Back then, Li Qin's father was a very shrewd businessman, and she was his only daughter.
During a time of turmoil, following advice, they donated almost all of their family fortune, which saved them from disaster.
Although her family fortune was gone, she still had connections in both the legitimate and underworld circles. If she wanted to deal with a mere educated youth, she had plenty of ways to do so.
Yuan Shuo squeezed his wife's hand; "Aqin, thank you."
"We've been married for so long, and you're thanking me like this? Alright, enough of that nonsense. Now go and cook for me, I'm starving."
Li Qin is the director of the town's textile factory. She gets off work a little later every day, so Yuan Shuo, who gets off work earlier, usually cooks the meals at home.
Although Yuan Shuo married into the family, his family has always respected him, and the couple has a good relationship; they have never had a serious argument since they got married.
Li Qin got up very early in the morning, made breakfast, and Li Liang and Li Fang ate before going to school.
The couple tidied themselves up and went to the supply and marketing cooperative to buy two new outfits for Su Jiaojiao, based on her approximate size.
I also bought two cans of malted milk powder and a bag of apples.
After buying their things, the two rode their bicycles towards Lijiatun.
When we arrived at Lijiatun, it was almost ten o'clock. We had to ask two villagers for directions before we found the educated youth settlement.
Zhao Meilan had just returned from carrying firewood down the mountain. The weather was about to turn cold, and they had been preparing firewood for the past few days.
I heard from the old educated youth that winters in Northeast China are very cold, and if you don't prepare enough firewood, you can really freeze to death.
Just as Zhao Meilan put the firewood down by the kitchen, she saw two well-dressed middle-aged men and women standing at the entrance of the educated youth settlement, carrying several rare items.
She walked forward with a smile; "Uncle and Aunt, who are you looking for?"
“We are Su Jiaojiao’s uncle and aunt, and we came here today specifically to see her.”
Zhao Meilan was surprised to find out that Su Jiaojiao was related to her, but she still said politely, "You are Jiaojiao's relatives! My name is Zhao Meilan, and I am Jiaojiao's good friend. Jiaojiao is in her dormitory now. Come on, I'll take you in."
As he spoke, he casually took Li Qin's arm and affectionately called her "Auntie."
As they approached the dormitory door, Zhao Meilan shouted loudly, "Jiaojiao, your uncle and aunt are here to see you!"
It's not that she yelled, but Su Jiaojiao, that lazy bum, is still lying in bed. If she brings her in like this, she probably won't get anything good from her later.
These past few days, everyone was supposed to be gathering firewood together, but she didn't go. Instead, she gave Jiang Meifang a dollar and told her to gather an extra portion.
Su Jiaojiao had been awake for a while, but since it was the off-season for farming, she lay in bed too lazy to move.
Hearing the noise outside, she jumped out of bed and straightened her clothes a little.
Seeing a worn-out dress that Zhao Meilan had changed out of on the bed, she casually draped it over herself to make herself look more pitiful.
Just as they finished buttoning their clothes, the three of them walked in.
At this time, Su Jiaojiao was the only one in the dormitory; everyone else had gone up the mountain to collect firewood.
Upon seeing Yuan Shuo and Li Qin, Su Jiaojiao excitedly exclaimed, "Uncle, Aunt, what brings you here?"
Yuan Shuo handed the items to Su Jiaojiao, saying, "These are clothes and malted milk powder that I bought for you."
When the topic turned to clothes, Yuan Shuo noticed that his niece's clothes were so tattered.
She must have been wearing her best outfit when she came to their house that day!
Yuan Shuo was heartbroken to see Jiao Jiao dressed like this all the time. Although he had bought her two outfits before they arrived, he was determined to give her another hundred yuan when she left so she could buy some nice clothes.
Zhao Meilan noticed it too. She was about to ask Su Jiaojiao why she was wearing her clothes when she was frightened by Su Jiaojiao's cold gaze.
"Thank you, Uncle and Aunt. I'm so happy that you came to see me. You work hard to earn money, so please take these things back for your younger siblings later!"
Li Qin took Su Jiaojiao's hand and said, "These are all for you. Look at what you're wearing. Luckily, I bought you two new outfits today. If you ever have any difficulties in the future, you should talk to me and your uncle. We're all family, okay?"
Su Jiaojiao lowered her head, tears streaming down her face; "Uncle, Aunt, no one has ever been so kind to me. I have family now, sob sob..."
Yuan Shuo was moved by her niece's behavior; she was so touched by even the smallest kindness from others.
How badly Su Guoqiang must have treated her all these years! Otherwise, she wouldn't have developed such an easily satisfied personality.
These past years have truly been tough on her.
Li Qin pulled her into her arms and comforted her, "Jiaojiao, don't cry. Your aunt will take care of you from now on."
Zhao Meilan was dumbfounded by this scene. She felt that she was already very good at pretending, otherwise she would not have been able to deceive Zhou Yuting and her money. She did not expect that someone who could pretend even better would come along.
She knew Su Jiaojiao was no ordinary person, but she never expected her to be this powerful.
Look at how convincingly she acted this melodramatic scene! It made her two aunts' eyes red with heartache. If she had had this kind of ability back home, she wouldn't have ended up going to the countryside without earning a single penny.
Su Jiaojiao stepped out of Li Qin's arms, wiped away her tears, and smiled, "Auntie, thank you. I feel like you're my mother."
"Good child, if you need anything in the future, just come to your aunt. I heard that Su Li often bullies you, is that right?"
Upon hearing this topic, Su Jiaojiao took an apple from the bag Dong Shuo had brought and gave it to Zhao Meilan.
"Meilan, don't you have something urgent to do?"
"Oh right, I still need to go down the mountain to collect firewood, or they'll start scolding me again."
Zhao Meilan smiled at Li Qin and Dong Shuo and said, "Uncle and Aunt, you can chat for a while. I have something to do, so I'll leave first. Don't go back for lunch. Have a simple meal at our educated youth settlement."
"Go ahead and do what you need to do. We have to rush back at noon, so we won't eat here." Li Qin directly refused to eat here. These educated youths didn't have much food, and she didn't want to trouble them.
After Zhao Meilan left, Su Jiaojiao pulled Li Qin and Dong Shuo to sit on the edge of the kang (a heated brick bed).
"Auntie, what happened between me and Su Li is over. As long as she doesn't cause me any more trouble, let's just let it go!"
Li Qin was somewhat exasperated, and tapped her head, saying, "You're just too easygoing. Your uncle and I are here today to stand up for you. Later, take us to find that Su Li. We need to have a good talk with her. She's done so many bad things, why is she still bullying you now?"
Su Jiaojiao certainly wouldn't dare let Yuan Shuo and Li Qin go to find Su Li, in case they accidentally let something slip, it would be very bad for her.
What she wanted was for them to hate Su Li and to secretly plot against her, not for them to confront her openly.
“Your aunt is right. Let’s warn her first. If she bullies you again, your uncle isn’t one to be trifled with. I have plenty of ways to make her suffer.”
Su Jiaojiao lowered her head slightly, concealing the smile in her eyes.
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