Chapter 146

Chapter 146

Xu Yuqing took two deep breaths, expelling all the stale air from her lungs. She calmed down, realizing that the people in front of her were nothing but leeches, not worth getting upset over.

The past was gone, and Xu Yuqing didn't bother with them anymore, knowing that living well was the best revenge.

She stood tall, looking down at the Xu family members who were squatting on the ground, some crying, others resentful.

There was nothing more to say. She turned around and pulled Xie Junli. "Let's go. There's no need to stay here." Dealing with them required other methods.

Xie Junli: "Alright—"

His word was barely out when Lin Chun, in a hurry, interrupted him. "Xu Yuqing! I don't care how much you resent the family! You were raised by me! I fed and clothed you! You owe me! You should give me money!"

She shouted, her face flushed red as if possessed.

Xu Yuqing paused mid-step and silently turned around.

"You raised me?"

She pondered these words, then couldn't help but laugh coldly.

"You raised me? What did you use to raise me, your mouth? Even farmers working in the fields have done more work than I have my whole life, enough to support myself."

As she spoke, her emotions stirred, causing her braid to swing and accidentally hit her face, leaving a faint red mark.

"The best you ever treated me was when you thought I was too skinny and feared I wouldn't fetch a good price. So you sent me to school, fed me well, and kept me from working."

"Do you remember what you said? 'You must finish high school because girls with a high school education bring in higher dowries.'"

Her gaze was piercing as she looked at Lin Chun. "As a mother, have you ever truly cared for me beyond bringing me into this world?"

This questioning didn't make Lin Chun back down. She struggled to her feet, acting like a madwoman, blocking the Xu family. "I don't care! Without me, you wouldn't have your good life now! At least three hundred yuan, I tell you! If you don't give it to me, I'll cause a scene at your workplace!"

"Go ahead, then. Let's see if your slander outweighs my value."

Throughout the ordeal, Xu Yuqing remained calm except for her momentary lapse with Xu Guoying. Now, she was even more composed, her eyes icy cold.

After wasting nearly fifteen minutes, she didn't want to see these people anymore. She turned and walked away, pulling Xie Junli along.

Xie Junli held her hand firmly. "I'm here."

"Mm," Xu Yuqing replied, a slight smile playing on her lips.

Behind them, the young soldier picked up his gun, pretending to load it, aiming at the Xu family. "Stay back! This is the Military District; get lost!"

He had heard their conversation clearly and knew they were nothing but heartless parasites.

With no reason to be polite, he aimed the gun at the woman leading the group, who refused to leave and tried to grab Xie Junli's wife. "This is the Military District! I'll say it again: don't force me to fire a warning shot!"

He shouted sternly.

The soldiers' imposing presence terrified the Xu family. The two silent women screamed and hid behind Xu Zhilei and Lin Chun, who stood in front. Lin Chun lowered her voice, unwilling to give up. "Comrade of the People's Liberation Army, she's my daughter! Why can't I find her?"

"No proof, no entry! Claiming a daughter with just a photo would turn our Military District into a joke!" Lin Chun was so angry she almost fainted, clutching her chest and gasping for breath, looking as if she might die.

But the soldier, who knew her true nature, ignored her.

Seeing this, the Xu family reluctantly left. Xu Zhilei supported Lin Chun, gritting his teeth. "Move!"

His harsh tone startled Lin Chun, and she stood up without assistance, limping behind them.

It was a sad sight.

In the family compound, the two walked quietly.

Xie Junli, tongue-tied, didn't know what to say. Xu Yuqing gazed ahead, lost in thought.

They reached home in silence. As Xu Yuqing stepped inside, her body suddenly went limp, and she fell straight down.

Fortunately, Xie Junli, though opening the door, had been watching her closely. He rushed forward and caught her, preventing her fall.

Steadying her, he lifted her into his arms. "Are you okay?"

Xu Yuqing shook her head, her eyes glistening. She slowly smiled at Xie Junli, seeming genuinely happy.

This reaction surprised Xie Junli. He carried her to the bed, growing even more worried. "What happened?"

Could it be that she was overwhelmed?

Regretfully, he thought he shouldn't have taken her out earlier and should have driven them away directly.

He gently stroked her face, admiring her strength despite his worry.

