Chapter 64

Chapter 64

Chen Jinhua retold them about the Women's Federation, mainly for Bai Xiuxiu's benefit, as she was the most recent addition to their group.

"Aside from that, we receive an annual welfare package from the brigade, which every woman in the village gets. We distribute these around this time of year. Additionally, we need to keep an eye on the elderly women living alone; there’s a list for them in our village.

The three of you were specifically chosen so that each of your villages would be covered conveniently.

Each of you will be responsible for the elderly women in your respective villages, delivering the items the team sends them regularly.

Disputes should also be handled similarly.

This way, it's more manageable for us, as conducting our work isn't always easy."

After discussing the main responsibilities, Chen Jinhua continued with the wages provided by the village: "Although we're part of the Women's Federation, our salaries come from the team. Only at the commune level do we receive the same pay as others. In the village, ours are slightly lower. Xiuxiu and Miaomiao get ten yuan per month.

I get thirteen yuan a month, while Xiaohui receives twelve.

There are only four of us in this room, all from the same team, so no conflicts, please."

"Relax, Auntie Jinhua. What could we possibly fight about?" Miaomiao showed great enthusiasm for Bai Xiuxiu's arrival. After all, they were close in age, making it easier for them to bond.

Chen Jinhua nodded in satisfaction, preparing to call them over to look through what Director Wang had left, when someone burst into the room.

"There's trouble. Jinhua, hurry to the Wu family. Their youngest daughter-in-law is causing a scene again with her mother-in-law. Old Wu's wife is getting on in years; how can she endure such daily turmoil?" The team leader spoke with a heavy heart and a furrowed brow.

The Wu family?

At the thought of the battles between Old Wu's wife and her daughter-in-law, Chen Jinhua felt a headache coming on.

"You three... Never mind, Miaomiao and Xiuxiu, come with me. Xiaohui, stay here and watch over things. We can't leave this place unattended. Keep an eye on Xiuxiu's two children and make sure they don’t wander out of the courtyard." With that, Chen Jinhua headed out.

Liu Xiaohui sighed in relief at not having to go.

Last time she went, she almost got scratched up by the Wu family's daughter-in-law.

Even Director Wang, with her strong presence, had her hair pulled loose during the incident.

She really didn’t want to go, but thankfully, there was a new member today. Thank goodness for Xiuxiu!

Bai Xiuxiu followed Chen Jinhua outside, who began recounting the family's grievances.

"Xiuxiu, once we arrive at the Wu family, you must stay behind me. Miaomiao too. Don’t let the Wu family’s youngest daughter-in-law catch you." Chen Jinhua looked grim, still shaken by thoughts of the youngest daughter-in-law.

She had seen many boisterous people over the years, but none like this one.

Bai Xiuxiu was familiar with Uncle Wu's family; she and Qinghe had discussed them just a few days ago.

The Wu residence wasn’t far from the team office, and by the time they arrived, a crowd had gathered outside the Wu home.

After the autumn harvest, everyone had little to do. While some ventured into the mountains, each household left a couple of people behind. With nothing else to do, they naturally gathered to watch the commotion.

"Move aside! Make way for us to pass," Chen Jinhua urged the onlookers to clear a path. She knew she couldn’t stop them from watching, and she didn’t have the authority to do so.

As they pushed through the crowd, they saw the chaotic state of the courtyard.

Tools lay scattered on the ground, and even the dried vegetables were strewn everywhere. The Wu family’s youngest daughter-in-law sat on the ground, holding her child, crying and cursing: "You old hag, what else can you do besides play the victim?

My husband and I work tirelessly throughout the year, saving money and food, which you give away to others.

Look at your third son and your two daughters?

How well are they doing? Now look at my husband and me; we can barely afford to eat. If my family hadn’t sent some food last year, I would have starved.

This year, when I bought something for them, you said I didn’t know how to manage our finances. How can you be so cruel?"

She sobbed, while the person she was addressing, Auntie Wu, stood in the corner, wiping tears and trying to speak, but then continued crying. Several bruises marred her face, clearly from being struck by something.

Seeing this, Chen Jinhua felt overwhelmed.

She reminded herself that she was now the head of the Women's Federation in the village and couldn’t back down. It was Xiuxiu’s first day, and she needed to set a good example.

"Miaomiao, why did you hit your mother-in-law again? Didn’t you promise never to do it again? Today, I’ll have to take you away." As soon as Chen Jinhua finished speaking, Zhang Sixi, sitting on the ground, went berserk.

She grabbed a nearby hoe and aimed it at her own head: "Take me where? Are you trying to scare me into going to jail? Let me tell you, I’m not afraid of anything anymore. They’re all living well, leaving my husband and me behind.

If I can’t live well, I’ll cause trouble every day.

If you take me away, I’ll die in front of you!"

"Don’t..." Chen Jinhua panicked. If Zhang Sixi hurt herself, the Wu family might blame her.

Pleased with her reaction, Zhang Sixi sat back down: "You came at the right time. Aren’t you from the Women’s Federation? I’m a woman too, so you should help me, right? This whole family bullies me. If you want to take anyone away, take that old woman first."

"How am I supposed to see that you’re being bullied?" Chen Jinhua was infuriated by Zhang Sixi’s audacity.

Zhang Sixi scoffed: "If you don’t solve the problem, I’ll hit her every day. If you want to take me away, I’ll die in front of you."

Chen Jinhua felt utterly defeated!

Bai Xiuxiu watched Zhang Sixi and suddenly spoke up: "Fine, if you want to die, we won’t stop you. But once you’re gone, your child will have a stepmother immediately."

"Xiuxiu?" Chen Jinhua was startled.

Zhang Sixi glared: "If I die, you’ll all suffer too."

"With everyone watching, your desire to die has nothing to do with us. You’re wearing new clothes, your hair is shiny black, and your face is as round as Auntie Wu’s. You’re eating well and dressed nicely. Do you really want to die?

Don’t try to scare us. If you hit someone, you must take legal responsibility.

You're no stranger to violence, and now you're refusing mediation, even threatening further assault.

If you're unwilling to come with us, we'll file a report and wait for the authorities to take you."

Bai Xiuxiu turned on her heel and walked away.

Zhang Sixi panicked at once. "You're not allowed to go."