"She really has no money. When you were arrested and the house was repossessed, she relied on working to support my family. Now that she's attending university in Haicheng, she's still working to pay back her debts. Otherwise, why didn't she come back for the New Year? Now that you're out, why don't you pay her back for her?"

"What are you talking about! I'm almost starving to death, how can I have the money to pay her back!" Zhang's father said angrily.

"You have hands and feet, you will definitely earn more than her by working." Xu Mengyao pretended to persuade.

"Do you think I haven't looked for him? He doesn't want to be in jail!" Father Zhang seemed a little desperate.

"Then let me introduce you to a job that will ensure you have enough food and clothing. I'll deduct five dollars from you every month to pay off your debt." Xu Mengyao made a suggestion.

Zhang's father was about to curse. He didn't want to pay for that "ungrateful bastard," but he was happy to have a job and keep him fed and warm. So he took the next step and said, "Are you serious?"

"Of course it's true. Go to Nanhu to find my dad tomorrow morning, and I will tell him in the evening." Xu Mengyao said seriously.

Zhang's father said doubtfully, "If you lie to me, I'll come and stop you every day."

"Don't worry, I won't lie to you." Xu Mengyao said in a firm tone.

Father Zhang finally nodded, turned and left.

In the evening, Xu Mengyao told Huang's father and mother about this.

Father Huang frowned and asked doubtfully:

"Why did you bring him to the construction site? It's almost finished over there."

"You can let him carry garbage, pull weeds, or watch the gate. In short, find him a job and pay him a low wage, just enough for living. This way, we don't have to worry about him running to Haicheng to cause trouble for Xiaomei. At least before Xiaomei graduates, we have to do our best to help her avoid this trouble." Xu Mengyao explained.

Huang's mother sighed when she heard this: "Ah, thankfully Xiaomei doesn't know about these terrible things yet. I hope she can have a happy New Year."

At the same time, Xiaomei, who was worried about Huang's mother, was busy helping Maomao with his homework.

Grandma Qi came in with a plate of fruit and greeted:

"Children, come and have some fruit to rest your eyes."

When Maomao heard this, he immediately put down his pen and ran excitedly to the terrace to feed the rabbits.

Grandma Qi scolded with a smile, "This little guy is always hanging around with these rabbits. If it weren't for these little beasts, we would have gone to Huanshi to celebrate the New Year. Fortunately, you are with us this year. Then we can go to Datou's restaurant and celebrate the New Year with your uncle and his family. Did your mother want you to go to her house for lunch or dinner?"

"Dinner." Xiaomei replied with a smile, "I'll have lunch with you guys and come over in the evening."

Ever since she learned that her father was released from prison, Xiaomei has become more and more anxious as the holiday approaches.

Wenjuan saw her worry and suggested that she not go back during the holiday.

She originally thought that she would spend the New Year alone, but her mother found out about the situation and specially invited her to spend the New Year with her at home, which made her particularly look forward to it.