Chapter 89: What Are You Afraid I’ll Find Out

Chapter 89: What Are You Afraid I'll Find Out

Jiang Yu didn't expect the blond-haired guy, despite looking unreliable, to actually have some skill.

"Alright, but let's make it clear—money and goods exchange hands simultaneously. I can't afford any delays."

Sixie patted his chest. "No worries. There'll be no delays."

After bidding him farewell, Jiang Yu headed straight back to Funan Commune, making her way to Yunjiao Village.

"Auntie, is Yun Shan home?"

Lin's mother turned around, recognized Jiang Yu, and came out wiping her hands.

"Oh, it's Jiang Yu. Yun Shan just went out a moment ago and said she'd be back soon. Please come in and sit for a while."

She made Jiang Yu a cup of sugared water and asked with a smile, "I heard from Hui Zi that you and Little He are getting married soon."

Jiang Yu nodded with a smile. "Our wedding is the day after tomorrow. You have to come for the celebration."

Lin Chenghui initially planned to go with Wang Yunshan, but his parents insisted on coming too, saying they would combine the family's gift.

He Tingyue had helped the family a lot over the years, so Lin's parents definitely wanted to be there on the wedding day.

After catching up for a bit, Wang Yunshan returned.

"Why are you here again? Is there something you haven't clarified?"

Lin's mother got up. "I'll go pick some vegetables from the garden. Jiang Yu, stay for dinner."

"Sure, thank you, Auntie."

Once Lin's mother left, Jiang Yu asked, "Can you get some cotton for me? We need more than fifty jin now—whatever you can get."

Wang Yunshan was surprised. "As much as we can get? Can we move all of it?"

She had already contacted a few households, and with this year's good cotton harvest, getting a few dozen jin wouldn't be a problem.

"They're willing to lower the price a bit. It would be even better if we could get some fabric coupons."

It was a relief for them to finally sell what had been sitting around.

Wang Yunshan originally planned to buy at 50 cents, but when they heard someone wanted to buy, they lowered the price by another 10 cents, selling for 40 cents.

Jiang Yu said, "I'm not sure if I can get fabric coupons, but I can ask around. You buy from the villagers at 40 cents, and I'll buy from you at 60 cents."

This would allow Wang Yunshan to earn 20 cents per jin.

Wang Yunshan hurriedly declined. "You found the buyer, so I can't take the profit. I haven't done anything."

"Who says you haven't done anything? You're also coming with me to deliver the goods tomorrow."

"Deliver the goods? Tomorrow? That's too rushed."

Wang Yunshan wasn't worried about sourcing the cotton, but she felt it was a bit tight.

This was her first time doing something like this.

"I'm getting married the day after tomorrow. I only have time tomorrow. Whether we can do this after the wedding is uncertain. If He Tingyue finds out, he's gonna give me an earful."

So, I’ll take a larger batch this time and make all the money at once, then quit.

Before she could finish speaking, they heard He Tingyue’s voice from outside the door—cold and commanding, sending a chill down her spine.

"What is it that you’re afraid of me knowing?"

Jiang Yu was startled, the hairs on the back of her neck standing up.

How did he get here?

He Tingyue walked in, his eyes pressing down heavily.

"Bold enough, aren’t you!"

He had always thought Jiang Yu was gentle and quiet, with a sly streak, but not someone who would cause much trouble.

Now he realized he had misjudged her. After the last incident where she exchanged goods for industrial coupons and was criticized by him, she dared to sell cotton again!

If he didn’t keep an eye on her, she’d really go too far!

Jiang Yu flinched and forced a smile. "What brings you here?"

He Tingyue snorted coldly. "If I hadn’t come, I wouldn’t know what great things you’ve done."

"It’s not like I’ve done anything yet! I was planning to tell you about it tonight."

Wang Yunshan didn’t dare to stick around and quietly slipped away, giving them some privacy.

"Didn’t I give you money last time? Have you spent it all?"

