Chapter 176
"I..." The eldest daughter-in-law of the Yuan family was full of distress.
She hugged her daughter tightly, as if it would give her some courage.
Her whole family were honest people. After marrying into the Yuan family, she had been frightened and intimidated. The idea of calling the police seemed absurd to her.
Would it really be effective?
She was too scared to speak up but didn't want to miss this opportunity either.
"You've also gone to the Women's Federation and come to our neighborhood several times. We've thought of many ways to help you and even called their family over for mediation, but every time they only got worse.
They refuse to divorce and want you to continue working like a slave in that house.
If you want a divorce, you need to think of a way."
Director Old Wang had the same fiery temper as Director Wang.
Recently, she had been deeply worried about the daughter-in-law of the Yuan family and hadn't had a good New Year.
To get a divorce, she needed to make sure the Yuan family agreed.
Charging him with intentional injury and threatening his job should work.
Once divorced, the Yuan family would no longer have any control over Xiao Xu.
"If it fails, he... he will definitely beat me to death." The eldest daughter-in-law of the Yuan family cried, expressing her greatest fear. She was truly terrified of being beaten.
No one likes being beaten.
"Don't be afraid. Starting from tomorrow, you can stay at the neighborhood office. I don't believe he can do anything. You came here because you want a divorce, right? For that, we need to report him to the police." Director Wang analyzed the situation seriously.
Bai Xiuxiu noticed that Director Wang was indeed very smart. With just a few words, she had guessed Bai Xiuxiu's intentions and even spoke directly to the daughter-in-law of the Yuan family.
"I agree." The eldest daughter-in-law of the Yuan family nodded through her tears; she had no other options left.
After several attempts at mediation by the Women's Federation, they were helpless. Even the neighborhood office couldn't resolve the issue.
It seemed that the Yuan family knew that as long as they refused, she could never escape.
This despair made her feel suffocated.
In recent days, her daughter had suffered more at their hands.
Xu Ling didn't understand why her husband, who was supposed to protect her, bullied her and even hit her.
Isn't the child his own? Isn't she his wife?
Does he have no heart?
Director Old Wang was pleased when she heard the agreement: "Good, good. I'll prepare everything and take you there. What should I call you?"
Director Old Wang turned to ask Bai Xiuxiu.
"My name is Bai Xiuxiu."
Bai Xiuxiu answered truthfully.
Beside them, Director Wang quickly introduced: "Aunt, this is Xiao Bai I told you about. How is she? I didn't lie to you, did I? She will definitely be useful. If not for the fact that the Women's Federation couldn't arrange it, I wouldn't have introduced her to you."
Director Wang knew her aunt was satisfied with Bai Xiuxiu and continued praising her.
"She is indeed excellent, willing to stand up for what's right, and speaks boldly. Our neighborhood is too focused on relationships. Everyone is a neighbor, so we can't upset anyone. This has made us rusty, unable to think of obvious solutions.
We need someone like Xiao Bai to help us think more clearly.
Xiao Bai, would you like to work in our Wutong Neighborhood?
The benefits here are the same as those at the Women's Federation—eighteen yuan and fifty cents initially, which increases with time.
If you excel, you can advance further.
I'm straightforward. Our neighborhood is more demanding than the Women's Federation. If you're willing, I'll arrange it."
Director Old Wang looked at Bai Xiuxiu and then at her two children: "If you work here, you can bring your children. There are other children here, so they can play together. By the way, where do you live?"
Bai Xiuxiu mentioned her address.
Director Old Wang was even more pleased. She lived nearby in Wutong Neighborhood.
Another promising candidate.
This was exactly the kind of person she wanted!
"Xiao Bai, are you willing?" Director Old Wang asked again.
Bai Xiuxiu nodded: "Of course, I came here for this reason."
"Great. Then first, come with me to accompany Xiao Xu to report the incident. Once this is resolved, it will count as part of your achievement here, making it easier for you to integrate into our neighborhood." Director Old Wang waved at her niece.
