While donations were being made in full swing outside, Yang Laoshi, hiding inside the house, was secretly peeking out through the crack in the door.
Qin Huairu, who was lying on the bed, opened her eyes at this moment.
The unsuspecting Huaihua immediately covered her mouth when she saw her mother like this.
"Mom, you're alright!"
"Huaihua, watch your mouth. Remember, don't go around talking nonsense."
After glaring at her daughter, Qin Huairu looked towards the door and then asked in a low voice.
"So, Lao Yang, the meeting outside didn't target my family, did it?"
"Don't worry, Huai Ru! These idiots are donating money right now!"
As Yang Laoshi spoke, he felt a pang of heartache, lamenting that so many people outside had donated so much money, wishing it could have gone to his family.
"A donation?" Qin Huairu asked suspiciously. "Would the people in the hospital be so kind?"
Actually, it's not surprising that she was suspicious; after all, she knew exactly what kind of people lived in that courtyard.
Anyway, she felt that there was something strange about this matter, but she just couldn't put her finger on it.
Hey! Mind your own business!
At this moment, Yang Laoshi's eyes darted around, and he started to play his little tricks again.
“Huai Ru! Why don’t we go out now, collect this money, and help that old woman with her funeral? I guarantee we’ll make a fortune.”
"No way, don't even think about it." Qin Huairu immediately rejected the suggestion.
"Why? Their purpose in donating money is to pay for the funeral, isn't it? This is our family's matter, why can't we accept this money?"
"Are you stupid?!" Qin Huairu was so angry she was completely confused.
"If we go out now, does that mean my family won't have to pay a single penny?"
"Ouch!"
Yang Laoshi sighed deeply and stopped peering through the doorway. He walked to the table and sat down, afraid that he would become obsessed with money and never be able to get out.
Huaihua saw everything that was happening inside the house, and her contempt for her stepfather grew even stronger.
If there's a way, she hopes to fly away as soon as possible.
Because this house is just too oppressive.
All the good things were hoarded for his brother; she was treated like a stepmother.
Moreover, her stepfather's gaze often carried a strong sense of aggression, making her afraid to look him in the eye.
Especially at night, he would make a lot of noise while doing that thing, and he would use all sorts of foul language, clearly with ill intentions, which made her suffer terribly.
Just then, the donation drive outside ended, and almost all the neighbors, except for the children, participated.
After a final tally, they found they had donated 126.56 yuan, which should be enough.
Now that the donation had been received, Lin Wencui stopped dawdling, as people really couldn't wait any longer.
After an emergency discussion, it was decided that Yan Bugui, Grandpa Li, and other unemployed individuals would personally go to the countryside to help supervise the use of the money.
Of course, others who put in the effort shouldn't go unrewarded; otherwise, Yan Bugui wouldn't have been so proactive.
All the expenses and wasted time along the way will be converted into money and subsidized to them, which is equivalent to using their salary to travel on public funds.
"Alright, meeting adjourned. You all should hurry up and get things done! Try to get things done today."
With a wave of her hand, Lin Wencui brought the entire college meeting to a formal close.
Yan Bugui and Grandpa Li took the money and left the courtyard without stopping, as they still had to catch the carriage!
The remaining neighbors chatted amongst themselves in twos and threes, then went about their business.
At noon, after lunch, Sun Zhengguo didn't want to stay and watch the excitement any longer, so he took his wife and children home.
Soon it was evening, and Qin Huairu got up pretending to be sickly. She made a brief appearance at the pond in the middle courtyard before returning home.
Her purpose in doing this was simple: to let others know that she wasn't being unfilial, but had genuinely fainted, and that she was now feeling a little better.
It even had a rather contrived, "I'm trying to hide something" feel to it.
After dinner, Qin Huairu, supported by Yang Laoshi, went to the front yard to find Lin Wencui.
"Auntie, I heard about your donation to my family today. Thank you so much. If I hadn't fainted, I definitely wouldn't have troubled you like this."
Looking at Qin Huairu standing at the door, still putting on a great show, Lin Wencui was truly impressed.
"Qin Huairu, you don't need to thank me. When Grandpa Li and the others come back, someone will settle accounts with you. I hope you will settle the accounts with everyone then."
"What bill? Can you explain clearly, ma'am?" A bad feeling suddenly welled up in Qin Huairu's heart.
Lin Wencui could only chuckle at this.
"Qin Huairu, you fainted this morning, but your mother-in-law's funeral can't wait any longer. So, we neighbors in the courtyard have decided to help you raise this money. What, are you not going to arrange your mother-in-law's funeral?"
"No, no, I'm an old lady, how could I possibly not take care of my mother-in-law's funeral arrangements?"
Qin Huairu finally panicked. She knew that Yang Laoshi had told her that people in the courtyard had donated a lot of money.
Imagine if you took this money to the countryside, who the hell would be willing to use it sparingly for you? Even a pig could see the consequences.
However, clinging to a sliver of hope, she continued to press for answers.
"Auntie, I wonder how much money the neighbors in the compound actually helped raise?"
"Don't worry, Huairu. The money isn't much, just over 120 yuan, but it's definitely enough to cover the funeral expenses. Besides, Grandpa Li and the others will be there to supervise, so you won't spend a penny more than necessary."
"What? Over 120 yuan? This...?"
Qin Huairu's brain went blank for a moment, and she was so frightened that she staggered and almost fell down.
Fortunately, there were people nearby who helped her up, otherwise she might have really fallen.
At this point, Yang Laoshi was also quite angry and had no intention of admitting the debt.
"Auntie, who gave you permission to raise money for my family? We won't accept this money."
Seeing that Yang Laoshi still wanted to show his strength, Lin Wencui had no intention of indulging him.
"Yang Laoshi, who do you think you are? This has nothing to do with you. Let Qin Huairu talk to me."
"Me...?" Old Yang was deeply shocked and deflated after just one round.
Lin Wencui was the factory's union chairperson; dealing with her was as easy as crushing an ant, so he didn't dare to speak up again.
Just then, the sound of a mule cart bell came from the doorway. Lin Wencui guessed that it must be Grandpa Li and the others returning.
So she shooed them out, saying, "Alright, don't just stand here. Go to the front gate and see how things are going."
As she spoke, she took the lead and walked out, and the others quickly followed.
Before they even reached the door, they heard voices outside.
"Captain Chen, we've arrived. Why don't you come down and rest for a bit?"
"No, Uncle Li, Uncle Yan... We need to hurry back to the village. Our Party Secretary Zhang specifically told me to thank you, saying that you city people are really generous in handling matters."
"Haha! Of course, of course." Yan Bugui waved his hands vigorously.
I thought to myself, how could it not be bright and spacious? I spent so much money.
...
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