Chapter 18 Chapter 18 Sweet-mouthed Guests

Xie Xiaoju exclaimed, "Why? Jiang Xi, please explain clearly. I don't quite understand."

Jiang Xi helped Xie Xiaoju analyze the situation: "Your father is the head of the family, and his words carry weight. If he had spoken up for your stepmother when she was bullying you, she wouldn't have been so arrogant. Furthermore, your stepmother is pregnant, and as her husband, he has an obligation to take care of her, instead of just leaving everything to you."

Xie Xiaoju's eyes widened: "But men are working outside, isn't housework a woman's job?"

Jiang Xi shook her head. "Who says men don't have to take care of household chores when they work? Women don't always enjoy the good life at home. Doing housework is also a contribution. Sometimes it's even more tiring than working. But because men earn money, they can be said to contribute to the family, while women's contributions are ignored. It's very unfair."

Jiang Xi recalled her mother's experience. Wu Yaqin always kept the house tidy and took on all the housework by herself. But to Jiang Haibo, Wu Yaqin made no contribution to the family at all. In the end, he even found such a lame excuse to divorce Wu Yaqin.

Men enjoy all the benefits, as if they are already very competent as long as they bring money home and don’t have to do anything else. Women, on the other hand, have to do a lot of things. Since ancient times, the requirements for women have been much higher than those for men.

Xie Xiaoju still didn't quite understand, but she understood one thing: "You mean, whoever makes the most money is the boss?"

Jiang Xi said, "You could say that. Everyone doesn't see the invisible labor. It seems that only by making money can one contribute to the family."

Although Xie Xiaoju didn't quite understand, she understood: "Then I'll go back and tell my dad that I don't want to serve people every day. Anyway, I'm grown up now, so I can just move out."

"Don't be so impulsive. Where will you live if you move out? Do you have money? Besides, it's dangerous for you as a girl. He's your biological father anyway, and he can't kick you out. If he asks you to do something, just do it within a reasonable range. Other things can be postponed if you can."

"If you want to change, you don't have enough power now. Only by slowly accumulating strength can you live the life you want."

Xie Xiaoju nodded heavily: "I listen to you. I don't want to be a nanny for that old woman. Being a nanny and getting scolded every day is really not worth it."

Xie Xiaoju's face wrinkled. "It's all because I can't make any money, that's why this happens. I'm going to work and make a lot of money so that no one can bully me."

Jiang Xi encouraged Xie Xiaoju: "You have a good idea, but you have to take it step by step. I tell you, when you go back, tell your dad..."

Xie Xiaoju nodded as she listened: "Jiang Xi, you are really awesome. I'm going back now. I want to resist!"

Xie Xiaoju ran very fast. Jiang Xi smiled and shook his head, then squatted down and prepared to carry the two tires back.

When Jiang Xi carried one and was about to carry another, he felt his shoulders lighten.

Jiang Xi turned around and saw a pair of big hands. The fingers of these hands were slender, and the protruding blue veins were very obvious because of the force. Above them was a rolled-up sleeve and strong forearm lines.

Jiang Xi's breathing became faster for no reason. It was Qi Yu'an.

Qi Yu'an helped Jiang Xi lift the tires: "Comrade Jiang, these are two big tires, let me help you carry them."

Jiang Xi shook his head habitually: "No, the tire is not heavy, I can carry it."

Qi Yu'an disagreed. He still had his usual smile on his face, but his eyes were filled with unquestionable determination: "Comrade Jiang, I know you are very capable, and this matter is also very simple for you. But sometimes you still have to take care of your body. When others offer you help, you can accept it appropriately."

Jiang Xi felt a little uncomfortable being stared at. She put down the tire and said, "Then let's each carry one."

As soon as he finished speaking, Qi Yu'an picked up the two tires by himself and stepped forward with his long legs. Before Jiang Xi could come to her senses, Qi Yu'an turned around and smiled brightly at her. The sunlight shone on his face, as if there was nothing in the world to worry about.

"Comrade Jiang, please show me the way quickly. I haven't been to your house yet."

Jiang Xi then hurried to catch up, and the shadows of the two walked side by side on the road. The setting sun stretched the shadows very long. A yellow dog ran out of the alley, sniffed, and barked without interest, attracting butterflies on the weeds to fly up.

Qi Yu'an looked at the flying butterfly, and the corners of his mouth secretly raised.

Wu Yaqin had already prepared the meal and had been looking out the door for a long time. When she saw Jiang Xi and Qi Yu'an coming back together, she hurried forward and asked, "Why are you back now?"

Wu Yaqin saw the two tires in Qi Yu'an's hand and asked: "What are these for?"

Qi Yu'an explained with a smile: "I met Comrade Jiang on the road. She was carrying two tires on her back. I was coming here to eat anyway, so I helped carry them back."

Jiang Xi also said, "Mom, didn't I tell you yesterday that I wanted to make a wheelbarrow? So I went looking for tires today, and luckily I found two."