"Alright, I'll take Xiao Bai. I'll handle her food rationing and job registration. You can go ahead and do what you need to do."
Director Old Wang's attitude pleased Director Wang greatly.
Auntie really does like Xiao Bai a lot.
"Xiao Bai, I'll head back now. Should I send a message to Aunt Jinhua first?" Director Wang asked Bai Xiuxiu. Xiao Bai is smart; she won't stay in this position forever and might even do better.
Oh, wait, Xiao Bai isn't any worse off than her now.
"Thank you, Director Wang." Bai Xiuxiu also thanked Director Xiao Wang.
Director Old Wang accompanied Bai Xiuxiu and Xu Ling to report the incident to the police. The injuries on her face looked terrifying, and she stood there as evidence.
With the witnesses from the neighborhood committee and the Women's Federation, they could all testify that Old Yuan's family had assaulted her.
Soon, the people from the Yuan family were taken to the station.
This whole ordeal took up half a day.
Yuan Lao Da was directly detained at the station.
This left the rest of the Yuan family in a panic.
They hurriedly came to the neighborhood committee to find Xu Ling.
When Grandma Yuan and the second daughter-in-law arrived, Xu Ling was still worried about what to do if the other party refused a divorce.
Holding her child, she cried until she almost fainted, not even wanting to eat.
Sitting in the hall of the neighborhood committee office, she didn't dare go anywhere.
When the Yuan family came looking for her, Director Wang, who was arranging a desk for Bai Xiuxiu, immediately changed his demeanor and got up to deal with them.
Including Director Wang, there were five people in the neighborhood committee office.
Two men and three women.
Bai Xiuxiu was the sixth person, and her arrival piqued everyone's curiosity.
The woman sitting close to Bai Xiuxiu, around twenty years old and about the same age as Bai Xiuxiu, whispered, "Xiuxiu, I see that the director treats you very well. Are you related to her?"
Bai Xiuxiu glanced at her and quickly denied it, "No, how could someone as responsible as Director Wang favor her own relatives?"
Mentioning the director, the woman seemed a bit disappointed, "That's true; the director isn't like that."
"Oh my goodness, are you trying to kill me? You helped this short-lived one get my son locked up. Get him out right now, or I'll die in front of you!"
As soon as Grandma Yuan entered, she started crying and wailing.
Chapter 177
As soon as she entered the community office, Xu Ling was so frightened that it seemed as if she had seen a ghost.
She stopped crying and, holding her child, hid behind Director Old Wang.
Director Old Wang settled Xu Ling at his desk and then looked at the sobbing elderly lady from the Yuan family. "Sister Yuan, your daughter-in-law hasn't cried yet, but you're already crying?"
"Xiao Wang, you really have some nerve," the old lady said with a raspy voice that sounded quite strange.
She pulled up the nearest male colleague and sat in his chair, squinting and no longer crying. "We are all neighbors, and everyone has been very cooperative with your work over the years. What's your intention today?
Taking my daughter-in-law to report my son? My son is still there, and I'll tell you this: if he doesn't come back, I'll die here!"
The old lady looked terrifying when she got angry.
Director Old Wang wasn't afraid of her. "Sister Yuan, we've been neighbors for many years. We know what kind of person you are and what kind of people your family members are. Xu Ling said that if you agree to divorce, she won't press charges.
If not, let your son stay there. He maliciously injured someone, and eventually, he might lose his job.
How hard is it to find a job these days?
Not everyone in your family has one, right?
Sister Yuan, don't be unreasonable with me. This isn't something our community can resolve. If you're willing to let go and give her a chance, this matter will be over."
"Director Wang, aren't you clearly siding with my sister-in-law? You don't know what's going on in our family, so why are you interfering?" The second daughter-in-law of the Yuan family looked displeased.
Without her sister-in-law, the household chores would fall on her.
She didn't want that.
"How is your sister-in-law's business any of your concern? I don't need to know everything about your family; I just see that her face is bruised and swollen. She came to our community for help, not you." Director Wang didn't think much of the Yuan family's second daughter-in-law.