But the next moment, she brushed his hand away, bouncing up from the bed.

As if waking from a dream, she raised her eyebrows, looking at her hands in disbelief. "Wow, hitting someone feels great! Was I really that fierce just now?"

Xie Junli was taken aback by her unexpected reaction, his eyes softening with amusement.

That's just like her.

"Not fierce at all. You did great," he said solemnly, word by word.

Xu Yuqing looked at him, sensing the sincerity in his voice.

For some inexplicable reason, her eyes welled up, feeling warm and a bit uncomfortable.

Sniffing, "I agree. If they dare to come again, I'll fight one by one, pair by pair!"

Although Xu Yuqing had said it fiercely, she knew that the Xu family wouldn't let it go easily. But how did they see this newspaper all the way from Beicheng to Yancheng?

Xu Yuqing couldn't figure it out, but seeing their determined demeanor, she was sure they wouldn't leave without getting something.

However, after going through so much, she wasn't someone to be trifled with.

On the other side, the Xu family had nowhere to go. Without an introduction letter, they couldn't even stay at a guesthouse.

Not that they were willing to pay for it anyway.

In the bitter cold of winter, they huddled at the alley entrance. Xu Guoqiang and Xu Guoying each held their wives tightly, their faces grim.

Xu Guoqiang: "Father! Second Sister won't give us any money! What should we do now?"

The woman in his arms, who hadn't spoken until now, finally spoke up, looking at Xu Zhilei with disdain before quickly covering it up: "Exactly, you still owe the dowry. I came all this way, and now we don't even have a place to stay. The child in my belly won't stand for it!"

After saying this, she looked at Xu Guoqiang with a pained expression. With a blink of her eyes, Xu Guoqiang was instantly captivated, holding her tightly and consoling her.

As for the mother, who was sitting nearby, cold and hungry, she was naturally ignored.

Thinking of his grandson, Xu Zhilei felt anxious. They had brought all their belongings just to rely on that stubborn second daughter.

If only he had known earlier, he wouldn't have been so harsh. But which daughter isn't like that! She just had a bigger temper.

Who would have thought she could become so successful!

Xu Zhilei gritted his teeth: "Ah Mei, bear with it for now. We're already here; there's no money to go back. Old lady, you continue to look for her at the Military District tomorrow afternoon!"

No one argued with him, except Lin Chun, whose eyes widened in disbelief. She opened her mouth to refuse, but when Xu Zhilei glanced at her, she quickly closed it and lowered her head.

The woman called Ah Mei still felt unsatisfied and twisted in Xu Guoqiang's arms: "My cotton jacket is so thin. I think that pink one looks nice."

After saying this, she pouted in a pitiful manner.

Xu Guoqiang coaxed her tenderly: "When the time comes, I'll make that stubborn girl take it off and give it to you!"

Amidst the commotion, Xu Guoying and the woman in his arms showed no reaction, sitting together with blank expressions.

If one looked closely, they would notice that they kept some distance between them. The woman straightened her back, trying to keep away from the man behind her. Seeing Ah Mei's behavior, a hint of mockery flashed in her eyes.

This Ah Mei was her own sister, who had pushed her into this predicament.

Feeling the tight grip around her waist, Xu Lan couldn't help but think of the confident and beautiful woman she had just seen. Despite only having finished fifth grade, she felt that all the words she knew could describe her.

But looking at the scheming people opposite her, she knew that woman wasn't foolish and wouldn't be easily fooled.

Zhou Lan sighed inwardly. She was worried about herself. At least they didn't seem to be planning to run away again. If they stayed here for a while, she could gather more information and then escape.

There was no windbreak at the alley entrance, and as night fell, it got colder. However, this wasn't their first night sleeping outside. During their days of hiding and fleeing, they had endured similar conditions.

Now, even if they had money, they couldn't spend it, let alone having none.

Xu Zhilei had initially wanted Lin Chun to go to the Military District, but it was too cold. Her cotton jacket was barely keeping her warm.

He decided to send Lin Chun early the next morning instead. The two hugged tightly.

Not just them, Xu Guoqiang and Xu Guoying, along with their wives, also huddled together.

Xu Guoying was young and had never suffered before. This month of running around was the most hardship he had ever experienced.