Wu Yaqin nodded. Jiang Xi did say that she wanted to take the tires, but Qi Yu'an asked, "Where should these two tires be placed?"

Wu Yaqin pointed to a spot, Qi Yu'an put the tire away, and handed the bag to Wu Yaqin: "This is my first visit and I don't know what you like, so I brought you some random things."

Wu Yaqin quickly refused: "Comrade Qi, we invited you to dinner today to thank you for your help during this period of time. How can I ask for your things?"

Qi Yu'an smiled and said, "Aunt Wu, I just picked up some random things. We usually send a lot of stuff by mail, and I can't finish it. It would be a waste to leave it there. Please don't be disgusted."

Wu Yaqin opened the bag and saw two cans of fruit and one can of meat inside.

"It's too expensive. We can't have it."

Jiang Xi also shook his head and refused. Canned fruit and canned meat were in short supply now, and there was no possibility of not being able to finish them. Besides, judging from the packaging of these bottles, they were not ordinary canned fruit.

Qi Yu'an still had a warm smile on his face, his tone was gentle and warm, with a comfortable and friendly tone: "Just accept it. I've already taken it out, so why should I take it back? Otherwise, I will be embarrassed to come here again in the future."

Jiang Xi...although she knew it was just a polite remark, she didn't seem to invite Qi Yu'an to come again next time.

Wu Yaqin saw that she couldn't refuse anymore, so she accepted it and said, "Xixi, please pour Comrade Qi a glass of water."

Jiang Xi sighed and turned into the house to pour some water for Qi Yu'an.

Qi Yu'an looked around. It was a small, somewhat run-down courtyard with only three houses, all with mud walls. The houses were a bit shabby due to years of disrepair. The courtyard was small but kept immaculately clean. This was Jiang Xi's home. Qi Yu'an observed calmly, taking in every glimpse of the scenery. He was curious about how Jiang Xi lived in such an environment.

"Comrade Qi, have a drink of water."

Qi Yu'an came back to his senses and took the cup of water with a smile.

He took the cup from Jiang Xi's hand with a smile: "Thank you, Comrade Jiang. Did you say you wanted to make a cart?"

Jiang Xi nodded. "Yes, I'm going to sell fermented brine in the county town. It's not realistic for me to carry two jars there by myself, so I want to make a cart so I can push it there. It will save a lot of time and be more convenient."

Qi Yu'an couldn't help but say, "Pushing a cart is easier than carrying it on your back, but it's also very tiring. Changfeng Village is still two hours away from the county town by mountain road. You'll have to walk four hours every day to and from there. Can you handle it?"

After asking, Qi Yu'an shook his head again: "I shouldn't have asked you if you can handle it. You will definitely answer me that you can do it."

Jiang Xi smiled: "Comrade Qi, you understand me more and more. For me, as long as there is a way to make money, I will try it. This little hardship is nothing. Only by working hard now can you be happy in the future."

The girl in front of me has big eyes, and there is always a hint of stubbornness in her eyes. Although she is small, it seems that nothing can defeat her. There is always a strength in her that makes people who approach her feel hopeful.

Qi Yu'an silently chewed on Jiang Xi's name. Jiang Xi, hopefully, this name suits her very well.

Qi Yu'an looked at the smiling girl in front of him, his eyes shining with smiles: "Comrade Jiang, you will succeed, and in the future, you will be very rich."

Jiang Xi nodded heavily: "Thank you Comrade Qi for your blessing. This is what I like to hear most."

Qi Yuan laughed. Comrade Jiang is always so frank and cute.

"Sister! I'm here!" Jiang Xi and Qi Yu'an had just finished their conversation when they heard a cheerful voice.

It was Niu'er who came, and with her were Chen Xiulian and Wu Youli.

Chen Xiulian walked in carrying a basket of edamame, followed by Wu Youli, who was carrying a pile of cut boards.

Jiang Xi walked forward and wanted to take the edamame from Chen Xiulian, but unexpectedly Qi Yuan got there first.

Qi Yu'an still had a smile on her face: "Let me help you, Grandma Chen."

Chen Xiulian smiled broadly: "Thank you, Comrade Qi."

Qi Yu'an replied naturally, "It's just a small favor. You're welcome. Your edamame is grown very well and washed very cleanly. You're obviously a diligent and tidy person."

Chen Xiulian was even happier after hearing this. Jiang Xi... Qi Yu'an seemed to know how to talk to different people by nature. If he wanted to win someone's favor, it would be easy.

Wu Youli placed the boards in the yard and said, "Jiang Xi, I've already cut the boards, but I don't know what specific style to make them into, so I haven't put them together. I've brought all the tools, so please tell me more about it."

Jiang Xi was about to answer when he heard Wu Yaqin's urging voice: "The meal is ready, eat first, and we can talk about it after dinner if you have anything to say."

Jiang Xi helped Wu Yaqin serve the dishes. After some politeness, several people sat at the table and started eating.