Jiang Yu shook her head. "I haven’t spent it. I still have money. But Jiang Ye needs money for high school. He’s my younger brother. I’m marrying you, so I can’t burden you with my family."

It wasn’t just about Jiang Ye. She wanted to earn her own money.

She loved earning her own money instead of being stuck at home managing the daily chores and cooking.

Surprisingly, He Tingyue didn’t press the issue. He wasn’t opposed to supporting Jiang Ye, but he understood that Jiang Yu preferred to handle things herself.

"How much did you sell the cotton to Lai Liuzi for per pound?"

Jiang Yu smiled proudly, tilting her head mischievously. "Ninety cents! I’m the one raking in the profits."

"How much did you buy from Wang Yunshan?"

"Sixty cents!"

He Tingyue chuckled, gently scraping her nose.

"Not bad. Where are you delivering the goods tomorrow? I’ll go."

Jiang Yu bit her lip. "In the cornfield near the commune."

He Tingyue’s expression changed slightly, becoming heavier by the moment.

He couldn’t scold her, but he didn’t know how to deal with her.

"Aren’t you afraid to meet there?"

Jiang Yu muttered, "I'm afraid, but nowhere else is safe."

"You two women are actually the least safe in the cornfield!" He Tingyue lightly scolded.

He knew this wasn’t the first time Jiang Yu had done something like this, and it certainly wouldn’t be the last.

She couldn’t handle it herself, but Jiang Yu wouldn’t trust anyone else either.

"Jiang Ye hasn't gone to school yet, so let him come to deliver the goods and give him a little extra for his trouble."

Jiang Yu's expression brightened; why hadn't she thought of that?

Assigning him some tasks would keep him busy instead of cooped up at home all day.

"Then let's go find him right away!"

Helplessly, He Tingyue said, "Alright, tell Wang Yunshan to collect more, so you won't have to worry about it after you're married."

Jiang Yu smiled, her lips curving. "When I get married, I’ll only be thinking about you."

Her words warmed He Tingyue’s heart, though he still couldn’t act on it.

"Let's go, to South River Village?"

"Sure, let me inform Yunshan first." Jiang Yu walked out.

The two of them left Yunjiao Village and rode their bicycles towards South River Village.

Thinking about how she had gotten off at the commune and walked all the way to Yunjiao Village, Jiang Yu couldn’t help but sigh, "It's still better to have a bicycle."

Yunjiao Village was farther from the commune, an hour's journey, and her feet were sore.

"I don’t have any bicycle tickets for now, but if you want one, I’ll find a way."

He Tingyue's bicycle was a reward from the factory when he was promoted to section chief.

Even though the Second State Cotton Mill was a large factory, bicycle tickets were still rare and highly sought after.

Jiang Yu shook her head. "I was just saying. We already have one bicycle at home; buying another one would be a waste."

The words "our family" stirred He Tingyue’s heart.

At that moment, He Tingyue felt that even if Jiang Yu asked for anything, he’d give it to her.

They arrived at South River Village, still laughing and chatting. Jiang Yu went straight to find Jiang Ye.

When Jiang Ye heard that his sister and brother-in-law were taking him to earn some money, he agreed right away.

Jiang Yu teased him with a grin, "Aren’t you worried we might sell you?"

Jiang Ye pursed his lips and smiled.

"Big sister, even if you sold me, I’d still count the money for you."

Jiang Yu was surprised. He Feiyan had been right—Jiang Ye was incredibly obedient.

She playfully nudged his head. "Aren’t you silly?"

Jiang Ye said, "Big sister, you shouldn’t come. If I handle this, it won’t make sense for you to come every time. That would defeat the purpose of asking me to help."

Jiang Yu still wanted to say something, but He Tingyue stopped her.

"It’s settled. Deliver the goods to Lai Liuzi, exchange the money, and then head to Aunt Po’s house to meet your sister."

"Got it, brother-in-law, I’ll remember."

He Tingyue patted his shoulder and then took Jiang Yu away.