Everyone lived nearby, and this family was notorious. Who didn't know?
This second daughter-in-law constantly instigated the family to bully the elder daughter-in-law.
Xu Ling suffered a lot because of her.
Reprimanded and feeling embarrassed, the second daughter-in-law remained silent, standing beside the old lady.
After a moment, the old lady spoke, "Xiao Wang, do you manage our family affairs too? If she has any grievances, let her speak for herself."
At her desk, Xu Ling trembled in fear. Hearing her mother-in-law say she should speak, she started crying again.
She felt pain all over her body!
Bai Xiuxiu glanced at Xu Ling and walked over.
"Sister Xu, if you don't speak up, they will continue to bully you. Only by saving yourself can you truly recover."
Bai Xiuxiu's voice was soft, and the distance between the desks somewhat muffled her words.
Xu Ling continued to cry while holding her child.
"Let me watch your child for a bit?" Bai Xiuxiu continued to encourage her.
In front, the old lady began shouting, "Xu Ling! You shameless thing, come out here! You dared to send your husband to jail, so what else won't you do? Come out and see if I don't beat you!"
"I warn you, better get your husband out of there immediately, or..."
Xu Ling handed her child to Bai Xiuxiu and ran out.
Her tears hadn't dried yet, and seeing her sister-in-law and mother-in-law, she lost half her courage. "I..."
"What 'I'? Quickly follow me and bring your husband back, then go home and make dinner. The past few days, your second sister-in-law has been cooking. Don't you feel ashamed? Also, I heard this winter will be cold, so hurry back to your parents' house and get some cloth.
My grandson needs new clothes.
Quickly follow me!"
Seeing Xu Ling, the old lady spoke with confidence.
Xu Ling trembled with anger and shook off the old lady's hand that tried to grab her.
With hatred in her eyes, she exclaimed, "Who wants to go back with you? It was me who sent him to jail. He's not a man! My daughter and I were treated like donkeys by your whole family, and he just watched. I wanted justice for my daughter, but he hit people.
For someone like him, I wouldn't care if he died.
Hurry up and let me divorce him, or... or forget about his job.
If I die, you won't have it easy either."
Xu Ling had always been a quiet person, just like her family.
She endured her grievances in silence, never engaging in arguments with others.
Those were the years she endured, until recently, when her daughter's face was scratched.
This was just the beginning of the trouble, but no one took it seriously; it would be fine as long as they submitted after being beaten.
Such a fierce Xu Ling is what they were seeing for the first time.
This immediately frightened the old lady.
Xu Ling cried and cursed, "In this family, I don't know who is the shameless one. You make me take everything from my parents' house, and even have my husband beat me and our daughter. It's your entire family that deserves to die. All of you get lost, or I'll hang myself right in front of your door."
When the time comes, none of your family will have a good life.
I'll tell you this: even if I die, I'll drag your precious grandson with me!"
"Mad, your eldest sister-in-law is mad." Old Lady Yuan grabbed her second daughter-in-law and muttered angrily. — Yunjiu Novels
The second daughter-in-law of the Yuan family was also terrified. How could Xu Ling suddenly...
"Your family had better make a decision soon—whether to divorce or not. If it's too late, there won't be any solution for anyone." Director Wang took advantage of their fear to remind them.
The old lady was so scared that she turned and left immediately.
After everyone had gone, Director Old Wang arranged for Xu Ling to stay in the storage room: "Xu Ling, you and your daughter can stay here for the next few days. I'll bring food from home for you. By the way, should I help you contact your family?"
"I'll contact them after the divorce," Xu Ling said, feeling even more heartbroken when she thought of her family.
Over the years, she had frequently returned home to ask for things, causing strained relationships between her parents and her brother and his wife.
"You stay here for now. Don't worry, we'll ensure your safety." After saying this, Director Wang began introducing their work to Bai Xiuxiu.
"Our work here is a bit more than what you did at the Women's Federation. The Women's Federation focuses on women's rights, while our neighborhood committee deals with all sorts of trivial matters among neighbors. We also help distribute welfare benefits.