Holding the woman in his arms, his teeth chattered, and he couldn't help pinching her hard. She immediately reacted with pain, and Xu Guoying smirked: "Why did you seduce me? If not for you, I wouldn't be suffering like this!"

Without her, he could have stayed home, where his parents would have taken care of him.

Instead, they had no introduction letter, couldn't stay at a guesthouse, and couldn't buy train tickets.

Wrapped in quilts and using a cloth curtain, the Xu family shivered through the night. Fortunately, it didn't snow. The next morning, everyone woke up early.

They were freezing, especially Xu Zhilei, who was struggling due to his age. He told Lin Chun: "I don't care what you do! Tonight, you must get Second Sister to arrange a guesthouse!"

Lin Chun's lips were blue. Though she had never lived luxuriously, she used to be envied by villagers. Now, disheveled and looking like a beggar, she hung her head, afraid to meet anyone's gaze.

The group marched to the Military District gate once again, only to be stopped as usual.

Seeing a different PLA soldier this time, Xu Zhilei quickly put on a smile: "Comrade, we're here to find our daughter. Our daughter went to the countryside and suddenly got married without telling us. How can we not worry about her?"

He spoke with tears in his eyes.

The young soldier looked suspiciously at the elderly man. "What's your daughter's name?"

Seeing hope, Xu Zhilei was elated inside but didn't show it: "Her husband seems to be called Captain Xie. My daughter is Xu Yuqing."

At the mention of Xu Yuqing, the soldier recognized her. He nodded: "I know. I can pass the message and ask her to come out, but without an introduction letter, you can't enter."

He was about to go in, but Xu Zhilei hurriedly stopped him: "Wait, comrade!"

He pleaded: "My daughter might cut ties with us if she knows we're here. Could you just say there's a letter waiting for her?"

Xu Zhilei thought he was being clever.

The young soldier, however, sensed something amiss. Ordinary parents wouldn't act like this. Captain Xie's wife clearly came from a cultured background, unlike the suspicious-looking family in front of him.

He paused, raising his gun: "Are you lying to me?"

Caught off guard, Xu Zhilei raised his hands in panic: "No, PLA comrade! Everything I said is true! We're all here, aren't we!"

Suspecting the Xu family members with a glance, the young soldier pursed his lips. "I can't help you deceive others; I can only relay your message."

Seeing this, although Xu Zhilei cursed inwardly at the rigid soldier, he had no choice but to accept it.

But he couldn't help feeling uneasy, wondering what if the stubborn girl refused to come out.

This place was so cold; staying longer might even endanger his own grandson.

However, without the money, thinking about being paraded in public, he shuddered, clearly more terrified.

No, he must get the money.

After an anxious wait, someone came out from inside. The slim figure was none other than Xu Yuqing.

Without the soldier following behind, Xu Zhilei's eyes flashed with surprise, only to see Xu Yuqing approaching angrily before he could react.

"Smack!"

Another slap.

Everyone present was shocked, including the confused young soldier, all staring at her in astonishment.

Xu Zhilei was never particularly strong; he had never done much labor, the heaviest work being just his factory job, which Lin Chun always took care of for him.

In terms of physical strength, Xu Zhilei didn't even match up to Lin Chun.

Now, he was knocked to the ground by Xu Yuqing's slap and couldn't get up for a long time.

Lin Chun looked at this scene in fury, screamed, and rushed past her son to support Xu Zhilei.

Lin Chun: "How are you?"

Xu Zhilei covered his cheek in anger and sorrow. "Look at the daughter you raised! Does she hit her father like that?" He roared loudly, and Lin Chun immediately glared at Xu Yuqing with hatred and charged at her.

This farce finally ended with the intervention of the young soldier.

Although he didn't understand the truth, he knew that if the commander's wife got beaten, he would suffer too.

Stopping Lin Chun, he shouted angrily, "You're hitting a military spouse! You can't afford that crime!"

Xu Yuqing quickly stepped back, keeping a distance.

How satisfying!

She found herself getting addicted to hitting people. What should she do if she kept doing this? Who else could she hit?

Actually, when she came out, she hadn't planned to hit anyone. But seeing Xu Zhilei's scheming expression and realizing he was plotting against her, she couldn't help but lash out. Before she could react, her hand had already landed on him.

