Chapter 285: Death News

Chapter 285: News of a Death

Everyone wanted to approach Xia Xian and Quan Ruifeng, to catch up and perhaps gain their favor and assistance.

As the saying goes, "When poor, no friends in the market; when rich, distant relatives in the mountains." Once you have money, it seems the whole world comes knocking.

Xia Xian had brought Quan Ruifeng and Zhao Zhao home specifically to visit her parents. Seeing her parents so happy, and knowing that the neighbors' attention brought them prestige, Xia Xian patiently chatted with everyone. She didn't promise anything, and as for what people wanted from her, she naturally couldn't give it, skillfully deflecting their requests with vague pleasantries.

However, staying home all day with constant visitors grew tiresome. By the afternoon of the second day, she decided to take Quan Ruifeng and Zhao Zhao out for a stroll.

"Mom, I'm taking Zhao Zhao to explore the neighborhood where I grew up."

"Alright, just be sure to be back in time for dinner."

Lei Juan happily agreed, relieved that they could escape the noisy house for some peace.

"Okay."

Xia Xian took Quan Ruifeng's and Zhao Zhao's hands and headed out.

"Come on, Zhao Zhao, let Mom show you the school she used to attend."

Xia Xian smiled, her spirits lifted by being back in her hometown. A smile remained on her face.

"Yay!"

Zhao Zhao was excited to see her mother's school, imagining it to be grand. But upon arrival, she was disappointed—it was tiny, shabby, and only slightly larger than her kindergarten. Most importantly, it was truly dilapidated. The school was old and ugly, and Zhao Zhao wrinkled her nose in distaste after just one glance.

Zhao Zhao's little face scrunched up as she asked in surprise, "Mom, was this really your school? It's so small and broken! Dad's school was huge!"

Quan Ruifeng and Xia Xian had previously taken Zhao Zhao to visit the elementary and middle schools he attended, hence the comparison.

"Yes, this is the elementary school I went to. Though small, it held many students. Everyone came from similar backgrounds back then; conditions weren't great, so just being able to attend school was a blessing."

"Your dad grew up in a big city, and his family was well-off, which is why his elementary school was large and new. Money isn't everything, but without it, you can't get far. That's why your dad and I work hard to earn money—not just to pursue our dreams, but also to provide a good life for our family. Do you understand, Zhao Zhao?"

"Your dad and I want you to live a good life, carefree, doing whatever you want, without ever having to force yourself."

Xia Xian was open about her past poverty, and used the opportunity to teach Zhao Zhao that money is a good thing and worth earning. However, these were adult concerns. Xia Xian only hoped that Zhao Zhao would grow up to do whatever she desired, without having to struggle for a living.

"I understand, Mom! Without money, we can't buy toys, or candy, or cookies, or even jerky! We can't buy anything!"

Zhao Zhao nodded emphatically. Being old enough for kindergarten, she naturally understood what money was for. She wasn't foolish, and her heart went out to Xia Xian. If her mom went to such a dilapidated school, she probably couldn't buy toys or snacks either. She felt her mother must have suffered a lot!

"Mom, I'm going to buy you lots and lots of toys and food!"

"Whatever you want, I'll buy it for you!"

Zhao Zhao looked up at Xia Xian, suddenly blurting out these words. It was certainly filial, showing great devotion, but Xia Xian was a little bewildered by the sudden shift in topic, finding it both touching and amusing.

"Okay, Mom knows Zhao Zhao's good intentions. But Mom pretty much has everything she wants now. Mom just hopes you grow up safe, healthy, and happy!"

"Then Mom's wish will definitely come true!"

Zhao Zhao promised, smiling adorably at Xia Xian.

Quan Ruifeng also smiled.

"Zhao Zhao, why don't you ask Dad what he wants? Are you only going to be filial to Mom and forget about Dad?"

He asked teasingly, proving that even the most serious adults enjoy playfully interacting with children.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Zhao gave Quan Ruifeng a look of disdain.

"Dad, you're a grown-up! Don't try to compete for attention, okay? If I'm filial to Mom, of course I'll be filial to you too. I'm a good baby!"

Zhao Zhao praised herself, clearly confident in her own goodness.

"Hahaha!"

Zhao Zhao's disdainful little expression made Xia Xian burst into laughter. She bent over, laughing so hard her stomach hurt.

"I can vouch for that, Zhao Zhao is definitely a good baby!"

"Dad can also vouch for it. Our Zhao Zhao could never go bad!"

The family of three chatted and laughed as they explored the neighborhood. Eventually, as they walked, they somehow found themselves in Chu Sheng's area.

"How did we end up here? Ugh, what bad luck!"

"If I'd known we'd come this way, I would have brought gifts and stopped by to see Director Mei."

Xia Xian grimaced with distaste.

"Mom, where is this? Why is it 'bad luck'? What does 'bad luck' mean?"

Zhao Zhao asked eagerly, thirsting for knowledge.

"Uh..."

"Some not-so-nice people live here, so Mom doesn't really like it. It's okay, we'll just turn back."

Xia Xian didn't want to explain the concept of "bad luck" to her young daughter and quickly changed the subject. Quan Ruifeng smoothly picked Zhao Zhao up and added, "Behind this area lives a kind woman who was very good to Mom—she's a women's association director. Tomorrow, we'll bring gifts and go visit her. Zhao Zhao, you must be polite to her, okay?"

"Okay!"

Zhao Zhao nodded obediently.

Since they hadn't brought any gifts, Xia Xian and Quan Ruifeng decided against visiting Director Mei that day, even though they were in the area. The family of three planned to head home. It was nearly dinnertime anyway.

They had only walked a few steps when they ran into a nearby neighbor who recognized Xia Xian. Although several years had passed, Xia Xian hadn't changed much; in fact, she had become even more beautiful. Such radiant people were rare.

The neighbor excitedly grabbed her arm.

"You're Xia Xian, aren't you? Oh my, is this your husband and child? Your child is so grown up! You're living such a happy life now!"

"But Chu Sheng and his mother—oh, what a tragedy. His mother died last year. Starved to death. What a sin. Neither of them had steady jobs, and their house was never properly built. His mother had to take in laundry just to earn enough to eat, but Chu Sheng refused to work—he was too proud, too unrealistic."

"She was supporting two people, and the little money she earned simply wasn't enough. She wasn't young anymore, and one day she fell on her way to deliver laundry, broke her leg, and had no money for treatment. She just lay at home. She couldn't work all winter, couldn't endure it, and just starved to death."

"As for Chu Sheng, no one knows if he's dead or alive. He hasn't been home for ages, no one knows where he ran off to. Before he left, I heard him rambling about finding Bai Lian and getting rich by starting a business. But Bai Lian also disappeared. Chu Sheng didn't have a penny to his name; eating was a problem, let alone starting a business or looking for someone. He was just full of wild ideas!"

"I think he probably starved to death out there too. Tsk, tsk, tsk, that mother and son certainly got what they deserved, after how they treated you."

The neighbor, who hadn't seen Xia Xian in years, couldn't help but spill all the gossip about Chu Sheng and his mother in one breath, with more than a hint of schadenfreude in her tone.