Chapter 111

Chapter 111

Xiahe Village, Zhonghe Village, and Shanghe Village—all three villages were built along the Xiushui River.

The river was rich in fish, and every year, just before the deep autumn turned to winter, the villages would organize a collective fishing event.

However, the fish caught could not be sold privately. Instead, they were handed over to the supply and marketing cooperative. In exchange, the villagers received various necessities they needed, which helped alleviate the shortage of ration coupons in the village.

Moreover, they could catch some small miscellaneous fish that didn't grow big in the river to enjoy at home.

This was one of the most anticipated events for the three villages, second only to the autumn harvest.

As soon as the team leader's announcement ended, families rushed to the village warehouse to fetch their fishing nets.

In the Wang family's main house.

The Wang family was having breakfast, as usual, with cornmeal mixed with bran made into steamed buns and their old friend, cabbage soup.

Upon hearing the team leader's announcement, Zhou Jiaojiao was the least composed.

She quickly put down her chopsticks and said, "Mom and Dad, let's hurry over. Fishing is a big deal; we can't afford to lose face again."

She urged the others, secretly eager to trick Bai Xiuxiu into coming along.

With fewer people around, it would be easier for Third Sister-in-Law to make her move.

She had already sent Third Sister-in-Law ahead to ensure everything went smoothly.

Wang Shoucheng frowned, displeased with his third daughter-in-law's attitude. Why was she so eager to work? It was enough that the whole family was going; there was no need to go early.

Seeing her in-laws silent, Zhou Jiaojiao secretly kicked her husband.

Wang Qingqi winced in pain but quickly supported his wife: "Mom and Dad, my wife is right. We're sending so many people anyway; going early will show everyone that we don't have any slackers."

"Old man, why don't we head out now?" Zhao Guifen was concerned about the food.

If they went so early, wouldn't they eat more when they returned?

"Alright, let's go. Fourth Daughter-in-Law has a bad leg, so you clean up the table and prepare lunch," Wang Shoucheng glanced at his fourth daughter-in-law, who had done nothing since breaking her leg.

All the daughters-in-law in this family, except for the troublemaker from the eldest son's household, had to work.

There was no rule in the family for keeping idle hands.

Chen Fang couldn't help but grumble inwardly at the thought of working.

Her injury hadn't healed yet, and she was expected to work?

And recently, her parents seemed to be feeding them less. Were they trying to starve someone?

How could she recover like this?

"Did you hear that?" Seeing her silent, Zhao Guifen scolded her.

It wasn't like when she first broke her leg; the family had been accommodating then, but how many days had passed?

"I heard it, Mom and Dad. You can leave without worry," Chen Fang reluctantly agreed.

The family set off in a grand procession.

Wang Qinghe carried the two children, watching his wife with concern.

The Wang family was large, and when they all went out together, it drew attention.

"Brother, I'm not saying anything, but why did you bring the kids? Everyone will be busy fishing; who will watch them? Aren't you just causing trouble?" Wang Qingqi glanced at Wang Qinghe, somewhat annoyed.

Big Brother was really something else. Not contributing food to the family was one thing, but now he wasn't even focused on the work. Bringing the kids along to fish—what was he thinking?

Hadn't things been fine for years? Working hard for the family, everyone getting along—why stir up trouble now?

Wang Qinghe was already annoyed and usually ignored him, especially now.

He simply followed his wife's pace, neither fast nor slow.

"What do you mean by not speaking?" Wang Qingqi was even angrier at being ignored.

"Not speaking means I think you're stupid and annoying, Old Fifth. If you can't speak properly, then stay away." Bai Xiuxiu snapped at him.

Wang Qingqi and Zhou Jiaojiao were truly irritating.

One wanted her dead, the other wanted her husband to be a laborer.

Neither was any good.

"Sister-in-Law, you..."

"My wife is right; keep your distance." Wang Qinghe pulled him back.

Wang Qingqi, not as tall or strong as Wang Qinghe, was easily dragged away.

Once he was left behind, Wang Qingqi was both embarrassed and furious.

"You stop it; you've already made enough of a fool of yourself." Zhou Jiaojiao had watched the whole scene and stopped her man from continuing the argument.

Zhou Jiaojiao usually appeared obedient and enthusiastic, with an innocent and cute appearance.

But now, her cold gaze made her seem somewhat frightening.

Zhou Jiaojiao didn't want her man to continue being a clown, nor did she want any more trouble. After today, she would make sure Bai Xiuxiu and Wang Qinghe both have a hard time. Ideally, Bai Xiuxiu would die right here, in front of her children.

That would be perfect!

Therefore, Wang Qingqi better not cause her any more trouble.

If Bai Xiuxiu and Wang Qinghe got angry and turned back home, everything would be ruined!

Wang Qingqi was startled by his wife: "Jiaojiao, why are you talking to me like this?"

Zhou Jiaojiao took a deep breath, regaining her adorable demeanor, and explained with a face full of grievance: "I'm just worried they won't want to work. Qingqi, let's discuss anything else when we get home. Out here, Dad can't help us either.

Big Brother is strong, and we'd definitely lose out. I'm doing this for your own good."

Wang Qingqi was satisfied: "You're still my smart wife, always thinking about me."

After the family picked up the fishing nets from the team, they headed to the river.

There weren't many villagers at the river yet, but there were already dozens of people.

As soon as Zhou Jiaojiao arrived at the river, she pointed west: "Mom and Dad, let's go over there? I see my family members are also on that side. If we go there, we can help each other. My mother took my labor points and food rations, so today, I'll make them give us all the small fish.

At least they should compensate us a bit."

Zhou Jiaojiao found an excuse to make her actions seem less abrupt.

When Wang Shoucheng heard there was something to gain, he had no objections.

After all, everything belonged to the village. If they did less work and still caught fish, they wouldn't get less in the end.

Every household had their plans for what to exchange this year.

Whether the fish were easy to catch where his daughter-in-law pointed wasn't an issue.

It would be best if they could rest more.

At the river, Third Sister-in-Law of the Zhou family kept looking around, drawing the attention of the others in the family.

Tian Xiaolan noticed her daughter-in-law's wandering gaze and approached her: "Third Sister-in-Law, what are you looking at?"