Hiding behind the guard, Xu Yuqing couldn't help but smile, especially seeing them still wearing yesterday's clothes. "Looks like you didn't have a good night, huh?"

As she spoke, she pulled out a paper-wrapped bun from her pocket and started eating.

Just now, she was having breakfast when Xie Junli had left not long ago. Initially planning to come directly, she had packed two buns in her pocket and given one to the messenger soldier.

The bun was filled with red bean paste. Though not meat, its sweet aroma and soft texture made her mouth water as she took a bite, hearing swallowing sounds from across.

Xu Yuqing looked over; it was the woman behind Xu Guoying.

Their eyes met, and Xu Yuqing paused, noticing a pleading look in her eyes.

Pleading?

Xu Yuqing shifted her gaze. The Xu family's affairs were none of her concern.

Looking coldly at Xu Zhilei and Lin Chun, she said, "If you have any shame left, leave now. For what you've done to me, even if I die, I won't give you any money."

With the most neutral tone, she spoke the harshest words.

Xu Zhilei gritted his teeth. This wouldn't do. Without the money for the dowry, the Xu family would bear the name of hooligans! Xu Lan and his family were also greedy people.

Xu Zhilei hardened his heart. "Xu Yuqing, you were born from me. Three hundred yuan, three hundred yuan to buy you out. Otherwise, we'll die here, and I'll see how you live!"

Die here?

Xu Yuqing sneered, unafraid, looking calmly at Xu Zhilei. "Dare you?"

As she spoke, she glanced at the people behind, Xu Guoqiang and Xu Guoying. Upon meeting her gaze, they hastily retreated.

Finding it boring, Xu Yuqing looked back at Xu Zhilei and Lin Chun. These two had destroyed all her pride and confidence, harmed her, and now had the nerve to come to her again.

Just because of the shared bloodline?

"I don't care what you do; leave soon. Otherwise, I'll make us both suffer, making you taste what I've endured. Who's afraid of who?"

She stood straight, fearless.

Xu Zhilei was speechless, frustrated. This stubborn girl, impervious to persuasion or threats, what could he do?

Just then, a voice came from behind, Zhou Mei, weakly touching her belly. "Sister, please pity my child. It's so cold, and we can't even stay at a guesthouse. My stomach has been hurting for days!"

She pressed her clothes, revealing a rounded shape.

Xu Yuqing looked over in surprise. Pregnant!? Why would she follow along? Can't even stay at a guesthouse? She eyed the Xu family suspiciously. Indeed, upon closer inspection, each of them looked disheveled, with dark circles under their eyes and messy hair.

Something must have happened.

Thinking this, she subtly probed, "Can't even stay at a guesthouse? Or are you unwilling to let her stay?"

This minor provocation worked, and Zhou Mei flared up instantly. "If it weren't for your Xu family, I wouldn't be unable to afford a guesthouse! Xu Guoqiang, if you don't fix this soon, I'll take my child and marry someone else right away!"

If it weren't for Xu Guoqiang's good looks and his unwavering devotion to her, she wouldn't have followed him out here.

I thought finding his younger sister would make life easier, but it turned out to be impossible!

Xu Guoqiang could tell that he genuinely liked Zhou Mei, and he immediately panicked, hurriedly hugging and coaxing her. But Zhou Mei ignored him completely, crossing her arms and wearing a cold expression.

With her treating him this way, he couldn't hold his head high, but he didn't dare to get angry at her. Instead, he directed all his anger at Xu Yuqing: "This is a child of the Xu family! How can you be so heartless? Does your husband even know about this?"

He shouted in a self-righteous manner, with an accusatory tone.

Xu Yuqing was speechless, rolling her eyes: "Do you know why someone is successful?"

Her sudden question left everyone puzzled. Xu Yuqing didn't keep them guessing and continued: "Because my husband has brains and courage. What does your child have to do with me or my husband?"

Even though both the Xu family members and Xu Yuqing were standing, the Xu family felt they were a notch below her.

Someone was guarding the gate, but Xu Yuqing wasn't intimidated: "I don't want to talk to you anymore. If you want to die, go ahead; if you want to get married, go ahead. Oh, right, if you want to go to the workplace, you can go to the canning factory. I've given you the address, so go and complain."