We also maintain the cleanliness of the neighborhood, and..."
Director Old Wang spoke eloquently about their work.
Bai Xiuxiu listened carefully and memorized everything Director Wang said.
"Do you remember everything?" Director Wang asked Bai Xiuxiu.
Bai Xiuxiu repeated everything Director Wang had just said.
Director Wang was very pleased: "Mm, good job, Xiao Bai. You're quick-witted and capable."
"Let me introduce you to everyone. This is Xiao Bai, who has just joined us. Please take care of her. I'll handle the Yuan family matter together with Xiao Bai." Director Wang formally introduced Bai Xiuxiu to everyone.
"Xiuxiu, I'll help you with your food rationing permit. Go back to the village this afternoon to settle your affairs there, and start working here officially tomorrow."
Director Wang was very satisfied with Bai Xiuxiu. Finally, his niece had done something right!
Chapter 178
"Alright, I'll go back now. Director Wang, thank you for today. Everyone, see you tomorrow." Bai Xiuxiu greeted everyone in the room and left with Mingming and Yueyue.
After Bai Xiuxiu left, the woman who had talked to her earlier curiously asked Director Wang about Bai Xiuxiu: "Aunt Wang, where is Xiuxiu from? She seems really nice. Where did you find such a good person?"
Director Wang held Bai Xiuxiu in high regard, as the people in their office were merely going through the motions.
Therefore, she was very cautious about filling this vacancy.
"Xiuxiu worked at the Women's Federation in a village nearby. She did a great job, and I heard about her from the commune. It just so happened that we needed someone here, so I brought her over. I went through a lot of trouble to find her, so none of you are allowed to bully her.
Don't think that because you've been here longer, you can fool her.
If I find out... hmph!"
Director Wang's attitude made the others dare not have any ulterior motives.
She looked around the room and then fixed her gaze on the young girl who had asked about Bai Xiuxiu.
"Xiao Tang, I know you wanted your cousin to come here, but don't give me any trouble. Xiao Bai has better qualifications and work experience than your cousin. She's far superior.
And Xiao Yu, you're older than both Xiao Tang and the new Xiao Bai. As fellow women, take care of them.
Our street office must not have any negative rumors, understood?"
Director Wang warned Xiao Tang, who was around Bai Xiuxiu's age, and also gave instructions to a woman in her thirties sitting in the corner.
Xiao Tang blushed and awkwardly lowered her head.
She felt wronged; she hadn't said anything, just wanted to know who had taken the position.
If the person wasn't as good as her cousin, they might be a relation.
She did have some ulterior motives, but the director didn't need to say it like that.
"Aunt Wang, don't worry. I'll take good care of Xiao Bai and our Xiao Tang." Song Chun helped smooth things over and mentioned other matters.
"Aunt Wang, winter is coming soon. We need to..."
Song Chun brought up various tasks to be done.
Director Wang discussed these with her, easing Xiao Tang's embarrassment.
The two male colleagues by the door listened quietly without saying a word.
One was around Song Chun's age, and the other was a few years younger than Director Wang.
They both looked kind and not prone to causing trouble.
The Wutong Street Office fell quiet again.
When Bai Xiuxiu returned to the village with the children, it was already afternoon.
The villagers were bringing back medicinal herbs, and the team was busy.
Since Bai Xiuxiu hadn't helped with the statistics, Miao Miao was working alone and sweating despite the cold.
Seeing Bai Xiuxiu return, Miao Miao felt relieved.
"Sister Xiuxiu!"
Her voice was filled with joy, and Bai Xiuxiu greeted her with a smile: "Miao Miao, where is Aunt Jinhua? I need to talk to her."
"Is your good news confirmed? Aunt Jinhua is inside. The fifth daughter-in-law from Old Wang's family is also here. I don't know why she came to see Aunt Jinhua." Mentioning Zhou Jiaojiao, Miao Miao showed clear dislike.
