.
With Eldest Brother leaving and leaving the family with such a huge debt, it was truly outrageous.
Why did he suddenly want to settle things so clearly after all these years?
It must be because of his wife.
Ever since his wife started arguing with the family and fighting over things, Eldest Brother has always sided with her.
That's how it ended up like this.
If the trafficker had succeeded, it would have been a blessing for them.
But he wouldn't be as foolish as Old Fifth to say such things out loud.
Wang Qingfu looked at Wang Shoucheng, who was waiting for everyone's response, and apologized, "Dad, I'm sorry. This is actually our fault.
We've also wronged you!
If we weren't so useless, Mother wouldn't have to do this for us, and you wouldn't have almost been wrongly accused.
Even if others might mock our family, my brothers and I will never look down on Mother.
Although Mother won't be at home anymore, don't worry, Dad.
My wife is here; she can take care of the family's meals.
Our family will be just like before."
As Wang Qingfu spoke, he genuinely shed tears, his voice choking with emotion.
Listening to his second son's words, Wang Shoucheng felt warm inside.
It's still the second son who has a conscience. Who is he doing all this for? Isn't it for the whole family?
"Good, good, what the second son said is good."
Wang Shoucheng was deeply moved.
The others quickly followed suit with their own statements.
Zhao Cuihua sat next to her husband, her head lowered, without saying a word.
The one who knows how to talk is still the second brother. He's clearly being malicious, yet he makes it sound noble.
If they really wanted the family to live better, why don't they do some work? In this family, the one earning the most work points is me.
What are these people doing, putting on a show?
But as long as they share the money, they can do whatever they want!
The Wang family held a meeting all night. By now, Bai Xiuxiu and Wang Qinghe had returned home.