The two walked and talked. The street was quiet, without even the sound of a dog. But then again, people were starving, so who would keep a dog for no reason?

Ning Hao felt that nothing could be better at this moment. The bright moonlight poured down on the earth, and it seemed that there was only the two of them in the world. The feeling of having someone by his side made him feel very at ease, and even if there were many difficulties and obstacles ahead, it would not matter.

"Qiao'er, you should go to the black market less often in the future. Focus on your studies now and try to get into high school. If you need money, just tell me and I'll mail it to you."

Jiang Qiao smiled and shook her head. "I have my own money, so please don't send me any more. You should keep your allowance for yourself. Besides, you're a good friend, you can't just rely on others for your money. We should be generous and spend what we need to spend."

"I have no problems at all. Actually, going to the black market isn't just about making money; I just want to trade for some things. Everything is so cheap now, if I don't sell, I'm worried I'll regret it later."

Ning Hao glanced at Jiang Qiao and said, "That's enough. There's not much left in our small county. We've done our part, and that's about it. If you want to exchange anything later, just tell me, and I'll help you. After all, my comrades are all over the place, and it's much easier for them than for you."

Jiang Qiao shook her head again, "No need, enough is fine. If you have the chance, get more yourself. Don't think it's worthless now, it might appreciate in value in the future. There's a saying, 'Gold in troubled times, antiques in prosperous times.' I think antiques will become increasingly rare in the future, so seize the opportunity to save up more."

Ning Hao then asked Jiang Qiao about her future plans. "Go to high school first, and then go to university later. Anyway, the higher the education level, the better the job assignment will be."

Actually, my honest thought is that I want to be like Grandpa Joe, living a free and easy life without worrying about food or drink.

Ning Hao didn't seem to care. "You still have a long way to go to be like Grandpa Qiao. Don't forget, he has a family tradition of medicine and has been practicing medicine for so many years. His experience and knowledge are naturally incomparable to ours. I think that once you go to medical school and have a foundation, you can do whatever you want in the future."

Before the two had finished their conversation, Jiang Qiao and Ning Hao arrived home. After watching Jiang Qiao go back inside, Ning Hao then started walking home.

Unexpectedly, just as they turned the corner, they saw Jiang He coming out with Jin Suo and Yin Suo in his arms. When they saw Ning Hao, the two brothers were somewhat in awe and even took the initiative to greet him. However, Jiang He didn't even acknowledge Ning Hao and walked away with him in his arms.

Ning Hao stared at Jiang He's back for a long time. He had never had a good impression of this person. Not to mention Jiang Qiao's incident back then, even when there was a thief in this compound later, Jiang He and his gang were involved.

"Haozi, what are you doing? Come in quickly—"

Ning Hao didn't expect his aunt to come back at this time. "Aunt, did you two have a fight?"

Ning Ailin shook her head. "How could that be? Ever since you taught him a lesson, he hasn't dared to do it again. I don't know what method you used, but it really worked. I'm bringing some eggs to your grandparents. I covered them with a shed myself, and they've laid quite a few eggs lately. Have you eaten yet?"

Ning Hao nodded and asked Ning Ailin a few questions about her family situation as they walked, as long as the couple didn't fight.

Ning Ailin secretly asked her mother, "Why do I feel like Haozi has changed? He's not as enthusiastic as before."

Zhu Lin glared at her daughter. "What's with the enthusiasm? Does a hug make you enthusiastic? The child is grown up and has her own thoughts and worries. Besides, your family's mess has caused my grandson a lot of trouble. Do you think your nephew is willing to get involved in your mess? It's all because you, as the aunt, are useless. Next time you go back, be more assertive. Okay, go back now."

While packing her things, Ning Ailin grumbled, "Why are you saying that to me? I'm your own daughter."

The old woman grew impatient. "I'm only saying this because you're my own daughter. Try it with someone else, and I won't even bother with them. Tell me, what sins have I committed to give birth to you good-for-nothings—"

The daughter came home saying she was bringing eggs for the old couple, but it was only a few eggs. In reality, she came to rob them. The old woman was both angry and helpless, but what could she do since she was the one who gave birth to her?

After sending her daughter away, the commotion in the backyard started again. Not only Zhu Lin, but even Jiang Qiao, who was reading in the room, heard it. Goodness, her voice was almost as loud as a loudspeaker.

She didn't want to go out, but she couldn't resist her curiosity about what Niu Guihua was up to.

Many people had already gone over to try and break up the fight in the courtyard. When Jiang Qiao arrived, he heard Niu Guihua complaining.

"Tell me, our family is already struggling financially. I respect her as an elder, and when she came, I treated her to good food and drinks. What, is that not enough? Do you have to take some from your own family?"

Don't you see what your family has done for us all these years? My mother-in-law even found your son a job. But look at you all, where were you when my mother-in-law was going through a tough time? Oh, now that you're having a hard time, you remember us as relatives.

What a joke.

"Someone gave my mother-in-law some nice things, and you're already eyeing them? Let me tell you, no way! Those are our things. My daughter and I haven't even worn them yet. Why should we give them to you? If you don't want to live here, get out of here right now!"

Wang Dahua's cousin was no pushover either. "Get out? Bullshit! Why should I leave? If anyone should leave, it's you. This house belongs to my sister, not you."

I put in a lot of effort for this house back then. What, now that you have money, you don't care about your poor relatives anymore?

Let me tell you, Niu Guihua, before you came, my sister was doing just fine. But after you came, look at the life she's living! She's practically your family's maid! How can you treat your mother-in-law like that? You heartless bastards, you used my sister and then started complaining that she was useless.

Let me tell you, if you don't treat my sister well again, I'll report you to the higher-ups, especially you, Jiang Ping. Have you no conscience? What has your mother done for you all these years? Don't you have any idea?

"Your mother finally managed to find you all, and look what you've done for her! The grandmother and granddaughter are living a peaceful life, and you heartless bastards are scheming against Jiang Qiao. Are you even human? You're worse than animals! Sister, kick them out!"

Wang Dahua roared, "Enough! Go back inside! I'm not dead yet, it's none of your business to talk nonsense."

The neighbors around them tried to persuade them, saying, "We're all family. Why can't we talk things out properly? Why make such a fuss? Relatives also have their difficulties. If they didn't have difficulties, why would they come over?"

"Don't go too far, or the neighborhood committee will come and question you. Don't forget, Wang Dahua is a martyr's family member; she enjoys special treatment and protection."