She liked Bai Xiuxiu and couldn't stand anyone from Old Wang's family!
Especially after what happened a few days ago, her opinion of Zhou Jiaojiao had worsened.
"Why is she here? I'll go in and check." Bai Xiuxiu was surprised that Zhou Jiaojiao had come.
"Hurry in. I'm still busy here. I'll join you later." Miao Miao was swamped, with piles of medicinal herbs everywhere.
She almost wanted to cry.
"I'll go first. Once I finish my business, I'll come help you." With that, Bai Xiuxiu entered the house.
Hearing Bai Xiuxiu's words, Miao Miao felt a glimmer of hope.
No way, if Sister Xiuxiu really leaves, she would make sure Aunt Jinhua found another helper.
With the current rush to gather medicinal herbs, it would take a month or more, and she would be exhausted!
She wasn't an accountant like Wang, nor did she get paid like one!
Miao Miao thought, feeling helpless.
Bai Xiuxiu knocked on the slightly open door: "Aunt Jinhua, may I come in?"
Inside, Chen Jinhua was so annoyed by Zhou Jiaojiao that she felt nauseous. Hearing Bai Xiuxiu, she quickly called her in: "It's Xiao Bai? Come in quickly."
Bai Xiuxiu entered and saw Zhou Jiaojiao sitting on a stool, sulking in front of Aunt Jinhua.
"Zhou Jiaojiao, stop threatening people. Our village gathering medicinal herbs is approved by the commune. They are using us as a pilot project. If it works, other villages will do the same.
How dare you say that if you can't join the Women's Federation, you'll expose our village?
Get out of here right now! I can't stand seeing you!"
If it weren't for the rule against hitting people, Chen Jinhua would have slapped her twice to wake her up.
Who does she think she is?
Why must she insist on joining our Women's Federation?
Zhou Jiaojiao was anxious; she had planned to use the threat of causing trouble for the team leader to get into the Women's Federation.
But Chen Jinhua didn't fall for it at all.
Brother Hu promised her that if she could join the Women's Federation, he would help transfer her job to the commune.
With a legitimate job as cover, it would be easier for her to go to the black market secretly.
However, she was stuck with Chen Jinhua.
This old hag, why won't she just die?
Zhou Jiaojiao's eyes were filled with murderous intent.
Looking at Bai Xiuxiu standing beside her, she felt even more humiliated.
She stood up abruptly and said, "Don't say I didn't warn you."
As soon as she left, Chen Jinhua spat several times in anger: "How did I end up with such a jinx? And she insists on coming to our Women's Federation. Who does she think she is? She can come up with any scheme.
This is only because the village's affairs have gone through the commune. Otherwise, she could have ruined the whole village by herself.
How could someone be so evil?"
"Auntie, she's not just capable of this much. You should avoid confronting her directly," Bai Xiuxiu warned Jinhua Auntie, concerned about her facing off with Zhou Jiaojiao.
"What? She could be even worse? Well... I'll have to be more careful then." Chen Jinhua considered avoiding her altogether and not listening to her anymore.
Looking at Bai Xiuxiu, Chen Jinhua remembered something important and pulled her aside to ask about her job: "Xiuxiu, you came back at this time. This morning, I ran into Director Wang, and she told me everything. She said her aunt is very satisfied with you and asked me not to worry.
Now that you're back, does this mean everything is settled?"
Chapter 179
"Yes, it's settled. Director Old Wang said she would help me with the grain and other matters. She asked me to come back this afternoon to wrap up my work here at the Women's Federation." Bai Xiuxiu couldn't hide her smile as she thought about working in the county, which would make everything more convenient.
"That's good, that's good. Now you'll be a city dweller. If you need anything, just let Auntie know. Come back to the village when you have time. In the fall, I'll take you into the mountains to find some wild delicacies so others won't talk about you being idle."
Chen Jinhua looked at Bai Xiuxiu as if she were her own daughter.
For some reason, she felt an inexplicable closeness.