She spoke candidly, but this straightforward attitude made the Xu family even more afraid. Why wasn't she scared at all?

Wasn't she worried about her in-laws finding out about this trouble?

Wasn't she afraid of losing both her job and her husband?

With these fears in mind, the Xu family dared not speak further and could only watch as Xu Yuqing walked away.

The group reluctantly left. Xu Zhilei, cold and hungry, didn't return to the alley. They carried their bundles, asking for directions along the way, until they found a nearby village. For fifty cents, they rented a room and some firewood, finally warming up.

That night, Xu Zhilei sat up, unable to sleep. He had only 32 yuan and 54 cents left. What would they do if they couldn't get any money?

Originally, the Xu family had some savings, but over the past few years, things had gone downhill. The dowry money spent on a job—five hundred yuan—was wasted because this brat offended the boss and ended up doing the hardest work, earning only two hundred yuan.

The bicycle they bought was stolen, and just when things were getting better, their two sons got a girl pregnant!

Why did they have to mess with the Zhou family's daughter?

Their own situation was even worse. On the day of the incident, without three hundred yuan as dowry, they reported the case of molestation.

Molestation is a crime punishable by imprisonment! Old Zhou might be willing to sacrifice his daughter, but Xu Zhilei couldn't bear to lose his son!

But there was no money left, and the job had already been given to his son. After calculating, they decided to bring Xu Yuqing back and marry her off, trading one girl for another, especially since their daughter had finished high school.

They never expected that when they arrived at her rural assignment, they were told she had already married an officer!

Xu Zhilei's eyes lit up, and he was determined to find her. After raising her for so many years, she owed them something in return.

But he never imagined that this timid girl would become so bold. Thinking about the slap this morning, he still felt bitter.

This dilapidated place was also frustrating. Xu Zhilei kicked the bed in anger. They charged him fifty cents just for adding some firewood to an empty room! Those peasants had never seen money before.

He cursed repeatedly in his heart, eventually too tired to continue. He slowly lay down on the bed, grateful for its size, as it barely fit six people.

-

The next morning, Xu Yuqing was taken to work early by Xie Junli.

Xie Junli had gained much experience from riding so many times, going faster and smoother than ever before.

At the familiar gate and security booth, Xu Yuqing jumped off the bike before reaching the factory entrance. "Alright, you should go back now. I'll be staying here this week!"

"Okay." Xie Junli responded, seemingly emotionless, but Xu Yuqing knew he was unhappy.

She patted his shoulder reassuringly. "Don't worry, I'll be back soon. If anything happens, I'll call you. Go back now, or you'll be late."

Xie Junli knew he couldn't avoid this. He nodded, feeling empty inside. "I understand. Go ahead, I'll watch you enter."

Xu Yuqing: "Alright."

Xu Yuqing took her bundle, running short on time. She gave him a reassuring look before walking away. Xie Junli watched her until she disappeared, then turned to leave.

On his way back, his mood was visibly low. He rode particularly fast, not caring about falling, ignoring the snow entirely.

At the canning factory, Xu Yuqing strode in, heading straight for the main workshop instead of the experimental building.

Before entering, she heard the lively chatter. Everyone seemed to have had a joyful New Year. Xu Yuqing greeted everyone warmly.

"Happy New Year!" She wore a new cotton coat, her face radiant like peach blossoms, spreading joy that made everyone smile.

"Comrade Xu! It's been a long time!"

"Yes, yes! Comrade Xu, you looked so beautiful in the newspaper! We didn't know you developed our formula!"

After the New Year, everyone's attitude had changed. Xu Yuqing accepted their enthusiasm, exchanging quick pleasantries, then ran to find Liu Ruan in the corner.

She noticed that the usually lively and cheerful girl was standing there listlessly, looking dejected.

Slowing her pace, she saw Liu Ruan dressed in protective gear, standing blankly. Even as Xu Yuqing approached, Liu Ruan didn't react.

Sensing something was wrong, Xu Yuqing frowned and moved closer. "Ruan Ruan? What's wrong?"

Liu Ruan was startled by Xu Yuqing's sudden appearance, jumping back and bumping into the wall before realizing what happened.

