Chapter 606 What’s the Point?

Chapter 606: What’s the Motive?

Cai Jiancai glanced at Jiang Yu, then shifted his gaze to He Tingyue.

These two had an impressive presence, clearly not your average folks.

He shot Zhang Tao a look and stepped outside.

Once they were out of earshot, he spoke up, "Taking He Xing back won’t be easy."

Zhang Tao was unwilling to accept this. She had thought that with He Xing all alone now, taking her away would be a piece of cake.

Who could have guessed He Xing knew so many people?

"What do we do now? We promised to take her back as Songzi’s child bride. She’s just the right age—raise her a couple years, then marry her off. And we wouldn’t be wasting our effort—she could at least pull her weight with chores at home." Zhang Tao rambled on.

Cai Jiancai truly hadn’t had designs on He Xing’s family property—after all, everyone knew her family’s situation. What assets could they possibly have left?

But He Xing, a fully-grown girl ready to hand, had long been on their minds.

He had actually approached Granny Blind before, wanting to take He Xing away.

Unfortunately, his clever plan was seen through, and the old woman refused to let her go.

Now that the old lady had finally kicked the bucket, Cai Jiancai wasn’t about to give up this golden opportunity.

"Let’s go talk to Captain He."

Zhang Tao worried, "What if the captain doesn’t help us? What then?"

Cai Jiancai gave her a sidelong glance. "We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it."

He and Zhang Tao brought the presents they had prepared early and went to He Youfu’s house.

The couple laid it on thick, insisting they only wanted to take He Xing home to raise her.

If you judged their sincerity, it was flawless on the surface.

They made sure every word sounded heartfelt.

But Liu Junmei just smelled a rat.

"You’re taking He Xing back to raise her—a drain on your time and money. What’s the point?"

Cai Jiancai and Zhang Tao both were caught off guard.

"Elder sister, we really have no ulterior motives. We just feel sorry for Xing Er and want to help her. Leaving her alone in Nanhe Village isn’t as good as bringing her home with us. Don’t you think that makes sense?"

Liu Junmei didn’t respond. The absence of a motive was what made it frightening.

If they wanted to raise a girl, they could have picked up a younger one who’d bond with them.

He Xing was already fourteen—there was no guarantee she’d accept them.

"Youfu, I think this matter should be left to He Xing’s own decision. No matter how much we talk here, her word is what matters most. If she’s willing, she’ll go with them."

Zhang Tao grew anxious. "But she’s unwilling! That’s exactly why we’re asking for your help—to persuade her."

Liu Junmei shook her head. "You know how hardheaded she is. How could we possibly talk her into it?"

Cai Jiancai said in a deep voice, "Are we supposed to just stand by and watch her become helpless and bullied in the future? Chief He, I really feel for this kid."

He Youfu patted him on the shoulder. "I understand how you feel, but this isn’t my call. Still, don’t worry—Jiang Yu’s got her back, He Xing won’t have a hard life."

"Jiang Yu?" Zhang Tao was stunned.

Liu Junmei explained, "She’s the woman you just saw."

Cai Jiancai pondered for a moment before tentatively asking, "She is…?"

"She’s also from our village and currently works at the Second State Cotton Mill. She’s close with He Xing, so she’s been quite concerned about her family’s situation," He Youfu said with a smile.

Cai Jiancai gritted his teeth. "I know how tough city life is. Jobs are hard to come by, and families squeeze into tiny homes with barely any room to move. Wouldn’t dragging He Xing there just make things harder for her?"

Liu Junmei replied, "It wouldn’t be that big a deal. He Xing is still young—she could be given a temporary job and stay in the collective dormitory. It’s manageable."

Zhang Tao was so shocked she stammered, "Sh-she can get her a job? She has that kind of influence?"

If she could arrange work for He Xing, she must have some pull.

Liu Junmei simply smiled without answering. She didn’t know what Cai Jiancai and Zhang Tao were scheming, but she brought up Jiang Yu to intimidate them—just enough to make them think twice.

When they left He Youfu’s house, Cai Jiancai and Zhang Tao were both lost in thought.

What they’d figured would be a cinch had unexpectedly hit so many snags.

Zhang Tao sighed. "Why’s it so damn hard for our Songzi to find a wife?"

Cai Jiancai shot her a glance. "If sweet talk won’t cut it, we’ll have to play rough. Songzi’s gonna marry He Xing, one way or another."

If He Xing and Jiang Yu were this close, marrying her off to Songzi could even score him a job.

The more Cai Jiancai thought about it, the more excited he became, like things were finally looking up.

"Let’s go back and find Songzi!"

Meanwhile, He Xing watched as the sky darkened, her worry growing.

"Jiang Yu-jie, you and Chief He should head back first."

Jiang Ye and Lai Liuzi were strong and sturdy—they’d be fine staying the night with her. But Jiang Yu was pregnant and couldn’t handle the cold.

Jiang Yu wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "I already talked to Uncle He. I’ll stay at his place tonight—they’ve got a heated kang, so I’ll be warm. As for you, luckily we brought a bag of coal briquettes when we came. Start a couple more stoves to stay warm. If you want to sit with Grandma, then do so, but absolutely no more kneeling. You’ll ruin your knees."

He Tingyue had earlier noticed Cai Song sneaking off and followed to check.

If they kept quiet, fine. But if they tried anything, she’d make them regret it.

He Xing nodded quickly. "Jiang Yu-jie, I understand. You go rest first."

Jiang Yu checked her pocket watch. "Just a little longer."

When He Tingyue returned, the two exchanged a look.

He said casually, "Shall we head to Uncle He’s place first?"

Jiang Yu hummed in agreement. "Let’s go."

He steadied Jiang Yu, careful not to walk too fast despite the freezing cold outside.

"Cai Jiancai wants to take He Xing back to marry Cai Song."

Jiang Yu clenched her fingers and sneered.

"I told you, there's no such thing as a free lunch in this world."

He Tingyue adjusted her scarf and whispered, "They plan to act tonight—force He Xing’s hand by making it a done deal."

Probably desperate—afraid they’d miss their chance after tonight.

Liu Junmei kept glancing around anxiously until they finally arrived.

Too impatient to wait, she hurried out in quick strides to help Jiang Yu inside.

"It's all snow outside—are your shoes and socks wet?"

Jiang Yu shook her head. "I'm wearing leather boots. They're waterproof."

Everyone in the family had a pair of these boots, worn every winter—warm, waterproof, and well worth the money.

Liu Junmei muttered, "Honestly, you two didn’t need to come. We’ve got things under control here."

He Tingyue said, "She’s just a worrier. I had to come myself—wouldn’t have been able to relax otherwise."

If they’d stayed home, she’d have been up all night anyway, so He Tingyue borrowed a tractor to accompany her.

To welcome Jiang Yu, Liu Junmei had specially slaughtered a chicken and stewed it early.

A charcoal stove was set on the table, the chicken soup bubbling away, filling the room with its savory smell.

Jiang Yu’s mouth watered—she was truly starving.

"Auntie, a simple meal would’ve sufficed. You didn’t have to kill a chicken."

Liu Junmei chided, "What, isn’t my chicken good enough for you? Sit down, let me get you some soup. After eating, have Ting Yue fetch you some hot water to wash up and soak your feet—it’ll help you sleep better."