Chapter 558 There's Always a Way Out
Lu Qiaoge thought about it carefully. It was probably something she had acquired later and hadn't paid much attention to, but these people were really serious about their work.
Lu Qiaoge nodded to indicate that she understood, and then smiled and told Shao Le to go about his business.
Shao Le has experience in handling the aftermath, so there's no need for further instructions.
Just as Shao Le was about to leave, Lu Qiaoge remembered the little boy and asked Shao Le to ask him about it again.
Let's see what's going on at home.
Sometimes, simply lending a hand can save a family from a crisis.
Indeed, the little boy's name was Mancang. He was carrying his younger brother and his second uncle from the same village on his back as they were going home.
In his pocket were fifty yuan given to him by Lu Qiaoge, and two yuan from selling the willow basket.
This was the highest price he could pay. Mancang knew that the commune was taking care of him, and he also knew that the person who gave him the money was Director Lu from the military factory. The little guy had already cried several times on the way.
His second uncle told him, "When we get back, I'll take your dad to the commune hospital. The commune said they'll see how it goes; if it meets the subsidy criteria, they'll give your family a subsidy. Didn't that commune cadre also say that you shouldn't weave willow baskets anymore? No matter how well or poorly they're woven, they won't accept them here. You should go to school. And the commune might have other sideline businesses in the future. There's always a way out; even a blind sparrow won't starve..."
With tears welling up in his eyes, Mancang agreed.
He stopped weaving; compared to others' baskets, that willow basket was indeed too ugly, and it didn't even look sturdy.
He wiped away his tears, looked up at his second uncle and said, "I will try to grow up quickly, I want to earn money, and I will pay this money back to Director Lu. I will definitely do it."
Uncle Erda patted Mancang's head and sighed, "Poor children really do learn to be independent early."
He has several children, all from the countryside, but he is still happier than Mancang, who had to take care of his family from a young age.
But unexpectedly, Mancangwa met a benefactor today. With fifty yuan and attention from above, things might gradually get better.
After finishing her business here, Lu Qiaoge went to find Sister Lin. Sister Lin told Lu Qiaoge, "An elderly woman came by earlier. She seemed very kind, but she started crying as soon as she arrived. She said that since her eldest son got married, he has become increasingly unfilial, and now it's gotten even worse. Her husband is so upset that he can't get out of bed. She hopes the neighborhood committee can send two people to talk to her eldest son and daughter-in-law and give them some advice..."
Lu Qiaoge asked Sister Lin, "Did she specifically mention any unfilial behavior? Where exactly has it escalated?"
Sister Lin was stunned for a moment. What were the specific signs?
Yes, it's easy to say someone is unfilial, but is there any factual basis for it?
In the past, when such a situation occurred, the first thing to do was to check the situation.
Lu Qiaoge breathed a sigh of relief: "If she didn't say it and deliberately emphasized that he was unfilial after getting married, then there shouldn't be any problem with elder abuse. But since they've already gone to the neighborhood committee to seek justice, the conflict is obviously quite deep. I know a little about this family's situation. Let's go, let's go now."
Sister Lin stood up excitedly, grabbed her notebook, and left the neighborhood office with Lu Qiaoge.
The two were still riding bicycles.
The weather is warm now, and the May sunshine already has a touch of early summer warmth, shining on the willow trees by the roadside, giving them a soft, bluish-green glow.
The branches of the willow tree have fully stretched out, and the slender willow leaves are tender green, swaying gently in the wind.
The wind carried a faint scent of damp grass, refreshing and pleasant as it brushed against my face.
Lu Qiaoge thought to herself, "Let's go on a spring outing with Qin Hengzhi this Sunday."
Take some food and drinks and head to Yuanbaoshan.
The hillside she frequented was lovely; it was covered in green grass and wildflowers, and below it flowed a crystal-clear stream.
This water is truly spring water.
It was the kind of water that wouldn't upset your stomach no matter how much you drank it. Lu Qiaoge didn't know where the stream came from, but the water quality was really good.
It's been quite a long time since I've seen Qin Hengzhi's comrades-in-arms.
Zhou Shanshan and Liu Dahui still got married. The wedding was simple, and Zhou Shanshan's emotions were indifferent when she saw Lu Qiaoge.
Lu Qiaoge couldn't understand what this woman was fussing about.
Lu Qiaoge didn't care about that. Actually, she didn't have time to contact them often, as either of them was busy. However, she did see Li Xiuying and Dong Xiangqin, who worked at the department store, a few times.
Li Xiuying would always try to save a copy of anything useful that was in the building, and then ask her husband to bring it over when he had the chance.
But in fact, even Qin Hengzhi is very busy.
It's quite normal for them to go months or even years without seeing each other.
But if it's a spring outing, I won't go with them.
It would be better to bring her little darlings, each of whom is cuter, more obedient, and more sensible than any human.
The two did not ride side by side, but one in front of the other, but they soon arrived at the old Bai's house that Sister Lin had mentioned.
They lived in Zone 2, on the second floor. Before even knocking, they could hear arguing coming from inside. The heated argument grew clearer and clearer, as if it were about to break through the mottled walls of the stairwell.
Lu Qiaoge frowned and quickened her pace, while Sister Lin followed behind with a solemn expression.
Then they heard Old Bai's voice trembling with tears as she said, "I've never seen a daughter-in-law like you! How can we be so selfish? We raised our son with so much hardship, and now being filial to our parents is considered a sin? Besides, you're the eldest son, shouldn't you help your younger siblings? Why is it suddenly unacceptable now? If it weren't for your father, your younger siblings, and me supporting your education, eldest son, think about it honestly, could you have gotten into the military factory?"
Then they heard an old man's furious voice: "He still has a conscience? His conscience has been eaten by dogs! He's a heartless ingrate! And you, Wang Xiuxian, you're a jinx! If you were sensible, would our family be in this mess? Look at the neighbors, which daughter-in-law is like you? Besides, I'm spending my son's money, not yours. Are you trying to drive us crazy by being unreasonable?"
When the door to Lao Bai's house was knocked on, the house fell silent instantly. Both sides who had been arguing were stunned, their eyes filled with a hint of panic and embarrassment.
Old Bai's eyes were red and her face was still streaked with tears. When she saw Lu Qiaoge and Sister Lin, she was like seeing saviors. She hurriedly stepped forward and said in a sobbing voice, "You've finally come! You must keep a close eye on them!"
Old Bai's eyes flickered. Lu Qiaoge, what brings her here?
Then he thought about it and realized that he hadn't done anything wrong. He and his wife didn't have retirement pensions, and now that their son and daughter-in-law had cut off their money, what would they do if something happened in the future?
Besides, isn't it only natural for a son to support his parents?
I don't believe you, Lu Qiaoge, would dare to say you wouldn't support your parents.
Thinking this, he breathed a sigh of relief and pointed to a couple sitting in the chairs, saying, "Mediator Lu, it's just in time for you to come. I've heard that you are the most fair and just person. Today, you must uphold justice for me."
My darlings, there have been a lot of colds lately, so please remember to keep warm and wear masks. Wishing you all good health, love you all!
(End of this chapter)
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