Meng Sufang never expected that her simple thank-you gift would cause such a big commotion.

Yang Qiaoqiao almost succeeded in reporting it.

If Ye Nian'an really loses her job because of this, Meng Sufang will feel guilty for the rest of her life and will never have the face to see her again.

Ye Nian'an gently comforted her: "Su Fang, I know you didn't mean it. This incident has also served as a wake-up call for me. It's impossible to guard against someone who truly wants to harm you."

“This is none of your business. Even the comrades who came to investigate me made it clear that it is perfectly in accordance with regulations for villagers to use their own things as a thank-you gift out of gratitude for medical treatment, and it does not fall within the scope of accepting bribes.”

"They came to investigate simply because they were following orders, so you don't need to blame yourself too much. You are pregnant now, so it's not appropriate for you to get too emotional."

“Nian’an…”

The more Ye Nian'an ignored it, the more distressed Meng Sufang felt.

It was precisely because she was so kind that when she learned she had almost caused a good person to suffer injustice, and that the culprit was her own younger brother's wife...

Meng Sufang felt like the sky was falling, and she couldn't regain her senses for a long time!

Bai Chengshi kicked Bai Tianyou, who had remained silent, and spoke viciously.

"Isn't this all the mess you unfilial son made of! You can't even discipline your own wife properly, and you almost harmed Dr. Ye, who has been so kind to our Bai family!"

Bai Tianyou said sadly and remorsefully, "I'm sorry, Dr. Ye. This is all because I didn't manage my wife well, which led her to do such an absurd thing!"

"I will accept whatever punishment I have to accept. This is what we owe Dr. Ye. We are truly sorry!"

"I have no right to punish Comrade Yang Qiaoqiao for what she did. This is a matter between the brigade leader and the commune. Whatever decision they make, just don't hate me."

"We should be the ones saying that, Dr. Ye. You've really been wronged because of all the mess the Bai family has caused lately!"

Bai Chengshi and his group bowed to Ye Nian'an and apologized.

Chu Zhenyuan and the others were also angry about Yang Qiaoqiao's actions, and even a little resentful towards the Bai family.

If the Bai family hadn't been so lax in their discipline, how could they have gotten into such a mess and almost harmed their precious daughter-in-law?

Since the Chu family was relocated to the Red Star Brigade, several incidents have occurred that have involved the Bai family.

First it was Su Mingyue and Bai Yuxiao, then Yang Qiaoqiao and Zhang Aihua.

However, seeing the Bai family's sincere and earnest apology, his anger subsided considerably.

They meant well, but who would have thought that Yang Qiaoqiao would be so shameless? Not only did she treat the gifts Meng Sufang gave as a token of gratitude as her own family's benefit, but she also dared to write a letter of complaint against Ye Nian'an.

This is utterly upside down, completely illogical.

After seeing the Bai family off, Chu Zhenyuan sighed, "Speaking of which, the Bai family is also guilty. First, there was Su Zhiqing, and then Yang Qiaoqiao."

"With so many people around, they probably won't have an easy time either. This time, they've lost all their reputation in the brigade and the township. They probably won't be able to face anyone when they go out in the future."

In this day and age, reputation truly trumps everything.

Even Chu Zhenyuan, when he was framed, dismissed from his post, and demoted, sometimes felt lost and hopeless, even while comforting his family.

It was only through the mutual support of family members that I was able to gradually emerge from this situation and choose to face the present and the future.

Ye Nian'an comforted him, "Dad, don't worry. After this incident, they probably won't be able to cause any more trouble."

Chu Xin'er gritted her teeth: "It had better be that way, sister-in-law, otherwise I will never let them off the hook!"

If Ye Nian'an and the others hadn't already gone to the Yang family to teach Yang Qiaoqiao a lesson today, Chu Xin'er would have rushed over and grabbed her hair to give her a good beating.

At worst, I'll give up my job as a teacher; I'll fight for justice for my most, most, most important sister-in-law no matter what!

When they returned to their room, Chu Yan's palm remained wrapped around Ye Nian'an's hand, the warmth emanating from between his fingers winding up her wrist.

The rising steam from the basin framed his face. His hands, with their distinct knuckles, dipped into the warm water to test the temperature before gently lifting her small feet.

Ye Nian'an leaned against the headboard, watching the man kneel down and remove her shoes and socks. The moment his fingertips touched her ankles, a tingling current suddenly shot up her spine, and she looked completely satisfied.

Chu Yan lowered his eyes, focusing intently on massaging her sore feet. His eyelashes cast butterfly-wing-like shadows under his eyes. His expression was focused and gentle, as if he were handling a rare treasure, a flawless work of art.

As the towel wiped between his toes, Ye Nian'an keenly noticed his slightly furrowed brows and said with a hint of teasing, "Brother Yan, you seem to have something on your mind. What are you thinking about? Can you tell me?"