Gan Li looked at Gan Tao, the gentle expression on her face gradually fading, and her tone becoming serious:
"So this is all you plan to do? You think this method will make your mother reflect on her actions? Gan Tao, you're so naive!"
Gan Tao was startled by Gan Li's sudden cold tone. She nervously clutched the hem of her clothes and whispered:
"But...but I don't know what else to do besides this..."
“Your mother will be angry if you don’t go to work at the restaurant, but she’s not angry because you’ve given up a better future, but because you’re not listening to her!”
Do you think she'll change her attitude towards you and reflect on her mistakes because of this? Even if you don't go, and she's angry for a couple of days, the burden of supporting the family is still on your shoulders, isn't it?
If you can't earn the wages you want, she'll find a way for you to earn them elsewhere. In the end, who's the one who suffers the most?
Ganli interrupted her without hesitation, her tone sharp:
"You think you're rebelling, but what's the reality? Has anyone's life been affected by this—your mother's or your brothers'? None! In the end, isn't it just you who suffers?"
Gan Tao was speechless after hearing Gan Li's words. She stared blankly at Gan Li, her eyes filled with shock and confusion.
From childhood to adulthood, no one had ever said such things to her, nor had anyone taught her how to resist or fight for her rights.
Therefore, the only way she could think of to rebel was to disobey her mother.
But my aunt was right. Although she didn't plan to work at the restaurant, she was holding her breath and wanted to prove herself in another way.
She stared blankly at her hands, chapped from washing clothes, and at her mother and brothers who were watching coldly, her expression momentarily complicated...
Gan Li sighed inwardly as she looked at Gan Tao's appearance.
Gan Tao is kind-hearted, but her personality is too weak. Even if she has grievances in her heart, she does not dare to truly resist, which will only make her life more stifling in the end.
“Gan Tao, listen to me,” Gan Li said gently, her voice earnest.
"If you want to rebel, there are a million ways, but punishing yourself for other people's mistakes is the most foolish thing to do, like you are doing now."
If you truly want to change your current situation, you should seize every opportunity to extricate yourself from this predicament, instead of living in someone else's shadow as you are now.
"I..." Gan Tao opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but didn't know what to say.
"You're a smart girl, I believe you'll figure it out." Gan Li gently patted her shoulder, then got up and walked out.
As she reached the door, she stopped and turned back to Gan Tao, saying:
"If you want to participate in the competition, you still have a chance before tomorrow. Think it over carefully."
After Gan Li left, Gan Tao sat alone in the room, her mind replaying Gan Li's words.
Yes, is doing this really useful?
Just then, Gan Tao Niang's voice came from outside: "Tao'er, are you inside? What did that girl Gan Li say to you?"
As soon as Gan Tao Niang entered the room, she couldn't wait to ask:
"Did she come to persuade you to work at the restaurant? Tell her if you're willing to go?"
"You silly girl, don't be foolish and miss this great opportunity! Seeing how much she values you, if you really go, you might find yourself in a better position!"
As Gan Taoniang spoke, she couldn't help but laugh out loud, giving her daughter a knowing, suggestive look.
Looking at her mother's greedy expression, Gan Tao felt a chill in her heart and even felt a little nauseous.
The confusion on her face faded, and she gave a cold smile, saying:
"Mother, as you wished, I have decided to participate in the competition."
After Gan Tao finished speaking, she turned and walked out of the house, leaving Gan Tao's mother standing there, somewhat bewildered.
She originally thought that her daughter was being stubborn and that it would take a while to persuade her to change her mind, but she didn't expect her to change her mind so easily.
But why did she feel a little uneasy?
Watching her daughter's retreating figure, Gan Tao Niang suddenly felt a bad premonition.
But then I thought again, Tao'er agreed to participate in the competition, which is a good thing, I must be overthinking it.
She thought happily that once her daughter went to work at the restaurant, she would be able to bring home her wages every month, and then the family would be better off.
When they have free time after returning home, they can also have their daughter do laundry for others, which can bring in a considerable amount of money each month.
However, we can't spend it recklessly; after all, we still need to save some money for our sons' future wives...
The village chief looked at Gan Tao, somewhat puzzled as to why she had changed her mind now, having said she wouldn't go that afternoon.
However, considering her family situation, he didn't say much, only adding her name to the list and instructing her:
"The kitchen stove will be set up for you in the village, but you'll have to prepare the cleaver, cutting board, pot, and vegetables yourself. Be there on time tomorrow, don't be late."
Upon hearing this, Gan Tao finally felt relieved and nodded happily, indicating that she had remembered it. She then thanked the village chief repeatedly before going home.
The village came alive early the next morning.
Everyone got up early, ate breakfast, and went out, but instead of going to work in the fields as usual, they walked in groups in one direction, excitedly discussing something.
In an open space in the village, many temporary stoves were set up, with a few empty tables next to them, on which cutting boards and kitchen knives were scattered. This was a venue specially prepared for the restaurant competition.
Ganli arrived early, greeting the villagers with a smile, while taking a moment from her busy schedule to keep an eye on her surroundings.
As more and more people gathered, Gan Tao still hadn't appeared. The smile on her face dimmed slightly, and she felt a little disappointed.
"Auntie".
A crisp voice came from behind her. Gan Li turned around and saw Gan Tao standing behind her with a vegetable basket in her hand and a smile on her face.
"You've come." Ganli smiled too. "I thought..."
"I'm sorry to have worried you, Auntie." Gan Tao smiled apologetically. "I went to prepare the ingredients we needed for today, so I'm a little late."
Ganli looked her up and down and saw that she was wearing a clean and neat short outfit today, and her hair was also neatly combed. She looked much more energetic.
Carrying a pair of heavy baskets containing a cutting board, a kitchen knife, a large pot, and a dripping vegetable basket, they were very well prepared.
It seems she has truly come to her senses.
Ganli nodded in satisfaction, said nothing more, and pointed to a table not far away, saying:
"There are fewer people there, you should go and get ready, the competition is about to begin."
Gan Tao nodded, picked up her vegetable basket, chose a stove, and deftly washed the table with water before placing the things she had brought on it one by one.
Gan Li watched Gan Tao's busy figure, and the corners of her mouth turned up slightly.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
