After leaving the store at Yongning Normal University, the two went to the new stores at the Finance and Trade School and the Agricultural and Animal Husbandry College.

Similarly, long queues formed on the streets, with crowds thronging the area.

The sheer popularity of the event far exceeded Xia Enruo's expectations.

Fortunately, she had practiced emergency plans for crowded situations with her employees several times beforehand, which ensured that both stores could operate smoothly and normally.

Gu Shaoxuan was genuinely worried that her health would be affected by overwork, after all, the situation was very different now than before.

“Enruo, let’s go home and rest after we’re done watching. You haven’t stood still all day.”

After inspecting the shop, Xia Enruo had nothing to worry about and followed Gu Shaoxuan back.

The two hailed a taxi, and halfway there, Gu Shaoxuan got out and bought a lot of fruit.

He only did this because he heard that eating fruit is good for pregnant women.

"There's too much; it'll be a waste if we can't finish it."

Xia Enruo watched Gu Shaoxuan get into the car carrying large and small bags and said.

"It's okay, honey, eat as much as you want and get your vitamins."

"You only eat fruit and not rice?"

"I'll explain the situation to Lu Tuan in the next few days and stay home with you. I'll cook the meals."

Xia Enruo thought of the postpartum meals that Gu Shaoxuan had made before, and this time they could really put them to good use.

"Is it millet porridge and brown sugar eggs again?"

Gu Shaoxuan was full of confidence this time. After all, he had learned to cook from Wu Daqiang in the army, which greatly improved his culinary skills. He didn't expect to be able to show off his skills so soon.

"Honey, this time I'll cook you a variety of dishes."

**

Xiaoxigou

Zhang Tieniu stayed in the county hospital for several days, spending more than ten yuan a day on medical expenses, his money flowing out like water.

Even as the village head, Zhang Baozhu only earns about 20 yuan a month.

Now, the cost of my father's hospital stay in one day is equivalent to my father's monthly salary.

Miao Cuilan was reluctant to spend the little money she had saved for retirement, fearing that if she spent it all, she would have to depend on her daughter-in-law's attitude if she wanted to buy something in the future.

Besides, raising a son is for old age security. Since you raised Zhang Baozhu and he got married, you should make him pay for medical treatment. After all, you went through the hardship of giving birth to him.

He can never repay the kindness of being born and raised.

Miao Cuilan had originally dreamed that after her eldest grandson, Zhang Guohong, graduated and settled down in the city, her whole family would be brought to live in the city and enjoy a comfortable life.

But to my utter surprise, it was ruined by that wretched girl, Xia Enruo.

Now my wife has fallen ill from anger, and the opportunity to live in the city is completely gone. I can't afford to spend the little money I have left.

"Baozhu's wife, hurry up and go out to buy some food. Bring me some fruit when you come back. I've been staying at the hospital with him these past few days, and my mouth tastes awful."

Wang Yue'e felt angry when she heard her mother-in-law bossing her around and urging her to go out and buy things.

We've been in the county for several days now, and we're paying for everything ourselves—food, drink, lodging, everything. The most important thing is that we still have to pay for the old man's medical treatment.

She knew that her mother-in-law, Miao Cuilan, had a lot of savings when she drove Xia Enruo away and divided her parents' pension and property.

Miao Cuilan took quite a lot of money. The old couple hardly spent any money in the village. They usually asked their own family for anything they needed.

Now is the time when we need money, but my mother-in-law never mentions paying for it, which makes me angry.

But she harbored resentment in her heart, yet dared not speak it aloud, truly terrified of being beaten when she was young.

Wang Yue'e gave Zhang Baozhu a look, then grabbed his sleeve and pulled him out of the ward.

"Honey, say something! Your mother thinks our house is a supply and marketing cooperative, she's obsessed with money."

“How much money are we going to spend each day? If this continues, I won’t contribute a single penny. Otherwise, the hospital might kick your dad out, and your mom will suffer again.”

"Also, I told you last time to ask Xia Enruo for medical expenses, why haven't you made any moves yet? You should come up with an idea."

Wang Yue'e's hair was disheveled; she had been exhausted from staying with the patient for the past few days, and her face was dark and ashen.

She came out like a cannon that had been ignited, unleashing a torrent of words.

Zhang Baozhu was exasperated by what he was being said. He squatted down against the wall, smoking silently.

Miao Cuilan is his mother, and he's caught in the middle, so it's not easy for him either.

"Say something! Are you mute?!"

Wang Yue'e, in a fit of anger, twisted Zhang Baozhu's arm.

“I’ve been so busy lately, I haven’t had time to go to Yongning City to ask Xia Enruo for money. Dad’s condition has only just stabilized these past two days, and Mom can’t take care of herself at all.”

Zhang Baozhu was helpless. In less than half a year, his family suffered two major misfortunes: first, his son was imprisoned, and now his father was lying in a hospital bed unable to speak.

His wife is having a conflict with his mother, which is giving him a terrible headache.

Xia Enruo was indeed a jinx, causing chaos and unrest for the whole family.

"Then ask your mother to pay some money first. We've been in the county for so long, and I haven't seen her contribute a single penny."

Wang Yue'e's face contorted with anger as she thought about it. She had been married to Zhang Baozhu for so many years and had never enjoyed any happiness. Just when she was about to get ahead, this disaster struck her family.

To ask yourself to spend your own money again? Dream on!

"Hurry up, what are you doing squatting here!"

Seeing that Zhang Baozhu still didn't move, Wang Yue'e kicked him in the buttocks and cursed.

Zhang Baozhu reluctantly stood up. He was afraid to ask his mother for money, knowing that she had been famous in the village since she was young.

When people talk about Old Zhang's wife, they say she's both cowardly and domineering, and no one dares to mess with her.

Miao Cuilan was sitting on the bed when she saw her son walk in with a cigarette in his mouth.

"You think your dad has lived too long? Hurry up and put out your cigarette."

"Where did your wife go? She's taking so long to buy food. Does she want to starve the whole family? She's all show and no substance."

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!