Chapter 624 Prejudice

Chapter 624: Prejudice

He Xing wasn’t the type to be confrontational, but this time she couldn’t hold back because Cai Huifang had crossed the line.

Cai Huifang hadn’t expected her to dare retort, and her anger flared up instantly.

“Which part of what I said was wrong? Jiang Yu, are you just going to stand by and watch? She’s someone you brought along, and she even stayed at Sixie’s place for a few days. If it were anyone else, I wouldn’t bother correcting her.”

Jiang Yu patted He Xing’s hand to comfort her.

“Aunt Cai, what you said was indeed inappropriate. He Xing stayed at Sixie’s place for a few days, but she isn’t some servant sold to your family. She has her own family and elders—it’s not your place to lecture her.”

Cai Huifang had brought this humiliation upon herself; no wonder He Xing spoke back sharply.

Jiang Yu said sternly, “You keep accusing us of freeloading, yet you haven’t even bothered to understand the whole story before rushing to dump blame on He Xing. I don’t even know what He Xing did wrong to make you nurse such a grudge and harbor such strong prejudice against her.”

Cai Huifang, of course, refused to admit her narrow-mindedness and retorted angrily, “When did I ever show prejudice against her? Are young people nowadays so thin-skinned they can’t handle criticism?”

Just then, Lan Raoping came over.

“Xing Er, what’s all the arguing about?”

Cai Huifang spoke first, “Director Lan, it wasn’t an argument. He Xing stayed at my place for a few days before, and I just came over to talk to her. But this girl’s so touchy—she can’t take even a single word.”

He Xing’s eyes flushed with frustration, wanting to explain the situation to Lan Raoping but unsure where to start.

Lan Raoping gave her a reassuring glance and asked with a smile, “I wonder what this comrade said to my daughter? As her mother, I’d like to hear it too. If Xing Er was in the wrong, I’ll make sure she apologizes.”

Cai Huifang was dumbstruck.

She opened her mouth but couldn’t even make a sound.

For the first time, He Xing felt what it was like to have a mother stand up for her, and she stood a little taller.

“She… she said I was rude, that I was putting on a pitiful act to gain sympathy, and that I was taking advantage of you.”

Lan Raoping’s expression turned cold. “This comrade spouts off without thinking, using the most malicious assumptions to judge a teenage girl. Is that what good manners look like?”

Cai Huifang stammered, her face draining of color.

She had never been left speechless like this before.

“I… I didn’t know she was…”

Jiang Yu said coldly, “If you didn’t know, why didn’t you ask? You didn’t even ask before firing off accusations—what is that if not prejudice? Aunt Cai, He Xing stayed at Sixie’s place for a few days. If it really bothers you so much, I’ll apologize. I should have stopped Sixie from bringing her home in the first place.”

Lan Raoping was even more direct. She took out five yuan and thrust it into Cai Huifang’s hand.

“Here’s five yuan for her stay at your place. If it’s not enough, let me know if it’s short, and I’ll make it up to you. From now on, I’d appreciate it if this comrade would mind her words and stop berating other people’s children at will.”

Cai Huifang clutched the money, her face alternating between green and white.

She couldn’t refute a single word Lan Raoping had said.

All she could do was mutter a low “I’m sorry” before beating a hasty retreat.

Lan Raoping turned to He Xing and patted her head.

“Did you put up with a lot during those days under her roof?”

He Xing shook her head. "Sixth Brother and sis-in-law treated me well, but they were often busy and not at home, so Aunt Cai would [...]"

Fortunately, she only stayed for a few days before Jiang Yu came to pick her up.

She’d been pretty happy during her time in Dongmin Alley.

Especially since He Feiyan was her teacher and looked out for her.

"Let’s go, I’ll take you home first. Jiang Yu, I’ll have to swing by uninvited for New Year’s Eve feast at your place tomorrow night."

Jiang Yu laughed heartily. "Be my guest! As long as you don’t mind a full house."

This year, Xiaoqi and his crew would definitely be celebrating New Year’s at home as well.

Lan Raoping first accompanied He Xing back to Dongmin Alley, while Jiang Yu naturally headed straight home.

In previous years, there was no holiday for New Year’s, but this year the factory made a special exception, granting a day off tomorrow so everyone could enjoy a reunion dinner.

As for Xiaoqi and the others, He Tingyue had already told them days ago to tie up loose ends and prepare for the New Year.

Today, they had all come to deliver New Year’s treats to Jiang Yu and help with the big cleanup.

"What’s this?" Jiang Yu pointed at the bag reeking of fish.

Tie Tou quickly explained, "Sister-in-law, these are some dried seafood. Look, these are dried abalone and squid..."

Jiang Yu picked up one of the abalones. She had only heard of them before—this was her first time laying eyes on one.

"How do you eat it?"

"You can braise ’em or stew ’em—tastes great either way."

Jiang Yu was a bit skeptical; it reeked to high heaven.

Xiaoqi cut in, "Let Brother Yue cook it tonight—it’ll definitely be good. Trust me, Sister-in-law."

Jiang Yu ignored that and changed tack. "Since none of you are going home, have you called your families?"

Xiaoqi shrugged. "I have nothing to say."

Tie Tou said he had written a letter, and the other two nodded along.

Jiang Yu patted Xiaoqi’s head but didn’t say anything.

"This year’s just the start. Keep working hard next year, and those who should go home can go home to reunite with your families."

Xiaoqi muttered, "I’m not leaving!"

Jiang Yu tapped his head. "No one’s making you leave."

The next day was New Year’s Eve, and everyone was running around getting ready for the celebrations.

Jiang Yu’s whole family was rolling dumpling skins to make dumplings.

The men were all thumbs, so Yao Xiangling had to teach them one by one.

The dumplings turned out in all sorts of bizarre shapes, looking like franken-dumplings.

"Sister-in-law, once these dumplings are cooked, can I take some to my buddy?" Xiaoqi asked.

Jiang Yu hesitated, "Which friend?"

"The one you met last time, Ding He."

Jiang Yu nodded, "Of course, give her as much as you'd like."

Xiao Qi gave a goofy laugh, "Not too much, she doesn't eat a lot."

He just wanted her to taste the dumplings he made himself.

Jiang Yu knew all about Ding He.

She wasn't fond of the girl, but she didn't dislike her either.

Just someone to pity.

"She doesn't live at the old place anymore. If you want to deliver them, I'll give you a new address."

Xiao Qi froze, "Sis, how'd you know—"

Jiang Yu cut him a look, "Don't worry about how I know. Just deliver them."

She'd figured Xiao Qi would come back after dropping off the dumplings, but he ended up bringing Ding He along.

Looking at her earnestly, he said, "Sis, she's spending New Year's alone. Can we let her join us for the reunion dinner?"

Jiang Yu was speechless.

You brought her first and *then* asked?

Ding He ducked behind Xiao Qi, "Maybe I'll just head back. I don't want to trouble you."

Jiang Yu said, "Stay. Plenty to go around—just means one more bowl."

Xiao Qi lit up, "Thanks, Sis!"

Ding He kept her face blank, but she was confused.

She'd assumed Jiang Yu disliked her.