Chapter 146

Chapter 146

When Zhou Jiaojiao heard her father-in-law’s words, her heart stirred with excitement. These past few days, she had been overwhelmed by various events—first being detained and nearly charged, then returning to find the family splitting up.

Not only did Bai Xiuxiu move out, but she also took a considerable amount of money from the family under the pretense of her situation.

The Wang household was now practically empty.

Furthermore, she was being manipulated by the family, forced to go to the black market and into the mountains.

All these events left her reeling. Now that Bai Xiuxiu was gone, why should she continue working for the Women's Federation in the village?

Zhou Jiaojiao put down her bowl. "Dad, I'll go talk to Aunt Jinhua. If Bai Xiuxiu can do it, there's no reason why I can't."

With that, she ran off.

"Old Fifth, stop eating and go with your wife," urged Wang Shoucheng to his youngest son.

"Old man, if she goes to the Women's Federation, who will handle the black market?" Zhao Guifen was bewildered.

Wang Shoucheng glanced at his wife. "Such an important task shouldn't be entrusted to the young ones; I wouldn’t feel reassured. Old woman, you should go. If this works out, let Old Fifth’s wife work at the Women's Federation during the day and come back to make those dishes at night.

Then you can sell them the next day.

As long as Old Fifth’s wife makes the arrangements, we won’t have to worry about anything else."

Wang Shoucheng had his own calculations. With such a lucrative opportunity, he couldn’t risk letting Old Fifth’s wife keep going to the county alone. Who knew if she might secretly stash some money?

It would be most reassuring to send his wife instead.

Zhao Guifen hadn’t expected this responsibility to fall on her, and she felt a surge of joy.

She hoped Old Fifth’s wife would succeed.

Zhao Cuihua watched her parents-in-law with disdain. These two old folks had no good intentions whatsoever.

But today, she needed to get the full story. When her sister-in-law returned, she could tell her everything.

Just looking at their neighbors, anyone could deduce that her sister-in-law would definitely come back.

Previously, the head of the Women's Federation wasn’t even from this village, yet everything went smoothly.

Her father-in-law was overthinking things!

He might as well dream on.

Zhou Jiaojiao and Wang Qingqi didn’t go to the brigade office; they headed straight to Chen Jinhua’s house.

At this hour, Chen Jinhua’s family had already finished dinner.

The brigade leader was reviewing the harvest records of the three villages he oversaw, feeling enthusiastic. Come spring, their village must start working earliest!

"What’s with you? It’s so late, why aren’t you sleeping?" Chen Jinhua brought in a basin of hot water and saw her husband still engrossed in his work, feeling exasperated.

Was he planning to dedicate himself entirely to these three villages?

Every day, he neglected his meals and sleep.

"Just a moment, just a bit longer. With snow coming soon, I’m thinking of organizing a collective search for medicinal herbs in the mountains. The treasures in our mountains can fetch a good price, which could help the families here."

The brigade leader picked up a medical book he had borrowed from Old Zhang just a few days ago.

The book had illustrations of medicinal herbs.

This idea came from Old Zhang, who thoughtfully marked several common herbs found in the mountains.

Old Zhang, usually quiet, had given a truly insightful suggestion.

Now, he needed to memorize these herbs and prepare multiple copies for everyone.

Winter was approaching, and they needed to act quickly.

Once it snowed, it would be too late.

"Is Aunt Jinhua home?" Outside, Zhou Jiaojiao knocked on the door.

"Who’s there this late? What time is it?" Chen Jinhua frowned upon hearing the knock.

"You’d better check. This noise might wake up our mother and son," Chen Zhuangshi urged his wife.

Chen Jinhua looked at her husband, who seemed lost in his book, and rolled her eyes. "Fine, I’ll go see. Don’t let me interrupt your learning, just keep studying!"

Chen Jinhua came out in a huff.

Upon seeing Zhou Jiaojiao and Wang Qingqi standing outside, her anger intensified: "Why are you two here so late? All the village dogs are asleep. What’s the matter?"

Though Chen Jinhua’s tone was harsh, her expression remained neutral.

Hearing this, Zhou Jiaojiao offered a small bag of candy to Chen Jinhua. "Aunt Jinhua, I have something to discuss with you. Can we come in and talk?"

Chen Jinhua didn’t take the candy and scrutinized Zhou Jiaojiao. "Alright, say what you need to say. No need for these tricks. Let’s talk here."

Seeing that she wasn’t invited inside, Zhou Jiaojiao’s eyes darkened, cursing inwardly.

But she maintained a sweet demeanor and spoke softly, her voice matching her name, gentle and delicate: "Aunt Jinhua, my sister-in-law moved away, right? She used to work for the Women's Federation in our village, but now she’s not here anymore.

Shouldn’t someone else take her place?"

I've been to school too. If my sister-in-law can do it, so can I.

Can you see if I can take her place?

I don't mean anything by it. I just think that since my sister-in-law left so irresponsibly, as family, I should help her out. When the news gets around, it will prevent anyone from saying anything bad about her.

I'm doing this for her."

Zhou Jiaojiao's few words left Chen Jinhua speechless.

How can someone be like Zhou Jiaojiao?

Why didn't she notice this before?

What kind of twisted logic is this?

Chen Jinhua felt disgusted and got goosebumps from her attitude, stepping back in revulsion: "Enough, stop talking. Who told you that moving away means leaving the Women's Federation? Xiuxiu isn't like that; she's just moving and has taken leave from here.

Even if Xiuxiu were to quit one day, it wouldn't be your turn.

There are plenty of capable people in our village. We chose Xiuxiu not only because she's educated but also because she's physically weak. Her sister is a military family member who's not here now, so we need to look after her. Look at you?

Strong as an ox, what would you come to the Women's Federation for?

To punch everyone else to death?"

"Aunt Jinhua, how can you talk like that? Aren't you bullying us?" Wang Qingqi couldn't hold back any longer upon hearing his wife being scolded.

"Don't like it? If you don't like it, don't come to my doorstep. What kind of people are you! Go home quickly; don't stand there and bring us bad luck. It's late, and you two are truly unlucky!" Aunt Jinhua turned away in disgust.

Zhou Jiaojiao's face turned red as she glared at Chen Jinhua's back.

"Jiaojiao, let's go back first."

After scolding them, Chen Jinhua felt refreshed.

Back in the house, her husband had stopped reading.

Seeing her return, the captain was puzzled: "Why did they come?"