Bai Xiuxiu was both moved and warmed by Chen Jinhua's words: "Auntie, I don't know how to thank you."
"If you want to thank me, go help Miao Miao; she's exhausted today. You've done most of your work, and I can hand over the rest to Miao Miao. Xiaohui took the day off; she tends to overthink things, so I had Miao Miao do your tasks."
Chen Jinhua glanced at Liu Xiaohui's empty seat; she had been there early in the morning but left after Director Old Wang mentioned that Bai Xiuxiu's matters were almost settled.
Originally, Miao Miao was supposed to take the day off, but because of Liu Xiaohui, she had to bring Miao Miao back.
"I'll go help her then." Bai Xiuxiu left the children in the room under Jinhua Auntie's watchful eye and went out to assist Miao Miao.
As soon as she stepped out, she saw Zhou Jiaojiao standing at the entrance of the brigade headquarters.
Zhou Jiaojiao's gaze was venomous enough to make one shiver.
Zhou Jiaojiao was furious, cursing viciously in her heart. Seeing Bai Xiuxiu come out only made her feel worse.
She had just heard from a girl who was familiar with Bai Xiuxiu that Bai Xiuxiu might be going to work in the county. Why should someone like Bai Xiuxiu deserve such an opportunity?
Moreover... she had another dream last night. In it, Bai Xiuxiu died two years later, and she obtained a treasure from Bai Xiuxiu.
But she hadn't seen Bai Xiuxiu with any treasure recently. The treasure in her dream was vague and indistinct, leaving her frustrated and anxious.
The only certainty was that once Bai Xiuxiu died, her life would improve.
Bai Xiuxiu was truly her nemesis!
"Xiuxiu Sister, you're out? Come help me with the calculations," Miao Miao called out upon seeing Bai Xiuxiu.
Without hesitation, Bai Xiuxiu went over to assist.
After a moment's consideration, Zhou Jiaojiao approached: "Sister-in-law... I heard you're going to work in the county. Is it true?"
"How did you hear that? Were you eavesdropping on our conversation?" Miao Miao was furious; she had just discussed Bai Xiuxiu's situation with an elderly woman.
Ignoring Miao Miao's remark, Zhou Jiaojiao looked expectantly at Bai Xiuxiu: "Sister-in-law, you're not with the Women's Federation anymore, right? Could you speak to Jinhua Auntie about filling the vacancy in our village's Women's Federation? You know I've had quite a bit of education.
I can do everything you can do.
I will certainly work hard for the village.
If I get a job, I can better support my family.
Mother has already been sent away because of you, so we must take care of Father..."
Zhou Jiaojiao's voice trembled with emotion, loud enough for everyone to hear, hoping to put pressure on Bai Xiuxiu.
If Bai Xiuxiu refused, it would make her appear ungrateful.
Who wouldn't criticize her then?
Zhou Jiaojiao's plan seemed solid, but Bai Xiuxiu was shocked. Had Zhou Jiaojiao finally lost her mind?
How had Zhou Jiaojiao managed to progress so smoothly before, relying solely on luck?
Could she really say such things?
Shocked, Bai Xiuxiu frowned and spoke no less loudly than Zhou Jiaojiao: "Old Fifth's wife, what are you saying? How can you ask me to convince Jinhua Auntie to give you the Women's Federation position? There are many people in our village. Are you the only one who's educated?
Don't other families have educated young women too?
Do you think this is a job you can inherit?
The Women's Federation of our brigade is not something I can decide.
If I asked Jinhua Auntie, would that be fair to others?"
Zhou Jiaojiao couldn't believe Bai Xiuxiu had refused. Her expression turned cold with humiliation and resentment.
Bai Xiuxiu continued: "Also, don't blame me for sending your mother away. She conspired with human traffickers and got herself arrested. Do you have anything else? If not, please step aside and don't hinder our work."
"You're really strange, always pestering Xiuxiu Sister about your own problems," Miao Miao spat, disapproving of Zhou Jiaojiao.
Zhou Jiaojiao regretted approaching Bai Xiuxiu. How could someone so ruthless ever help her?
