Chapter 173

Chapter 173

Chen Jinhua, feeling anxious, didn't care about his attitude and whispered a few words to him.

After listening, Chen Zhuangshi also felt it was a serious matter.

"You've reminded me. We should indeed do this. The things in the mountains are no longer private property; everyone needs to go up together." Chen Zhuangshi promptly raised this issue with the villagers.

"There's another matter. Today we found medicinal herbs in the mountains. To avoid anyone secretly going into the mountains at night and encountering danger, the village needs to select twenty people to patrol the mountains—ten in the morning and ten at night.

During these two times when people might sneak into the mountains, they need to keep watch.

This is for everyone's benefit, and since these herbs will be shared, no one should take them without permission."

Upon hearing Chen Zhuangshi's words, Wang Laosan wished he could run home immediately to tell his family about this troublesome matter.

He had a feeling that once this news reached home, there would be trouble.

"Alright, everyone, get back to your tasks. Let's have the designated people sort out the herbs," the team leader organized the villagers.

Soon, everyone got busy.

Wang Laosan ran home as fast as he could.

When he arrived, panting, Wang Shoucheng was talking to Aunt Qiu at the door, which was slightly ajar.

Wang Laosan saw his father smiling broadly.

The moment they saw him return, both were startled, and Aunt Qiu, her face slightly flushed, turned and ran away.

Wang Shoucheng looked displeased and glared at his son with disdain. "Didn't you go to the mountains? Why are you back now? And where's your wife? Why haven't I seen her all day?"

"My wife? She said she was going to the commune to buy some fabric to make winter clothes for the children.

But Dad, what were you and Aunt Qiu doing...?"

Wang Laosan awkwardly asked.

Wang Shoucheng gave him a stern look, and Wang Laosan dared not ask further.

His good mood ruined, Wang Shoucheng impatiently asked, "Tell me, why did you rush back so urgently?"

"Oh, right, I have something to say. Dad, something happened! From now on..."

Wang Laosan relayed the team leader's words verbatim to Wang Shoucheng, who became agitated. "What? They took our good stuff and now want to stop us from entering? What are they trying to do?

That old Chen Zhuangshi, he looks honest but is actually quite devious.

He's using our things as stepping stones to climb higher. He's behind this.

Bah!"

Wang Shoucheng cursed angrily.

In the village, Bai Xiuxiu and Miao Miao helped record the medicinal herbs. Chen Jinhua, who had left earlier, suddenly returned.

Seeing Bai Xiuxiu still in the courtyard, she quickly pulled her aside. "Xiuxiu, come with me."

They left the team headquarters, and Bai Xiuxiu followed Chen Jinhua. At the corner, they saw someone waiting for them—a woman riding a bicycle, looking very cool.

Bai Xiuxiu recognized her; she was the head of the Women's Federation in the village, Director Wang.

"Director Wang, this is the Xiao Bai I told you about. Look at her—didn't I tell you she's beautiful, diligent, and smart?"

Director Wang observed Bai Xiuxiu carefully. Although she wasn't familiar with the street office, she needed to find an assistant for her aunt and wanted to be thorough.

As Director Wang studied her, Bai Xiuxiu also sized her up.

After their gaze met, Bai Xiuxiu smiled and greeted her. "Director Wang, we met once here at the team headquarters."

"I remember you; you're very pretty. I couldn't forget you. Such a beautiful young wife is rare. I'm here today mainly to see you. Your director has already explained everything to you.

The work at the street office is more demanding than at the Women's Federation.

If you're willing, I'll talk to my aunt and take you there tomorrow morning for her to meet you.

If she approves, it's settled. If not, I can only help you this much."

Director Wang had a good impression of Bai Xiuxiu, and Chen Jinhua's praise added to her favorable view.

So she felt a strong affinity and was willing to help.

Bai Xiuxiu was grateful for her quick agreement. "Thank you, Director Wang. I'm willing to give it a try."

"Great. I'll go back now and pick you up tomorrow morning. Where do you live in the county? I'll come to fetch you."

Director Wang asked in detail.

Bai Xiuxiu provided her address.

Hearing this, Director Wang smiled.

"What a coincidence! The street office I mentioned is in your area. That's perfect."

Director Wang felt even more optimistic about the arrangement.

Bai Xiuxiu was delighted too. If she could work nearby, she wouldn't have to travel far with her children every day.

Chen Jinhua also thought of this and was happy for Bai Xiuxiu.

"Isn't it serendipitous? Director Wang, you must speak highly of Xiuxiu tomorrow. Not to brag about her, but she is truly outstanding." Chen Jinhua feared that she might not be thorough enough.

Director Wang smiled at her enthusiasm: "Alright, Aunt Jinhua, with such praise from you, how could I not believe it? If you hold her in such high regard, she must be capable. Well, it's late, and it's not convenient for me to stay any longer, so I'll take my leave now."

As soon as Director Wang left, Chen Jinhua became even more excited: "Xiuxiu, wonderful! This will definitely work out."

Bai Xiuxiu also had a smile on her face: "Auntie, don't worry. I will do my best to impress Director Wang's aunt and stay in the county. When that happens, Qinghe and I will treat you and Uncle Chen to dinner." Bai Xiuxiu spoke with genuine happiness.

"Good, good, let's go back first."

Evening.

The Wang household.

Zhou Jiaojiao had just returned home with her husband from the county. She had been up before dawn preparing fillings, then went up the mountain to try her luck, and finally visited the black market in the county. Zhou Jiaojiao felt like she had been spinning like a top all day long.

As soon as she got home, she wished she could lie down on the bed and sleep.

However, there was no such luck.

Seeing that they had returned, Wang Shoucheng mentioned at the dinner table that someone would be watching over the mountain from now on, which made Zhou Jiaojiao so frustrated that she wanted to curse whoever came up with the idea.

"What are we going to do now?" Zhou Jiaojiao asked, trying to keep her temper in check, looking expectantly at Wang Shoucheng.

If they couldn't go to the mountain anymore, could she finally get some rest?

Wang Shoucheng pondered for a moment and then suggested to Zhou Jiaojiao: "How about you go to the mountains in other nearby villages instead?"