"Sister Yuqing!" Her round eyes widened, making her look even cuter, like a little rabbit, hopping onto Xu Yuqing.

Xu Yuqing caught her, asking in confusion: "What happened just now?"

Hearing Xu Yuqing's words, Liu Ruan, who had been excited, suddenly became sullen.

Liu Ruan: "Sister Yuqing, during the New Year, my mother kept urging me to find a suitor and settle down. I met six suitors this year."

Just thinking about it made her feel disheartened.

She only wanted to live with her mother. If she got married, her mother would be alone, and how lonely that would be.

Just thinking about it made her want to cry.

But when she spoke up, her mother, although touched, was unmoved. She even said, "I'll be happy when you get married; I just want to see you happy."

However, when Liu Ruan met the men who were potential matches, their first question was always about her job.

It felt like once they married her, the job would become theirs.

One of them even had the audacity to say that after marriage, she should stop working once she got pregnant, and he could barely tolerate having his sister-in-law work hard instead.

How shameless.

As she recounted all these events to Xu Yuqing, leaning against the wall, her mood sank even lower.

Xu Yuqing sympathetically patted her head, saying this wasn't really a big deal.

But it was somewhat tricky.

And, after all, the girl was still young.

Xu Yuqing: "You don't need to rush. Talk to your mother properly. If she doesn't listen, then just do what's best for you."

Time will prove everything.

After venting, Liu Ruan felt much better, the tightness in her chest dissipating.

The energetic girl instantly revived, looking excitedly at Xu Yuqing. "Sis Yuqing! You must have had a great New Year; you look so much prettier!"

She exclaimed joyfully.

Xu Yuqing touched her face, "Maybe it's because good things make one feel refreshed."

Thinking about the trouble that might come later, Xu Yuqing shrugged, hoping they wouldn't show up until noon. She needed to handle it quickly.

The machine started up, and all the workers of the canning factory crowded into the workshop. Director Xu arrived a few minutes ago, greeted Xu Yuqing, and went off to work.

Director Xu: "Comrades, thank you for your hard work before the New Year. Now that we've had a happy and prosperous New Year, let's continue working hard for our families!"

The workers responded with applause and cheers: "Yes!"

"For the organization!"

Director Xu waved his hand to quiet everyone down and said, "I'm sure you've all read the newspapers. Our canning factory's success is due to everyone's efforts, but we also owe a lot to Comrade Xu Yuqing for providing such an excellent recipe!"

Thunderous applause broke out as everyone turned to look at her. Though there was no spotlight, the effect was similar. Fortunately, despite not being in the limelight for a long time, Xu Yuqing was experienced in handling attention.

She calmly nodded and bowed to everyone, expressing her gratitude.

Director Xu was pleased. A young person who remained humble would go far. "Moving forward, we won't just produce pork intestine canned goods; we're also preparing to make canned luncheon meat. And the recipe for the luncheon meat is provided by Comrade Xu Yuqing again!"

More applause erupted, and everyone looked at Xu Yuqing in amazement, too stunned to even feel jealous.

Xu Yuqing bowed again in gratitude, praying inwardly that this moment would pass quickly so they could start working. It was too awkward.

As if hearing her thoughts, Director Xu said, "We have a busy schedule ahead, but rest assured, when the canning factory does well, everyone will benefit! Let's work together!"

"Yes! Work together!"

"Work together!"

Cheers rang out, and Xu Yuqing couldn't help but smile, joining in the chorus: "Work together!"

Finally, the work began. Everyone seemed aware of the workload ahead and worked in a serious atmosphere, putting all their effort into their tasks.

Despite the heat and stuffiness in the winter workshop, no one complained. Each person had a determined look, working diligently and responsibly.

Xu Yuqing stood at the front, checking the cleaning status of the intestines.

With masks on, most of the smell was blocked, making it bearable. The constant work left no time for breaks, and eventually, Xu Yuqing grew accustomed to the smell.

Xu Yuqing: "Engineer Zhou, this isn't good enough; wash it again with powder!"

Engineer Zhou: "Sure thing!"

With three washing machines, Xu Yuqing checked each one, then started over from the beginning.

"How's it going?" Wiping the sweat from her forehead, the others working with her were also drenched in sweat.