She wouldn't let Bai Xiuxiu off easily. She needed to dig deeper into the secrets her in-laws had kept from them.
Zhou Jiaojiao slunk away.
Bai Xiuxiu helped Miao Miao get through the busiest part of the day and hurried back before it got dark.
Zhou Jiaojiao had faced rejection from Bai Xiuxiu and was mocked by Chen Jinhua, leaving her in a deep funk.
She had been working tirelessly these days, earning quite a bit of money, all of which was taken by Old Wang's family.
Now she still owed money to her in-laws and to Bai Xiuxiu!
Thinking about this, Zhou Jiaojiao felt suffocated. Wasn't she supposed to be the luckiest one? How did things turn out like this?
The more Zhou Jiaojiao thought about it, the more resentful she became.
Carrying a heart full of grievances, she returned to Old Wang's house. Seeing her father-in-law and Aunt Qiu chatting and laughing in the courtyard, she sneered inwardly and coughed loudly.
At her cough, Aunt Qiu immediately looked awkward and walked away.
Wang Shoucheng was clearly displeased. "Why are you back? How was the black market today? Although we don't need to go into the mountains anymore, we can't have idle hands in this family. Old Fifth's wife, you're different from others."
Zhou Jiaojiao forced a smile. "Dad, you're right. Actually, I wanted to ask you something. You and Mom always kept it a secret—was Big Brother really your biological son? If not... could we contact his real parents?"
"What are you trying to do? Are you crazy? What nonsense is this? Your big brother is my son." Wang Shoucheng's hair stood on end.
What was Old Fifth's wife up to?
"Please don't misunderstand, Dad. I was thinking... Big Brother doesn't even know who he is. If his parents are influential, couldn't we get some benefits from them? If they ask, just tell them that Big Brother is dead."
Chapter 180
Zhou Jiaojiao's eyes sparkled with excitement as she brought up the matter, eager to know if Wang Qinghe was indeed Old Wang's son. If not, who were his real parents? Or could it be that he was just picked up off the street?
The last possibility seemed too unlikely, given that neither her in-laws were particularly kind-hearted.
If he came from a powerful family, their options would expand immensely.
Her father-in-law's mouth could surely say whatever was beneficial for them.
To Wang Shoucheng, Zhou Jiaojiao's behavior made her look like a madwoman.
Old Fifth's wife had truly lost her mind.
What did she even know?
Those two people who had forced him to take the child away were terrifying. If they tried to contact them now, wouldn't they end up beaten to death?
Thinking back to that scene, Wang Shoucheng felt chills run down his spine.
The more he thought about it, the more frightened he became. He raised his hand to slap Zhou Jiaojiao. "I see you've gone mad... Ouch, my waist."
Before he could land the slap, he twisted his waist and spun around in pain, falling to the ground.
Zhou Jiaojiao was stunned by this old man's sudden attempt to hit her.
Wang Shoucheng groaned in pain, seeing his daughter-in-law still standing there. Filled with anger and fear, he pointed at her and shouted, "Why don't you think of ways to make money instead? Don't you know how desperate we are for cash?
What nonsense are you spouting?
Is Wang Qinghe my son or not? Do you get to decide that?
And what about demanding money from his biological parents? His biological parents are me and your mother!
All day long, you dream of getting something for nothing. Get out of here!"
Wang Shoucheng was no longer his usual shrewd self; he was just irritable.
Even if he didn't intend to keep those secrets buried forever, he certainly wouldn't shout them out in his own courtyard.
Those were his secrets.
Zhou Jiaojiao felt extremely wronged and frustrated. "Dad, why are you so cowardly? No one else is here right now. Are you going to let me and Old Fifth be bullied by Big Brother and his wife? Without someone powerful to help us, our lives will remain the same.
Dad, don't you want a better life?"
"Get out, go back to your room," Wang Shoucheng said through gritted teeth, covering his waist as he struggled to stand up. He limped away, needing to find Old Zhang to fix his back.
"Dad, can you really bear to let us suffer like this?"
Zhou Jiaojiao kept shouting.
Outside, Wang Shoucheng's heart wavered as he walked, influenced by his daughter-in-law's words.
Actually, Old Fifth's wife was right.
That family probably didn't know whether their son was alive or dead. And wasn't it his word that mattered?
Moreover, even if they couldn't find Wang Qinghe's biological parents, finding those two people who had ordered him to do this would work. They didn't know the child was still alive.
He was afraid, but he had many sons.
And what era was it back then? What era is it now?
Nowadays, laws matter. As long as they got their benefits and returned, it would be fine.
Worst case, they could stay hidden in a guesthouse during the day.
Could anyone really attack them in broad daylight?
Finding the biological parents wouldn't work; he had stolen their child. They wouldn't give them any benefits; they'd likely send them to jail.
This matter still needed to be approached through those two people from back then.
When he kept Wang Qinghe, besides wanting to save his own life, hadn't he also hoped to profit someday?
Over the years, he had been scared, but his daughter-in-law's words reignited his thoughts.
In the courtyard, Zhou Jiaojiao, with a dark expression, cursed her bad luck.
She wondered if Wang Qinghe was really their biological son. If so, why had her parents acted so strangely before?
It shouldn't be possible for him to be their biological son.
Their denial only proved there was a significant benefit involved.
Zhou Jiaojiao was driven mad by both the need for money and her anger towards Bai Xiuxiu.
No matter what, she had to live better than Bai Xiuxiu.
Immediately!
Tonight, she must convince Qingqi and her father that if there were any benefits, they must belong to her and Wang Qingqi.
She had to make her dreams come true!
Zhao Cuihua had been eavesdropping on their conversation, and after hearing everything, she was speechless.
She thought it was some major issue, but it turned out Old Fifth's wife had gone mad with poverty, fantasizing that her brother wasn't their biological son and was from a wealthy family. She was quite imaginative, dreaming such things.
Evening.
On his way back from getting his back straightened by Old Zhang, Wang Shoucheng was stopped by Wang Qingqi.
The place where the younger son stopped him was deserted, and it was already dark.
This sudden appearance startled Wang Shoucheng, and he scolded him angrily, "What are you doing out here so late? Trying to scare your dad to death?"
"Dad, I just wanted to come pick you up. Jiaojiao said you fell today. Are you okay?"
Wang Qingqi moved to help him.
"Your wife sent you over, didn't she?" Wang Shoucheng knew immediately that it must be because Old Fifth's wife was still causing trouble.
However, this matter really did need Old Fifth's wife to handle it.
If someone else were to do it, who knows what might happen?
Old Fifth's wife had this on her mind; she would definitely get involved, and there was no way to hide it from her. If she were left to her own devices, who knows what trouble she might stir up.
It was better to bring her along.
Most importantly... Old Fifth was the son he favored most, and he had good luck marrying Zhou Jiaojiao, a woman with good fortune.
They were destined for success!
The future of the Wang family rested on his shoulders.
After thinking it through, Wang Shoucheng sighed, "You came here because of what your wife said, right?"
Wang Qingqi wasn't quite sure himself. He didn't hope that Wang Qinghe was the son of some wealthy person.
After all, in his eyes, his elder brother was like a donkey in the family. Why should he have better parents than him? He was meant to be a donkey for life, and even if they separated households, he would just be a runaway donkey. How could a donkey be better than him?
Still, he secretly hoped to uncover some other secrets from this matter.
Wang Shoucheng deliberated for a while, wondering whether to keep a good image for himself and not tell them everything.
But after considering it, to avoid any mishaps, he decided to tell them everything.
However, too many people shouldn't know about this.
He still needed to make himself look good, blaming those two who forced him.
"Dad, my wife has been under too much pressure lately. Money is tight everywhere at home; she's never lived like this before. Don't be angry about what she said today." Wang Qingqi, unusually, started speaking reasonably, trying to smooth things over for Zhou Jiaojiao.