"It's fine! Why wouldn't it be?"

Everyone replied enthusiastically.

They kept working without stopping until noon, when the first batch of canned goods came out, still warm. They needed to cool down to check their stability.

Director Xu took off his mask, revealing red cheeks from the tight fit and heat: "Alright, everyone take a break. Eat first, then keep working!"

This announcement was met with immediate response, even some timely grumbling stomachs: "Yes!"

Though they agreed, leaving wasn't easy. They still needed to clean up and turn off the electricity to ensure safety.

Gradually, people with lunch boxes walked out of the factory gates. Xu Yuqing washed her hands, walked shoulder to shoulder with Liu Ruan, and headed to eat.

She was truly exhausted by the morning, her shoulders aching. After serving herself food and sitting down, Xu Yuqing didn't even have the energy to be picky, shoveling mouthfuls of rice into her mouth.

Liu Ruan across from her was doing the same.

Of course, it wasn't just the two of them. This noon, the cafeteria was unusually quiet, everyone eating with their heads down. Only when they felt some food in their stomachs and weren't as hungry did the sounds of conversation gradually return to the cafeteria.

After finishing her meal, Xu Yuqing checked the time. It was not yet twelve twenty. It seemed everyone was really hungry; they had eaten ten minutes faster than usual.

However, this was good, giving them some time for gossip.

Walking out of the canned food factory's gate with Liu Ruan, just as they were about to turn towards the dormitory, a dark shadow suddenly appeared before Xu Yuqing—it was Lin Chun.

She looked much better than yesterday, at least her complexion was rosier. Yesterday, her pale face had been particularly frightening.

Xu Yuqing stopped, and before she could react, Lin Chun burst into tears, slapping the ground as if she were a madwoman.

Lin Chun: "Everyone, judge for yourselves! My daughter, after marrying an officer and having a good life, doesn't want her parents anymore! We came so far to see her, worried about her, but we were driven away by this ungrateful daughter!"

Her crying sounded heart-wrenching, but every word was clear and distinct.

Thanks to the introduction by Director Xu that morning, Xu Yuqing could feel the gazes on her now more intense and piercing than before.

However, she didn't react at all, casually shifting her weight to another foot. Liu Ruan looked over with concern, and Xu Yuqing shook her head, not wanting to involve her: "I'm fine. Go back first; I'll come find you later."

But Liu Ruan was stubborn, the more she said this, the closer she moved: "I'm not afraid! She's definitely slandering you!"

This unwavering trust made Xu Yuqing smile slightly, and she patted her head: "Alright then."

The two of them acted as if no one else was around, completely ignoring Lin Chun on the ground. Xu Zhilei, hiding nearby, clenched his teeth, seeing the situation was not in their favor, he rushed forward.

His clothes were already dirty, and as he ran over, he deliberately grabbed handfuls of mud from the ground, mixing it with snow, smearing it on himself, instantly making him look filthy. He squatted down next to Lin Chun and began crying loudly, saying almost the same things as her.

More people gathered at the entrance, and Xu Yuqing felt it was enough. Standing up straight, she said: "Don't call me your daughter. Before I went to the countryside years ago, I publicly declared in the newspaper that I severed ties with you. You're just greedy and try to take advantage of me whenever you need money, saying all sorts of nonsense."

Xu Yuqing took out an old newspaper from her bag. The date was from several years ago, and in a small corner was a three-centimeter square box with tiny print: "Xu Yuqing announces severance of relations with father Xu Zhilei and mother Lin Chun. No longer family."

Next to the small box was a tiny picture of a document where they sold her like goods to others for a dowry of three hundred yuan, taken by a kind-hearted journalist and published.

Xu Yuqing spent ten yuan on this page, nearly all her savings, and even begged on her knees to get it printed.

The day she received this newspaper, she left for the countryside.

Handing the newspaper to Liu Ruan, who immediately understood, she quickly passed it around for everyone to read.

The black-and-white print of the three-hundred-yuan dowry was shocking.

Three hundred yuan—each member of a family working diligently for three years wouldn't earn that much, let alone several years ago.

Everyone was secretly alarmed.

Their looks at Xu Zhilei and Lin Chun became uneasy.